Los Angeles had a record of 45-29-8 including 23-15-3-0 at home this season and I just don't see them getting swept here.  They have talent and the players are out to get game 4.. They were 4th in the Pacific Division. They scored 239 goals and surrendered 203 for a goal differential of +36. Take the LA KINGS here on Tuesday night to get the WIN.

5* NHL Iceman Game of the Week

Tampa Bay had a record of 54-23 this season and on the road they had a mark of 25-13 so they can win on the road. They were 1st in the Atlantic Division. They scored 296 goals and gave up 236 goals for a point differential of +60. TB has the better team and better goalie right now and I like them here on Monday night to get the win.

4* 

The LA Kings finished fourth in the Pacific and has not won a postseason series in a while, but it is accustomed to the bright lights -- hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014 -- and plays a bruising style that translates well into the playoffs and contrasts dramatically to the speed of Vegas. 

One of the main reasons that bruising style translates into the playoffs is because it travels. We note that teams who control the pace and tempo on ice have the upper hand even on the road and that is a huge factor in the playoffs when you do not have home ice advantage. 

The Kings are 10-1 after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous game and coming off of a 1-0 shutout loss on Wednesday.  Take the LA Kings with a very good goalie to win game 2 here on Friday night and even up the series. 

3*

The Bruins appear to be healthier than they have been in a month -- so healthy that rookie Ryan Donato, signed late and an offensive factor for the team down the stretch, is slated to be a healthy scratch for Game 1.

 Boston has been a perpetual thorn in the Leafs' side and no Leafs fan can, or will, forget the epic collapse of 2013. The Leafs can score but can they stop the Bruins and Boston is very tough at home posting a 28-8 record. The Bruins will prove too much to handle tonight as they grab game 1.

4*

The Blues have lost four straight games to put them in this must win spot and that includes a loss in Chicago on Wednesday in the first game of this home-and-home set. Allen is expected to get another chance in net Friday for St. Louis. The 27-year-old is 27-24-3 with a 2.74 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 58 games.

In 14 career games against Chicago, Allen is 8-5-1 with a 2.53 GAA and .915 save percentage.

This is the final home game of the season for Chicago but there is not much to celebrate as this is the first time in nine years it will be going home without a playoff appearance. Chicago won the first game of this home-and-home, but it is 3-11 in its 14 games coming off a road win this season. I'm on the STL BLUES here on Friday night.

5*

Philadelphia can finish off Florida tonight and lock down the wild card playoff spot in the East. The Flyers looked great in defeating Boston 3-2 in overtime in their last game, and off that performance Claude Giroux and company should be able to make easy work out of the Islanders tonight. Take Philly get the win here on Tuesday night.

4* 

Tuesday marks the fourth and final meeting between these Metropolitan Division rivals this season. The Devils won the first two games, 5-2 on Feb. 15 and 3-2 in overtime three days later. Carolina rebounded in the last get together for a 3-1 victory of its own. NJ is a very solid team who can score and they play good defense. They are good at home and I expect them to get a win here on Tuesday.

4* 

The Bruins are fresh on a playoff clinching win and Dallas is fighting for the playoffs and a very tough team at home where they sport a 24-10 record.  The Stars had a closed door meeting after practice yesterday and I expect them to come out with a little spark and snap their losing streak.

The Boston Bruins are banged up and they have struggled against the physical teams from the Central division. I like Dallas who is back at home after a 6-game road trip with 2 days to prepare for this game to get the WIN over the Bruins on Friday night.

3*

The Rangers will attempt to slow the hottest team in the league Tuesday night, when the Blue Jackets visit Madison Square Garden for the final game this season between the Metropolitan Division rivals.

The Blue Jackets ran their winning streak to eight games Monday night, with a come from behind win with their backup goalie.

The Blue Jackets' #1 GOALIE Sergei Bobrovsky will be back in the net here Tuesday night after getting the night off and I believe he will shut down the NY Rangers.  Look for the HOT Columbus Blue Jackets to get another victory at MSG and extend their winning streak as the Rangers are just experimenting with new lineups and playing out the string.

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

Washington got a huge lift from goaltender Phillip Grubauer, who recorded the shutout win against the Sharks. He's been solid, while starting netminder Braden Holtby has struggled. This marks the 5 of a six-game road trip for the Jets and their 3rd game in 4 days, with a huge matchup Tuesday at Central Division-leading Nashville looming. The Capitals are a really good home team and they are 12-3 against the Jets at home of late. Washington is 30-12 after scoring 2 goals or less. I like the CAPITALS here on Monday night.

