Tuesday NHL Free Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their hockey picks and predictions for Thursday, NHL February 3.
Washington Capitals at New Jersey Devils, 7:05PM ET
Although the final scores have been getting closer, the New Jersey Devils are still riding a season-high winning streak. They may have to play yet another tight game Tuesday if they want to keep their run going.
Following back-to-back overtime victories, the Atlantic Division-leading Devils look to win their ninth straight game when they host red-hot Alex Ovechkin and the Southeast Division-leading Washington Capitals.
New Jersey (32-15-3) won five of the first six games in its streak by at least two goals, and knocked off Ottawa and East-leading Boston by three goals apiece last week to extend the run to seven. The Devils, though, have had to work overtime to earn their last two victories.
On Friday, Jamie Langenbrunner tied the score with 31 seconds left in regulation, then scored his third straight winner with a minute left in the extra period as the Devils defeated Pittsburgh 4-3. New Jersey, which has a five-point lead over the second-place New York Rangers in the Atlantic, has not won nine consecutive games since Nov. 17-Dec. 7, 2007.
Langenbrunner’s winning goal Friday was his second straight overtime tally in as many days. He scored 1:11 into OT in Thursday’s 4-3 victory over Boston after Patrik Elias tied it with 1:45 remaining in regulation.
NHL Free Pick: Washington – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +105 Sportsbook.com
Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Islanders, 7:05PM ET
They may be far out of the playoff race, but the New York Islanders have been playing much better lately.
The Islanders go for their first four-game winning streak of the season on Tuesday night as they host the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have been shut out in their last two visits to Nassau Coliseum.
New York (15-29-5) owns easily the worst record in the NHL, but has suddenly matched its longest winning streak of the season with three straight victories following an eight-game losing streak. The Islanders, who beat Florida 3-1 on Saturday at home, now have a chance to win four in a row for the first time since a six-game run from Feb. 12-21 of last season.
The final victory in that streak was a 1-0 triumph over the Lightning in which Rick DiPietro made 32 saves. New York’s franchise goalie was also between the pipes for Tampa Bay’s previous visit – a 4-0 Islanders win on Nov. 1, 2007.
Knee and groin injuries have limited DiPietro to five games this season, but the Isles managed to beat the Lightning 4-3 in Florida on Oct. 16, when Joey MacDonald stopped 33 shots before Trent Hunter’s second goal of the game won it in overtime.
Hunter assisted on rookie Kyle Okposo’s goal on Saturday. The 20-year-old rookie right wing has five goals – half of his season total – in the last four contests.
NHL Free Pick: NY Islanders – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -115 Sportsbook.com
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Posted: 2/3/09 12:20PM ET
