Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

It is always the most fun when I have a night like I did last night where I predicted the scores of 12 games because it means today I have plenty of material on which to recap. However, I will also say a few words about tonight's pair of games. But first let's talk about Saturday.

My record for the night was a respectable 7-5. First, let's talk about the losses.

I was shocked at the score line of the Caps-Maple Leafs games which saw the Leafs dominate the mighty Caps in front of a home-town Canadian crowd. I was also surprised but more disappointed in the Bruins who managed to hang with the Islanders before falling in overtime. My bold prediction that the Columbus would take down Anaheim in a shootout was not meant to be nor was my unfounded statement that Nashville would shutout Detroit. Mark those down as loss three and four on the night. Finally, I was actually close in my last prediction that Phoenix and San Jose would be involved in a close game. The score line was correct, 2-1, but in the wrong direction as the Sharks walked away with the W.

Inspired by the home crowd, Ottawa scored two in the third to march past Carolina 4-2. The Devils were able to handle the Flyers 4-1. Atlanta would need overtime to pull out the win against Montreal 4-3. Buffalo tightened up the defense and shutout the Rangers in period two and three to win 3-2 on the road and increase their division lead. Pittsburgh surprisingly needed overtime to beat the Panthers at home. A first period onslaught proved to be the difference for Vancouver who defeated Minnesota 4-3. And finally, the Kings - hopefully inspired by the trendy home crowd - pulled off an exciting come-from-behind shootout win against Dallas.

Now for tonight's matchups.

Tampa Bay @ Chicago - It is tough to pick against the surging Blackhawks at home but this is hockey - anything can happen. Chicago is also 12-3-1 at home this year and 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Blackhawks find a way to win this one 3-1 or 4-1.

Calgary @ Colorado - Game of the night which sees the two teams tied to first in the Northwest division fight it out for sole possession of the spot. Both teams are similar in their home-road records but I will give the edge to visiting Calgary for a couple of reasons. One, they have a better record in their last ten games than Colorado (6-2-2 vs. 4-3-3). Two, Calgary has a tremendous road record this season of 11-3-3 and Colorado is mediocre at home (8-3-2). Three, Calgary has the advantage in net with Kiprusoff turning in an all-star year thus far. Calgary wins a close and very exciting game 3-2.