5* NHL ICEMAN GAME OF THE WEEK! 

The LA Kings hold the final spot, while St. Louis is four points back, with both Calgary and Colorado in between. The Blues have completely collapsed, losing nine of their last 10 overall. They were shutout three times during that span, and they have been held to two goals or less in eight of their last 10 overall.

 The Blues are 0-9 in their last 9 versus teams with a winning record and 2-14 their last 16 visits to LA.

while the LA Kings are 4-0 in their last 4 versus teams with a winning record.

4*

 Three more losses in a row for the Oilers and now they face an Arizona team that's playing some really good hockey. The Coyotes are 8-2-0-1 in their last 11, and while all but two of those were at home, this team is playing with loads of energy right now. This game is completely meaningless as it's a play out the string scenario for each team. But it seems obvious the Coyotes want wins more than the Oilers at this point and we are getting great underdog value with ARZ. 

Edmonton is the runaway flop of the year and they sure look like a squad that cannot wait for this all to end.  I'm backing the road team with the Coyotes on Monday night.

3*

Tops in almost every offensive category Nashville continues to roll.

The Predators (41-14-9) have won seven in a row to vault into the top spot in the Western Conference and eight straight versus Colorado. Nashville has a versatile, powerful lineup and it's about to get more dangerous.

And it's not because of the return of Mike Fisher, who scored a goal in a 4-3 overtime win over Vancouver on Friday in his first game of the season.

Colorado scored 7 goals in their last game so expect a letdown spot here on Sunday and Nashville is 9-1 their last 10 vs the Avalanche.

PLAY NASHVILLE with Confidence!

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

The teams have split their two games this season, each winning at home, but the Penguins haven't won in Boston since 2014. Boston is 9-1-3 in its last 13 games against Pittsburgh, 6-0-1 in its last seven home games.

Very important statement game for the Bruins as this could be a preview of the playoffs so expect a statement from the home Boston squad here tonight!

4*

I'm backing San Jose here on Tuesday night and here is why.

With longtime star Patrick Marleau exiting via free agency and aging Joe Thornton dealing with a severe knee injury, the San Jose Sharks looked at various players to provide an infusion of youth and scoring this season.

They may finally have their man on both counts.

With Evander Kane in the fold, the Sharks open a six-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

San Jose (33-21-9) made one of the biggest moves ahead of the league's trading deadline on Monday when it acquired Kane from the Buffalo Sabres for forward Daniel O'Regan and conditional picks in the 2019 and 2020 drafts.

Kane, 26, had 20 goals and 20 assists in 61 games this season. Selected fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2009 draft, the winger is a four-time 20-goal scorer and has 177 tallies and 163 assists in 557 career games with Atlanta, the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo.

4*

It was back to business as usual for the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, one day after practice was abruptly called off in favor of a closed-door meeting.

The Blues have lost 4 in a row and I expect them to come out with some energy here at home on Friday Night.

On the flip side this is the Winnipeg Jets first road game since January 30th. The Jets have been sub-par when playing with two days of rest, allowing 3.27 goals per game. STL is very good on defense and get the win here tonight.

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

Vancouver is very good at home and solid with the Power Play. Colorado is banged up with injuries and this is a tough spot for them tonight. Take the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night.

4*

I like Pittsburgh Penguins here on Saturday night as they are the #1 Power Play team and tough at home. They've won 10 in a row at home and sport a 22-7 home ice advantage. A strong start back in December helped the Toronto Maple Leafs knock off the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions as the Maple Leafs scored 3 times in the first period in that game. Pitt gets their revenge here at home on Saturday night. Take the PENGUINS!

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK!

4*

There is no team playing as bad as the Chicago Blackhawks are in the NHL right now. Losers of seven straight, the Hawks released to waivers their goaltender Jeff Glass who was thrown to the wolves in replacement of “Star” goalie Corey Crawford. Not only has Chicago lost, they have lost badly -- outscored 29-12 in this seven-game implosion. With no answers on the horizon, Chicago will continue on with Anton Forsberg in net until Crawford returns. Forsberg has a record of 5-10 this year for the Hawks. Lets go with the Anaheim Ducks in this one. 

