NHL Archive | |||||||
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
05-03-24 | Stars -108 v. Golden Knights | 0-2 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
Dallas finished with the best record in the Western Conference and the Stars have taken over this series against Las Vegas winning three in a row. The defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights are on the verge of elimination now. I don't see them getting up to make the count. |
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05-02-24 | Bruins +100 v. Maple Leafs | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 50 m | Show | |
Credit Toronto with a gutty, 2-1, road win against the Bruins in Game 5 to stay alive in their Stanley Cup series. |
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04-25-24 | Panthers v. Lightning -105 | 5-3 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 37 m | Show | |
After a pair of one-goal road losses to the Panthers, the price is right to back the Lightning at home for Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Series. The frustrated Lightning probably should have won Tuesday's Game 2, but were defeated in overtime. |
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04-24-24 | Bruins v. Maple Leafs -107 | 4-2 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 17 m | Show | |
Normally I don't care to back the Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup playoffs given their sad postseason history. But this is a good spot for Toronto. The Maple Leafs' confidence is up after they evening the series at 1-1 with a 3-2 victory against the Bruins this past Monday. That victory also snapped an eight-game losing streak to Boston. Now the Maple Leafs are at home. They could get William Nylander back. That would be huge. Nylander, second on the team in goals and points, has missed the first two games because of injury. The Bruins are down a defenseman in their rotation with Andrew Peeke suffering an injury.
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04-21-24 | Predators +129 v. Canucks | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 51 m | Show | |
There's a lot of built-in pressure on the Canucks hosting their first Stanley Cup game in nine years. I believe the Predators - an excellent road team at 24-14-3 - can steal this first one in Vancouver. |
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04-21-24 | Avalanche v. Jets -104 | 6-7 | Win | 100 | 7 h 53 m | Show | |
The oddsmaker is giving Colorado too much respect with this line. The Avalanche is a much better home than road team. Winnipeg is a blazing 8-0 in its last eight games. This includes a 7-0 road win against the Avalanche just eight days ago. That victory also meant a season sweep against Colorado for Winnipeg.
The Avalanche enter Stanley Cup play with a losing record during their last 11 games. I don't see the Avalanche having a big scoring game on the road against the Jets, who tied the Panthers for fewest goals allowed during the regular season at 2.4 per game. |
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04-20-24 | Maple Leafs v. Bruins -120 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 59 m | Show | |
Boston owned Toronto during the regular season winning all four games, including capturing the last two meetings by three goals apiece in each game. |
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04-18-24 | Blackhawks +312 v. Kings | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 47 m | Show | |
At this price, I'm going to take a shot on the Blackhawks. The Kings have clinched a playoff berth. So they could be resting players to get ready for the Stanley Cup. |
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04-17-24 | Oilers v. Coyotes +156 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 156 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
I'm going to accept this price on the home underdog Coyotes, who are likely playing their final game in Arizona. The team is expected to move to Salt Lake City next season. |
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04-15-24 | Canadiens v. Red Wings -1.5 | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 31 m | Show | |
I see the Red Wings winning this game by multiple goals. It's Detroit's final regular season home game and the Red Wings are fired-up after upsetting the Maple Leafs on the road this past Saturday. That dramatic overtime victory keep the Red Wings' playoff hopes alive. The Canadiens are 1-5 in their last six games and out of playoff contention. |
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04-11-24 | Flyers v. Rangers -1.5 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
The Rangers have dominated this series going 9-0-1 during the past 10 meetings, including beating the Flyers the past six times.
