Wunderdog comps
Game: Buffalo at Toronto (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Toronto +125 (moneyline)
Buffalo is desperate to stave off elimination from the playoffs. Having made it to the Eastern Conference Finals the past two years, they are at risk of not making the playoffs at all this year. One more loss dooms them and we think they flal tonight. Toronto was eliminated from the playoffs in their loss to Boston and they will be looking to deliver some of that medicine to the Sabres. Buffalo is playing horrible defense right now (3.6 per game allowed over their last five) while Toronto is playing great offense (3.4 per game over their last five). The Leafs are 12-5 in their last 17 games vs. teams that average 2.9+ goals per game. And, Buffalo is just 1-6 off an overtime win.
Game: Phoenix at Denver (9:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Denver -7 (-110)
We were on Phoenix last night and after a poor start Denver squandered a big lead in the second half, which they have done often on the road, and got blown out. The difference is that they finish these games at home. The Nuggets have taken down 10 of the last 12 teams over .500 at home - all by 6 points or more and eight of those teams by double-digits. Think they will be breathing fire tonight after blowing a 20-point lead on the road? Phoenix has had trouble on the road against the top teams where they are 1-8 SU in their last nine and have lost three of the last four by 13 or more points including a game in Denver. Revenge is sweet, the Nuggets get it.