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NHL Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
09-03-20	Flyers v. Islanders -115	Top	5-4	Loss	-115	16 h 0 m	Show
These two teams are very similar, stressing defense and discipline. Except the Islanders are the better team. The Flyers barely held off elimination by nipping the Islanders in overtime two days ago. I see the Islanders closing the series out now in their second try just like they did against the Capitals and Panthers. Except for the opening period in Game 3 and the second period in Game 5, the Islanders have gotten the better of Philadelphia. The Flyers were outscored by the Canadiens during their previous Stanley Cup series and I don't believe they can step up enough to force a Game 7 against the extremely sound and well-coached Islanders, who are playing their best hockey. The Islanders have defeated the Flyers in seven of their past nine meetings.
08-26-20	Avalanche v. Stars OVER 5.5	Top	6-4	Win	100	21 h 15 m	Show
There were eight goals scored in Game 1 of this series. There were seven goals produced in Game 2. Yet the oddsmaker still is hanging a 5 1/2 total on this matchup just like in the first two games. That Over/Under is too short. Dallas has played aggressive in the playoffs. The Stars' top scorers have come alive helping Dallas produce five goals each during the first two games of the series. The Over is 5-0 in the Stars' last five games. Dallas is averaging 4.1 goals during its last seven games. The Stars can continue to take advantage of Colorado backup goalie Pavel Francouz. Both teams are without their starting goalies as Dallas is missing Ben Bishop. Look for Colorado to come out super aggressive down 2-0 in the series. The Avalanche's calling card is offense. They ranked fourth in scoring during the regular season. They have the most talented scorer on the ice in Nathan MacKinnon. The Avalanche have scored three or more goals in 11 of their last 15 games. The Over is 4-1 in their past five games.
08-25-20	Canucks v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	5-2	Win	100	19 h 13 m	Show
The Canucks don't have the defense nor depth to keep the Golden Knights' offense in check. Las Vegas has scored at least 4 goals in eight of 10 games since hockey resumed. Las Vegas is averaging 5 goals per game in three meetings with the Canucks this season. The Canucks should have more energy than they did in Game 1 on Sunday after they had just eliminated the Blues. Vancouver has outstanding young goal scorers in Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson. They also have good scoring depth this season. Vancouver was embarrassed, 5-0, in Game 1 of this series. It's noteworthy to point out that the Canucks are 18-7-1 to the Over the past 26 times when they failed to score more than two goals during their previous game.
08-23-20	Canucks v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	0-5	Loss	-115	20 h 4 m	Show
Vancouver likes to attack and has the NHL's fourth-best power play. Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller are all accomplished goal scorers. The Canucks are a top-eight scoring team with a below average defense. That combination has resulted in a 20-8-1 mark to the Over in their last 29 games. The Golden Knights wouldn't mind an up-tempo game either since they will have plenty of energy having last played this past Tuesday. The Over is 6-0 the past six times the Golden Knights have played on 3 or more day's rest. Las Vegas wants to make an early statement in this series and they can do that by peppering the net with shots. The Golden Knights led the NHL in shots on goal. The teams met twice during the regular season. There were nine goals scored in each game.
08-16-20	Flyers -130 v. Canadiens	Top	1-0	Win	100	17 h 28 m	Show
The Flyers are far superior to the Canadiens. I thought the Flyers could sweep their series against Montreal. That's not going to happen after the Canadiens embarrassed Philadelphia, 5-0, on Friday. The Flyers are not happy with that defeat especially after the Canadiens still used their top power play unit up 5-0 in the third period. Carey Price is stepping up for Montreal. But I still like youngster Carter Hart more as Price is past his prime. Even with that stinging loss, the Flyers are 20-6 in their last 26 games. Their top five scorers have yet to produce a goal in the series. They are way overdue for a breakout performance. I see that happening here.
08-13-20	Hurricanes +125 v. Bruins	Top	3-2	Win	125	15 h 11 m	Show
The Bruins weren't sharp during the round robin series. They were able to get past the Hurricanes, 4-3, in double overtime on Wednesday, though. The Hurricanes hadn't played in seven days after sweeping the Rangers in a qualifying series. The rust showed because the Hurricanes were sluggish. Yet they nearly won. Expect a much better effort from the Hurricanes today. Fatigue shouldn't factor for them either since they had been idle for so long prior to yesterday. The Hurricanes haven't forgotten the Bruins sweeping them in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Carolina has better scoring depth than Boston and its top line of Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen can match the Bruins' powerful No. 1 line of Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. Carolina swept the Rangers despite not having key defenseman Dougie Hamilton. He played Wednesday, though. So that's a major plus for the Hurricanes. The Bruins have yet to convert a power play opportunity this month going 0-for-13.
02-28-20	Wild v. Blue Jackets -124	Top	5-0	Loss	-124	15 h 59 m	Show
These two teams just met on Tuesday in Minnesota. The Blue Jackets were playing for the eighth time in 13 days. The Wild edged them, 5-4. Now the fatigue situation is reversed. Columbus has been idle the past two days. Minnesota just played last night rolling past the Red Wings. This marks the Wild's third game in four days and fourth matchup in six days. The Wild's track record in these spots is very bad - 2-8 the past 10 times on zero rest and 2-11 the last 13 times when playing in a 3-in-4 situation. They also have a losing record on the road. This is a crucial home matchup for the Blue Jackets, who hold a narrow two-point lead over the Hurricanes and Rangers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
01-29-20	Lightning -1.5 v. Kings	Top	4-2	Win	132	20 h 29 m	Show
Look for Tampa Bay to beat the Kings for an eighth straight time - and in a big way, too. The Lightning came out of All-Star break not looking good in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Stars on Monday. They will look to take their frustrations out on a rusty Kings squad that hasn't played in 11 days and is 1-6-1 in their last eight games. The Kings don't have much of a home ice edge and the mood figures to be somber in LA so soon after the death of Kobe Bryant. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is having a strong January with a .955 save percentage.
01-22-20	Jets v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5	Top	3-4	Win	100	14 h 59 m	Show
I'm surprised to see the total open this short. The Jets are giving up an average of 5.3 goals per game during their last three games. The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.2 goals in their last five games. The Jets are expected to start backup goalie Laurent Brossoit. He doesn't have a good history versus Columbus with a 3.87 GAA and .863 save percentage. Winnipeg isn't playing well. But the Jets don't lack firepower with Patrik Laine, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. Note, too, that the Over has cashed seven of the last eight times these teams have met.
01-13-20	Hurricanes v. Capitals -135	Top	0-2	Win	100	10 h 36 m	Show
Carolina takes to the road to play its first road game since Dec. 27. The Hurricanes are off a 5-2 homestand, winners of their last three games. But while the Hurricanes take to the highway fat and happy, the Capitals are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost two in a row. The Capitals were embarrassed, 5-1, by the Devils at home this past Saturday. Washington hasn't dropped three straight since Oct. 10. The Capitals are 27-12 (69 percent) during their last 39 games even with their losing skid. The Hurricanes dropped their past two away contests giving up a combined 13 goals in losses to the Rangers and Maple Leafs. Carolina also has lost 11 of the last 15 times when playing the Capitals on the road. Washington is expected to start Ilya Samsonsov in goal. I'm fine with that. Samonsov has been very solid going 12-2-1 with a .921 save percentage. Starting goalie Braden Holtby has just an .832 save percentage during his last six appearances.
12-28-19	Kings v. Canucks -1.5	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	19 h 28 m	Show
The Kings upset the Sharks, 3-2, in overtime at San Jose on Friday. The Kings' reward? They have to fly to Vancouver for a game today against the well rested Canucks. The Kings have lost 40 of the past 56 times following a victory. Vancouver last was in action this past Monday. The Canucks entered the holiday break hot winning three in a row with all of the victories coming at home. Vancouver scored 13 goals during those three games. The Canucks have won the last four times they've met the Kings.
12-14-19	Bruins -116 v. Panthers	Top	4-2	Win	100	15 h 17 m	Show
It's not just being in stop-the-pain mode for the Bruins, who have lost five in a row for their worst skid in four years. But also revenge motivation. The Panthers bested Boston, 5-4 in a shootout, during their earlier meeting this season on Nov. 12. The Bruins blew a 4-0 lead in that game. Note that the Bruins' last two defeats occurred by one goal each to Tampa Bay and Washington. Now Boston is stepping way down in class. The Bruins have 11 more points than the Panthers do in the standings. The price is low enough to back the superior team, which is Boston.
12-06-19	Blackhawks v. Devils -140	Top	2-1	Loss	-140	19 h 57 m	Show
Neither of these teams are good. But this spot sets up huge for New Jersey. The Blackhawks are off an improbable 4-3 overtime road win against the Bruins Thursday night. Chicago was plus $2.00. The Blackhawks nearly blew a 3-0 third period lead, but hung on. Chicago was 1-5-1 entering the matchup. The Blackhawks have a cluster injury problem on defense missing Duncan Keith and Olli Maatta. They are giving up 4.7 goals per game in their last four games. New Jersey has been idle since Tuesday. The Devils nearly upset Las Vegas in their last game, falling 4-3 at home. New Jersey outshot the Golden Knights, 35-30. The Devils shouldn't lack motivation and focus on a three-game losing streak and being home. The Blackhawks have less than 24 hours to savor pulling off one of the biggest road upsets of the season. Chicago is 2-8 the past 10 times facing a below .500 opponent and doesn't have a good road history against the Devils losing 11 of the past 15 times in New Jersey.
