2011 NHL All-Star Game Picks & Predictions

NHL All-Star Game Pick

RALEIGH, NC (TheSpread) – The 2011 NHL All-Star Game is set to take place on Sunday and here is a look at my pick for this exhibition contest.

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This year’s format is a little different as the team captains Eric Staal and Nicklas Lidstrom had a fantasy draft on Friday to select their teams. Oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com have made Team Staal the favorite by 1.5 goals while the over/under for total goals scored has been set at 16.5 goals.

It is going to be awfully difficult to breakdown rosters, which have teammates on opposites sides and no rhyme or reason to their setup, to make a pick on who will cover the spread in this game without just making a pick in the dark.

However, when it comes to goals scores, the NHL prides itself on putting on a show in the All-Star game. Two of the last three have had at least 21 goals posted and goalies definitely are not the spotlight in this contest. Without the hitting and physical style that comes in your average NHL game, it opens the door for a lot of flashy scoring. Once the third hits, things should get more competitive, but that should just lead to more breaks and scoring chances. My pick for this goes with the over, though it is a hefty 16.5 goals.

NHL ALL-STAR FREE PICK: OVER 16.5

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