NHL JAN 9

[xbaggypants]

St. Louis +1.30 over COLUMBUS PINNACLE
The Blue Notes are really playing a lot better these days and are certainly worth a look vs this banged up host. Rick Nash will likely play although he is a game time decision, as is Anson Carter, Sergei Federov, Adam Foote and a couple of others. The Jackets return home from a three-game west coast swing that saw them win one and lose two. However, that lone win against Anaheim was more of a Duck meltdown then anything else, as Anaheim was leading 3-0 with 12 minutes to go in the game. The Jackets should’ve been 0-3 on that trip that included a 3-0 loss in Los Angeles and a 5-2 loss at the Shark Tank. Columbus has lost four of its past six but again, it should be five of six. Saturday's loss was only the Blues' third in the last nine games. They have been dominant in the victories, outscoring opponents 20-7 with two shutouts. The Blue Notes are getting tremendous support from Manny Legace in net and there’s no reason they can’t continue their strong play here. Play: St. Louis +1.30 (Risking 2 units).

Pittsburgh +1.28 over TAMPA BAY PINNACLE
We’re either going to play against all teams returning home from a trip or play none of them and we choose the latter. The Lightning return home from a four-game trip in which they split their games, winning two and losing two. Interestingly enough, they’ve now beaten the Penguins in 10 straight games and in this day and age that’s absolutely remarkable. The talent in the NHL is so evenly spread out, meaning that one team should not dominate another like the way Tampa has dominated the Penguins. In any case, that’s not going to deter us one bit. The Penguins will very likely give it a little extra here in order to get this proverbial monkey off their backs. Pittsburgh has won three of its last four, beating Toronto, Carolina and Buffalo, a tough trio indeed. A game and inspired effort by the visitor tonight will very likely result in a mild upset and that’s the way we’re leaning. Play: Pittsburgh +1.28 (Risking 2 units).

PHOENIX +1.61 over Dallas PINNACLE
The Stars, too, return home from a trip tonight, as they’re coming off the dreaded three-gamer to Western Canada. In addition, Dallas has the Ducks on deck and therefore, this one could be easily overlooked by the home team. Dallas is a team that usually comes to play, however, they’re still without Modano, Zubov, Lindros, and Morrow and that definitely makes them more vulnerable under these conditions. They’ve also ,ost three of their past four games. As for the Coyotes, well let’s just say they’re burning hot. Phoenix has now won six in a row with five of those wins coming on the road. This intruder is getting some great production from a number of players and in fact, has scored 25 goals during their six-game winning streak. Price and situation are both sweet. Overlay. Play: Phoenix +1.61 (Risking 2 units).

[BOBBYW]

THANX XBP WELCOME AND GLTY.....