10* NYR/New York Islanders OVER the total

NHL TOTAL OF THE MONTH....BDS

Here we have two units going nowhere in 2018, looking to close out the season with some zest.  The basis of this angle is the horrible defenses for the Rangers and Isles sitting at 27th and 31st respectively in the league.  Critical, we look for a wide-open hockey game with nothing to be gained only bragging rights in the Big Apple.  The OVER in the series is 6-2-1 of late.  Rangers come in 6-1-2 OVER with one day of rest and a majestic 9-2-2 OVER L13 overall.  In contrast, the Isles bring a PERFECT 4-0 OVER mark against the Eastern Conference, while OVER in 7-of-10 at home.  The last set is pretty good too, with Islanders 4-1 OVER against a losing unit...OVER!

3* Boston over Florida

Realize each unit is in a "need" situation but, for different reasons. The key here is the fact Florida is traveling and they have been horrible in the series going 6-24.  Also, Boston has controlled the puck at home winning 13-of-16.  In closing, the Bruins goalie Rask dominating of late cultivating a 20-4 record with 1.48 goals allowed vs. Florida.  GL.

4* Toronto/New York OVER the total

NHL BEST BET TOTAL...BDS

Toronto (46-22) on the road tonight against the fading Isles (32-35).  The Maples Leafs have clinched a playoff spot, while New York is going nowhere after a 3-14 run and that' despite winning last time out.  Seemingly, Toronto might be a little flat considering their position and a road game against a fading club.  We expect the Islanders at home will give this a real go after a win last time out.  The series has shot OVER in 9-of-11, while Toronto has played their last five road games OVER the total.  Further, New York comes in with a solid 6-2 OVER mark against the Atlantic division.  Good Luck.

10* (03/04) Pittsburgh /Jersey OVER 6

NHL TOTAL OF THE YEAR...BDS

The Pens (43-28-4) fell badly to the horrid Red Wings 5-2 last time out which puts more pressure on their playoffs hopes.  We know Pittsburgh has an aggressive offense (3.26), they have faltered badly on the defensive end (3.06).  They will ice tonight with their playoff hopes starting to dwindle. 

The Devils (40-28-4) show off a solid win (4-3) over Florida. Believe the need factor of each team will play into the final score, driving the final score to exceed the posted total. Remember too, each club has been successful overall in 2017-18. Technically, The Pens come in 9-1 OVER L10, 5-1 OVER with a day off.  Pittsburgh has been testy on the road with a PERFECT 5-0 OVER record on the road vs. >.500 home units. New Jersey has shot OVER 7-of-10 after their opponent scored 2 or less goals.  Good Luck.

4* Colorado over Philadelphia 10:05

Both units are fighting for their playoff life's tonight out in Colorado.  Hioweverr can't trust the Flyers who are 1-5 SU on the road of late but more importantly just played night last in this back-to-back set.  Good Luck.

(2) 5* NEW JERSEY over Carolina @ 7:05 Eastern

Not afraid to lay the wood with the Devils as they seem to be a playoff unit, while Carolina is struggling right now going 6-12 L18.  More important, the Canes down hard of late in this series with a 5-11 record.  This spot shows up as a revenge situation for the Devi.s who dropped a 3-1 decision back on March 2nd.  New Jersey can't afford to lose this home scenario as Florida is not far behind in the playoff race.  Remember too, the Canes played last night.  Good Luck.

4* (1/2) Phila/Piens OVER the total

All three meetings this season have gone OVER.  Each unit is running HIGH of late so, with this being a day hop, we'll go OVER.  GL.

(4) Dallas over Boston

Granted the Stars have lost six straight but return home looking to regain form despite some nagging injuries.  For the Bruins they have already clinched a playoff spot so, they might not be sharp considering how Dallas has been playing. They have won four straight in this building But, remember center Bergeron is out for Boston.  And, the Bruins are 2-6 in road encounters vs. home units with a +.600 mark.  The Stars are a monster 12-3 at home vs. +.500 road teams and 4-1 with two days rest.  Good Luck.

4* (1/2) Montreal/Buffalo UNDER 5-1/2

Granted at first look this could turn into a sloppy game with the units having divided attention because of the current situations.  Though, I prefer to go UNDER with some staggering trends inside the series and individually.  In this building, the total has shot UNDER in back-to-back games.  Long-term these two have played UNDER to a 23-9-8 record.  Buffalo comes in 6-1 UNDER vs.

4* Vancouver/Anaheim under the total

NHL Key Total Release...BDS

The series has gone UNDER at a 12-3-3 clip, and 6-1-1 UNDER in California.  So, we'll take a ticket with the UNDER side this evening.  GL.

