Rating: 2 Units

The Nashville Predators will try to stay out of the penalty box when they host the struggling Washington Capitals tonight. Nashville, which has lost three of their last four games, is averaging an NHL-high 12.3 penalty minutes per contest. In a 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, the Predators totaled 45 penalty minutes and allowed three power-play goals. Consider that the Capitals are 21-8 in their last 29 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Islanders are 3-7 in their last 10 games playing on 2 days rest, 2-5 in their last 7 overall, and 3-8 in their last 11 road games. While the home team is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lightning will be looking to even the score with the Devils, who knocked off the Stanley Cup champions with four unanswered goals in a 5-3 contest in Tampa on Nov. 20. Defenseman Victor Hedman and his crew found themselves in a similarly tight contest in Arizona Friday night, with the homestanding Coyotes twice cutting a two-goal deficit to one in the third period. Consider that the Lightning are 8-18 in the last 26 meetings in New Jersey.

Rating: 2 Units

Philadelphia, also plagued by injuries for most of the season, is searching for any positives. The Flyers started the season with a 6-2-2 record but are 9-22-6 since, including losses in both games of a home-and-home series against Detroit. Consider that the Flyers are 18-37 in their last 55 overall, 18-45 in their last 63 games as an underdog, and 8-21 in their last 29 road games. While the Penguins are 20-6 in their last 26 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

The Winnipeg Jets visit the Dallas Stars on Friday night with both teams looking to build on what they hope were statement wins. The Jets entered the All-Star break on a 1-5-2 skid, making Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild one of Winnipeg's most important results of the season. Minnesota was on a six-game winning streak before Connor Hellebuyck blanked the Wild with 27 saves. Both teams have winning records within their division thus far -- Dallas is 7-5-1, and Winnipeg is 7-4-2. This is the second of four meetings this season between the two Central rivals. The Jets won the first encounter, a 4-3 shootout victory on Nov. 2.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lightning, like the Avalanche, have not played since Feb. 1 and are 7-1-1 in their last nine games but sit three points behind NHL-leading Florida. Tampa Bay will try to do what no team has done in Denver since Oct. 26 -- beat Colorado in regulation. The Avalanche had their 18-game home winning streak halted with a shootout loss to Arizona on Feb. 1. Consider that the Lightning are 71-30 in their last 101 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game as well as 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Connor Hellebuyck is Winnipeg's clear-cut No. 1 option with a 14-15-6 record, 2.90 GAA and .910 save percentage in 35 games (all starts). Backup Eric Comrie is 4-2-1 with a 2.34 GAA and .920 save percentage in eight games (seven starts).  This is the third of four regular-season meetings between the teams this season. The Wild won the first two matchups, including a 6-5 overtime victory at home Oct. 19. Consider that Wild are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings in Winnipeg.

Rating: 2 Units

Carolina has played well enough all season to spark talk of a possible Stanley Cup run. Consistency has been a trademark of the Hurricanes over the first 42 games of the season. Their 64 points rank fourth in the league, but they have five games in hand on the Florida Panthers, on top with 69 points. Carolina's points percentage (.762) is the best in the NHL. When the teams met on Oct. 25, Carolina defeated the Maple Leafs 4-1, with former Toronto goaltender Frederik Andersen earning the win.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Sabres are 7-20 in their last 27 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation, 13-39 in their last 52 games playing on 1 days rest, and 28-84 in their last 112 road games. While the Golden Knights are 39-14 in their last 53 vs. a team with a winning % below .400, 21-8 in their last 29 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game, and 51-24 in their last 75 games as a home favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

Thanks to a 4-15-1 start, the Senators lost their wiggle room even earlier than the Islanders. Ottawa, which is on pace to miss the playoffs for the fifth straight season, has 32 points, tied for the third fewest in the NHL. However, the Senators have been a thorny foe for contenders over the last 19 games. In that stretch, Ottawa went 10-6-3 while recording wins over a trio of first-place teams -- the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche -- as well as two victories over the Oilers, who could have moved into a tie for the Western Conference's final wild-card spot with a win Monday. The game against the Islanders on Tuesday provides a unique challenge for the Senators, who can further dent New York's playoff hopes while getting the chance to play in front of a full house during their first visit to UBS Arena, which opened in November.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Devils are 14-39 in their last 53 games as an underdog, 13-38 in their last 51 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game, and 7-23 in their last 30 road games. While Maple Leafs are 43-19 in their last 62 games following a win, 42-19 in their last 61 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game, and 54-25 in their last 79 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Sabres are 16-35 in their last 51 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game, 16-35 in their last 51 games following a win, and 31-74 in their last 105 vs. Central. While the Avalanche are 45-9 in their last 54 games as a home favorite, 63-22 in their last 85 overall, and 41-11 in their last 52 games as a favorite. I addition, the Sabres are 5-16 in the last 21 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Still searching for its first win of 2022, Philadelphia has been outscored 51-26 during an 0-10-3 rut that followed a 3-2 victory at Seattle on Dec. 29. It's the Flyers second winless stretch of at least 10 games, and also has them mired in an 0-4-2 slide at home. It's uncertain what level of immediate improvement can help the Flyers turn this dismal season around. Perhaps not all hope is lost considering six of Philadelphia's past nine games have been decided by one goal.

Rating: 2 Units

The Red Wings are chasing a playoff spot, while the Penguins are on a 17-2-1 run to tie for the top point total in the Metropolitan Division, but Pittsburgh got reminded Thursday that no opponent is a pushover. It seems likely that Pittsburgh will go with backup goalie Casey DeSmith against the Red Wings, which could be cause for some concern. The Penguins have been leaning heavily on No. 1 goaltender Tristan Jarry, who stopped 27 of 29 shots Thursday after picking up wins in his previous five appearances. He is having one of the top seasons in the league, while DeSmith has struggled with a 3-3-1 record, a 3.58 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage in just nine appearances. Consider that the Penguins are 2-5 in their last 7 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation and 1-5 in their last 6 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.

