Rocketmansports.net - Free Picks from Expert Hanidcappers

Become a Facebook Fan!

Follow Me on Twitter!

NHL Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
03-03-22	Oilers v. Blackhawks OVER 6	Top	3-4	Win	100	20 h 12 m	Show
The Oilers should be good for at least three goals - if not many more. Paced by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers rank ninth in scoring at 3.3 goals a game. McDavid and Draisaitl are the two top point producers in the NHL. The Blackhawks give up 3.4 goals per game, which ranks 24th. Chicago also is 29th in penalty kill. Edmonton ranks third in power play goal percentage. Edmonton has scored 3 or more goals in nine of its last 10 games. Here the Oilers get to face a well-below average defense. The Blackhawks should be up for this game. They've been idle for three full days. That should ensure a lot of energy and fresh legs. Just two games ago, the Blackhawks scored eight goals at home against the Devils.
02-23-22	Kings v. Coyotes OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-125	6 h 20 m	Show
The teams just met this past Saturday and there were eight goals scored in the Kings' 5-3 road victory. Given that matchup in which the Kings produced 39 shots on goal and both team's current scoring form, I find this total short. The Kings have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last seven games. They've produced nine goals in their last two games. The Over has cashed in each of LA's last six games. The Coyotes are 30th defensively. They are the second-most penalized team in the league and also have the second-worst penalty kill. Arizona, though, has been scoring goals averaging 3.5 goals in its last four games.
11-27-21	Oilers v. Golden Knights OVER 6		3-2	Loss	-110	21 h 56 m	Show
It's easy envisioning each team scoring at least three goals. The oddsmaker opened this one short at 6 instead of 6 1/2. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are having monster seasons combining for 34 goals and 76 points in just 19 games. Now they are on the same line together. Scary. Edmonton ranks No. 3 in scoring at 3.8 goals per game. The Oilers also have the No. 1 power play in the NHL. The Golden Knights rank 12th in scoring, but their defense has slipped to 21st. Las Vegas relies on depth rather than individual great scorers. The Golden Knights' depth has gotten even better with the return of Max Pacioretty and William Carrier.
11-24-21	Jets v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5		0-3	Loss	-106	17 h 49 m	Show
The Blue Jackets have produced 3 or more goals in all but one of their last nine games. They rank sixth in the NHL in goals per game. The Jets' scoring is due to go up. I see that happening here. The Blue Jackets' 23rd-ranked defense is in bad form giving up 3.8 goals in their last six games. The Over has cashed the past four times in this series.
11-24-21	Bruins v. Sabres OVER 5.5		5-1	Win	102	17 h 47 m	Show
The Sabres have been in attack mode their last two games. The result is Buffalo has scored eight goals. However, the Sabres have allowed 12 goals. The Bruins can take advantage especially with their elite line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. They've helped the Bruins produce 3 or more goals in seven of their last nine games. The Bruins have scored five goals in three of their last four games. The Sabres have tallied at least 3 goals in six of their past eight games. Boston's net play has been disappointing. I see a continuation of this type of scoring so 5 1/2 goals is a short number.
11-18-21	Jets v. Oilers OVER 6		1-2	Loss	-123	4 h 12 m	Show
The teams met just two days ago and there were 7 goals scored in the Jets' 5-2 win. The Oilers have short revenge. They also are the No. 1 goal scoring team in the NHL averaging 4.1 goals. The Over has cashed 12 of the last 14 times when the Oilers have played after having one day rest. The Jets rank in the top 10 in scoring and power play goals. They have scored at least 3 goals in 11 of their last 14 games.
11-17-21	Avalanche v. Canucks UNDER 6		4-2	Push	0	5 h 57 m	Show
The Avalanche are down two of their main goal scorers with Nathan MacKinnon and J.T. Compher sidelined. Colorado has given up an average of 2.3 goals in its last three games. The Avalanche have an above average penalty kill unit. The Canucks' defense has been much better at home. Vancouver has permitted 2.4 goals a game during its seven home contests.
11-16-21	Predators v. Maple Leafs UNDER 5.5		0-3	Win	100	2 h 12 m	Show
The Predators rank seventh defensively in the NHL. I'm expecting a tight-checking, conservative style of play from the Predators since this is their fourth game in seven days - all at different rinks. Toronto has been very overrated offensively ranking 25th in goals scored. However, the Maple Leafs give up the eighth-fewest goals. Toronto has surrendered two or fewer goals in five of its last seven games.
11-16-21	Sabres v. Penguins OVER 6		2-1	Loss	-100	1 h 27 m	Show
Short-handed because of COVID, the Penguins have yielded six goals in each of their last two games. But their offense should come around with Sidney Crosby back on the ice. The Sabres have permitted 3 or more goals in seven of their last nine games. The Over has cashed in five of Buffalo's last six games. The teams have a history of going Over when playing in Pittsburgh as the high side is 8-3-1 during the past 12 times.
11-09-21	Blues v. Jets OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-115	4 h 46 m	Show
Both teams go three lines deep as far as respectable scoring lines. The Blues are the third-highest scoring team in the NHL at 4.0 goals per game. The Jets rank eighth in scoring at 3.3 goals per game. I don't see it asking too much for each team to score at least three goals.
11-06-21	Red Wings v. Sabres UNDER 5.5		4-3	Loss	-112	9 h 2 m	Show
Two low scoring teams go at it here both carrying high fatigue ratings. The Red Wings enter the weekend as one of just six teams that has played as many as 11 games. This is a finale of a four-game, seven-day road trip. Discount a 5-4 loss to Toronto and the Red Wings have scored five goals in regulation during their last four games. The Sabres have scored 3 or fewer goals in regulation during six of their last seven games. They just returned from a four-game West Coast trip that concluded Thursday night in Seattle. So the Sabres still might not have their sea legs making the long journey back to the East Coast. Both teams are bad and badly in need of a victory. So this should be an intense, defensive-minded game.
11-05-21	Blackhawks v. Jets OVER 6		1-5	Push	0	4 h 27 m	Show
The Blackhawks give up 3.8 goals per game. That's the second-worst mark in the NHL. Chicago has surrendered 4 or more goals in eight of its 11 games. The Jets' offense is boosted with the return of Mark Scheifele, their leading scorer last season. He had been in COVID-19 protocol until the Jets' last game. Winnipeg has a below average defense. The Jets are the second-worst penalty killing unit in the league. Winnipeg has permitted a minimum of three goals in six of its nine games. The Jets will have backup Eric Comrie in goal as their star goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, is sitting out after his wife gave birth earlier this week. The Over has cashed in seven of the Jets' last eight home games.
11-02-21	Devils v. Ducks OVER 5.5		0-4	Loss	-105	4 h 28 m	Show
New Jersey has produced 3 or more goals in five of its seven games. The bigger surprise is Anaheim.The Ducks have scored 3 or more goals in eight of their 10 games, including the last five. The Ducks have slipped defensively ranking 28th in goals allowed per game. Anaheim's last seven games all have gone Over.
10-28-21	Flames v. Penguins OVER 5.5		4-0	Loss	-105	3 h 16 m	Show
The Flames are averaging 4.2 goals during their last four games. They get to face backup Pittsburgh goalie Casey DeSmith, who has a 4.92 goals against average. The Penguins rank seventh in scoring despite not having Sidney Crosby yet and having had to go against superstar goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who held them to one goal. Discount that game against the Lightning and Vasilevskiy and the Penguins would be averaging 3.6 goals in five games.
10-26-21	Wild v. Canucks OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-120	6 h 2 m	Show
Minnesota's defense is struggling. The Wild have surrendered 13 goals in their last three games. The Wild, though, are averaging four goals per game during their last three games. The Canucks have scored four goals in each of their last two games. Conor Garland has been hot for Vancouver with eights points on the season. The Over is 8-2-1 the past 11 times the teams have met in Vancouver.
10-22-21	Bruins v. Sabres OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-112	7 h 32 m	Show
The Bruins have scored three goals in each of their first two games. They have maybe the top line in hockey and should be good for at least three goals in this game. Going back to last season, the Bruins have now scored 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 11 regular season games. The Sabres are a big early-season surprise. They are averaging 4 goals per game in jumping out to a 3-0 record. Buffalo faces former teammate Linus Ullmark, who is slated to make his season debut in net for Boston. The Sabres know Ullmark's tendencies well since he played six seasons for Buffalo. The Over has cashed the past four times the teams have met.
10-21-21	Oilers v. Coyotes OVER 6		5-1	Push	0	7 h 34 m	Show
The Coyotes are going to be terrible this season. They're already giving indications of that, allowing an average of 5.6 goals in their three games. Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are sure to feast. It's easy to envision Edmonton producing five goals in this game. After scoring just three goals in their first two games, the Coyotes produced four goals in their last game against the Blues. The Oilers just surrendered five goals to the Ducks in their last game.
