Puck Picks 10/18: Do or Die Time

My Puck Picks (0-4) are off to a slower start than the Barry Melrose era. I am picking 4 games tonight. If I don't get at least 2 right, I am cancelling the Puck Picks feature for the rest of the season.

Washington (-125) vs. New Jersey
Offense vs. Defense in this one. Can New Jersey's stingy defense slow down Ovechkin? Will games on back-to-back nights get to the Devils? The Caps offense finds a way to beat Marty Brodeur and Devils.

Detroit (-160) vs. New York Rangers
The Rangers can't be as good as they have looked so far this season. The Rangers are playing their third game in four nights. The Wings get their first win at the Joe, assuming that Def Leppard's goof with the Cup didn't anger the hockey gods too badly.

Chicago (Even) @ St. Louis
Early season coaching moves usually seem to be a catalyst. The Hawks will get new coach Joel Quenneville his first win behind the Chicago bench. The Blackhawks will need to stay out of the box and keep the Blue's successful power play (50%) off the ice.

San Jose (-200) vs. Philadelphia
Philly is finishing up a 3 game road trip out West. San Jose takes advantage of the Flyers' depleted defense and bounce back from their 4-0 loss to Anaheim last night. The Flyers head back to Philly still searching for their first win of the season.