Upon doing a bit of reading Oktay Urkal is a 37 year-old seasoned veteran (really?), he’s 38-3 in the ring. Losing his only three fights in title bouts. In 2001, Oktay fought Kostya Tszyu when Kostya was in his prime. During that fight he gave Kostya more then he could handle and the fight was tied in the sixth round. However, in the seventh round Kostya broke Oktay’s jaw. Oktay didn’t quit and battled through to the end of the fight. He lost in a close unanimous decision. (Author s note: This is why I’m a lover not a fighter. When was the last time you received a broken jaw in bed? If that did happen to me in bed, I’d probably quit though.)

So this weekend he battles a heavy, hard puncher in Miguel Cotto. However, Miguel has been criticized that he may have a weak chin from a fight with Ricardo Torres in 2005. (I wonder if he quits if his jaw is broken?)

Should be an interesting fight.  The bookmakers have Cotto as a heavy favorite (1.04-1).   If you feel like gambling, the the bookmakers are giving 10-1 odds on Oktay Urkal.  Just don’t break my jaw if he loses.

Hurricanes 0, Devils 3
In the penalty box: trying to score on New Jersey. Since the start of the year, the rejuvenated Devils have handed out five shutouts and are allowing under two goals a game.

Thrashers 2, Panthers 5
In the penalty box: Hotalnta fans. A disappointing season for the Falcons, the Hawks have the worst record in basketball, and now your hockey team has dropped seven straight. Your new nickname should be Coldlanta.

Canucks 3, Flames 1
In the penalty box: being shut out for the final two periods on home ice.

On Tap Tonight
Bruins (23-22-8) at Canadiens (23-22-6) 12:00 PM EST
Stars (36-15-2) at Blues (13-31-8) 2:00 PM EST
Red Wings (35-13-5) at Avalanche (29-19-6) 2:00 PM EST
Islanders (23-26-6) at Penguins (12-32-10) 2:00 PM EST
Rangers (31-15-8) at Flyers (31-14-8) 5:00 PM EST
Devils (28-20-6) at Maple Leafs (25-23-5) 7:00 PM EST
Panthers (21-25-8) at Thrashers (23-25-6) 7:00 PM EST
Senators (35-12-4) at Sabres (33-15-3) 7:30 PM EST
Capitals (19-28-5) at Lightning (28-21-4) 7:30 PM EST
Blackhawks (17-28-7) at Predators (32-15-6) 8:00 PM EST
Wild (26-24-4) at Coyotes (27-25-3) 9:00 PM EST
Canucks (31-18-5) at Oilers (28-18-7) 10:00 PM EST
Mighty Ducks (24-18-10) at Sharks (24-19-8) 10:30 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
I guess NBC decided to throw in the towel today since it’s Super Bowl weekend, because they only have one decent game on this afternoon, a match between Detroit and Colorado. Otherwise, depending on your region you’ll get Dallas at St. Louis (bleck) or Islanders at Pittsburgh (yawn).

In that Red Wings match up today, Detroit comes into the game as one of the best road teams in the league, with a 17-7-5 record away from Hockeytown. They are 8-2 in their last 10 in Denver, including the last three games in a row. The Avs, meanwhile, have been dealt some bad cards in recent days, dropping three of their last five in overtime. Best line: Detroit +100 at Nine.com.

The battle for top billing in the Atlantic Division continues when the Rangers meet the Flyers for the second time in a week. Philly managed to escape from the Garden with a win on Monday, so New York is looking for revenge today. These are two top teams playing some of the best hockey out there, so it’s a real toss up, but the Flyers have had problems getting wins at home lately, so I think the edge goes to the Rangers. Best line: NY Rangers -105 at BetCRIS.

In another good division match, Buffalo will try again to close the gap with Ottawa when they host the Senators tonight. The Sens have come out winners in the three previous games between these two this season, but the last time they played was back in November when the Sabres were stumbling through the early part of their schedule. Now, I think Buffalo might have the parts in place to put one over their division rivals. Best line: Buffalo + 135 at Oasis.

