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NHL Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
05-30-18	Capitals v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	3-2	Loss	-114	29 h 20 m	Show
I'm surprised to see that the oddsmakers didn't open this Game 2 with an over/under of 6 instead of 5 1/2. I liked going Over 5 1/2 in Game 1 and there's no reason to not play Over again in Game 2. There were 10 goals scored in Monday's Game 1. The total went Over before the middle of the second period. Both teams skated at a fast pace and there were many high-caliber shots on goals. Las Vegas plays fast and is relentless. One of its major strengths was on full display in Game 1 - its fourth line scoring three goals in the third period. A strong scoring fourth line is rare and a huge plus for the Over. The Capitals produced four goals. They accomplished this with superstars Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov combining for just two assists. Neither had a goal. I can't envision those two not scoring a goal for a second straight game. Marc-Andre Fleury has been brilliant in the playoffs, but he wasn't that sharp in Game 1. Probably a nine-day layoff between games made Fleury rusty. But he did not look invincible. Capitals goalie Braden Holtby has a history of playing better at home than on the road. There were plenty of scoring opportunities in Game 1 even with 10 goals scored. This was during 5-on-5 hockey, too, as each team only had one power play opportunity. There likley is going to be more penalties called in Game 2 leading to more power play chances especially after Tom Wilson decked Jonathan Marchessault with a blindsided hit that was late and cheap.
05-28-18	Capitals v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	4-6	Win	110	73 h 12 m	Show
It's not often teams receive such a long break before beginning the Stanley Cup Finals. But that's certainly the case for the Golden Knights, who haven't played in eight days. The Capitals last played this past Wednesday. Washington happens to be 10-1-1 to the Over when playing on three or more days rest. This extended layoff ensures fresh legs. That's a huge plus for the offense. Both teams are well above average in scoring. The Golden Knights ranked fifth in goals at 3.3 per game. The Capitals rated ninth at 3.1. They have the league's top goal scorer in Alex Ovechkin, who scored 49 goals. The Capitals also have Evgeny Kuznetsov, who is the playoff leader with 24 postseason points. Tom Wilson is back from suspension joining those two to give the Capitals a very dangerous first line that should play a lot due to the extra rest. The Capitals scored three, four and four goals during the first road game in each of their past three playoff series leading up to these finals. Washington is averaging four goals per game during its past four away matchups. Las Vegas is averaging four goals a game during its first home contest in each of its three playoff series. The Golden Knights have scored three or more goals in eight of their last 11 games. Yet the linesmaker didn't assign a total of 6 on this game because of the hot goalies. Braden Holtby is riding a scoreless streak of 159 minuts, 27 seconds. Marc-Andre Fleury has been absolutely brilliant. The long layoff, though, isn't going to help these goaltenders. Fleury had his worst game of the playoffs in Game 1 of the Golden Knights' last series against Winnipeg surrendering four goals, posting an 84.6 save percentage. The Golden Knights had been idle for six days leading into that game. Holtby entered this season without a strong reputation of being a great road goalie especially in the playoffs. The Golden Knights can't match the Capitals' superstars, but they go four lines deep and their speedy forwards and creative playmaking can cause problems for goalies. I think that will be the case here.
05-23-18	Capitals v. Lightning OVER 5.5		4-0	Loss	-100	6 h 28 m	Show
Now that we have the first total of less than 6 in this Eastern Conference Stanley Cup final, I'm going to get involved and go Over. The Capitals were a top-10 scoring team averaging 3.1 goals. The Lightning led the NHL in scoring at 3.5 goals per game. These two teams have gone Over 75 percent of the time during the past 17 games played in Tampa. So far Game 7's have been high scoring. There were 11 goals scored in the Maple Leafs-Bruins Game 7 and six goals scored in the Jets-Predators Game 7. Those are the two instances this season. I expect this Game 7 to produce at least six goals, too, because of the strong sense of urgency and aggressive play. The trailing team has nothing to lose and must go in full attack mode. This can offer the bonus of not one but two empty net goals. It's hard to believe that both goalies, Braden Holtby and Andrei Vasilevskiy, can continue to play at such high levels. Holtby normally is less effective on the road and Vasilevskiy can become vulnerable when overworked.
05-20-18	Golden Knights v. Jets OVER 5.5	Top	2-1	Loss	-122	6 h 5 m	Show
I have tremendous respect for Marc-Andre Fleury. He has kept the Jets from winning during each of the last two games by making great save after great save. But now the series shifts back to Winnipeg and I see the Jets producing more goals. They have the star power with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler, both of whom are playing at high levels. There have been six combined goals scored in three of Winnipeg's last five games and there should have been at least six goals in Las Vegas' 3-2 home win this past Friday. The Jets had 37 shots on goal during Game 4 with Fleury making countless great saves. The Golden Knights have an easier task facing goalie Connor Hellebuyuck, who is not having a good series. The Golden Knights have a strong fourth line - unlike other teams - and third-leading scorer David Perron is back in action. Las Vegas' top line of William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith are playing well, too.
05-11-18	Capitals v. Lightning UNDER 6		4-2	Push	0	16 h 8 m	Show
It's difficult not to think offense with these two teams involved. But I'm projecting a lower-scoring game than anticipated in the opener of this Eastern Conference final. Tampa Bay hasn't played in five days. It's going to take a while for the Lightning to rev up their offense and they need to be careful given the offensive firepower of Washington defenseman John Carlson. The Lightning led the NHL in scoring averaging 3.5 goals per game. Tampa Bay, though, also has been playing outstanding defense giving up two goals or fewer in five of its last seven games. When having ample rest - which is the case here - Andrei Vasilevskiy may be the best goalie in hockey. Vasilevskiy has been sharp in the playoffs with a 2.2 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. He had a .930 save percentage against Washington in three regular season games this season. Vasilevskiy may not have to deal with Nicklas Backstrom either. The Capitals' star center is dealing with an upper body injury that prevented him from playing in the last game. Goalie Braden Holtby has stepped up in the postseason for the Capitals giving up 2.04 goals per game. The Capitals haven't surrendered more than three goals per game during their last 10 games.
05-10-18	Jets v. Predators OVER 5.5	Top	5-1	Win	125	14 h 41 m	Show
The Predators had their defensive game of the year in shutting out the Jets, 4-0, in Game 6 of their Western Conference Stanley Cup series this past Monday. I don't see it happening again. Pekka Rinne can't be that good again. He's been inconsistent in the series. The Jets are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL because they have star scorers and play a speed, full-attack style. Only once in their last 23 games have the Jets failed to produce at least three goals in consecutive games. Discount that last game and the Jets are averaging 4.5 goals per game versus Nashville. The Jets aren't changing their method of operation either. That's according to their coach, Paul Maurice. He said, "There's no big speech or departure from our game. The important one (message) that was delivered all year is to enjoy what we do. Have the confidence that you're going to go out and perform at your best. You can't be on pins and needles." So if the Jets lose they are going to lose playing their aggressive game. The Over is 13-5-1 when the Jets have been in action following two days of rest. The extra day should ensure fresh legs and a strong resolve to break through. Nashville is no slouch offensively with excellent offensive-minded defensemen. The Predators are a top-seven scoring team. The Over has cashed in seven of their last nine home games. In the last 10 meetings between these two teams, there have been at least eight goals scored in six of the games. This being a Game 7, too, there exists the strong possibility of one or two open net goals being scored if the game is close.
05-03-18	Predators v. Jets OVER 6		2-1	Loss	-106	19 h 25 m	Show
The oddsmaker finally has figured out that 6 is the right opening total for this series. However, that total still isn't high enough. The Over has cashed in six of the eight meetings the teams have had this season. This isn't a fluke There are a lot of shots on goal and aggressive, up-tempo play. Both teams are averaging four goals per game against each other. Winnipeg has scored 15 goals during the first three games of this series. The Jets play especially fast at home where they have notched three or more goals in 16 of their last 18 games at Bell MTS Centre. Nashville has scored three or more goals in 12 of its last 15 games. The Jets aren't going to change their style especially being home. It's up to the Predators to match it and I belive they will come out fast, too, just like last game when they scored three goals in the first period.
05-01-18	Predators v. Jets OVER 5.5	Top	4-7	Win	100	15 h 11 m	Show
The Jets just know one speed - and it's not slow. Winnipeg isn't going to change its style after splitting two road games against the Predators to open this series. Winnipeg has scored four goals in each of its first two games versus Nashville. Now the Jets are home where they have scored three or more goals in 15 of their past 17 games at Bell MTS Centre. The Predators knew they had to pick up the pace and play more aggressive following a 4-1 Game 1 home loss this past Friday. So they did just and were rewarded with a 5-4 double overtime victory in Game 2 this past Sunday. That was the 11th time in their last 14 games the Predators have scored at least three goals. These teams have a history of playing high scoring games. The Over has won in five of the seven meetings between Nashville and Winnipeg this season. Even the games that didn't get above the total featured a lot of shots on goal and scoring opportunities. The Predators are averaging 4.0 goals per game against the Jets this season while Winnipeg is averaging 3.8 goals per game versus Nashville.