10-21-21	Ducks v. Jets OVER 5.5		1-5	Win	100	9 h 33 m	Show
I'm not about to call the Ducks an Over team, but Anaheim's offense and power play have been surprisingly good at this early juncture. The Ducks also have been getting outstanding offensive contributions from their defensemen. They've helped the Ducks produce 3 or more goals in three of their four games. The Ducks have scored four power play goals in 12 opportunities. The Jets have given up seven goals in 15 short-handed situations. I'm expecting a lot of penalties, too. These teams met eight days ago in their season openers. The Ducks won, 4-1, but the big takeaway was the bad blood that came out after Jets forward Andrew Copp knocked Ducks goalie John Gibson to the ice after running into him. The Ducks considered that dirty pool. The Jets have scored eight goals in their last two games.
10-19-21	Ducks v. Oilers OVER 6		5-6	Win	100	3 h 8 m	Show
The Oilers may have the most dangerous line in hockey with Jesse Puljujarvi fitting in with superstars Connor McDvid and Leon Drasisitl. Puljujarvi already has four points - two goals and two assists - in Edmonton's first two games. The Ducks could be missing reliable defenseman Hampus Lindholm. He was hurt in the Ducks' 3-2 overtime win against the Flames last night. The Over is 5-2-1 the past eight times the teams have met in Edmonton.
10-19-21	Islanders v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-103	2 h 9 m	Show
Welcome to the Blackhawks Marc-Andre Fleury. The Blackhawks were bad defensively last season and they haven't shown any improvement through three games this season. Chicago has given up 13 goals. More surprising is the Islanders' lack of defense. They've allowed 11 goals in two games with goalie Ilya Sorokin off to a slow start. Going back to last season, the Over is 16-5-1 in the Blackhawks' last 22 games.
10-15-21	Blackhawks v. Devils OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	4 h 20 m	Show
Even with the addition of Seth Jones and Marc-Andre Fleury, the Blackhawks are going to have problems on defense. Chicago gave up four goals and 36 shots on net to the Avalanche in its opening game despite Colorado missing superstar scorer Nathan MacKinnon. This is the Devils' first game. They went 4-1 during preseason averaging 4.5 goals. They have a lot of young, promising goal scorers.
10-14-21	Penguins v. Panthers UNDER 6.5		4-5	Loss	-113	17 h 29 m	Show
Minus Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins are much more conservative and defensive-minded. Don't be deceived by the Penguins' 6-2 opening win against the Lightning this past Tuesday. That score is misleading due to the high number of empty net goals the Lightning gave up in a futile and classless bid to get back into a game they were going to lose. The Penguins also might be minus Jake Guentzel, too, because of COVID protocol. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is looking to play much better this season. I believe he will. The Under has cashed the past six times these teams have met. Thursday Free Play Senators plus $1.49 hosting Maple Leafs The Senators played the Maple Leafs tough last season going 4-4-1 against them and are in a great spot to spring an upset here. Toronto edged Montreal, 2-1, in front of a packed home crowd Wednesday. It was an intense, revenge game for the Maple Leafs, who were eliminated in the playoffs by the Canadiens last season. The Maple Leafs had to kill off a 5-on-3 penalty to preserve the win. While the Maple Leafs will be playing without rest, the Senators are anxious to start their season. They showed promise down the stretch last season going 7-2-1 in their final 10 games. Ottawa has won the past five times it has been a home underdog. Toronto still will be without superstar center Auston Matthews. The NHL's leading goal scorer last season is out with a wrist injury. The Senators have defeated the Maple Leafs 11 of the last 16 times at home.
10-13-21	Canadiens v. Maple Leafs OVER 5.5		1-2	Loss	-135	9 h 10 m	Show
This is monster revenge for the Maple Leafs. Montreal shocked their Canadian neighbor by coming back from a 3-to-1 playoff deficit to eliminate the Maple Leafs last season. The Maple Leafs are one of the higher scoring teams in the league and like to play up-tempo. They catch the Canadiens minus several key defensemen along with goalie Carey Price. Both of Tuesday's opening games sailed Over the total. I see this one going Over, too.
10-12-21	Seattle Kraken v. Golden Knights UNDER 5.5	Top	3-4	Loss	-127	25 h 5 m	Show
Las Vegas wasn't your typical expansion team. The Golden Knights were good right away. Seattle isn't typical either. The Kraken aren't going to reach the lofty heights the Golden Knights did during their first couple of seasons, but they will be competitive. That's because the Kraken went for defense and goaltending. Seattle is going to play a conservative, defensive style. The Kraken have the veteran players to do this starting with defenseman and team captain Mark Giordano and goalie Philipp Graubauer, a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season when he was with Colorado. The Kraken shut out Vancouver, 4-0, in their final preseason game last Tuesday. The Golden Knights ended last season losing in six games to the Canadiens in the Stanley Cup semifinals producing only 13 goals in those six games while going 0-for-15 in power play opportunities. Robin Lehner teamed with Marc-Andre Fleury to allow the fewest goals last season. Lehner takes over as the undisputed No. 1 goalie following Fleury's departure to the Blackhawks. Lehner and Graubauer are among the top goalies in the NHL. Depth at forward is down for both teams because of injuries and COVID-19 protocols. Las Vegas had just 10 forwards during its last practice. So I'm expecting a tight-checking, low-scoring opening game.
10-12-21	Penguins v. Lightning UNDER 6		6-2	Loss	-110	10 h 45 m	Show
Not having Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to begin the season means a transformation for the Penguins. This transformation is to a strong defensive tone starting with this opening game. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan realizes he can't replace the 2.4 average points that Crosby and Malkin produced. So look for Pittsburgh to rely on structure and an emphasis on defense. The Penguins have good defensive depth. That was made obvious when they sent down Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who I regard as a very good defensive prospect. Sullivan was quoted saying this, ''If we're going to have success, we're going to have to play a stringy game. It's going to take a collective effort and attention to detail. With some of the game-breakers that aren't in our lineup right now, we can't look to those guys to be the difference. We have to build a team game that's going to give us the best chance to be successful.'' The Penguins led the NHL in goals against average and save percentage during March. Their goalie, Tristan Jarry, is coming off a strong regular season where he went 25-9-3 with a 2.75 goals against average. Tampa Bay has the No. 1 goalie in the NHL in Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning also will be breaking an entire new third line.
06-15-21	Islanders v. Lightning OVER 5		2-4	Win	100	8 h 6 m	Show
The Islanders frustrated the Lightning in winning Game 1 of this series, 2-1. But now there's heavy juice on Over 5 for this Game 2. The oddsmaker and marketplace, which is sharp when it comes to hockey, obviously believes that the scoring will double in this Game 2. I don't disagree. Tampa Bay was the No. 8 scoring team in the NHL during the season averaging 3.2 goals despite missing key scorers and the Lightning will be making adjustments following their Game 1 upset loss. The Lightning is a much more dangerous offensive team with Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos healthy. The Islanders are extremely effective at picking their spots and counter attacking. They have scored 3 or more goals in nine of their 13 playoff games. New York is averaging 4.2 goals during its past four games.
06-14-21	Canadiens v. Golden Knights UNDER 5.5		1-4	Win	100	14 h 11 m	Show
I see this opening game of the Canadiens-Golden Knight series as a feeling-out process. Montreal hasn't played in a week. Las Vegas is in a bit of a flat spot after eliminating Colorado, a squad many thought was the best team in the West. The Golden Knights surrendered the second-fewest goals in the NHL during the regular season at 2.2 per game. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is top level. The Canadiens have stepped up their defense while riding the hot hand of goalie Carey Price to give up just nine goals during their last six games for a 1.5 average. Price has been the hottest goalie of the playoffs with a 1.97 goals against average and a .935 save percentage in 11 games.
06-02-21	Golden Knights v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-110	18 h 47 m	Show
I certainly don't expect the Avalanche to score seven goals like they did in Game 1 of this series. But I do expect there will be at least six goals produced in this game. Sparked by arguably the top line in hockey - Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen - Colorado led the NHL in scoring at 3.5 goals a game. The Avalanche have scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their past 14 games. They are averaging 5.4 goals a game in five playoff games. MacKinnon, Landeskog and Rantanen combined for five goals in Colorado's 7-1 opening game win. Las Vegas must prove it can stop them. The Golden Knights are no slouches either in the scoring column. They finished third in the NHL in goals per game at 3.4. Las Vegas has scored 3 or more goals in 10 of its last 15 games.
05-24-21	Oilers v. Jets OVER 5.5		3-4	Win	100	6 h 9 m	Show
The Oilers could be dead in the water after blowing a 4-1 third period lead against the Jets in a 5-4 overtime loss this past Sunday. That loss put them down 3-0 in the series. But the Oilers aren't going to go playing a tight, conservative game. I'm envisioning another high-scoring matchup. The Over has won eight of the last 11 times the Jets have hosted the Oilers. The Oilers have the superstars, but the Jets have scored four or more goals in four of their last five games.