12-02-19	Kings v. Ducks UNDER 5.5	Top	2-4	Loss	-125	11 h 8 m	Show
This is the first meeting this season between these in-state, division rivals. I envision a feeling-out process and a tight checking matchup between two of the lowest scoring teams in the NHL. The Kings rank 26th in scoring and 29th on the power play. The Under is 5-0-1 in their last six road games. That's not a big shock considering the Kings have managed only 10 goals during their last eight away games. The Ducks are 26th in scoring. Their power play ranks even lower than the Kings at No. 30. Both projected goalies - the Kings' Jonathan Quick and Anaheim's John Gibson - have strong histories in this series.
10-31-19	Canadiens v. Golden Knights -1.5	Top	5-4	Loss	-100	12 h 6 m	Show
Kill spot here for the Golden Knights. The oddsmaker knows this, too, that's why the money line is so high. I don't lay prices that high, but will gladly take a plus price on the puck line laying 1 1/2 goals. The Golden Knights buried the Ducks, 5-2, in their last game. That was back on Sunday so Las Vegas will be well rested. Not so for Montreal. The Canadiens just beat Arizona, 4-1, last night with Carey Price in net. So the Canadiens either will start backup goalie Keith Kincaid, or a tired Price. The Golden Knights are the much superior team and this is a favorable spot for them.
10-28-19	Panthers v. Canucks -115	Top	2-7	Win	100	13 h 48 m	Show
Vancouver is out to make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season having missed them the past four years. The Canucks have been more than just talk. They are 6-2 in their last eight games. The Canucks won't forget their last game - and not in a good way. Vancouver got overconfident at home against a tired Capitals team and blew a 5-1 second period lead, losing 6-5 in a shootout. That was on Friday. The Canucks had all weekend to stew about that home loss. Now the Canucks are ready to unleash their frustrations and get back on the winning ledger drawing Florida at home. The Panthers are playing well, too, in their quest to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Florida, however, is in a letdown spot after an impressive 6-2 road win against Edmonton on Sunday. Sergei Bobrovsky was in net for the Panthers Sunday. He's likely to sit out this matchup in favor of backup goalie Samuel Montembeault. The Canucks are 7-3-1 the past 11 times hosting the Panthers.
10-16-19	Hurricanes v. Sharks -125	Top	2-5	Win	100	14 h 52 m	Show
San Jose began the season with four losses in a row. But the buy sign is on now for the Sharks, who have won two straight and are in a good situational spot here. Carolina is playing for the fourth time in six days. The Hurricanes defeated the Kings, 2-0, in LA last night. The Sharks have had two days of rest after defeating the Flames, 3-1, at home this past Sunday. Patrick Marleau has provided a lift for the Sharks returning to the team he spent the first 19 years of his career. The Sharks are 2-0 since Marleau rejoined them.
10-15-19	Lightning -134 v. Canadiens	Top	3-1	Win	100	16 h 47 m	Show
I want Tampa Bay going for me in a bounce back spot after the Lightning lost, 4-2, to the previously winless Senators this past Saturday. Tampa Bay is 7-1-1 in its last nine games versus Montreal. The Canadiens are off a 6-3 victory against the Stanley Cup champion Blues this past Saturday. This marks the Canadiens' fourth game in seven days. Carey Price hasn't been an elite goalie for the past couple of seasons. He's off to a slow start this year with a 3.38 GAA. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is 7-1-2 lifetime against the Canadiens with a 2.16 GAA and.929 save percentage. He should be fresh since he did not play against Ottawa.
10-10-19	Ducks v. Penguins UNDER 6	Top	1-2	Win	100	18 h 1 m	Show
There isn't a hotter goalie right now than Anaheim's John Gibson, who has stopped 98 of 101 shots. The Ducks are 3-0 this season because they have given up just three goals in three games. The Ducks are a dead-nuts Under team right now with a sub-par offense and a strong commitment to defense. If you go back to preseason, the Ducks are a perfect 27-for-27 in killing off power plays, including 7-for-7 in the regular season. The Penguins have a cluster injury on offense with two centers and two wingers out the most prominent being Evgeni Malkin. The multiple injuries really showed in the Penguins' last game when they could manage only one goal versus Winnipeg this past Tuesday at home. Pittsburgh takes to the road for the first time this season following this game. So the Penguins should have their defensive intensity up knowing their offense is down players and this is the final matchup of a four-game homestand that has proven disappointing at 1-2.
10-09-19	Canadiens v. Sabres -118	Top	4-5	Win	100	10 h 48 m	Show
The Sabres are much improved especially on offense. Sparked by newcomer Marcus Johansson and rookie Victor Olofsson, the Sabres have scored 13 goals in opening the season 2-1. The spot is ripe, too, for the Sabres. They catch the Canadiens playing in their third consecutive road game and off a hugely-satisfying 6-5 victory over their long-time rival the Maple Leafs. Montreal begins a four-game homestand Thursday. So focus could be an issue for the Canadiens. Montreal also is going with backup goalie Keith Kinkaid.
10-02-19	Sharks v. Golden Knights -1.5	Top	1-4	Win	165	24 h 49 m	Show
The Golden Knights have been pointing to this matchup after losing to the Sharks in the playoff last season in a bitter and controversial series. Las Vegas gave an indication of this burying the San Jose, 5-1, this past Sunday in front of a sold out home crowd in the final preseason game. The Sharks haven't been sharp during preseason going 1-5. San Jose will be without suspended forward Evander Kane, too. I believe this is a kill spot for Las Vegas. So taking a big plus price on the puck line makes more sense to me than laying heavy juice on the side.
06-03-19	Bruins v. Blues -110	Top	2-4	Win	100	14 h 35 m	Show
The Blues have been resilient all season and I expect them to be resilient here with, for all practical purposes, their season on the line trailing 2-1 to the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals. St. Louis might have been tight hosting their first Stanley Cup Final in 49 years. Certainly the Blues got out of control racking up too many penalties. The Bruins' deadly power play personnel took advantage coverting all four of their power play chances to defeat the Blues, 7-2, in Game 3 this past Saturday night. The key for the Blues is keeping their emotions in check and not drawing penalties. Are they capable of that against this particular opponent, who seems to really bother them? Yes, the Blues have the necessary discipline, defense and goaltending with Jordan Binnington. St. Louis was the least penalized team during the first three rounds of the postseason. Being home should help, too.
05-27-19	Blues +140 v. Bruins	Top	2-4	Loss	-100	58 h 38 m	Show
All the Blues do is win on the road in the playoffs. They are 7-2 this postseasona away from home. St. Louis has been idle for five days. But that's nothing compared to the Bruins, who haven't played in 10 days! That's an unbelievable long layoff time and really puts a rustiness factor into Boston's equation for this Game 1. The Blues are riding a lot of momentum and playing on house money. Few, if any, expected them to still be alive at this point. A number of sportsbooks have big jeopardy on them because of the Blues' huge future book odds at the time. St. Louis eliminated the Sharks winning the last two games of that series by a margin of 10-1. The Blues have surrendered only two goals during their last three games. Tuukka Rask has been brilliant in goal. Jordan Binnington can match him, though. The rookie is 36-13 since being called up. The randomness factor is raised due to the lengthy time between games. Given that and the Blues playing their best hockey and road prowess, I find excellent value on St. Louis to steal this Game 1.
05-21-19	Sharks v. Blues -1.5	Top	1-5	Win	181	20 h 52 m	Show
Injuries and the luck factor turning against them leave the Sharks dead in the water for this Game 6 road matchup against the Blues. I don't see San Jose staying alive by beating St. Louis here. Even if the Sharks are hanging in trailing by just one goal there is the strong possibility of an empty net goal taking place since San Jose is in must-win mode down 3-2 in the series. The Blues' superior defense and goaltending with star rookie Jordan Binnington has come alive. The Blues have taken control of the series winning the past two games holding the Sharks to just one goal during this span. The Sharks are 3-7 in their past 10 road contests. San Jose has been the luckiest team in the playoffs. But that luck has run out. The Blues buried the Sharks, 5-0, at San Jose in Game 5. The Sharks have gotten hit hard by injuries with key players captain Joe Pavelski, two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson and Tomas Hertl, their second-leading goal scorer next to Pavelski, all missing significant time in Sunday's Game 5 defeat. Jaden Schwartz has been a monster for the Blues scoring 12 goals during the postseason. Vladimir Tarasenko is stepping up now, too, producing at least one point in five consecutive games.
05-04-19	Avalanche v. Sharks OVER 5.5	Top	1-2	Loss	-125	20 h 59 m	Show
It's not difficult to project at least six goals being scored in this Game 5 with the series returning to San Jose. There have been at least seven combined goals during each of the Sharks' last 10 home games. Colorado is averaging 3.5 goals during its past eight games. Nathan MacKinnon is in the argument for best offensive player in the NHL. He's hot, too, riding an eight-game point scoring streak. The Avalanche have one of the most dangerous power play units in hockey. The Sharks are not strong strong defensively. They ranked 21st defensively during the regular season and have shaky goaltending with Martin Jones. Their top two defensemen are offensive-minded in constant attack mode. San Jose was the No. 2 scoring team in the league. The Over is 7-3-1 in its Stanley Cup games. The Over has won in four of the Sharks' last five playoff games. These two teams have a strong Over history, too, when meeting each other especially in San Jose where 80 percent of the past 16 matchups have gone above the total.
05-01-19	Blues v. Stars -119	Top	2-4	Win	100	11 h 40 m	Show
I'm looking for a bounce back from the Stars, who lost by a goal at home in Game 3. Prior to that Game 3, the Stars had beaten the Blues four consecutive times at home. The Stars' special teams are playing well and their front line is due to produce more. I give the Stars checkmarks on defense and in goal with Ben Bishop.
