This is a tale of two teams going in opposite directions. The Bruins have Stanley Cup expectations and why not considering the loaded roster. Boston enters tonight having won 4 of their last 5. The Bruins are also a domination 9-1 over the last 3 seasons versus the Devils. New Jersey went from looking like an absolute lock for the playoffs 6 weeks ago to playing themselves into the brink of elimination for consideration. New Jersey has been disastrous on the money line going 0-7 in the last 7 and 5-16 in the last 21. The Devils have scored 2 goals or less in each of their last 5 games. Contrarily the Bruins have allowed 2 goals or less in each of their last 5. Play the Boston Bruins on the money line as a 50* Best Bet selection.

The Coyotes will be playing very desperate hockey this evening. They find themselves 3 points behind Detroit for the 8th and final playoff spot and have 1 game in hand on the Red Wings. Phoenix enters tonight having won 3 in a row and 4 of their last 5. Although the Canucks are playing very good hockey right now as well they've lost 4 of their last 5 at home to the Coyotes. This is a Phoenix team that knows how to close strong as evidence by a brilliant 12-2 record versus the money line in the last two Aprils. Play on the Phoenix Coyotes as a money line underdog for a 50* Best Bet selection.

I love the value with the home team at even money in this spot. Granted the Rangers have had a lot of recent success versus the Leafs but that's a moot point as far as my handicapping logic which is applicable to this contest. The Rangers are 0-6 this season versus the money line after a road win in their previous game with a -1.9 per game goal differential. The Rangers are also 2-7 in their last 9 overall on the money line versus a team with a winning record. The Leafs enter tonight having won 4 of their last 5 overall and have won 7 of the last 8 at home versus an opponent with a road winning percentage of less than .400 for the season. Play on the Toronto Maple Leafs as a 50* Best Bet selection.

The Kings are starting to resemble the team that went on a tear to win the Stanley Cup last season. Los Angeles has allowed just 1 goal in 4 of their last 5 and 6 of their last 8 games. The Kings have gone under the total in 9 of their 11 road games the last 2 seasons when coming off a home 1-goal win. These two teams haven't seen any of their last 4 meetings go over the total.

Any road team that is riding a 5-game unbeaten streak in addition to having a money-line winning percentage of .510 to .600 on the year, and the game takes place in 1st half of the season has seen 26 of those 32 games (81.2%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season. Play on this game to go under the total as a 50* Best Bet.

Montreal has quietly gone about its business without getting a lot of attention. The Canadians are 7-2 in their last 9 money-line results. Montreal has allowed 2 goals or less in 7 of their last 8 games, and has scored 3 goals or more in 6 of their last 7 which is surely a winning combination. The Habs will also enter tonight fresh as they will be playing with 2 days rest. Pittsburgh has dropped its last 2 games and even more concerning is the fact they've allowed 20 goals over their last 5 outings. Play on the Montreal Canadians as my NHL 50* Game of the Week!

The Oilers come off an impressive 5-1 road win at Dallas last night. Edmonton has won 2 of their last 3 on the money-line with their only loss coming in overtime at undefeated Chicago. The Blues come off a disheartening 3-0 shutout loss at home last night versus the aforementioned Chicago Blackhawks. In a game that resembled a playoff type atmosphere the Hawks were dominant and put to rest any kind of statement the Blues intended on making entering the game. The Blues are just 4-11 versus the money line in the last 2 seasons following 2 consecutive division games. Play on the Edmonton Oilers as a 25* underdog money-line selection.

I am sure that a lot of public money will go on the under in this game since the last 6 meetings between these clubs in Toronto have all played on the low side. However Montreal has gone over the total in 8 of 9 games the last 2 seasons following a division loss with an average combined 7.0 goals per game scored. Toronto has gone over the total in 10 of 12 games the last 2 seasons when playing 6 or more games the last 10 days.

Any road team with a total of 5.0 or less that's playing with same season revenge from a home loss of 4 goals or more and has a winning record on the season has seen 46 of those 58 games (79.3%) go over the total since the start of the 1997 season. Play on this game to go over the total as a 50* Best Bet selection.