Rating: 2 Units

The Seattle Kraken's nickname does not mean sacrificial lamb in some obscure language, and the Pittsburgh Penguins probably shouldn't assume it does. Seattle is coming off a 4-2 loss Tuesday against the Nashville Predators, a result that capped a 3-3-0 homestand. That's progress, considering it accounts for nearly a quarter of the team's 13 wins. The feather in the team's cap during the homestand was Sunday's 5-3 win over the red-hot Florida Panthers. The Kraken have shown signs of building chemistry. Consider that Seattle is 9-8 their last 17 vs the PL on the road while Pittsburgh is only 9-11 vs the PL at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Bruins are 11-1 in their last 12 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game, 10-1 in their last 11 vs. Central, and 6-1 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Consider that the underdog is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Sharks are 6-1 in their last 7 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game, 6-1 in their last 7 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals and 6-2 in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest.  While the Capitals are 3-7 in their last 10 overall, 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference, and 0-6 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. In addition the Sharks are 12-3 in the last 15 meetings in Washington.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Panthers are 3-8 in their last 11 games as a road favorite, 4-11 in their last 15 road games, and 0-5 in their last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. While the Jets are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. In addition the Panthers are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings in Winnipeg.

Rating: 2 Units

A win by the Islanders would break their tie with the Flyers for last place in the Metropolitan Division. That would be a step in the right direction for a New York team that made the NHL semifinals each of the previous two seasons but enters Tuesday 16 points out of a playoff spot. On the plus side for the Islanders: They have played a league-low 34 games due to multiple COVID-19 pauses. The game against the Flyers marks the start of a 13-game stretch in which the Islanders are scheduled to play just four teams currently in playoff position. The clash Tuesday marks the third time the Islanders and Flyers have met in the past eight days. New York won a home-and-home set Jan. 17-18, beating Philadelphia 4-1 in Elmont before earning a 4-3 shootout victory at the Wells Fargo Center.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Coyotes are 13-38 in their last 51 games as an underdog, 14-42 in their last 56 games as a road underdog, and 2-15 in their last 17 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. While the Penguins are 21-5 in their last 26 overall, 15-5 in their last 20 vs. Central, and 15-6 in their last 21 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. In addition the Coyotes are 0-6 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Stars are 2-7 in their last 9 road games. While the Flyers are 16-6 in their last 22 Monday games and 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Central.  In addition the Stars are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings in Philadelphia.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Panthers are 3-7 in their last 10 games as a road favorite, 4-10 in their last 14 road games, 2-5 in their last 7 Sunday games, and 0-4 in their last 4 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Capitals are 11-4 in their last 15 vs. Eastern Conference and 109-47 in their last 156 vs. Atlantic.

Rating: 2 Units

Yes, they're in a traditionally tough spot back home following a long road trip that took them all over the map. However, they're playing terrific hockey right now and have gone 10-5 on home ice this season, giving up just 2.3 goals per game. This will be the third meeting between these two teams this season with both previous contests being settled by just one goal. You would have to go back five meetings to find the last time Toronto defeated New York by more than a goal, that coming back in December of 2019.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Jets are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record and 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. While the Red Wings are 8-3 in their last 11 home games. In addition the home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado is off a much tighter than expected 4-3 win at home over Seattle just last night and I believe it'll be fatigued here in the 2nd game of the B2B. Nashville on the other hand has been off for two nights after a 4-2 win at Arizona in its most recent action. In fact, the Preds enter playing their best hockey of the season after four straight victories. Nashville scored the 5-2 win over Colorado on December 16th and I believe it has a good chance to do the same again here at home tonight.

Rating: 2 Units

Coming off an impressive back-to-back on home ice, the Rangers hope to keep the good times rolling Thursday when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights in the opener of a five-game road trip. New York is on a three-game winning streak after getting two wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning and a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. The streak started with Mika Zibanejad getting the only goal of the shootout of a 4-3 win at Tampa Bay on Friday and continued with Zibanejad getting a hat trick in an impressive 4-0 win at home over Tampa Bay on Sunday. Zibanejad did not register a point Monday against the Oilers but heads into the road trip with six goals in his past six games.

Rating: 2 Units

I completely understand why the Penguins are such heavy favorites as they are on a nine-game winning streak and the Flyers are still quite short-handed due to COVID. However, this is a rivalry game and the Pens had to expend a lot of energy Wednesday night in rallying to beat St. Louis. Philly netminder Carter Hart has allowed three goals or fewer in five straight starts. If he only gives up three here, I absolutely believe the Flyers cover on the puckline at -130. Hart is usually quite a bit better at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Nashville, which is 8-1-1 since Dec. 4 and is beginning a three-game western road trip at Las Vegas, also was disappointed with its overall performance in its last game despite blowing out the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 on Saturday. Rookie forward Tanner Jeannot scored two goals and defenseman Mattias Ekholm had three assists in the win, but the defensive-minded Predators also needed a big game from goalie Juuse Saros who finished with 37 saves. Consider that underdog is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings while the road team is also 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado is certainly better than Chicago, but the Avalanche are basically a .500 team on the road and Darcy Kuemper has been a bit worse away with a 3.15 GAA. The Hawks are usually very competitive when Marc-Andre Fleury is in net, and he's back from protocols tonight. Chicago has won four of his past six starts and we only need a one-goal loss here with a nice puckline price of -125 at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Blue Jackets co-leading scorer Oliver Bjorkstrand will play for the first time since Dec. 16. If Columbus had No. 1 netminder Elvis Merzlikins in net, I'd probably take the Jackets for the outright upset. Don't trust backup Joonas Korpisalo that much, but I do like this price of -130 at +1.5 on the puckline as the Bolts have lost three in a row.

