I’m playing on ST LOUIS. While the price on the Blues is admittedly a little steep, I believe they’re going to have a significant advantage.

The Blues are 28-11 (28-7-4) at home. They outscore teams by a 3.5 to 2.2 margin here. On the other hand, the Capitals are 15-24 (15-7-7) on the road, where they outscored by an average of 3.1 to 2.6.

The Caps are 24-39 (-13.3) the past couple of seasons, when playing a road game with an O/U line of 5.5. During that stretch, the Blues are 25-9 (+10.1) when playing a home game with an O/U line of 5.5.

Off back-to-back losses, battling for first place in their conference and having lost this season’s lone meeting with the Capitals, the Blues should be highly motivated.

Note that the Blues are 9-4 (+4.1) after a loss by two or more goals and 11-5 (+4.1) after giving up four or more goals. The last time they were off back-to-back losses, they blanked Pittsburgh in their next game, triggering a 3-game win streak.

Going back a little further and we find that the Blues are actually a perfect 6-0 on the season, after losing their previous two games. They won those six games by a combined score of 25-6, with scores of 6-1, 5-1, 5-1, 4-1, 4-2 and 1-0.

Even with the earlier loss at Washington, the Blues are still 37-11 (+22.4) their last 48 against Eastern Conference opponents, 23-7 this season. The Blues have dominated the Caps here over recent years, going 8-2 (+7) the last 10 meetings here. I believe the Caps have some serious issues right now and I look for the revenge-minded Bues to continue their dominance of them here. 6* blue marlin

I’m playing on SAN JOSE. I won with the Kings last night. They were rested, playing at home, facing an opponent which had played the previous night and looking to avenge an earlier loss. Tonight, however, the shoe is on the other foot.

Tonight, its the Kings who are on the road. Tonight, its the Kings who are playing the second of back-to-back games. Tonight, its their opponent who is playing with “revenge.” Worse, that opponent is one of the best teams in the league and the venue that they’re playing at is among the toughest in hockey.

The Sharks are 27-11 (27-6-5) at home. One of those losses came when they faced the Kings here back in late January, which should give them some added motivation here. Note that they’re 5-1 (+2.8) the last six times that they attempted to avenge an earlier home loss.

While they still want to win, the Kings, 12-16 (-5.8) the last 28 times that they played the second of back-to-back games, really don’t have much to play for. They clinched a playoff spot last night and can’t really move up in the standings.

On the other hand, the Sharks are still trying to catch the Ducks. If they don’t, they’re likely going to face the Kings in the first round.

San Jose captain Joe Thornton noted: "We've got five left and you want to be playing well before the postseason. Our goal is to win all five and see where it goes.”

San Jose coach Todd McLellan added: "I think this week's important for us. We'll get a little bit of practice time, some opportunities to rest and then get ready again. Right now we're still in a fight, which I think is good for us, to stay focused and have that battling mentality.”

The Sharks are 22-8 (+9.3) the last 30 times that they played a home game with an O/U line of five or less, 7-2 (+3.9) this season. Prior to the late January loss, they’d beaten the Kings nine straight times here. I expect them to resume that domination this evening. 10*

I’m playing on LA. After the Kings won the first meeting of the season , the Coyotes have since won each of the next three. With the schedule in their favor, tonight should be a good spot for the Kings to avenge that loss.

While the Kings had last night off, the Coyotes were busy hosting the Jets.

While they’ve admittedly played a little better on the road lately, the Coyotes typically aren’t as good away from Phoenix. For the season, they’re 15-23 (-6.8) vs. the money-line, on the road. They’ve been outscored by an average of 3.0 to 2.6 in those games, getting outshot by a 32.9 to 29.3 margin.

On the other hand, the Kings outscore teams by a 2.6 to 2.1 margin at home, outshooting them by an average of 31.9 to 23.5. That’s led to a 22-16 record here.

