Buffalo Sabres versus New Jersey Devils
The Sabres come in with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, while the Devils are clinging to the lead in the Metropolitan division. New Jersey won easily as a road underdog on October 9 and hold a huge +27 to +2 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Buffalo is first in Team Volatility, which is another strong indicator to pick the Devils. Look for New Jersey to roll in a sleeper of a game.
Philadelphia Flyers versus Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay has the best record in the NHL and the Flyers are last in the tight Metropolitan division. Not surprisingly, the Lightning are “burning hot” and are on top on the Power Ranking Indicator at +30. Philadelphia is “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator, which isn’t nearly enough against this powerhouse who took two of three meetings last season. The Lightning will win by at least two goals.
Pittsburgh Penguins versus Carolina Hurricanes
Both teams are battling to stay out of the basement in the Metropolitan division. The Penguins are “ice cold up”, while the Hurricanes are “average up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The are also +15 compared to +5 on the Power Ranking Indicator and are tied for sixth in Team Volatility. Pittsburgh won all four meetings between the teams last season and that trend will continue. Look for Pittsburgh to earn a hard fought road victory.
St. Louis Blues versus Dallas Stars
The Blues come in on top in the Central Division and the Stars look to close the gap on them with a victory. St. Louis won both meetings between the teams so far this season, both as home favorites. Dallas is +22 on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Blues are +20. Dallas is 12-4-1 at home this season, while the Blues are 11-6-2 on the road. In much of a tossup game, I pick the Stars but likely would avoid betting on this one.
Toronto Maple Leafs versus Colorado Avalanche
Toronto looks to maintain their second place position in the Atlantic division and the Avalanche try to climb out of the basement in the Central division. The teams split the two games last season. Toronto is just 5-5 over the last ten and are “ice cold down” and +17 and declining on the Power Ranking Indicator. Colorado is “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +5 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Toronto has been solid on the road and are the better overall team, so look for them to come out on top.
Chicago Blackhawks versus Edmonton Oilers
Both teams are below the middle of the pack in their divisions, although Edmonton is 7-3 over the last ten and have a “burning hot” status. Chicago holds a +16 to +12 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator, but teams have been trending in the opposite direction. The Oilers won as a road underdog on October 19. Chicago is a likely underdog on the road and tied for eighth in Team Volatility steers my pick in the direction of the Oilers, who will continue their hot play.
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