5* LA over Arizona

NHL BEST BET...BDS

Cashed our NHL side last night with Vegas and we look for more out in the desert this evening.  This is a back to back encounter for the Kings, however, the last time in this situation they defeated Vegas in each.  The strength of schedule is all LA which should help deflect the road questions.  In their last meeting, LA won 6-0 after losing four straight to the Coyotes.  With Arizona a long-term 53-108 when their opponent allows two goals or less in their prior game, the play is the Kings. Good Luck.

4* (115) VEGAS over Philadelphia

NHL BEST BET...BDS

Tough call on the board tonight down in Philly where it appears the Knights are starting to come out of their funk (3-1) because of solid goaltending.  Fleury is 24-9-3 this season, and LV is a super 7-1 within a four-of-six day period.  Philadelphia has been dismal of late at 1-5 L6. Some might think a turnaround is in order considering their 4-0 mark vs. the West.  Still, I prefer Vegas with Fleury allowing 2.16 goals per recently. We close with Knights 22-6 with one day of rest.  Good Luck.

10* WINNIPEG (562) over St. Louis

Granted the Blues (33-20) are playing consistent hockey this season and show 21-6 with no rest. However, must support Jets (32-13) who have won back-to-back games and bring a solid 26-5 record at home.  Also, Winnipeg is 7-1 in the series and 4-1 L5 vs. >.500 road unit.  Good Luck.

4* (67) Vegas over San Jose

No doubt Vegas (35-14-2) is the stronger scoring unit but, will need to play a complete cycle this evening at San Jose (28-17-5).  The Golden Knights have faced a more difficult schedule and show off a road loss on their six-game road swing.  In each of their last four road losses when playing on the road the next game, Vegas is a PERFECT 4-0.  In addition, they bring a 10-1 record against the Pacific.  Finally, with the Knights 11-3 L14 with one day rest...Vegas.

5* (07) St. Louis over Buffalo

The Blues are coming off a rough 3-1 loss on the road against Boston, the home-standing Sabres arrive after a 4-2 loss to Florida.  The Bruins are in the first three league-wide as far as power rankings, while Florida is in the bottom rung of the league.  In the series, the Blues have dominated (20-3--0-2) of late.  The Sabres come in 3-16-4 recently against the visitor and show 6-14-3 at home.  The rebounding Blues catch a little more inspiration tonight when Schwartz and Pietrangelo ice as they did not play in the first game against Buffalo.  Granted the Sabres did play with aggression late in the Florida loss but, just remember the Panthers are short on talent.  Good Luck.

4* (Philadelphia/Washington) UNDER 5-1/2

Hitting the ice tonight the Capitals have been playing inconsistently. Now they show 5-1-3 UNDER with three or more days rest. On the road vs. Washington, Philly is 4-1 UNDER the last five. Washington 4-0 UNDER L4 and 4-0-3 UNDER at home in this series.  With the Caps not playing well, and the Flyers coming out of the break, we'll look at the UNDER tonight.  GL.

10* (61/62) Chicago/Nashville UNDER 6

POWER TOTAL for Tuesday night has the Blackhawks visiting the Predators.  Each brings a winning record to the second-half with Nashville having more talent they show 29-11-3, while Chicago comes in 23-19-6.  Nashville controls the recent series going 6-1 overall, 7-3 at home.  However, must give some respect to the recently struggling Blackhawks as they shut down Detroit 5-1 in their last game.  We can't recommend a SU win on the road instead, the inflated total has our analysis.   Since each has been idle believe you will see a very slow period #1 which should help keep the total UNDER. In 2016 after the break both units came out on the UNDER side, Chicago 2-1 at Colorado and Nashville losing 1-0 on their home ice to STL. The series recently has gone 4-0-3 UNDER cashing three straight low.  Nashville despite the scoring edge has gone UNDER 6-1 vs. the West, while the Blackhawks come 5-1 UNDER against the Central.  Finally, with Chicago 13-3-1 UNDER after surrendering two or fewer goals, we're going UNDER tonight.

4* Washington (052) over Philadelphia

NHL Sunday catches the Caps after a day off (51-16) with an 81-39 mark vs. >.500 units.  Philly has been hot but, shows 15-33 on the road and 2-6 against the MET.   Further, the Caps have controlled the series at home going 5-1 L6 and bring MAJOR REVENGE after being crushed by the Flyers in Philly back on October 14, 2017...WASHINGTON!