04-28-18	Bruins v. Lightning UNDER 6.5		6-2	Loss	-146	4 h 15 m	Show
Under normal circumstances, I might look Over the total. But not here in this Game 1. Tampa Bay has been idle for a week since eliminating New Jersey. There was either a 6 or 6 1/2 total for each of those series games, but the Lightning beat the Devils by identical, 3-1, scores in the final two games of their first-round series to advance to this level. Boston could be in letdown mode after getting past the pesky Maple Leafs in seven games during its first-round series. These teams are well acquainted with each other. They met twice during the final 12 games of the regular season. The Over hasn't won during the last five get togethers between Boston and Tampa Bay. I liked what I saw of Andrei Vasilevskiy against the Devils. He finished that series with a .941 save percentage. The Lightning's penalty kill unit also looked good killing off 16 of 19 New Jersey power play attempts. I see the Bruins coming out in defensive mode and the Lightning starting slow as they get the rust off. Note an early day time start, which is a plus for the Under.
04-27-18	Jets v. Predators OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-110	16 h 24 m	Show
Some of it stems from rule changes and tweaks made before the season to increase scoring. The result has been more emphasis on offense and that has carried into these Stanley Cup playoffs as seven of the eight advancing teams averaged at least 3.2 goals per game during the first round. Las Vegas was the only opening-round winner that averaged fewer than 3.2 goals per game during their defensive-minded first-round series against the Kings. But the Golden Knights just put up seven goals Thursday night in their first game against the Sharks to start the second round of the playoffs. So I'm surprised this opening Jets-Predators series total wasn't lined at 6. Maybe it will be a 3-2 game. Both goalies, Connor Hellebuyck and Pekka Rinne, are playing well. I just think there's a much greater chance that more than five goals will be scored given the aggressive makeup of these two teams and their strong offenses. Winnipeg scored the second-most goals in the NHL. The Jets have scored three or more goals in 12 of their last 17 games. The Predators ranked seventh in scoring. They have scored three or more goals in 10 of their last 12 games. Neither team is going to change their style. It's going to be speed not dumping the puck. The scores of the five regular-season games between the Jets and Predators were 5-4 in a shootout, 3-1, 6-5, 6-4 and 5-3. That's an average of seven goals per game.
04-26-18	Sharks v. Golden Knights OVER 5	Top	0-7	Win	100	19 h 44 m	Show
San Jose last was in action eight days ago. Las Vegas hasn't played in nine days. So how does this factor for the total? I believe it's a plus for the Over on two key counts. Both teams obviously will be totally refreshed and will be able to skate at their fastest. Neither team has any weak lines. Each of four lines the Sharks and Golden Knights have are capable of attacking. Goalies Martin Jones and Marc-Andre Fleury enter this second-round series red-hot. The long layoff, though, can present a rust factor for them. The Golden Knights haven't had to deal with a defenseman with the offensive skills of Brent Burns. If Las Vegas pays extra attention to Burns, the Sharks other veterans can take advantage. Las Vegas was the fifth-highest scoring team in the league. San Jose is averaging 3.8 goals in its last six games. There were at least five goals scored in three of the four regular-season games between these two teams. If it weren't for an empy net goal in Las Vegas' 5-3 win against the Sharks on March 22, each of the matchups this season would have been decided by one goal. The expected closeness of this matchup not only sets up a strong possibility of overtime, but also an empty net goal.
04-25-18	Maple Leafs v. Bruins OVER 5.5	Top	4-7	Win	100	14 h 31 m	Show
These have been two big Over the total teams and that's been reflected in the series with four of the six games going Over. Toronto has scored at least three goals in four of its last five games in the series. The Over has cashed in 71 percent of the Maple Leafs' past 26 games. Only once in their last 10 away games have the Maple Leafs gone Under the total. Boston has scored three or more goals in 10 of its last 11 home games. The Over is 10-2-4 in the Bruins' past 16 home contests. Now we have the deciding Game 7 in this series. The bonus we have going is neither team has anything to lose if they are behind late in the game. That means an inviting empy net for maybe the final three minutes if one team should be up, 3-2. The Bruins have dropped the past two games. But it hasn't been for lack of shots. The Bruins are averaging 37 1/2 shots on goal during the last two games. Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen hasn't been that good on the road. He's allowed 11 goals during the three series games played in Boston. Boston's front line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak was outstanding during their first two home games of this series. They are well overdue to break out again. Boston goalie Tukka Rask has given up seven goals during his last two home games against Toronto.
04-21-18	Maple Leafs v. Bruins OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	100	3 h 41 m	Show
The Bruins have scored 17 goals in building up a 3-1 series lead on the Maple Leafs. I don't see the Maple Leafs slowing down the Bruins in Boston. The Bruins are averaging 4.8 goals during their last 10 home games. Facing elimination, the Maple Leafs won't hesistate to pull their goalie if trailing by one or two goals late in the game. They did this in Game 4 with more than three minutes left. Toronto is the fourth-highest scoring team in the league. The Maple Leafs have scored three or more goals in 14 of their last 19 games. They should play fast and loose. The Over is 14-3-1 the past 18 times the Maple Leafs have played an opponent with a winning mark.
04-18-18	Ducks v. Sharks OVER 5		1-2	Loss	-130	19 h 22 m	Show
I'm surprised the total opened 5 here considering how hot the Sharks are. San Jose has scored at least three goals in each of its last five games. The Sharks are averaging 4.6 goals per game during the first three games of thes series in building a 3-0 series lead. The Ducks have had problems with each of the Sharks' four lines and goalie John Gibson is not playing well with a 4.17 GAA and .882 save percentage in the series. Anaheim is due to breakout offensively, though. The Ducks' talent is much better than the three goals they've managed in the series and the Sharks are a good but not great defensive team. Facing playoff elimination with a loss here, the Ducks have nothing to lose. So if they're down late they are vulnerable to not one but two open net goals.
04-18-18	Predators v. Avalanche UNDER 6		3-2	Win	100	19 h 53 m	Show
The first three games of this series all have gone Over with seven, nine and eight goals being scored. But I'm going to go against the grain and go Under in this Game 4. My handicapping key is Nashville. The Predators lacked intensity in giving up four goals during the first 25 minutes of Monday's 5-3 road loss to the Avalanche. Nashville surrendered the second-fewest goals during the regular season. The Predators are 9-1-1 to the Under after giving up five or more goals in a game. They've allowed three or fewer goals in seven of their past 10 road games. Pekka Rinne is an elite goalie who is out to redeem himself after a bad game Monday. The series has gotten very physical. The Predators aren't going to let Nathan MacKinnon go off on them like he did Monday. So I envision a tight-checking matchup with the Avalanche playing conservative, too, trying to even the series.
04-17-18	Capitals v. Blue Jackets UNDER 5.5		3-2	Win	100	11 h 29 m	Show
The Blue Jackets own a surprising 2-0 playoff series lead on the Capitals winning the first two games at Washington, 4-3 and 5-4. Both of those games sailed Over the 5 1/2 total. But with the series shifting to Columbus I see fewer goals in this Game 3. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is proving that he can be as good in the playoffs as during the regular season. He's been outstanding. The Blue Jackets got away with their victories despite being whistled for 13 penalties resulting in five power play goals for Washington. I don't see the Blue Jackets being called for so many penalties at home. The Capitals are going to be hard-pressed to score without a man advantage. But the veteran Capitals are not going to panic down 2-0. They forced seven games against the Stanley Cup champion Penguins after falling behind 2-0 in their second-round series last year. I envision the Capitals playing more conservative on the road and switching back to starting goalie Braden Holtby.
04-16-18	Predators v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	15 h 24 m	Show
There have been seven and nine goals scored during the first two games of this series, I don't see a lower scorer with the teams coming to Colorado for Game 3. This has been an Over series for a long time with the Over winning 72 percent of the time during the past 31 meetings. Only once in the last eight get togethers in Colorado has the Under won between these two teams. The Predators have scored four or more goals in eight of their last 10 games. They've scored five goals in each of the first two games of this series. The Avalanche have notched 10 goals during their last two home games. If the Predators should be holding a late one-goal lead there is not just the possibility of one open net goal but two because the Avalanche can't fall behind 3-0 in the series. This is their season right here. So they are will be playing a high risk game here, which should lead to additional scoring chances both ways.
