4*Edmonton Oilers -124

The Edmonton Oilers were my Western Conference Spotlight Team two seasons ago. In that article I mentioned it could be a year too soon. So far, so true. They are loaded with second-year phenom Connor McDavid leading the way. Edmonton is playing at a high level and brimming with confidence. Vancouver has been out-shot in four straight games. Not a good time to play this Oilers' squad. The Oilers' winning streak stays alive!

3*Tampa Bay Lightning -124

5*Washington Capitals -120

The Panthers are slowly getting better but the Capitals are by far the more talented team. Washington has out-shot its opponent in every game this season and has enjoyed more scoring chances than Florida. The host is just 3-6 after playing the Lightning over the last two seasons. The Capitals are 12-4 in the past 16 meetings, despite losing two straight to the Panthers. I like the Caps at this price!

5*Calgary Flames -125

These teams just played on Wednesday and despite the Oilers winning 7-4, the Flames outshot Edmonton 41-28. I think they bounce back here in their home opener. I projected this line 15 dollars higher. Some value there. Calgary is 25-10-1 in the past 36 meetings at home. Take the Flames in this spot!

5*Pittsburgh Penguins +102

The Penguins lost 4-2 despite outshooting the Sharks 46-22 on Wednesday. In fact, Pittsburgh has outshot San Jose 179-120 through five games. San Jose hasn't recorded more than 26 shots-on-goal in any game. The Penguins are extremely fast and San Jose is having trouble defending the blue line. The Penguins are 16-5 after a loss by two goals or more and 14-5 after allowing four or more goals in their previous game. I think Pittsburgh wins the Cup tonight!

5*Pittsburgh Penguins -135

The Penguins have outshot Tampa Bay 186-141 through five games, but find themselves on the brink of elimination. In fact, Tamap Bay has allowed more shots than they take this season. Pittsburgh has what it takes to force a game seven. Closeout games are always the toughest. I would expect a top-notch effort by the Penguins. Look for the visitors improve to 14-5 after allowing 4 goals or more. 

5*St. Louis Blues +140

The Blues are fortunate to be tied in the series after two games. St. Louis has allowed the Sharks more scoring chances in both matchups. They stole game one thanks to great goal-tending by Brian Elliot. I believe a Ken Hitchcock coached Hockey team with as much talent on that roster will not play three clunkers in a row. This is great price and I would expect this line to come down by game time.

5*St. Louis Blues -132

The Blues played one of the toughest schedules in all of hockey and they finished with 107 points in the regular season, just 2 points behind Dallas for the top seed. Very impressive. St. Louis went 34-12-4 in conference games, while the Sharks were 26-19-5 against the West this season. The Blues were 15-5-1 against the Pacific, while the Sharks were just 10-10-2 against the Central. I have the Blues winning the Stanley Cup. It doesn't matter who comes out of the East. St. Louis is very talented, very deep and well-coached under Ken Hitchcock. I also think the extra rest benefits the home team as both squads are coming off long 7-game series. The Blues are ranked No. 1 in fewest scoring chances allowed in these playoffs, while the Sharks are allowing more shots than they take when playing on the road. A system that has been profitable in the playoffs is to fade any NHL team after scoring 5 goals or more and than have to play a road game. Take the host to win the series as well!

5*St. Louis Blues +103

The Blues have already played in a game 7 when they defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champions in the first round. St. Louis lost game 6 by one goal, despite outshooting the Stars 37-14. The Blues are the more talented and deeper team, especially since Tyler Seguin has been ruled out for this game. The Stars have really missed his skillful play on the Ice. I think not having one of your best players on the Ice is crucial in a winner-take-all situation. St. Louis is 12-3 in their last 15 games after scoring 2 goals or less. I like the Blues to advance to the Western Conference Finals! 

4*Pittsburgh Penguins -123

5*Nashville Predators -110

The Predators are down 2-0 in the series despite outshooting San Jose 39-25 in game two. In fact, the Predators hold a 70-63 shot advantage and they had 14 more scoring chances than the Sharks in the two games combined. Nashville will be able to matchup much better being at home as they get to make the final line changes. The Predators should be focused knowing this a must win game. Nashville is 6-1 at home against the Sharks of late and the home team is 38-18 in the last 56 meetings. Take the host!

