Game Predictions 4/3/2008

NY Rangers vs. NY Islanders – RANGERS

Tampa Bay vs. Washington – I normally pick the Capitals.  They are on fire right now, 9-1-0 in their last 10 games.  But Tampa took the Capitals to task in their most recent meeting, and it’s very possible that they could pull out the win tonight.  – LIGHTNING

Ottawa vs. Toronto – Toronto may not make the playoffs and Mats Sundin will not return this season, but don’t count them out.  They have owned Ottawa since mid-November.  As for Ottawa, it’s never a good sign when your coach is saying things like “We’re trying really hard” during interviews.  – MAPLE LEAFS

Buffalo vs. Montreal - CANADIENS

Columbus vs. Detroit – RED WINGS

St. Louis vs. Nashville – A win tonight for Nashville keeps them ahead of Vancouver, regardless of what happens in the Edmonton-Vancouver meeting tonight.  The Preds have a strong home record (22-14-4) and should have a good chance against the Blues.  – PREDATORS

Calgary vs. Minnesota – I really like the Flames because of their combined grit and skill, but Minnesota is just so incredibly tight defensively when playing at the Xcel Energy Center.  – WILD

Dallas vs. Phoenix – STARS

Edmonton vs. Vancouver – The Oilers have speed in spades, and that’s how they breakdown the Vancouver defense.  Luongo is not playing well, which doesn’t help the cause.  – OILERS

San Jose vs. Los Angeles - I know the pundits are in love with San Jose, in part because of their ridiculous point-streak lately.  It’s likely the Sharks will rest some key players – think Nabokov – since Los Angeles is the weakest link in the Pacific Division.  San Jose worries me, though.  They’ve looked quite nonchalant in the games I’ve seen them play recently, especially when playing teams out of the hunt like Phoenix.  And the Kings are a better team than their record reflects.  With Erik Ersberg in goal, they should have a good chance to spoil tonight.  - SHARKS