04-16-18	Bruins v. Maple Leafs OVER 5.5	Top	2-4	Win	100	17 h 19 m	Show
The Bruins are averaging six goals per game in running up a 2-0 series lead on the Maple Leafs. Boston's top line of Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand are playing out of their minds. Frederik Andersen has looked shaky in goal. So I don't see the Bruins letting up. They are going to get their goals. But the Maple Leafs should be much better returning home especially their No. 1 line headed by emerging superstar Auston Matthews. I don't see the Bruins keeping Matthews in check with the series shifting to Toronto. Toronto has scored four or more goals in nine of its last 11 home games.
04-15-18	Blue Jackets v. Capitals OVER 5.5		5-4	Win	110	8 h 59 m	Show
These teams accounted for seven goals in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime Game 1 victory and I don't see why they can't combine for at least six goals here. Washington has scored three or more goals in eight of its last nine games. The Capitals' fourth line should be bolstered by the return of center Jay Beagle, who has been out since the start of the month. Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has a history of being much better during the regular season than in the playoffs. The Blue Jackets finished the regular season scoring the most goals of any team during the last 28 games. The Capitals are sticking with backup goalie Phillipp Grubauer as their Game 2 starter. Grubauer is largely untested in Stanley Cup action.
04-13-18	Flyers v. Penguins OVER 6		5-1	Push	0	16 h 55 m	Show
The Penguins' offense and the Flyers' weak goaltending is an excellent formula for more than six goals to be produced. The Penguins took care of the Over just by themselves during Wednesday's Game 1 of this series scoring seven goals. That was the 19th time in their last 26 games, the Penguins have gone Over. Prior to Wednesday's game, the Flyers had scored 17 goals in their last four games. So I expect the Flyers to contribute more to their share of the offense today. They did actually fire off more shots than Pittsburgh in Game 1. The Penguins' offense, though, remains in high gear. Pittsburgh has produced four or more goals in five of its last six games. The Flyers lack the defense and goalies to keep Pittsburgh's high flying offense in check.
04-12-18	Blue Jackets v. Capitals OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	105	18 h 35 m	Show
The Capitals are a top-10 scoring team. They scored three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. Alex Ovechkin led the NHL with 49 goals, John Carlson was the top-point producing defeseman and Evgeny Kuznetsov piled up 28 points during the final 18 games. So I have full confidence the Capitals will hold up their offensive end. I'm not worried about the layoff as the Over has cashed nine of the last 10 times Washington has played with three or more days rest. I'm also not concerned about Sergei Bobrovsky in net for Columbus. He's been a lot better during the regular season than in the playoffs where he's 3-10 with a 3.63 GAA and .887 save percentage. The Blue Jackets should hold up their end, too. They led the NHL in scoring during the final 28 games averaging 3.6 goals during this span. Only three times in their last 17 games have the Blue Jackets failed to produce a minimum of three goals per game. In a bit of a surprise, the Capitals are going with Philipp Grubauer in net instead of Braden Holtby. Grubauer is untested in Stanley Cup action having played less than 80 minutes of playoff hockey.
04-12-18	Devils v. Lightning OVER 5.5	Top	2-5	Win	100	67 h 27 m	Show
Nice job by the Devils to make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season after finishing with the worst record in the NHL last year. The Devils are heavy underdogs here so they are playing on house money. New Jersey is young and has fast skaters. All four of Devils' lines possess speed. The Devils went 3-0 against Tampa Bay this season. So they aren't going to alter their game and become grinders. Taylor Hall is a major scoring threat. The Devils are going to play fast, which is excellent for the Over. The Over has cashed in eight of New Jersey's last 11 games with six of those Over games lined at 6 and the other Overs lined at 5 1/2. The Lightning's defense has become broken. Tampa Bay has allowed three or more goals in 17 of its past 22 games. The Lightning rank 28th in penalty killing, while the Devils rank among the top 10 in power play goals. Tampa Bay is about offense not defense. Not only were the Lightning the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL, but they scored the most 5-on-5 goals since the 2009-10 Capitals. Keith Kinkaid has emerged as the Devils' No. 1 goalie with Cory Schneider battling a groin injury. Kinkaid played well down the stretch, but has zero playoff experience.
04-06-18	Senators v. Penguins OVER 6		0-4	Loss	-110	6 h 46 m	Show
The Over has cashed in 74 percent of the Penguins' last 31 games. Pitt has gone Over in nine of its last 11 games. The Penguins are in full attack mode and I don't see the Senators, with their 30th-ranked defense, behind able to contain them. The key is can the Senators contribute on their end? I believe they can. Ottawa has scored three or more goals in four of their last five games. The Senators have scored nine goals in their last two games and expect to have Bobby Ryan back. The Senators will be playing loose. So this matchup should be wide open.
04-05-18	Bruins v. Panthers UNDER 6		2-3	Win	100	8 h 24 m	Show
Florida is trying its best to keep alive its playoff hopes. Thanks to stellar goaltending from Roberto Luongo, the Panthers held off Nashville, 2-1, at home on Tuesday. The Panthers are 12-4-1 to the Under in their last 17 home games. This marks the Panthers' third game in four days and fourth in six so look for a tight-checking, conservative game from Florida. Boston was shut out in its last two games by Tampa Bay two days ago. The Lightning had allowed at least three goals per game in six of its last seven games previous to that. Tuukka Rask has been on his game for Boston. He had surrendered two goals or fewer in four straight games before yielding four to the Lightning, the highest-scoring team in the league. Florida ranks 15th in scoring. The Panthers haven't broken the three-goal barrier in their last six games. I see Rask coming back with a strong performance against a much weaker offense than he last faced. The Under has cashed the past four times these teams have met in Florida. Boston and Florida play again Sunday in a make-up game from Jan. 4. So neither team likely will want to show too much with such a short turnaround before playing each other again, which is another plus for the Under.
04-04-18	Senators v. Sabres OVER 5.5		4-2	Win	100	4 h 57 m	Show
Ottawa is 1-8 in its last nine games. Buffalo is 3-8 in its last 11 games. Both teams are frustrated with nothing to play for so expect a wide-open game. The Sabres have permitted at least three goals in nine of their last 10 games. They are going with backup Chad Johnson in goal. He's given up an average of four goals during his past three starts. Buffalo, though, should do a lot of scoring damage against the Senators' 30th-ranked defense. The Sabres are averaging 3.7 goals in their last four games.
03-31-18	Panthers v. Bruins UNDER 6		1-5	Push	0	5 h 12 m	Show
Look for an intense, defensive matchup as not only is this an important game for both teams, but it's the first of three times Florida and Boston will play during the final nine days of the regular season. So hard-hitting and tight forechecking should get established right away. The Panthers shut out the Bruins, 3-0, in the first meeting this season on March 15. The Panthers carry a fatigue rating playing for the third time in four days. So they are likely to keep the pace slow. This is a very early start time, too. The Under has cashed seven of the last nine times the Panthers have played in this type of situation. Boston has held four of its last five opponents to two goals or fewer. Florida has failed to score more than three goals in eight of its last 10 games. The series also has an Under bias in Boston with the Under only winning in three of the last 17 matchups played there between the two teams.
03-30-18	Kings v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	12 h 6 m	Show
Kings at Ducks Under 5 1/2 minus $1.40 Not only is this a strong rivalry matchup, but it's critical to each team's playoff chances. So look for playoff-type intensity here with the loser giving up two points, which makes it critical that each team at least keep the game tied through regulation. I'm expecting a conservative, well-defended matchup with strong net play. The Kings defeated the Coyotes, 4-2, at home last night scoring a late empty net goal to make the final a two-goal difference. The Kings rested goalie Jonathan Quick in that game so Quick could be in peak condition for this more crucial matchup. LA hasn't given up more than three goals during its last eight games. The Kings aren't going to push the puck in up-tempo fashion after playing last night. The Under is 17-6-6 the past 29 times the Kings have played without rest. The Ducks are sure to be fired-up having had three days to stew about an embarrassing 4-1 loss to the Canucks.
