Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets

Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators (-110, 5.5)

Just when you think the Canucks have got it all figured out, they decide to lay an egg. After earning back-to-back road wins in New Jersey and Philadelphia, Vancouver got thumped 5-3 by the worst team in the league Saturday night in Carolina.

Vancouver wasn’t physical enough getting outhit two-to-one by the Hurricanes and were careless with the puck leaving backup goalie Andrew Raycroft to fend for himself. The Canucks completely collapsed in the second period when they were outscored 3-0.

“It’s certainly disappointing to lose this one,” said defenseman Willie Mitchell following the loss. “We weren’t prepared to play, so Nashville becomes a must-win for us to finish this trip above .500.”

Vancouver has been up and down all year and has yet to rack up more than three consecutive wins. But expect the club to bounce back against the Predators in an effort to salvage the four-game road swing.

Pick: Canucks


Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators (-160, 5.5)

The Ottawa Senators responded to owner Eugene Melnyk’s challenge with a 4-3 shootout win over the Anaheim Ducks Sunday night.

“It’s obvious what we need: The elite players have to start playing their best and once they do that, I think we can be as competitive as ever,” Melnyk said Sunday afternoon. “We’re hoping that happens fairly quickly and we can get right back to where we were at the beginning of the season.”

Melnyk didn’t name any names, but looking at players’ statistics, it’s no secret his statement was aimed at Jason Spezza and Alexei Kovalev. Kovalev hasn’t scored a regulation goal in 13 games while Spezza has only six points in his last 10.

The stars of this team will definitely be looking to impress the boss at home against the Habs, another struggling Eastern Conference team.

Pick: Senators






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