Devils 0, Panthers 4
In the penalty box: New Jersey management, for signing Martin Brodeur to a $31 million, six-year contract extension just hours before he allows four goals from the Florida Panthers. Actually, more time goes to New Jersey’s shooters, who have failed to score a goal in two games.

On Tap Tonight
Lightning (26-20-4) at Flyers (30-12-8) 2:00 PM EST
Red Wings (33-13-4) at Stars (33-15-2) 2:00 PM EST
Penguins (12-29-10) at Rangers (28-15-7) 2:00 PM EST
Mighty Ducks (22-17-10) at Kings (30-20-3) 4:00 PM EST
Islanders (21-25-3) at Bruins (21-21-8) 7:00 PM EST
Canadiens (22-20-6) at Maple Leafs (24-22-3) 7:00 PM EST
Thrashers (23-22-6) at Hurricanes (35-11-4) 7:00 PM EST
Predators (31-13-6) at Blue Jackets (19-30-2) 7:00 PM EST
Sharks (23-18-6) at Coyotes (25-24-2) 9:00 PM EST
Canucks (28-18-5) at Avalanche (28-19-4) 10:00 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
There’s a pretty strong slate of games on NBC today, and football’s on hiatus for the week, so you have no excuses not to watch. Depending on your region, you’ll get Tampa at Philly, Detroit at Dallas, or Pittsburgh at Rangers. Now, on to the picks.

You might not necessarily think any match-up with Tampa would be very interesting, but the Flyers are 0-6 against the Lighting over the past three years. Tampa has started to turn it back on, winning five of their last seven, while Philly has been down in the dumps, losing five of their last seven. Plus, the Flyers are going without star forward Peter Forsberg for the first time. This will be a hard one for a banged up Philadelphia team to win. Best line: Tampa +115 at Oasis.

You have to love it when the sporting fates smile and grant us a match between division leaders on network television. Detroit is quickly trying to run away with the Western Conference but stumbled earlier this week with back-to-back losses to Nashville. Still, Hockeytown is riding high with five wins in their last seven games. Dallas, meanwhile, has won three straight and nine of their last 12, and a win today would put them in a tie with Detroit and possibly Nashville at the top of the conference standings. This should be a good one, but I think Detroit rights the ship today and comes out on top. Best line: Detroit +100 at BetCRIS.

Blackhawks 1, Wild 4
In the penalty box: Sweet Home Chicago, for being the most over-played and hackneyed song in the blues canon.

Lightning 6, Stars 3
In the penalty box: little or no ‘D’ in Big D. Dallas has allowed 15 points in the three straight losses.

On Tap Tonight
Islanders (20-24-2) at Devils (24-18-5) 12:00 PM EST
Flyers (28-11-8) at Penguins (11-27-9) 2:00 PM EST
Red Wings (31-12-3) at Avalanche (27-18-3) 2:00 PM EST
Sharks (21-17-6) at Kings (29-18-2) 6:00 PM EST
Rangers (26-14-7) at Bruins (18-21-7) 7:00 PM EST
Maple Leafs (24-19-3) at Senators (31-10-4) 7:00 PM EST
Lightning (24-20-3) at Thrashers (23-19-6) 7:00 PM EST
Hurricanes (32-10-4) at Capitals (16-24-5) 7:30 PM EST
Blue Jackets (17-29-2) at Predators (28-12-6) 8:00 PM EST
Sabres (29-14-3) at Flames (27-14-5) 9:00 PM EST
Oilers (25-17-5) at Coyotes (23-22-2) 9:00 PM EST
Canadiens (21-17-6) at Canucks (27-15-5) 10:00 PM EST
Panthers (18-23-7) at Mighty Ducks (20-16-9) 10:30 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
Week two of NBC’s hockey coverage brings us Detroit at Colorado, Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, and San Jose at Los Angeles. There’s no NFL action today, so you have no excuses.