05-23-21	Avalanche v. Blues OVER 5.5		5-2	Win	100	8 h 6 m	Show
The hot-scoring Avalanche could probably cover this total just by themselves. Colorado has averaged five goals in each of the first three games of this series in building a 3-0 series lead. Colorado is averaging more than five goals a game during their last five games. The Over is 11-2 the past 13 times the Avalanche have been favored in a playoff game. The Avalanche scored five goals this past Friday despite star player Nathan MacKinnon being held scoreless. MacKinnon had accounted for five goals and two assists during the first two games of the series. The Avalanche could be especially deadly given that the Blues may be down three defensemen as Justin Falk, Vince Dunn and Robert Bortuzzo are all questionable-to-doubtful to play because of injuries. The Blues know they can't pull the upset by being in a defensive shell. They fired 32 shots in Game 3 and I expect them to be going all out in their attacks to avoid a home loss and worse, getting swept.
05-21-21	Avalanche v. Blues OVER 5.5		5-1	Win	100	7 h 56 m	Show
The Avalanche are averaging 5.2 goals in their last four games. The Blues haven't been able to slow them down, giving up 10 goals in the first two games of this playoff series. Those games were in Colorado. Now the scene shifts to St. Louis. The Blues are averaging 4.6 goals a game during their last six home contests. The Blues, who could be down defensemen Robert Bortuzzo and Justin Faulk, are going to be on the attack since they haven't shown an ability to beat Colorado through defense.
05-20-21	Golden Knights v. Wild UNDER 5.5		5-2	Loss	-120	10 h 14 m	Show
No team gives the Golden Knights more trouble than the Wild especially when playing in Minnesota. The tight-checking, conservative Wild frustrate the Golden Knights with their methodical style. That's not going to change with the teams switching venues after the first two games of the series were played in Las Vegas. There was one goal scored in Game 1. There were four goals scored in Game 2. I'm not expecting a two-goal leap to six goals being scored in this Game 3. Las Vegas has allowed only four goals in regulation during its last five games. Marc-Andre Fleury is one of the all-time big play goalies. He has more playoff victories than any active goalie. The Golden Knights have not had their leading goal scorer, Max Pacioretty, for the last eight games. He also ranks second on the Golden Knights in points. The Under has cashed five of the last six times the teams have met.
05-19-21	Canucks v. Flames UNDER 6	Top	2-6	Loss	-100	8 h 38 m	Show
Neither Vancouver nor Calgary have made the playoffs. This is the final regular season game for them - and it's a totally meaningless contest. It's the third game in four days between the two teams. It's a day game, too, another plus for the Under. It's been a long and unrewarding season for both the Canucks and Flames. The players just want the season to finally end so they can go on vacation. So I'm greatly anticipating a listless matchup lacking any energy or fast tempo.
05-12-21	Golden Knights v. Sharks UNDER 6		6-0	Push	0	17 h 8 m	Show
The Golden Knights are dealing with injuries. Among those injured is Max Pacioretty, the team's top goal scorer. He has missed the last five games. Las Vegas was down to just 15 shakers - three below normal - in a 2-1 home loss to the Avalanche this past Monday. This is a bitter and heated rivalry. The Under has cashed eight of the last 11 times between the two teams. So I can't count on the Golden Knights to produce a lot of goals. But I can count on them to have a strong defensive game especially since Marc-Andre Fleury will be back in net after not playing against Colorado. The Golden Knights have not permitted more than two goals per game during Fleury's last eight starts. Fleury won't have to worry about Sharks team captain and third-leading goal scorer, Logan Couture. He's out with an injury.
05-12-21	Maple Leafs v. Senators UNDER 6.5		3-4	Loss	-113	16 h 16 m	Show
The Under is 11-2-1 in the Senators' last 14 home games. Ottawa has given up just six goals during its last four home games. The Senators' strong defense at home should continue here. Toronto has multiple injuries and figures to be resting starters having clinched the North Division. This could lead to a conservative game plan from the Maple Leafs, who also don't want goalie Frederick Andersen embarrassed if he's in goal for the first time since March 19. The Maple Leafs haven't surrendered more than two goals in regulation during their last seven games.
05-12-21	Oilers v. Canadiens UNDER 6		4-3	Loss	-110	13 h 22 m	Show
I don't see either team pushing pace, or showing much in this meaningless matchup. The Oilers are the No. 2 seed in the North Division, while the Canadiens backed into the playoffs after getting a point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Oilers two days ago. The teams could meet in the playoffs so neither will want to tip their hand. So I see a vanilla type of low-scoring, conservative game. The Canadiens are in action for the 25th time in 44 days. They are likely to rest key regulars in order to get fresh for the postseason. The Oilers don't want to risk injury by overextending their superstars. This past Monday's game was just the second time in the last nine meetings that the Oilers-Canadiens went Over the total. There was just one goal scored in the third period. It was 3-2 more than halfway through the third period.
05-11-21	Bruins v. Capitals UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	7 h 58 m	Show
The Capitals have clinched second place in the East Division. The Bruins just clinched third place in the East with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Islanders on Monday. So both teams are locked into their playoff seedings. I'm expecting a very vanilla type of game because of this especially given the Bruins having won a huge game last night and the Capitals nursing multiple injuries to key players. There's no reason for either team to go all out here, or show any new wrinkles right before the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Capitals couldn't even field the usual number of 18 players during their last game, a 2-1 victory against the Flyers this past Saturday. Now, because of either injury or COVID-19 protocol, the Capitals could be without superstar Alex Ovechkin, their two top centers - Nicklas Backstom and Evgeny Kuznetsov - star defenseman John Carlson, T.J. Oshie and enforcer Tom Wilson. Carlson's loss actually would be a plus for the Under since he's arguably the best offensive defenseman in the league. The Capitals are likely to play more conservative if he's out.
05-08-21	Ducks v. Wild UNDER 5.5		3-4	Loss	-111	7 h 11 m	Show
This is a special game for Anaheim. It's the Ducks' final game of the season and they're being sentimental about it putting Ryan Miller in goal. This will be Miller's last game of his 18-year NHL career as he is retiring. I have to believe the Ducks will play ultra-conservative, doing their best not to let Miller get embarrassed. A slower-paced tempo is fine by the Wild. Minnesota coach Dean Evason was not pleased with how his team played in a 4-3 overtime win against the Ducks on Friday. Evason is more about discipline and grit rather than flash and style. Minnesota goalie Cam Talbot has a 1.34 goals-against average and .951 save percentage in three starts against the Ducks this season. Lifetime, Talbot has a 2.04 GAA and .935 saver percentage in 20 games against the Ducks. Anaheim is the lowest-scoring team in the NHL averaging just 2.2 goals per game. It's a big reason why the Under has cashed in 11 of the Ducks' last 15 games.
05-07-21	Coyotes v. Sharks OVER 5.5		5-2	Win	100	8 h 35 m	Show
Expect a loose game with both teams now eliminated from Stanley Cup competition. That should result in at least six goals being scored. Arizona ranks 23rd defensively. San Jose is 30th defensively. The Coyotes have permitted at least 3 goals in all but one of their last six games. The Sharks have given up 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games. They are going to be starting backup goalie Josef Korenar, who has a 3.04 goals against average. The Over has cashed in six of the last seven meetings between the two teams.
05-07-21	Blues v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5		3-4	Win	100	8 h 47 m	Show
These teams have a strong Over tendency when meeting each other with the high side being 8-1-1 the past 10 times. The Blues are a slight above average scoring team with a below average defense. They have allowed at least 3 goals in eight of their last 10 games. The Golden Knights are the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL, averaging 3.4 goals a game. Las Vegas has scored at least 3 goals in 11 of its last 12 games.
05-03-21	Bruins v. Devils OVER 5.5		3-0	Loss	-110	14 h 18 m	Show
The Bruins are going to get their share of goals against the Devils, who have allowed at least 3 goals in 15 of their last 16 games and rank last in penalty killing. Boston has scored 3 or more goals in nine of its last 11 games. The Bruins are averaging 4.6 goals during their last three games. The key is how many goals can the Devils put up to help get Over this total? New Jersey should contribute its share. The Devils are showing a lot of energy in posting a three-game win streak. They are averaging 4.5 goals in their last four games.
05-02-21	Lightning v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5		2-1	Win	100	14 h 48 m	Show
The Red Wings are becoming a dead nuts Under team. Detroit has allowed only five goals in regulation during its past four games. However, the Red Wings have scored two or fewer goals in seven of their last eight games as multiple injuries to their best scorers have taken a toll. The Red Wings realize their only hope is to play conservative and not get caught up in an up-tempo style since they have no firepower. They got away with this on Saturday edging the Lightning, 1-0, in a shootout. Detroit managed just 15 shots on goal and couldn't score against Lightning backup goalie Curtis McElhinney during regulation and overtime. Now Detroit could get Andrei Vasilevskiy, perhaps the best goalie in the NHL.
