NHL • oddPicks

Snarks On Ice: The NHL Roundup For Dec. 18

Avalanche 2, Rangers 1
In the penalty box: Martin Straka, for hooking Joe Sakic and giving the Colorado center a penalty shot. Sakic took full advantage and scored his second goal of the game, which turned out to be the game winner.

Panthers 3, Capitals 2
In the penalty box: Washington’s shooters, for finding the goal only twice on 55 shots. Goalie Roberto Luongo is good, but come on.

Stars 5, Blackhawks 3
In the penalty box: Chicago’s slow start. The Hawks allowed two goals in the first two minutes and another in the final minute of the opening period.

Sharks 4, Mighty Ducks 5
In the penalty box: Thornton-inspired winning streak, for ending at six for San Jose.

On Tap Tonight
Sabres 22-10-1) at Flyers (19-8-4) 7:00 PM EST
Islanders (16-13-2) at Maple Leafs (16-13-3) 7:30 PM EST
Stars (21-8-1) at Wild (13-15-4) 8:00 PM EST
Flames (19-9-4) at Oilers (18-11-4) 9:00 PM EST
Kings (20-13-1) at Canucks (20-9-3) 10:00 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
After a brief hiatus, the hockey picks are back. Los Angeles starts a three-game swing through the Northwest Division tonight in Vancouver, where the Canucks are 13-1-1. Even without starting goalie Dan Cloutier, out for the rest of the regular season with a knee injury, the Canucks should continue to be dominant at home. Best line: Vancounver -155 at Oasis.

The Flames travel to Edmonton for the first time this season looking to pad their lead over the Oilers in the Northwest Division standings. Rexall Place has been a little like home to Calgary in the past, which is good because the Flames are 7-7-2 on the road so far this year. Edmonton, meanwhile, is 7-4-2 at home after a victory over Montreal on Thursday. The Flames should get the win. Best line: Calgary +105 at Nine.com.

Toronto has lost four of their last five and four of their last six at home. Though no one is admitting it, goalie Ed Belfour looks jinxed in his attempt to surpass Terry Sawchuk for second all-time career victories, but coach Pat Quinn will probably play him again tonight. The Isles, on the other hand, are 6-1-1 in their last eight road games. I’m liking the upset possibility here. Best line: NY Islanders +135 at BetCRIS.

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