03-26-18	Coyotes v. Lightning OVER 6	Top	4-1	Loss	-100	10 h 41 m	Show
Tampa Bay is the top goal scoring team in the NHL. Lately, though, the Lightning have sprung leaks defensively allowing three or more goals in 11 of their last 16 games. Tampa Bay has surrendered six or more goals three times during this stretch. This conincides with Arizona getting hot offensively. The Coyotes are averaging four goals per game during their last four matchups. Arizona draws Tampa Bay baciup goalie Louis Domingue, too. Domingue started the season with the Coyotes and was terrible with a 4.33 GAA while going 0-6. His GAA is 2.84 in nine games with Tampa Bay compared to Lightning starter Andrei Vasilevskiy's 2.59 GAA. Tampa Bay has been a strong Over team at home with the Over winning 69 percent of the time during the past 29 games at Amalie Arena. The Over has cashed in eight of Arizona's last 11 road games, too. This series has an Over bias especially in Tampa where the Over has won nine of the last 11 times for 82 percent.
03-23-18	Canadiens v. Sabres OVER 5.5		3-0	Loss	-100	6 h 39 m	Show
Two non-playoff teams using backup goalies. It's a good combination for an Over. The Canadiens have given up three or more goals in seven of their last nine games. Carey Price is back for Montreal, but won't get the start here. Antti Niemi will and he's due for a regression. Third-string Linus Ullmark is set to make his second start for Buffalo. The Sabres haven't bee playing good defense in front of their goalies either allowing an average of four goals per game during their last four games. They've allowed three or more goals in eight of their last nine games. Montreal showed some offensive punch in its last game scoring three goals on the road against the Penguins. Buffalo's scoring attack is more respectable with its leading scorer, Jack Eichel, back from a long-term injury.
03-22-18	Canucks v. Blackhawks UNDER 6		5-2	Loss	-107	11 h 56 m	Show
The simple handicap here is that a total above 5 1/2 is too high when the Canucks are involved. Vancouver is averaging one per goal per game during its last seven games! This total lack of scoring is mainly a result of the Canucks losing their leading scorer and star, Brock Boeser, who hasn't played during this losing skid and likely won't play again this season due to injury. The Canucks rank 27th in scoring. They know they can't play wide open especially on the road. So it's not a surprise that the Under has cashed the past six times Vancouver has been away. The Blackhawks are playing for the first time since being officialy eliminated from the playoffs. That's a new experience for them so it remains to be seen how much effort and energy they'll produce here. The Blackhawks have a below offense. Chicago has been held to three goals or fewer in 12 of its last 15 games. The Blackhawks have been a huge Under team at home, too, with the Under going 19-5-2 in Chicago's last 26 games at United Center.
03-19-18	Panthers v. Canadiens UNDER 6		2-0	Win	100	13 h 31 m	Show
A total of six is too high on a Montreal game. The Canadiens, battered by injuries, rank third-from-the-bottom in scoring. They are averaging 1.8 goals during their last six games. The Canadiens have been shut out 11 times so far this season. That's a franchise record. Florida is averaging only two goals per game during its past three road games. The Under has won 71 percent of the time that these two teams have played in Montreal.
03-18-18	Stars v. Jets OVER 5.5		2-4	Win	100	4 h 34 m	Show
These teams have gone Over the total in five of their last six meetings. I see that trend continuing especially with Mark Scheifele returning to the Jets' lineup. He's missed the last five games. The Jets have scored at least three goals in the last 10 games Scheifele has played in. Winninpeg has scored 14 goals in three games versus Dallas this season with Scheifele scoring six goals. The over has cashed in Winnipeg's last seven home games. The Jets will draw Ben Bishop, who is having an inconsistent season in goal. Dallas is giving up an average of four goals per game during its last four games.
03-16-18	Wild v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5		4-2	Win	100	11 h 47 m	Show
Minnesota is a top-10 scoring team that has scored three or more goals in nine of its last 12 games. The Wild are likely to draw Las Vegas backup goalie Malcolm Subban. Golden Knights starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury clearly hit a wall after starting 18 of the past 19 games. He was the starter in Las Vegas' 8-3 home loss to the Devils this past Wednesday. The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. They've been in scoring slump, which should end now that star forward James Neal is back playing. Neal is the Golden Knight's third-leading goal scorer. Minnesota has a key defensive injury with defenseman Jared Spurgeon out with a torn hamstring suffered this past Tuesday. The teams have met twice this season and there were six and seven goals, respectively, scored by the two teams.
03-15-18	Avalanche v. Blues OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-100	6 h 4 m	Show
Perhaps last week this total would have made sense given the Blues' scoring woes. But St. Louis' offense has come alive. The Blues scored a combined 11 goals in their last two games against the Ducks and Kings, a pair of top-five defenses, while averaging 33 shots on goal in those matchups. Colorado ranks 17th defensively. Colorado is the eighth-highest scoring team in the NHL. The Avalanche are averaging 4.2 goals during their last seven games. Nathan MacKinnon is one of the hottest players in the league with 17 points in his last nine games, including eight goals. Jake Allen will be making his fourth consecutive start in net with Carter Hutton still out for St. Louis. The last time Allen made this many starts in a row was back in December.
03-15-18	Bruins v. Panthers OVER 5.5		0-3	Loss	-120	2 h 7 m	Show
The Bruins are averaging 4.6 goals during their last eight games. The Panthers have scored at least three goals in 10 straight games. So I find this total low especially since both teams are expected to go with their backup goalies. Boston's Anton Khudobin is one of the better second-string goalies, but Florida backup James Reimer is bad. The Bruins could be down two key defensemen, too. Zdeno Chara isn't likley to play and Torey Krug is questionable. Both were injured in Boston's last game.
03-14-18	Penguins v. Rangers OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	6 h 30 m	Show
The Penguins have scored three or more goals in 14 of their last 16 games. They also are giving up an average of 3.75 goals during their last eight games. So it's not a surprise the Over has cashed in eight of Pittsburgh's past 11 games. New York has surrendered at least three goals in 12 of its last 14 games. The Rangers, though, have been scoring. If you discount a shutout loss to the Jets, the Rangers are averaging four goals per game during their last six games. Both teams are going to be using backup goalies. Matt Murry is still sidelined by a conussion so Casey DeSmith is expected to get the start while Alexandar Georgiev has been confirmed as the Rangers' goalie for this game. Only three times during the past 16 meetings in this series has the Under won.
03-13-18	Senators v. Lightning OVER 6		7-4	Win	100	6 h 2 m	Show
There is only one way to play this total - and it's not going Under. Tampa ranks No. 1 in goals scoring, averaging 3.6 per game. Ottawa yields 3.4 goals per game, worst in the NHL. The Lightning have scored three or more goals in 17 of their last 19 games. In 13 of these last 19 games, the Lightning have scored four or more goals. It's safe to assume they are going to light up the scoreboard against the defensively-challenged Senators, who have permitted three or more goals in nine of their last 12 games. Ottawa, though, has picked up its scoring aided by arguably the best offensive defenseman in the NHL, Eric Karlsson. The Senators have scored three or more goals in six of their last nine games, including scoring five goals against Florida and its hot goalie, Roberto Luongo, in their last game. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has hit a wall. The overworked Vasilevskiy has given up three or more goals in all but one of his last six starts. The Over has cashed in five of the last six meetings between the two teams, including all three games this season. Tampa Bay won 4-3 in a shootout in the first meeting. Ottawa won the second get together, 6-3, at home and then lost to the Lightning at home, 4-3, on Feb. 22.
03-11-18	Bruins v. Blackhawks UNDER 6		1-3	Win	100	3 h 31 m	Show
Less than 24 hours after Boston beat Chicago, 7-4 on Saturday, these teams are playing against each other this time in Chicago with a very early start time. I envision a much slower-paced game and a lot of tired legs. There's bad blood between these two teams and the Blackhawks are in the shortest revenge spot possible after blowing a two-goal lead. Anton Khudobin is going to be in goal for Boston, but he's one of the better backups in the league. The Bruins are the No. 2 defensive team in the league. Chicago has scored two goals or less in 11 of its last 17 games.
03-10-18	Rangers v. Panthers UNDER 6.5		3-4	Loss	-115	5 h 22 m	Show
First, we're getting both team's best goalies as Henrik Lundqvist and Roberto Luongo have been confired. Luongo has been especially sharp since returning from injury. The revamped Rangers can't be counted on to score more than three goals failing to do so in seven of their past eight games. Before giving up five goals to the top-scoring Lightning in their last game, the Rangers had allowed an average of two goals per game during their last three games. Florida hasn't allowed more than two goals per game during five of its last six games. The Under has cashed in Florida's last five home games.
03-09-18	Flames v. Senators OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-116	3 h 58 m	Show
Since Michael Ferland returned from an injury two games ago, the Flames' scoring has picked up. Calgary is averaging four goals per game in its last two games. The Senators have scored 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 15 games. They've also allowed 3 or more goals in 14 of their last 17 games. That's no surprise since Ottawa has the worst defense in the league. These teams have gone Over in seven of their past eight meetings.
