Detroit Red Wings vs. Philadelphia Flyers 12/18

Recap

Beating the Leafs was a monumental boost to the team’s morale, as well as the fans. Instead of going into their 3 day break on a 2 game skid, they were able to enjoy it after a big win. Husso finally had his breakout game, earning his first win of the season. The defense stepped up big time, with Petry getting his first goal of the season, along with an apple to secure a solid 2 point night. On top of that, Mo also scored his fourth goal of the year, as he has been playing some of the best hockey we have seen from him. Our goalies have had many solid performances this year that have been tainted by bad defense, so for the back 6 to step up, it would mean big things for this team’s success. Minus a flurry of chances in the second period from the Leafs, the Wings pretty much dominated most off that game. With the Wings responding each time the Leafs scored, it was the first time in a while that I felt comfortable watching them on the ice. It’s a sigh of relief too because this season has definitely increased my alcohol levels. They are such a talented team, but they just love to shoot themselves in the foot each game, but with how they played on Saturday, I’m confident this team will figure things out for the better.

We were so close to hitting our parlay as well. Unfortunately, we only missed the parlay by one leg, and even that leg had plenty of chances to hit on Saturday. The over hit with the empty netter to seal the game and Larkin got his point that we needed, but unfortunately the point he got wasn’t on the powerplay. The powerplay just couldn’t buy a goal after getting three opportunities for Larkin to get something. The picks are on a two game skid right now, but were still hanging in their and I think we got a solid chance to get back into the positives with a good game from the boys tonight.

Prediction

After a much needed break from hockey I think the Wings got the mental reset that they needed. Also, tonight is the third primetime game of the season, and we know what that means. The primetime Wings are back baby! With a 2-0 record on TNT, I absolutely love their spot tonight. It will be my biggest play of the year, as the boys are well rested, we got Lyon back from injury, and they’re hungry to get back at a team that beat them 2 games prior. With the home crowd getting loud tonight, I expect them to dominate tonight. I believe the Flyers will be running the same lineup from their loss on Saturday, and the Red Wings will be doing the same, with their interesting line selections from the weekend. December has always been a struggle for the Wings, but the next three games present an amazing opportunity to do something special. With how shit the season has gone, they remain only 6 points back from a wild card spot, and with 3 very winnable games in the next 3 days, they can easily put themselves back in it. They have to lock in though and win this first one tonight.

My play tonight is going to be very simple, but also massive. With this season tilting game on the line, as well as the Wings putting their perfect primetime record on the line, I love the Wings in this spot. When the Wings lose, it’s usually when they’re on a losing streak or they’re getting blown out, but tonight will be different. They’re gaining chemistry and finally have a full roster (minus Talbot). This is it, this is the time the Wings turn things around for the better and make a run at ending the dreaded playoff drought.

Pick

Red Wings ML -120 (10u)