New York is trying to win its division and won't lack motivation especially after losing to the Devils two days ago. This is more of a fade against Philadelphia, though. The Flyers have lost eight straight games with six of the defeats occurring by multiple goals. The Flyers have been outscored by 24 goals during their eight-game losing streak. |
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04-08-24 | Golden Knights +106 v. Canucks | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 28 m | Show | |
Vancouver is leading the Pacific Division. But the Canucks have been struggling since losing their top goalie, Thatcher Demko, to a lower body injury. |
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04-03-24 | Canucks v. Coyotes +130 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 28 m | Show | |
The Coyotes have a winning record at Mullett Arena. They've won five of their last seven home games. |
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03-26-24 | Golden Knights v. Predators -139 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 20 h 42 m | Show |
Nashville is a blistering 15-2 in its last 17 games with five consecutive victories. The Predators are riding a franchise-record 17-game point streak. |
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03-25-24 | Golden Knights v. Blues +134 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 3 m | Show | |
The home 'dog Blues are not getting enough respect here. All the Blues have done is go 6-1 in their last seven games with the only loss during this span coming to the Avalanche by one goal. St. Louis has scored at least three goals in each of its last seven games. The Golden Knights' defense is down from last season. |
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03-19-24 | Avalanche v. Blues +188 | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 3 h 28 m | Show | |
Colorado is fat and happy having won the first three games of its road trip. This is the Avalanche's final game of that road trip. The Avalanche also are going with backup Justus Annumen in net. The Blues are playing well having won four in a row. They've given up only six goals during this four-game span. |
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03-16-24 | Avalanche v. Oilers OVER 6.5 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -135 | 20 h 5 m | Show |
I'm surprised this total didn't open 7. It is heavily juiced at 6 1/2, but I have to believe each of these high-powered offenses will produce at least three goals.
Both teams should have their legs. Each has been idle since Wednesday. The Avalanche are the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL averaging 3.7 goals a game. They are averaging 4.3 goals during their last eight games. Edmonton is fourth in the league in scoring at 3.5 goals per game. The Oilers have scored 11 goals during their last two games. |
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03-15-24 | Kings v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5 | 5-0 | Loss | -120 | 9 h 32 m | Show | |
Where did this come from? The Blackhawks have scored seven goals in each of their last two games blasting the Coyotes, 7-4, and Ducks, 7-2. |
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03-11-24 | Capitals v. Jets OVER 5.5 | 0-3 | Loss | -117 | 4 h 35 m | Show | |
Washington's scoring has picked up. The Capitals are averaging 4.3 goals in their last 10 games. Winnipeg is going to be placing a lot of emphasis on its attack following a bad, 5-0, road loss to the Canucks two days ago. Jets coach Rick Bowness ripped his team following that defeat. Before that defeat, the Jets had scored 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 11 games.
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03-08-24 | Red Wings -133 v. Coyotes | 0-4 | Loss | -133 | 5 h 59 m | Show | |
This is more than a fair price to back the Red Wings, off an embarrassing nationally televised road loss to the Avalanche two days ago. You couldn't ask for more of a step down spot for Detroit as the Coyotes have dropped 16 of their last 18 games. Arizona is playing without rest and the team is in a transition stage due to trades. |
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03-04-24 | Bruins v. Maple Leafs OVER 6 | 4-1 | Loss | -125 | 9 h 14 m | Show | |
The Bruins' defense and goaltending are down from the past couple of seasons. Boston also has injuries on defense. |
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03-02-24 | Wild v. Blues OVER 6 | 1-3 | Loss | -115 | 15 h 26 m | Show | |
Minnesota's defense never really has been right since it lost Jared Spurgeon at the start of this calendar year. The Wild rank 29th in penalty killing and have surrendered an average of 4.3 goals in their last six games.
The Wild have gotten healthier on offense, though. They have produced at least three goals in seven of their past 10 games. The Blues are a mediocre defensive team, too. They've permitted three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. If you discount a 4-0 shutout of the Islanders, the Blues are allowing an average of 4.1 goals in their past seven games. |
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02-28-24 | Blues v. Oilers OVER 6.5 | 2-3 | Loss | -105 | 5 h 57 m | Show | |
There were nine goals scored when the Blues defeated the Oilers, 6-3, just 13 days ago. I can see at least seven goals in this rematch. St. Louis has surrendered a minimum of four goals in five of its past seven games. The Blues are just average defensively with an average penalty kill unit. The Oilers are a top-five offense with a deadly power play. Edmonton is averaging 4.3 goals in its last eight games. The Oilers, though, have reverted back to their old, vulnerable defensive ways and goalie Stuart Skinner has cooled off considerably. The Oilers have permitted at least three goals in 10 of their past 11 games. Skinner has given up four or more goals in four of his last six starts. The Blues got to him for five goals on 29 shots in the last matchup between the two teams.