Rating: 2 Units

The New York Rangers will aim to extend their winning streak to three games on Monday night when they host Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. After Mika Zibanejad scored the lone goal of the shootout in New York's 4-3 victory vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, he followed it with his eighth career hat trick two days later. Zibanejad scored two power-play goals in the first period before tallying late in the second during a 4-0 romp over the Lightning on Sunday. He has four multi-point performances in his past five games, while Chris Kreider -- who set up all three of Zibanejad's goals on Sunday -- has nine points (two goals, seven assists) during that same stretch. Consider that the Rangers are 15-6 in their last 21 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

The Winnipeg Jets play their first game in two weeks on Sunday afternoon when they open a three-game western road trip with the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas. The Jets, who enter the contest in fifth place in the Central Division, haven't played since a 4-2 victory over St. Louis on Dec. 19 because of COVID-19 related cancellations. That's enabled interim head coach Dave Lowry, who took over when Paul Maurice surprisingly resigned before a 5-2 loss at the Washington Capitals on Dec. 17, to hold a mini training camp with his squad.  Consider that the Jets are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The New Jersey Devils ended 2021 by winning a game in which they surrendered at least five goals for the first time in almost three years. The Devils' reward to open 2022: one of the league's highest-scoring teams, led by an iconic goal-scorer fresh off adding to his Hall of Fame resume. The Devils will look to extend their winning streak to three games Sunday when they visit the Washington Capitals. Both teams were off Saturday after earning eventful wins on New Year's Eve, when the host Devils squandered four one-goal leads in a matinee before beating the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in overtime, while Alex Ovechkin's latest milestone goal proved to be the game-winner as the visiting Capitals outlasted the Detroit Red Wings 3-1. Jack Hughes scored with 2:05 left to cap a chaotic win for the Devils, who hadn't won a game in which they gave up five goals since an 8-5 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 14, 2019.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pittsburgh Penguins, who host San Jose on Sunday, will be trying to emulate the Sharks' results coming out of a long layoff. San Jose has played two games, both wins, after a break because of postponements and the NHL's holiday shutdown, while Pittsburgh will be playing its first game since Dec. 19. The Penguins might need to jog their memory to recall what they were doing before games came to a halt, but it's a good memory. They reeled off seven straight wins before the break despite missing several players to injury. Now they have been dealing with their first COVID-19 outbreak since November -- eight players have gone into protocol in the past week, including No. 1 goalie Tristan Jarry -- but four of them have already cleared, and could be available Sunday in light of the league's switch to five-day, rather than 10-day, self-quarantines in some cases.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Bruins are 2-5 in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest, 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference, and 1-5 in their last 6 games following a win. While the Red Wings are 7-2 in their last 9 home games. In addition, the Bruins are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in Detroit.

Rating: 2 Units

The New York Rangers spent the first three months of the season building up a strong record with limited exposure against some of the NHL's elite teams. On New Year's Eve, they passed their first test against the Tampa Bay Lightning and seek another win against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. New York has racked up 44 points while playing only a smattering of games against the East's top three teams of Washington, Tampa Bay and Florida Panthers, posting a 2-2-0 mark. The Rangers' only game against a top-three team in the West was a 3-2 shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 17. Just 3-4-1 in their past eight games since a seven-game winning streak Nov. 21-Dec. 7, the Rangers bounced back from Wednesday's 4-3 loss at Florida by outlasting Tampa Bay for a 4-3 win on Friday when Barclay Goodrow scored twice against his former team and Mika Zibanejad scored the only goal in the shootout.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams have had their share of fun this season heading into the marquee matchup.  St. Louis has 41 points in 32 games and has outscored opponents 110-87.  Meanwhile, Minnesota has 40 points in 30 games and has outscored opponents 112-92.  This will be the second outdoor game for each team. The Wild cruised to a 6-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2016 NHL Stadium Series at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota's campus. The Blues played outside in the 2017 NHL Winter Classic at Busch Stadium, where they posted a 4-1 win over the Blackhawks.  Consider that the Blues are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Regardless of the player between the pipes, the Blackhawks are hoping to turn their fortunes. They managed just one win in their last four outings (although their last two were overtime losses) before having four games postponed. Hurting their cause has been the penalty kill, which has surrendered 13 goals on 33 opportunities, a dismal 61.6 percent kill rate, in the last 11 games. The Blackhawks have allowed eight power-play goals against in the last 19 short-handed situations -- three of them in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars in their most recent outing on Dec. 18. King said among the problems has been surrendering the defensive zone too easily by not pressuring farther up the ice. "We really just wanted to focus on simplifying this PK, breaking it down for them again," King said. "And we'll just keep on working on it." The Predators return home after blowing a 3-2 third-period lead Thursday in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The previous night, they fell to the Washington Capitals, 5-3 in their return to action after an 11-day hiatus.

Rating: 2 Units

The Oilers will be looking to snap out of the rut that sent them from first place in the Pacific Division at the start of December into fourth place in the division and clinging to one of the Western Conference's wild-card spots. Edmonton went 3-7-1 in December, a span in which it took five losses by at least two goals. The Oilers appeared as if they might pull out a wild win Friday, when they overcame four one-goal deficits to take the lead shortly before the midway point of the third period on Kailer Yamamoto's second tally of the game. However, Yegor Sharangovich tied the game with 31.5 seconds left in regulation for the Devils, who won on Jack Hughes' goal 2:55 into overtime. Consider that the Oilers are 22-8 in their last 30 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Carolina Hurricanes are about to start another calendar year. They can only hope the new one goes as well as 2021. The Hurricanes had the best regular-season winning percentage in the NHL over the past year (.724), and they carry considerable momentum into Saturday afternoon's game against the host Columbus Blue Jackets.  Columbus had five games postponed before returning to action Thursday night, winning 4-3 in a shootout against the Nashville Predators. The Blue Jackets are attempting to rediscover some rhythm and were satisfied with Thursday's shootout victory. Consider that the Blue Jackets are 5-1 in their last 6 home games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Red Wings have been off since Dec. 18 due to COVID-19 issues. They were supposed to play the New York Islanders on Wednesday but the lack of available players for both sides led to Detroit's fourth consecutive postponement. In their last game, the Red Wings downed the New Jersey Devils at home 5-2 as Dylan Larkin recorded his first career hat trick. Tyler Bertuzzi had the other two Detroit goals. But there's bound to be some rust as the Wings return to the regular schedule. Consider that the Red Wings are 7-1 in their last 8 home games.