The one early game not going out to millions of homes today is the Islanders-Devils tilt. New Jersey is looking to extend its winning streak to nine for the first time since 2001, but they’ll have to get past a New York team that has already won two against their division rivals. Now, I don;t think that the Isles are really better than the Devils are at this point, but I just don’t think New Jersey can keep up their winning streak much longer, and the pressure of a division game just might provide the breaking point. Best line: New York Islanders +200 at VIPSports.

Buffalo didn’t come through for me on Thursday, losing to Vancouver, but I’m sticking with them today again Calgary. The Flames are another tough team to beat on their home ice, but I think the Sabres are too good to drop back-to-back games. Plus, they’ve won eight of their last 11 meetings with Calgary. Best line: Buffalo +145 at Bowmans.

The crazy, wild long shot of the day with is over at BetCRIS where Toronto is +270 to beat Ottawa, though personally I don’t have any faith left in the Leafs to come though with any kind of upset. I do sort of like the idea of the Blue Jackets beating Nashville on the road. The Predators have been that sort of unsteady squad that gets beat by lesser teams, so if I’m going long today I’m going with Columbus (+260 at Bowmans).

Maple Leafs 3, Wild 5
In the penalty box: Toronto’s post-season hopes, which are fading fast now that the Leafs have lost four in a row.

Thrashers 5, Stars 2
In the penalty box: breakdowns that allow your opponent to score five unanswered goals after you’ve taken a 2-0 lead.

On Tap Tonight
Bruins (17-21-7) at Flyers (28-10-8) 7:00 PM EST
Blues (10-29-5) at Capitals (15-24-5) 7:00 PM EST
Islanders (20-23-2) at Hurricanes (31-10-4) 7:00 PM EST
Mighty Ducks (19-16-9) at Senators (31-10-3) 7:30 PM EST
Rangers (25-14-7) at Penguins (11-26-9) 7:30 PM EST
Devils (23-18-5) at Predators (28-12-5) 8:00 PM EST
Avalanche (27-17-3) at Blackhawks (15-25-6) 8:30 PM EST
Canadiens (21-16-6) at Flames (26-14-5) 9:00 PM EST
Panthers (18-22-7) at Coyotes (22-22-2) 9:00 PM EST
Sabres (29-13-3) at Canucks (26-15-5) 10:00 PM EST
Thrashers (23-18-6) at Kings (28-18-2) 10:30 PM EST
Oilers (24-17-5) at Sharks (21-17-5) 10:30 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
A big game tonight for the Bufflao Sabres as they pull into Vancouver. The Canucks are one of the better home teams to beat this season with a 16-3-3 record at General Motors Place, and they’ve won five of their last six, so it looks bad for Buffalo, right? Not when you consider that Vancouver’s recent performance record is padded a little bit by wins over Pittsburgh, NY Islanders, and Chicago. I think the Sabres are over that post-holiday rough patch with wins over Los Angeles and Edmonton and are getting serious about chasing Ottawa for the division lead. Look for a minor upset in Vancouver tonight. Best line: Buffalo +130 at Oasis.

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to lay a big long-shot wager, tonight is your night when the Mighty Ducks travel to Ottawa. Anaheim is a huge underdog in this one for obvious reasons, but consider these two bits of information: the last home game the Sens played they lost to the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim’s last two victories have come against Los Angeles and Nashville. You see? It is possible the Mighty Mighty Ducktones could pull a fast over an overconfident Ottawa team. Like I said, just in case you were looking to make that big long-shot wager. Best line: Anaheim +330 at BetCRIS.

Blues 0, Thrashers 2
In the penalty box: anyone who cares anymore about the St. Louis Blues, who have strung together five straight losses for the second time this season.

Canucks 0, Devils 3
In the penalty box: whoever convinced Lou Lamoriello to give up coaching for the front office. New Jersey is on a five-game winning streak with three shutouts and back in the hunt for a playoff berth.

Blue Jackets 2, Lightning 4
In the penalty box: Columbus goal tender Marc Denis, for his Bill Callahaneske comments after the game, such as “I don’t remember us playing a dumber period than the one we played in the third . . . I don’t know how the switch in our brain went off. It’s just the wrong way to play this game.”

