Free Picks for All Major Sports - January 4, 2008

Scooter
Ottawa (25-10-1-3) at Buffalo (19-16-1-2)
Fri, Jan 4, 2008 7:30 PM ET
Ottawa -110
Bet on the NHL at Bodog Life

The Buffalo Sabres play host to the Ottawa Senators, at Ralph Wilson Stadium, for some hard hitting NHL action. These two teams have met up three times in the 07’ season with Ottawa winning two of three meetings.

The Ottawa Senators have suffered back to back losses to the Washington Capitals, once at home, and most recently losing 3-6 in Washington. Despite scoring a combined 9 goals they allowed a combined 14. Their goalie situation is still shaky, but G Martin Gerber is the better of the two. He’s currently won 7 of 10 for a 2.60 GAA. Backup G Ray Emery is not the same as last year; he’s 5-4-1-2 with a 2.29 GAA and a .890 SVPCT. The Sens offense is STILL red hot with the #1 goal scoring unit in the NHL. They’re good for 3.5 GPG and their power play is just shy of being in the top 10. They love to riffle shots on net averaging 31 shots per game, which accounts for their high goals per game. On defense their only problem is their goalie. Their penalty kill is great and ranked in the top 10. The top producer for the Sens is Dany Heatley with 54pts and Daniel Alfredson leads with 24 goals. The Sens are currently 13-4-0-2 on the road and the sit in 1st place in the Northeast Standings. They are (17-22 ATS, 20-17-2 O/U)

The Buffalo Sabres will be playing their first game since their New Years Day outdoor game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This will be the Sabres fourth loss in a row, two of which were decided by shootouts. The Sabres have great offense that just hasn’t been gelling lately. They’re offense is ranked in the top 10 in goals (3.0), shots on net and they have the 7th best power play. Their G Ryan Miller is 17-14-3 with a 2.52 GAA and he’ll have to improve if they want to compete in the tough Northeast Standings, where they sit in 4th place.  The go to guy for the Sabres is Jason Pominville with 31pts. The Sabres are currently 11-7-0-1 at home. They are (18-20 ATS, 16-18-4 O/U)

Bottom Line:  It’s going to be a real battle between two offensive teams where it’s going to come down to who’s got the hotter goalie. Even with the Sens losses they’ve scored 22 goals in five games compared to the Sabres five goals in five games.

The Sens should walk away the victors tonight.

Stan Winman

Detroit Pistons (25-7) at Toronto Raptors (17-15)
Friday January 4, 2008 7:05 PM EST
Raptors +4
Bet on the NBA at SBG Global

With a 4 point spread I like the Raptors who play at home tonight. Head to head the Pistons are 7-15-1 ATS in the last 23 meetings between the two teams and despite a good ATS record all year they have had their troubles with the Raptors. Unlike most teams Toronto has a very deep bench and can rotate a lot of players to defend the Pistons. Detroit has lost four of their last six games in Toronto while the Raptors are returning home after a 3-4 road trip and are playing some inspired basketball under head coach Sam Mitchell

Bottom Line: The Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. the Central. The Raptors are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 Friday games. The Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games. The Raptors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 vs. the Eastern Conference.

Bosh will be the deciding factor in tonight's game

For a list of all the other Sportsbook odds go to Totalodds.com

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