Rating: 2 Units

First place in the Pacific Division to end the calendar year will be on the line on when the surprising Anaheim Ducks face the Vegas Golden Knights in a New Year's Eve matinee in Las Vegas on Friday. Vegas, which has won six of its last seven games and nine of its last 11, has rebounded from a 1-4-0 start to its injury-plagued season and enters the contest with a one-point lead over the Ducks, who had the second-fewest points in the entire NHL in last year's pandemic-shortened 56-game regular-season. Anaheim has scored points in 10 of its last 11 games (6-1-4) including one in a 2-1 overtime loss to visiting Vancouver on Wednesday night despite having star rookie forward Trevor Zegras (eight goals, 25 points) enter COVID-19 protocol on Tuesday where he joined Sam Steel and Max Comtois. Left wing Adam Henrique (lower body) missed his eighth straight game and forward Max Jones (torn pectoral muscle) missed his 30th while top defenseman Cam Fowler left the contest in the first period after losing an edge and crashing hard with his right shoulder into the boards. Consider that the road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

No one in the NHL has been as singularly dominant in 2021 as Connor McDavid, who is on the verge of completing the most impressive calendar year by a player this century. On Friday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils would be content to get another glimpse at what could be in store in 2022 for Jack Hughes. Two of the NHL's most exciting young stars are slated to face off in a New Year's Eve matinee Friday, when Hughes and the Devils are scheduled to host McDavid and the Oilers in Newark, N.J. Both teams were off Thursday after resuming their seasons with road games Wednesday, when the Oilers fell to the St. Louis Blues, 4-2, and the Devils edged the Buffalo Sabres, 4-3. Consider that the Oilers are 2-7 in their last 9 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

The Flames are scheduled to play Thursday night against the Kraken in Seattle, 19 days since their last game. They had seven contests postponed because of COVID-19 concerns since a 4-2 loss to the visiting Boston Bruins on Dec. 11. After sweeping two games in Southern California at the start of the month, the Flames went winless in their next four (0-3-1) before their season was paused as 20 players tested positive. Consider that the Flames are 3-11 in their last 14 vs. Western Conference.

Rating: 2 Units

If the Sabres' performance Wednesday is any indication, the Islanders could be in for an inconsistent return. Buffalo, which had six players -- defenseman Jacob Bryson, center Dylan Cozens, left winger Zemgus Girgensons, right winger Vinnie Hinostroza, center Mark Jankowski and left winger Jeff Skinner -- as well as head coach Don Granato in COVID-19 protocols Wednesday night, had just three shots on goal in the first while falling behind 2-0. The Sabres tied the game on a pair of goals by Tage Thompson in the first four minutes of the second period but couldn't collect the tie-breaker and gave up a pair of goals by the Devils in a span of 2:22 early in the third. New Jersey ended up outshooting Buffalo 42-22.  Consider that the Islanders are 4-12 in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that Florida is 1-4 in their last 5 overall and 0-4 in their last 4 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. While Tampa Bay is 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record, 7-1 in their last 8 games following a win, and 5-1 in their last 6 road games.

Rating: 2 Units

Winger Patrik Laine, out since Nov. 3 with an oblique strain, returned to practice earlier in the week, but Columbus coach Brad Larsen refused to say if Laine would play on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets are 6-3-0 in the nine games that Laine, who had 44 goals in the 2017-18 season, has played. Consider that the Home team is 38-18 in the last 56 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kraken announced Monday that Mason Appleton had been put into the COVID-19 protocol, joining fellow forward Ryan Donato on the list as well as defensemen Adam Larsson, Jamie Oleksiak, Carson Soucy and Vince Dunn. Hakstol said Oleksiak and Soucy should be able to return Wednesday, but that will still leave the Kraken short-handed. Goaltender Carter Hart and centers Sean Couturier, Derick Brassard and Scott Laughton will be unavailable Wednesday, leaving the Flyers thin down the middle of the ice. Center Morgan Frost and right wing Jimmy Hayes were removed from the protocol list Tuesday and could be available to play. The teams met Oct. 18 in Philadelphia, with the Flyers coming away with a 6-1 victory as Brassard had a goal and two assists.

Rating: 2 Units

The Devils, meantime, are 3-12-3 in their past 18 games since winning three in a row Nov. 6-11. They headed into the pause following a 3-2 home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 19 and are on this skid despite Jack Hughes returning from missing over a month. "I was really happy with the team coming out of training camp, start of the season, first 15, 16 games," Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said. "Our record showed, we were rewarded for our structure, our commitment to structure, our commitment to details, our commitment to each other. We just need to find that team." Hughes has three goals since returning, but the Devils are 1-9-1 in those 11 games, a stretch in which they have lost by more than one goal seven times due to possessing one of the league's least-productive power plays (12.9 percent).

Rating: 2 Units

At goalie, the Rangers placed backup Alexandar Georgiev on the COVID-19 list. The Rangers are expected to go back to starting goalie Igor Shesterkin, who hasn't played since Dec. 3 due to injury. Shesterkin has been brilliant this season, going 13-3-2 with a 2.05 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage. He is on a five-game win streak, and he beat the Panthers in New York the only time he has faced them this season. Star winger Artemi Panarin tops the Rangers in points (33), and reigning Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox leads New York in assists (26) as he continues to build his case as the NHL's top defenseman. Other Rangers to watch include Chris Kreider, who leads the team in overall goals (18) and power-play goals (11), streaky center Mika Zibanejad and hard-hitting defenseman Jacob Trouba. The Panthers, who have not played since Dec. 16, will enter Wednesday on a three-game losing streak. They haven't won a game since Dec. 10, and they haven't won a home game since Dec. 4.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Kings were beginning to find their footing when the NHL paused the schedule because of COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the league. Los Angeles will try to pick up where it left off when it plays host to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night in its first game since Dec. 19. The Kings had strung together a 5-2-1 stretch before the league announced an extended holiday break, helping them offset a 1-4-3 mark over the previous eight games. When the Kings returned to practice Sunday, they welcomed back veteran defenseman Drew Doughty, who was in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol when the schedule was paused. Shortly before Vegas returned to practice on Monday, the team announced that coach Pete DeBoer and forward Brett Howden had entered COVID-19 protocol.