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02-25-24 | Predators v. Ducks OVER 6 | 4-2 | Push | 0 | 4 h 55 m | Show | |
The Predators have scored well during the first four games of their road trip. They've produced 18 goals in those four games and now draw the defensively-challenged Ducks. Anaheim ranks 30th defensively. If you discount a 5-1 win against the Senators, the Ducks are giving up an average of 5.3 goals during their last six games. The Ducks, though, have scored at least four goals in three of their last five games and draw the Predators playing the finale of a five-game road trip. |
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02-23-24 | Jets v. Blackhawks UNDER 5.5 | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 12 m | Show | |
Winnipeg's defense has slipped recently. But the Jets still have the No. 1 defense in the NHL. They are likely to have Connor Hellebuyck in net. The Blackhawks are averaging just 1.4 goals in their last 11 games. They have scored fewer than three goals in 13 of their last 17 games. The Jets are averaging only two goals a game during their past 11 games. |
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02-20-24 | Blue Jackets +1.5 v. Kings | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -115 | 26 h 44 m | Show |
Having gone just 9-9-1-5 in LA, the Kings have burned the most money at home of any team in the NHL. |
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02-14-24 | Panthers v. Penguins +118 | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 7 m | Show | |
Florida is coming on again, playing well. But I'm going to take a plus price to back the Penguins at home in a very important game for them. The Penguins are getting to a crucial stage following consecutive one-goal road losses to the Wild and Jets. They need this game - and they've had three full days to get ready. Pittsburgh is 9-2-3 in its last 14 home games. I trust the Penguins' resolve - at least for now. Florida doesn't figure to be as desperate as Pittsburgh after shutting out the Avalanche, 4-0, in its last game.
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02-10-24 | Oilers v. Kings UNDER 6.5 | Top | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 23 h 24 m | Show |
The Oilers beat the Ducks, 5-3, on Friday. The Kings last played on Jan. 31 - 10 days ago. So what we have here is a fatigue vs a huge rust situation. It's unique and sets up an Under given the high total for this game. It's easy to think of goals with the Oilers since they have the magnificent Connor McDavid. But Edmonton has had an unbelievable long run of excellent defense. The Oilers have given up fewer than three goals in 14 of their last 16 games. Calvin Pickard was in net for the Oilers against the Ducks on Friday night. So a fresh Stuart Skinner will get the start in goal today. He's been brilliant having not allowed more than two goals during his last 12 games. Skinner surrendered fewer than two goals in half of those games. Edmonton will be playing for the third time in five days and second in two nights. So the Oilers carry a fatigue rating. That usually means an increased emphasis on defense and slower pace. The Kings entered the weekend ranked sixth defensively with the top penalty kill unit in the NHL. This also is the Kings' first game under interim head coach Jim Hiller. He replaced the fired Todd McLellan. That should ensure a huge defensive effort from the Kings. |
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02-08-24 | Canucks v. Bruins -129 | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 30 m | Show | |
No disrespect to the Canucks, who have been playing great hockey. But I want the Bruins going for me after their coach, Jim Montgomery, was highly critical of his team following Boston's 4-1 loss to the Flames coming off break. |
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02-06-24 | Avalanche -109 v. Devils | 3-5 | Loss | -109 | 3 h 47 m | Show | |
The Avalanche are the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL. They were held to just one goal by the Rangers last night coming off break. Colorado got the rust off with that game. The Devils, though, haven't played in 10 days. They ranked 27th defensively. New Jersey also has a losing home record. |
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01-31-24 | Senators v. Red Wings -106 | 3-2 | Loss | -106 | 6 h 2 m | Show | |
This is a huge revenge game for the Red Wings. They lost 5-1 to the Senators on Dec. 9 when Dylan Larkin was injured. The Red Wings haven't forgotten about that. Detroit has been playing much better since then going 9-2-1 this month. Ottawa, by contrast, is 5-7-2 this month. |
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01-29-24 | Predators +101 v. Senators | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 18 m | Show | |
