Last Updated on February 5, 2009 1:39 pm by Anthony Rome
Thursday NHL Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their hockey picks and predictions for Thursday, February 5.
Anaheim Ducks at Nashville Predators, 8:00PM ET
The play of goaltender Pekka Rinne has the Nashville Predators looking to move into playoff contention. An inconsistent offense, meanwhile, has the Anaheim Ducks struggling to stay among the Western Conference leaders.
The Ducks (26-23-5) will try to get back on track against the Predators (23-24-3) on Thursday at the Sommet Center.
However, they might have to get the puck past a confident Rinne, who has slowly taken over the Predators No. 1 job with a string of steady performances. After playing behind Dan Ellis in nine of the first 31 games, Rinne has appeared in 16 of the past 19 contests and made a career-high fifth straight start in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Phoenix.
Since replacing Ellis in a 7-2 home loss to Atlanta on Jan. 17, the Nashville goalie is 3-2-0 with a 2.03 goals-against average, and has stopped 61 of the last 63 shots. Rinne has also allowed two goals or fewer in 14 of his last 20 appearances and recorded four shutouts.
NHL Free Pick: Nashville – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -130 Sportsbook.com
Edmonton Oilers at St. Louis Blues, 8:35PM ET
The Edmonton Oilers are looking to avoid a third straight loss. A matchup with the St. Louis Blues could be just what they need.
The Oilers try to post their sixth consecutive victory against the Blues on Thursday at the Scottrade Center.
Edmonton (25-22-3) is among several teams battling for one of the final four playoff spots in the Western Conference. The Oilers, however, haven’t been doing much to improve their postseason chances since returning from the All-Star break.
After scoring 21 times while going 5-1-0 just before the break, Edmonton has managed seven goals in losing three of four. They totaled two goals in dropping the last two contests, and were outshot 41-21 in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to Chicago.
NHL Free Pick: Edmonton – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +105 Sportsbook.com
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Posted: 2/5/09 1:43PM ET