Any team that comes off 2 home wins by 1 goal in each and they're playing on 3 days rest is 32-13 (71.1%) versus the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Colorado Avalanche as a 25* money-line underdog selection.

Tampa Bay is one of the top candidates as the underachiever of the year in the NHL. The Lightning have an abundance of offensive talent that create a multitude of problems for Carolina this evening. The Hurricanes are a dismal 5-20 versus the money-line in the last 2 seasons following a division contest with a goal per game differential of -1.3.

Any road team that's gone over the total in their last 6 or more games in a row, and is outscoring their opponents by an average of 0.2 or more goals per game in the 1st period on the year is 41-11 versus the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on The Tampa Bay Lightning as a 100* money-line selection.

If this underachieving and overpaid bunch of misfits (Sabres) ever needed a wake up call tonight is a now or never in that regard. After 16 years at the helm head coach Lindy Ruff was fired yesterday. The move in my humble opinion was made simply because a different voice in the room was needed and not because of the ineptness of the head coach. The Buffalo players should be ashamed of what transpired due to their sluggish and undisciplined play and if they don' come up with a supreme effort tonight you pretty much can tab their season as being on the brink of disaster.

Play against any home team that's -100 to -150 on the money-line who's playing their 3rd game in 4 days and has a money-line winning percentage of .510 to .600, versus an opponent with a losing record. By playing against the home team in this exact situation you would be a very profitable 46-26 (63.9%) since the start of the 1996 season. Play on the Buffalo Sabres as a 50* Best Bet money-line underdog selection.

Any road team with a total of 6.0 or more that allows 2.55 or less goals per game, and is coming off 2 straight wins by 3 goals or more in each has seen 22 of those 25 (88%) games go under the total since the start of the 1996 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

The Leafs have been a terrific 6-2 versus the money line on the road this season including 4-1 in their last 5. Toronto is also a very profitable 5-1 in the last 6 overall versus the money line while scoring 21 goals in that span. The Panthers have dropped their last 4 versus the money line with the last 3 of those coming at home. Florida has allowed 5 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games.

Any road favorite of -200 or less that's coming off a home shutout win and has a winning record on the season, versus an opponent with a losing record is 35-7 (83.3%) versus the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Toronto Maple Leafs as a money line selection.

Nashville has absolutely dominated Colorado over the last 3 seasons going 8-0 . The Predators enter this afternoon winning 6 of their last 9. Meanwhile the Avalanche have dropped 4 of their last 5 and have all the look of a Western Conference bottom feeder.

Any favorite that will be playing their 8th or more game in the last 14 days in the first half of the season, and has a money line winning percentage of .400 to .490, versus an opponent with a money line winning percentage of .250 to .400 is 25-3 (89.3%) since the start of the 1997 season.

This is a St. Louis club that's been profitable on the road this season going 5-2 versus the money line in that role. The Blues power play is one of if not the most lethal in the NFL converting on 35.8% of its opportunities including a sick 41.2% on the road. The Canucks penalty killing has been a bit suspect at home as they have allowed 20.4% of power play chances against them to be converted. After a inexplicable 5-game slide the Blues have bounced back with 2 impressive wins in a row both on the road at Detroit and Calgary.

Any road team that's gone over the total in 6 or more games in a row and is a +0.2 or better goal differential in the 1st period of games this season is 40-11 (78.4%) versus the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the St. Louis Blues as a money line underdog selection.

To steal a phrase from Yogi Berra it's getting late early for the Sabres. Look for them to come out with a strong effort and ride the momentum from their 3rd period come from behind win versus Boston on Friday night. They will be facing one of the more talented and hot teams in the NHL in the Penguins but look for Ryan Miller to put his team in a position to win the game with another sharp outing.

Play again any road team that's -100 to -150 that comes off a road win and has a money line win percentage of .600 to .700, versus an opponent that has a money line win percentage of .300 to .400. By playing against the road team in this situation you would be 34-14 (70.8%) since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Buffalo Sabres as a money line underdog selection.