Rating: 2 Units

The Tampa Bay Lightning are having to overcome much adversity, and more has been added in the past 24 hours. Holding the top spot in the Atlantic Division, the Lightning learned that when -- perhaps if -- they host Montreal on Tuesday night as the NHL reopens play, they will do so without one of the game's top goaltenders, his backup and a top defenseman. With Lightning coach Jon Cooper already in COVID-19 protocol, the club announced Sunday that goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, backup Brian Elliott, defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and assistant coach Rob Zettler have been sidelined by the virus. All reportedly are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. Forward Anthony Cirelli and defenseman Andrej Sustr were added to the list Monday morning.

Rating: 2 Units

The Aves got all their key players back from injury last game but Nazem Kadri did leave the game early and is listed as day-to-day. Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon are both healthy tho. The Aves are 7-2-1 at home this season and 7-3 ATS at home. They average 4.7 goals per game at home and they face the Red Wings on the back end of a back-to-back. The Wings are 4-8-1 on the road and 4-9 ATS, I like the Aves at home on the puck line against a weary Detroit team most likely starting their backup goalie.

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona shocked the Jets in Winnipeg on Monday as a massive underdog; can the Yotes do it again Tuesday in the Twin Cities? Obviously doubtful, but getting Arizona on the puckline at +120 I can't turn down. The Wild are without their best offensive player in Mats Zuccarello and are starting backup goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, who has been very shaky in two or four starts this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Hey, a decent puckline price finally on an underdog! (-140). Don't look now, but the Coyotes have won three of four and new No. 1 goaltender Scott Wedgewood has been great since being picked up off waivers as he's 3-1-1 with a 2.04 GAA with the Yotes. The Oilers are playing the second of a back-to-back and were shut down Tuesday in a loss in Dallas (we won on the Under). Edmonton also is missing a handful of injured guys.

Rating: 2 Units

 I really had no interest in this game but now will take a shot on the winless Coyotes on the puckline at -170, which is the same price as an Anaheim moneyline win. The Yotes have been competitive of late and netminder Karel Vejmelka has a 1.69 GAA and .951 save percentage through his last three starts. He gets no offensive help. Ducks No. 1 goaltender John Gibson has just been ruled out and backup Anthony Stolarz is 0-2-1 with a 3.63 GAA. I smell upset win here but will take the +1.5. If Arizona were home, I would take it outright.

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado will be for sure without top winger Mikko Rantanen and stellar young defenseman Cale Makar, plus another key forward, Andre Burakovsky, is in question. Even more important, shaky backup Jonas Johansson already has been named the starter in net. Not ready to back Columbus at +175 to win outright on the road, although I thought about it, so we'll take the Jackets at -130 on the puckline.

Rating: 2 Units

 It's the front end of a back-to-back for Tampa Bay, which apparently will give backup Brian Elliott his first start of the year. The Lightning are far from two-time Stanley Cup champion form -- they haven't led a game yet in regulation. That's crazy. Of course, the Bolts remain without former Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov. Buffalo appears quite a bit better this season and at worst the Sabres should be able to hang within a goal (puckline is -135 but may go up a bit with Tampa starting Elliott) at home.

Rating: 2 Units

 I'm almost always going to take home teams (well most of them -- no longer the Coyotes!) getting +1.5 at a price of less than -150, and the unbeaten Sabres are at -140. One would think the Buffalo players will know how to beat Boston goaltender Linus Ullmark as he spent the previous six years in Buffalo. It's Ullmark's Bruins debut. Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson is 40 but has a 1.50 GAA in his two starts.

Rating: 2 Units

One of my favorite wagers in hockey is a home team at +1.5 on the puckline if it's under -150 and this is -145 on the Yotes. Yes, they are 0-3 and Edmonton is 3-0, but the Oilers will not have No. 1 goaltender Mike Smith, are playing their first road game of the year and are on the front end of a back-to-back. Arizona is 4-1 in its past five following a home loss of at least three goals.

Rating: 2 Units

Puckline prices have been outrageously high in the early season, but I can live with -150 on the Ducks here as they have been better than expected. Should be John Gibson in net and he has a 1.46 GAA in his two starts, including a 4-1 home win over these Jets last week. Winless Winnipeg has looked terrible -- although all three were away -- and is without captain and arguably its second-best player in Blake Wheeler as he tested positive for COVID. The 14-year NHL veteran had 15 goals and 31 assists in 50 games for the Jets last season.

Rating: 2 Units

Look, I don't know if the Kraken will be any good in their expansion season. Will they reach the Stanley Cup Final like Vegas did in its expansion season? I think it's fair to say no. There doesn't appear to be a ton of offense on the Seattle roster, but the team has a very deep defensive group led by former Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano. The Kraken are also stacked in net, led by Philipp Grubauer. Still shocked the Avalanche let him get away. Grubauer was No. 2 in the league last year in GAA at 1.95. I'll be hammering Seattle Unders a lot this season, and I'd lean the Under 5.5 goals here as well but will take the Kraken on the puckline because they are going to treat their debut like a playoff game. Vegas also dealt away its No. 1 netminder in Marc-Andre Fleury and while new No. 1 Robin Lehner is pretty good, he's not the Flower. Lehner also reportedly is dealing with an injury (still expected to play) and didn't look great in the preseason.