The Kings outshot the Coyotes by a 39-27 margin in the recent game here but were beaten by a hot Mike Smith. The Coyotes are without their #1 goalie right now though. Add it all up and its time for some payback. 7* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on TORONTO. Its true that the Leafs have endured an epic collapse. Their hopes of making the playoffs are all but gone. Its also true that the Flames, who now have former Leaf Brian Burke as their GM, would love to kick the Leafs while they’re down. That said, I believe this will be a great spot for the Leafs to bounce back with a badly needed victory.

While the Leafs are still mathematically alive, the Flames are officially playing out the string.

I played against the Flames in their last game, a 6-3 loss at Ottawa. Here is a small excerpt from that writeup: “...While the Flames have been playing a little better lately, they have no chance of making the playoffs. The majority of their recent success has all come in the province of Alberta. On the road, they get outscored by an average of 3.0 to 2.4. While they’ve been enjoying trying to be “spoilers,” I feel they’ll have some trouble getting up for a road game against an opponent from the opposite conference …” (Note that Calgary is now getting outscored by a 3.1 to 2.4 margin on the road.)

For all their recent problems, the Leafs still have a winning record here at Toronto. They beat the Flames at Calgary in this season’s earlier meeting and they’re 13-3 the last 16 times that they were a host in the series. I believe they’re the more talented team and I also expect them to play with more desperation. Look for that to be enough as they bounce back and (temporarily) stop the bleeding. 9* personal favorite

I’m playing on NEW JERSEY. Its true that this price is a little steep. However, given the situation and matchup, I believe it could even be higher.

The Devils are fighting to make the playoffs and desperately need two points. The Panthers are playing out the string.

While the Devils outscore teams by a 2.5 to 2.1 margin at home, the Panthers get outscored by an average of 3.5 to 2.4 on the road.

While both teams are off back-to-back losses, the Devils’ losses came in a shootout. So, they’ve played hard and been competitive. On the other hand, the Panthers have lost their last two by a combined score of 7-1.

Those two Panther losses both came at Florida. They’ve been even worse in their recent road games. They’re 0-3 their last three on the road and they’ve been outscored by a 12-3 margin in those games.

These teams have met twice so far this season. The Devils won the first meeting at New Jersey. However, the Panthers beat them at Florida, a couple of weeks ago. Luongo was in net for that one - up against his former teammate (Both he and Schneider play for the Canucks) - and the Panthers won’t have him for tonight’s game.

In addition to being a perfect 5-0 (outscored them by a combined 17-6 margin) the last five times that they hosted the Panthers, the Devils are a dominating 47-30 (+21.4) the past few seasons, when facing a team which defeated them in the previous meeting. I fully expect them to improve on those stats here. 6* blue marlin

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8* Wild. Analysis before 7am PST.

I'm playing on Pittsburgh. The Lightning are hot at the moment but I expect the Penguins to cool them off this afternoon. The Pens have owned this series over the year and are already 2-0 this season. While the Lightning are mediocre on the road, the Pens are dominant at home. Off a loss 5-4 loss, the Pens should be hungry here. They're 13-7 (+3.3) after allowing four or more goals in their previous game. They're also 20-6 (+8.3) when playing a home game with an O/U line of 5.5, a commanding 46-18 (+13.8) in that situation the past couple of seasons. 7* breakfast club

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I`m playing on WINNEPEG. The Sabres won when these teams faced each other two weeks ago, at Buffalo. With today`s rematch being played at Winnipeg, I expect the Jets to return the favor.

Even with the loss at Buffalo, the Jets have quietly gone 10-5 (+6.6) in non-conference games. That`s a lot better than the Sabres` 4-10 (-2.8) mark.

The Jets are off back to back wins, outscoring a pair of quality teams by an 8-5 margin. Playing with recent revenge, I expect them to keep on rolling to close out the year. 7*

I'm playing on NEW JERSEY. These teams have met twice so far this season. The Blue Jackets won both of those games. Both those games were at Columbus though and the Devils weren't playing well entering either meeting.

The most recent meeting was 12/10. The Devils lost 5-4, despite holding a 34-23 edge in shots. At the time, they were in the midst of a stretch where they lost five of six games.

Tonight's rematch is at New Jersey and the Devils are now playing better. While they lost at Chicago last time out, they still won three of their last five, two of three at home.