4*St. Louis Blues +135

3*San Jose Sharks -117

4*LA Kings +108

The Kings normally show up in must win games and should have confidence knowing they outshot San Jose in both losses at Staples Center. The Kings are ranked No. 1 in team shot differential and certainly matchup well against the host. Home Ice has meant very little in this series of late. The road team is 6-1 in the past seven meetings. The Kings are 17-8 after three or more consecutive losses over the last three seasons, including 3-0 this year.

5*Detroit Red Wings -120

The Red Wings play much better at home and should be focused after dropping the first two games. The Lightning are just 5-13-1 in their last 19 meetings in Detroit and Tampa Bay is "nicked" up. I will take the Red Wings in this must win game. Look for Detroit's defense to improve after surrendering 5 goals the other night, and for the home team improve to 8-0 of late.

10*St. Louis Blues -119

The Blues haven't made it out of the first round since 2011. This is their best and most complete team by far. Very deep and very focused. Chicago eliminated the Blues in the first round two years ago. The Blackhawks have played a lot of Hockey over the last three seasons. They looked tired and slower to me than in years past. Chicago allowed more shots (2,526) than they take (2,498) this season. These teams historically don't perform well in the playoffs, especially the first game. Duncan Keith is OUT (suspension) and he's a big loss on the Blackhawks' blue line. He is one of the best two-way players in the league with a career +150 in plus/minus efficiency. Chicago went 14-16 SU against winning teams, while the Blues went 24-15 SU against teams over the .500 mark this season. Very telling. Lastly, the Blues lost game one on home ice in the playoffs last season. They should be super focused in this first game. Take St. Louis in this one. I like the Blues to win the series as well.

5*San Jose Sharks -107

There has been a lot written by the local beat writers that the Sharks can't win at home. They have lost three in a row at home and have the worst home record of all playoff-bound teams. Considering the Sharks own the league's best shot differential at home (+8), San Jose has been a little unlucky. They need a win to earn a split on their current 6-game homestand. The Kings are coming off a 6-goal game and now must play a road game. Tough. The home team is 27-11 in their last 38 meetings. Take the Sharks in this one!

4*Carolina Hurricanes +122

Carolina is a sneaky good team, ranking No. 5 in shot differential while the Blue Jackets are ranked No. 23. The Hurricanes have committed the second fewest penalties while the host leads the league in penalties committed. Columbus plays a physical style which the Hurricanes like. Carolina has won five of the past six meetings, including 2-0 this season. Also, the Blue Jackets are coming off a game where they enjoyed a season-high 53 shots-on-goal in winning a shootout against the Flyers. The home team is 0-4 after a win of late. Look for the Hurricanes to end its five game losing skid.

5*Chicago Blackhawks -114

I believe these two teams will be playing in the Western Conference Finals. The Blackhawks are coming off a listless performance, losing 5-2 at Dallas while getting outshot 23-31 on 3/11/16. Chicago has the No. 1 ranked Power Play in the Western Conference and they went 0-for-5 in that non-effort. They've had two days to think about it and should be focused in this one. Chicago is 22-5 after allowing 5 goals or more and 20-6 after a loss of 3 goals or more. The host has committed 230 penalties in 69 games while the visitor has committed 295 penalties in 67 games. The Blackhawks own the 7th-ranked home offense (2.97) and the No. 1 ranked home defense, allowing 1.74 goals per game. Chicago is 12-2-3 vs. the Pacific while the Kings are 8-4-2 vs. the Central. The Kings are just 7-19 in their last 26 meetings at United Center. Look for the home team improve to 5-0 of late.

4*Pittsburgh Penguins -117

The Penguins should be focused as they try to secure one of the two wild card spots in the East. Pittsburgh is by far the more talented team and they seem undervalued in this spot. The host is allowing more shots than they take and are 1-4 after a win of late. The visitors are a sparkling 9-1 in their last 10 against losing teams. The Blue Jackets are 8-23 in their last 31 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Pittsburgh has gone 5-0 in their last five games after scoring 2 goals or less. Columbus will be getting its top goalie back which is why this line isn't significantly higher. 

5*LA Kings -120

The Capitals have played 11 straight one-goal games, winning eight of them. This will be the sixth game in nine days for the road team and fourth in six days. The LA Kings are ranked No. 1 in shot differential (+4.9) and they have revenge on their minds from a 3-1 loss at Washington just three weeks ago. Note, in that game the Kings outshot Washington 40-32. The Kings are 22-10 when seeking revenge this season and 8-2 against the Capitals of late, including 5-0 at Staples Center. The Kings also own the leagues best defense in home games, allowing the fewest shots-on-goal and scoring chances. I like the home team in this spot! 

