Around the NHL: Predictions for March 29th

There are nine games on the schedule tonight. Let’s take a look around the NHL at the top picks, plays and predictions.

Here are tonight’s starting goaltenders, courtesy of LeftWingLock.

Play of the Day: Devils over Bruins.
Scott Wedgewood was finally figured out Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Wedgewood and the Devils surrendered three goals early, a deficit that proved to be insurmountable. Though New Jersey came roaring back to cut it to 3-2, they were unable to get a shot off in the waning minutes of the game.

Tonight, Keith Kinkaid will get the start. Kinkaid’s lackluster performance filling in for Cory Schneider is what led to Wedgewood’s promotion in the first place. He has allowed 13 goals in his last three appearances, 10 at even strength.

Kyle Palmieri has eight points in his last six games to lead the way for New Jersey offensively. He needs one more goal to reach 30 for the first time in his career.

Boston finally snapped a season-worst five-game losing streak on Saturday, besting the Maple Leafs 3-1. Their backsliding has reverted them back into a defensive position, dangerously close to losing their Wild Card Spot. Detroit, who sits a point behind them, also has a game tonight in Montreal.

Boston has won both of their meetings with New Jersey this season, including a 4-1 victory at the Rock back in January. They have won their last five encounters dating back to last season.

However, the Bruins will be dinged up heading into the game. Ryan Spooner will sit out, forcing Loui Eriksson to center. John-Michael Liles will be sidelined for the second game in a row. Brad Marchand is reportedly under the weather, but will play.

Prediction: Boston is up against it tonight and they are not at 100%, which could haunt them. Take the Devils to win at home at +136. Play the under.

The Game to Watch: Red Wings vs Canadiens.
No one should want the above prediction to come true more than fans of the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings could leapfrog over the Bruins from out-of-the-playoffs to the third divisional spot in the Atlantic with a win and a Boston regulation loss. Boston would then slide down to the second Wild Card spot, forcing Philadelphia out of the playoffs.

There’s a lot of juggling resting on this game.

Detroit barely managed to stave off a last-minute Sabres comeback last night. Buffalo tallied twice with less than three minutes to go to put a scare into an otherwise rattled Red Wings team.

The Wings have a tricky schedule ahead. They will be playing against those they are in direct competition with (Philly, Boston), as well as those who are already near-locks for the postseason (Rangers, Wild). So, to get a leg up, tonight is a must-win. Must. Detroit plays Montreal tonight and the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Saturday. They very much so have control over their own fate. They just have to beat the beatable.

Dylan Larkin scored a powerplay goal last night against the Sabres. After setting a torrid scoring pace for himself in January, Larkin has cooled off big-time. He has just six points in his last 22 games. If Detroit wants to get back in the hunt, they will need their rookie speedster to get back into the offensive action.

Prediction: Did I mention this is a must-win for Detroit? Take the Wings to win. Play the over.

Other Game Notes Around the NHL

Avalanche vs Blues: This is a gutsy play. The line is incredibly slanted in St. Louis’ favor, but the Avalanche are fresh off a huge 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators. For whatever reason, the Avs have had far more success on the road than at home this season. At +214, could magic be on their side?

My money is on no. The Blues are still locked in a battle for the top spot in the Central Division and Brian Elliot has been lights-out. St. Louis is on a four-game win streak and have taken eight of the last 10 meetings on home ice.

Crazier things have happened, but I fail to see lightning striking twice on back-to-back nights on the road against two of the league’s best.

Prediction: Take the Blues to win. Play the under.

Predators vs Stars: Nashville’s slow start sunk their chances against Colorado last night. Now, they look to reset to maintain their position as the top Wild Card spot. With six points separating them and the Minnesota Wild, who play tonight against Chicago, slipping down to the bottom spot seems unlikely. The Preds are four points still behind the Blackhawks in the Central Division standings, putting them pretty comfortably in their position.

The Stars have taken four of the last five meetings with Nashville.

The enticing play in this game is the over. The over has hit in each of the last six games between the Stars and Central Division opponents, as well as their last six games with an extra day of rest. Dallas loves to light the lamp at home, Seguin or no Seguin.

Prediction: Take Dallas to win. Play the over.