The Cheat Sheet: March 26th, 2011

Gather around hockey fans and devoted gamblers, it’s time for our daily meeting before we go off and make some potentially regrettable decisions with our money. Today on the docket: 12 games, sorted into Gold picks, Silver Picks, Bronze Picks, and black lumps of coal.

Let’s see how today’s numbers break down, using the trusty database-recall system.

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Saturday’s Sheet:

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– Logically, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to me either, but the Islanders are actually predicted to win here. Both of these teams have been OT/SO regulars as of late, so maybe they are headed for a close game if that trend should continue. Their last 3 head-to-head meetings have also been relatively competitive.

– TOR/DET could get interesting as well. You’ve gotta admire the Leafs’ competitive spirit, and the outstanding recent play of James Reimer. Looks like decent value.

– I’d play some of these Overs, but I’m worried about the whole playoff chase mentality that teams have been getting into lately. When games get tied 2-2 in the 3rd period nowadays, you can say pretty much say ‘hello’ to lock-down hockey, and ‘goodbye’ to quality scoring chances. BTW, the plus-money is the only reason why CGY/EDM over 5.5 is recommended. This game is not predicted to get too crazy.

– It’s the freakin’ weekend, and I can finally put this week behind me. Back on Monday.

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Agree with the Gold pick? Disagree with it? See a betting line on the board that seems wrong? You know what to do (fill up the comment section).

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