NHL Picks & Predictions for Saturday, October 9, 2010
By Drew Sharper
A nearly full schedule is set for the National Hockey League on Saturday. Here is a look at some marquee matchups for the day.
One of the most competitive matchups on the day has Phoenix taking on Boston at Noon ET. The public is behind Boston with 72% of the public bets as the two teams play their first game of the season.
Another intriguing matchup features the past two Western Conference champions as the Chicago Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings at 8:30PM ET. The Blackhawks are playing at home for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup last season.
Here are my picks for three games on Saturday.
Phoenix Coyotes vs. Boston Bruins, Noon ET
The home team is 9-3-2 in the last 14 games in this series. Phoenix has won just five of its last 10 games to end last season while the Bruins won 7 of its last 9 when it was considered the home team.
NHL Free Pick: Boston | Best Line: -127 Sportsbook.com
Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks 2:35PM ET
Detroit has won 29 of the last 42 meetings in this series and 6-1-1 in their last eight games overall and 6-1-1 in their last eight against the Western conference.
NHL Free Pick: Detroit | Best Line: +139 Sportsbook.com
Dallas Stars vs. New York Islanders, 7PM ET
The Islanders are 6-2 in their last eight home games while the Stars have won just 17 of their last 52 games on the road. The Stars are also 1-5 in their last six against the Atlantic Division.
NHL Free Pick: N.Y. Islanders | Best Line: -118 Sportsbook.com