5*New York Islanders -139

This game falls into one of my favorite and most profitable Hockey handicapping systems. Vancouver defeated the Islanders on 1/17/16 in a shootout, despite getting outshot 48-26. In fact, the Canucks are ranked 28th in shots against and I see numerous on ice advantages for the Islanders in this rematch. The Islanders are 17-5 in their last 22 games against the Western Conference. They are coming off a 3-1 loss against Edmonton, despite outshooting the Oilers 37-26. The Canucks are 9-19 against winning teams, while the Islanders are 10-4 after scoring 1 goal or less. In the past 10 games, the host is allowing a league-worst 3.40 goals while the visitor is allowing just 2.00 goals per game. Look for the Islanders improve to 10-1 when playing on Tuesday this season. 

4*Dallas Stars -124

I would be shocked if this line doesn't end up around Dallas -140 or higher. The Stars are by far the more talented team. They have allowed 13 goals and 84 shots in their last two games. Lindy Ruff is a very good coach and should have the Stars focused. Dallas will be looking to end its three-game losing streak against a team they have had pretty good success (3-0 this year) in the past. The Jets are just 9-16 against winning teams while the Stars are 10-2 after a loss by 2 goals or more. These two teams will play again in Dallas as part of a home-and-home. The public loves the road team as close to 90% of the bets are coming in on Dallas. That's why this play is rated only 4 units.

5*San Jose Sharks -105

The Sharks are ranked No. 7 in shot differential, while the Panthers are allowing more shots than they take. San Jose checks in with a 8-4 SU record against the Atlantic, while the Panthers are 3-8 SU against the Pacific. Florida is "nicked up" quite a bit and they have played two more games than the Sharks this season. San Jose has a huge edge in Face-Off win percentage and they are the more disciplined team. The Sharks are fighting for a wild card spot and should be focused in this one.

4*New York Islanders -102

5*Chicago Blackhawks -132

The Blackhawks are 21-6 against teams teams with a losing record and they have defeated the Ducks in four straight meetings. I believe Chicago has too much team speed for this current Ducks' team to handle. This will be Anaheim's fourth road game in six days and they have gone 2-7 in their last nine in this role. The Blackhawks are 10-2 after allowing four or more goals. This line will be heading up so get down ASAP. Tonight is the night Chicago ends its two-game home losing streak. 

4*Dallas Stars +122

5*Edmonton Oilers -130

Last season, the Blue Jackets won both meetings in a shootout, despite getting outshot 82-51 in the two games combined. The Oilers are a much improved team and they perform at their best when installed as the betting favorite. Edmonton averages 3.14 goals, while allowing 2.00 goals per game when they are favorites. Also, the host owns a plus +4 shot differential which would rank in the top two in the league. Columbus is coming off a home-and-home sweep of the Canadians, winning both games by a 5-2 score, despite getting outshout in both games. The Oilers are 17-5 in their last 22 meetings in Edmonton and they get Conner McDavid back. Take the home team!

4*St. Louis Blues +116

4*Tampa Bay -123

4*Nashville Predators +104

4*Dallas Stars +100

I think the Stars have the more talented roster. Dallas defeated the Ducks by one goal earlier this season and outshot them 34-20. Dallas is 8-1 when playing with 4 or more days of rest. They should be extremely focused on snapping their five-game road losing streak after hearing about it from the local media all week.  

10*Nashville Predators +104

Nashville is playing really good Hockey, although they don't have many wins to show for it. The Predators are in a great spot to snap its four-game losing streak. A streak that started nine days ago against these Jets. Nashville lost 4-1 at home, despite outshooting Winnipeg 44-18. The Predators dropped a one-goal decision to the Blackhawks, despite outshooting Chicago 43-23 on Tuesday. The Jets are allowing more shots than they take, while the road team is ranked No. 1 in shot differential at +4.6 per game. Only Nashville and the LA Kings has a shot differential of plus four or better so far this season. The Jets just lost Center Mark Scheifele to a lower body injury and he's out Indefinitely. His 23 points in 37 games will be missed. Take Nashville in a big revenge spot here. 

4*Calgary Flames +111

The Flames have been playing stifling defense, as they are allowing 27.9 shot-on-goal and exactly two goals per game over their last 10. They are looking to snap a 3-game skid at Scotiabank Saddledome and will do so with Karri Ramo in net. He's allowed just three goals total in his last three starts and Calgary has won seven of the past nine meetings against the Sharks. Martin Jones is 5-9 with a 2.73 GAA against the Western Conference, while the Sharks are coming off 7-goal victory against the Maple Leafs on Saturday. Take the home team in this spot!