04-25-19	Stars +136 v. Blues	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	20 h 15 m	Show
The Blues are vulnerable having last played on Saturday and catching the Stars off three straight victories against the Predators to close that series. Dallas has the better defense ranking second in the league. The Stars have arguably the best goalie this season, Ben Bishop, and the top line of the two teams with a No. 1 line composed of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov. The Blues may hold the better depth, but Dallas is riding a lot of momentum and has proven itself on the road winning nine of its past 12 away matchups. The Stars also have defeated the Blues six of the last seven times.
04-23-19	Golden Knights v. Sharks OVER 5.5	Top	4-5	Win	100	20 h 30 m	Show
I don't care that the last game in this series was won by San Jose, 2-1, in double overtime Sunday. There is no way you can hang less than a 6 on a total when these two teams meet even with this being the pivotal Game 7. There have been at least seven combined goals in each of the three games played at San Jose during the series. The Over has cashed six of the last eight times the two teams have met. The Golden Knights fired 59 shots in that Game 6 loss. Martin Jones played well, but he remains the shakiest goalie in the playoffs. The Golden Knights' second line of Max Pacioretty, Paul Stastny and Mark Stone is due for a big game after not scoring in the last two games. They had accounted for 28 points during the first four games of the series. The Sharks are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. They are averaging 3.7 goals during their last seven home games.
04-21-19	Sharks v. Golden Knights OVER 6	Top	2-1	Loss	-114	19 h 59 m	Show
The oddsmaker is short on this total. The Sharks and Golden Knights are good for at least three goals apiece. San Jose has scored three or more goals in four of the five games in this playoff series. Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury hasn't been his usual sharp self down the stretch. He's surrendered at least three goals in four of the five games. Las Vegas has scored 11 goals in the two games played at T-Mobile Arena during the series. San Jose has permitted five or more goals in three of the five games in the series. Martin Jones is the shakiest goalie in the playoffs. The Sharks have two of the top offensive-minded defensemen in the NHL with Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson. Las Vegas has two red-hot scoring lines with Reilly Smith, Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson and Mark Stone, Paul Stastny and Max Pacioretty on the second line. The additions of Stone and Pacioretty have made the Golden Knights a more dangerous scoring team. These factors have helped the Over cash six of the last seven times the two teams have met. Both teams should have plenty of energy, too, as they have had two days in between games instead of the normal one.
04-12-19	Blue Jackets v. Lightning -1.5	Top	5-1	Loss	-100	20 h 48 m	Show
Tampa Bay was the best team in hockey this season - and it wasn't even close. Perhaps things came too easy for the Lightning in their playoff opener against the Blue Jackets. Columbus has been hot, but there was no excuse except overconfidence for the Lightning blowing a 3-0 lead at home to the Blue Jackets in a 4-3 loss on Wednesday. It was a hard loss for the Lightning. It's a defeat the Lightning should learn from. I expect them to bring a great deal of intensity to this Game 2 matchup. I can't lay this big of juice especially in a Stanley Cup game. But I strongly believe Tampa Bay will win this game by multiple goals so I'm going with the Lightning on the puck line laying 1 1/2 goals and getting a plus price back. Tampa Bay has won by multiple goals in nine of its last 13 victories. The Lightning defense is stronger, too, with the return of Victor Hedman, who missed the last four games of the regular season.
04-11-19	Maple Leafs v. Bruins OVER 6	Top	4-1	Loss	-105	17 h 57 m	Show
There is only one way for the Maple Leafs to beat the Bruins - offense. Toronto knows this. The Maple Leafs are the more explosive team and they should be on full attack. They have enough experience now and their offense has been enhanced even more with the addition of superstar John Tavares. The Bruins have one of the best lines in hockey with Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron. Those three have enjoyed plenty of success against the Maple Leafs combining for 30 points in the Bruins' seven-game playoff series win last season. Marchand and Pastrnak had strong regular season games against Toronto, too, this season. Boston can take advantage of Toronto's lack of defense and discipline. Maple Leafs' goalie Frederik Andersen didn't play well against the Bruins either during last season's playoff series.
04-10-19	Golden Knights v. Sharks OVER 6	Top	2-5	Win	100	20 h 0 m	Show
Las Vegas upgraded its offense with free agent signings and trades this season. The Golden Knights now have two powerful scoring lines to go with excellent depth. The Golden Knights also will be operating against San Jose's shaky goaltending. Martin Jones has an .896 save percentage and 3.28 GAA in 13 career games against Las Vegas. He could be the weakest starting goalie of any of the playoff teams. The Sharks are the No. 2 scoring team in the league. They have four players - Joe Pavelski, Tomas Hertl, Evander Kane and Timo Meier - who all scored at least 30 goals. In addition, the Sharks have the top offensive defenseman in Brent Burns. Eric Karlsson, another superstar defenseman known for his offense, has returned from injury. The Over has cashed in seven of the past 10 meetings between the two teams.
04-06-19	Blackhawks v. Predators -1.5	Top	2-5	Win	120	17 h 11 m	Show
The Blackhawks didn't make the playoffs again, but they did finish the home portion of their disappointing season in style with a 6-1 victory against the Stars Friday night. Now, though, the Blackhawks travel to Nashville to face the Predators in the regular season finale with the Predators needing a victory to lock up the Central Division. I forsee a letdown and fatigue issues for the Blackhawks against the highly motivated Predators. This will be Chicago's fourth game in six days and second in two nights. The Blackhawks are 8-21 the past 29 times playing on zero rest and 3-8 when playing for the fourth time in six days. The Blackhawks also are fat and happy from their impressive victory against Dallas Friday. Nashville is 4-1 in its last five games. The Predators aren't going to screw around after pulling out a 3-2 win against the lowly Canucks at home on Thursday after falling behing 2-0. The Predators have defeated the Blackhawks four of the past five times at home and are 8-3 overall versus them during the last 11 meetings.
04-04-19	Jets +103 v. Avalanche	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	19 h 21 m	Show
The Jets are the better team and are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost four of their last five. That puts them in a tie with Nashville for the lead in the Central Division. The Jets held a closed door meeting after a 5-1 road loss to the Wild on Tuesday. I'm expecting a maximum effort from the Jets. Their defense has been upgraded with the recent return from injury of Dustin Byfuglien. The Avalanche, on the other hand, have come on to just about clinch the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have a four-point lead on the Coyotes with each team having two games remaining in the regular season. So a letdown could be in store for the Avalanche.
03-07-19	Blues v. Kings +130	Top	4-0	Loss	-100	20 h 45 m	Show
The Blues are coming off an improbable 5-4 road win against Anaheim Wednesday night scoring twice in the final 1:04 seconds to pull out the victory. That win pushed their playoff spot lead to six points and sets up a flat spot in this matchup. The Kings are rested and ready having been home for the past week. They are 2-0 versus the Blues this season and have owned St. Louis at home winning 13 of the last 16 times in LA. The Blues aren't likely to start rookie goalie sensation Jordan Binnington in net either after he played Wednesday. Jordan Allen is the probable goalie for St. Louis. The Blues are 0-2 the past two times Allen has been in net.
03-05-19	Canadiens -127 v. Kings	Top	3-1	Win	100	21 h 7 m	Show
Montreal is 6-0 the past six times facing a foe from the Pacific Division. Look for that streak to continue here. The Canadiens are the superior team with 21 more points than the Kings. Montreal was 4-2 in its last six games before suffering a 5-1 home loss to the Penguins on Saturday. The Canadiens should be fresh and ready to begin this West Coast trip. The Kings had lost 10 in a row before defeating the erratic Blackhawks, 6-3, on Saturday. I don't know mind laying a short road price with a focused superior team off a loss against a weaker opponent that is off a satisfying home victory.
03-01-19	Capitals -105 v. Islanders	Top	3-1	Win	100	16 h 18 m	Show
The Capitals have a strong record in this type of matchup going 26-12 during their last 38 road games when taking on an opponent with a winning home mark. Washington will be well rested having last played on Tuesday. Not so with the Islanders. They could be emotionally spent after blasting the Maple Leafs, 6-1, in front of a sellout crowd on Thursday in John Tavares' first game versus his former team after signing with the Maple Leafs as a free agent during last summer. Despite that victory against the Leafs, the Islanders are 2-3 in their past five games. The Capitals are 8-4 in their last 12 contests. The Islanders are likely to start backup Thomas Greiss in net after starting goalie Robin Lehner played last night.
02-11-19	Sharks v. Canucks OVER 6.5	Top	7-2	Win	100	22 h 35 m	Show
Only once in their last 19 games, have the Sharks failed to score at least three goals. San Jose has produced five or more goals nine times during this span. Vancouver is giving up 3.3 goals per game in its last three games. San Jose is averaging 4.6 goals in its past five games. So I have little doubt the Sharks will score anywhere from three to five goals. Vancouver's projected starting goalie, Jacob Markstrom, has a bad history versus the Sharks with a 2-5 record and 3.74 goals against average. The Sharks give up an average of 3.6 goals on the road, while Vancouver averages slightly more than three goals a game at home. The Over has cashed in six of San Jose's last seven away contests. Vancouver has gone Over 67 percent of the time during its last 53 home games. The average combined goal total in San Jose's road games this season is 7.2. So it's safe to say the Canucks also should be good for anywhere from three to five goals. If each team manages three goals than the Over cashes. That's not too much to ask.