03-07-18	Penguins v. Flyers OVER 6		5-2	Win	100	6 h 42 m	Show
It's difficult to not pull the trigger on the Over in this matchup. I'm not fond of either goalie and the Penguins have been huge offensively. Pittsburgh has scored at least 3 goals in 12 of its last 13 games. The Penguins have netted at least four goals in eight of their last 11 games. The Flyers have given up 15 goals in their last three games. The Flyers get back Wayne Simmonds their third-leading goal scorer and a tremendous player. This series has an Over bias, too, with the Over cashing five of the last six times.
03-06-18	Jets v. Rangers OVER 6		3-0	Loss	-107	6 h 5 m	Show
The Jets have gone Over in seven of their last nine games scoring three or more goals in each of those games. Winnipeg's second-ranked power play has really been cooking notching at least one goal in all but one of its past eight games. The Rangers have given up 85 shots in their last two games. The Over has cashed in seven of New York's last 10 home games. The Rangers are averaging four goals per game in their last three games.
03-05-18	Maple Leafs v. Sabres OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	12 h 20 m	Show
I envision at least six goals being scored. The Sabres have gone Over in five of their last seven home games and draw a Toronto defense that is giving up an average of 3.6 goals during its last five games. The Maple Leafs have been held to two goals apiece in their last two games. They are in stop-the-pain mode with three straight losses. Look for the Maple Leafs to accelerate their normal aggressive offensive style against the Sabres. Prior to their last two games, the Maple Leafs had scored three or more goals in 10 of 11 games. Toronto also draws Buffalo backup goalie Chad Johnson. Only three times in the past 17 meetings between these two teams has the Under won.
03-02-18	Senators v. Golden Knights OVER 6		5-4	Win	100	8 h 48 m	Show
Ottawa has the worst defense in the league and Las Vegas has the No. 2 offense. Ottawa has surrendered an average of four goals per game during its last four games. The Senators, though, have scored at least three goals in 10 of their last 11 games. Las Vegas has scored four or more goals in eight of its last 12 games.
03-01-18	Lightning v. Stars OVER 6		5-4	Win	102	5 h 40 m	Show
Tampa Bay is the No. 1 scoring team in the league. The Lightning have scored three or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games. They've scored four or more goals in nine of these 12 games. The Over is 12-3-1 in Tampa Bay's last 16 road games. Dallas has a number of top offensive players and is likely to draw Lightning backup goalie Louis Domingue instead of star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Over has cashed 13 of the past 16 times these two teams have met.
02-28-18	Rangers v. Canucks UNDER 6		6-5	Loss	-115	13 h 28 m	Show
I'm surprised to see a total this high in this matchup. The Rangers rank in the bottom-10 in scoring. They've managed just four goals in their last three games. The Rangers have many new faces following the trade deadline. It's going to take time for them to get in sync offensively. The Canucks rank 25th in scoring. They haven't broken the three-goal barrier during their past three games. Vancouver's offense figures to be weaker, too, after it dealt second-leading scorer Thomas Vanek to Columbus this past Monday. The Canucks managed just one goal in their first game without Vanek, a 3-1 road loss to the Avalanche.
02-27-18	Kings v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	4-1	Loss	-120	13 h 45 m	Show
The Kings have scored three or more goals in 10 of their last 12 games. The Kings just got back Jeff Carter after he missed 55 games with an ankle injury. Carter led the Kings in goals and points last season. Their offense is much upgraded with Carter playing for the third time since suffering his injury. The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the league averaging 3.5 goals per game. Las Vegas is averaging 5.6 goals during its last five home games if you discount their game against the Ducks. The Golden Knights boosted the offense of their third line trading for Tomas Tatar. Both teams played against each other last night in Los Angeles. The Kings won, 3-2, in overtime. There would have been more goals scored if not for the outstanding goalie work of Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 41 saves, and Jonathan Quick, who made 37 saves several of them of which were sensational. The intense matchup left both goalies gasping. So there's a chance we could see backup goalies - Maxime Legace for Las Vegas and Jack Campbell for LA. The Kings traded their quality second-string goalie, Darcy Kuemper. Campbell has never started an NHL game. Even if Quick and Fleury get the start, it's hard to believe they would have much left in the tank playing without rest. The Golden Knights previously hosted the Kings on Nov. 19 and won, 4-2. Carter didn't play in that game and Kuemper stopped 30 shots in relief of Quick, who surrendered three goals on Las Vegas' first nine shots.
02-26-18	Maple Leafs v. Lightning OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	6 h 10 m	Show
It takes three goals from each team for this total to go Over. The odds of that happening are good considering the quality of these offenses and current form. The Lightning have managed three or more goals in nine straight games. The Maple Leafs have tallied at least three goals in all but one of their last 10 games. The two teams just met on Feb. 12 and the Maple Leafs won, 4-3. The Lightning have a good history, though, against Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen. Tampa Bay is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL. The Over has cashed in 72 percent of the Lightning's last 26 games.
02-21-18	Senators v. Blackhawks OVER 6		2-3	Loss	-103	11 h 36 m	Show
Two of the most disappointing teams in the NHL square off here. There's no reason for either team to hold back. That should favor a high-scoring game especially with below average goaltending. Neither team is playing well defensively. Ottawa has permitted three or more goals in eight of its last nine games. The Blackhawks have allowed three or more goals in eight of their last nine games. The Senators have been better offensively notching three or more goals in six of their seven games. The Blackhawks scored eight goals when they beat the Senators, 8-2, on the road during the first meeting on Jan. 9.
02-19-18	Ducks v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	2-0	Loss	-110	22 h 35 m	Show
Oddsmakers shouldn't be opening a Golden Knights home game with a total less than 6. Las Vegas is the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. The Golden Knights are averaging 3.6 goals during their 28 home games. The Golden Knights are getting career years from a number of their forwards and centers. Las Vegas has scored four or more goals in six of its last seven games. The Ducks have scored three or more goals in five of their last seven games. The Golden Knights' defense has slipped lately allowing three or more goals in six of their last eight games. It's an added bonus for the Ducks if two-time All-Star center Ryan Kesler can play. He made the trip to Las Vegas so he could be healthy after missing Anaheim's last game with a lower-body injury.
02-17-18	Maple Leafs v. Penguins OVER 6		3-5	Win	100	13 h 14 m	Show
Not only is there a lot of skating speed with both of these teams, but each has an aggressive offensive mentality. So it's not surprising the Maple Leafs and Penguins each rank in the top-five in scoring. Toronto has scored three or more goals in nine of its last 10 games. The Maple Leafs have won five in a row. Those victories have all come at home. I expect the Maple Leafs to carry a strong offensive approach into this matchup. They aren't going to back down by going into a defensive shell. The Penguins have scored at least three goasl in nine of their past 10 games. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel have all been dynamite during the Penguins' 10-game home win streak. The Maple Leafs just surrendered 54 shots on goal to the Blue Jackets in their last game this past Wednesday.
02-13-18	Lightning v. Sabres OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	6 h 16 m	Show
Tampa Bay leads the NHL in goals scored per game and also has the second-best power play in the league. The Lightning draw one of the weaker goalies in the league, Chad Johnson. The Sabres have picked up their attack scoring 15 goals in their last four games. They catch a break in that Tampa Bay will go with backup goalie Louis Dominque instead of Andrei Vasilevskiy. There may not be a great difference from first-string to second-string goalie in the entire league.
02-11-18	Flames v. Islanders OVER 6		3-2	Loss	-100	7 h 32 m	Show
Only once in their last seven games, have the Flames scored fewer than three goals per game. Their offense should be good for at least three goals going against an Islanders defense that is the worst in the league and has porous goaltending, too. Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak is allowing an average of four goals per game during his last three games. The Islanders are the No. 3 scoring team in the NHL. Their power play unit has been clicking lately, which is bad news for the Flames, who have had trouble killing of penalties. New York has been a great Over team at home going 20-7-1 above the total in its last 28 home contests.
02-08-18	Flames v. Devils OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-105	19 h 60 m	Show
Calgary has scored three or more goals in 11 of its last 15 games. The Flames take on the Devils, who have a below average defense and above average offense. The Devils have a real problem in net with Cory Schneider injured and Keith Kinkaid not playing well. Things have become desperate enough where former Calgary goalie Eddie Lack was signed and could be in net here. That would be another plus for the Over. I like the Devils' offense much more when Taylor Hall is healthy. Hall is back in top form with 16 points in his last 11 games, including seven goals. New Jersey has scored at least three goals in each of its last four games.