Any road underdog of +100 to +150 that's coming off a division loss and has a money line winning percentage of .400 to .490 versus a team with a winning record in the first half of the season is 33-15 (68.7%) versus the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Philadelphia Flyers as a money line underdog.

Any road team that's -100 to -150 and coming off 2 or more losses in a row, they have a money line win percentage of .400 to .490 on the season, versus an opponent with a money line win percentage of .250 to .400 in the first half of the season is 25-6 (80.6%) versus the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play the Tampa Bay Lightning on the money line.

Montreal has gone over the total in 19 of their 29 games the last 2 seasons when playing just their 2nd game in 5 days. The Habs have gone over the total in their last 3 games and 7 of the last 9 overall. Florida has gone over the total in 9 of their 11 games the last 2 seasons following a home 1-goal loss. The Panthers are allowing an atrocious 3.8 goals per game this season.

Any road team with a total of 5.0 or less that's playing their 2nd game in 5 days and has a money line win percentage of .510 to .600, versus an opponent with a money line win percentage of .250 to .400, and this game is taking place in the first half of the season has seen 32 of those 40 games (80%) go over the total since the start of the 1996 season. Play on this game to go over the total.

Play against any road underdog of +150 or less that has won 4 of their last 5 games, and is playing their 2nd road game in 2 days. By playing the home favorite in this situation you would be 33-7 (82.5%) versus the money line since the start of the 2008 season. Play on the Calgary Flames.

Any team that's gone over the total 6 or more games in a row, and both teams in this contest have a +0.4 to -0.4 goal per game differential has seen 22 of those 27 games (81.5%) go under the total since the start of the 2008 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

Any road team versus an opponent coming off a division home money line loss, and that opponent is playing 8 or more games in the last 14 days is 56-30 (65.1%) on the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Ottawa Senators.

Any road team with a total of 5.5 that allowed 5 or more goals in their previous game, versus an opponent coming off consecutive wins by 3 goals or more in each game has seen 30 of those 37 games (81.1%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season. Play on this game to go under the total as a 50* Best Bet selection.

Any road underdog of +100 to +200 that comes off 2 consecutive losses versus division opponents and is playing with 2 days rest is 31-16 (66%) on the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Montreal Canadians as a 25* selection.

Any underdog that has a winning percentage of .300 or less on the money line, versus an opponent playing with same season revenge from a loss in which they scored 1 goal or less, and they have a money line winning percentage of .300 to .400 is 19-6 (76%) since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Washington Capitals as a 25* selection.

Any home team coming off a win by 5 goals or more versus an opponent coming off an overtime win has seen 27 of those 34 games (79.4%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season.

Any team coming off 3 or more road wins in a row who has a winning record, versus an opponent with a losing record has seen 29 of those 37 games (78.4%) go under the total since the start of the 2008 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

I have openly stated I really love the young talent on this Edmonton team with young being the key word in that statement. However this is a very mentally fragile team right now who has dropped 5 games in a row versus the money line. They also enter this road tilt tonight playing with no rest after losing at Detroit on Saturday 2-1. Prior to going on the road the Oilers dropped consecutive heartbreaking overtime games at home to Vancouver and Dallas. The Blue Jackets will enter tonight playing on 2 days rest and they couldn't ask for a better situation to get a much needed win.

Any home underdog of +190 or less that is playing a game in the first half of the season and has a .300 or less winning percentage, versus an opponent coming off 1 or more losses in a row, and they have a winning percentage of .300 to .400 is 28-10 (73.7%) since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Columbus Blue Jackets as a home underdog on the money line.

In spite of winning just 2 of their first 11 games and vastly underachieving the books are still showing respect for Washington making them a favorite in this spot. A positive sign for the Capitals is the fact their power-play has been efficient over their last 5 games (5/17) converting a very good 29.4% of their chances. The Panthers are 3-15 the last 2 seasons after winning 3 of their last 4 games. Florida is also a miserable 2-14 the last 3 seasons after a1-goal road win.

Any home team that

Chicago is just 5-15 the last 2 seasons when facing teams with a winning percentage of .400 to .490. The Coyotes are 17-5 the last 2 seasons when playing on 2 days of rest. The Blackhawks will already be playing their 4th game in the last 7 days.