Nashville is one of the better road teams in the NHL and has a goalie edge with Juuse Saros back in net. Saros was rested in the Predators' last game, a 4-1 loss to the Oilers this past Saturday. Edmonton has won 16 in a row. The Predators held the Oilers to only 21 shots on goal. That was the second-fewest shots Edmonton took all season. |
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01-28-24 | Blue Jackets v. Seattle Kraken OVER 6 | Top | 2-4 | Push | 0 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
I find this total too short given the circumstances and current form of these two teams. |
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01-26-24 | Kings v. Avalanche -140 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show | |
The Kings are becoming a near auto-fade under Todd McLellan as the All-Star break draws near. LA is 2-12 in its last 14 games. The Kings just lost at home as huge favorites to the Sharks and Sabres this past Wednesday blowing a 3-1 lead. |
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01-21-24 | Stars v. Islanders -101 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show | |
The Islanders are home, off a frustrating overtime road loss to the Blackhawks from two days ago and most important now have a new head coach. The Islanders fired Lane Lambert after the loss to the Blackhawks. Patrick Roy will make his New York coaching debut in this game.
That's the major part of my handicap - backing the home Islanders in their first game under their new coach. Obviously a strong, motivated effort should be forthcoming from the Islanders. Dallas is the better team, but it's not a great situational spot for the Stars. They are playing without rest and a bit fat and happy after a 6-2 road win against the Devils on Saturday. It's also the Stars' fourth game in six days and fourth straight game at a different arena. |
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01-20-24 | Stars -130 v. Devils | 6-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 6 m | Show | |
I'm looking for a strong bounce back game from Dallas after the Stars lost, 5-1, to the Flyers at home two days ago. That was the Stars' most lopsided defeat since Dec. 9. |
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01-19-24 | Wild v. Panthers -1.5 | 6-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 4 m | Show | |
Florida is in second place in the Atlantic Division with 58 points. But the Panthers are in must-win mode having lost three in a row - two in overtime - and finishing a five-game homestand with this matchup. |
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01-18-24 | Predators +135 v. Kings | Top | 2-1 | Win | 135 | 23 h 60 m | Show |
This is a mystifying line. Since when is a team that has lost nine of their last 10 games, carries a high fatigue rating and is in a terrible situational spot a mid-sized favorite against an above .500 quality opponent? |
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01-15-24 | Predators +105 v. Golden Knights | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 47 m | Show | |
Losers of eight of their last 11 games and thin at center without injured leading scorer Jack Eichel, the Golden Knights can not be favored. Certainly not here against Nashville. |
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01-05-24 | Hurricanes v. Capitals +152 | 6-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 31 m | Show | |
Carolina is riding a four-game winning streak. But I'm going to step in against the Hurricanes based on the spot. |
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01-04-24 | Flames +105 v. Predators | 6-3 | Win | 105 | 8 h 16 m | Show | |
I'm going to ride Calgary, which is 5-2 in its last seven games and getting excellent net play from Jacob Markstrom, who has a .936 save percentage in his last six games. The Flames have given up two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games. |
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01-02-24 | Islanders v. Avalanche OVER 6 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
The teams met earlier this season. Colorado won, 7-4. While I'm not expecting 11 goals again, I do believe there will be more than six goals scored. |
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12-30-23 | Blue Jackets v. Sabres OVER 6.5 | 2-3 | Loss | -135 | 16 h 39 m | Show | |
The Blue Jackets are the second-worst defensive team in the NHL and their current defensive form is terrible. Columbus is giving up an average of 4.5 goals during its last eight games. The Blue Jackets have permitted at least three goals in 11 of their last dozen games. Buffalo is averaging 4.2 goals per game in its last four games, but the Sabres' defense hasn't been good either. The Sabres are allowing an average of five goals a game during their past four games. The teams just met 11 days ago and there were 13 goals scored!