St. Louis outshot Pittsburgh 34-23 but appeared to wear down in the third period as it played its third game in four days. They were tired and rested on Monday. Look for them to come out energized here on Tuesday night as a nice underdog. Play the STL Blues.

4* 

The Maple Leafs are 8-2-0 in their past 10 games after defeating the Ottawa Senators 6-3 Saturday night behind a career-best five-point game (two goals, three assists) by Mitch Marner. 

Toronto has won 3 in a row and I like their chances here tonight.

They have an excellent 17 wins at home but lost 2-0 to Tampa Bay on Jan. 2 at Air Canada Centre. 

Toronto has outscored its last six opponents 21-9. This game should offer nonstop action, and the edge lies in special teams and goaltending. Toronto's Frederik Andersen has my vote for league MVP right now. And with Andersen acting as the neutralizer, Auston Matthews and William Nylanders can more than match Tampa's ample star power. Take Toronto tonight to even the season series.

4*

Subban and the Predators (32-12-9) will be looking to earn a point for the 14th time in their past 15 games when they play the Canadiens (22-26-6) on Saturday.

Nashville is ranked in the top 10 in every NHL category.

They have won 9 of their last 13 games and coming off back-to-back OT losses. Montreal struggles with the Western Conf teams going 8-14 this season.

I like NASHVILLE to take care of business and get the win here on Saturday night.

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

The Panthers bring four-game win streak into matchup with Kings all with rookie goalie Harri Sateri between the pipes. I like the way Florida is playing right now and also getting great Goalie Play. Florida is 13-8 at home and boasts balanced scoring as three forwards all have a team-best 18 goals: Vincent Trocheck, Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau. Take the Panthers here on Friday night NHL action.

4* 

New York Islanders are off a rare win on Saturday over Columbus who is falling apart and are losers of six of eight AND haven't scored more than three goals in a game since Dec. 29. So that win is tainted when considering the Predators are in full stride, winners of six of their last eight. The Preds defense is virtually impenetrable right now surrendering only four goals in their past four games. I like Nashville here tonight.

4* 

The Bruins, in second place in the Atlantic Division, had their 18-game points streak snapped by the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night but then made it 15-1-4 in their last 20 games with a win over the St. Louis Blues.

Boston is in the top 7 in almost all hockey categories including #1 in scoring and very good at home.

The Toronto Maple Leafs played Thursday without defensemen Morgan Rielly (upper body), Ron Hainsey (flu) and Roman Pollock (flu), leaving them with three rookie D-men and it looks to be that way again on Saturday.

I like BOSTON here at home on Saturday night.

4*

The Pittsburgh Penguins who are 18-7 at home host the Capitals a team they lost to on the road in their last meeting, but a team they’ve owned over the years. Penguins have turned it up scoring 23 goals while allowing 9 goals last 5 at home. 

Against the Capitals at home, the Penguins have won 8 of the past 11 meetings and one of the top scoring teams and power play teams in the league.

We take the Penguins here at home as our 5* NHL GAME OF THE MONTH.

5*

The Detroit Red Wings have been unremarkable at home, posting just a 10-10-7 record. The San Jose Sharks have gone 12-8-4 on the road. The San Jose Sharks have gone 12-5 when playing Eastern-Atlantic opponents this season. The Detroit Red Wings have gone 7-16 against teams with a record above .500. 

All of the value in this line is on the road club so we are taking the San Jose Sharks here. 

3*

The Chicago Blackhawks will continue their interleague play on Thursday when they battle the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off a 2-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night as we had Toronto. The Chicago Blackhawks are playing in a back-to-back in this one. This is a tough spot for the Blackhawks who played a strong game against the Maple Leafs but fell short in overtime. Now they'll take on a red hot Red Wings team on the road. Jimmy Howard will man the pipes for the Detroit Red Wings in this one. His team gave him a large workload in his last game, allowing 3 goals on 30 shots. We like the Detroit Red Wings to roll in this one.

4* 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone 13-10-3 on the road. The Chicago Blackhawks have gone 3-2 when playing Eastern-Atlantic opponents this season. The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone 6-5 when playing Western-Central opponents this season. Playing on the road is always tough, but we like the chances that the Toronto Maple Leafs have with this match-up. We would recommend taking the Toronto Maple Leafs in this game.

4* 

4*

4*

4*

4*

4*

3*

3*

4*

4*

3*

4*

4*

 The Islanders are coming off a horrible road loss to Colorado 6-1, while the Bruins have been red hot lately thanks to Goalie Tuukka Rask going 10-1 last 11 and allowing only 13 goals in those 11 games. 

