Tuesday Puck Values

This one is hard to say with a straight face, because I've spent most of the season snickering at the pathetic nature of the on-ice comedy show that is the Washington Capitals. So here goes (hehehe):

• Washington -150 over Chicago

This price infers that the Caps are 60 percent likely to win this game. The 'Hawks are +130, inferring themto be 43.38 percent likely to win. (That the combined inferred probabilities exceed 100 percent is the result of the juice built into the lines.)

Everything the Caps do poorly, the Blackhawks do worse. Both teams give up plenty of goals, but Chicago refuses to at least stay close.

Who would have thought this would bethe case? Both starting goalies are considered among the best in the business. Olaf Kolzig is trade-rumor fodder as long as the Canucks tote Alex Auld onto the ice. Nicolai Khabibulin has a Stanley Cup on his resume. But with Colzig struggling and Khabibulin still doubtful (groin injury), this game becomes a showcase for the rookie Alex Ovechkin. I'm taking the Caps and hoping the 'Hawks take another opportunity show disinterest and lack of talent can combine for utter futility.

Also:

• Nashville (when it comes on the board)
• Toronto +140 (really? Auld a favorite against the red-hot Leafs?)
  

SCORECARD:
Monday picks: 1-1
To date:
NHL: 1-1
NBA: 1-1
NFL: 1-0

Good luck.