02-04-18	Golden Knights v. Capitals OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	100	8 h 18 m	Show
The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. They should come out with more energy even though this is an early start time after sleepwalking through a 5-2 loss to Minnesota this past Friday. Washington has allowed three or more goals in eight of its last 11 games. The Capitals are hot offensively, though, ringing up 13 goals in their past three games.
02-03-18	Penguins v. Devils OVER 6		1-3	Loss	-100	6 h 39 m	Show
The Penguins are rolling offensively scoring 21 goals in their last four games. Evgen Malkin is blazing scoring seven goals in his last three games. Pittsburgh has scored 26 goals in its last five games against the Devils. There have been a total of 28 goals during the last three games between the two teams. The Devils are a better than average offensive team with Taylor Hall back in the lineup. Hall is hot, too, recording at least one point in each of his last nine games. Another bonus to going Over is the goalie situation. The Penguins are going with backup Casey DeSmith while the Devils continue to go with second-stringer Keith Kinkaid as Cory Schneider remains out with a groin injury.
02-02-18	Capitals v. Penguins OVER 5.5		4-7	Win	100	4 h 15 m	Show
The Capitals are back scoring putting up nine goals in their last two games. They've gone Over in their last four road contests. The Penguins have scored 14 goals in their last three games. They can take advantage of Braden Holtby, who is overrated in net when on the road.
02-01-18	Maple Leafs v. Rangers OVER 6		4-0	Loss	-110	7 h 10 m	Show
Toronto is back on track offensively coming out of All-Star break with five goals against the Islanders last night. The Maples Leafs can take advantage of a leaking Rangers defense that has surrendered 34 goals in their last eight games for an average of 4.2 goals during this span. The Rangers are a top-10 scoring team that will have plenty of energy having last played a week ago. The Rangers went ino All-Star break having beat the Sharks, 6-5, on the road. They are expected to draw Toronto backup goalie Curtis McElhinney.
01-16-18	Devils v. Islanders OVER 6		4-1	Loss	-110	11 h 3 m	Show
It's hard not to go Over this total. New Jersey has gone Over in 11 of its last 15 games. The Islanders are 16-5-1 to the Over during their last 22 home games. The Islanders are the No. 2 scoring team in the league, while the Devils rank eighth in goals scored. The Islanders have to win with offense because their defense is so weak. They just allowed the Canadiens, who rank 29th in scoring, to get off 56 shots and score four goals on Monday. The Islanders still were able to prevail, 5-4 in overtime. The Islanders, though, lost defenseman Scott Mayfield, who was hit in the face with the puck. Devils goalie Cory Schneider was playing well earlier in the season, but has been cold lately.
01-16-18	Blues v. Maple Leafs UNDER 5.5		2-1	Win	100	11 h 1 m	Show
Both teams are coming off an extended break. St. Louis has been idle for six days, Toronto for five days. So I'm not expecting a lot of crisp passing and offensive fireworks. Toronto hasn't scored more than three goals a game during its last seven games. The Blues rank sixth defensively permitting an average of 2.7 goals a game. The Blues, though, were not sharp defensively heading into break losing three high-scoring games. I expect the Blues to be more committed to defense in this their first game following the break. This is what St. Louis General Manager Doug Armstrong was quoted as saying, "... We have to be comfortable again playing in low-scoring games. And I think we've lost our comfort level in that and we have to regain that. We have to play time-and-score to a higher efficiency. Every play doesn't have to be a home run. We have to just methodically go through and push games along and play to win."
01-13-18	Avalanche v. Stars OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-110	8 h 44 m	Show
When the teams last met on Dec. 3 there were 10 goals scored in Dallas' 7-3 victory. While I don't expect 10 goals to be scored again, I do believe it's not too much for each team to produce at least three goals apiece. The much-improved Avalanche rank fifth in the league in goals scored. They have scored 22 goals during their last five games. Dallas still remains without defenseman Marc Methot. The Stars aren't the scoring machine they were two seasons ago, but they are better than last season. Dallas ranks 12th in scoring. They've scored at least four goals in six of their last eight games. They draw the Avalanche without goalie Semyon Varlamov, who is out with a groin injury.
01-06-18	Canucks v. Maple Leafs OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-115	14 h 20 m	Show
I'm not a fan of either team's goalies or defense. Vancouver ranks 27th defensively and the Maple Leafs are the No. 5 scoring team in the league. Toronto has scored at least three goals in five of its last six games. Vancouver has good young offensive talent, though, and could get forward Sven Baertschi back. He's Vancouver's fourth-leading goal scorer. The Over has cashed in nine of Vancouver's last 11 games and in each of its past six away contests. The Over also has won in six of the past seven times the Maple Leafs have hosted the Canucks.
01-05-18	Penguins v. Islanders OVER 6		4-0	Loss	-110	3 h 24 m	Show
I'm going to follow the Islanders' Over machine again. Only once in their last 11 games have the Islanders gone Under the total. New York is bad defensively and lacks good goalies. The Islanders have allowed 21 goals in their last four games. Pittsburgh is struggling defensively, too, giving up four goals in four of its last six games. The teams met slightly more than a month ago and seven goals were scored. It marked the fourth time in the last five meetings the Over has cashed in this series.
01-04-18	Islanders v. Flyers OVER 6		4-6	Win	100	7 h 59 m	Show
The Flyers have allowed three or more goals in five of their last six games. Now they draw the Islanders, who are the No. 3 goal scoring team in the league. The Islanders, though, rank last in defense making them an Over machine. Only once in the Islanders' last 10 games has the Under cashed. I don't like the goalies on either team either. The teams have met twice this season and both games went Over with totals of seven and nine goals being scored.
01-03-18	Senators v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	10 h 5 m	Show
Both teams have trouble scoring with the Senators ranking 28th in goals per game and the Red Wings rating 26th. I'm expecting a conservative, tight-checking game between these two teams with the Senators, who have won just four times in their past 21 games, knowing they have a real shot at a victory here. The Senators, though, will have to accomplish that with defense. If you discount a five-goal performance versus Columbus, the Senators have scored just one goal in their last three games. Part of the problem is the Senators' passive attack. They have drawn just five power play opportunities in their past four games, failing to score on each one. The Red Wings are much stronger defensively at home. They've allowed only seven goals in regulation in their past five home contests. Jimmy Howard has been playing well in net for Detroit giving up seven goals during his last four starts. He's allowed three goals to Ottawa in two games this season.
01-02-18	Blue Jackets v. Stars OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-102	5 h 34 m	Show
I want to get behind Dallas with this total priced lower than 6. The Stars have scored 20 goals in their last five games. The Over has cashed in six of Dallas' last seven home games. The Blue Jackets have surrendered five goals in each of their last three games. Columbus, though, has scored four goals in three of its last six games.
01-02-18	Sharks v. Canadiens OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-100	10 h 6 m	Show
Look for the Sharks to play faster after they sleepwalked through a 6-0 road loss to the Stars on Sunday. That was their worst defeat of the season. Logan Couture, the Sharks' leading goal scorer, returned after missing the last four games. He didn't play well, but did get the rust off. Montreal is giving up an average of four goals per game during its last four games. The Canadians have gotten more aggressive on offense in an effort to break a four-game losing streak. This is their first home game since Dec. 14. A strong effort should be forthcoming. The teams met on Oct. 17 and the Sharks won 5-2.
01-02-18	Penguins v. Flyers OVER 5.5		5-1	Win	100	9 h 18 m	Show
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins are a major disappointment so far this season. They've allowed the fourth-most goals in the NHL. The Penguins could get back offensive-minded defenseman Kris Letang for this matchup and I expect them to snap out of their scoring slump facing the Flyers. Philadelphia has given up three or more goals in five of its last six games. The Penguins were held to only one goal in their last game, a 4-1 road loss to the Red Wings on Sunday. But the Penguins did fire 38 shots on goal. The Penguins and Flyers put up nine goals in their previous meeting this season on Nov. 27 in Pittsburgh with the Penguins winning, 5-4.
01-01-18	Sabres v. Rangers UNDER 5.5		2-3	Win	100	5 h 10 m	Show
An early day time start on New Year's Day has certain built-in advantages for a low-scoring matchup. Those elements are enhanced by this game being playing outdoors in frigid conditions at Citi Field in Queens. It's also aided greatly by the Sabres being involved. Buffalo is 31st in goals. The Rangers will be without Chris Kreider, who is tied for second in goals on the team. New York will be going against a hot goalie in Robin Lehner, who has a .933 save percentage in his last five games. New York has scored only five goals in its last three games. The Sabres are likely to be facing Henrik Lundqvist, who is coming off a strong December where he posted a .936 save percentage.