Penguins 1, Blackhawks 4
In the penalty box: spotting your opponent a 3-0 lead, like Pittsburgh did in this one.

Capitals 3, Mighty Ducks 2, OT
In the penalty box: getting beaten single-handed. Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin got the hat trick, scoring all three goals for the Caps.

On Tap Tonight
Stars (29-12-2) at Bruins (16-21-6) 2:00 PM EST
Avalanche (25-17-3) at Flyers (28-10-6) 2:00 PM EST
Rangers (25-12-7) at Red Wings (29-12-3) 2:00 PM EST
Coyotes (21-21-2) at Maple Leafs (24-16-3) 7:00 PM EST
Sharks (20-16-5) at Canadiens (19-16-6) 7:00 PM EST
Canucks (24-15-5) at Islanders (19-22-2) 7:00 PM EST
Kings (28-16-2) at Sabres (27-13-3) 7:30 PM EST
Blue Jackets (14-28-2) at Panthers (18-22-6) 7:30 PM EST
Flames (25-14-5) at Wild (20-19-4) 8:00 PM EST
Senators (29-10-3) at Oilers (24-15-5) 10:00 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
Good news for hockey fans in the US who don’t have the scratch for NHL pay-per-view and are sick of OLN’s bullshit hockey coverage: NBC kicks off its NHL schedule today with games starting at 2pm EST. Hockey, football, football. It’s going to be a great day. Regional coverage includes Rangers at Red Wings, Avalanche at Flyers, and Stars at Bruins.

In the Philadelphia vs. Colorado tilt, the Flyers return home after an 11-game road trip, during which they went 8-2-1 and moved into first place in the Atlantic Division. No doubt about it, Philly is playing some great hockey, but I think the return home will be marred a bit by fatigue from their extended working vacation. The Avs have won six straight and should keep their streak alive. Best line: Colorado +165 at Oasis.

Too bad NBC won’t be showing the Buffalo vs. Los Angeles match tonight. Both these teams are running second in their respective divisions and desperately need a win to get on track as the playoff races really start to heat up. The Kings are closing a four-game road trip that opened with losses to San Jose and Anaheim, but LA is coming off a 6-0 smackdown in Boston. The Sabres have lost three of five home games and need to win tonight to even their mark before setting off on a six-game excursion. Best line: Buffalo -135 at Bodog.

Senators 1, Canadiens 4
In the penalty box: Ottawa goal tender Ray Emery, for allowing 8 goals in a loss to Atlanta and then giving up four to the Habs.

Blue Jackets 2, Avalanche 3, SO
In the penalty box: using the phrase, “Who’s your daddy?” But if someone were to ask Columbus, they’d have to say Colorado, who are 16-0-1-1 all-time against the Blue Jackets.

Lightning 3, Bruins 6
In the penalty box: quick starts and slow meltdowns. Tampa had jumped out to a 3-1 lead by early in the second period but then allowed five unanswered goals.

Hurricanes 3, Islanders 0
In the penalty box: unhappy holidays. The Isles are 1-7 since just before Christmas.

Maple Leafs 3, Oilers 2
In the penalty box: slow starts. Edmonton scored their first goal with 30 seconds remaining in the second period, after allowing two first-period goals by Toronto.

Devils 3, Sabres 2
In the penalty box: pesky second period during which New Jersey scored two unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead over Buffalo.

Thrashers 4, Penguins 3
In the penalty box: Sidney Crosby, four times to be quite exact. Atlanta’s Ilya Kovalchuk, who had taunted the rookie phenom Friday night by pointing at him in the penalty box after scoring a goal, scored again on one of the ensuing power plays.

Mighty Ducks 1, Wild 4
In the penalty box: weak finishes. Anaheim blew a 3-0 lead Friday night against Dallas and allowed Minnesota to score three unanswered goals after Todd Fedoruk tied the game 1-1 in the first period.

Flames 3, Canucks 4, OT
In the penalty box: penalty killing. All four Vancouver goals came on power plays.

