Wednesday NHL Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their hockey picks and predictions for Monday, February 11.
Washington Capitals at New York Rangers, 7:05PM ET
After spending most of the season’s first four months leading the Atlantic Division, the New York Rangers aren’t just struggling – they’re playing their worst hockey of the season.
Facing the Washington Capitals probably isn’t the best way to break out of their slump.
The Rangers have lost five straight to the Capitals, a drought they’ll try to end Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden as they look to win for the first time in six games.
New York (29-20-5) won its first five games of the season and played consistent if not spectacular hockey from there until the end of January. Lately, though, surges by New Jersey and Philadelphia combined with some uninspired performances by the Rangers have dropped coach Tom Renney’s team to third place.
New York had been outscored 19-5 in going 0-3-1 from Jan. 28-Feb. 6, including a 10-2 loss in Dallas on Friday that captain Chris Drury referred to as "embarrassing, humiliating, and awful."
The Rangers had a chance to bounce back on Monday against the surging Devils, but again came up empty in a 3-0 loss. Three of their five shutouts this season have come since Jan. 18.
NHL Free Pick: Washington – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -140 Sportsbook.com
Ottawa Senators at Buffalo Sabres, 7:35PM ET
It’s probably too late for the Ottawa Senators to think about a playoff berth, but recording back-to-back wins for the first time in four weeks would be a nice way to get back on track.
The Senators look to sweep the home-and-home set with Northeast Division foe Buffalo on Wednesday night, but face a Sabres club that’s won five straight at home.
Ottawa (18-25-8) looks for consecutive wins for the first time since Jan. 13-14 following Saturday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Sabres. The Senators snapped a four-game slide as Mike Fisher notched the game-winner past Ryan Miller in the fourth round.
It was Fisher’s third career shootout goal and first since a 3-2 victory over Buffalo on Jan. 10, 2008.
Saturday’s win was the first for Ottawa coach Cory Clouston, who moved up from AHL Binghamton following the firing of Craig Hartsburg on Feb. 2.
NHL Free Pick: Ottawa – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +145 Sportsbook.com
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Posted: 2/11/09 12:06PM ET
