After NFL odds dominate Thanksgiving Thursday action, the holiday weekend fun continues with several afternoon NHL affairs on Friday. Let’s make some sports picks.

New Jersey Devils @ Boston Bruins
Friday, November 27, 12:00 p.m. ET

Uh-oh. Somebody poked the sleeping…well, Bruin. The Boston Bruins had a very disappointing start to the season after many sports betting sharps picked them to win the Stanley Cup this year. They did, however, have an excuse, as Marc Savard and Milan Lucic both missed significant time with broken bones. While Lucic is nicked up again, Savard is good to go for Friday. He’s the catalyst in Boston, a creative player who makes others around him better. It’s also worth noting that blue-chip goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask has been sensational filling in for injured Tim Thomas.

After an amazing 9-0 start on the road, the Devils have dropped three straight away from home. They’re still playing phenomenal defense under Jacques Lemaire but they’re struggling to find scoring after the Parise-Zajac line. The Bruins are almost as stingy and should hold the Devils down if they send Zdeno Chara out to shadow Parise. Pick Boston.

Pick: Bruins

Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers
Friday, November 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Flyers have a natural advantage here not simply because they’re playing at home but also because they play more matinees than any other NHL team. They’re more likely to be fresh as they host the Sabres. Philly alternates hot and cold streaks but it’s worth noting that most of their struggles come on the road. At home, the Wachovia Center plays like an NFL betting stadium, complete with vicious fans and an extremely physical Flyers team that loves to intimidate on the forecheck.

The Sabres are wounded puppy dogs right now, having lost four straight. Aside from Tyler Myers and Craig Rivet, they’re a small team. Look for the Flyers to hit them early and often. Chris Pronger and Mike Richards will star as Philly romps at home.

Pick: Flyers