5*Pittsburgh Penguins +109

The Penguins are coming off two losses against the Blackhawks as part of a home and home. Pittsburgh played the defending Stanley Cup Champs tough. However, they managed a season-low 18 shots-on-goal in losing on Wednesday. They should be focused and have already defeated the Canadians this season. Pittsburgh has won five of the past seven games at Bell Centre. Goalie Cary Price (10-2, 2.06 GAA, .934 save percentage) remains out and that means Mike Condon will start in Goal. He's just 12-9-3 with a 2.36 GAA and .908 save percentage this season. Montreal hasn't won back-to-back game since late November. Look for the Penguins improve to 19-6 after managing 19 or fewer shots-on-goal in their previous game.

5*NY Islanders -103

You just know the Islanders have been waiting for this game ever since getting ousted from the playoffs by Washington in seven games last season. New York only managed 11 shots-on-goal in the deciding seventh game and should come out with a lot of passion, especially after three very good days of practice. The Islanders have the size and speed to matchup with the Capitals. Not many teams do. It also helps the home team that Capitals' defenseman John Carlson and his 6'3" frame is OUT for this game. He's the Capitals tallest and most skillfull player on the blue line. He will be missed in this spot. Take the Islanders!

5*NY Islanders -107

The Islanders have more efficient offense, defense, and special teams. They're coming off a tough loss at home, losing to the Panthers 5-1 despite outshooting Florida 34-16. New York is 4-1 after scoring one goal or less this season. Colorado is returning home after three physical wins against division rivals, despite getting outshot in all three games. The Avs have recorded 888 shots-on-goal, but have surrendered a whopping 973 shots against this season. Colorado is 3-7-1 against the Metropolitan division, while the Islanders are 5-1-1 against the Central. Finally, NHL teams off a shutout win against the defensing Stanley Cup Champions are just 4-17-3 against winning teams.

5*St. Louis Blues -119

The Blues lost to Colorado 3-1 despite, outshooting the Avs 43-18 on Sunday. The Jets played the defending Stanley Cup Champions in two out of their past three games and lost them both. The Jets are 1-8 in their last nine games against the Central and 28-42 over the last three seasons. The Blues have the No. 1 ranked Penalty-kill (87.7%), while the Jets have one of the worst Power Play percentages (15.5%) in all of hockey. The Blues have 947 shots-on-goal and have allowed 861. The Jets have 874 shots-on-goal and have allowed 913. St. Louis has a better road record than home record and have won nine of the past 12 meetings against the Winnipeg/Atlanta franchise. The Jets have committed the most penalties in the NHL and they are just 6-10 against winning teams. The Blues are ranked No. 5 in Face-Off win percentage, while the host is ranked No. 27. Take the Blues in this one! 

10*Washington Capitals +109

A Barry Trotz coached team does a great job of bouncing back and the Capitals are the more talented team. Washington has owned the Lightning winning eight of the past 10 meetings, including three straight. Tampa Bay has played 29 games while the Caps have played 27. The Lightning have 811 shots-on-goal while allowing 838. Washington has 834 shots-on-goal while allowing just 733. The Capitals own the more efficient offense, defense, Power-Play, Penalty-kill, Face-off win percentage, and have committed 19 fewer penalties than the host. The Capitals are 16-5 in their last 21 against losing teams, while Tampa Bay is only 5-9 against teams with a winning record this season. More road teams win on Saturday's in the NHL than any other day of the week. The Capitals are 6-1 on Saturday's this season and 5-0 after scoring one goal or less. Washington is 11-1-1 this season when playing with one day of rest. Take the road underdog as my 10* NHL Game of the Month play for December. 

4*Montreal +140

The Canadiens have lost three straight despite outshooting all three opponents. Montreal owns the better offense, defense, and special teams. The Red Wings are allowing (862) more shots-on-goal than they take (798). The Canadiens are 4-0-1 this season when playing with zero days rest. Carey Price remains out but backup goalie Mike Condon is 9-4-3 with a 2.22 GAA and .913 save percentage. Montreal is 9-2 against winning teams and will be looking to defeat the Red Wings for the 8th straight time. I think the Canadiens are too fast and the Red Wings will have a tough time dealing with Montreal's team speed.

4*Chicago Blackhawks -129

The Senators are ranked last in shots allowed per game (34.1) and the Blackahwaks should be able to skate past Ottawa. Chicago has lost their last two games by one goal and they play really well against the East. Chicago has won five of the past six meetings and I would expect more of the same tonight.

