Analysis of a Winner


EDM CBJ - Normally I bet against the Oil so that if they lose I can at least be happy that they didn't ruin my pool. But '0 fer' on the road trip so far and a big game in Detroit the next night... it was tough to bet against them

NJD NYR - This was a coin flip and generally in coin flips, I like to go with the home team. My buddy Derek was over while I was filling it out and just before I picked the Rangers, he reminded me that NJ has Marty Brodeur. And that was that. He really is the greatest goalie of all time. I feel very lucky to be able to watch him play in his prime. Easily one of the most entertaining players in the league. Until yesterday afternoon Martin Brodeur had ALL 38 of NJ's victories. He's played every game since Dec. 14. He's a machine.

PHI CAR - It's really hard to bet on Philly, like REEALLY hard. You know one day they're gonna win one and it's gonna bite you in the ass. Fortunately it wasn't on Thursday.

BUF OTT - Another coin flip and Marty Brodeur doesn't play on either of these teams, had to go with the home team (Note, if there hadn't been so many other games that could go either way, I would have blocked this game out)

TB ATL - I've had a fondness for TB ever since about.... the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals. Plus I hate Bob Hartely. That's why I went TB on this coin flip

PIT FLA - Seemed to be one of the easier picks to make. Florida actually played a very strong game (even though I didn't see any of it and still haven't). They ended up hammering Boston a couple of days later. This one was suppose to be a lock that turned into a coin flip. I'm just liking this Pittsburgh team too much.

TOR NYI - Another coin flip. The Islanders always find a way to sting me when I bet against them, they're at home, plus it's easy to bet against the Leafs

MTL NAS - This was a big gamble but there's always going to be upsets. This was the one I picked because a) I think NAS is overrated... big time and b) MTL has got to turn it around some time. I was hoping it was Thursday night. And oh, was it ever.

SJ CHI - Another tough pick but all in all, SJ is a much stronger team and I could live with myself if they blew it for me. Still pretty gutsy considering how many road teams that I'd picked already.

CGY PHX - JP (my younger bro) tuned me up the week before for betting on the Flames on the road. Calgary at home on the other hand...

MIN COL - Again, not an easy pick, but I think Colorado has overachieved this season. Also, the Oil are chasing the Wild, if they ruin my pool by losing, I'll at least be happy the Oil made ground. $16K happy? close.

VAN LA - Easiest pick of the night. This made it 8 road teams but you can't be skewed by that. Each game has to be considered individually. In this case Roberto Luongo only plays for one of these teams.