randall the handle
WASHINGTON -½ +1.00 over New Jersey (REG) Pinnacle
This has nothing to do with the “due to win” angle, as that approach is about as ridiculous as the “must win” angle. Fact is, the Caps will be ready and raring to go after dropping its third straight in Detroit on Saturday. The Caps are the superior team, they’re at home, they’re playing much better defensively and even Jose Theodore was terrific on Saturday. Martin Brodeur and the Devils are 2-2, however, they beat Tampa Bay (barely) and followed that up by barely beating the Panthers as well. In fact, it took a last second tying goal to force OT against the Bolts and they scored a late goal to beat the Panthers. Now the Devils will take a huge step up in class against this offensive juggernaut and it’s also worth noting that Brodeur has not been sharp. He’s getting older and shakier every year and frankly, from what I’ve seen thus far, the Devils really don’t look that strong. Play: Washington -½ +1.00 (Risking 2 units).
NY RANGERS -1½ +1.79 over Toronto Pinnacle
Henrik Lundqvist vs Vesa Toskala. Need I say more? It’s almost not fair and there are so many other reasons to like the Rangers as well. For the first time in years the Blue Shirts have some offense and in fact, have scored the third most goals in the league early on. The Rangers have also won four in a row and that includes a win over Washington and a shutout over the Ducks yesterday. It’s early but let’s take a look at what Brian Burke, the over-hyped and way overrated new GM has put together. Two goons (Orr and Rosehill), four lines that can’t score, a weak defense and the biggest problem last season, goaltending, was not addressed either. He also signed the injured Phil Kessel to a huge contract and while that may turn out good, it could also turn out to be a major disaster. The Leafs have yet to win, there’s enormous pressure on them and after giving up three power-play goals and losing to Pittsburgh on Saturday, coach Ron Wilson said, “I’ve never done this before, but we’re going to practice shooting the puck down the ice because we don’t know how”. Wilson’s sarcasm and line changing cannot be sitting well with this fragile Leafs team and asking them to go into New York under these circumstances and pull at a win is a stretch at best. Play: NY Rangers -1½ +1.79 (Risking 2 units).