01-10-19	Sharks v. Golden Knights OVER 6	Top	3-2	Loss	-103	21 h 6 m	Show
The Sharks have the two best offensive defensemen in the NHL with Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns. It is showing, too, as the Sharks have scored three or more goals in 14 of their last 15 games. San Jose has been particularly hot lately averaging 5.1 goals in its last seven games. The Golden Knights have scored at least three goals in eight of their last 10 games. They can take advantage of the Sharks likely to be without defensemen Marc Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun, both of whom have been out with injuries.
12-21-18	Blackhawks v. Avalanche -1.5	Top	2-1	Loss	-100	13 h 0 m	Show
This is a tremendous kill spot for the Avalanche and I have no hesitation backing this view with a puck line play in order to greatly reduce the juice. Colorado is by far the superior team. The Avalanche are rested and draw the Blackhawks in a super letdown spot and with no rest carrying a huge fatigue rating. Chicago defeated the Predators, 2-1, at home Tuesday and then upset the Stars, 5-2, on Thursday in Dallas. This marks their third game in four days - all at different venues - and fourth game in six days. Making this worse for the Blackhawks is playing in Denver, which is high altitude. The Avalanche are 10-6 in their last 16 games. They are the No. 5 scoring team in the NHL with the league's third-best power play. The Blackhawks are in the bottom two both in allowing goals and in killing off power plays. The Blackhawks are without their top goalie, Corey Crawford. They either will have journeyman Cam Ward in net, or rookie Collin Delia.
12-13-18	Hurricanes v. Canadiens -108	Top	4-6	Win	100	10 h 47 m	Show
Montreal is much improved this season. However, the Canadiens are coming off their worst loss of the season. They were buried 7-1 on the road by the Wild this past Tuesday. That was the finale of a three-game road trip. Montreal had defeated the Senators and Blackhawks during the first two legs of the trip.The Canadiens are really pointing to this matchup following that humiliating defeat to Minnesota. They also have revenge for a 2-1 home loss suffered to Carolina on Nov. 27. The Canadiens also had backup goalie Antti Niemi in net during that loss to the Wild. Carey Price will be back in goal for Montreal today. Price is having a good comeback season. The Canadiens are far from an elite team. But neither are the Hurricanes, who rank last in scoring. The Hurricanes have scored more than two goals only once in their last seven games. They have scored one goal or fewer in five of their last seven games. Carolina also is banged-up. The spot and opponent set up for Montreal to gain back its self-respect.
12-12-18	Penguins v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5	Top	3-6	Win	100	10 h 15 m	Show
The Blackhawks are the worst defensive team in the NHL. They have have given up four or more goals in nine of their last 11 games. A coaching change has failed to get their defense going. The Over has cashed in seven of Chicago's past nine games. The Penguins rank eighth in the league in scoring. They are averaging 3.7 goals in their last four games. Pittsburgh, however, is 20th defensively. There is a good chance Matt Murray returns to be Pittsburgh's goalie in this game. He has missed the past 11 games with a lower-body injury. Murray has not had a good season and figures to be rusty.
12-11-18	Panthers v. Blues -115	Top	3-4	Win	100	19 h 16 m	Show
Florida has been enjoying home cooking for nearly 2 1/2 weeks. The Panthers' last road game was Nov. 23. That's a good thing for the Panthers since they are 1-4 in their past five away matchups. Their lone road win during this span was against Ottawa, a sub .500 team. The Panthers' four road losses during this time frame have been by a combined 13 goals. The Blues are not a strong team, but this spot sets up well for them. St. Louis should be fired up after an embarrassing 6-1 home loss to the Canucks on Sunday. The Blues don't play again until Friday. So there's no excuse for them not to give a full effort. Florida is just a .500 team so it's not like the Blues have to step up in class. Vladimir Tarasenko is one of the more dangerous scorers in the league. He's due to score for the Blues having failed to produce a goal during the last four games.
12-04-18	Wild v. Canucks UNDER 6	Top	3-2	Win	100	21 h 26 m	Show
Vancouver has scored 22 goals in its last 11 games, an average of two a game. I'm not expecting the Canucks to score much here because their offense is cold and because I believe the Wild will have a serious defensive commitment. Minnesota has lost five of its last seven, including the past three. This is the start of a three-game Western Canada road swing for the Wild. Minnesota has a good goalie in Devan Dubnyk and its coach, Bruce Boudreau, was stressing shoring up his team's defense. The Wild lost 5-3 to the high-flying Maple Leafs in their last game this past Saturday. But they held Toronto to 23 shots on goal. The Maple Leafs scored two of their goals in flue fashion where shots deflected off Minnesota defenseman Nick Seeler. So the five goals scored by the Maple Leafs is deceiving.
11-21-18	Avalanche -115 v. Kings	Top	7-3	Win	100	28 h 11 m	Show
LA has the worst record in the NHL at 7-12. The Kings have dropped 10 of their last 14 home games going back to last season. Colorado is the superior team and in a better situational spot. The Avalanche last played on Sunday in Anaheim. They have been in Southern California ever since awaiting this matchup. They should be fresh, prepared and rested. Colorado has won three of its last four games. The Avalance are the third-highest scoring team in the league at 3.6 goals. The Kings are coming off a road underdog victory Monday night against the Blues. This marks their fourth game in six days and first home game in nearly a week coming a day before Thanksgiving after three road games in a row. So focus could be an issue for the Kings. LA ranks 31st in scoring and allows more goals per game than Colorado. The Kings also are down their first two goalies with Jonathan Quick and Jack Campbell injured. LA is 3-13 following a victory. The Kings also have lost 12 of the past 15 times versus Western Conference opponents.
10-25-18	Canadiens +104 v. Sabres	Top	3-4	Loss	-100	19 h 58 m	Show
Both the Canadiens and Sabres appear much improved. This spot, though, sets up well for Montreal. Buffalo just went a surprising 3-2 on its five-game Western road trip that lasted for 10 days. The Sabres concluded their journey by beating the Kings, 5-1 on Saturday, and the Ducks, 4-2, on Sunday. This is their first game back home. Buffalo is 0-6 the past six times when not having played for three or more days. Montreal is playing well, too. Only once have the Canadiens lost in regulation in their eight games. Backup goalie Antti Niemi is scheduled to get the start. I'm fine with that. Montreal is 2-0 the two times Niemi has been in goal. The Canadiens swept all four meetings with the Sabres last season and are 4-1 during their last five visits to Buffalo.
10-10-18	Coyotes +145 v. Ducks	Top	3-2	Win	145	20 h 2 m	Show
Anaheim is flying high at 3-0. One of those victories was against Arizona. The Ducks beat the Coyotes, 1-0, this past Saturday in Phoenix. The Coyotes, though, outshot the Ducks, 41-20. Tremendous goalie play from John Gibson saved the Ducks. Gibson is hot. But the Ducks are due for a loss. They've been getting away with playing five rookie forwards due to injuries and nearly lost to the Red Wings at home in their last game prevailing in a shootout this past Monday. The Coyotes should have won the first meeting between the teams. This is short revenge for them. Their goalie, Antti Raanta, has a good history against Anaheim with a 1.66 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage in six starts.
10-09-18	Sharks -105 v. Flyers	Top	8-2	Win	100	17 h 9 m	Show
I want the better team going for me off a loss and at a very reasonable price. Yes, the Sharks are going through an adjustment period with new talent. But so are the Flyers, who just switched up their first and second lines only two games into the season. Philadelphia already has suffered a key injury with James van Riemsdyk out five-to-six weeks with a lower body injury suffered in a road loss to the Avalanche this past Saturday. The Sharks aren't going to lack motivation after an embarrassing 4-0 road loss to the Islanders on Monday. This is a back-to-back game for them, but it's so early in the season that fatigue won't factor. This is Philadelphia's first home game. That could prove a distraction, though, as the Flyers opened their season posting an upset road win against Las Vegas this past Thursday before losing to Colorado on Saturday. San Jose has dominated the Flyers, too, in Philadelphia winning nine of the past 10 meetings there.
06-07-18	Capitals v. Golden Knights -126	Top	4-3	Loss	-126	54 h 10 m	Show
The Golden Knights have not lost four games in a row all season. I'm not expecting that to happen either in this must-win spot for Vegas, down 3-to-1 in this championship series. I express this opinion with the confidence that the Golden Knights will be revitalized returning home. Las Vegas had the fourth-best home mark during the regular season and is 7-2 at home during the Stanley Cup playoffs with the lone losses occurring to the Sharks in overtime and to the Capitals, 3-2, in Game 2. All together, the Golden Knights have won 73 percent of their past 48 games at T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas beat Washington, 6-4, in Game 1 of this series at home. The Golden Knights were stopped, 3-2, in Game 2 when Braden Holtby made a miracle stick save that might have been the best save of the season. That save turned the series around. Washington outplayed Las Vegas, 3-1, at home in Game 3. The Capitals then defeated the Golden Knights, 6-2, at home in Game 4 this past Monday. That score was misleading, though. The Golden Knights attacked well, but didn't get breaks and just missed on their shots on goal. The Capitals took advanage of Las Vegas' aggressiveness to built an early insurmountable 3-0 lead. But I liked how well the Golden Knights attacked the Capitals' 1-1-3 neutral zone trap defense that had been so effective in Game 3. The Golden Knights are going to get their goals in Game 5. They go four lines deep and were the fifth-highest scoring team during the regular season. The Capitals have blown more 3-1 postseason leads than any team. The Capitals have led after four games in the Stanley Cup four times during the Alex Ovechkin era. They lost Game 5 on three of those occasions. I wouldn't trust the Capitals to close out the Golden Knights on the road. This matchup is Las Vegas' time to win.
