Premium NHL Picks: Mar 13 #1

Chicago Blackhawks @ Philadelphia Flyers

First and the only meeting between the teams this seaon. It was two years ago when they met for the last time and the Hawks had won that one 5-1 in Chicago.

It was very different for the flyers before the Olympic Break and afterwards. Peter Laviolette's team was very good in the defense but they seem to have some problems as of late. Flyers have allowed 18 goals in their last 5 games and they have lost three of these. The last home loss against the Boston Bruins was the worst one with a score of 5-1.

Hawks have won three of their last five and they were against the LA Kings in their latest game at the United Center. LA Kings are a very dangerous team on road but the Hawks held them off at 3-2 and they won their 26th game on home ice this season. They are 18-10-3 on road.

Both teams are very healthy. As for the goaltenders, we will probably see Boucher start for the home side while the Hawks will start with Huet in goal. Huet has been at the center of critics lately and the number 1 goaltender is now Niemi who will make a start tomorrow against the Capitals.

Flyers have not been playing their best in last three games. They won two of them but they didn't look as good as they did before the break. Defensive problems may be a big problem tonight against the Blackhawks tonight. Hawks are the second highest scoring team in the league.

Hawks will take advantage of Flyers' recent defensive issues and they have a goaltending fight right now which should also have a positive effect in terms of goaltending. I will go with the Hawks in this one

PREMIUM NHL PICK: CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS TO WIN [MONEYLINE]

1.83 @ Bodog.com

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