Any home team that's facing an opponent that has won 8 or more of their last 10 games, and is playing their 4th game in 7 days is 23-4 SU (85.2%) since the start of the 2008 season. Play on the Phoenix Coyotes.

Any favorite who has played 8 or more games in the last 14 days and has a winning percentage of .400 to .490, versus an opponent with a winning percentage of .250 to .400 is 25-2 SU (92.6%) since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Edmonton Oilers.

Any road team with a total of 5.0 or less that is playing with same season revenge from a loss by 2 goals or more, they have a winning percentage of .300 to .400, and are facing an opponent with a winning record has seen 26 of those 34 games (76.5%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

Any road team with a total of 5.5 or less that allowed 3 or more goals in each of their last 3 games, versus an opponent that allowed 5 or more goals in each of their last 2 games has seen 27 of those 34 games (79.4%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season.

Any road team versus an opponent that comes off a home loss by 2 goals or more, and that opponent has played 8 or more games in the last 14 days is 91-55 (62.3%) since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the underdog Toronto Maple Leafs.

Any home team with a total of 5.0 or less that's coming off a road win versus a division opponent, versus a team coming off a 1-goal road win has seen 25 of those 32 games (78.1%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

Any home team with a total of 5.5 that comes off 2 or more unders in a row, versus an opponent coming off 5 or more unders in a row has seen 39 of those 49 games (79.6%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

Any home team with a total of 5.5 or less that comes off 2 unders in a row versus an opponent coming off 5 or more unders in a row has seen 39 of those 49 games (79.6%) go under the total since the start of the 1997 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

Any home team that's +100 to -150 that lost 4 of their last 5 games and has a winning percentage of .300 or less, versus an opponent with a losing record, and the game take place in the 1st half of the season is 41-12 (77.6%) on the money line since the start of the 1997 season. Play on the Washington Capitals.

The Panthers have gone under the total in 18 of 22 road games the last 2 seasons after allowing 4 or more goals in their previous game. Florida has also gone under the total in 14 of their 16 games the last 2 seasons following a loss by 3 or more goals. The Panthers have scored just a combined 3 goals over the last 4 games.

Any home team with a total of 5.5 or less that comes off 3 straight wins by 2 or more goals in each contest, and in their previous game there was a combined 7 or more goals scored has seen 43 of those 58 games go under the total since the start of the 1996 season. play on this game to go under the total.

Both of these clubs are offensively challenged and have very little depth at the forward position. Buffalo is especially solid on defense and in goal. These teams already played a 2-1 game in Toronto last week. I look for more of the same tonight.

Any team that allowed 3 or more goals in each of their last 2 games versus an opponent that allowed 5 or more goals in each of their last 2 games has seen 34 of those 42 games (81%) go under the total since the start of the 2008 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

The Rangers have gone under the total in 10 of 12 home games the last 3 seasons after allowing 5 or more goals in their previous game with an average of just 3.3 goals per game combined being scored. The Flyers have struggled in scoring 2 goals or less in 5 of their 6 games this season.

Any home team with a total of 5.5 or less that comes off a home loss by 3 goals or more, they have a winning percentage of .400 to .490, and they are playing in the 1st half of the season has seen 57 of those 99 games go under the total since the start of the 1996 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

My eyes light up when I see a team the caliber of Edmonton as a favorite in any game. Especially in light of the fact the Oilers are a dismal 0-12 the last 2 seasons coming off a road game when both teams scored 3 or more goals. Colorado is a profitable 15-9 the last 2 seasons after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game. Play on the Colorado Avalanche as a 25* selection.

This is a battle of two teams that are off to very disappointing starts and it's just a matter of time before they get going. I just don't like the fact that Phoenix has allowed 4 goals or more in 4 of their 5 games so far. Nashville has seen 3 of their 4 losses come by just 1-goal. Last season's playoff sensation Mike Smith has been awful in 3 games stopping just 83.6% of the shots he's faced this season. Play on the Nashville Predators as a 50* Best Bet.

