NHL picks and comments Feb 5

 

 VS      

The Colorado Avalanche and the New York Rangers play each other right off the bat after the All star break.  Two top teams the Avalanche, leading the Central Division with a 32-14-3 record, rely heavily on their potent offense, averaging 3.84 goals per game. Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, who have a combined 58 goals and 92 assists. However, their defense has struggled, allowing 3.10 goals per game. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev faces challenges with a .898 save percentage.

The Rangers, atop the Metropolitan Division at 30-16-3, have strong offence averaging 3.27 goals per game. Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad lead the way with 60 goals and 98 assists. The Rangers' defense has also performed well, allowing only 2.86 goals per game. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin, though, has struggled with a .899 save percentage.

Jonathan quick is the starter and he is on his game with 10 -4 -2  record 

Going with the Avalanche to win this one although I'm thinking a close game. Avs strong offensive  will put too much pressure on the Rangers.  Also think it will be high scoring so over 6.5

Avalanche win 

The NHL's second half kicks off on Monday after the all-star festivities in Toronto. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who had the advantage of hosting the all-star events, face the New York Islanders. The Leafs, currently on a positive streak with four wins in their last five games, sit fourth in the Atlantic Division, just one point behind Tampa Bay for third place. In contrast, the struggling Islanders have lost seven of their last eight games and haven't secured consecutive wins since December 13.

Although the break may have come at a beneficial time for the Islanders, it's unlikely to alter their challenging situation. Ilya Sorokin, their goaltender, is expected to be rusty as he sat out the last two games before the break and hasn't played since January 23. Sorokin has faced difficulties this season, with a 3.17 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. On the Leafs' side, Ilya Samsonov has faced criticism for his overall performance, particularly during a tough three-game stretch in December. However, he showcased improvement in January, allowing only three goals in his last three starts, all resulting in victories.

Toronto Maple Leafs win