Kings 2, Sharks 3
In the penalty box: getting beat by a Thornton. No, not Joe, but his cousin Scott, who scored twice against Los Angeles, including the game winner in the second period.

On Tap Tonight
Panthers (16-22-6) at Capitals (13-23-3) 3:00 PM EST
Stars (26-12-2) at Red Wings (28-10-3) 5:00 PM EST
Predators (25-12-3) at Blackhawks (13-23-4) 7:00 PM EST
Blue Jackets (12-27-2) at Coyotes (20-19-2) 8:00 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
It has been four, long years since Dallas last defeated Detroit, and Stars goalie Marty Turco has yet to beat the Red Wings in 10 starts. Still, these two teams are pretty evenly matched, and Dallas has been playing good defense, allowing just 2.65 goals per game. But at home in Hockeytown, I think the Wings get the two points. Best line: Detroit -155 at Bodog.

If you’re not into division leaders and watching good hockey, you might be interested in the Panthers-Capitals collision this afternoon. Florida has beaten Washington in all three of their meetings this season, one of the only teams the hapless Panthers have been able to beat with any consistency. The MCI Center in Washington will be changing its name to Verizon Center, but I doubt that will be of any benefit to the Caps, Wizards, or Mystics. Best line: Florida +100 at Nine.com.

Islanders 1, Hurricanes 4
In the penalty box: New York’s Eric Godard, for taking a cheap shot on Justin Williams and drawing calls for roughing and charging. Godard later scored the only goal for the Isles, but he also took a hit from Mike Commodore (who was called for slashing) and got decked by Aaron Ward (boarding penalty).

Penguins 4, Thrashers 6
In the penalty box: Pittsburgh’s defense, if you can call it that, for giving up five unanswered goals in the first two periods.

Red Wings 3, Predators 1
In the penalty box: pesky third period in which Detroit scored two unanswered goals.

Mighty Ducks 3, Stars 4, SO
In the penalty box: Anaheim’s defense, for failing to protect a 3-0 lead.

Maple Leafs 0, Flames 1
In the penalty box: the over.

On Tap Tonight
Panthers (16-21-6) at Rangers (22-12-7) 1:00 PM EST
Senators (28-8-3) at Canadiens (18-15-6) 2:00 PM EST
Blue Jackets (12-27-1) at Avalanche (22-17-3) 3:00 PM EST
Lightning (21-18-3) at Bruins (15-19-6) 5:00 PM EST
Hurricanes (26-10-4) at Islanders (18-20-2) 7:00 PM EST
Maple Leafs (23-15-3) at Oilers (23-14-4) 7:00 PM EST
Devils (18-18-5) at Sabres (27-12-2) 7:30 PM EST
Thrashers (19-18-6) at Penguins (11-20-9) 7:30 PM EST
Mighty Ducks (18-15-7) at Wild (19-18-4) 8:00 PM EST
Flames (25-12-4) at Canucks (22-14-5) 10:00 PM EST
Kings (27-14-2) at Sharks (17-16-5) 10:30 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
After a long winter’s nap, the picks are back.

The Leafs travel to Edmonton tonight and I don’t know why the Oilers are getting the edge in this one. Edmonton has lost three of their last five, including two straight home games against Minnesota. A shutout loss last night snapped a six-game winning streak for the Leafs, but they should rebound tonight. Best line: Toronto +150 at Nine.com.

The Flames, meanwhile, are riding a four-game winning streak and travel to Vancouver looking to extend their five point advantage in the Northwest Division. Calgary is only 9-8-2 on the road, though, while the Canucks are 14-3-3 at GM Place and desperate for a win after losing three on a four-game road trip. I’m liking the Canucks to get back into home form and get a big division victory. Best line: Vancouver -130 at BetCRIS.

Panthers 2, Sabres 1
In the penalty box: starting off the New Year with a loss to Florida. Unfortunately, Buffalo fell to the Panthers for the third time this season.

Mighty Ducks 4, Predators 2
In the penalty box: starting off the New Year with a loss to Anaheim. As luck would have it, though, Nashville gave up three goals to the Ducks in the final seven minutes of the first period.