4*Toronto Maple Leafs +160

The Leafs are playing without its top goalie in James Reimer but that's a good thing for now. Rookie goalie Garret Sparks took advantage by shutting-out the Edmonton Oilers in his NHL debut. He's got good size & instincts and certainly looks the part. NHL teams facing rookie goalies don't really know what their tendencies are early on. What I really like about the Maple Leafs in this spot, is that Toronto has defeated some really good teams in the Central while the Jets have lost to those same good teams. The Leafs are 4-1 vs. the Central this season while the host is 3-7. Keep in mind, the Jets are in the Central Division so they should have more success against this division than an Eastern Conference team in last place. This line is ridicules considering the Maple Leafs will bring in the better defense, special teams, and face-off win percentage. Lets not forget, the Jets are ranked No. 1 in penalties committed with a whopping 133 in 25 games while the Leafs have committed only 92 in one less game. Take the road team at a very attractive price! 

4*Chicago Blackhawks +100

The Sharks return home after going a perfect 6-0 on the road, all against the Eastern Conference. San Jose won four of the games by one goal and were outshot by a combined 192-153 in those six wins. San Jose has the worst Power Play percentage (13.6) of any first place team and the second worst in all of hockey. Chicago has one of the best Power Play percentages (21.4), and they have committed 14 fewer penalties than the Sharks in the same number of games. The Blackhawks allowed a season-high (tie) 6 goals in losing to Vancouver despite outshooting them 29-20. Chicago should come out with a lot of fire after having three days off. The Blackhawks are 2-0 this season after losing two straight and 21-5 in their last 26 games after allowing 5 or more goals.

5*Columbus Blue Jackets +112

Ottawa is allowing a league worst 34.7 shots-on-goal per game and have been outshot in seven straight tilts. The Blue Jackets have won three in a row and have played much better after John Tortorella took over on October 21st for the fired Todd Richards. Columbus lost to these Senators 7-3 at home, despite outshooting Ottawa 41-27 back on October 14th. The seven goals allowed by the Blue Jackets remains a season-high. Ottawa is 3-8 in their last 11 home games while the road team is 6-1 in the last seven meetings. Tortorella has been coaching a long time and historically has been dynamite in big-time revenge games. Take Columbus at a nice price!

4*Pittsburgh Penguins -111

The Penguins had a closed-door meeting after getting shutout by the Devils on Saturday. The team only managed a season-low 21 shots-on-goal. The Penguins have the better defense, allowing 2.18 goals per game. Minnesota has struggled on the road, allowing 3.25 goals per game. Pittsburgh had two days to work on some things and I believe it will lead to a much better performance.

10*Carolina Hurricanes -125

The Hurricanes have outshot their opponents in five straight games but only have one win to show for it. Carolina lost to a very good Western Conf. team by one goal (Minnesota) on Thursday despite outshooting the Wild 39-21. The Hurricanes have a good defense that nobody knows about, as evident by ranking No. 2 in shots allowed per game (25.3). Only the Capitals (24.9) are better so far this season. The Flyers are ranked 29th, allowing 34.1 shots per game. Carolina brings in the better offense, defense, and special teams. Philadelphia has allowed 60 Power Play goals so far this season while Carolina has allowed only 34. Lets not forget that Carolina is ranked No. 2 (54%) in Face-Off win percentage while the Flyers are ranked No. 17. (49%). The Flyers have committed 75 penalties in 16 games while the host has committed just 38 in 16 games. Goalie Cam Ward was 4-0 with a 1.23 GAA against Philly last season. The Hurricanes have defeated the Flyers in five straight home tilts. Carolina is by far the better team right now and will look to improve to 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.

4*San Jose Sharks -120

5*Washington Capitals +119

The Capitals have been waiting for this game ever since the Rangers ousted them from the playoffs last season. All seven games were decided by one goal. Washington is playing at a high-level in Barry Trotz's second season as head coach. The Rangers are allowing more shots (344) than taking (320) so far this season. That's a red flag to me. Washington has allowed just 251 shots-on-goal in 10 games this season, which ranks first in the league at 25.1 shots against per game. Take the motivated underdog with a suffocating defense!  

