NHL Picks of the Week

The Chicago Blackhawks are as close to a dynasty in the NHL as it gets. That's why the Blackhawks figure prominently in my NHL picks of the week. Can the Blackhawks beat the NY Rangers at home on Friday, Dec. 9? On Sunday, Dec. 11, will Chicago beat the rival Dallas Stars in a home match?  Also, how will Pittsburgh play against a tough Tampa Bay Lightning squad on the road this Saturday?

NHL Picks of the Week

NY Rangers at Chicago
When:  Friday, Dec. 9 at 830 pm ET
Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
TV: MSG+/CSNC

Analysis: By the time the Rangers take on the Blackhawks this Friday, they will have already played 2 road games. NYR throws down against the rival Islanders on Dec. 6. Then on Dec. 8 they take on Winnipeg on the road.

Although NYR leads the Metropolitan Division to start the week, and can stick with the Chicago Blackhawks, all the travel before playing Chicago is to the Rangers' detriment. Chicago leads the tough Central Division. They racked the Rangers 5 to 3 in the last match between these two.

I think Chicago wins by 2 goals again.  

Pick: Chicago goal line

Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay
When:  Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
TV: ROOT/SUN

Analysis: The Pittsburgh Penguins have won 3 out of their last 4 to start the week. One of the wins was a 6 to 2 thrashing of the Dallas Stars on Dec. 1. The Pens are about a game behind the Rangers in the Metro Division.

Pitt hasn't faced Tampa Bay since May 26. Not only that, but although Tampa is only 3 games above .500 at 14-11, they are a terrific 7-3-0-1 at home. The Lightning only have Vancouver at home on Dec. 8 this week before taking on the Pens.

Tampa has no excuses. They should beat the Pens straight up in this important Eastern Conference match on Saturday, Dec. 10.   

Pick: Tampa Bay

Dallas at Chicago
When:  Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
TV: FSSW/CSNC

Analysis: Two days after battling the NY Rangers at home, Chicago takes on another tough team in the Dallas Stars. The Blackhawks are ahead of the Stars in the Central Division. But, Dallas has plenty of time to make up the lost ground.

Will Dallas start making up lost ground this Sunday in a match up on the road versus Chicago?  I doubt it. Chicago has a 10-2-1-1 home record to start the week. The Blackhawks beat Dallas 4-3 in overtime in the last match between these two.

The Stars are 4-7-4-0 in away games to start the week. It's going to be hard for Dallas to stay close to the Blackhawks in this match.

Pick: Chicago