As I’m sure you’re all aware, there are plenty of games going off over the weekend.  As it would take too many words and too much of your time to go through all of them, here’s a quick look at a few of my top picks.

Boston Bruins @ Dallas Stars
The Bruins are off to somewhat of a rough start.  Besides being considered one of the best teams in the East, they are sitting at 2-3-0.  They’re coming off of a 4-3 loss to the Avalanche, and the stats are starting to look a bit worrisome.  Relief may be in sight though as they’re going to be facing a Dallas squad that isn’t looking too great themselves.  At 2-0-3, Dallas is struggling to find another win.  If the Bruins can manage to put forth a complete 60 minute effort on the ice, they’ll not only be able to take a win against the Starts, but should also get back to their top spot in the East.

Puck Line
Bruins: +1 ½ -265
Stars: -1 ½ +225
Moneyline
Bruins: +105
Stars: -125

Philadelphia Flyers @ Florida Panthers
The Flyers are looking to get over two straight losses at home by hitting the road.  Luckily they’re 2-0 on the road with an overall record of 3-1-1.  The Panthers are fairing much worse with a 1-4-0 record so far this season, which might just be their worst five game start in franchise history.  It should be a pretty close game, but I expect the Flyers will hand the Panthers a loss on the home ice.

Puck Line
Flyers: -1 ½ +205
Panthers: +1 ½ -245
Moneyline
Flyers: -145
Panthers: +125

Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames
It’s a classic rivalry that should provide a pretty great game.  The Canucks have had a rough start to the season, posting a 2-3-0 overall record.  The Flames, on the other hand, are off to a pretty solid start.  They’ve gone 4-2-1 so far and look to bring in a fifth win as they host the Canucks at home.  I think they’ll do just that, as the Canucks are looking pretty dismal.

Puck Line
Canucks: +1 ½ -250
Flames: -1 ½ +210
Moneyline
Canucks: +115
Flames: -135

Saturday, October 17

Colorado Avalanche @ Detroit Red Wings
This was once the biggest rivalry in the NHL, but with the retirement of Roy there hasn’t been much tension to speak of.  Though, with the Avs off to a brilliant start, and the Wings doing all right, will there be a few sparks as these two ultra competitive teams take to the ice?  I have a feeling that both of these teams are going to bring everything they’ve got.  Though a win at Detroit seems pretty far-fetched, I can’t go against my Avs.  Expect them to put up a pretty good fight.

Dallas Stars @ Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are the new up-and-coming team in the NHL.  With their young players consistently improving, they are off to a great start to the season.  As mentioned above, the Stars are yet another team that is racking up the losses. Things aren’t looking good for them as they’ll be coming off of a hard game against the Bruins.  Expect Chicago to pull out an easy win on the home ice.

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh, for the most part, has been looking like a team worthy of the championship title.  They’ve gone 6-1-0 so far this season and will no doubt be looking forward to a game on the home ice.  The Lightning are 2-1-2 after a couple of hard losses in OT.  I think the Pens will make quick work of this game to pull out another win.

For all of the odds on these games, check out BetUS.  They’re my favorite sportsbook and are always up to date on all of the NHL games.

Before I sign off, just a reminder that today was the 20th anniversary of Wayne Gretzky’s breaking the record for most points scored.  While playing with the LA Kings on October 15, 1989, he scored a goal against the Edmonton Oilers to put him at 1,851 points and thus shattering the record books just 11 years into his 21 career.  All hail the Great One!

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