I love the value in this selection. The Senators are off to a 3-1 start to the season in spite of playing just 1 home game thus far. There one loss came at Tampa 6-4 in their last outing and that was with backup goaltender Ben Bishop in the net. The Ottawa starter Craig Anderson has been terrific so far going 3-0 with a 0.67 GAA and a .976 save percentage. The Penguins enter tonight having dropped 2 in a row. What's really concerning is the play of goaltender Marc Andre Fleury who has just a .882 save percentage so far. That's not good news for the Penguins considering the Senators have had 36 or more shots on goal in each of their first 4 games. Ottawa won the last 3 games versus the Penguins last season and outscored them in those tilts by a combined 19-9. Play on the Ottawa Senators as my NHL Underdog Game of the Week!

After losing their opener at home the Jets have come back with 2 strong efforts on the road losing 2-1 in an overtime shootout at Boston and winning at Washington 4-2 to secure 3 of a possible 4 points on the 2-game road trip. Pittsburgh comes off a 5-2 home loss at the hands of Toronto. Pittsburgh goalie Marc Andre Fleury was far from sharp allowing 5 goals that matched his worst from all of last season. Fleury is slated to be in goal tonight and one has to question if he's 100% healthy considering he started the seasons a bit nicked up. Play on the Winnipeg Jets.

The Leafs come off a huge win versus possibly the class of the Eastern Conference last night at Pittsburgh. Now tonight they come back home playing with no rest against a lightly regarded Islanders team. The Islanders will be playing with 2 days rest and are coming off a confidence building 4-3 win over a very good Tampa Bay team. Play on the New York Islanders.

Any road team that's coming off a division SU loss by 3 goals or more, versus a team with a losing record has seen 62 of those 90 games go under the total since the start of the 2008 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

The Kings will be hoisting their Stanley Cup banner in front of the home folks which is sure to be an emotional moment. However once all the pregame festivities concludes it will be time to get down to business and that's not always an easy task for the home club in that situation. This is still a very talented Chicago team with a very good core group of players. Jonathan Toews has been suffering from the flu but he will be in the lineup today. This will be an early statement game for the Hawks. Play on Chicago as a 50* Best Bet Underdog!

The Kings are an outstanding 14-2 in the playoffs this season but the two losses have come at home. The Kings have also been a bit fortunate winning all 6 games that have gone overtime in the postseason including the first two games of this series. There's a fine line between being up 2-0 or down 2-0 and the Devils can very easily been in the driver's seat headed into tonight. However, they're not and the sense of urgent will ne extremely high for the road team tonight. As good as Mike Quick has been in goal for the Kings the veteran Martin Brodeur has been just as good and has a proven track record at this time of year. Play on the New Jersey Devils.

The general public has fallen in love with the Cinderella story of the NHL Playoffs the #8 seed in the West Los Angeles Kings. The Kings are an outstanding 12-2 in the first 3 rounds including a remarkable 8-0 on the road. However, give New Jersey the due that they deserve. The Devils have won 6 of their last 7 on home ice in these playoffs. This is a New Jersey organization that may be the most unheralded in all of sports. As good as the Kings goalie Jonathan Quick has been all season including the playoffs he still doesn't possess the resume of 40-year old Martin Brodeur has established between the pipes. Brodeur has won 3 Stanley Cups with the only organization he's ever played for. The Devils will have a chip on their shoulders being an underdog on home ice in the Stanley Cup Finals versus a #8 seed. Play on the New Jersey Devils.

With all things considered this is a very cheap price for a game 7 home favorite who's a #1 conference seed, and has a very strong home ice this season. In addition the Rangers have been a resilient and composed all season long which will pay dividends tonight. The Rangers coach John Tortorella has been there and done that in Game 7 situations. Tortorella faced the same situation on a much larger scale in the Stanley Cup Finals as coach of Tampa Bay and prevailed, also in the opening round versus a game Ottawa team, in addition to doing it in the AHL calder Cup Finals with Rochester in a game 7 versus Portland. Henrik Lundquist is a world call goalie and will shine tonight under the brightest of lights. The Capitals vastly underachieved during the regular season and didn't even qualify for the playoffs until the final weekend. It all catches up to them tonight. Play on the Rangers as a Best Bet!

