First Week Of December NHL Picks

Carolina travels to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Dec. 3. Will the Rangers beat Carolina in the Garden? Also on Saturday is a game between Washington and Tampa Bay. Who wins in that huge Eastern Conference matchup?

First Week Of December NHL Picks

Carolina at NY Rangers
When:  Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1:00 pm ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: FSS/MSG

Analysis: As of 11/28, Carolina is 6-2 straight up in their last 10 games. They battle the Rangers on Nov. 29 in the Garden before traveling to Boston to face the Bruins on Dec. 1. Then, it's back to the Garden versus the Rangers on Dec. 3.

Although Carolina has been hot in their last 8, the schedule doesn't bode well for them in their next 3. If the Hurricanes pull off any upset, they figure to be dogs in all 3 road tests, it should be the upset against the Bruins on Dec. 1.

I'll even give Carolina a shot to beat NYR on Nov. 29. But by the time the Hurricanes take on the Rangers at MSG on Dec. 3, I think they'll be too tired to win it.

Pick: New York Rangers

Washington at Tampa Bay
When:  Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
TV: CSNB/SUN

Analysis: I love these Stanly Cup Playoff preview games. That's what NHL fans and hockey handicappers are going to see when Washington battles Tampa Bay on Saturday, Dec. 3. Washington is 13-6-1-1 as of Nov. 28. The Capitals have a very good defense. The offense could step it up some. Washington averages less than 3 goals per match.

Tampa Bay is great on both offense and defense. The Lightning give up less than 3 goals per match at 2.6 while averaging 3.0 goals per match on offense. Tampa Bay has struggled as of Nov. 28, going 1-3 straight up in their last 3.

But the Lightning are 6-3-0-1 at home. I'm backing the Lightning in this matchup.

Pick: Tampa Bay