Groovy Tuesdays

With a couple of minutes of free time, I want to get in my picks for tonight's set of games. At this point my record has plummeted to 44-38, barely keeping my head above water. With nine games played tonight, I will only focus on a couple of personal interest.

Boston @ Toront0 - The Bruins pulled off a nice little shootout victory last week against the Leafs but will get the job done in regulation this time around. After losing their playmaker to a vicious cheap shot from Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke, the B's will come out with energy against Toronto. If they do not, I will stop hoping in a Bruins playoff miracle this season. This game is bigger than the two points at stake. Bruins win 4-2. Kessel finally scores against the Bruins.

Calgary @ Detroit - Look for the Red Wings to continue to make a real playoff push. Calgary trails Detroit by only a point for the final playoff spot out west but the Wings have looked good since the Olympic break. Both have won two straight leading up to this showdown but given the location of the game (Joe Louis Arena), I give Detroit the edge 4-2.

NY Islanders @ Philadelphia - On paper this seems like an easy one to call in favor of Philly. However, the Islanders are playing with nothing to lose and seemingly having fun doing it. They are a quick and energetic bunch that can give anyone a tough time on any given night. Tavares, Park, and Moulson have been fantastic recently and are combustible. I still like Philly in this matchup, but in a close contest 3-2.

Tampa Bay @ Montreal - Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives. The Canadiens are on the inside looking out while the Lightning are stuck on the outside looking in - only 4 points back. I will tag this game my upset special. I hate the Canadiens and would love to see them drop points at home. Vinny Lecavalier nets two goals in a 5-2 Tampa victory.