06-02-18	Golden Knights +111 v. Capitals	Top	1-3	Loss	-100	25 h 12 m	Show
If anything these Stanley Cup playoffs have shown that home ice is overrated. The scene shifts to Washington's Capital One Arena for Game 3. But the Capitals are 4-5 at home during the playoffs. Las Vegas is 6-2 on the road in this postseason. The Capitals survived a 3-2 victory against the Golden Knights this past Wednesday. The Knights outshot Washington, 39-26. Braden Holtby made the save of the playoffs to keep the game from being tied. Las Vegas was the aggressor and nearly won despite not being overly sharp. Look for the Golden Knights to bounce back and for Marc-Andre Fleury to have his best game of the series. Las Vegas is 16-4 when Fleury has been in net following a loss, including 14-2 during the last 16 instances. I'm not sold on the Capitals. They have a history of not winning clutch games in their bid to win the Stanley Cup. The Capitals might also be without their leading scorer in the playoffs, Evgeny Kuznetsov. He's questionable due to an arm injury.
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.
05-20-18	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.
05-18-18	Jets +100 v. Golden Knights	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	11 h 45 m	Show
The Golden Knights hold a 2-1 series lead on the Jets, but I'm not convinced Las Vegas is the better team. Winnipeg didn't play well early in Game 3 and couldn't recover. The Jets, though, did nearly tie the game while firing 33 shots on goal. It took super human goaltending by Marc-Andre Fleury to hold off the Jets. Winnipeg is road tested having won seven of its last 10 away matchups. They Jets have a 7-0 record when playing on Friday. Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler give Winnipeg the two best offensive players on the ice. The Jets are fully capable of playing a better all-around game. They can take their game up a notch while Fleury can't continue to be this super human.
05-17-18	Lightning v. Capitals -110	Top	4-2	Loss	-110	13 h 54 m	Show
It's very hard to beat the Capitals at Capital One Arena. Washington has won 70 percent of its last 133 home games. The Lightning have lost in 37 of their past 54 visits to Washington. Sharp coaching by Jon Cooper in changing up his lines. The combination of that and the Capitals being flat helped the Lightning defeat Washington, 4-2, on the road in Game 3 two days ago. The Capitals may have let up and been overconfident returning home after winning the first two games of the series at Tampa Bay. Expect a much more focused and stronger effort from the Capitals. They will be better prepared and could get an additional boost with the strong possibility star center Nicklas Backstrom returns after missing the last four games with a hand injury. He practiced on Wednesday.
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.
05-01-18	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.
04-26-18	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.
04-20-18	Avalanche v. Predators -1.5	Top	2-1	Loss	-115	18 h 29 m	Show
Nice season for the Avalanche. They did well. But things end here for them. Colorado has played heavily favored Nashville tough in this opening-round Stanley Cup series, but a 3-2 home loss two days ago puts the Avalanche in a 3-1 hole that they aren't going to emerge from. I don't see Colorado having much left to fend off the Predators especially now going on the road. The Predators have been near unbeatable at home during the Stanley Cup going 15-2 in their last 17 playoff games at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators have outscored the Avalance, 10-6, in their two home playoff games during this series. And now the Avalanche are down to third-string goalie Andrew Hammond with both Semyon Varlamov and Jonathan Bernier out with injuries. Nashville has scored three or more goals in nine of its last 10 games, including all four games in this series. The Predators are playing well on special teams, too, and Pekka Rinne is at his best at home with a 2.10 GAA home playoff average for his career. The Predators have dominated the Avalanche winning 13 of the past 14 meetings.
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.
04-12-18	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.
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.
03-24-18	Blackhawks v. Islanders -120	Top	3-1	Loss	-120	10 h 3 m	Show
This is Chicago's first road game since officially being eliminated from the playoffs. The Blackhawks have lost 11 of their last 12 road contests. The Islanders are trying to keep their long-shot playoff hopes alive. So they are in must-win mode. While the Blackhawks lost 5-2 to the Canucks at home in their last game - a victory that halted a seven-game Vancouver losing skid - the Islanders nearly pulled off one of the top comebacks of the season. New York came from a 7-3 third period deficit against the Lightning, the team with the most points in the NHL, to lose 7-6. That shows the Islanders have some life, unlike the Blackhawks. New York also holds a goalie edge with Jaroslav Halak getting the start. Chicago is reduced to pair of ineffective backup goalies.
03-12-18	Canucks v. Kings -1.5	Top	0-3	Win	145	20 h 39 m	Show
This is a kill spot for the Kings and I'll gladly take a nice plus price to lay 1 1/2 goals. The Kings were buried by the struggling Blues, 7-2, at home this past Saturday afternoon. The last time LA was embarrassed at home by that big of a margin was 2008. That loss dropped the Kings out of a playoff spot. But LA can get right back into the playoffs with a victory. Not only do the Kings have playoff incentive and motivation to rebound from probably their worst game of the season, but they also have revenge. The Canucks embarrassed the Kings with a 6-2 home win on Jan. 23. The Canucks are out of playoff contention and struggling losing eight of their last 10 games. They are 0-3 since their leading scorer and rookie sparkplug, Brock Boeser, suffered a season-ending fracture in his lower back last Monday. Vancouver's offense has yet to recover from losing Boeser averaging one goal during the last three games, including a 1-0 defeat to Arizona on Sunday night. This marks Vancouver's third game in four days and second in two nights.
03-08-18	Sabres +145 v. Senators	Top	4-3	Win	145	15 h 56 m	Show
These are the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference. So my natural inclination is to take a plus price. That inclination is heavily increased with the situation. Buffalo is coming off a bad 5-1 home loss to Calgary Wednesday night. Sabres coach Phil Housley was critical of his team's defense. I expect the Sabres to come out motivated and playing much better. They were 3-1 in their prevous four games with the victories coming against the Bruins, Lightning and Maple Leafs. Those three teams are all far superior to the Senators. Goalie Robin Lehner won't lack motivation having used to play for Ottawa. Lehner is expected to get the start for Buffalo. He's 5-0-3 versus the Senators with a .950 save percentage and 1.57 GAA. The Senators are 1-8 in their last nine games versus opponents with a less than .400 winning percentage. They return home fat and happy after capping off their four-game, nine-day long road trip with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Stars on Monday. Buffalo is 4-1 versus Ottawa during the past five meetings.
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.
02-23-18	Sharks +116 v. Blackhawks	Top	1-3	Loss	-100	19 h 51 m	Show
I strongly disagree with the oddsmaker opening the Blackhawks a favorite against the Sharks. Yes, San Jose looked terrible in a 7-1 road loss last night against Nashville. The Sharks had won three straight previous to that and the Predators can make any team look bad in Nashville. The Blackhawks have lost nine of their last 11. They managed to beat the equally horrid Senators, 3-2, in a shootout at home two nights ago. Chicago isn't turning a corner. The Blackhawks are stuck in the reality that they are going to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The Sharks should be on the attack with Tomas Hertl back in the lineup. San Jose has a strong track record when playing bad teams going 40-19 versus sub .500 opponents. Chicago is 10-26 the past 36 times it has played a foe with a winning mark. San Jose holds a huge goalie edge, too, with starter Martin Jones returning to goal after backup Aaron Dell gave up seven goals to the Predators. The Blackhawks' goalie choices are backups Anton Forsberg, or Jean-Francois Berube.
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 -123	Top	3-5	Win	100	14 h 45 m	Show
The Penguins are back playing at their two-time defending Stanley Cup champion level. They have dominated at home winning 76 percent of their 74 home games, including the last 10 at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh has added motivation - revenge. The Maple Leafs beat them in Pittsburgh, 4-3. That was back on Dec. 9, though, when the Penguins weren't playing nearly as well. Since the calendar flipped to 2018, the Penguins are 14-4-1. Matt Murray is playing well in net for Pittsburgh with a 6-0-1 mark in his last seven starts. He has a .924 save percentage in his last 10 games. Toronto has won five in a row. All of those vicories, however, came at home. This is the Maple Leafs' first road game in two weeks. They lost to the Bruins, 4-1, in their last away matchup.
02-16-18	Islanders v. Hurricanes -1.5	Top	3-0	Loss	-100	15 h 19 m	Show
Carolina has won each of its last three home games by more than one goal. The Hurricanes are in a good spot to cover the puck line again at home with a multiple goal victory against the defensively-challenged Islanders. The Islanders are coming off a hugely satisfying rivalry victory against the Rangers last night. Jaroslav Halak was brilliant in goal for the Islanders stopping 50 shots in a 3-0 victory. Halak isn't expected to start, though, in this game. That means a drop to backup goalie Thomas Greiss. Islanders goalies have it extremely rough as New York gives up the most goals and shots on goal in the league. The Islanders had allowed 25 goals in their last six games prior to Thursday. Opponents have averaged 51 shots on goal during the Islanders' last two games. The Islanders have permitted three or more goals in 13 of their last 15 games. This is the Islanders' third game in four days, too, so there will be a fatigue factor. New York has lost 10 of its last 14 road contests. The Hurricanes also played Thursday night losing 5-2 on the road to New Jersey. Backup goalie Scott Darling was in net for Carolina in that loss. Starter Cam Ward is expected to be back in goal for this game. The Hurricanes are 5-1-1 in Ward's last seven starts. Carolina is 10-2 the past 12 times facing foes with a sub .500 record.
