2/14/12

(Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Penguins (30-19-4) at Candiens (20-24-9)

       This is the fourth and final meeting between the Penguins and the Habs. Pitt is looking for a clean sweep of the series with this final meeting. The Canadiens are just coming off their first win in 3 games against the struggling Jets. A win here might just give them the boost they need to play with heart. But, after all is said and done Pitt should get it done tonight in Montreal. Even with many of their star players still out, their lines are still deep. Malkin is on fire with his second straight game with a goal and he is still leading the league with 61 points overall. Look for him to get another couple points tonight against a sub-par Canadiens team. The Habs are already looking to trade players and get some fresh legs into their locker room. Those trades will more than likely take away from their focus in the next couple games. With the surging Devils and Leafs climbing the board in the east, the Penguins need a win here to keep them afloat.

(Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)

Carolina (12-3-23) at Ducks (22-3-7)

     Carolina enters this game winners of two straight and 4 of their last 6.  The Hurricanes victories haven’t been coming with a lot of goals though, as it is more Cam Ward carrying the team on his back.  The Hurricanes have allowed just 17 goals over their last 10 games and one of those games the Canes had 5 goals against. Over their last 8 games the Hurricanes have only scored 15 goals.  Carolina is just 6-13-6 on the road this season.  The Ducks are coming off a 3-2 shootout victory against the Flames on Monday night.  They have averaged just 2 goals per game over their last 5.  Anaheim has allowed just 20 goals against over their last 10 games, and that includes a game where they allowed 6 goals against versus Dallas. Take that out and it equals 14 goals against in 9 games.  Cam Ward is playing sensational right now, and Jonas Hiller has been really good at times lately as well.  The under is 7-1 in the Hurricanes last 8 games overall and 4-0 in their last 4 road games.  The under is 6-1 in the Ducks last 7 games overall, and 4-1 in their last 5 games. The under is also 13-6-1 in the Ducks last 20 vs a team with a winning percentage below .400.    Looking at this from all angles I don’t see it being a high scoring game.

NHL PICKS: Carolina/Ducks Under * Penguins ML