Philadelphia is a perfect 15-0 this season when coming off a 1-goal loss in their previous game. The Flyers outscored their opponents by an average of 2.8 goals per game in those 15 contests. The Flyers have been resilient all season long going 28-9 after a loss, including 13-3 off a road loss, and 9-0 if the loss occurred in overtime. Martin Brodeur will be a first ballot hall of fame selection but tomorrow he will be hard pressed to keep a desperate and high powered offensive club like the Flyers in check. Play on the Philadelphia Flyers.

These two clubs come off a 3-overtime marathon thriller won by the Rangers 3-2. The Caps may have deserved a better fate hitting the post twice after regulation. In any event the Rangers will be affected much more by having to endure that grueling affair since they mainly go with 3 lines while their top two defensive pairings log the majority of the minutes. Washington rolls four lines throughout the game and using all three defensive pairings pretty evenly. Washington has shown to be a very resilient team in these playoffs so far and that will pay dividends in this critical game 4 for the home team. At the final buzzer this series will be tied at 2-2. Play on the Washington Capitals.

The Devils have gone over the total in 15 of 20 games this season following a road win. The Devils penalty killing in the playoffs has left a lot to be desired as they're allowing the opposition to convert on 10 of their 38 chances (26.3%). The Devils have scored 3 goals or more in 7 of their 9 playoff games.

The Flyers have gone over the total in 15 of their 21 games over the last 2 seasons following a loss by 2 or more goals. The Flyers power play has been super in the playoffs scoring on 13 of 34 chances (38.2%). The bad news is that opponents are converting 27.8% of their power plays versus the Flyers converting 10 of 36 chances with a man advantage. The Flyers have gone over the total in 5 of 6 games in the playoffs when the total is 6.0 or less.

Any road team with a total of 5.5 that's playing with revenge from a loss of 2 or more goals, and they're playing their 3rd game or less in the last 10 days has gone over the total in 56 of 81 games (69.1%) since the start of the 2007-2008 season. Play on this game to go over the total.

The Rangers were in this position in the opening round versus Ottawa tied 1-1 and headed on the road. They responded with a huge win in game 3 of that series and tonight will be no different. The Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundquist was brilliant in a 1-0 win in that game and he'll be the difference again tonight. New York is 7-1 this season on the road following a home loss. Since game 42 of this season Washington is just 8-14 at home versus teams with a winning record. Play on the New York Rangers.

The Devils have gone under the total in 37 of 56 games the last 3 seasons after allowing 4 or more goals in their previous game. New Jersey has also gone under the total in 13 of 17 games the last 3 seasons after a game when both teams scored 3 or more goals. The Flyers have gone under the total in 18 of 26 home games the last 2 seasons after winning 5 or 6 of their last 7 games. Everything points to this game going over based on what's transpired recently especially with the Flyers. The general public is aware of that and in turn hammered the over wagers. It's never as easy as it looks.

Any home team with a total of 5.5 that's coming off 2 consecutive wins versus division opponents, and they're playing just their 2nd game in 5 days has gone under the total in 31 of 43 of those games since the start of the 2007-2008 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

This is a Nashville team that has a surprisingly easy time of it in defeating Detroit in the first round in just 5 games. They enter Game 1 of this series tonight with a full one week of rest that's critical at this time of the year. The Coyotes come off a grueling physical series winning in 6 games versus Chicago. In that series 5 of the 6 games went overtime taking a physical and winning toll on any team that survived the drama. Nashville will be the more focused and rested team tonight and that will speak volumes in our winning result. Play on the Nashville Predators.

Boston has gone under the total in 17 of their 23 home games over the last 2 seasons when coming off a road game that both teams scored 3 or more goals. Washington has gone under the total in 27 of their 36 road games over the last 2 seasons when playing on 2 days of rest. With everything on the line in this Game 7 look for this one to be played very tight defensively thus producing a low scoring affair.