05-01-21	Lightning v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5		0-1	Win	101	7 h 2 m	Show
The Red Wings weren't much offensively when they were at full strength. Now that they are enduring multiple injuries to key scorers, the Red Wings could be the worst offensive team in the NHL. Detroit has managed to score just two or fewer goals in six of its last seven games. The Red Wings have scored two goals during their last three games. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy could be the top goalie in the NHL with the second-high save percentage and fifth-best GAA at 2.10. The Red Wings understand their only hope of winning is by playing conservative with constant checking, not taking any chances, or getting into an up-tempo matchup. The Red Wings' last three games have reflected that - a 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes, a 1-0 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets and a 2-1 overtime loss to the Stars. Detroit has given up only four goals during regulation in its past three games.
04-29-21	Flyers v. Devils OVER 6		3-5	Win	100	11 h 40 m	Show
Given that the Flyers are the worst defensive team in the NHL and the Devils are the third-worst, was there any surprise when the teams scored 10 goals when they met two days ago? Was it a shock when there were seven goals scored when the two teams played each other this past Sunday? Nope. New Jersey has surrendered four or more goals in eight consecutive games. The Devils have allowed at least three goals in 14 straight games. And the Devils give up fewer goals per game than the Flyers! Neither team is making the playoffs. So this should be another loose game lacking defense. The Over has cashed in 11 of the Flyers' last 14 games. The Flyers have short revenge after the Devils snapped their 10-game winless streak with a 6-4 victory this past Tuesday. The Over has won the past seven times the Flyers have been a road favorite.
04-25-21	Devils v. Flyers OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	3 h 16 m	Show
No great insights here. Just strongly believe each team should be good for at least 3 goals apiece given how bad the defenses are. The Devils rank 30th defensively allowing 3.4 goals per game. They've given up at least 3 goals in 12 straight games. The Flyers rank 31st defensively allowing 3.5 goals a game. The Flyers are a heavy favorite. The Over is 18-7-1 the last 26 times Philadelphia has been chalk.
04-24-21	Devils v. Penguins OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	11 h 34 m	Show
My usual lean to early start time games in the NHL is to go Under. Not in this case, though. These two teams have met twice during the past five days. The Penguins scored 12 goals during the first five periods. The Penguins went into defensive shell mode up 5-1 in Thursday's victory against the Devils. New Jersey is 1-12 in its last 13 games. The Devils have lost by more than one goal in eight of their last nine losses. It's clear the Penguins can score at will against them. New Jersey ranks 30th defensively. The Penguins are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. The Devils are capable of helping this total go Over, too. They had scored 12 goals in their previous three games prior to losing 5-1 this past Thursday. Pittsburgh's defense is merely average.
04-23-21	Flyers v. Rangers OVER 6		1-4	Loss	-120	14 h 38 m	Show
The Flyers nipped the Rangers, 3-2, on Thursday. I don't know how that total stayed Under 6. There were a combined 66 shots on goal - 33 by each team. Flyers goalie Brian Elliott, who nobody will confuse with Bernie Parent, made two point-blank saves. The Flyers had six power play opportunities. So I am going to get involved with today's rematch taking the Over. The Flyers should keep their intensity. They haven't forgotten about the humiliating 9-0 loss the Rangers pinned on them last month. New York dressed five defensemen 23 or younger in last night's game. The Rangers have surrendered at least 3 goals in each of their past four games. I do expect the Rangers to score at least 3 goals against a Philadelphia defense that is the league's worst giving up 3.5 goals per game.
04-22-21	Hurricanes v. Panthers OVER 5.5		4-2	Win	100	9 h 40 m	Show
I trust these two top-11 offenses to each produce at least 3 goals. The Hurricanes have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last eight games. The Panthers have scored 14 goals in their last three games. The Panthers remain without injured star defenseman Aaron Ekblad. The Over has cashed in 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in Florida.
04-21-21	Canadiens v. Oilers UNDER 6		4-3	Loss	-120	12 h 40 m	Show
The Oilers can play a fast skating, wide open game, or they can go into a defensive shell. They are that flexible. It's the latter style they use when they play the Canadiens. Edmonton matched the physical Canadiens this past Monday winning, 4-1. It was the seventh straight Under game between the two teams. I don't see a style change in this rematch. I do see a lot of intensity with the Canadiens trying to clamp down on Connor McDavid and the Oilers not backing down from Montreal. The Canadiens are in a huge scoring funk averaging a puny 1.6 goals in their last nine games.
04-18-21	Penguins v. Sabres OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	7 h 53 m	Show
The Penguins are the No. 4 scoring team in the NHL. They have scored at least three goals in 10 of their past 12 games. The Penguins fired 38 shots on third-string Buffalo goalie Dustin Tokarski and came away with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Now the Penguins are likely to draw Buffalo's fourth-string goalie, Michael Houser, as both Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton are injured. The Sabres have picked up their offense averaging 3.4 goals during their last 10 games. They played hard yesterday firing 28 shots on Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry. Now the Penguins likely will turn to backup goalie, Casey DeSmith, for this rematch.
04-15-21	Flyers v. Penguins OVER 6		2-1	Loss	-125	13 h 5 m	Show
The oddsmaker is making a mistake if he hangs anything less than 6 1/2 goals on a Flyers total when Philadelphia is playing a good offensive team. The Penguins are the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL. Pittsburgh has scored 4 or more goals in nine of its last 10 games. The Over has cashed in each of Pittsburgh's past five games. The Flyers have allowed three or more goals in 20 of their last 24 games. The Over is 17-7 in those games. The Penguins, though, are giving up 4.6 goals in their last five games. So the Flyers, who have scored at least two goals in 10 of their last 12 games, should hold up their end in making this total go Over. Thursday Free Play Penguins minus $1.65 hosting Flyers I'm old enough to remember Bernie Parent and the Broad Street Bullies. So I can't say the Flyers never had great goaltending. They just haven't had it for the past 45 years. The Flyers are 2-6 in their last eight games, following a 5-3 loss to last-place Buffalo this past Sunday and a 6-1 blowout defeat to Washington this past Tuesday. The Flyers hoisted up the white flag at the trade deadline signaling they are in rebuild mode. I'm not expecting the Flyers to do much here in action for the fourth time in six days and meeting a hot Pittsburgh team that has won eight of its last 10, including the past three all by multiple goals. The host Penguins will be rested, too, having last played this past Sunday. The Penguins were active at the trade deadline acquiring two-time Stanley Cup champion veteran Jeff Carter to center and shore up their battered second line, which is without Evgeni Malkin and Freddy Gaudreau. Center probably is the versatile Carter's best position. He also adds to the Penguins' special teams units. Only Ottawa surrenders more goals per game than the Flyers, who give up nearly 3.6 goals a game. The Penguins are the No. 4 scoring team in the NHL. They have tallied 4 or more goals in nine of their past 10 games. Sometimes there can be value backing the favorite, even heavy chalk like this. This is such a case.
04-14-21	Ducks v. Sharks OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-118	17 h 36 m	Show
Even though the Ducks and Sharks are not big scoring teams, I'm surprised not to see a 6 on the total for this matchup. Anaheim ranks 26th defensively allowing 3.2 goals per game, while San Jose is 29th permitting 3.3 goals a game. The teams have met twice during the last eight days. The Ducks have scored a combined nine goals against the Sharks in these two games. Anaheim just beat the Sharks, 4-0, this past Monday. Note, though, the Sharks fired 46 shots on goal against rookie backup goalie Anthony Stolarz. No Anaheim goalie in franchise history recorded more stops in a shutout than Stolarz did in that game. Both teams are down defensemen. The Sharks won't have Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who is injured. This means more playing time for Radim Simek and Christian Jaros, both of whom played poorly against the Ducks this past Monday being on the ice for three of Anaheim's goals. The Ducks recently traded two of their top six defensemen with Ben Hutton and Jani Hakanpaa being dealt. Keep in mind, too, the Ducks remain without injured defenseman Hampus Lindholm.
04-14-21	Coyotes v. Wild UNDER 5.5		2-5	Loss	-120	8 h 10 m	Show
Minnesota is an above average defensive club that is tough at home. The Coyotes know this first-hand. They visited the Wild for three games on March 12, 14 and 16. Arizona scored a grand total of one goal in those three games. Arizona, though, has been playing solid defense if you toss out giving up seven goals to the Golden Nuggets during a recent game. Discounting that performance, the Coyotes are giving up an average of 2.5 goals in their last six games. The Under has cashed each of the past four times the teams have met in Minnesota. Note there is a time change in this game. It's gone from a night start to a matinee because of the unrest in the Minneapolis area. That's a plus for the Under.
