NHL 2009.12.02, final 3 picks: Tampa Bay Lightning @ Boston Bruins: Boston Bruins PL -1.5 +165 (2.65) Bookmaker

Vancouver Canucks @ New Jersey Devils: New Jersey Devils 3Way (1X2) +145 (2.45) Bookmaker

Nashville Predators @ Minnesota Wild: Nashville Predators ML +105 (2.05) The Greek



Tampa Bay Lightning @ Boston Bruins

For this game, we can expect the public to be with us. After all, Boston Bruins is one of the biggest public teams on NHL. But that's not the only reason to see a Boston Bruins' odds drop.

Tampa Bay is a home-based team. It's hard for this team to win games on the road, with a 4-5 record. This record will be much more negative as we move on in the league. They usually start with poor performances on the road and I can't see them to improve it on this mini road trip. They are passing by bad moment in this season, as they are struggling in their game, making only a few great games.

Even when their stars do their job, usually the defenders don't go along with them. Their defenders have been very poor so far, allowing more than 3 goals per game on the road.

Boston is again on the right road. After they struggled in a period of this season, they are back as we expected. Their defense as been quite solid, the only solid part of their game this season so far. They are just allowing 1.60 goals per game at home, and they don't fear any offensive team. Their offense has improved a lot in their last games, after Savard returned to the team. He has done the difference after his return and has now made an agreement for a 7 year extend contract. His confidence should be great now and will probably show it today, that he deserves the new contract.

So, we have one of the strongest teams returning to their best performances. They are very strong on defense, specially at home, and they'll probably knock out the strongest part of the Tampa Bay game. If the Boston defenders stop Tampa Bay offensive players, it will be a blow out loss to Tampa for sure, as they aren't able to stop anyone. Savard will probably exploit that fact and I expect the Bruins to get one of their biggest wins so far.


Pick: Boston Bruins PL -1.5 +165 (2.65) Bookmaker