BLUES (+125) at PENGUINS (-145), 1 p.m.
Pick: Blues (+125)
The Blues (36-27-7) are in the thick of the playoff race after many critics wrote them off earlier this season. They had been performing extremely well as a cohesive unit led by F Vladimir Tarasenko . . . until last week. They are on a 0-1-2 mini-slide but will look to rebound against another team looking to break into the postseason yet again.
The Penguins (39-23-9) have a nice hold on third place in the Metro -- for now -- but need to keep up their winning ways. They have won three in a row and six of seven.
However, we think the Blues will bounce back against the Penguins. The price on the road is too good to pass up and we think it’ll be a nice upset to pad our wallets.
ISLANDERS (-200) at RED WINGS (+165), 1 p.m.
Pick: Islanders (-1.5/+138)
The Red Wings (24-27-10) have written this season off. They’ve struggled mightily and need to retool their roster come the off season. Now it’s all about auditioning their prospects to see what they have down the pipeline. They’ve dropped their last four and are 1-9-3 in their last 13.
The Islanders (41-22-7) had a big win against the Habs on Thursday keeping up with the Capitals in the standings. They desperately want that first-place spot to avoid the potential Penguins match-up in the first round. This s an easy two points for them so long as they come out and do their jobs. They are rested and should be eager to take on the Red Wings on the road. Islanders should have a good time with this one.
RANGERS (+180) at WILD (-220), 8 p.m.
Pick: None
The Rangers (28-30-12) finish off their four-game Western road trip after a lackluster 5-1 loss Friday at Calgary which comes on the heels of a lackluster 4-1 loss Wednesday at Vancouver. Fatigue should be a factor, and probably already has been.
The Wild (33-30-8) are still pushing for a playoff spot but they just might not be able to get it done. They have lost three straight -- two of those at home -- following a 6-0-2 run.
Between the Rangers maybe eyeing their comfy beds at home and the Wild fumbling away some momentum, there is no telling who is going to stumble to a victory here.