01-18-18	Sabres v. Rangers -1.5	Top	3-4	Loss	-100	14 h 51 m	Show
The Buffalo Bills ended their long playoff drought this season. The Buffalo Sabres won't. The Sabres, who last made the postseason in 2011, are the second-worst team in the NHL behind only Arizona. No team has fewer goals than the Sabres with 99. They are on pace to score the third-fewest goals in franchise history. This is part of why I like the Rangers to win by more than one goal in tonight's game. There is much more, though. New York is coming off an impressive 5-1 home victory against Philadelphia two days ago. That was the Rangers' 14th victory in their last 19 home games. Buffalo is off a rare victory, too. The Sabres defeated Columbus, 3-1, a week ago. Buffalo has not played since in accordance with the league-mandated break for each team. So the Sabres figure to be extremely rusty. They are 1-4 the past five times they played following being idle for three or more days. You have to go back to Oct. 23-24 to find the last time the Sabres won consecutive games. The Rangers just don't want to give back that victory they earned against the Flyers by losing this game. This is a kill spot for them - and I see them routing the rusty and punchless Sabres. Taking a nice plus price on the puck line is a good reward.
01-05-18	Golden Knights v. Blackhawks -120	Top	5-4	Loss	-120	16 h 36 m	Show
The Blackhawks are getting in gear beating the Rangers, 5-2, on Wednesday. Chicago limited the Rangers to 25 shots and have gotten better play in goal after promoting Jeff Glass. He has a .917 save percentage in his first three NHL starts. Chicago catches Las Vegas in a tough spot. It's a huge understatement to say the Golden Knights have exceeded expectations. They have been the greatest first-year success story so far, but this is a terrible spot for them. Las Vegas just played the Blues tough on the road last night losing 2-1. This not only marks their second game in two days but sixth game in 10 days. The loss to the Blues also snapped an eight-game Las Vegas win streak. Often times a team will be flat when playing without rest after having a long win streak ended. The Golden Knights could have backup goalie Malcolm Subban in net, too, after starter Marc Andre-Fleury played last night. The Blackhawks are a solid 10-5-2 at home this season while outscoring the opposition by more than one goal per game.
11-28-17	Stars v. Golden Knights -113	Top	3-0	Loss	-113	19 h 36 m	Show
It's time to take the Golden Knights serious especially when they are home. Las Vegas leads the Pacific Division with a 15-6-1 record. A key is a 9-1 home mark. The Golden Knights have won their last eight games at T-Mobile Arena. They won five of those eight games by multiple goals. Dallas happens to be a terrible road team. The Stars are 9-2 at home, but 3-8-1 on the road. Dallas has dropped its last four away contests. Part of the reason why the Stars struggle on the road is poor goalie play from Ben Bishop. He's been much better at home. The Stars have given up 19 goals in Bishop's last four road starts. Las Vegas goalie Malcolm Subban, by contrast, is 4-0 this season with a 1.87 GAA and .935 save percentage. The teams met in the first game of the season. That was in Dallas and Las Vegas won, 2-1. Now the Golden Knights get the Stars in Las Vegas where they have won 90 percent of the time.
11-22-17	Canucks v. Penguins -1.5	Top	5-2	Loss	-100	17 h 22 m	Show
I see this as a kill spot for the Penguins. Pittsburgh is going to be well-rested and motivated having last played this past Saturday when it lost 2-1 to the Blackhawks at home. That was just the Penguins' 12th loss in their past 52 home games. Vancouver is in a flat spot following its 5-2 upset road win against the Flyers Tuesday night. The Canucks entered that matchup against the struggling Flyers ranked 27th in goals and 24th on the power play. The Penguins are going to be missing superstar Evgeni Malkin for the first time this season. He suffered an upper-body injury in the loss to the Blackhawks. But the Canucks have been without their best defenseman, Chris Tanev. He's been out since suffering a thumb injury two weeks ago. Even if Tanev returns to the lineup here, I still like the Penguins enough to lay 1 1/2 goals and in return get a plus price.
10-17-17	Penguins -106 v. Rangers	Top	5-4	Win	100	19 h 49 m	Show
Maybe the Rangers get their problems straighten out here. But I'll back the two-time defending Stanley Cup Penguins at this price against a struggling New York squad that is 1-5 and very much looking for answers. The Rangers have scored only 13 goals in six games of which only one was scored without a man advantage. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault keeps searching for the right line combinations. And now he plans on shuffling the lone line that has been together for all six games. Not helping matters for the Rangers is goalie Henrik Lundqvist still continues to be in decline. The Penguins aren't nearly as strong away from home, but they're still an above average road team. The Penguins have away games against the Panthers and Lightning up next so they don't want to open their road swing with a loss against this struggling foe. Pittsburgh has won in six of its last seven road games against the Rangers.
10-13-17	Ducks -115 v. Avalanche	Top	1-3	Loss	-115	10 h 49 m	Show
Colorado is off to a 3-1 start, but I'm far from sold on the Avalanche. Colorado has beaten Boston twice. The Bruins are without a couple of key players and are off to a terrible start. The Avalanche has been bailed out by outstanding goaltending from Semyon Varlamov, who is 3-0 with a 1.67 GAA. However, Varlamov is getting a day off here. Backup Jonathan Bernier will be in net for Colorado. He was in net when the Avalanche lost their lone game, 4-1 to New Jersey this past Saturday. The Ducks are getting healthier as Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Eaves are both back. They compose the Ducks' top line along with Corey Perry.
10-10-17	Flyers v. Predators OVER 5.5	Top	5-6	Win	106	12 h 3 m	Show
I like what I've seen of the Flyers' offense so far. The Flyers scored five goals against the Sharks in San Jose to open their season. They were stopped by the Kings, 2-0, in their second game but had 35 shots on goal and then beat the Ducks, 3-2, in overtime this past Saturday. The Flyers had 15 shots on goal in the third period versus the Ducks and would have scored more goals if not for the outstanding goaltending of John Gibson. Wayne Simmons already has four goals. The Predators haven't played well defensively. They've scored just three goals in two games. But Nashville has too many good young forwards to be held down especially now playing at home for the first time where their defensemen are very offensive-minded. The over is 5-1-1 the past seven times these teams have met in Nashville.
06-03-17	Penguins v. Predators -131	Top	1-5	Win	100	40 h 31 m	Show
Based on statistics and overall play, you could make an argument that the Predators are better than the Penguins during these Stanley Cup Finals. It's Pittsburgh, however, that leads the series, 2-0. Better goaltending has been instrumental in the Penguins negating the Predators' longer stretches of excellence. Matt Murray has easily outshined Pekka Rinne in goal. But I believe Nashville is the right side here coming home in a must-win spot. The Penguins have to be a little fat, forunate and happy being up 2-0. The Predators have fired 25 more shots on goal during the series. Nashville has a very strong home ice advantage. They are 19-7 in its last 26 home games, including 7-1 during the Stanley Cup. Rinne has the superior defense behind him especially with the Penguins minus Kris Letang. Rinne has impressive credentials. He was brilliant up until this series. I certainly can't see the Penguins sweeping the Predators. This is the game Nashville must have - and they are due for some breaks and better goaltending. That should come here at home.
05-31-17	Predators +133 v. Penguins	Top	1-4	Loss	-100	14 h 23 m	Show
The Predators outplayed the Penguins in Game 1 of these Stanley Cup Finals this past Monday, but lost, 5-3, despite holding Pittsburgh without a shot on goal for 37 minutes. Nashville has a winning road record during the Stanley Cup playoffs going 5-4. All of their away playoff defeats were by one goal, or two goals when they gave up an empty-netter. The Predators have the better defense and I would take Pekka Rinne over Matt Murray in goal. Rinne had an off-game in Game 1, but entered these finals red-hot carrying a postseason-best 1.70 goals against average. I like Murray, but he lacks Rinne's experience and pedigree. Rinne is a proven elite goalie, a three-time Vezina Trophy finalist. I can see the Predators holding the Penguins in check during this Game 2, while producing enough offense to win. Colton Sissons has proven he can be counted on in replacing injured Ryan Johansen and Mike Fisher is back from injury. So I'm not worried about the Predators' center play. Note, too, that the Penguins are 2-5 the past seven times following a victory.
05-25-17	Senators v. Penguins OVER 5	Top	2-3	Push	0	29 h 43 m	Show
I went Under 5 at a plus price in Game 6 between these two teams and was financially rewarded when the Senators won, 2-1, at home. Now the scene shifts to Pittsburgh for Game 7 of these Eastern Conference Finals. There's only one way to play this total - and this time it is Over. I see the Penguins opening this game up at home. They easily could have scored more than one goal on the road in Game 6 firing 46 shots on goal and generally controlling the action.. Trevor Daley had a goal called back after a lengthy review in which it was ruled Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson had been pushed into the net. Anderson was great in the Senators' victory. He was terrible in Pittsburgh's 7-0 Game 5 victory. Sidney Crosby had scored a goal in three straight games until Game 6. Still, Crosby fired six shots on goal in Game 6 and Pittsburgh outshot Ottawa, 23-11, when he was on the ice and the teams were at even strength. You have to think Crosby and fellow superstar, Evgeni Malkin, will come up with big games. Ottawa could contribute to the scoring, too, after ending an 0-for-29 power-play slump with a power play goal in Game 6. The Senators will be forced to get out of their defensive shell if they fall behind, a likely occurrence with Pittsburgh a 2-to-1 favorite. The chance for two empy net goals for the winning team is in play, too, with this being Game 7.