On the other hand the Islanders are headed in a different direction as they are just 3-6 in their last nine games. Huge edge to Boston as they are 13-3 last 16 games that they played in New York.

Boston plays extremely well when they are rested, they are 5-0 when playing on two days rest. They also play well vs the East, they are 5-1 last six vs. the Eastern Conference. New York, on the other hand, does not fare well against good teams, they are 3-7 last 10 vs teams with winning records. 

This one is all Boston. 

4*

3*

4*

3*

4*

4*

The Avalanche are coming off a grueling 6-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. That’s a heck of an effort against the best team in the NHL at the moment. The defense just wasn’t able to contain the speed of Tampa. 

The Avalanche defeated the Penguins back on December 11th by a score of 2-1. They came back the next night to lose to the Caps. Now they play the Lightning and Penguins back-to-back.

The Penguins are just 4-4-0 in December. Their win over the Coyotes stopped a three-game losing streak for them. 

I think this is just a brutal stretch for the Avs in terms of their schedule. They took a hard 6-5 loss against the Lightning, and it’d seem they expelled a lot of energy into that game. Now they must turn around and play the Penguins. After taking a 2-1 loss to the Avs on the 11th, I see the Penguins responding in a big way on Monday night.

5* NHL ICEMAN GAME OF THE WEEK

3*

3*

3*

Nashville is 8-1 their last 9 games at home and I like them in this spot tonight. Vegas had cooled off after their hot start and their defense is struggling. The Nashville Predators last played on Tuesday and well rested coming into this one. We have Pekka Rinne penciled in as the confirmed starter for the Nashville Predators. Over 22 appearances, he has delivered a 2.38 GAA and 0.926 SV% this season. In Rinne's latest appearance, he faced 40 shots and allowed 3 goals. The Nashville Predators are 11-2-1 when playing at home this season. The Vegas Golden Knights have gone 6-7-1 on the road. Getting the home team at this price is solid value. Look for the Nashville Predators to get the Friday night win.

4* 

Brian Elliott is expected to get the call here for the Flyers. Over 20 appearances, he has delivered a 2.92 GAA and 0.908 SV% this season. In Elliott's latest appearance, he faced 26 shots and allowed 2 goals. He has been above average recently, with a 0.907 save percentage in his last 5 appearances. 

The Vancouver Canucks are 5-5-3 when playing at home this season. The Philadelphia Flyers have gone 5-5-3 on the road. The Vancouver Canucks have gone 2-3 when playing Eastern-Metropolitan opponents this season. 

All of the value in this line is on the road club. The Philadelphia Flyers will certain pepper the opposition with shots in this one. Take the Flyers in this late Thursday night game.

4*

Craig Anderson should be in goal for the Ottawa Senators. 

The Anaheim Ducks have been average at home, posting a 6-7-2 record. The Ottawa Senators have been okay when playing on the road with a 5-5-1 record. The Anaheim Ducks have gone 1-1 when playing Eastern-Atlantic opponents this season. 

Playing on the road is always tough, but we like the chances that the Ottawa Senators have with this match-up. Take the Ottawa Senators to prevail in this game. We've got the Ottawa Senators bouncing back with a win here after getting shutout 5-0 in their previous game.

4*

4*

4*

3*

The Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils will engage in some cross conference play in this match-up. The Devils just made a big trade, sending Henrique to the Ducks for defenseman Vatanen. The Devils needed a top quality defenseman and it became evident quickly. Will Butcher, the rookie was their best defenseman but Vatanen should quickly capture that role. 

Semyon Varlamov should be in goal for the Colorado Avalanche. Over 13 appearances, he has delivered a 3.13 GAA and 0.906 SV% this season. In his latest game, he was superb, allowing 2 goals. He has been poor recently, with a 0.888 save percentage in his last 3 appearances. 

Cory Schneider should be in goal for the New Jersey Devils. Over 18 appearances, he has delivered a 2.78 GAA and 0.918 SV% this season. In his latest game, he was great, allowing 3 goals. 

The New Jersey Devils have been above average when playing on the road with a 8-2-2 record. The Colorado Avalanche have gone 2-2 when playing Eastern-Metropolitan opponents this season. The New Jersey Devils have gone 1-1 when playing Western-Central opponents this season. When facing a team above .500, the Colorado Avalanche have gone 2-6. 