12-29-17	Flames v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	6 h 10 m	Show
The Flames have won once in their last 26 games at Anaheim. Calgary has yet to get its 23rd-ranked offense going. The Flames have scored two or fewer goals in six of their last seven games. So I certainly don't see an offensive explosion coming from them. Anaheim ranks 27th in scoring. The Ducks could manage just 13 shots during the last two periods in their 4-1 home loss to Las Vegas this past Wednesday. The Under is 6-0-1 in the Ducks' last seven home games. Overall, Anaheim has gone Under in eight of its last 10 games.
12-28-17	Blackhawks v. Canucks OVER 5.5		2-5	Win	100	9 h 31 m	Show
The Blackhawks gave up four goals each to the Stars and Devils - both on the road - during their last two games before the Christmas break. Now, coming out of break, the Blackhawks should be refreshed and full of energy. They can take advantage of Vancouver, which ranks 26th defensively and has yielded nine power-play goals in its last seven games. The problem for Chicago, though, is it won't have star goalie Corey Crawford. He's out for at least the next three games. It's a huge step down from Crawford to backup Anton Forsberg, who is 1-4-3 with a 3.13 GAA. The Canucks' offense is respectable thanks to rookie Brock Boseser, who has 20 goals including seven in his last nine games.
12-27-17	Oilers v. Jets OVER 5.5		3-4	Win	100	4 h 45 m	Show
The Oilers entered break on a hot streak winning four in a row while averaging 3.7 goals per game during this span. Connor McDavid is expected to play. The Jets are the fifth-highest scoring team in the league. They've scored 30 goals during their last six home games. The Under has cashed just four times during the Jets' past 14 home contests. Look for a lot of high energy and plenty of offense from these two teams coming off break.
12-23-17	Ducks v. Penguins OVER 5.5		4-0	Loss	-115	3 h 43 m	Show
Sparked by the return of Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim is more respectable offensively now. The Ducks have tallied three or more goals in six of their last nine games. The Penguins are ranked No. 1 in shots taken and also have the league's third-most potent power play advantage. So the Penguins should get their share of goals here. Pittsburgh usually plays better at home where the Over is 6-2-1 in its last nine home contests. There only has been one Under during the past six meetings, too, between the two teams.
12-18-17	Penguins v. Avalanche OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	4 h 27 m	Show
Pittsburgh ranks 23rd defensively. Colorado is 27th defensively. The Penguins have scored three or more goals in nine of their last 11 games. They lead the NHL in shots and catch Colorado short-handed on the blue line with defenseman Erik Johnson out. The Avalanche are averaging 3.6 goals in their last five games. Matt Murray has been confirmed as Pittsburgh's goalie. Murray isn't nearly as good on the road where he's a mediocre 6-6 with a 3.25 GAA and has an .885 save percentage.
12-15-17	Maple Leafs v. Red Wings OVER 5.5		1-3	Loss	-100	3 h 6 m	Show
This is only the sixth time all season the Maple Leafs have a total of less than 6 on their matchup. Toronto has been in a scoring slump. I don't see it continuing against the Red Wings and cold goalie Jimmy Howard. The Red Wings have allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game during their last eight games. Detroit can take advantage offensively of the Maple Leafs' mediocre defense. Only one team gives up more shots on goal than Toronto.
12-12-17	Avalanche v. Capitals OVER 5.5		2-5	Win	100	2 h 45 m	Show
Colorado ranks 24th defensively and the Capitals have scored 18 goals during their last four games. The Avalanche, though, are a top 10 scoring team and they draw the Capitals going with backup goalie, Philippe Grubauer. The over has cashed in four of the past five meetings between the two teams.
12-11-17	Panthers v. Red Wings OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-120	6 h 27 m	Show
Florida has scored 13 goals in its last three games, but given up 16 goals during this span. Part of the Panthers' defensive woes are they are forced to go with James Reimer, one of the lesser backup goalies in the league. The Red Wings also are having problems on defense yielding 17 goals in their last three games. Jimmy Howard played well last season for Detroit. But Howard is on a cold spell giving up four or more goals in his last five games.
12-11-17	Avalanche v. Penguins OVER 6		2-1	Loss	-100	6 h 60 m	Show
Pittsburgh has scored three or more goals in each of its last eight games. Both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are hot for Pittsburgh. Colorado ranks 26th defensively and is going with backup goalie Jonathan Bernier. The Over is 6-0-1 in Pittsburgh's last seven home games. Colorado ranks eighth in scoring. The Avalanche just scored seven goals in their last game. They also draw a backup goalie in Tristan Jarry, who is filling in for injured Matt Murray. Jarry looked good in two games against offensively-challenged Buffalo, but has found things tougher against better offenses.
12-11-17	Capitals v. Islanders OVER 6		1-3	Loss	-105	6 h 58 m	Show
The Islanders are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL and an Over machine going 10-2-1 above the total during their last 13 games. The Islanders have gone Over in 82 percent of their home games this season. The Capitals have been a big Over team on the road with the Over cashing in 77 percent of their away contests this season. Washington has scored 18 goals during its last four games and catch the Islanders down injured defenseman Thomas Hickey.
12-09-17	Golden Knights v. Stars OVER 6		5-3	Win	100	3 h 29 m	Show
These two teams have met twice and both times the game went Under. I don't see that occurring a third straight time. The Golden Knights are a huge Over team. Las Vegas is 18-8-2 to the Over this season, including a 10-4-1 Over record on the road. The Golden Knights are the third-highest scoring team in the league, but rank in the bottom 10 in the major defensive categories. Dallas is back to its poor defensive ways giving up an average of four goals in its past two games. The Stars will have Ben Bishop back in net today. Still, I like the Over as the Stars have scored a minimum of three goals in seven of their last 10 games.
12-09-17	Jets v. Lightning OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	3 h 48 m	Show
These are two high-powered offenses going here. Winnipeg ranks fifth in scoring. The Jets are averaging five goals per game in their last five games if you discount a flat 5-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Lightning are the highest scoring team in the NHL. They have tallied 16 goals in their last three games. Tampa Bay also has scored at least one power play goal in eight consecutive games and 13 of its last 14. So until proven otherwise, I have to go Over this total.
12-09-17	Islanders v. Bruins OVER 6		1-3	Loss	-100	2 h 28 m	Show
The Islanders are almost an automatic Over team. Only one of their last 12 games has gone Under. They are the No. 2 scoring team in the league. They have scored at least five goals in seven of their past 12 games. The Bruins have gotten healthy and picked up their scoring. Boston has taillied four or more goals in six of their last eight games. The Bruins can take advantage of the Islanders' last ranked penalty killing unit.
12-06-17	Flyers v. Oilers OVER 5.5		4-2	Win	100	9 h 47 m	Show
The Flyers showed offensive life in their last game beating the Flames on the road two nights ago, 5-2. Now the Flyers draw Edmonton, which ranks 27th defensively and is last in killing penalties. The Oilers have given up nine power play goals in their last nine games. The Oilers have shown steady offensive improvement scoring three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. Consequently, the Flyers have permitted three or more goals in nine of their last 10 games. I'm expecting Connor McDavid to play. He has been sick but practiced on Tuesday. Another plus for the Over is the goaltending. I'm not impressed with Philadelphia's goalies and Edmonton's Laurent Brossoit is one of the worst backups in the league. Brossoit is filling in for injured Cam Talbot. He's 1-4-1 with a 3.81 GAA and .872 save percentage.
12-05-17	Islanders v. Lightning OVER 6		2-6	Win	100	3 h 7 m	Show
The Islanders have been a huge Over team this season cashing 68 percent. New York has scored four or more goals in eight of its last 10 games, including a 5-4 victory against Florida last night. Tampa Bay got its offense rolling again beating San Jose, 5-2, this past Saturday. The Lightning made some line changes that paid off. I see Tampa Bay having another big offensive game here against the Islanders' bad defense, which ranks in the bottom-six in many of the key defensive categories.
12-05-17	Rangers v. Penguins OVER 6		4-3	Win	100	3 h 6 m	Show
Only once has the Under cashed in the last eight meetings between these two teams. Look for that trend to continue. Only twice in their last 10 games have the Rangers failed to score at least three goals. They aren't going against Matt Murray either, but backup goalie Tristan Jarry, who has built up impressive stats facing the weak Sabres during his last two games. He's due for a bad game - and I see it happening here against the resurgent Rangers. The Penguins are averaging 4.4 goals in their last five games. So their offense is hot, too. The teams met earlier this season and the Penguins won, 5-4. The Rangers had Henrik Lundqvist in net for that one, too.