It should be noted that the Devils blew a 2-goal lead in the last meeting and that the five goals Brodeur allowed were a season high. Additionally, it should be mentioned that there was some "controversy" in that game, the Devils believing they "got screwed."

The Jackets' winning goal came with left than two minutes left. Brodeur believed that he was interfered with before the goal and the Devils believing that the Columbus player (Foligno) kicked it in.

I mention the above, as I believe Brodeur and the Devils have had this game circled. Note that Brodeur has a 1.55 GAA in his career home starts vs. Columbus.

The Devils outscore teams by an average score of 2.4 to 1.9 here at New Jersey. On the other hand, the Jackets get outscored by an average of 3.1 to 2.6 away from Columbus. The Jackets allow 31.5 shots per game on the road; the Devils allow 22.4 per game at home.

Not surprisingly, the Devils have dominated the Jackets here over the years. They're 4-0 (3-0-1) with one tie. They're also 38-23 (+19.2) the past few seasons, when playing with revenge from an earlier loss. I believe the price is fair and I like them to improve on those stats tonight. 10*

I'm playing on SAN JOSE. Obviously, the Sharks are pretty expensive here. I believe the price is justified though.

Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen is off a good game. However, before getting too excited, note that he was 2-3-1 with a 4.17 goals-against average in his previous six games and that he had allowed 10 goals in his previous two starts. Also, keep in mind that he's 5-7-1 with a 3.54 GAA in 13 starts.

While the Stars have had some success against the Sharks at Dallas, they haven't fared well here at San Jose. The Sharks are 5-1 the last six times that they were a host in the series, outscoring the Starts by a commanding 26-11 margin in those games.

The Sharks are 11-1-3 at home on the season. A recent skid combined with the earlier loss at Dallas figures to have them extremely motivated here. I expect them to take care of business. 6*

I'm playing on WINNIPEG. The Panthers come in as the much hotter team. I believe the Jets are favored for good reason though.

The Panthers are 3-0 on their current road trip, after winning last night at Ottawa. While they deserve credit for those victories, this will be the first time that the Panthers played the second of back-to-back games since they lost 6-2 on 12/8. They're just 7-13 their last 20 in that situation.

Having already over-achieved on their current trip and knowing they return to sunny Florida after this, I believe it will be easy for the Panthers to get caught thinking ahead to the return trip home.

While they've had some recent success against Eastern Conference teams, the Panthers are just 11-23 (-10.8) against Western Conf. opponents the past couple of seasons.

During that stretch, the Jets are 17-15 (+3.1) against Eastern Conf. teams, including 9-5 (+5.6) their last 14.

The Jets lost 4-2 on 12/17. They were playing the second of b2b games in that one though and they've since had the past two days off.

Note that the Jets, who have since had two days off, are a lucrative 20-12 (+8.6) the past couple of seasons, off a loss by two or more goals.

The fact that the Panthers beat the Jets a couple of weeks ago at Florida figures to provide the Jets with some added motivation here. Note that the last series meeting here at Winnipeg resulted in a 7-2 win for the Jets.

Ultimately, I look for the Jets to be the "hungrier" team. Throw in the fact that they're playing on home ice and that they have a scheduling advantage and I look for them to find a way to come away with two points. 10*

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I'm playing on NEW JERSEY. Both teams are off victories. Neither have won consecutive games for some time and both will be hungry to do so. While the Senators have had the recent advantage in the series, I favor the Devils here.

The Devils are expected to have Martin Brodeur between the pipes. The future Hall-Of-Fame goalie hasn't been getting as much playing time as he would like. Off a shutout in his last game, Brodeur is getting the call here. I expect another strong effort, as he looks to show he's still worthy of getting the majority of the starts. (Note that I do like Schneider as a goalie, as well.)

Note that the Devils are 23-11 (+14.) the last 34 times that they were off a win by more than a goal.