04-13-21	Rangers v. Devils OVER 5.5		3-0	Loss	-130	15 h 48 m	Show
The Rangers have a tendency to play to the level of their competition. In this case, the Devils are not a very worthy opponent. New Jersey is giving up an average of 4.4 goals in its last seven games. The Devils have surrendered 3 or more goals in nine of their past 11 games. The Rangers are the No. 7 scoring team in the NHL. New Jersey is last in killing off penalties. The Devils have been scoring lately, averaging 3.8 goals in their last five games. So I envision a sloppy game with plenty of defensive mistakes leading to each team contributing at least three goals. Historically, these two teams play high scoring games against each other. There have been only five Unders during the past 26 games in the series.
04-13-21	Flyers v. Capitals OVER 6		1-6	Win	100	15 h 42 m	Show
It's difficult not to envision an Over when the total is less than 6 1/2 on a Flyers game and their opponent is the Capitals. The Flyers have allowed 3 or more goals in 19 of their last 23 games. The Over is 16-7 in those games. The Capitals just scored eight goals in its last game two days ago against the Bruins. Philadelphia has scored a minimum of two goals a game in 10 of its past 11 contests. The Capitals have gone Over in 42 of their last 61 home games for 69 percent.
04-10-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	100	11 h 44 m	Show
I don't understand why the oddsmaker can't see at least six goals being scored here. The Blackhawks give up the most shots on goal and have the worst penalty kill in the league. Opponents have racked up 3 or more goals in nine of the past 13 games versus the Blackhawks. The Blue Jackets just put up consecutive 4-goal games against Tampa Bay and Andrei Vasilevskiy, arguably the top goalie in hockey. The Blue Jackets rank 25th defensively giving up 3.1 goals per game. They also give up a lot of shots on goal and are well below average in killing off penalties. Columbus has permitted 3 or more goals in eight of its last 10 games. Both teams are frustrated and anxious to break out. The Blackhawks are off a 5-1 home loss to the Stars from two days ago, while the Blue Jackets are 1-4 in their last five games and off a 6-4 home loss to the Lightning from Thursday.
04-09-21	Coyotes v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5		4-7	Win	100	18 h 44 m	Show
Below the radar, the Coyotes have picked up their offense. Arizona is averaging 4 goals per game during their last eight games. They have scored at least 3 goals in each of these past eight games. The Over has cashed in eight of Arizona's last 10 games. The Golden Knights enter this home matchup frustrated and ready to break loose. They fired 51 shots against the Blues in their last game two days ago on the road, yet still lost, 3-1. Las Vegas is averaging 3.4 goals in its last nine home contests.
04-05-21	Flyers v. Bruins OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-106	15 h 36 m	Show
The Bruins were averaging just 2.4 goals during their last five games until their matchup against the Penguins this past Saturday. There were 12 goals produced in that one with Boston winning, 7-5. Boston stars David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand were in top form contributing a combined five goals while playing on different lines. Now the Bruins host Philadelphia, the worst defensive team in the NHL allowing 3.4 goals per game. The Flyers have given up 3 or more goals in 16 of their last 18 games. The Over has cashed in 11 of their past 14 games. Boston has been missing starting goalie Tuukka Rask. The Bruins' backup goalies could be hitting a wall. Boston has surrendered 13 goals in its last three games. The Bruins also are down Brandon Carlo, one of their top defensemen. He's out with an upper-body injury.
04-03-21	Flyers v. Islanders OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-118	4 h 42 m	Show
There is only one way to play Flyers totals - and it's not Under that's for sure. Philadelphia has the worst defense in the NHL. The Flyers allowed an average of 4.4 goals during their 17 March games. They have surrendered at least 3 goals in 15 of their last 17 games. The Islanders are coming off an 8-4 victory against the Capitals this past Thursday. New York has scored 3 or more goals in 11 of its last 14 games, while yielding 15 goals in their last four games.
04-02-21	Blues v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-115	10 h 12 m	Show
No matter who the opposition is, the oddsmaker should be almost automatically setting at least a 6 total on Colorado games. The Avalanche have been the hottest scoring team in the NHL producing 53 goals in their last 10 games for an average of 5.3 goals a game. The Blues just gave up a combined seven goals to the low-scoring Ducks during their last two games, both home losses. Colorado is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL. The Over has cashed in eight of Colorado's last nine games. The Blues rank a disappointing 17th in scoring. But they have a number of good scorers who are overdue to break loose. St. Louis has been underachieving.
03-27-21	Oilers v. Maple Leafs UNDER 6.5		3-4	Loss	-105	15 h 40 m	Show
Edmonton has been playing some underrated defense allowing an average of 2.1 goals per game in its last nine games. The Maple Leafs haven't broken the 3-goal barrier during regulation in their last nine games. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares are in scoring slumps. Toronto is 0-for-15 in its last 15 power play attempts. The Oilers should have plenty of energy having last played a week ago because of COVID-19 protocols. The Maple Leafs have been a defensive nightmare for the Oilers. Edmonton could manage just one goal versus Toronto in three games when the teams last met from Feb. 27-March 3.
03-27-21	Rangers v. Flyers OVER 6		1-2	Loss	-110	9 h 59 m	Show
I'm surprised this one opened 6 and not 6 1/2 given past circumstances. Those past circumstances are the Rangers burying the Flyers, 9-0 and 8-3, during the last 10 days. The Flyers should get up for this one no doubt, but their defense certainly can't be trusted. Philadelphia is allowing an average of 4.6 goals in 14 games this month. If there's a worse goalie tandem in the NHL than Carter Hart and Brian Elliott, I haven't seen it. I feel sorry for Shayne Gostisbehere. It's no surprise the Over has won 72 percent of the time during the Flyers' last 32 games. The Rangers have picked up their scoring averaging 4.8 goals during their last seven games. New York has surrendered at least 3 goals in seven of its past 11 games.
03-25-21	Panthers v. Blackhawks OVER 6.5		0-3	Loss	-100	11 h 4 m	Show
The teams just met on Tuesday in Chicago and the Blackhawks hung on for a 3-2 victory. There were 67 shots on goal in that game. The Blackhawks had yielded an average of 4.5 goals during their past seven games previous to Tuesday. The Panthers are the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals per game. They have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last eight road contests. The Blackhawks have scored 3 or more goals in 10 of their past 11 home games.
03-24-21	Jets v. Canucks UNDER 6		5-1	Push	0	14 h 33 m	Show
This has been an Under series with the low side cashing seven of the last nine times, including this past Monday with the Jets winning, 4-0. That was a 1-0 game going into the third period. Vancouver is determined to end a seven-game home losing streak to Winnipeg. If the Canucks are to succeed they likely will have to do it with a stellar defensive effort. That's because the Canucks are dealing with a cluster injury problem at center with Elias Pettersson and Jay Beagle out and Bo Horvat unlikely to play due to an ankle injury suffered in Monday's loss. Vancouver also is down three forwards because of injuries. That's a lot of missing firepower. Fortunately for Vancouver, goalie Thatcher Demko has come up big this season. The Canucks are in good defensive form holding opponents to an average of 2.5 goals in their last 10 games. The Jets aren't going to get wild here knowing they have a good situational spot because of Vancouver's injuries. Horvat's expected loss is huge. Horvat ranks with Demko, Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller as one of the four most important players on the team. Winnipeg can win this game by picking its spots and not doing anything foolish. So I'm expecting a conservative, smart approach from the Jets just like they did on Monday.
03-23-21	Panthers v. Blackhawks OVER 6		2-3	Loss	-119	16 h 26 m	Show
Florida and Chicago have met four times this season: The Panthers are 4-0. The scores of those games were 4-2, 6-3, 5-2 and 5-4. That's an average combined total of 7.7 goals per game. I'm certainly not expecting fewer goals to be scored in this meeting. After some initial promise sparked by rookie goalie Kevin Lankinen, the Blackhawks' defense has regressed to where it was perceived before the season - being awful. Chicago is surrendering an average of 4.5 goals during its last seven games. That, of course, would rank last if computed out for the entire season. Chicago does allow the most shots on goal. Florida is the third-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals a game. The Panthers also take the second-most shots on goal. Florida has scored at least 3 goals in six of its past seven road games. The Blackhawks should be primed for a strong performance. This is their first game since Saturday and first home contest since March 7. The Blackhawks average 2.9 goals a game. Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat make Chicago respectable on offense. The Blackhawks have scored 3 or more goals in nine of their last 10 home games.
03-19-21	Blues v. Sharks OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-121	17 h 37 m	Show
The oddsmaker opened this total too low at 5 1/2 with juice on the Over. Early marketplace activity has pushed the total up to 6 at many betting outlets. Going Over still is the way to go. The Blues are in desperation mode having lost five in a row. They trailed the Kings 3-0 in the first period during their last game this past Wednesday. Expect more urgency and quicker pace from the Blues, who came out flat having been idle the previous four days. St. Louis should be at full strength offensively with Tyler Bozak back and Jaden Schwartz expected to play here. San Jose has the worst defense in the NHL giving up an average of 3.5 goals per game. The Sharks, though, can score and their defensemen are offensive-minded. San Jose has produced at least 3 goals in four of its last five games. The Blues rank 25th defensively allowing 3.2 goals a game. St. Louis is in bad form defensively, too, surrendering an average of 4.2 goals in its last five games.