5*Vancouver Canucks +122

Montreal is a perfect 9-0 this season, but have been outshot in their last three three games. They defeated the Maple Leafs 5-3 the other night, despite getting outshot 52-27. Vancouver has the personnel to match-up with this Montreal team who will be making its longest flight of the season so far. The Canucks are 10-4 when playing with two days of rest and have gone 9-3 in their last 12 meetings against Montreal at home. Tremendous value on the home squad!

5*Dallas Stars -110

The Flyers have been resting for five days after defeating the Blackhawks on 10/14. Too much time early in the season to be off. Dallas is on the rise this season and will be coming in with two days rest. They are very talented and have gone 10-1 in their last 11 against the Metropolitan division. Dallas is on a 16-5 run dating back to last season. Head coach Lindy Ruff has this team playing at a high-level. Jump on board!

4*Nashville Predators +100

Not same season revenges, but Nashville outshot Ottawa 35-19 last year and lost by one goal in Ottawa. Nashville won the first game in Nashville and outshot them. Nashville is very talented and a team on a mission this year. The Predators lost by one goal to the Islanders the other night, despite outshooting them 47-28. Ottawa has been outshot in every game this season and they lead the league in penalties committed (27 in five games), while Nashville has committed just 13 in four games. Third game in four nights for Ottawa. Take the Predators!

4*Dallas Stars +155

The Dallas Stars are very talented and should be much improved on the blue line this season. Tampa Bay will be playing its fourth game in five nights. Tough. This line is out of whack. Great value with the Stars in this one.

5*Philadelphia Flyers -130

The Flyers were embarrassed, losing to these same Panthers on Saturday. Philadelphia outshot Florida 39-30 and had more scoring chances. Florida scored 7 goals and now must play a road game, against the avenging Flyers. The Panthers are 1-10 in their last 11 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Philadelphia has a lot of talent and should get its first win of the season.

4*Vancouver Canucks +118

The Canucks have had this game circled ever since the Flames ousted Vancouver from the playoffs last season. 

5*Chicago Blackhawks -149

4*Chicago Blackhawks -135

4*Chicago Blackhawks +118

10*Washington Capitals +155

The Capitals outshot the Rangers 48-25 in losing by 1 goal on Sunday. Washington is 13-4 in these type of revenge games. The entire team should be pumped up after the Alex Ovechkin guarantee of a win. The money line favors the Rangers, but don't be shocked if the Capitals make the Eastern Conf. finals against Tampa Bay at a nice price. Grab the plus action! 

4*Washington Capitals +151

Great value on the road team. The Rangers have ousted Washington in the playoffs in 2012 and 2013 and I expect a top-notch effort from the Capitals. Barry Trotz has this team on a roll along with stellar goalie play from Holtby. 

4*Calgary Flames +123

4*Chicago Blackhawks -127

4*Washington Capitals +150

Very long layoff for the home team and I believe the Caps can "steal" game one on the road.

4*St. Louis Blues -135

5*Ottawa Senators -130

The Senators will be focused at home as they can't afford to go down three games to none. The Senators have defeated the Canadiens this season and were competitive in losing the first two games by 1 goal. Take the home team!

4*Chicago Blackhawks +100

4*Washington Capitals -140

5*Nashville Predators -125

This will be the third game in four days for the Wild and they clinched a playoff spot by defeating the Blackhawks the other night. Nashville should be focused after losing its last three home games. Teams are cashing just 35% after defeating Chicago and than playing a road game over the last five seasons. Look for the Wild's 11-game road winning streak to end tonight!

5*Chicago Blackhawks -144

The Blues have scored 11 goals in their last two games and now must play a road game. Tough. The Blackhawks are 22-6 at home against the Blues of recent time. St. Louis is playing at less than full strength with two key injures. Chicago is 25-10 vs. winning teams while the Blues are just 17-19 against winners.  Take the home team!

5*Chicago Blackhawks -158

This will be the 4th game in five nights for the visitors. Teams in this role have a very hard time dealing with the Blackhawks' skill and overall team speed. Chicago enjoys a big edge in Face-off win percentage and penalties committed. The Canucks have committed 100 more penalties than Chicago. Vancouver is ranked 27th in Face-off win percentage while the host is ranked 6th. The Blackhawks are still motivated to win and secure home ice in the playoffs.

10*Chicago Blackhawks -105

The Blackhawks are coming off a non-effort and should be extremely focused in this game. Chicago is 10-2 in their last 12 games after a loss by 3 or more goals and 16-5 in their last 21 games after allowing 5 or more goals. The Jets defeated Montreal 5-2 on Wednesday despite getting outshot 41-22. Winnipeg has been outshot in four straight games and will be good team to fade in the first round of the playoffs, should they make it. Chicago has a huge advantage in Face-off win percentage and penalties committed. The Jets have committed 406 penalties in 75 games while the Blackhawks have committed just 239 in 74 games. Take the road team!