12-05-17	Jets v. Red Wings OVER 5.5		1-5	Win	101	3 h 5 m	Show
I see value here going Over 5 1/2 goals. The Red Wings are really struggling defensively giving up an average of 5.1 goals in their last seven games. Winnipeg has the offense to take advantage ranking No. 5 in goals scored and with the second-best power play. These two teams have a history of going Over, too, with 13 of the last 17 going above the total.
12-01-17	Golden Knights v. Jets OVER 6		4-7	Win	100	4 h 41 m	Show
The Jets have some big goal scorers and they usually are at their most dangerous when playing home. It's a factor why the Over has cashed in eight of Winnipeg's 11 home contests this season. The Jets, who average four goals at home, catch the Golden Knights carrying a high fatigue rating playing without rest and for the third time in four days. Las Vegas doesn't have a lot of defensive depth and it is likely to be starting third-string goalie Maxime Legace. The Golden Knights haven't gone Under the total during their past five road games.
11-29-17	Jets v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-125	20 h 34 m	Show
Both teams rank among the top seven in goals scored. Winnipeg has scored three or more goals in 10 of its last 13 games, reaching four or more eight times during this span. The Jets are likley to face goalie Semyon Varlamov. He's Colorado's best goalie, but he might be rusty having missed the last four games due to illness. Colorado has scored at least three goals in all but one of its nine home games this season. The Avalanche should bring a lot of energy as they've been idle since Saturday. The Over is 9-1-1 the past 11 times the Avalanche have played on three or more days rest.
11-28-17	Stars v. Golden Knights OVER 6		3-0	Loss	-100	19 h 38 m	Show
Dallas always has an above average offense. The Stars have plenty of offensive star power with Tyler Seguin, Alexander Radulov and Jamie Benn. Las Vegas, though, has been a surprise with its offense. The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the league. Las Vegas is riding an eight-game home win streak averaging 4.5 goals during this span, never scoring fewer than three goals. Dallas is giving up an average of 4.5 goals during its last five away games. Dallas goalie Ben Bishop has played far worse on the road. The Stars are giving up an average of 4.7 goals in Bishop's past four road starts. The Golden Knights have been forced to use backup goalies. So, given their outstanding scoring production, it's not a surprise the Golden Knights have been a big Over team. The Over is 11-2-2 in their last 15 games.
11-28-17	Canucks v. Islanders OVER 5.5		2-5	Win	100	2 h 2 m	Show
The Islanders are the third-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.6 goals per game. Vancouver has picked up its scoring netting three or more goals in four of its last five games. Neither team has strong goalies going and there are key trends pointing to an Over here. The Over is 7-2 in Islander home games this season. The Over has cashed in five of Vancouver's last six games.
11-27-17	Ducks v. Blackhawks UNDER 5.5		3-7	Loss	-100	10 h 25 m	Show
The Ducks are 27th in scoring. So they're not a big scoring team. The spot is sluggish for both teams. The situation and history show Under is the way to go here. The Ducks just played at the Kings on Saturday scoring one goal for the second straight game. They are now heading out of California for the first time since Oct. 29. The Under is 8-2-1 the past 11 times the Ducks have played on one day's rest. Chicago yields the fourth-fewest goals per game. The Blackhawks catch a break in that Anaheim will be without its leading scorer, Rickard Rakell. He's out with an upper-body injury. This is Chicago's first home game since Nov. 15. The Blackhawks are flying back from Florida after defeating the Panthers, 4-1, on Saturday. The Under is 6-1-1 the last eight times the Blackhawks have played at home following a road trip of seven or more days. The Ducks rank ninth in fewest goals allowed. The Under is 12-3-1 during the team's last 16 games in Chicago.
11-25-17	Ducks v. Kings UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	10 h 15 m	Show
I see an extremely low scoring game here. The Ducks are 25th in scoring. The Kings are 19th. This is a rivalry matchup and both teams carry high fatigue ratings so both teams figure to be in defensive mode. That's the way this matchup usually goes with the Under going 16-6-4 the past 26 times they've met.
11-20-17	Ducks v. Sharks UNDER 5.5		3-2	Win	100	9 h 44 m	Show
No surprise that when these teams last met the Sharks won, 2-1, in a shootout. That was 16 days ago. These are two low-scoring teams with excellent goalies. San Jose is last in the NHL in goals with 44. The Sharks, though, have given up only six goals in their last four games. The Ducks are minus several top offensive players, including Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler. Anaheim John Gibson is playing very well and San Jose goalie Martin Jones has a 1.33 GAA and a .944 save percentage in six career games versus the Ducks. The Under is 5-0-1 the past six times the teams have played in San Jose.
11-20-17	Blue Jackets v. Sabres UNDER 5.5		3-2	Win	100	7 h 25 m	Show
I'm surprised this total came out 5 1/2 instead of 5 because these are two very low-scoring teams. Columbus ranks 20th in scoring and has just eight goals in its last five games. The Blue Jackets haven't scored more than two goals in any of their last five games. The Sabres rank 31st in scoring averaging 2.3 goals a game. Defending Viezna Trophy winner Sergie Bobrovsky is having another big season. The Sabres are expected to go with Robin Lehner in net. He has a good history against Columbus. This should be a tight-checking conservative game with the Sabres desperate to halt a five-game losing streak.
11-18-17	Avalanche v. Predators OVER 6		2-5	Win	112	4 h 50 m	Show
Colorado ranks fifth in scoring, but just 26th defensively. The Avalanche are averaging 4.5 goals during their past seven games. The Over is 22-7-1 in Colorado's past 30 games. Nathan MacKinnon has been red-hot producing 15 points, including five goals, during the last seven games. Nashville has picked up its offense scoring four or more goals in five of their last six games never scoring fewer than three goals a game during this span. The Over has cashed in eight of the last 10 meetings between the two teams.
11-16-17	Blues v. Oilers OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-110	8 h 9 m	Show
Edmonton had been underachieving offensively especially with Connor McDavid on the roster. But the Oilers exploded for eight goals against Las Vegas this past Tuesday with McDavid scoring two goals. I see the Oilers keeping up their strong offense against St. Louis, which has given up 12 goals in its last two games. The Oilers upgraded their offense trading for veteran Michael Cammelleri. The Over has cashed in 11 of Edmonton's past 14 home contests. The Blues rank 11th in scoring. They've scored three or more goals in six of their last eight games.
11-15-17	Bruins v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		2-4	Loss	-120	11 h 16 m	Show
Both Boston and Anaheim rank among the bottom-10 in scoring. That's understandable given the multiple injuries each team has suffered to its best offensive players. The Bruins have scored two or fewer goals in seven of their last nine games. They will be without Brad Marchand again. The Ducks' John Gibson has been one of the better goalies this season. The Ducks have scored one goal in three of their past six games.
11-14-17	Coyotes v. Jets OVER 5.5		1-4	Loss	-103	8 h 47 m	Show
Arizona has allowed the most goals in the NHL. The Jets rank in the top 10 in scoring and average 3.7 goals per game at home. The Over has cashed in Winnipeg's last five home contests. The Coyotes have scored three or more goals in half of their last eight road games. The Over has cashed in seven of the Coyotes' 11 road games this season.
11-12-17	Sharks v. Kings UNDER 5.5		2-1	Win	100	13 h 41 m	Show
These two teams recently played the up-tempo Lightning and each gave up five goals. Look for a normal defensive struggle now that the Sharks and Kings are playing each other. I'm surprised the total didn't open 5. I'm willing to lay higher juice to get 5 1/2. San Jose ranks No. 1 defensively. The Kings are right behind them with the second-best defense. Both teams have outstanding goalies with Martin Jones slated to be back in goal for San Jose and Jonathan Quick going for LA.
11-11-17	Panthers v. Devils OVER 6		1-2	Loss	-101	15 h 15 m	Show
These are a pair of young teams, who like to play at a fast, up-tempo pace. Their Over the total mark reflects that. Florida has gone Over in 11 of its last 15 games, while the Devils are 11-5-2 to the Over in their last 18 games going 9-2 to the Over when having one day's rest between games. Oh, yes, Florida doesn't play much defense. The Panthers give up the second-most goals and shots per game. Only twice in their last 12 games have they permitted fewer than three goals per game. The Panthers, though, have a top-five offense. New Jersey ranks eighth in goals scored but gives up the third-most shots in the league. The Devils have allowed an average of four goals per game during their last four games, all losses. The Devils know the best way to end their losing skid is by being aggressive offensively. There's a good chance the Devils could draw Florida backup goalie James Reimer, who isn't very good. Florida did play well defensively in a 4-1 road win against the Sabres last night. I don't see the Panthers playing a second straight strong game on defense. The Over has cashed six of the last seven times in the following game after Florida held an opponent to two goals or less.

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