03-18-21	Blackhawks v. Lightning OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	3 h 23 m	Show
The Blackhawks' defense is slipping and so is goalie Kevin Lankinen, who was outstanding earlier in the season. Chicago is giving up an average of 4.8 goals during its last five games. Now the Blackhawks face their worst opponent - Tampa Bay. The defending Stanley Cup champions have averaged 5.5 goals in going 4-0 versus Chicago this season. The Lightning lead the NHL in scoring at 3.6 goals a game. They've scored 4 or more goals in five of their last six games. However, the Lightning's defense has not looked good. Tampa Bay has surrendered at least 3 goals in each of its past seven games. The Blackhawks have a slightly above average offense, but the league's No. 3 power play unit.
03-16-21	Ducks v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		4-8	Win	100	17 h 57 m	Show
Maybe it's because of missing steady injured defenseman Hampus Lindholm. Or it could be less than stellar goaltending. But Anaheim has been hemorrhaging defensively allowing an average of 4.6 goals during their last five games. Colorado has the offensive talent to take advantage especially with Nathan MacKinnon back in top form following an upper-body injury. The Avalanche have won three in a row firing off 133 shots on goal during this three-game win streak. However, they have only eight goals to show for it having come across some strong goaltending. That won't be the case here, not with how bad the Ducks have been defensively. The Avalanche won't be letting up either after blowing a two-goal lead when the teams last met 10 days ago in Denver. The Ducks pulled out a 5-4 overtime victory in that game. The Ducks have scored just two goals in their last three games - and that was playing the Kings and defensively-challenged Sharks twice. Trade rumors are swirling around the team. So I expect the Ducks to throw caution to the wind in this matchup knowing they can't stay competitive like they were during the first 1 1/2 months of the season by relying on defense and playing conservative. That doesn't work anymore for them.
03-16-21	Hurricanes v. Red Wings OVER 5.5		2-4	Win	100	15 h 28 m	Show
The Hurricanes defeated the Red Wings, 2-1, this past Sunday. Carolina is the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL averaging 3.4 goals per game. The Hurricanes had scored 3 or more goals in seven consecutive games until Sunday. Detroit ranks 29th defensively giving up 3.4 goals per game. So, yes, I'm expecting more goals from the Hurricanes in this one. But I'm also expecting Detroit to hold up its bargain in getting this total to go Over. The Red Wings entered Sunday's matchup against Carolina off a season-high six goal game against Tampa Bay this past Thursday. The Red Wings, however, strangely were passive for the first two periods before opening things up more in the third period when they scored their lone goal. Detroit coach Jeff Blashill ripped into his team for its lack of offense. Having Dylan Larkin back from injury is a huge plus for Detroit's offense. The combination of the Hurricanes' high-scoring attack and the Red Wings coming out with a stronger scoring mentality should push this total Over.
03-15-21	Sharks v. Golden Knights OVER 6	Top	1-2	Loss	-118	16 h 51 m	Show
Las Vegas has averaged 4 goals a game in going 3-0 versus the Sharks this season. San Jose ranks 31st defensively allowing 3.6 goals a game. Given their depth, which includes four strong lines, and deep hatred of the Sharks the Golden Knights should be good for at least four goals again. The Golden Knights have scored 3 or more goals in nine of their last 10 games, hitting five goals in half of those games. The Sharks have tallied 3 or more goals in six of their last eight games, scoring six goals in three of those games. Marc-Andre Fleury has been brilliant for Las Vegas leading the NHL in GAA at 1.181 and save percentage at .935. The 36-year-old Fleury, however, is carrying a high fatigue rating having started 15 of the last 16 games. He was saved from going on COVID-19 protocol after a false-positive Covid-19 test this past Thursday. At some point, the Golden Knights are going to need to give Fleury a rest day. Obviously it would be a major bonus to the Over if that came here.
03-15-21	Oilers v. Flames UNDER 6.5		3-4	Loss	-130	15 h 49 m	Show
Since no-nonsense coach Darryl Sutter has been behind the bench, the Flames are 2-0. The Flames beat the Canadiens 3-1 and 2-1 in those games. These low-scoring games weren't a fluke. The Flames have made a huge commitment to defend better with their forwards aggressively checking since Sutter took over. Despite the presence of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have scored 3 or fewer goals in seven of their last nine games. Edmonton, though, has been underrated defensively. The Oilers have given up an average of just 1.8 goals during their last five games. They haven't allowed more than two goals in each of their past five games.
03-15-21	Canucks v. Senators UNDER 6.5		3-2	Win	100	13 h 48 m	Show
He doesn't get much recognition, but Vancouver's Thatcher Demko has been one of the hottest goalies. He is 5-1 with a .952 save percentage during his past seven starts. If you discount a five-goal game by the Canadiens, the Canucks have permitted just five goals in their past four games. The Senators just held the Maple Leafs to three goals in a 4-3 Sunday victory behind backup goalie Joey Daccord. He was filling in for injured Matt Murray. The Senators produced a tremendous effort to protect Daccord from the Maple Leafs, who rank No. 2 in the NHL in scoring. Daccord should have an added boost of confidence if he has to be in net again. The Canucks rank 20th in scoring and are thin at center with Elias Pettersson and Tyler Motte out. Pettersson is Vancouver's third-leading goal scorer.
03-14-21	Coyotes v. Wild UNDER 5.5		1-4	Win	100	9 h 45 m	Show
Sparked by outstanding goalie play, Minnesota is giving up just 2.2 goals per game during its last 13 games. The Wild face an Arizona squad that ranks 26th in scoring and takes the fewest shots on goal in the NHL. The teams just met two days ago in Minnesota and the Wild shut out the Coyotes, 4-0. That was the fourth straight road game the Coyotes have gone Under the total. Arizona has given up 2 or fewer goals in four of its last six games. Note this is an early start time so that's a plus, too, for the Under.
03-13-21	Oilers v. Canucks UNDER 6.5		1-2	Win	100	11 h 55 m	Show
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl draw all the headlines for Edmonton. They are superstars. But lost in the glare of the brilliance of those two players is an underrated Edmonton defense that has been playing quite well. The Oilers have surrendered just seven goals during their last four games. Edmonton draws a Vancouver attack that is heavily crippled. Out are Tyler Motte, Justin Bailey and Elias Pettersson. In addition, Brandon Sutter, Jay Beagle and Antoine Roussell missed Friday practice with injuries. Vancouver has scored 3 or fewer goals in eight of its last 10 games. So expect a tight-checking defensive game from the Canucks, who should be fired-up after an embarrassing 5-1 home loss to the Canadiens in their last game three days ago. Prior to losing to Montreal, the Canucks had given up just four goals in their previous three games - two of which came against the high-scoring Maple Leafs.
03-13-21	Golden Knights v. Blues OVER 5.5		5-1	Win	100	9 h 42 m	Show
The Golden Knights beat the Blues, 5-4, in overtime on Friday. That was with both team's going with their starting goalies. Now we're likely to see backup goalies, rookie Logan Thompson for Las Vegas and Ville Husso, who has a 3.48 goals against average, for St. Louis. Both teams are missing key defensemen, too. Alex Pietrangelo is out for Las Vegas and Colton Parayko is sidelined for St. Louis. The Golden Knights have scored 3 or more goals in eight of their past nine games. The Blues have permitted an average of 3.7 goals in their last seven games. The Blues, though, have scored at least three goals in six of their past seven games. They also have Vladimir Tarasenko rounding into top shape. He had a goal and an assist on Friday.
03-13-21	Canadiens v. Flames UNDER 5.5		1-3	Win	103	8 h 46 m	Show
Calgary took advantage of a tired Montreal team playing its third game in four days and without rest to edge the Canadiens, 2-1, at home this past Thursday night. Now the teams are back at it today. Expect another low-scoring game. Canadiens goalie Carey Price is playing his best hockey in the last several years stopping 105 of 109 shots during his past four games for a save percentage of .963. Price should be back in net after backup Jake Allen played Thursday. Montreal could only manage 18 shots on goal against Calgary two days ago. The Flames, showing the influence of new coach Darryl Sutter, controlled tempo with aggressive forechecking. The Canadiens will have more energy this time around, but the Flames look much better mentally and performance-wise under Sutter.
03-10-21	Coyotes v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		1-2	Loss	-100	13 h 43 m	Show
Colorado is averaging 3.5 goals a game during its last games. The Avalanche have done this minus their dynamic goal scorer Nathan MacKinnon for the past three games. The Coyotes are a slightly below average defensive team. They have surrendered 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 14 games. Arizona has averaged 3.0 goals during its past four games. The Coyotes catch Colorado short-handed on the blue line with defensemen Cale Makar and Bowen Byram both out due to upper-body injuries.