Look for the NJ Devils to get a win on the road here Friday night!

5*

3*

3*

The New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks will engage in some cross conference play in this match-up. In their latest game, the Vancouver Canucks lost 2-3 to the New Jersey Devils. Daniel Sedin scored in the second period. Daniel Sedin is in the top five in points for his team this year. 

Henrik Lundqvist will try to be a brick wall in net for the New York Rangers. We've seen a great 0.918% save percentage from Henrik Lundqvist this year. In Lundqvist's latest appearance, he faced 41 shots and allowed 1 goals. Henrik Lundqvist has a 2.12 GAA in his last 10 games. 

The New York Rangers are 9-4-2 when playing at home this season. The Vancouver Canucks have gone 3-4 when playing Eastern-Metropolitan opponents this season.

We like the home team's chances in this game. 

4*

3*

The bad blood continues in this one as the Dallas Stars face the Colorado Avalanche. The Dallas Stars are coming off a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday as he had them. Devin Shore scored in the second period. Jason Spezza scored in the second period. The Dallas Stars are going to rely on all four lines tonight with this being a back-to-back. 

Jonathan Bernier should start in net for this game for Colorado. He has been bad this season with a 3-4-0 record and 3.59 GAA. He last played on Sunday and put together a 0.875 save percentage. 

The Colorado Avalanche have gone 2-4 when playing Western-Central opponents this season. 

All of the value in this line is on the road club. Take the Dallas Stars to prevail in this game. 

4*

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK:

Dallas is well coached and very good at home. Montreal Goalie Lindgren has allowed five goals in each of his last two starts and will face a Dallas Stars offense that is averaging 3.56 gpg at home. Montreal has lost three straight games to finish 2-3-1 on its homestand and now it hits the road for the first time since November 5th. The Canadians are 4-10 in their last 14 games after scoring two goals or less in their previous game while the Stars are 7-1 in their last eight games against teams with a winning percentage below .400. Dallas Stars our TOP PLAY on ICE tonight! 

3*

The St. Louis Blues will take on the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Thursday. Cam Talbot is expected to get the call here for EDM in the net. We've seen a average 0.912% save percentage from Cam Talbot this year. His team gave him a small workload in his last game, allowing 2 goals on 24 shots. In 7 prior appearances against the St. Louis Blues, he has been great with a 4-2-0 record and 0.918 SV% The Edmonton Oilers have gone 2-1 when playing Western-Central opponents this season. Getting the home team at this price is solid value. We are on the Edmonton Oilers in this game at home for Thursday night.

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK 

4*

4*

3*

3*

3*

We believe the Wild will be one of the better teams in the NHL this year. The Leafs got out to a quick start the season but it seems that other teams are now catching up to Toronto’s fast offensive style of play. Minnesota plays in the Western Conference and the Leafs have two huge conference games coming up with the hated Boston Bruins on back-to-back nights. We can’t help thinking that the Leafs might be looking ahead to this weekends games. Lastly, the Wild are 7-0 in the last 7 meetings between the clubs and the fact that the Maple Leafs are 2-5 in their last 7 overall.

Nice underdog value with the Minn Wild tonight.

4*

Taking MINNESOTA tonight in a good spot on the road. The Wild have been getting some players back, but leader Zach Parise and Boston University product Charlie Coyle are out long-term. The Bruins have had all kinds of injuries -- and David Backes' illness and surgery -- and have had their two top centers, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, in uniform at the same time for two periods all season. Now they start out on a road trip and Minn Wild 8-2 last 10 in Boston and they'll grab the road win tonight

4* 

5* GAME OF THE WEEK:

This is a good spot for Calgary to blowout New Jersey. Yes, the juice is high and we get that but  Calgary is a fantastic defensive team as they are the 6th best defense in the league. 

Combine that with New Jersey ready to go home after this road trip where they have accomplished most of what they want to do, Calgary probably has a huge edge in motivation to do well in this game as they contineu their long home-stand. 

Calgary employs red-hot net minder Mike Smith, who held two of the top offensive teams to one goal each the past two games. He beat the Washington Capitals 2-1 last Sunday and then did the same to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 2-1 overtime win on Thursday.

Play the Calgary Flames here on Sunday night

4*

4*

4*

4*

3*

3*

3*

 Maple Leafs left winger James van Riemsdyk did not practice with the team Wednesday, but he is expected to be ready to play for Toronto against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. The Hurricanes, who have lost two in a row, will be playing for the fifth time on the road in their past six games.  Toronto has a ton of speed and they are very good on their home ice.  Look for the Maple Leafs to get the win here on Thursday night.