These teams have met here nine times since the start of the 08/09 season. While the Sens did win the most recent two, the Devils had previously dominated the series here. A look at those nine games shows that the Devils were never less than -135 and that they were laying as much as -245. We're getting them at a much better rate here and I believe that's offering very fair value. 8*

I'm playing on PHILADELPHIA. These teams just faced each other at Washington, on Sunday. The Capitals trailed 4-1 in the third period but rallied to win 5-4. With this evening's rematch being played at Philadelphia, I expect the revenge-minded Flyers to have the advantage.

The Flyers aren't just looking to avenge Sunday's loss, they also haven't forgotten that the Caps embarrassed them here by a score of 7-0 in early November. Needless to say, they should be extremely motivated.

Even with Sunday's loss, the Flyers are still 7-5 (+3.4) the last dozen times that they attempted to avenge an earlier loss.

While they've been hot lately, the Caps are still only 6-8 on the road.

Even with the November loss, the Flyers are 24-12-2 over the years, as a host in this series. I expect them to improve on those stats here. *9

I'm playing on MONTREAL. The Canadiens have dominated the Coyotes over the years. With this game being played at Montreal, I expect them to continue that series dominance this evening.

The Canadiens are 11-9 at home, outscoring teams by an average margin of 2.5 to 2.2.

The Coyotes, who have been playing without captain Shane Doan, are 8-9 on the road. They're getting outscored by an average of 3.2 to 2.8 in those games, getting outshot by an average of 35.2 to 29.8.

While the Canadiens admitted to being "tired" after their last game, they had yesterday off and are playing back-to-back home games, meaning they didn't have to travel. I expect them to be re-energized.

Since the Coyotes relocated to Phoenix, the Habs are 12-2 with four ties against them. All things considered, I feel this price is more than fair. 8*

I'm playing on the NY RANGERS. Off to an 0-4 start to their current home stand, the Rangers figure to be desperate (highly motivated) here. The Flames should provide them with a perfect opportunity to earn a victory.

While they won at Buffalo last night and have won a few lately, the Flames have still been pretty bad when playing on the road. They entered yesterday's game getting outscored by an average margin of 3.5 to 2.5 in games played outside of Calgary.

While the Flames are off a hard-fought (OT) win yesterday afternoon, the Rangers have had the past two days off. Even with a recent win at Edmonton in that situation, the Flames are still only 5-10 the last 15 times that they played the second of b2b games.

The Rangers have won two in a row in this series and I fully expect them to make it three straight here. 6*

I'm playing on WASHINGTON. The Capitals are off back-to-back wins, outscoring their opponents by a 9-3 margin. They've now won four of five. Facing a team they have dominated here, I expect them to keep on rolling for another day.

While the Caps are heating up, the Lightning are finding life without Stamkos to be difficult. They've lost three of their last four and also five straight on the road. In their last three losses, the Lightning have only managed a single goal.

The Lightning are now 17-29 (-7.4) the past couple of seasons, when playing a road game with an O/U line of 5.5. Meanwhile, the Caps are 30-19 (+4.5) when playing a home game with an O/U line of 5.5.

During that time, the Caps are also 24-14 (+9) after scoring four or more goals in their previous game.

While they're just 1-6 their last seven visits to Tampa, the Caps are a perfect 5-0 the last five times that they hosted the Lightning. I feel the line is fair and that the Caps have an excellent shot at another victory. 7*

I'm playing on NEW JERSEY. Both teams lost last time out. The Wings saw their winning streak snapped, losing 6-3. The Devils dropped their second straight, a 4-3 setback vs. Carolina. I expect it to be the Devils who bounce back here.

Over the past couple of seasons, the Devils are a respectable 20-15 (+5.8) after allowing four or more goals in their previous game.

During the same stretch, the Wings are an awful 13-22 (-16.5) after giving up four or more goals.

The Wings are dealing with some key injuries and it finally caught up with them in the third period of their last game - they had originally been up 3-1 before giving up five unanswered goals. Don't expect the Devils to show them any sympathy here. 10*

I'm playing on NASHVILLE. Having lost the first three games of their current 4-game home stand, the Predators should be extremely hungry here. I expect them to bounce back with a much-needed win.