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12-27-23 | Panthers v. Lightning +100 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Tampa Bay has been inconsistent, but coming out of the Christmas break this is a good spot for the Lightning. The price is right to back them. Tampa Bay has been better at home and Andrei Vasilevskiy is coming around to his superstar form in his return from back surgery. |
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12-22-23 | Oilers v. Rangers -145 | 4-3 | Loss | -145 | 20 h 8 m | Show | |
The Rangers are hot and in an excellent situational spot here. New York is riding a three-game winning streak, including scoring impressive consecutive road victories against the Maple Leafs and Bruins. New York last played on Tuesday. So the Rangers have had ample time to get home and be ready for this matchup. |
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12-19-23 | Golden Knights v. Hurricanes -128 | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show | |
This is a circle-the-wagons game for the Hurricanes. They've been pointing to this marquee matchup and I believe they get it done. |
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12-16-23 | Canucks v. Wild -107 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show | |
Vancouver is playing well with four wins in a row. However, those were all at home. The Canucks haven't played a road game in two weeks. This is only their second away game since Nov. 25.
It's a tough situational spot for the Canucks. They just played Thursday night and had to make the long trip to Minnesota. They are not helped by the early start time here. Minnesota also is playing well with two consecutive victories. The Wild has really tightened their defense since the coaching change, giving up two goals or fewer in seven of their last eight games. The Wild also have short revenge for a 2-0 road loss to Vancouver nine days ago. |
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12-15-23 | Predators +151 v. Hurricanes | Top | 6-5 | Win | 151 | 19 h 1 m | Show |
These teams are closely matched. Nashville is the better defensive team. But Carolina is a solid favorite because of being the home team. |
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12-07-23 | Stars -135 v. Capitals | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 13 m | Show | |
When you have to count on Tom Wilson to do most of your goal-scoring your offense is in trouble. That's what's going on with the Capitals, who rank second-to-last in goals scored at 2.2 per game. Wilson, more goon/enforcer than scorer, has produced four of Washington's last six goals. |
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12-06-23 | Golden Knights -158 v. Blues | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 36 m | Show |
I want the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights in this short revenge spot. St. Louis nipped the Golden Knights, 2-1, in overtime at Las Vegas on Monday. Las Vegas had a number of good looks, but were thwarted by Jordan Binnington's excellent goaltending.
I know the Golden Knights will play strong defense here. They've allowed three goals in regulation during the last three games and haven't given up more than two goals a game in six of their past seven games. I can't say the same for the Blues and Binnington. Both are extremely inconsistent. St. Louis had allowed an average of 4.3 goals in its previous six games before Monday's narrow victory. |
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12-04-23 | Blues v. Golden Knights -1.5 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 35 m | Show | |
The buy sign is back on the Golden Knights. Las Vegas is back on track posting consecutive 4-1 victories against the Canucks this past Thursday and Capitals two days ago. |
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11-27-23 | Panthers v. Senators OVER 6.5 | 5-0 | Loss | -125 | 8 h 55 m | Show | |
I'm looking for the Panthers to break out of their two-game offensive funk against Ottawa, which has a below-average defense. The Senators have permitted 3 or more goals in nine of their last 12 games. |
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11-24-23 | Oilers v. Capitals OVER 6.5 | 5-0 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 19 m | Show | |
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are superstars. They are superstars because of their scoring abilities, not their defense. Both have negative plus/minus marks on the season. |
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11-22-23 | Devils v. Red Wings OVER 6.5 | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -123 | 9 h 4 m | Show |
The Devils are an Over machine with their combination of great offense and bad defense. New Jersey has gone Over in 13 of its 16 games for 81 percent. The Devils have the No. 1 power play in the NHL and rank sixth in scoring, but 29th defensively.