4*Calgary Flames +155

5*Nashville Predators -123

Montreal sits atop the Atlantic division standings despite being outshot 2064-2239 for the season. That's not conducive to maintaining a winning streak and/or advancing far in the playoffs. On the flip side, Nashville has outshot its foes by nearly 300 shots. The Predators will be playing with revenge from a 1-goal loss at Montreal in a game where top goalie Pekka Rinne did not play. Take the home team in what should be a low-scoring affair.

5*Chicago Blackhawks -155

I like the Blackhawks to bounce back after one of their sloppiest performances of the season. Chicago is 10-3 after scoring 1 goal or fewer. Carolina really has nothing left to play for. They are 22 games out of the final wild card spot. The host is 9-18 against the Western Conference and 9-25 against teams with a winning record.

20*St. Louis Blues -119

The Blues are playing terrific Hockey going 23-10 in the second half of the season, while the Jets are just 16-16 during that same time frame. St. Louis is 3-0 vs. the Jets this season, outshooting them 85-77. The Blues are by far the more talented team in every aspect including Face-off win percentage and penalties committed. The Jets are coming off an emotional 5-2 home win vs. the Sharks to grab the final playoff spot, despite getting outshot 40-22. Winnipeg is 6-12 after a win by 2 goals or more and just 1-5 after scoring two power play goals. The host is 11-22 vs. teams with a winning record. Look for the Blues to improve to 11-1 against the Jets in their last 12 head-to-head meetings. Take the road team!

4*St. Louis Blues -112

5*Minnesota Wild -130

These two teams would meet in the first round of the playoffs if the reg. season ended today. So far, the Ducks are 2-0 versus the Wild this season, despite getting outshot in both games. The Wild own the better goal differential and shots-on-goal/shots allowed stats. Anaheim has committed 301 penalties in a league-high 69 games while Minnesota has committed just 248 penalties in two fewer games played. Look for the Wild to be pumped up at home!

5*Nashville Predators -140

The Islanders have done most of its damage against losing teams, the Eastern Conference, and when installed as a favorite. When underdogs, the NY Islanders allow 3.09 goals per game, which ranks second most among winning teams. The road team is just 5-6 SU against the Central this season. The Predators have lost four straight and should be really focused after its last sloppy home game. Nashville is 9-1 after scoring 1 goal or less this season and 16-8 when revenging a loss versus opponent. 

10*St. Louis Blues -117

The Blues have played two sloppy games in a row and this team is too talented and too well-coached not to play better. The Jets are the perfect opponent for the Blues to snap out of their funk. St. Louis is +35 in goal differential while the Jets are just +5. Winnipeg has committed the most penalties in all of Hockey and in my opinion extremely overrated as a serious contender. Look for the Blues to improve to 6-0 against the Jets of late. 

4*Calgary Flames -114

4*Pittsburgh Penguins -140

5*Chicago Blackhawks -146

The Blackhawks are sixth in the league with 155 goals but have been shut out in each of their last two outings to fall to 2-3-0 on their current road trip. Chicago is by far the more skillful and talented team. They lead every single ancillary stat included penalties. The Jets have committed 300 penalties in 53 games, which leads the NHL. Chicago has committed just 175 penalties in two fewer games. Chicago should be focused after losing two straight games without scoring a goal. Winnipeg is 3-0 (all in Chicago) versus the Blackhawks this season, despite getting outshout 105-82. With triple revenge from this season look for the Blackhawks to win going away and to continue the Jets losing streak.  

5*Detroit Red Wings +100

Colorado defeated Detroit earlier this season despite getting outshot 35-23. The Avs allow more goals than they score (-9) while the road ream is +20 in goal differential. Detroit has more shots-on-goal than allowed while, Colorado allows more shots than they take by nearly 300. The Red Wings have been in Denver for at least two days so the altitude should not be a factor. Detroit is 10-3 against the West and 4-1 with three or more days of rest. The host is just 8-19 against winning teams. 

5*Chicago Blackhawks -105

The Blackhawks are by far the more talented team and a great second half bet. Chicago is 13-6 vs. the Kings of late and this line should be closer to -120. 

