NHL ice hockey - Wed 05/10

[Tulenos]

A bit too early for my picks, but instead of leaving a blank message, I can say I really like the Sharks (San Jose) today on ML and can't see why the hell they should be @ odds against. Colorado (ML) to bt Edmonton also looks good. Maybe also the Mighty Ducks. All the above based on preseason form (see the other thread for standings - SJS with a purrrfect 7-0-0 record) Have to disagree with craig in the other thread - NYR @ over 5/2 (ML) represent tremendous value - not saying they will win, but no way Philly should be such an overwhelming fav in this one. Not touching the totals market as yet. And even these plays are sporting wagers this early into the season. May elaborate more, but much later than now;)

[craiguk12000]

Re: NHL ice hockey - Wed 05/10 Few thoughts on tonights games then.... Flyers (4/7 ladrbokes 60mins only) The team on paper, solid. They've lost a big leader in Roenick but replaced him with another leader and more importantly a better player in Forsberg. A fit Forsberg will be huge for the flyers, once he's settled in on a line the points will start flooding in. There defence is solid and hugely experienced backed up by some solid goaltending. Esche on top form, with that defence infront of him will be a tough nut to crack. On the other hand, the rangers, a strange looking side on paper. Pre season doesnt mean too much i know, but the 2 games ive seen them play, they didnt strike me as being anything above average. Although, Jagr's goal vs the islanders very nice!!. Onto Jagr, he is huge for them. If he can find a couple of guys to play with who compliment him well then who knows, but its tough finding those players. They have a lot of experience upfront, players who will get the points, but arent anything really special, straka, rucchin, rushinsky, nylander and hossa could suprise a few with his points total i think. But all those players would have to be on the top of there game to get the goals tonight and the first game of the season i just cant see them doing it. The defence looks pretty solid, but im very unsure about the goaltending. Weekes/Lundqvist just dont fill me with confidence at all im afraid. There both good backups but dont have the quality to be a starter and play 60 games a season. Forsberg and co versues the rangers back line Jagr and co versus the flyers back line There's only one winner for me, more threatening going forward, much more solid in defence and much better goaltending, im confident the flyers are going to pull through this. Pittsburgh (11/5 ladbrokes 60mins only) Probably sounds a little stupid but if this game wasnt the telivised game tonight, i'd leave it alone, but seeing as though ill be watching it, we may aswell have a little interest. A pretty close game on paper, both teams with plenty of attacking firepower (the pens having most) and both teams with solid defence and netminding (devils slightly better). Elias out for the first month or so is a big blow to new jersey, he is a key player. I'm sure Crosby will be out to live up to the hype in his first regular season game, so im expecting a big show from him. Could all come down to the netminding and who pefroms best on the night, but simply because they look a value price im going for the pens. Detroit (7/10 ladbrokes 60mins only) A game where i think in the end, the class of detroit will prevail. They have there young stars, and there veterans. Solid at the back, decent but not spectacular goaltending and firepower on all lines upfront. The blues, without doug weight just seem to be an average NHL team. There alright,they will work hard but i think when they come up against a solid team with that little bit of extra skill upfront like detroit then they will struggle. The defence and netminding is where the blues are strongest and i can see them winning a few low scoring games (mental note - remember this in a few weeks time when i start playing the over/under) but i i just think detroit will find a way round there defence and win. Will take a look at a couple more i think later on, so more thoughts if i fancy them too, liking the look of calgary at the moment i think..