The Devils also have Jack Hughes healthy again. He has 22 points in 11 games. The Red Wings are the eighth-highest scoring team in the league, but are below par defensively. They've given up 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 11 games. The Devils have scored at least 3 goals in 14 of their 16 games. |
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11-16-23 | Panthers v. Kings OVER 6.5 | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -125 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
The Kings are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. They have produced 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 13 games. The Kings should really be on the attack after losing their last game, 4-2, at home to the Flyers. That was back on Saturday so they'll have fresh legs. |
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11-14-23 | Lightning -125 v. Blues | 0-5 | Loss | -125 | 8 h 40 m | Show | |
The Blues are 4-1 in their last five games. They stunned Colorado, 8-2, on the road in their last game this past Saturday. Tampa Bay lost its last two games, both at home to the Blackhawks and to the Hurricanes in their last game four days ago. |
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11-13-23 | Islanders v. Oilers -152 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 7 h 11 m | Show | |
The Oilers are off to a slow start this season after leading the NHL in goals last season. I see things starting to turn around for them after they beat the Kraken, 4-1, in their last game this past Saturday and now have made a coaching change to Kris Knoblauch. Connor McDavid is off to a slow start, too. But being reunited with Knoblauch, his old coach, should ignite him. The Oilers draw the struggling Islanders, who have lost four in a row and could be on the verge of making their own coaching change. The Islanders have scored the third-fewest goals in the league. The spot and opponent set up well here for Edmonton.
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11-11-23 | Flyers v. Kings -1.5 | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 22 m | Show | |
The Kings buried the Flyers, 5-0, on the road a week ago. This spot sets up for the Kings to win by multiple goals again. |
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11-10-23 | Sharks v. Golden Knights -1.5 | 0-5 | Win | 100 | 11 h 10 m | Show | |
This is a kill spot for the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights if there ever was one. Las Vegas has lost two in a row for the first time this season. The Golden Knights have been home since the early part of this week. They won't be taking the Sharks lightly after San Jose has won its last two games. The Golden Knights have no love lost either for the Sharks. |
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11-10-23 | Capitals v. Devils OVER 6 | 4-2 | Push | 0 | 8 h 29 m | Show | |
There were 10 goals scored when the teams met on Oct. 25 with the Capitals pulling out a 6-4 road victory. It marked the fifth time in the last seven games in the series the Over has cashed. |
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11-10-23 | Flames v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 9 h 45 m | Show |
The Flames were a major disappointment in October, but they are coming around now. They have scored 13 goals in their last three games. I'm looking for a lot of offense from Calgary against the Maple Leafs, who are giving up an average of 4.8 goals in their last five games. Toronto ranks 28th defensively. |
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11-09-23 | Canucks v. Senators OVER 6.5 | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
Both teams are consistently scoring goals and going Over. I'm going to ride that again here. |
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11-08-23 | Senators v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5 | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show | |
Usually I give pause when I see a total this high. But there's only way to play this game - and it's not Under. |
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11-07-23 | Devils v. Avalanche OVER 6 | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 10 h 16 m | Show | |
I'm expecting a big scoring effort from Colorado at home after it was blanked, 7-0, by the Golden Knights this past Saturday in Las Vegas. Colorado allowed two short-handed goals in that loss. The Avalanche had scored 4 or more goals in five of their last seven games before that shutout. |
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11-04-23 | Canadiens +104 v. Blues | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 53 m | Show | |
The Canadiens are improved this season. They are 4-3 in their last seven games with two of those losses during this span occurring by one goal. |
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10-31-23 | Kings v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -130 | 18 h 23 m | Show |
The Kings are in action. So think Over. There have been 7 or more goals scored in six of the Kings' eight games. The Kings have surrendered at least three goals in every game except one. |
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10-30-23 | Panthers v. Bruins -159 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 39 m | Show | |
The Bruins are off to a great start at 7-0-1. They rank first defensively giving up the fewest goals per game. They also have the No. 1 penalty kill unit. |
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10-28-23 | Golden Knights +103 v. Kings | 4-3 | Win | 103 | 13 h 13 m | Show | |
The Kings figure to get the Golden Knights ''A'' game tonight and the situation isn't ideal for them. |
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10-26-23 | Rangers -125 v. Oilers | Top | 3-0 | Win | 100 | 22 h 58 m | Show |
The Rangers were outstanding on the road last season going 24-9-8 and they've started off well this season winning three of four away contests. I like the Rangers to keep hot on the road against the struggling Oilers. |
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10-24-23 | Flyers v. Golden Knights UNDER 6 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 6 m | Show | |
It's not a huge surprise the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights are off to a 6-0 start. It is a surprise, though, to find the Flyers leading the Metro Division with a 3-1-1 record. |
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10-22-23 | Flames -129 v. Red Wings | 2-6 | Loss | -129 | 7 h 60 m | Show | |
The Red Wings are the home team. But it's Calgary that has been practicing at Detroit's home facility. While the Flames were in Detroit on Saturday, the Red Wings were pulling off an impressive upset against the Senators in Ottawa on Saturday. |
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10-21-23 | Islanders v. Sabres -117 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 46 m | Show | |
Early revenge spot here for Buffalo. The Islanders scored a goal with fewer than seven minutes left to nip the Sabres, 3-2, at home last Saturday. |
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10-19-23 | Coyotes v. Blues -109 | 6-2 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 50 m | Show | |
I like the spot and low lay price for the Blues.