4*

4*

The Penguins (5-3-1) are coming off their second blowout loss, 7-1 at Tampa Bay on Saturday. With 2 days to prepare for this game I expect them to be focused and ready. The last time they had a blowout loss, they responded with their best effort, a 4-0 victory over Nashville, the team they beat in the Stanley Cup Finals. Including their victory over Nashville the Pens are a dominating 34-12 their past 46 games, after losing their previous game by two or more goals. I expect a big bounce back and an aggressive effort for them on their home ice and they should get the WIN over Edmonton.

5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK 

3*

3*

3*

3*

We roll with Calgary here in what should be a solid opportunity for them to do well. I think the Flames have an elite defense which is top 5 in the league. Given that Ottawa is still banged up but they come off their first win against Vancouver, this could be a tough spot for them to score goals as they face a very good defense. Calgary has been away from home as well and they will be happy to be skating at home and note that Calgary is 9-2 int heir last 11 against the Eastern Conference and the home team is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

4*

The St. Louis Blues are 4-0-0 on the season, but here they'll play their third game in four days while the Panthers have been off since a 5-4 victory against the Lightning on Oct. 7th. 

The Florida Panthers are 18-8 in their last 26 games playing on three or more days rest and I think the rest advantage will play a huge part here. 

STL has a ton of injuries.

Forwards Alexander Steen (left hand), Patrik Berglund (shoulder surgery), Robby Fabbri (knee surgery) and Zach Sanford (shoulder surgery) are all out. Fabbri is gone for the season, Sanford needs months of rehab, Berglund could be back by December, and Steen could return by the end of this month.

On defense, the picture is not as bleak. First-pair defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (left ankle) is the only one injured on the blue line, and he could possibly return within one week.

The Panthers are very explosive on offense and get a lot of shots at goal.  I think this is a good spot for Florida at home on Thursday evening.

4*

3*

I think we are getting some very good value here with the STL Blues. I realize they played on Monday but the season is early and the NY Rangers aren't that good in my eyes. The Blues are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. NY Rangers and also 5-0 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. STL is 10-3 in their last 13 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. We have several stats pointing in favor of STL. The Blues wrapped up the regular season by going 22-8-2 under HC Yeo. St Louis then lasted two rounds in the post-season and they've now begun this season with a perfect 3-0 start under Yeo. No one can argue that the players certainly seem to have responded well to the coaching change. Even though the Blues had to go to the shootout to get the win yesterday, they did lead the game 2-0 for much of the way. Take the STL Blues as a small dog on Tuesday night as our 5* NHL Game of the Week. 

3*

3*

Nashville lost the Stanley Cup and those teams start well on the road.  They've also added Nick Bonino to their team who will make his debut for Nashville.  Meanwhile the Bruins are missing a few key players with injuries and illness.  The Predators are a team on the rise and they are very good defensively.  I like them to notch a win here on Thursday night in their opener.

4*

Auston Matthews and Nylander gonna have another memorable season opener first and second stars. Toronto was one of the best offensive and scoring teams in the league last year. Mathews on the other hand, carries his own line. Less pp time ,yet still outshines laine on Wednesday. Look for the Maple Leafs to get a win here on Wednesday NHL opening night!

4* 

The Stanley Cup Finals have been dominated by the team with home-ice advantage, but the Penguins are the better team. They are better and faster and the only way Nashville wins this game is if their goalie has a huge game. The Penguins retooled their top line a few days and won easily on Thursday, with Conor Sheary rejoining rookie Jake Guentzel, who leads the postseason in goals, and regular-season goals leader Sidney Crosby. The Predators were basically the #16 seed in the playoffs and had a nice run, but it comes to an end on Sunday. PENGUINS WIN! Pittsburgh is worthy of another top play as a small dog on the road in game 6.

5*

The Stanley Cup Finals have been dominated by the team with home-ice advantage, as home clubs have won each of the first four games by two or more goals. The Penguins retooled their top line in practice Wednesday, with Conor Sheary rejoining rookie Jake Guentzel, who leads the postseason with 13 goals, and regular-season goals leader Sidney Crosby. This makes Pittsburgh worthy of a top play even while laying the moderate price at home in game 5.

5*

4*