Any road team with a total of 5.0 or less that's scored 3 or more goals in their last 2 games, versus an opponent that's played 2 straight games where a combined 7 or more goals was scored in each has gone under the total in 63 of 100 games (63%) since the start of the 1996-1997 season. Play on this game to go under the total.

The degree of urgency will be at its highest level for the New York Rangers tonight. There's no room for error down 3-2 in the series to the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference Ottawa Senators. Ottawa had the worst home record this season of any team that qualified for the playoffs. As a matter of fact Ottawa earned more points on the road than at home during the regular season and already dropped Game 3 of the series on friendly ice versus the #1 seed Rangers. Ottawa is 3-11 this season following a game where a combined 3 goals or less were scored.

New York has won 6 of 8 games played at Ottawa over the last 3 seasons. The Rangers have also been a very good road team all year. The Rangers are a very profitable 17-3 over the last 2 seasons after losing 3 of their last 4. The Rangers are also a perfect 8-0 on the road the last 2 seasons following a home loss by 2 goals or more. Play on the New York Rangers!

The Bruins will come out and show their championship heart today in a must win game. Boston's character and playoff pressure experience will be the difference in this afternoon's game. Boston is 6-1 in their last 7 on the road and 6-2 in the last 8 when playing with no rest. Washington is just 1-4 in their last 5 as a home underdog. In addition this is a Washington franchise that's had a long history in failing miserably in big playoff games and today will be no different. I look for Boston goalie Tim Thomas to be a huge factor in the outcome. Play on the Boston Bruins.

It would be tough to see Chicago recover in this game let alone the series after losing 2 consecutive overtime games at home. Then to literally add insult to injury they will be without their leading scorer Marion Hossa (29-48-77) who's out with a concussion following a dirty hit by Raffi Torres in game 3 of the series. Torres (15-11-26) is suspended indefinitely but the Hawks positively got the worse end of that trade off. The nail in the coffin in this series for the Hawks will be the decided edge Phoenix has in goal. Mike Smith has been absolutely terrific down the stretch and into the playoffs. In his last 9 games including the playoffs Smith has an excellent .969 save percentage. In comparison the Hawks net-minder Corey Crawford has been average at best with a .900 save percentage. Phoenix has won 8 of its last 9 games and has defeated Chicago in 6 of the last 7 meetings this season. Chicago is just 1-10 this season when playing their 5th game or less over the last 14 days. Play on the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Blues are a very profitable 25-9 in the last 2 seasons following a 1-goal win. The Blues have defeated the Sharks in 6 of 7 meetings this season with their only loss coming in overtime in the opening game of this series. The Sharks are a dismal 2-11 the last 3 seasons versus opponents that allow an average of 27 shots on goal or less per game, and that also kills off 85% or better of their shorthanded situations against them. San Jose is also just 4-10 at home over the last 2 seasons versus opponents with a winning percentage of between .600-.750. Play on the St. Louis Blues.

One of the major handicapping components in the NHL Playoffs is a team's psyche going into a game. Well simply put, the Kings are absolutely inside of the Canucks heads. In spite of being the #8 seed in the West the Kings have won the first 3 games of this series versus the NHL #1 overall seed Canucks. As a matter of fact going back to the regular season the Kings have won 5 of the last 6 meetings between these two clubs and only allowed the high powered Canucks to tally a combined 9 goals in those games. This is mostly due in part to the outstanding play in goal of Jonathan Quick who posted his 11th shutout of the season in the last game of this series. In this series alone Quick has stopped 111 of 115 shots on goal in the first 3 games of the series good for a stellar .957 save percentage. The Kings have won 8 of their last 10 at home and 12 of their last 15 games after allowing 2 goals or less. Vancouver has now dropped 6 of their last 8 on the road. Play on the Los Angeles Kings.