St. Louis has been idle since Saturday. Arizona, though, is playing its third road game in four days. The Coyotes have lost 44 of their last 55 away games. The Coyotes are struggling to score and get shots on net. They've managed only one goal in their last two games. They only had 14 shots on goal against the Islanders on Tuesday. Jordan Binnington has looked much improved in goal for St. Louis stopping 63 of 65 shots he's faced this season. |
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10-17-23 | Lightning v. Sabres -108 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 44 m | Show | |
The 0-2 Sabres are due to get their first win. The situation sets up for them here drawing the struggling Lightning, who still could be missing team captain Steve Stamkos. |
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10-14-23 | Canucks v. Oilers -1.5 | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 21 h 19 m | Show | |
It was the shocker of the first week. Vancouver buried Edmonton, 8-1, at home this past Wednesday. Superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl certainly weren't happy. Look for the Oilers to get their rapid revenge with the rematch set for Edmonton on Saturday. Not only will the Oilers be highly motivated, but they should have key defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who missed Wednesday's game. The Oilers finished last season winning 12 of their past 16 home games.
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10-12-23 | Red Wings v. Devils -1.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 52 m | Show | |
The Red Wings haven't made the Stanley Cup playoffs in seven seasons. I don't see them making the playoffs again this season.
The Devils, on the other hand, are a rising power. They finished with 112 points last season. They scored 3.5 goals per game, fifth-highest in the league, and have a top-10 defense. New Jersey's attack could be even deadlier with the additions of Timo Meier and Tyler Toffoli. They join emerging superstar Jack Hughes. The Red Wings are weak in net with Villie Husso and James Reimer. Expectations are high for New Jersey. I don't see the Devils letting their fans down in the season-opener for both teams. |
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10-11-23 | Avalanche -110 v. Kings | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 19 h 24 m | Show |
Colorado won't have team captain Gabriel Landeskog as he still is recovering from knee surgery. But I like the rest of the makeup of the Avalanche as they begin the season highly motivated after an early playoff exit last season. |
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10-10-23 | Seattle Kraken +149 v. Golden Knights | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 23 h 11 m | Show |
It will be a festive opening night of the hockey season for the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. There will be a special ceremony prior to the game raising the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup banner. The Vegas players will enter on a special gold carpet. |
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06-13-23 | Panthers v. Golden Knights -1.5 | Top | 3-9 | Win | 161 | 25 h 36 m | Show |
The Golden Knights have mostly dominated this series. So their being up 3-1 is not a surprise. Las Vegas has outscored Florida, 17-9, made far fewer mistakes, has a decided edge in expected goals, is the much deeper and healthier team with Matthew Tkachuk battling a shoulder injury that has greatly reduced his minutes. The Panthers haven't been able to penetrate the middle of Las Vegas' tall and physical defense. Adin Hill has stepped up in net outplaying Sergei Bobrovsky throughout much of the series. Florida ranked 10th in power play goal percentage during the regular season. But against Las Vegas, the Panthers have failed to score in 13 power play opportunities. The Golden Knights held on to nip the Panthers, 3-2, this past Saturday in Florida in Game 4. Now the Panthers have to regroup and do it with a hobbled Tkachuk, who has been their best player. I don't see it happening, especially not at Las Vegas where the Panthers have lost the past seven times. I don't even see it being a close game. So I'm laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line turning huge minus juice into huge plus juice. |