On Tap Tonight
Flyers (24-8-6) at Bruins (14-18-6) 1:00 PM EST
Blackhawks (13-20-4) at Flames (23-12-4) 3:00 PM EST
Senators (27-6-3) at Thrashers (17-17-6) 3:00 PM EST
Lightning (19-17-3) at Islanders (17-18-2) 7:00 PM EST
Penguins (10-19-8) at Maple Leafs (22-14-3) 7:30 PM EST
Canucks (21-12-5) at Blues (9-22-5) 8:00 PM EST
Stars (24-12-1) at Kings (25-14-2) 10:30 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
It’ll be a test of wills tonight when Tampa visits the New York Islanders. The Bolts have dropped two in a row and have lost six of their last seven, while the Isles are looking to snap a four-game losing streak. New York coach Steve Stirling is using some tough love to inspire his charges, benching among others captain Alexei Yashin during their loss to Ottawa, and the Islanders might have to go with backup Garth Snow protecting the net if starter Rick DiPietro can’t play after suffering a knee sprain Friday. The Lightning have a good chance here to take advantage. Best line: Tampa Bay -105 at 5 Dimes.

Who’s your daddy, Dallas? Looks like it’s Los Angeles. The Stars let me down Saturday when they lost to the Kings 2-3 at home and I see no reason to doubt that LA will find a way to win tonight defending their home ice. Best line: Los Angeles -120 at Oasis.

Bruins 2, Lightning 1
In the penalty box: Tampa’s power play. The Bolts went 0-for-5 with the advantage last night and have converted just two of their last 30 opportunities.

Canadiens 1, Panthers 2
In the penalty box: un mauvais décembre. Montreal failed to win back-to-back games during the entire month.

Thrashers 1, Sabres 4
In the penalty box: Atlanta’s power play. The Thrashers went 0-for-8 last night and have failed score with an advantage in three of their last six games.

Blue Jackets 3, Blackhawks 2
In the penalty box: insufficient padding. According to Chicago captain Adrian Aucoin, “We’re real fragile now.”

Predators 2, Oilers 4
In the penalty box: two, as in Edmonton snapped their two-game losing streak by pinning Nashville with their second straight loss.

Avalanche 2, Sharks 5
In the penalty box: Joe Thornton’s dental plan. The star center for San Jose lost three teeth last night after getting hit in the mouth with a stick.

On Tap Tonight
Rangers (22-12-4) at Penguins (9-19-8) 1:00 PM EST
Flyers (24-8-5) at Capitals (12-20-3) 1:00 PM EST
Mighty Ducks (16-15-6) at Blues (9-22-4) 6:00 PM EST
Canucks (21-11-5) at Wild (17-17-4) 6:00 PM EST
Maple Leafs (21-14-3) at Devils (16-17-5) 7:00 PM EST
Blue Jackets (12-25-1) at Red Wings (25-9-3) 7:00 PM EST
Canadiens (18-12-6) at Hurricanes (23-10-4) 8:00 PM EST
Kings (24-14-2) at Stars (24-11-1) 8:00 PM EST
Avalanche (19-17-3) at Coyotes (20-17-2) 8:00 PM EST
Oilers (22-13-4) at Flames (22-12-4) 10:00 PM EST

oddJoe’s hockey picks
Vancouver suffered through a five-game losing streak at home that ended Wednesday with a win over Nashville. Now the Canucks are hoping their luck runs a little better on their road as they open a four-game trek at Minnesota. Unfortunately, the Wild are very tough on defense and are 10-6-1 at home, while Vancouver is 7-8-2 on the road. A bit of a toss-up, but I’d give the edge to the Minnesotans. Best line: Minnesota -105 at BetCRIS.

Dallas and Los Angeles open a home-and-home series tonight playing for the top spot in the Pacific Division. The Kings hold a one point advantage in the standings over the Stars and a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head match-ups this season. Pretty evenly matched, this one might come down to special teams, and Los Angeles as allowed 11 power play goals in their last five games. Best line: Dallas -160 at Oasis.