4*Dallas Stars -130

The Jets have scored 17 goals in their past three games and now must play a road game. Tough. Winnipeg has also been outshot in two of their past three games. The Stars are focused on starting the second half with a victory. They should have a nice advantage in Face-Offs won and they are the much more disciplined team. Look for the Starts to improve to 15-6 in the last 21 head-to-head meetings.

10*San Jose Sharks -135

The Sharks lost to the Coyotes earlier this season in a shootout, despite outshooting Arizona 43-25. San Jose is 11-2 of late when playing with two days of rest. The Sharks are 4-1 in their last five games against teams with a losing record. Arizona is allowing 3.27 goals per game and have gone 2-9 of late against winning teams. Arizona has never defeated the Sharks in back-to-back meetings. Take the Sharks!

5*Chicago Blackhawks -140

The Blackhawks are by far the more talented team. They are coming of 2-0 loss despite outshooting Colorado by 30. The Wild are not the same team since the rash of injuries. Minnesota is just 6-12 v. winning teams. Consider the Blackhawks the favorites to win the Stanley Cup if they stay healthy.

5*Washington Capitals -104

Toronto defeated the Capitals 6-2, despite outshooting them 37-23 in late November. Washington has a 13-3 record this season when seeking revenge. The Maple Leafs are returning home from a long road trip and have gone 0-3 when playing with 3 days of rest. Take the better defense with the Caps.

4*San Jose Sharks +115

4*Calgary Flames -111

The Flames are by far the more talented team and should benefit with two days of rest. Calgary has lost six in a row, but they have outshot its foe in five of the six. Dallas has one of the worst defenses in all of Hockey. Tremendous value as the home team should be closer to -130. Take the Flames!

5*Washington Capitals -108

Columbus has won seven straight despite getting outshot in six of those games, including three in a row. The Capitals lost to these same Blue Jackets in OT last week despite outshooting them 41-23. Columbus is allowing 3.43 goals at home while the Caps allow just 2.40 goals on the road. Washington should have a huge edge in Face-Offs won and they are the more disciplined team.

10*St. Louis Blues -137

The LA Kings will be playing its fifth road game in seven days. St. Louis lost to the the Kings in a shootout back in October, despite outshooting them 43-18. The Kings are allowing 3.28 goals per game as road underdogs and they are just 4-12 in their last 16 road tilts. St. Louis is 5-1 in their last six games when playing with two days of rest. The Blues should have a solid advantage in Face-offs won and they are the more disciplined team. Look for the home team to improve to 9-2 in this series of late.

4*Chicago Blackhawks -123

5*Nashville Predators -117

The Preds are by far the more talented squad and they have been dynamite off a loss this season. Nashville is ranked No. 1 in penalties committed while the host has committed the fifth most penalties. Take the road team! 

5*Minnesota Wild -127

Montreal will be playing its fourth game in five days and they have played 26 games so far this season. A key factor, the Canadians played a high-altitude game on Monday and have a big revenge game against Chicago on Friday. The Wild will be playing with three days of rest and they have played 23 games so far. Minnesota has the better offense and defense, while allowing roughly 180 fewer shots-on-goal. They are also the much more disciplined team. Minnesota has dropped their last two home games and should be fired-up to give the home folks a victory. 

4*Calgary Flames -155

4*Toronto Maple Leafs -135

5*Chicago Blackhawks -105

The Ducks defeated the Blackhawks 1-0 in Chicago on 10/28/14, despite getting outshout 38-25. Chicago has advantages across the board including Face-Off won. Chicago loves playing on Black Friday having won four of their past five.

5*Minnesota Wild -132

The Wild lost to the LA Kings at Staples back in October, despite outshooting them 41-16. LA will be playing its third road game in four nights. NHL teams playing a road game without rest off a shootout loss are cashing a mere 30% over the last five seasons. Look for the Wild to improve to 8-1 at Xcel Energy Center.

5*Pittsburgh Penguins -110

The Penguins have the better offense, defense, and special teams. Montreal has played three more games than Pittsburgh at this point of the season. This will be the Canadians' fifth game in seven days, and they are allowing more shots-on-goal than they take. The Penguins love playing with two days of rest going 16-6 of late. Take the road team!

5*Chicago Blackhawks -123

Two Hockey teams heading in opposite directions. The Blackhawks have won three out of their last four while the Red Wings have dropped four of their last five games. Both teams played Tampa Bay in their last game. Chicago won and outshot the Lightning 39-27, while Detroit lost and was outshot 20-30. The Blackhawks are ranked No. 1 in shots-on-goal and goals against. Great combo. Take the road team!