Pro Hockey Picks
4/11/2009
1:05:00 PM Carolina Hurricanes0 Goals +105
over NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Scott Rickenbach’s NHL 1* (regular play) Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ New Jersey @ 1:05 PM ET – We have to move quickly here with this analysis as this game goes very early on Saturday. The Hurricanes still have something to play for here whereas the Devils really don’t. However, the motivational edges to the Hurricanes actually go even deeper than that. First things first, this is the last game of the season for Carolina and they are still battling for playoff position so they are certain to bring a strong effort to the ice tonight. Strengthening that fact here is that the Canes don’t want to go into the playoffs “on the wrong foot” either! The Hurricanes had won nine straight games overall and twelve straight games at home heading into Thursday’s game hosting Buffalo. The Canes ended up getting drilled 5 to 1 in that game and that means it’s bounce back time here. With the Devils locked into their playoff seeding position, the Canes are in the right place at the right time to finish the season on a positive note. The Devils are coming off of a 3 to 2 win at Ottawa Thursday. However, it came in the shootout and New Jersey was guilty of trying to nurse a 2-1 lead for a long-time instead of going in for the kill. The Hurricanes know all about going in for the kill. Carolina’s nine game winning streak showed how well the Canes were playing on both ends of the ice as they had offensive explosions of four goals or more in six of their last ten games. Also, defense and goaltending took center stage with the Hurricanes allowing two goals or less in eight of their last nine games. Now, after the embarrassment of Thursday’s ugly 5 to 1 home loss to the Sabres, the Canes take to the road and get a big win over a team they’ve dominated this season. There are definitely match-up edges for the Hurricanes here and that has helped lead the way to their 3-0 mark against New Jersey this season. Also, even though the Devils have won three of their last four, they had previously lost six straight games! Play Carolina on the money line as a regular selection