NHL Picks: The Minnesota Wild visits the Anaheim Ducks in one of the six games on the Friday NHL schedule. Both teams are expected to be contenders in the Western Conference this season and each team features some exciting offensive talent so this should be a good matchup on Friday. Here is a look at all of Friday’s games and NHL picks.
Minnesota at Anaheim – The Ducks have won 7 of the past 10 in this series but they did drop a 4-2 decision at home last January. They were about a 2-1 favorite to win that contest at home so it was a major upset to see the Wild win in Anaheim. That win broke a six-game losing streak for the Wild in the series. Even with that win, the Wild have still lost three of the past four in Anaheim. Minnesota looks to be better offensively than they were a year ago, as they finally have some players to support Zach Parise. The Ducks also look to be improved on offense as they added Ryan Kesler to go with a talented group of forwards that already includes Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. This could end up as a shootout on Friday night. We’ll look for the Ducks to get the home win in this contest and for the game to go over the NHL betting total.
Florida at Buffalo – These two teams are probably not going to be playoff contenders this season but the Sabres could be improved. We’ll look for Buffalo to win this game on Friday.
Calgary at Columbus – These are the types of games that the Blue Jackets simply can’t afford to lose at home. We’ll lay the price and take Columbus.
Detroit at Toronto – These two are likely going to be fighting for a playoff spot this season in the Eastern Conference. We’ll take this one under the total.
Nashville at Winnipeg – Since when can the Jets be trusted as a home favorite? We’ll take the road underdog in this one.
Vancouver at Edmonton – The Canucks are the better team and should win this one on the road. We’ll lay the small number and take Vancouver.
