Yikes, massacre in the very first week of Hockey Survivor II! We only had 13 willing to throw caution to the wind and try to predict the highly unpredictable NHL, and just 5 lived to make a pick this week. We’re thinking a double knockout system might be in order for the next hockey survivor pool.
John did hit on two of his three picks last week, even though he himself unfortunately used the wrong one for his pick in the pool. The games look tough again this week but here are my top three best guesses.
Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings (10:30 PM, Saturday) – The Kings have cooled off some after a hotter than expected start. They are 5-5-0 in their last 10, currently riding a 2 game losing streak. They’ve also been mediocre at home, with just a 5-4-1 record. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, look like legit Stanley Cup contenders, and are winners of 7 straight. Chicago also won the only two meetings between these two teams this year by a decisive 4-1 margin. Add Marian Hossa to the mix, and the Hawks look downright scary.
Prediction: Hawks win 5-2
Calgary Flames at Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 PM, Saturday) – The Flames were downright embarrassed at home by the Blackhawks in a 7-1 drubbing, and have looked like a team on a mission since. They beat the Kings decisively, and then fell victim to a stellar performance by J.S. Giguere in a shootout loss to the Ducks. Mikka Kiprusoff has been very sharp in both games since the blowout, and playing on the road doesn’t bother the Flames one bit; they’ve lost just once in regulation as the visiting team.
The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, are losers of 3 straight, and have been getting very suspect goaltending. Look for the Flames to light the lamp early and often in this one.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2
Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres (7:00 PM, Saturday): If you’re a Canes fan, then today’s news that Eric Staal was taken off the IR was certainly a relief. If you’re a Canes fan, that’s also about as far as you should read. The rest of this blurb isn’t kind.
Before going on the IR, Staal had an abysmal 5 points in 13 games. He’s never been a fast starter, and coming off the IR certainly isn’t going to help his cause any. Mr. Staal also rejoins a team that has yet to win even a single game on the road.
The Sabres, on the other hand, have been dynamite at home, posting an impressive 7-3-2 record. My only worry with this game is that Ryan Miller might get the night off.
Prediction: Sabres win 3-1