The Rangers are now a very profitable 7-1 in their last 8 trips to Ottawa after their 1-0 win at the Scotia Bank Center in game 3 of the series. This season the Rangers are a remarkable 36-14 versus opponents that average 29.5 or more shots on goal per game. The Senators are 1-8 this season following a 1-goal loss at home and are being outscored by an average of 1.7 gpg. Ottawa is also a miserable 2-11 this season following a game where there was a combined 3 goals or less scored. In those 13 games the Senators were outscored by an average of 2.3 gpg. Play on the New York Rangers.

The Blues go with Brian Elliot tonight between the pipes after starting the series with Jaroslav Halak who was injured. All Elliot did was record a shutout while stopping all 17 San Jose Shark shots on goal. The Blues have dominated the Sharks winning 5 of the 6 meetings this season with their only loss coming in the opening game of the series 3-2 in overtime. San Jose has been throttled by the Blues stingy defensive play and stellar goaltending in the scoring a combined 6 goals in the 6 games including being shutout 3 times. The Blues got their swagger back in Game 2 and look for that momentum to carry over into tonight. Play on the St. Louis Blues!

A small part of the equation in playoff hockey is what is going on with players above the neck. Having said that, the Kings are definitely in the heads of the Canucks at this point of the series. Los Angeles has dominated on the special teams and have what I consider a huge advantage in goal with Jonathan Quick. You can forget the past futility that the Los Angeles franchise has had in years past. Those teams as recently as last season didn't have the likes of Mike Richards, Justin Williams, Jeff Carter, Willie Mitchell, Jarret Stoll and Dustin Penner who've all been through lengthy postseason runs elsewhere. Play on the LA Kings!

The Coyotes enter tonight on a red-hot 6-game winning streak. Phoenix also has the luxury of having the hottest goalie in the NHL right now Mike Smith. Smith has had a superb season in posting a superb .931 save percentage in 68 games played. He has been even better than that over the last 6 games allowing just a combined 4 goals and posting an unbelievable .983 save percentage. He's faced an average of 39.3 shots on goal per game over that torrid 6-game stretch. Chicago is 0-8 this season when playing 5 games or less over the last 14 days. Phoenix has now defeated the Hawks in 4 straight games this season. The price is short and much to my liking. Play on the Phoenix Coyotes.

In my professional opinion the Canucks are a mentally fragile team right now. In spite of them ending up #1 overall in NHL points race during the regular season there is still a cast of doubt in their minds due to inconsistent goaltending. Roberto Luongo is by far the most overrated and overpaid goaltender in the NHL. That point was proven in the opening game of the series, at times during the regular season, and during last season's Stanley Cup Finals. The Kings have supreme confidence in their goaltender Jonathan Quick who recorded 10 shutouts during the regular season and was stellar in the opening game. Vancouver played like a nervous team in the opening game and they will be clutching their sticks again tonight in fear of losing the first 2 games of the series at home. Play on the LA Kings.

New Jersey @ Florida 7:05 ET
Play On: Under 5.0

New Jersey has gone under the total in 13 of their 15 road games over the last 2 seasons after giving up 2 goals or less in each of their previous 4 games. Florida has gone under the total in all 10 games over the last 3 season off a win by 3 goals or more against a division opponent. Florida has also gone under the total in 12 of their 15 home games over the last 2 seasons following a home win in which they scored 4 goals or more.

Any team entering a game with a 4-game unbeaten streak and they have a winning percentage of between .510-.600, versus an opponent that has a less than .500 winning percentage in the 2nd half of the season has seen 57 of those 80 games (71.2%) go under the total. Play on this game to go under the total.

The Coyotes finished the regular season on an absolute tear winning their last 5 and outscoring their opponents by a combined 16-2 in the process. More importantly the Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith was an absolute monster in that span recording 3 shutouts and posting a terrific .989 save percentage in stopping 190 of 192 shots. In the 3 shutouts Smith recorded a combined 136 saves or 45.3 saves per game. Phoenix won the last 3 meetings between these two clubs this season and outscored the Hawks 11-4 in doing so. Phoenix is 11-3 in home games against good offensive teams that average 29.5 shots or more on goal per game in the 2nd half of the year this season. Chicago is 0-7 when playing 5 or less games in 14 days this season. Play on the Phoenix Coyotes as my NHL 100* First Round Game of the Year!