05-23-17	Penguins v. Senators UNDER 5	Top	1-2	Win	124	13 h 7 m	Show
The Senators made a huge strategic mistake two days ago when they lost, 7-0, to the Penguins in Pittsburgh. They tried to play run-and-gun with the offensively-superior Penguins. That's not going to happen today with the Senators at home and their season on the line trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Finals. Ottawa is going to revert back to its normal play, which is a conservative, defensive style meant to pick spots and frustrate Pittsburgh. It worked for the Senators during the first three games of the series when they allowed just three goals. The Penguins have made adjustments and played much better during the last two games. One adjustment was going with Matt Murray in goal instead of Marc-Andre Fleury. I've always considered Murray to be Pittsburgh's top goalie. He was outstanding in helping lead the Penguins to the Stanley Cup last season and he's been great since replacing Fleury giving up just two goals during nearly nine quarters posting a 1.08 goals against average and .958 save percentage. There was one plus for the Senators in getting blown out by the Penguins this past Sunday. They were able to greatly reduce the ice time of star defenseman Erik Karlsson and Cody Ceci. This could prove especially beneficial to Karlsson, who is playing with two hairline fractures in his left heel. There's a chance, too, that the Senators could get back defenseman Mark Borowiecki, who has been out since early in the Round 1 series against Boston.
05-16-17	Ducks v. Predators -145	Top	1-2	Win	100	14 h 5 m	Show
Normally, I don't like to lay a price higher than $1.35 in a hockey game especially in the Stanley Cup where there have been lots of upsets this season. But I believe Nashville warrants backing at a little extra juice. The series is tied 1-1. The Predators, though, outplayed the Ducks during the two games in Anaheim. Now the Predators return to Nashville where they have won 19 of their last 26. The Predators have won nine playoff games in a row at Bridgestone Arena, including all five Stanley Cup games this season. The last time the Predators lost a playoff game at home was last season to the Ducks. The Predators won't forget that. The Ducks haven't made a road trip of this distance in quite a while. I like the coaches from both of these teams. I had the Ducks in Game 2 with part of my handicap being a belief that Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle would make the right adjustments and take advantage of getting to make the last line change since his team was home. Mission accomplished. However, now Carlyle loses that edge being the road coach. Nashville's Peter Laviolette may be the doing the best coaching job of any coach during the Stanley Cup. The Predators won Game 1 in Anaheim and led 2-0 in Game 2 before losing because goalie Pekka Rinne had a rare shaky performance. The Predators aren't going to blow a lead at home, especially a two-goal advantage, and Rinne had played extremely well in the playoffs up to the last game. I trust Rinne more than Anaheim goalie John Gibson, an average netminder who has been playing well above his head so far. The Predators have had a number of good looks, more than the Ducks. The Predators are due for a higher percentage of those shots to go in the net. Gibson doesn't have the track record to maintain this high of a level. Even though the Ducks scored five goals in the last game, I'm not sold that their offense has turned around. Corey Perry remain awful and the Predators have yielded just seven goals in regulation during their last seven home games.
05-12-17	Predators +105 v. Ducks	Top	3-2	Win	105	29 h 9 m	Show
Nashville is 8-2 in the playoffs. The Predators won Game 1 both at Chicago and at St. Louis. I see them making it three straight Stanley Cup Game 1 road victories here against the Ducks. Not only do the Predators have the history of starting fast on the road, but they also have that sense of urgency. Anaheim figures to be flat after ending a five consecutive Game 7 losing streak by defeating Edmonton Wednesday night in its Game 7 matchup. No NHL team ever had dropped six consecutive Game 7 playoff matchups. That was a grueling series the Ducks had against the Oilers. The Predators are the far fresher team having eliminated the Blues this past Sunday. Nashville doesn't have a superstar the caliber of Connor McDavid like the Oilers. However, the Predators have speed up front and better defensemen than the Oilers. They have a hot goalie, too, in Pekka Rinne. The Ducks are going to have to play extremely well to beat the Predators just like they did against the Oilers in Game 7. I don't see that happening given the short turnaround and the Predators' all around talent plus proven track record in Game 1 road matchups.
05-06-17	Penguins v. Capitals OVER 5	Top	2-4	Win	100	12 h 36 m	Show
I'm surprised this line is not above 5. Even though the juice has gotten heavy on the over, it's still worth laying. It's an added plus if Sidney Crosby plays. There has been at least five goals in all four games of the series and nine straight in the series. There also has been a minium of five goals scored in 17 of the Penguins' past 18 games. Not only could the Penguins get back Crosby, who is expected to play after practicing on Friday, but Conor Sheary, too. Sheary scored 23 goals during the regular season. He missed Game 4 after suffering a concussion in Game 3. Sheary practiced, too, Friday. Washington goalie Braden Holtby hasn't played up to his reigning Vezine Trophy status giving up three goals per game with just an .867 save percentage. The Capitals are due for a big scoring game with their quick strike capabilities. This is their game to win. Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been playing above his head. Capitals coach Barry Trotz moved Alex Ovechkin to the third line, which should ensure maxium offense for Washington on all three lines.
04-21-17	Bruins v. Senators -102	Top	3-2	Loss	-102	16 h 29 m	Show
The games certainly have been close, bu the Senators have had the Bruins' number all season. Ottawa is 7-1 versus Boston this season. The Senators have won three in a row against Boston after dropping the first one in this series and I see them closing out Boston at home today. The Bruins have lost six of their last seven at Ottawa and their blue line is decimated with injuries. Rookie Charlie McAvoy, who hadn't played in the NHL during the regular season, led all Boston players with 25:03 minutes of ice team in the last game. The Bruins have been missing defensemen Torey Krug, Adam McQuaid and Brandon Carlo. None are expected to play today. Ottawa has had good rhythm when playing on one day's rest winning 20 of the past 28 times in that situation. The Bruins were shut out on Wednesday. David Pastrnak, who scored 34 goals during the regular season, has been a bust with just one goal and that came on a 5-on-3 advantage. He's had only two shots on net. Boston's confidence can't be good down 3-1 in the series knowing its never won a series before when down by that margin.
04-13-17	Maple Leafs v. Capitals -1.5	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	16 h 52 m	Show
Expectations are high again for the Capitals entering the Stanley Cup, something they have failed to capture during this past decade despite winning seven division titles. I see the Capitals, 11-2-1 in their last 14 games, opening their first-round series with a victory against the Maple Leafs. So does the oddsmaker, who has made Washington better than a 2-to-1 favorite. I won't lay those odds instead taking a plus price on the puck line in the belief this game will be a blowout. Even it is tight, the Maple Leafs will be pulling their goalie earlier than usual if down by a goal late in the game thus increasing the chances of a multple goal winning game for Washington. This is just the third time the Maple Leafs have made the postseason since 2003-04. Toronto has some exciting young talent, but lacks the Captials' defense and playoff experience. Opening on the road makes it even more difficult for the Maple Leafs. Washington has won 76 percent of its past 78 home games, including going 32-7-2 this season. The Capitals have dominated the Maple Leafs winning seven of the last eight meetings. The Capitals had a down goal-scoring year from Alex Ovechkin - at least by his high standards - but still scored the third-most goals in the league. The Maple Leafs were fifth in goals scored, but are not used to the increased tight-checking that goes on in the playoffs. The Capitals also possess a huge edge in the nets with Braden Holtby, who had a career-best 2.07 GAA while leading the NHL with nine shutouts.
04-12-17	Blue Jackets v. Penguins UNDER 5.5	Top	1-3	Win	100	29 h 55 m	Show
I see both teams playing tight here with a lot of intensity and physical play. The Blue Jackets enter the playoffs on a bad 1-6 run. They are averaging less than two goals per game during their last 10 games. Only one of the Blue Jackets' last eight away games went above the total. Columbus can't let Sidney Crosby beat them and that's where Brandon Dubinsky comes in. Dubinsky is a physical center, who has a history of bothering Crosby, the NHL's top goal scorer this season. Both teams have solid goalies with Sergei Bobrovsky and Matt Muray, who was particularly good at home for Pittsburgh going 17-5. The teams just met a eight days ago in Pittsburgh with Murray in net and the Penguins won, 4-1. Wednesday Free Play Bruins minus $1.20 at Senators What does it say when the Bruins are favored in this Game 1 despite being on the road and losing all four regular-season meetings to the Senators? It tells us the oddsmaker believes Boston is the superior team. I agree. The Bruins are the more experienced playoff team, have the better goalie in Tukka Rask over Craig Anderson and hold huge edges in special teams. The Bruins are the top penalty-killing unit in the NHL. They also ranked seventh in power play scoring percentage. Ottawa rates 22nd in penalty killing and 23rd in power play scoring percentage. Boston is better, too, offensively. Brad Marchand and David Pastmak are the two best goal scorers in the game. The Senators were held to just 28 goals during their last 15 games. The Bruins are much better since Bruce Cassidy took over going 20-8-1 since then. Yes, Ottawa did go 4-0 versus the Bruins in the regular season but each of those games could have gone either way. Now, when the pressure really is on, I see the Bruins prevailing.
03-27-17	Blackhawks -121 v. Lightning	Top	4-5	Loss	-121	16 h 9 m	Show
Chicago is much superior to Tampa Bay with 12 more victories and eight fewer losses. The key question is will the Blackhawks have the motivation to win this road game when they are all but assured of the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference? I certainly believe so. Not only do the Blackhawks have revenge for a 5-2 home loss suffered to the Lightning back in January, but they were humiliated, 7-0, on the road by the Panthers in their last game this past Saturday. I see that defeat - which Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville called "an ugly, ugly loss" - as a wakeup call. The Blackhawks had been playing well going 6-0-1 in their previous seven games. The Blackhawks are usually very strong on the road winning 13 of their past 16 away games. They are 8-0 the past eight times on the road when meeting an opponent with a winning home record.