Rating: 2 Units

The Islanders have played 16 post-season games thus far and only 2 of the 16 games resulted in a New York loss by more than a 1 goal margin.  That means 88% of the time, the Islanders have either won the game or lost by just a single goal in this post-season.  The Lightning have played 15 post-season games and only 6 of the 15 (40%) have been a Tampa Bay win by more than a single goal margin.  This series is tied at 2 games apiece and these semi-finals series (this one plus Vegas/Montreal) have both been so tight it is certainly hard to argue against having the +1.5 goals on your side when it is priced within a reasonable range.  In this particular case, grabbing the 1.5 goals (and laying about a -175 price in doing so) with road underdog NY Islanders is absolutely worth a look here as we expect a huge game from the road team in this one after seizing momentum in this series Saturday with a crucial win

Rating: 2 Units

Boston's top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak also were held without a goal in Game 4. Marchand had an assist and Pastrnak, who whiffed on a wide-open net late in the first period, also logged a helper. Bergeron, who was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the 10th straight season on Sunday, did not record a point. Adding insult to injury, Bruins center David Krejci was fined $5,000 on Sunday for slashing Barzal -- which the Islanders' center called "a tad vicious" -- midway through Saturday's second period. Krejci had scored Boston's lone goal earlier in the period. Defensemen Brandon Carlo (head injury) and Kevan Miller (upper body) will be game-day decisions for the Bruins after both missed Game 4. Carlo was injured on a hit in Game 3 and did not skate Sunday at the Bruins' practice. Consider that New York is 19-8 in their last 27 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

Going against the Avs may seem like a daunting proposition. Indeed, they're playing very well right now. The Knights are a much better team than we saw in Game 1 though and they're typically at their best off a game like that. They're 29-14 (+11.4) vs. the moneyline the past couple of seasons, after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. That includes a 10-3 mark in that situation this season. Here, we're not even asking them to win. Simply to hang within a goal. Note that prior to the Game 1 beatdown, two of the three previous meetings were decided by a single goal. Another close one won't surprise.

Rating: 2 Units

After three straight games decided by a razor-thin margin, the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins know what to expect when they converge on the ice. Craig Smith's goal early in the second overtime of Game 3 Wednesday night continued that trend, giving the Bruins a second straight overtime victory, 3-2, in the NHL-record 12th consecutive one-goal game between the teams in the playoffs. Samsonov was thrust into action Wednesday after coming off the COVID-19 list with Anderson sitting out for a maintenance day. The former No. 22 overall draft pick settled in nicely and smothered the majority of Boston's chances in his 40-save effort. One momentary lapse proved costly, though, as Samsonov was slow to get back into position after playing the puck behind the net and Smith took advantage to score the overtime winner.

Rating: 2 Units

The Sabres scored the upset last night but the Isles should bounce right back this evening. Prior to last night, the Isles had beaten the Sabres, by multiple goals, in three straight meetings. While the Sabres managed four goals last night, they're just 1-11 the past 12 times that they scored four or more in their previous game. While the moneyline is expensive, we're able to get a positive money return, when laying -1.5 goals. Expect the Sabres to have trouble scoring against the stingy and revenge-minded Isles

Rating: 2 Units

With the Rangers favored on the moneyline, we're able to get an extra +1.5 goals (puckline) with the Devils for a relatively fair price. Considering that the Rangers are off an OT win and that three of their past six games have been tied after regulation, those extra +1.5 goals could well come in handy. The Devils are a respectable 6-6 (+3.3 vs. the moneyline) when off a loss by two or more goals. They know that they'll face these same Rangers, at MSG, on Thursday and Saturday. In other words, they better take care of business on home ice tonight. Look for them to bounce back and give their guests all they can handle in this one. Consider NJ on the puckline.

Rating: 2 Units

Columbus enters off a poor 4-1 loss in Detroit on Monday and I have a hard time seeing it keeping up with the defending champs in this difficult road venue. The Jackets have lost four straight, allowing three or more goals over that span. Tampa's defense has been a bit shaky of late, but after two straight losses, clearly the Lightning will come in focused on the task at hand this evening. The Bolts are 7-1 in their last eight at home and I think they can not only win this game, but win by a sizeable margin.

Rating: 2 Units

Off a 3-2 overtime win in St. Louis just last night, we think the Ducks, who have won two in a row now, are going to have a predictable letdown here in this difficult road venue and in the second game of the back-to-back. Despite yesterday's win, note that the Ducks have still scored two goals or less in six of their last nine games. And although Anaheim was decent on the defensive end vs. St. Louis yesterday, it's still allowed four or more goals in six of its last tne games. Off a 3-2 OT loss to the Knights, the Avs will be eager to take advantage of this favorable spot. Despite losing last time out, Colorado has still scored four or more goals in seven of its last eight games. The Avs have also turned things around in net, conceding one goal or less in seven of their last ten outings. Anaheim is only 1-4 in its last five road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of more than .600. Everything is in place for the Avalanche to not only win tonight, but to win big.

Rating: 2 Units

The Avalanche hammered the Coyotes last night and more of the same expected tonight.  Arizona has lost 6 of its last 7 games.  Also, 6 of the Coyotes last 8 losses have come by a margin of 2 or more goals.  In fact, the average margin of defeat in Arizona's last 8 losses is 3 goals!  Colorado is a big money line favorite here for a reason but where we get the value is the puck line.  By laying the 1.5 goals, the Avalanche are actually available at a plus money return (currently in the +115 range) and that is a great value when you consider the above trending for the Coyotes.  Also, the Avalanche have won 7 straight games and each of the last 6 have been decided by a multiple goal margin.  Those 6 victories came by an average margin of 3.8 goals per game! 

Rating: 2 Units

The Wings have lost more than their fair share of games, but they rarely get blown out. They just split a two game home series versus Tampa, with the loss coming by a score of 4-3. They host Carolina on Sunday afternoon, and the Canes have won seven straight. Carolina is 9-5 on the road, but four of their last six road wins have come in games decided by one goal. If Detroit can stay out of the penalty box, they should have a chance to win this game.

Rating: 2 Units

The two West Division rivals begin a back-to-back series in Las Vegas on Monday night that concludes on Wednesday night. Then it's off to Glendale, Ariz., where they play another back-to-back on Friday night and Sunday afternoon to end the four-game stretch. Both teams opened the season without a regulation loss in their first series. Arizona rallied to score a pair of goals in the final 3:30 of its opener to force overtime with visiting San Jose and gain a point in an eventual 4-3 shootout loss and then rebounded behind a pair of Phil Kessel goals and 31 saves by Antti Raanta to defeat the Sharks, 5-3, on Saturday afternoon. Vegas swept its two games with visiting Anaheim, but it wasn't easy. They scored three consecutive goals in the third period to win their opener, 5-2, and following that with a 2-1 overtime victory Saturday night. Consider that Vegas is 2-7 in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

Andrei Vasilevskiy is likely to again start for the Lightning in Game 4. The goaltender has a 4-2-0 record, 1.86 goals against average, and .927 save percentage in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo stopped 31 of 34 shots in Game 3 for his latest strong effort of the postseason. Korpisalo has a 1.51 GAA and .956 save percentage over seven playoff games. It's another close one!