Off a 3-1 loss vs. Vancouver, note that the Preds are 16-11 (+5.5) the past couple of seasons, when off a loss by two or more goals. During that stretch, they're also 18-8 (+11.8) when off a game in which they scored one goal or less.

Off a 4-1 win at Washington, note that the Canes are only 6-14 (-7) the last 20 times that they were off a win by two or more goals. During that time, they're also 8-16 after scoring four or more goals in their previous game and an awful 7-26 (-19.6) when off a divisional game.

Throw in the fact that the Preds have always dominated the Canes here and I'm expecting a win for the home team. 9*

I'm playing on NEW JERSEY. These teams just met two nights ago at Montreal. The Devils had a significant edge in shots in that game, but came up short. With the rematch being played at New Jersey, I look for the revenge-minded Devils to settle the score.

While they're hot right now, the Habs are still just 8-13 (-4.8) the past couple of seasons, when playing a road game with an O/U line of five or less.

The Devils have long been at their best when looking to avenge an earlier loss. In fact, they're 36-21 (+19.2) in that situation the past couple of seasons, 8-5 (+4.4) their last 13.

Prior to Monday's loss, the Devils had won back-to-back games. They're 24-7-3 as a host in this series over the years and I look for them to bounce back with a win. 9*

I'm playing on WASHINGTON. The Hurricanes won here earlier in the season. Tonight, however, I expect home ice to prove significant.

The Caps are currently the hotter team. They've won two in a row. The Canes, on the other hand, have dropped two straight.

The Caps are 9-6 here on the season. They've outscored opposing teams by a 3.0 to 2.8 average margin here.

Meanwhile, the Canes are 4-7 on the road. They've been outscored by an average score of 3.5 to 2.5, when playing away from Raleigh.

Lack of power play scoring has really hurt Carolina. The Canes were 0 for 6 on the p.p. last time out and are now 3/41 their last 13 games.

The Canes are being outscored by an average of 2.8 to 2.2 in divisional games. Conversely, the Caps are outscoring divisional foes by an average score of 3.2 to 2.1.

The Canes are 3-10 (-6.7) when facing a team with a winning record. They're 17-30 in that situation the past couple of seasons.

The Caps are 10-5 (+3.6) against teams with a losing record. They're 35-23 (+7) in that situation the past couple of seasons. I expect them to finish on top once again. 7*

I'm playing on MINNESOTA. The Wild have fared pretty well against teams from the Eastern Conference. They're 8-5 (+2.3) against non-conference foes. For the most part, they've also taken care of business against sub-500 teams. They're 9-4 (+4) against teams with a losing record vs. the money-line. Playing at home and desperate to snap their current skid, I look for them to get it done tonight.

While the Flyers are 5-7 on the road, the Wild are 10-5 here at Minnesota.

At home, the Wild are outscoring teams by an average of 2.7 to 1.9.

On the road, the Flyers being outscored by a 2.3 to 2.2 average.

Despite coming up short last time out, the Wild did play well. Coach Yeo noted: ''That's a huge point for us. We lost the skill competition at the end of the game, the shootout, whatever you want to call it. Bottom line I really believe we deserved the win in regulation.''

I expect the Wild to bring their A-game tonight, en route to a much needed two points. 8*

I'm playing on COLUMBUS. This game sets up well for the home team. While the Oilers were busy beating up on Nashville last night, the Jackets had the day off. Note that the Oilers are only 1-3 when playing the second of back-to-back games. The Jackets, who are off a loss last time out, have alternated wins and losses for the past couple of weeks. With the Jackets motivated to avenge a recent 7-0 loss at Columbus, I expect that pattern to continue for another day. 8*

I'm playing on WASHINGTON. The Canadiens come in as the hotter team. I expect the Capitals to be a little more hungry though. In addition to trying to snap their current skid, the Caps should have some extra motivation due to the fact that Montreal beat them here, one week ago and due to having given up six goals vs. Ottawa last time out. The Caps are 26-15 (+11.1) the past few seasons, after giving up four more goals. During that time, they're also 19-11 (+7.2) after a loss by two more goals. I expect them to bounce back with a big win. 9*