Here is the final segment of Mega Mid-Week Picks. This article will cover picks for Thursday, November 11th.
Oilers @ Bruins (NHL)
The Pick: EDM +120
The Oilers road trip started out poorly with a 2-4 loss to the Red Wings on Tuesday. However, prior to that, the Oilers had won four in a row. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the offense, there is no limit to how many goals they can pile up in a game. Now Edmonton will take on the pesky Bruins. Boston just scrapped by the Senators and before that got beat badly by the Maple Leafs. Boston has been up and down all season, I feel comfortable calling the Oiler upset.
Flames @ Canadiens (NHL)
The Pick: CGY -130
Calgary goaltending has been electric this season. Jacob Markstrom is allowing less than two goals a game and has a .940 save percentage. The Flames have skidded a bit over their last four games with three losses in total, but a trip to Montreal could cure what ails them. The Canadiens have lost three in a row, all while giving up over four goals a game. All three of those losses came against winning record teams and now Calgary comes to town with a winning record as well. I like to Flames to win on the road and extend the Canadiens' losing streak.
Kings @ Senators (NHL)
The Pick: LA -115
Keep riding the Kings train. This team does not look like they can be stopped at the moment. Six straight wins and six straight games with less than two goals allowed. The Senators continue to slump with five straight losses. There is no reason to believe that Ottowa will turn things around tonight against the white-hot Kings. Los Angeles will push the streak to seven games tonight.
Islanders @ Devils (NHL)
The Pick: NYI -140
The Devils have played very well this year, earning six wins in 11 tries. However, I don't believe they are a match for the Islanders. The Islanders are more experienced and have a more talented roster. Sorokin will be in the net tonight for New York so New Jersey may have a tough time scoring goals. The better team will prevail in this one and the Devils will fall to their arch-rival at home.
Panthers @ Penguins (NHL)
The Pick: FLA -130
The Panthers are experiencing their first ride on the struggle bus in 2021. The team has taken the loss in their previous two games and is looking to regain their powerhouse form against the Penguins. The Penguins for their part are trying to avoid a freefall right now. Pittsburgh has lost five of their past six and most recently took an embarrassing loss to the lowly Blackhawks. It is safe to fade the Penguins until they show us they can win. Florida will rebound on the road.
Capitals @ Red Wings (NHL)
The Pick: DET +115
Perhaps I have been too low on the Red Wings. They have been a competitive team this year and have already slain a few giants. One of their best performances came on the road against the Capitals in a 3-2 overtime win. Now the Red Wings will have a chance to take down the mighty Caps again. I believe that they will get it done tonight. The Capitals are scuffling a bit in November and the goaltending has been suspect at times. Detriot is feeling good right now and Washington...not so much. Go with the hotter team.
Predators @ Blues (NHL)
The Pick: NSH +160
The reason that this line is large is because Saros is not in the net for the Predators. I understand that should concern many people, but I'm willing to give guest star David Rittich a shot between the pipes. Rittich was solid last year with a 2.86 GAA. The Blues have alternated between a win and a loss for six games now, tonight they are due for a loss. I'm enjoying riding the Predators at the moment and believe they will win a tough game in Saint Louis tonight.
Wild @ Golden Knights (NHL)
The Pick: MIN -110
Here is a rematch of an opening-round matchup between these two teams in the playoffs last year. Vegas prevailed in seven games, but this year the Wild are off to a torrid start. The Wild are 9-3-0 and are sitting at the top of the Central division. The Golden Knights have struggled for the most part this year and look ripe for an ass-whooping. Minnesota is eager to beat out their frustrations from the playoff elimination and will take it to Vegas tonight.
Ducks @ Kraken (NHL)
The Pick: ANA +145
Imagine showing confidence in the Ducks. Wow, times have changed. Anaheim is above .500 and is riding a five-game win streak. Now, the Ducks lineup against the slumping Kraken. John Gibson will be tending twine for Anaheim tonight and he has only given up five goals across his last four outings. The Kraken handed the Coyotes their first win of the season a few days ago, that is more than enough reason to fade Seattle. I like a road team upset to occur in this one.
Cal Riverside @ Arizona State (NCAAM)
The Pick: ASU -5 First Half
Bobby Hurley is one of my favorite coaches in the sport, he is so animated and passionate. It is easy to see he cares about his players. The Sun Devils may not be national contenders, but Hurley has managed to field competitive squads for a few years runnings. Riverside has no business hanging around with the Sun Devils. I like Arizona State to outscore UC Riverside by at least five points in the first half.
George Washington @ Maryland (NCAAM)
The Pick: MD -10 First Half
Maryland has the makings of a great squad this year. A strong offense led by senior Eric Ayala will most assuredly pose a threat to many Big Ten teams. In the first game of the season, Maryland won by 14. This is a fine margin of victory but was not truly dominant. In fact, the Terps were outscored in the second half. I can see a similar scenario occurring in the game against George Washington. The Terps will roll in the first half and build a large lead. Therefore, it is safe to assume Maryland will be up by double digits at the half.