NHL • oddPicks

Snarks On Ice: The NHL Roundup For Dec. 20

Devils 3, Rangers 1
In the penalty box: third period defensive meltdowns. Protecting a 1-0 lead, the Rangers allowed two points within a span of 16 seconds midway through the final 20 minutes. I guess Larry Robinson isn’t the only one the Devils are giving headaches.

Lightning 4, Hurricanes 6
In the penalty box: white man rhythm. As Tampa coach John Tortorella explains, “We just haven’t been able to get everybody going at the same time.”

Senators 3, Canadiens 4, SO
In the penalty box: Hanson, for being from Oklahoma, for being the spawn of Satan, and for terrorizing the world with their hit “MMMBop” in 1997, which was the last time Les Habitants managed to overcome a three-goal deficit.

Blue Jackets 3, Red Wings 4, SO
In the penalty box: firsts, as in this was Detroit’s first shootout of the season and they won, leading to Columbus’ first loss in overtime.

Avalanche 2, Predators 3
In the penalty box: meaningless stats, such as Colorado has scored at least one power-play goal in each of their last eight games. Unfortunately, they didn’t score on three opportunities in the final two periods against the Preds.

Blues 5, Coyotes 4
In the penalty box: Phoenix associate coach Rick Tocchet, for not pulling goalie Curtis Joseph sooner in the game. The dude gave up five points on 13 shots.

Mighty Ducks 2, Sharks 4
In the penalty box: Anaheim, for proving once again that ducks are not so mighty. The Mighty Ducks were outscored by Jonathan Cheechoo, who had a hat trick.

On Tap Tonight
Stars (21-9-1) at Blue Jackets (9-23-1) 7:00 PM EST
Devils (15-13-5) at Islanders (16-14-2) 7:30 PM EST
Predators (21-7-3) at Blackhawks (13-17-2) 8:30 PM EST
Kings (21-13-1) at Flames (19-10-4) 9:00 PM EST
Oilers (19-11-4) at Canucks (20-9-4) 10:00 PM EST
Blues (7-19-4) at Mighty Ducks (15-14-6) 10:30 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
Normally it’s not a good sign when a team loses its coach, but somehow New Jersey made it work in their favor last night against the Rangers. Tonight they make the long trek to Uniondale to face the Islanders, who are 7-6-1 at home and gave up nine goals to Toronto on Monday. I’m liking the Devils’ chances to continue their rebound under the interim coaching of Lou Lamiorello. Best line: New Jersey +135 at 5 Dimes.

Calgary is looking to rebound tonight after a tough 4-5 loss to Edmonton on Monday, when Miikka Kiprusoff gave up the game-winner to Fernando Pisani with under a minute to play. Luckily they are at home where the Flames are 12-2-2 and playing the LA Kings, who are 9-7-1 on the road. Best line: Calgary -145 at 5 Dimes.

The Oilers are on a roll. Edmonton has won three straight heading into tonight, including division victories over Vancouver and Calgary. The Canucks have dropped two straight at home, both overtime losses, where they had been 13-1. Best line: Edmonton +140 at 5 Dimes.

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