5* (62) STL over Los Angeles @ 8:05 Eastern

Key Best Bet tonight is a little high in the pricing district but, must respect overall situation especially with the Blues at home.  LA (15-8-3) flies in on a three-game winning streak at Washington, at Detroit and home against Anaheim.  The Blues (17-7-1) enter on a 4-2 run while losing at home last time out 3-2 against Anaheim after an easy home win over the Wild 6-3. From the strength standpoint, we believe STL is one of the best five units in the NHL, LA is not, and now they are playing in a tough building.  The series has the Blues 5-1 L6.  STL comes in off a loss showing 16-5 after scoring two or less in their last outing (Anaheim).  They are 11-4 at home, 5-2 with one day of rest.  Visiting LA heating up, however, still 0-4 L4 vs. .500+ units and 1-5 L6 against the West.   In closing the Kings problems versus quality units (.600+) on the road showing 3-7 L10. Good Luck.

4* Philadelphia +1-1/2 over Pittsburgh

NHL Value Added Road Warrior...BDS

Check out these losing (0-7) but, hard luck Flyers tonight as they visit hated Pittsburgh.  Granted the Pens are 7-2-1 at home of late while coming off a huge win (5-2) over Tampa Bay.  The Flyers are in last place, inside the division but have a solid net goal advantage overall compared to Pittsburgh this season. MacDonald returns to the ice tonight for Philadelphia which will strengthen their defense.  Feel the Flyers will really show up tonight with a more fierce like determination since the fathers are traveling with the team. They own the series in Pittsburgh going 14-6 L20. The Pens show a PERFECT 0-7 after allowing two or fewer goals, and a PERFECT 0-5 L5 in the 4th in six game situation.  The Flyers hit the ice with a 7-3 mark L10 after allowing 5+ goals.  In closing, Philly comes in being one goal short in 4-of-the-L5 games.  Good Luck.

5* New York (14) over Detroit @ 7:05 Eastern

The Rangers have won back-to-back games, while on an outstanding 8-2 run L10.   Detroit comes in off a difficult loss but, still playing improved hockey the last few weeks.  This series has always been a hotly contested battle, 5-5 L10 on the board.  However, the last time (2016) on this ice the Red Wings won a 2-1 thriller, and you can bet the Rangers won't let that happen again.  NYR has played the more difficult units thus far with SOS rating at #8.  They are 4-5-1 against the Top-10 teams in the league.  Detroit #29 in SOS is 1-4 versus the Top-10 units. At home, the Rangers show 6-1 L7 in the series and look to build on their two game winning streak over Detroit.  Good Luck.

5* St. Louis over Atlanta....in what should be a real war that could exceed the posted total.  For your very best chance of winning on the ice this Monday, go live now.  And don't miss the other 5* Benger in the NHL that will allow you to sweep the boards.  Good Luck.

4* Philadelphia (11) over Ottawa @ 7:35 

The Flyers have had problems historically in this building but, Senators are hurting physically and the line is telling us so.   With Philly's they should exacerbate the Ottawa lack of proper matchups on the ice and pull out a close victory.  Remember, Ottawa is 1-5 at home, while the Flyers have won 4-of-the-last-5 in the series.  In addition, they show a PERFECT 6-0 after surrendering five or more goals.  Good Luck.  

4* Toronto (08) Carolina @ 7:05 Eastern

These two are going in opposite directions with Carolina off a difficult battle last time out, while the Maple Leafs (7-2) have won three straight and set up at home this evening.  As long as Anderson is in goal they should survive considering Carolina has been a thorn in their sides.  Against LA last time out goalie Anderson (36-of-38) was sensational in the nets.  Carolina (3-3-1) on the road is in a challenging position against a hot unit especially when you consider they are 28th in scoring and Toronto has won 4-of-5 before this evening.  Also, Toronto is a PERFECT 5-0 after their last opponent scored two or fewer goals.

Good Luck, and don't forget our moves for Thursday...#1 in 2017.

4* Nashville+ over New York Rangers @ 12:35 Eastern

Tough early start for traveling Nashville (4-2) winning in Philly last time with an impressive 1-0 win cutting short the Flyers speed. They actually did a great job overall.  Here they have some real advantages over NY (1-5) on the ice including Rinne in goal.  The Rangers dropped a heartbreaker last time out to neighborhood rival Islanders 4-3, so they could be a little flat early.  Up until the Islanders battle, the Rangers showed little offense to speak about. Goals allowed they are at 3.63 per game. NY has lost 8 straight against winning teams going back to last season?  Nashville again is my choice considering they have allowed just 4 goals the L4 games, and bring an 84.8% penalty killing stat into this war.