Rating: 2 Units

Carolina beat the Washington Capitals in seven games in the first round, including in double OT in Game 7 and it’s now come out and taken the first two games of its series with New York as well. Against all odds. The Isles killed the Penguins in four games, which makes the two home losses to the Hurricanes that much more inexplicable. Keep in mind that the Isles are 13-7 this year after scoring one goals or less in its previous contest and the Hurricanes are 10-17 (-10.2 units) in their last 27 after a three-game unbeaten streak.

Rating:  2 Units

The Dallas Stars handed St. Louis a pair of three-goal losses during the regular season, but the playoffs are a different animal and the Blues have thrived under the glare of postseason pressure. After posting its fifth one-goal victory of the playoffs, St. Louis looks to hold serve in this afternoon's Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal series versus visiting Dallas. Forward Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and the Blues held on for a 3-2 victory to improve to 10-3 in their last 13 one-goal games in the postseason. Dallas, which won three in a row to bounce No. 2 seed and Central Division champion Nashville in six games in the first round, also was not putting too much stock into one game.

Rating: 2 Units

Look for TB to win this one by 2 or more goals and lock up everything for the upcoming post season! The Coyotes are off a loss by just a 1-goal margin but, prior to that, Arizona's last 6 defeats all came by a margin of 2 or more goals. While 10 of the last 15 Lightning wins have come by a margin of 2 or more goals. Look for a home blowout here.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blue Jackets are off a hard-fought 4-3 OT win over the division rival Flyers. Though Columbus has won 6 of their last 10 games, that was the 2nd win by just a single goal during this stretch. In other words, laying 1.5 goals with the Blue Jackets equates to a 4-6 run at the betting window. Not only is Columbus off a key win, they host a tougher team (Winnipeg) tomorrow. With the way Edmonton has struggled this season, it will not be a surprise to see the Blue Jackets overlook the Oilers in this one! Though Edmonton is just 3-3 their last 6 games, 2 of the 3 losses came by a single goal. That said, at +1.5 goals, it is a hot 5-1 run at the betting window for the Oilers in their last 6 games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Winnipeg Jets looked every bit the serious contender in the Western Conference heading into February, but that appearance is a bit cloudy after a pair of lopsided losses to Colorado during their three-game losing streak and two defeats to lowly Ottawa in a 2-4-2 stretch. The Jets look to get back on track Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights, who have lost six of their last seven at home (1-5-1). Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside 129 of 135 shots in the last four contests of that series,but the three-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender has yielded 16 goals during his current four-game losing skid (0-3-1).

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota has dropped four in a row after getting steamrolled by visiting St. Louis 4-0 on Sunday, its eighth loss in nine games (1-5-3), but still is clinging to the second wild card in the Western Conference.  The Ducks fired Randy Carlyle, after they were outscored 37-8 during a wretched seven-game losing streak, but they have won two of three under interim coach Bob Murray. The clincher:  Anaheim is 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Pacific.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rangers are 7-5 in their last 12 games and 4 of the losses came by a single goal. So if you had the Rangers at +1.5 goals in all 12 games you went 11-1. The Penguins are just 5-9 in their last 14 games and one of those wins came by a single goal. So if you've played Pittsburgh at -1.5 goals in their last 14 games your record is 4-10.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago easily could have won the Winter Classic game between these two as the tying goal rang off the post with about a minute to go in the game prior to the Bruins getting an empty-netter. Another tight game, is quite likely here. Note that Boston has won just 6 of its past 13 games. Not only that, 4 of those 6 wins have come by just a single goal. If you laid 1.5 goals with the Bruins in each of their past 13 games you ended up going 2-11. As for the Blackhawks, the past two months at +1.5 goals would have put together an incredible record for you. Since December 6th, Chicago would have a record of 22-5. The Blackhawks have only 5 losses by more than a single goal.

Rating: 2 Units

The Golden Knights are 16-3-3 in their last 22 but one of the losses came after blowing a pair of three-goal leads in a 5-4 overtime loss at New Jersey on Dec. 14. Nico Hischier scored for the fifth time in 11 games for the Devils on Friday, a stretch that started with the overtime game-winner against Vegas. New Jersey has split the first two of a four-game road trip and is 4-1-0 without leading scorer Taylor Hall, who will miss his sixth straight game today. Golden Knights G Marc-Andre Fleury has allowed 11 goals in three starts versus the Devils since joining Vegas.

Rating: 2 Units

The Toronto Maple Leafs rebounded from two disappointing results with a dominating performance and look to build on that when they host the rejuvenated Florida Panthers tonight. The Maple Leafs lost at Tampa Bay 4-1 despite recording 49 shots and were beaten at Florida in overtime Saturday before scoring early and often to knock off New Jersey 7-2 on Tuesday. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov capped his first career hat trick with the overtime winner in the 4-3 triumph over the Maple Leafs last weekend and boasts 15 points (eight goals) in the last 11 games as the Panthers try to climb out of the Atlantic Division cellar. Florida followed up the win over Toronto by scoring four unanswered goals in the third period for a 5-2 victory at Buffalo on Tuesday to open a four-game road trip.

Rating: 2 Units

Dustin Brown gave the Kings an early lead against the Blue Jackets with his team-leading ninth goal, but the club was unable to muster any more offense as it lost for the fifth time in six overall contests. Pittsburgh posted its third straight home victory and fourth in six overall contests on Friday - a 5-3 triumph over Boston. Jake Guentzel snapped a tie midway through the third period while Zach Aston-Reese scored two goals to double his season total and set up another for the Penguins.

