Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their hockey picks and predictions for Wednesday, NHL February 4.
Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers, 7:05PM ET
Though the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers haven't met this season, the teams will become familiar with one another rather quickly.
The Eastern Conference contenders face off twice in the next four days, starting Wednesday night at the Wachovia Center.
Boston and Philadelphia, which will play again at TD Banknorth Garden on Saturday afternoon, have identical 6-4-2 overall records against each other since 2005-06, but the Bruins are 4-1-1 mark in their last six visits to Philadelphia.
This will be their first meeting since March 15, when the Bruins won 3-2 at home. Boston took three of four games in a feisty season series in which the teams totaled 156 penalty minutes. This will also be Bruins center Patrice Bergeron' first time facing the Flyers since Oct. 27, 2007, when a vicious hit by Philadelphia's Randy Jones left him with a season-ending concussion.
Similar play could be in store in 2008-09, as Philadelphia (26-14-9) ranks among the league leaders with 938 penalty minutes.
NHL Free Pick: Boston – -120 Sports Interaction
Anahem Ducks at Minnesota Wild, 8:05PM ET
Both the Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild appear to have benefited from some time off during the All-Star break.
These playoff hopefuls meet for the third time this season on Wednesday night, with the Ducks seeking a third straight victory and the Wild looking for their third win in four games overall.
Anaheim (26-22-5) lost six of eight contests heading into the break, but has since won three of four to overtake fifth place in the Western Conference as it tries for a fourth consecutive playoff berth.
Monday's 3-2 victory over visiting Buffalo was the Ducks' second straight, and has them on the verge of their first three-game winning streak since reeling off four in a row from Nov. 22-30.
Anaheim, which is opening a three-game road trip, has won two of its last three visits to Minnesota after losing five straight there.
NHL Free Pick: Anaheim – Best Line: +120 Sports Interaction