A selection of NHL picks complete with live odds for Wednesday.

Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL Odds: Red Wings -200

The Detroit Red Wings are really trying to get their momentum back before the playoffs and nothing helps a team get on a roll more so than back-to-back meetings with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Red Wings have slumped mightily since the end of February, which includes losses in 11 of 14 games. They’ve had to deal with plenty of injuries and the good news is that they’ve won two straight and are getting healthy. It looks like by Friday, they might be back at full strength.

No matter, they pummeled Columbus 7-2 at home on Monday and why not stick with the same theme? They’re going to bring their ‘A’ game once again and push around a Blue Jackets team that simply can’t wait for the final buzzer. Lay the puck line with Detroit.

NHL Picks: Red Wings -1.5 +140

 

Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL Odds: Over/Under 5.5

The Red Wings are still missing lead goaltender Jimmy Howard, which is part of why the team has struggled badly. Ty Conklin has been in net for back-to-back games now and while the Red Wings have won both starts, they’ve still given up a slew of goals in the process.

The Red Wings have scored 12 goals in their last two games but they’ve allowed six. Combined with Columbus’ propensity to pretty much do the opposite, we should see a high scoring affair. The Blue Jackets have scored 10 goals in their last three games and given up 14.

There has been no less than five goals in any of the last five meetings between the teams and the last two contests have averaged eight goals. Take the over.

NHL Picks: Over 5.5

 

Los Angeles Kings at Calgary Flames

NHL Odds: Flames -110 

 

Wednesday’s affair between Calgary and Los Angeles will push one team closer to the playoffs and one team closer to the exit. Don’t surprised if this game hits overtime as both teams try to play conservative and ensure at least one point. 

Even so, the Los Angeles Kings have to be the play here all things equal. Sure, they’re an inconsistent bunch but so is Calgary. If both teams show up and bring their best efforts, the Kings and their talent should win out. 

The main concern is that Calgary has simply been giving up too many goals recently. They’ve allowed 11 in their last three games and if the Kings get to three on Wednesday, they are going to win. Take a small flier on the Kings. 

NHL Picks: Kings

 

San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks

NHL Odds: Sharks -125 

 

I’m somewhat groaning as I write this but I’ll make a small play on the San Jose Sharks on the road in Anaheim on Wednesday. One of the main reasons for it is that the Sharks are only -125 on the road, which isn’t too expensive. The Sharks have been vastly overpriced on the betting odds board all season, so this seems reasonable. 

Basically, this play is like going to the store and buying something you don’t need only because it’s on sale. 

San Jose has played well with three straight wins and five in their last seven. Anaheim tends to be a thorn in their side (see: last Monday’s 5-3 win in San Jose) but here’s hoping the Sharks have some pride. With a captain like Joe Thornton, we probably already know the answer to that question but they’ve got a playoff spot on the line here and the Ducks are merely playing out the string. 

It’s only a small play but I’m taking the Sharks. 

NHL Picks: Sharks