03-09-21	Predators v. Hurricanes OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-125	5 h 41 m	Show
Nashville has played four consecutive Overs. During this span, the Predators have scored 12 goals while giving up 18. The Predators are running into a Hurricanes squad that is averaging four goals per game during their last five games. Center Vincent Trocheck is having a career year for the Hurricanes with 22 points in 23 games, including 13 goals.
03-08-21	Kings v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		5-6	Loss	-128	19 h 40 m	Show
These two defensive-minded Southern California rivals meet again Wednesday. So expect a conservative, feeling-out type of matchup here where few chances are taken. The Kings rank 18th in scoring at 2.9 goals per game. That average shrinks to 2.1 in regulation during their past six games. The Ducks are 30th in scoring at 2.2 goals a game. They also rank in the bottom-four in shots on goal and power play efficiency. The Kings are a top-12 defensive team. LA and Anaheim met once this season with the Ducks winning, 3-1, on the road Feb. 2.
03-08-21	Blues v. Sharks OVER 6		2-3	Loss	-105	18 h 37 m	Show
Only the Sharks could score six goals - and lose. That's what happened when these two teams last met on Feb. 27. St. Louis edged the Sharks, 7-6. Now I'm certainly not expecting a repeat of 13 goals to be scored. But it's not overly optimistic thinking to believe at least six goals will be produced. San Jose, after all, is the worst defensive team in the NHL giving up 3.9 goals per game. The Blues also didn't have prolific goal scorer Vladimir Tarasenko for that game. Tarasenko made his season debut this past Saturday against the Kings and looked good playing on the first power play unit, firing off four shots and logging 16:25 of ice time. St. Louis already is a top-10 scoring team even missing Tarasenko, who was recovering from a shoulder injury. The Blues have scored 3 or more goals in each of their last five games. San Jose has one of the least effective goalie tandems in Martin Jones and Devan Dubnyk. The Sharks, though, dominated and flustered Blues goalie Jordan Binnington in that crazy Feb. 27 game scoring four goals on 19 shots before Binnington was yanked. An irate Binnington charged three Sharks players on his way off the ice. Don't think the Sharks have forgotten about that. St. Louis is below average defensively. The Sharks have been hit or miss lately on offense, but they have scored 4 or more goals in four of their last seven games.
03-07-21	Senators v. Flames OVER 6		4-3	Win	100	11 h 32 m	Show
Calgary is coming off a 3-2 loss to Edmonton on Saturday. The Flames fired 36 shots on goal and had a season-high 40 hits in the game. If the Flames play like that against the Senators, they should light up the scoreboard. Ottawa gives up the most goals in the NHL at 3.8 per game. The Senators also are the third-worst at killing off penalties. Goalie Matt Murray has thus far been a huge disappointment for Ottawa. Ottawa has been idle the past two days. The Senators have fresh legs and should come after the Flames, who have given up 3 or more goals in each of their last five games. The Senators have scored at least 3 goals during eight of their past 10 games. Before falling to the Oilers last night, the Flames had played the Senators four straight games. In those games, there were 7, 9, 6 and 10 combined goals scored.
03-06-21	Blues v. Kings UNDER 5.5		3-4	Loss	-111	12 h 20 m	Show
The Blues and Kings have met three times since Feb. 22. The scores of those games were 3-0, 2-1 and 3-2 in overtime last night with the Blues winning. St. Louis won Friday's game with backup Ville Husso in net. So the pattern is set. The Blues have to play more conservative due to their multiple injuries, while the Kings stick to their tight in the neutral zone game plan looking to win a low-scoring game. It worked for the Kings in their 3-0 and 2-1 victories against the Blues during the past 12 days so they have no reason to change. We're expected to get both team's "A" goalies, too. Jordan Binnington has a .918 saves percentage against the Kings this season, while LA netminder Jonathan Quick is a dominant 2-0 with a 1.51 GAA and .952 save percentage versus St. Louis this season.
03-06-21	Jets v. Canadiens OVER 5.5		1-7	Win	100	4 h 20 m	Show
The teams just met two days ago and there were seven goals scored in the Jets' 4-3 overtime victory. It was the 10th time in the last 14 meetings between the two teams that the Over has cashed. If you take out a 4-0 loss to the Canucks, the Jets are averaging 4.2 goals in their last five games. Winnipeg is the third-highest scoring team in the NHL averaging 3.4 goals per game. The Canadiens rank seventh in scoring, averaging 3.2 goals. Montreal has scored 3 or more goals in four of its last five games.
03-05-21	Golden Knights v. Sharks OVER 6		5-4	Win	100	12 h 10 m	Show
Anytime I see a total of 6 or lower on a Sharks game my immediate lean is to the Over. That's the case here. The Golden Knights rank 13th in scoring averaging 3.1 goals a game. They have four good lines to keep the pressure on the Sharks, who are the worst defensive team in the NHL giving up 3.8 goals a game. San Jose has surrendered at least 3 goals in 16 of its 20 games this season. The Sharks have permitted 4 or more goals in half of their games. The Sharks are capable on offense. They were averaging 4.7 goals in their last four games until getting shut out, 4-0, at home by Colorado two days ao. The Sharks would like to atone for getting blanked with a big offensive performance. This has become a fierce rivalry. These teams dislike each other very much. So running up a score could happen if one team breaks out to a big lead.
03-04-21	Jets v. Canadiens OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	100	3 h 55 m	Show
I think anything less than six goals is too short of a total for this matchup. The Jets rank sixth in the NHL in scoring, while Montreal is the eighth-highest scoring team in the league. The teams met twice during the last week of February and the Jets averaged four goals per game in the two games. The Over has cashed in nine of the last 13 meetings between the two clubs.
03-03-21	Avalanche v. Sharks OVER 6		4-0	Loss	-101	9 h 1 m	Show
No surprise that there were eight goals scored when these teams met two days ago in San Jose with the Sharks winning, 6-2. The Over is 12-2-1 the last 15 times the Avalanche have played in San Jose. The Sharks have tallied 19 goals in their last four games. Colorado has permitted an average of 4 goals during their past four games. The Avalanche are without key defenseman Cale Makar. The Avalanche have some dynamic scorers led by Nathan MacKinnon. San Jose is last in the NHL on defense surrendering 3.8 goals a game.
03-01-21	Avalanche v. Sharks OVER 6		2-6	Win	100	16 h 42 m	Show
I don't want to overreact to the Sharks' last game, a 7-6 home loss to the Blues this past Saturday. But it's hard not to. Only the Sharks could score six goals - and lose in regulation. San Jose has 13 goals in its last three games and only one victory to show for that. It's because the Sharks have the worst defense in the NHL. They have permitted 3 or more goals in 15 of their 18 games this season. Colorado is giving up an average of 3.2 goals during its last four games. So it's not difficult envisioning each team giving up three goals apiece. That actually would be an improvement for the Sharks since they give up 3.9 goals per game. The Over is 11-2-1 the last 14 times these teams have played each other in San Jose.
02-21-21	Flyers v. Bruins UNDER 5.5	Top	3-7	Loss	-110	16 h 27 m	Show
Colorado defeated Las Vegas, 3-2, on Saturday. I mention this because that game holds importance to this matchup and is a reason why I like the Under. The Avalanche-Golden Knights game was played outdoors on a golf course in Stateline, Nev., which is near Lake Tahoe. That game started during the day and had to resume at night after around an eight-hour delay. The reason for this was melting snow causing bad ice conditions as there were no clouds and unseasonably warm temperatures. Players had trouble with their balance and were falling down. There was one goal scored in the first period. The Flyers and Bruins will meet in this same venue with similar weather conditions. Realizing this, the NHL moved the start time back from late morning West Coast time until 4:30 p.m. West Coast time. So there still should be sun and daylight for at least the first period. This is going to make the ice more sticky and slower than normal compared to indoor rinks, which the players are used to. Note, too, the site of this game is in high altitude up in the mountains so attacking players are likely to run out of breath sooner. Philadelphia is missing much of its offense with Claude Giroux, Travis Konecny, Jakub Voracek, Oskar Lindblom and Scott Laughton all out because of COVID-19 protocols. The short-handed Flyers have managed just nine goals in their last four games, an average of 2.2 goals per game during this span. The Bruins should play with great intensity having lost their last two games. They've scored just 10 goals in their past five games, an average of 2.0 goals a game. Boston will be minus David Krejci, its second-best center. He suffered a lower-body injury in Boston's last game.
