Tips to maximize your fun and winning ways in Stanley Cup hockey pools

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Spring has sprung… the grass is riz…wonder where the hockey fans is?

The Stanley Cup Playoffs start tomorrow, but some of the biggest battles could be in the workplace as people make their picks for the post-season hockey pools.

As you weed through the possibilities, there a few things to consider to maximize your chances of winning (or at least making a respectable finish) but Rule No. 1, according to Sportsnet Radio’s Adam Forsythe, is to have fun.

“You’ve got to pick your favourites,” he says from the News1130 Sports Centre. “The best part about hockey is that you don’t need to do a lot of research; you just have to watch the games and enjoy. And make those ‘homer’ picks. Why not throw a Daniel Sedin or a Henrik Sedin in there? It might not win you the pool, but it will make you cheer for them that much harder.”

There is a lot of Canadian content to choose from this year, too.

“The Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets … if you’re just looking to have fun and have an experience with your coworkers, spread your picks around and always root for the Canadian teams. It’s a wide-open race.”

If you are looking to be a more serious poolie, Forsythe has a few tips.

“Always try to pick from two teams you think will make it through to the Stanley Cup final. Your natural tendency might be to pick the Canucks, but that’s not always the best thing to do. Those homer picks don’t always work out. This year’s favourites? You’ve got to go with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers — if you have to have a Canadian team, the Montreal Canadiens are a safe bet.”

Forsythe says you can also go the “underdog” route.

“Maybe take some Minnesota Wild or Nashville Predators. The upsets aren’t likely, but it might win you the pool in the long run.”

And while you may be a fan of the home team, don’t be above betting on the competition.

“You have an interest in winning. You’re not a Sydney Crosby fan but you have him in your pool? You want Crosby to win the Cup! I picked a few Calgary Flames. I don’t want to see them win but, hey, if Johnny Gaudreau scores a couple of goals against the Canucks this week, not a problem,” Forsythe laughs.

You can join Sportsnet’s 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs Fantasy Pool.

It’s free and there are prizes, including a VIP trip for two to an NHL regular season game next season. Get your picks in by tomorrow.

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