4* Toronto over Detroit

With the Leafs pulling hot goalie Anderson for this encounter there has been, somewhat, of a strong reaction to the Red Wings side. However, 34-year old goalie Curtis McElhinney (.914) of Toronto who was tagged to make his first start (2.85 GAA) in 2017 should be primed for this encounter.  Recently, in an exhibition set, he played extremely well against these visiting Red Wings.  Detroit (15-32 vs. >.500 units) is 5th worst in the NHL in shots (29.5).  Despite playing on the road (Washington) last night we'll take a ticket with Toronto who won all four series games last year outpointing the Red Wings 17-10. Good Luck.

4* Los Angeles over New York 

Sunday NHL Special...BDS

We are ranked #2 in the NHL currently, and #5 this year on the leaderboards.  Our ice moves are solid 13-1 L14 times out winning with the Pens last night.  Tonight if LA goalie Quick is in the nets our chances of cashing increase two-fold with the star player 5-1-2 against the Islanders with a 1.59 GAA.  The Kings lead the series overall at 11-5, while the Islanders are 1-6 in his building. In closing, recall the Kings are shutting down the opposition with the least goals allowed at 1.67.  Good Luck. 

5* Pittsburgh over Florida

NHL GAME OF THE WEEK...BDS

The Panthers are off a loss down in Tampa after arriving early in the morning for the tilt and did seem fatigued on defense in their outing.  Here they set up at home with some rest showing 2-2-1 on the season so, you can fully expect an emotional effort against Florida (2-1).  The Panthers show 1-4 with a day of rest and 5-16 in the recent series.  The Pens have won three straight in the series by a margin of 12-3...PITTSBURGH!

3* (58) Pittsburgh over Nashville

Realize early money has surfaced on Nashville.  But, goalie Pekka Rinne (1-5-2) of Nashville has had problems against Pittsburgh.  The Pens have lost back-to-back games to start, 10-1 at Chicago last time out.  Pittsburgh is a 1-3 rated unit in the league but, has lost some personnel over the last year.  Still, must respect the home ice especially, with the Pens off -9 loss to the Blackhawks and their 5-0 run at home against Nashville.  Good Luck.

5* Detroit+ over Minnesota

Playing in a new building and with Zach Parise (Minnesota) being out, gives the struggling Red Wings a few solid edges.  Also, historically, they play well against the Wild having a solid winning long-term mark in the series. At home, Detroit shows 19-7-1 against Minnesota...Good Luck.

4* (03/04) Nashville/Anaheim OVER the total @ 9:00 Eastern

The line movement overnight (5-1/2-5) is a clear consideration the public is backing the "net" edge with Rinne of Nashville to ensure a low scoring game.  However, we note the Predators are 5-2-3 OVER with or more days rest, which changes the over adrenaline in the meeting.  The series has shot OVER 15-5-4 at Anaheim and the last nine sessions have gone UNDER 8-1.  Overall the series is 20-7-8 OVER.  The cagey Ducks add to the mix with a perfect 4-0 OVER in Conference finals. Remember the Ducks have playoff revenge so look for a monster effort.  Good Luck.

042017

Pick:  4* Nashville (06) over Chicago @ 8:05 Eastern

Okay, the line opened Nashville -1.40 but, the public has now bet down the road underdog Chicago assuming old trends will prevail in game #4 of the series. Actually, the Predators have shutout the Blackhawks in 2-of-3 playoff games leading the series 3-0 overall.  They can thank Pikka in the nets for their resurgence against the legendary Chicago franchise.  He leads all goalies with a 0.61 GAA and a .979 percentage in saves.  With Nashville winning the faceoff war (58%) vs. Chicago (42%) in that 3-2 OT thriller at the Bridgestone, fully expect the Predators to try and shake history and the mighty franchise from Chicago with another stunning win.  The value is with the small chalk now!

4* STL+ over Minnesota in game #1

Revenge series for the Blues after falling in 6 games to the Wild in 2014-2015.  With Minny only three games plus in the win column, and showing 3-7 vs. >.500 units we'll back St. Louis who shows 6-1 L& road games on the schedule.  Good Luck.

3* STARS/Devils OVER the total @ 5:05 Eastern

NHL Appreciation Total....BDS

4* Columbus over New York

NHL GAME OF THE DAY...BDS

4* Pittsburgh over Philadelphia

Philly is really frustrated now and can't trust their inconsistent play against the rock solid Pens who are on a solid 7-2-1 run.  The Flyers have lost three straight and show with a 31-29 record. Pittsburgh bearing down for the playoffs is 43-16 SU AND 39-14 against the Metropolitan.  In addition, they show 43-16 with a day rest and 5-1 ATS in the series.   With Philly over charged for this encounter, feel the Pens add to their 5-1 L6 meetings against Philly.