02-20-21	Wild v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		5-1	Loss	-125	13 h 37 m	Show
As long as the oddsmaker keeps putting up a 5 1/2 total on this matchup, I'm going to keep going Under. That was the case when the teams met two days ago with Minnesota winning, 3-1. The Ducks are the lowest-scoring team in the NHL averaging fewer than two goals per game. They rank in the bottom-three, too, in shots and power play. The Ducks held a 5-3 two-man advantage against the Wild on Thursday and their power play unit not only didn't score, but didn't get off a shot during this time frame. The Wild are a below average offensive team ranking 23rd in scoring. They have the league's third-worst power play unit. Minnesota is an average defensive team, which is enough to stop the punchless Ducks especially with defenseman Jared Spurgeon back in the lineup from an upper-body injury. He played well in Thursday's game. The Under is 12-3-1 in the Ducks' last 16 games.
02-20-21	Lightning v. Hurricanes OVER 6		0-4	Loss	-123	5 h 54 m	Show
Tampa Bay is averaging 4.3 goals in its last nine games. The Lightning are the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL and will be facing Carolina's third-string goalie Alex Needlijkovic. The Lightning should have fresh legs having last played on Monday. Carolina has scored four or more goals in nine of its last 11 games. That's boosted the Hurricanes into being the league's No. 3 scoring team. However, the Hurricanes also have allowed at least three goals in each of their past 10 games. So it's not difficult envisioning more than six goals being scored.
02-18-21	Wild v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		3-1	Win	100	13 h 3 m	Show
My first look is to the Under when the Ducks are involved especially when the total is above 5. That's the case here. The Ducks are last in scoring at a puny 1.9 goals per game. They rank in the bottom three in shots and power play. However, they have the eighth-best defense and fourth-best penalty killing unit. It's a big reason why the Under is 11-3-1 in the Ducks' last 15 games. Minnesota played for the first time in two weeks this past Tuesday and looked out of sync in a 4-0 loss to the Kings. The Wild still have multiple players in COVID-19 protocol. They lacked chemistry against the Kings. Minnesota has scored only five goals in regulation during its last four games. The Wild are below average on offense with the league's worst power play. They are an average defensive club. So I find it difficult envisioning these two teams reaching six goals in this game.
02-18-21	Sharks v. Blues OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-135	11 h 24 m	Show
After playing seven consecutive games against Arizona, the Blues drop down in defensive class and get the Sharks. San Jose ranks 29th defensively giving up 3.7 goals per game. The Sharks have permitted three or more goals in 11 of their 14 games this season. The Blues rank seventh in scoring at 3.4 goals a game. However, their defense has been disappointing ranking 20th allowing 3.1 goals a game. St. Louis ranks in the bottom-five in penalty killing. The Over has won in five of the Blues' last six home games. The Sharks have been down defensemen Erik Karlsson and Radim Simek. Karlsson has been a huge disappointment this season. The Sharks are better off now with star defenseman Brent Burns running point on their power play than Karlsson.
02-17-21	Jets v. Oilers UNDER 6.5	Top	2-3	Win	100	16 h 25 m	Show
The Jets edged the Oilers, 6-5, in a wild offensive showing this past Monday. Neither coach nor players from both teams were happy about that. So I'm expecting far better defensive performances, conservative game plans and more sustained checking. Winnipeg is a top-10 defensive team. Prior to Monday's matchup against the Oilers, the Jets had surrendered just nine goals in their last five games. Edmonton has yielded just three goals in its last three games previous to the Jets' game of two days ago.
02-16-21	Capitals v. Penguins OVER 6.5		3-1	Loss	-109	6 h 31 m	Show
These teams have gone Over the past seven times they've met with the latest being this past Sunday when the Penguins won, 6-3. Nothing has changed. Same mediocre goalies, same Capitals defense that ranks last in the NHL, same Penguins attack that has produced 13 goals the past three games. Neither team plays it safe. Attack is constant, one of many reasons to believe each team is good for at least three goals apiece. The Capitals have scored three or more goals in 10 of their last 11 games. They are No. 2 in scoring per game and have the league's best power play percentage. The Penguins' top line of Jake Guentzel, Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust ripped the Capitals for four goals and eight points in Sunday's game. They are primed to have another huge performance against a defense giving up 3.8 goals per game.
02-14-21	Capitals v. Penguins OVER 6.5		3-6	Win	100	7 h 53 m	Show
Both teams know no lead is safe especially in this matchup. That may be a trite cliche, but it fits the handicap here. The Penguins are an aggressive, risk-taking team. They don't play things safe. Neither do the Capitals, who relentlessly attack no matter how many goals they may be down. The Penguins have reason to stay on the attack: They rank last defensively giving up 3.7 goals a game. The Penguins are a bottom-four penalty killing team that has failed to adequately replace Matt Murray in net. There have been seven or more goals scored in eight of Pittsburgh's last 11 games. Washington is the fifth-highest scoring team in the NHL with the No. 1 power play in the league. The Capitals have scored three or more goals in nine of their past 10 games. The Capitals, however, rank 28th on defense permitting 3.6 goals a game. They've given up 16 goals in their past three games. Each team should have plenty of energy. The Capitals have been idle for the past week due to COVID-19. They are finally up to full strength. The Penguins last played on Thursday. This marks just their third game in nine days. There's also an Over history here as each of the past six meetings have gone above the total.
02-13-21	Hurricanes v. Stars OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	105	12 h 28 m	Show
The teams just played one another two days ago. There were 69 shots on goal and eight goals scored with Carolina winning, 5-3. The Hurricanes are the ninth-highest scoring team and rank third in the league in shots on goal. Carolina is averaging 4.1 goals in its last seven games. The Stars are the 11th-highest scoring team in the NHL with the league's fifth-best power play percentage. Another reason I favor at least six goals being scored is the goalie situations. The Hurricanes are going with veteran James Reimer as Petr Mrazek is out indefinitely with a thumb injury. I expect Reimer to get worse and worse the longer he has to keep playing. Meanwhile 34-year-old former backup goalie Anton Khudobin is off to a slow start for Dallas giving indications that his stellar playoff performances from last season may have been a fluke. Opponents have scored 17 goals the past four games Khuodbin has been in goal. The Hurricanes have scored 13 goals in the three games they've faced Khudobin this season.
02-13-21	Golden Knights v. Sharks OVER 6		3-1	Loss	-125	10 h 32 m	Show
The Sharks have some decent scorers and attacking defensemen. They also have a porous defense and are terrible in net. The result has been 67 percent of their games have gone Over this season. I see another Over in this matchup. It's the Sharks' first home game of the season - and they draw Las Vegas. This already has become a heated rivalry. A lot of penalties, both teams going all out and the possibility of running up a score would not surprise me in this matchup. Despite being shut out 1-0 by the Ducks in their last game this past Thursday, the Golden Knights rank No. 2 in the NHL in scoring at 3.7 goals. Until that defeat, the Golden Knights had scored 4 or more goals in each of their last four games. The Sharks rank 28th defensively. They've permitted 3 or more goals in seven of their last eight games. Goalie Martin Jones has been horrendous this season. He's likely to be in net again for the Sharks because backup Devan Dubnyk is dealing with a lower-body injury.
02-10-21	Bruins v. Rangers OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-112	16 h 29 m	Show
The Bruins have scored three or more goals in six of their last seven games. Their offense has become more deadly with the return of star David Pastrnak, who has scored five goals and eight points in four games. Boston should have plenty of energy and fresh legs, too, having been idle since Friday. I'm not sold either on the Rangers' goalies. The Rangers are off a 2-0 home loss to the Islanders. The players talked about stressing offense following that loss. Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov played very well in that game stopping several breakaway shots. Prior to their 2-0 defeat to the Islanders, the Rangers had averaged 3.5 goals in their past four games. The Over has cashed in six of the Bruins' last seven visits to the Rangers.
02-09-21	Sharks v. Kings OVER 5.5	Top	4-3	Win	100	14 h 36 m	Show
The Sharks averaged 3 goals per game in their last two games both against the Ducks, who have the eighth-best defense in the NHL. Now the Sharks drop down in class to face the Kings, who rank 26th defensively and allow the fifth-most shots on goal. LA has permitted at least 3 goals in nine of its 11 games. Not helping matters for the Kings is they are shorthanded on the blue line with injuries to Matt Roy and Sean Walker. The Kings, though, should do damage against a weak San Jose State defense that has allowed at least 3 goals in eight of its 10 games. The Sharks rank 28th defensively and 29th in shots allowed. Neither team gets very good goaltending either.
01-31-21	Blues v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		4-1	Win	100	7 h 29 m	Show
The Ducks are 6-1-1 to the Under in their last eight games. It's easy to see why. They give up the sixth-fewest goals and score the fewest goals per game of any team. John Gibson was one of the hottest goalies in the league coming into Saturday's game against the Blues with a 1.87 GAA and a save percentage of .942. But Gibson had his worst performance of his career giving up three quick goals. He promptly was pulled. I expect Gibson to be back in goal and with a real chip on his shoulder. Same with the Ducks' defensemen who didn't play well either in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Blues. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington is off to a hot start, too, for St. Louis. I'm fine going Under 5 1/2 even if Binnington is rested for this game. The Under has cashed seven of the last 10 times these teams have met.

1
2
3
4
5
6