NHL Picks: The Montreal Canadiens have lived up to their billing as Canada’s top team early on with a pair of wins to open the season. On Saturday, they’ll have a chance to improve to 3-0 as they face a Philadelphia Flyers team that is coming off consecutive losses to start the season.
Here is a quick look at the seven Canadian teams in action this Saturday with picks.
Montreal Canadiens @ Philadelphia Flyers
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
Montreal looked awful when it was outshot 15-2 in the first period against the Washington Capitals on Thursday but Dustin Tokarski kept them in it and they found a way to rally with the tying goal in the third period and the 2-1 shootout win. Now the Canadiens will play a Philadelphia team that is off to a slow start for the second consecutive year after losing to the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. The Flyers are a tough team but Montreal has played them well in recent years and will find a way to get the job done with a rested Carey Price back in goal.
Pick: Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Toronto Maple Leafs
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
The Maple Leafs were the first victim of the Canadiens this season as they scored the tying goal late in the third period only to give up the game winner seconds later. Toronto’s offense can be absolutely dominant at times but mental lapses in their own zone continue to cost them. The Penguins beat up on the Anaheim Ducks for a 6-4 win in their opener and should have no problem scoring goals again as they hand the Maple Leafs their second loss in a row.
Pick: Penguins
Ottawa Senators @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
Ottawa got off to a bad start with a loss in Nashville on Thursday and it won’t get any easier against a Tampa Bay team that – according to many experts – is a sleeper pick to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. The Lighting have an explosive offense led by Steven Stamkos, a deep defense core led by Victor Hedman, and an excellent young goalie in former Senators’ prospect Ben Bishop. Bishop will look to make a statement against his former team and Tampa Bay should score enough goals to help him get the victory.
Pick: Lightning
Calgary Flames @ St. Louis Blues
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
The Flames kept up with the Vancouver Canucks despite a 4-2 loss but then bounced back the following night with a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Mason Raymond scored a hat trick in the win. So far, we’ve learned that Calgary has a much more complete team than they did a year ago. That said, the Blues are one of the best teams in the NHL and despite the Flames’ improvement they don’t stand a chance on the road at St. Louis.
Pick: Blues
Winnipeg Jets @ San Jose Sharks
Saturday, 10:00 PM ET
Winnipeg opened the season with a 6-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes as Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little combined for four goals. Scoring won’t be nearly as easy against a San Jose team that beat up on the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings 4-0 in their season opener. The Sharks are on a mission to earn a measure of redemption for last year’s playoff failures so don’t expect a drop off against a Jets’ team that is improved but is still not ready to beat one of the best from the Western Conference on the road just yet.
Pick: Sharks
Edmonton Oilers @ Vancouver Canucks
Saturday, 10:00 PM ET
The Oilers disappointed their fans with another loss in their home opener and now they have to face the same Vancouver team that beat Calgary in its opener. Edmonton still hasn’t solved its issues at the defensive side of the ice and will once again be exposed by a Canucks team that has the firepower to capitalize on turnovers. Radim Vrbata has filled in well with the Sedins on Vancouver’s top line while Ryan Miller provides a steady veteran presence in goal. The Canucks will have had three full days to rest and prepare for the Oilers and this game will provide more proof that Vancouver has the upper hand in this series once again.
Pick: Canucks
Saturday was an awesome day for hockey! Not only were all seven Canadian teams playing, but for only the 6th time, all 30 NHL teams were playing. Fifteen hockey games in one day – I loved it. I didn’t love the Canadiens continuing their winning streak, though, but I’m glad Tampa Bay gave them a loss last night.