03-20-17	Kings v. Oilers -133	Top	0-2	Win	100	18 h 40 m	Show
The matchup and spot set up extremely well for the home ice Oilers. Edmonton has won three in a row outscoring its oppoents, 16-5, during this hot streak. This is the last game of the Oilers' eight-game homestand. A victory here would put the Oilers in second place in the Pacific Divison as they look to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. Connor McDavid is proving himself to be perhaps the most valuable player in the league with 21 points in his last 18 games. Spirit and momentum are high right now with the Oilers. This is the time to ride them. Not so with the Kings. Los Angeles isn't likely to make the playoffs trailing Nashville by six points for the second wild-card spot in the West with 11 games remaining. The Kings just got blasted, 5-2, by the Flames in Calgary on Sunday. The Kings haven't scored moe than two goals during each of their last four games. They have dropped four of their last five road games, are 0-4 the past four times playing without rest and also are 1-8 when facing a foe with an above . 500 record. Their goaltending hasn't been shapr either. Starting goalie Jonathan Quick was pulled on Sunday after giving up two goals on Calgary's first eight shots and backup Ben Bishop is past his prime.
03-05-17	Canucks v. Ducks -1.5	Top	2-1	Loss	-100	10 h 4 m	Show
This has blowout written all over it so I'm laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line. Vancouver played its guts out in hanging on to a 4-3 road victory against the Kings last night. The Canucks were outshot, 44-21, and outplayed but survived in large part because of outstanding goaltending by Ryan Miller. The Canucks are not in shape for this quick turnaround. They are playing without rest and for the third time in four days. Miller will be exhausted if he has to play again today. If he doesn't than mediocre backup Jacob Markstrom would be in net. Vancouver has lost the past five times following a victory. Even with the win against the Kings, the Canucks are just 9-20-1-2 on the road. Long-term, Vancouver is 20-45 away. Anaheim is 20-7-2-1 at home with wins in four of its last five home contests. The Ducks got the rust off from their bye week beating the Maple Leafs, 5-2, at home this past Friday. The Ducks can't afford to take Vancouver lightly as their next five games are against the Predators, Blackhawks on the road, Blues on the road, Capitals and Blues again.
02-28-17	Red Wings v. Canucks -111	Top	3-2	Loss	-111	14 h 40 m	Show
Teams playing in their first game off their league mandated extended break are 8-18. Detroit is coming off its bye week. The Red Wings also aren't very good. Their 25-year playoff run is likely to end this season since they're 11 points out of the second wild-card spot. Morale can't be too good for the Red Wings now in action for the first time in a week opening a five-game road trip here. Detroit is 0-3 this season when having been idle for three or more days. Vancouver isn't likely to make the playoffs either. But the Canucks are 18-10-3 at home. Detroit is 2-8 in its last 10 road contests. The Canucks are 7-2 the past nine times they've hosted an opponent with a losing road mark.
02-19-17	Bruins v. Sharks -110	Top	2-1	Loss	-110	13 h 29 m	Show
The Bruins are 3-0 under interim coach Bruce Cassidy, but that is trumped by Boston playing its first game following its bye week. Teams off a bye are 3-14-1 and have yet to win this month. That trumps the Bruins' mini win streak. San Jose was in a slump losing five of seven, but got back on track beating Arizona, 4-1, last night. The Sharks are playing without rest, but were idle on Thursday and Friday. The Sharks have revenge against Boston and are 18-7-3 at home. They are 3-1 in their last four home games versus the Bruins. Boston goalie Tukka Rask has a 4.18 GAA and .833 save percentage in his last four away games.
02-18-17	Predators v. Wild -143	Top	2-5	Win	100	16 h 14 m	Show
Not only are the Wild the best team in the Western Conference, but they are in a ripe spot here. Minnesota catches Nashville coming off its bye week. Teams coming off their bye have yet to win in five games this month being outscored 25-8, including 21-3 through the first two periods. The Predators are 20 points behind the Wild. They are 0-5 the past five times when playing on three or more days rest. Minnesota has won 20 of its last 28 home games. The Wild have won eight of their last 11 games, but a home loss to the Ducks from two games ago to keep them from getting too cocky not to mention a home loss to the Predators on Jan. 22. So a strong Minnesota effort should be forthcoming against the obviously rusty Predators.
02-16-17	Stars v. Wild OVER 5.5	Top	1-3	Loss	-114	15 h 13 m	Show
The over has cashed in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 home games - and this certainly looks like another over. The Wild is the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL. Yet they are off a 1-0 home loss to the Ducks two days go. The Wild were shut out despite firing 37 shots on goal. Minnesota hasn't gone under the total the past 11 times when scoring two or fewer goals in its previous game. Minnesota certainly isn't going to get shut out against the Stars, who are second-to-last in goals allowed and last in defending against the power play. Dallas has two veteran goalies, Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi, neither of whom has played well this season. Dallas has surrendered at least three goals in 14 of its last 15 games! The Stars' scoring is down from a year ago, but they are still an above average scoring unit with star players, who can take advantage of Minnesota being down defensemen Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba.
02-09-17	Canucks v. Blue Jackets UNDER 5.5	Top	3-0	Win	100	12 h 30 m	Show
Columbus is home for only the second time in its last eight games. The Blue Jackets give up the fifth-fewest goals in the league, but fiery coach John Tortorella hasn't been pleased with his team's defense lately. The Blue Jackets are looking to tighten up their defense and they've found the right opponent. Vancouver ranks third-from-the-bottom in the NHL in scoring, shots on goal and power play goals. The Canucks have been held to two goals or fewer in nine of their last 12 games. Both teams have issues with their power play. Columbus has scored in just two of its last 19 power play opportunities while Vancouver's power play unit will be without injured forward Sven Baertschi. He's the Canucks' fourth leading scorer and key guy on their power play. The Blue Jackets have a strong under tendency when facing Western Conference opponents with the under standing 17-5-1 the past 23 times. The under also has cashed seven of the last eight times the two teams have met in Columbus.
02-08-17	Blackhawks v. Wild OVER 5.5	Top	4-3	Win	110	9 h 55 m	Show
I can point out that Minnesota is the No. 3 scoring team in the league while Chicago is 11th in goals scored. But to be honest, I'm just going to ride the Wild's amazing over the total run especially when the total is less than six. Minnesota is 17-3-1 to the over in its last 21 games. The over has cashed in Minnesota's past five games and is 9-1-1 during the Wild's past 11 home games. The Blackhawks have only gone under the total twice in their last 11 road contests. The over also is 3-0-1 the past four times the teams have met in Minnesota.
02-07-17	Blue Jackets -117 v. Red Wings	Top	3-2	Win	100	8 h 5 m	Show
Columbus hasn't lost three games in a row all season and I don't see it happening here. Since winning 16 consecutive games, the Blue Jackets have gone 6-8-1 and were flat returning home from a five-game losing streak losing 5-1 to the Devils this past Saturday. Now the Blue Jackets have been idle the past two days and in stop-the-pain mode. Columbus has won five of the last six times following a loss and are 15-3 going back to last season when having two or more days off following their previous game. The Blue Jackets have the No. 1 power play in the league and can take advantage of Detroit's weak goaltending. The Red Wings are off one-goal victories against the Islanders at home and Predators on the road. The Red Wings were outshot by a combined 35 shots in those two victories. Detroit is down two key players, too, with defenseman Niklas Kronwall and forward Frans Nielsen each out with injuries.
02-06-17	Sabres v. Devils -117	Top	1-2	Win	100	11 h 21 m	Show
Since opening 7-0-2 at home, the Devils have dropped seven consecutive games in New Jersey. I see the Devils ended their home game losing skid here, though. The Devils need to make their move now if they're going to get into the playoffs. This is the first of five consecutive games for New Jersey. The Devils are placing tremendous emphasis on this matchup. They don't play again until Sunday. So nothing is going to be held back. New Jersey has its perfect patsy in place to accomplish that - Buffalo. The Sabres have lost six of their last eight road contests. They are 1-7 in their past eight meetings versus the Devils going 1-5 in New Jersey. The Devils are 2-0 against the Sabres this season winning 2-1 on the road and 4-2 at home. The Devils need Taylor Hall to step up. Hall broke out of his scoring slump with two goals in the Devils' last game, an impressive 5-1 road win against the Blue Jackets this past Saturday.
01-16-17	Stars v. Sabres UNDER 5.5	Top	1-4	Win	100	8 h 56 m	Show
Dallas isn't the high-scoring team of a year ago. Jamie Benn is having a down season and the Stars rank just 17th in goals scored. The Sabres are a defensive-team. They rank 27th in goals scored. Their style is tight-checking with a methodical neutral zone approach. They like to force turnovers and dump-offs. The Stars dislike this approach preferring an up-and-down the ice style. Buffalo is effective at home in its way of doing things. The under is 14-6-6 in the Sabres' past 26 home contests. An early day time start here is a plus to the under, too. The Stars just beat the Wild in an exciting 5-4 game this past Saturday coming from four goals down. This game is going to have an opposite feel. Dallas has a bigger road game on deck tomorrow facing the Rangers. So it's a real flat spot for the Stars. The under has cashed four of the last five times, too, when the teams have met.

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