Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets

[Raji]

Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils (-185, 5 goals)

Finally, a sign of life from New Jersey’s so-called top line.

Before Scott Gomez’s overtime winner in Game 4, super sophomore Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner and Travis Zajac were carrying the bulk of the load on the second unit while the top line had yet to break out.

John Tortorella isn’t going to stop sending Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Brad Richards over the boards - all played more than 28 minutes in Game 4 and haven’t played fewer than 22 in any game this series. That trio’s been dominant, but hasn’t had much help.

If Gomez’s goal gets that line going, look out. Plus, Martin Brodeur still hasn’t completely stolen a game yet.

Pick: Devils -185

New York Islanders at Buffalo Sabres (-340, 6 goals)

Every team goes through stretches of bad luck and bad breaks. Good teams fight through it and use the misfortune to fuel them; mediocre teams let those bounces and calls get to them.

Guess which category the New York Islanders fit into?

They’re going through one of those bad stretches right now and Buffalo is taking advantage of it. Ryan Smyth and Rick DiPietro are trying to hold this club together, but they just don’t have the depth.

Pick: Buffalo -1 1/2 goals (-107)

San Jose Sharks at Nashville Predators (-135, 5 1/2 goals)

Wondering why the San Jose Sharks are up 3-1 without playing anything close to their best hockey yet?

"We came in after the second period [of Wednesday’s 3-2 win] and there were guys yelling at each other, going, 'What is this crap?' and 'This isn't the way we play,' stuff like that," Sharks head coach Ron Wilson told reporters. "And it was young guys yelling as much as the older guys. I barely had to say anything at all.”

Just wait until their 1-for-23 powerplay gets back on track.

Pick: Sharks +115


Raji