Rating: 2 Units

Persistent rumors have spurred talk about Phil Kessel's days being numbered in the Steel City, but that hasn't stopped the 31-year-old from producing this season. Fresh off a four-point performance (two goals, two assists) that tied him with Evgeni Malkin for the team lead in scoring, Kessel looks to continue his hot streak today as the Pittsburgh Penguins open a three-game road trip versus the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa G Craig Anderson is just 6-10-2 in his 21 career appearances versus Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

The Ducks, who also play Tampa Bay, Florida, Carolina and Washington on their trek, are riding a four-game point streak (2-0-2) after recording a 2-1 overtime victory over Edmonton on Friday thanks to Rickard Rakell’s 100th NHL goal. Nine of Anaheim’s 24 games have ended after regulation (4-5), including four of the last six, and Nick Ritchie’s goal with 17 seconds remaining in regulation on Friday earned Rakell a chance to win it.

Rating: 2 Units

The Detroit Red Wings dug themselves a deep hole with losses in nine of their first 10 games this season, but have climbed back into the playoff race and hope to continue the surge this afternoon against the host Washington Capitals. The Red Wings have won nine of their last 11 contests after rallying to knock off New Jersey and Boston in overtime the last two games.

Rating: 2 Units

Larkin leads the team with seven goals and 16 points while Gustav Nyquist is the only other Red Wing in double figures (14) after posting seven during his current six-game point streak. Athanasiou also notched an assist on Friday in his first game back after missing four with an undisclosed injury and Frans Nielsen set up one goal following a four-game absence due to a concussion. Jimmy Howard has won four straight starts after turning aside 30 shots in Friday’s win

Rating: 2 Units

The Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Lightning have won four straight games and could have a major contributor back in the lineup when they host the struggling Ottawa Senators on Saturday. The Lightning rallied late to beat the Senators 4-3 in overtime in the second game of their winning streak and reigning Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman (upper body) is expected to return after a seven-game absence in the rematch.

Rating: 2 Units

The Canucks dropped their second straight lopsided decision with Saturday's 5-0 setback to Pittsburgh and have lost four of six overall to take the joy out of their fast start to the season. Jacob Markstrom turned aside 30 shots in that contest and presumably will see his workload increase after fellow goaltender Anders Nilsson sustained a fractured finger during the pre-game skate.

Rating: 2 Units

The Sens are a balanced team. So far they’re 1-0-1-0. They’re 2-0 ATS though and I think they’ll keep this one competitive as well. Boston was destroyed 7-0 in Washington on Opening night, before then responding with a 4-0 win in Buffalo the following evening. Clearly Boston is somewhere in between those two performances, but the book is still out on it at the moment in my opinion. Ottawa enjoys a night off before a lengthy home stand with a legitimate shot at going 2-0 on its mini road trip after handling the Leafs 5-3 on Saturday Night.  The Bruins started the season with two on the road, but a home afternoon "swoon" appears to be very possible. Take the Senators with the puck line.

Rating: 2 Units

Ottawa's new-look defense featured Thomas Chabot, Chris Wideman, Mark Borowiecki and Cody Ceci each recording at least 18 minutes of ice time, while Dylan DeMelo logged 14:41. Fellow blue-liner Maxime Lajoie made an impact on the offensive end by scoring in his NHL debut and assisting on Colin White's power-play tally to cap the Senators' three-goal first period. Ottawa G Craig Anderson owns a 15-7-3 mark with three shutouts and a 2.86 goals-against average in 27 career encounters versus Toronto.

Rating: 2 Units

The Winnipeg Jets look to continue building on the statement they made in the season opener when they play at the Dallas Stars on Saturday, two nights after scoring three goals in a 1-minute, 44-second span of the third period en route to a 5-1 victory at St. Louis. But for all the scoring fury the Jets unleashed against the Blues, it was goaltender Connor Hellebuyck who kept St. Louis at bay before Winnipeg began finding the back of the net with impressive regularity.

Rating: 2 Units

Washington lost the first two games of the playoffs at home before beating Columbus in six contests, eliminated its nemesis Pittsburgh and won at Tampa Bay in Game 7 on Wednesday to reach the finals in the 13th season for seven-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner Ovechkin (607 goals).  Washington goaltender, Holtby is 12-6-0 in the playoffs with a 2.04 goals-against average and .924 save percentage after posting shutouts in the last two games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Capitals battled back after falling behind 3-0 in Game 5, outshooting Tampa Bay 26-9 in the final 40 minutes, and hope to carry that momentum over on home ice where they are 3-5 in the postseason. The Lightning have won five of six on the road in the playoffs and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has been outstanding in three straight wins while turning aside 100 of the 106 shots he has faced to improve to 11-4 in the postseason. Tampa Bay is 37-16 in their last 53 vs. a team with a winning record and 73-34 in their last 107 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

Vegas’ top line of William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Smith shined yet again in Game 4, combining for two goals and two assists. That was more than enough for Fleury, who made 35 saves overall and robbed Winnipeg several times in facing 27 shots in the final two periods. Vegas has excelled in the past two games by hounding the Jets in the neutral zone, finishing Game 4 with 24 takeaways and blocking 25 shots.  Vegas is 36-15 in their last 51 games playing on 1 days rest and 44-20 in their last 64 vs. Western Conference.

Rating: 2 Units

Neither team has figured out a way to win on home ice yet in the Eastern Conference finals as the Washington Capitals visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday for Game 5 of the best-of-seven series. The Capitals had a 7-1 edge in even-strength goals to dominate the first two games in Tampa Bay and the Lightning responded by winning two in Washington with a red-hot power play and brilliant goaltending from Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasilevskiy stopped 72 of the 76 shots he faced the last two games. Washington, which is 7-1 on the road in the postseason, can’t complain about the chances it created the last two games at home - out shooting Tampa Bay 76-43 combined - and has a 145-99 edge in shots during the series.

Rating: 2 Units

Winnipeg did get the dynamic duo from its top line rolling again, as Mark Scheifele scored twice to give him a league-high 14 goals for the playoffs and Wheeler boosted his NHL-best assist total to 17. But second-line forward Nikolaj Ehlers was scratched with an undisclosed injury and the Jets looked out of sorts, as Hellebuyck got caught behind his net while allowing a goal 12 seconds after Scheifele tied the game in the second period. Hellebuyck finished with 26 saves as Winnipeg lost back-to-back games for the first time since mid-March and now trails a postseason series for the first time this spring.