Weekend hockey predictions

It’s a rarity that the storied Toronto Maple Leafs (2-0-0) and Calgary Flames (1-2-0) meet, let alone on the East coast where the Flames haven’t been since 2009.

The Maple Leafs hope all the changes in the past couple of seasons, and some veteran presence this year will finally help them end a six-year playoff drought. [ Watch for the best NHL underdog lines, consistently at one shop specializing in hockey odds ]

They looked good in a shutout victory over rivals Montreal in their season-opener, while surrendering five goals in the third period of a 6-5 win over Ottawa last time out. Calgary has dominated the Maple Leafs with four straight head-to-head victories.

But, this Toronto team is much different and much improved at every position. The play of James Reimer in net toward the end of last season looks like it has carried over into this year. Considering Toronto as an NHL game selection pick this season is actually food for thought for the once-regarded basement dwellers.

That is good news for the Maple Leafs and bad news for a Calgary team that has surrendered 10 goals in two losses to open the season. They did come away with an impressive victory over struggling Montreal last time out. The early start by Toronto and their seemingly deeper lineup makes them our NHL free game pick on Saturday night.

NHL Prediction: Toronto on the moneyline (see line now)

The Winnipeg Jets (0-0-2) will travel to the desert to meet the Phoenix Coyotes (1-1-1), who were once the franchise of the Jets some 15 years ago. Phoenix has won four straight over Winnipeg (formerly Atlanta), but all have been by one goal.

Winnipeg is eager to get into the win column and will have extra incentive when they meet the team that saw NHL hockey leave that city on Saturday night.

The Jets looked good in a one-goal loss to Chicago, and once held a two-goal lead in that game. Phoenix dropped two straight, one in overtime to Dallas and without Ilya Bryzgalov in net - it’s a different game now.

NHL Pick: Winnipeg on the puckline (see line now)