NHL Playoffs Picks: Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues

NHL Playoffs Hockey Picks: Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues

I don’t really mind Jake Allen being named the starter tonight, even if he was primarily a backup all season. He posted 22-7-4 record and has been exceptional of late. In fact, I think he gives St. Louis an edge because their platoon has faltered in the playoffs and going with the hot hand is the right strategy here.

On the flip side, Devan Dubnyk has given the Minnesota Wild some stability in net this year. While I have never been impressed with him overall, he’s stood out this season ...

NHL Playoffs Bracket Picks: Ducks Habs Stanley Cup?

2015 NHL Playoffs: Bracket Predictions, Canadiens Ducks Stanley Cup?

In the past three years we’ve gotten a total of two series wrong in the first round. While our brackets have tended to fade as the NHL playoffs go on, first round matchups have been something of a specialty for me with Z-Code. That said, I look at this first round as a bunch of volatile, unpredictable matchups. We’ll do this bracket for fun because it’s become something of a tradition, but I won’t be betting every series line anymore — for the first time since college.

I look at this ...

NHL Picks: New Jersey Devils at Florida Panthers

The best hockey game I’ve ever seen in person was the double-overtime thriller in Florida during the Devils’ most recent Stanley Cup run. Martin Brodeur stood on his head as the Florida Panthers dominated overtime following a late goal to tie it all up. Adam Henrique, who could barely skate his legs were so tried, fired a shot from deep in the slot and the New Jersey Devils advanced from the first round. It was the biggest bet I’ve ever made when combined with the series bets I had laid down.

This ...

NHL Picks: LA Kings at Calgary Flames

For how important this game is to the LA Kings, I’m amazed at how much value there is in the line. The Kings did just fall to the Canucks in overtime and then again to the Edmonton Oilers, and I guess the Calgary Flames have won four of five. Sure, momentum is not on their side – but this is a team of proven winners that can overcome fatigue and move into a tie with the Flames for last place with one to play. Because the Flames play the Jets to close out the ...

NHL Picks: New York Rangers at Winnipeg Jets

The New York Rangers have been a little sloppy lately, but they’re still one of the best teams in hockey. Anchored in goaltending and defense, I think we can trust them here against a Winnipeg Jets team with a volatile offense and a bit of a losing skid.

The Jets are always tough to play at home. I think that this game being in Winnipeg is a little bit difficult for us here, but the value in the line is too much to pass on. I’m on it, and so is the computer.

...

Free NHL Picks Contest ($100 Prize): Buffalo Sabres at Arizona Coyotes

NHL Picks Contest ($100 Prize): Buffalo Sabres at Arizona Coyotes

As I mentioned in the original post, we don’t bet games like this. When two teams are this terrible, there’s an element of volatility that I don’t like to mess with in a long-term investment approach. I’ve written this game off for a week now – especially after the Buffalo Sabres were cheering for the Arizona Coyotes in Buffalo.

As always, simply comment on the post pinned to the top of our Facebook page to compete in our free NHL Picks Contest with a $100 prize to the winner.

This ...

NHL Picks Contest ($100 Prize): Sabres Coyotes

NHL Picks Contest ($100): Buffalo Sabres at Arizona Coyotes

Monday, March 30th

Normally I just write games like this off completely as “two bad teams, no bet.” We even have it programmed into the Z-Code VIP Club that when I type TBTNB that saying pops up automatically. I think these teams are the epitome of that betting style… when teams are this bad it lends an element of volatility that makes it best to just stay away. That’s why it’s the perfect contest pick – who ya got to win this one?

Here are our standings… Again, your continued participation and attention to our posts is what keeps these going. Looks like there’s all the usual suspects at the top, and it’s still anyone’s competition. Good luck!

Seven wins

Duane Atkinson ...

NHL Picks: San Jose Sharks at Ottawa Senators

No team has come on as strong over the second half of the season as the Ottawa Senators. Seemingly out of nowhere, following the discovery of a phenom goaltender, the Sens have caught the stumbling Bruins. With two games in hand and just a point back after winning six in a row, Ottawa seems like a favorite to make the playoffs as a wild card.

The San Jose Sharks – perennial favorites out west – have gone in the opposite direction. They’re eight points out and struggling. They’ve lost three of four ...

Free NHL Picks Contest ($100 Prize): Standings Update, Flames Avalanche

NHL Picks Contest ($100 Prize): Standings Update, Calgary Flames – Colorado Avalanche

Only two people got it right this week and I’m pretty sure one of them (me) works for the company, so congratulations to the (probably) only prize-eligible winner this week, Tommy Lemieux. Weeks like this are what make champions, since you move up in the rankings and out of the clutter as literally everyone else in the contest remains where they were. Great job.

There are still a number of competitors in contention here, and remember that your participation is what keeps these contests going. Let’s finish strong and get the numbers up so that there is an incentive to keep doing this in the future. Also, keep your eyes peeled for our winning picks throughout the week in addition to the next round of the contest. Here are our standings as we continue down the stretch run of the hockey season with lots of familiar names at ...

NHL Picks: CHicago Blackhawks at Arizona Coyotes

NHL Picks: Chicago Blackhawks at Arizona Coyotes

Few teams have stumbled down the stretch as hard as the Arizona Coyotes. They continue to lose games, haven’t had consistent goaltending, and have one of the weakest offenses in hockey. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where they topple one of the best teams in hockey – even on home ice, even with some key injuries for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks cannot allow games like this to slip away, and I don’t think they will. This is a team that gets up for every game, and don’t forget the intense playoff ...