The 2011 – 12 NHL season has arrived, and already fans and handicappers alike are looking for the best free picks this season. Today we will be using our bookie software, to research a couple of marquee games.

Tampa Bay Lighting At Washington Capitals – In a rematch of round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Washington Capitals welcome the Tampa Bay Lighting. The last time these two hooked up, the Lighting sent the Capitals back to the drawing board, as they were swept in rather convincing fashion. One of the main issues the Capitals had was that they were using a rookie goaltender in current backup Michael Neuvrith. This offseason, the Capitals agreed to a one year deal with veteran goalie Tomas Vokun, with the belief that Vokun could be the deciding factor in a Stanley Cup run.

Despite the embarrassing second round exit at the hands of Tampa Bay five months ago, the Washington Capitals are a sports betting favorite to win the Cup this season. As we noted earlier, Vokun will be the dark horse for the Capitals success, as the team’s new approach to defense, will be irrelevant if he struggles out of the gate. Look for Washington to make a statement against the Lightning as they try to exorcise past demons.

Carolina Hurricanes At New Jersey Devils – Both the Hurricanes and Devils will aim to put last season’s playoff misses in the rear view mirror. Carolina is shaping up to be more of a Toronto Maple Leafs castoff center then Calgary, as the additions of Tim Brent, Tomas Kaberle and Alexi Ponikarovsky to a team that already includes Jay Harrison, and Jiri Tlusty, makes fans wonder what exactly is going on.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the return of Zach Parise can only mean good things for one of the oldest cash strapped teams in the NHL. On paper, the veteran lineup of the Devils should have more firepower. Yet, this is the same team that ranked dead last in goals a year ago. Pick: Carolina.