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06-10-23 | Golden Knights +105 v. Panthers | Top | 3-2 | Win | 105 | 27 h 41 m | Show |
The Cinderella Panthers raced through the East knocking off the Bruins, Maple Leafs and Hurricanes. But the Golden Knights are turning the Panthers' carriage into a pumpkin, exposing Florida for the eighth-place team it was in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. Las Vegas clearly has established itself as the superior team. If it weren't for getting some fortunate breaks in Thursday's Game 3 the Panthers would be down 3-0 in the series. The Panthers being favored in Saturday's Game 4 puts me on the underdog Golden Knights. The Golden Knights are the deeper team able to keep the pressure on Florida without a break having four strong lines. Florida can't match that. Las Vegas also has the better defense, special teams and hasn't made nearly as many mistakes as Florida has. Las Vegas has proven itself on the road, too, winning 15 of its last 21 away games. Las Vegas dominated the first two games, outscoring the Panthers, 12-4. The Panthers needed a late goal after they had pulled their goalie to force overtime in Game 3. The Golden Knights had a 15-8 advantage in scoring chances. Vegas shots hit the crossbar and post. Sergei Bobrovsky had his best game of the series by far for Florida. A metric showed Bobrovsky stopping 1.89 goals above expected. Bobrovsky is better than he showed in the first two games, but it's probably a reach to expect him to produce another ''A'' game. The Panthers, constantly stymied by the Golden Knights' tall and physical defensemen, managed only four shots on goal during the third period in Game 3. The Panthers continue to take stupid penalties. The Golden Knights have made them pay for this scoring on six of 17 power play chances for 35 percent. Florida, on the other hand, has yet to produce a goal in 12 power play opportunities against Las Vegas. |
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06-08-23 | Golden Knights v. Panthers -118 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 22 h 13 m | Show |
Is there a zig/zag in this Stanley Cup Finals with Las Vegas traveling to Florida up 2-0 in the series? Yes. Key signs point to a Panthers' victory. The home team has won 11 of the last 12 in this series. Florida has beaten Las Vegas four of the past five times it has hosted them. The Panthers have won 69 percent of their past 109 home games. Those are strong trends, but it takes more than trends to fully get behind the Panthers, who were dominated in a 7-2 Game 2 loss this past Monday. The Panthers have proven their resilience overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate the Bruins, the record-setting regular season points leader. The Panthers have gotten quality looks and shots on goal. They've been hurt by lack of discipline on the defensive end and Sergei Bobrovsky's mediocre play in net. Bobrovsky was pulled after 27 minutes in Game 2. I expect a strong performance from the prideful Bobrovsky in this Game 3 along with a much cleaner defensive effort from the Panthers, who will get back defenseman Radko Gudas, who missed much of Game 2. Bobrovsky went into this championship series with a collective 18.95 saved goals above expectations. That was the best playoff mark since 2008. I'm also expecting the Panthers to produce their ''A'' game. |
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06-05-23 | Panthers v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5 | 2-7 | Win | 100 | 10 h 51 m | Show | |
The total for Saturday's Game 1 of this Stanley Cup Finals also was 5 1/2. There were seven goals scored in Las Vegas' 5-2 victory. I expect at least six goals to be produced in this Game 2. Here's why: The Golden Knights have outscored their playoff opposition by 29 goals during the postseason. That's the highest amount in 12 years. There's never a letup when facing Las Vegas because the Golden Knights have four strong lines. The Golden Knights punctured some of Sergei Bobrovsky's mystique. The Florida goalie had been hot, not giving up more than three goals a game in his last 10 games. Las Vegas fired 34 shots on goal of which 21 were high danger shots. The Panthers had 35 shots on net. The Panthers were denied more goals by goalie Adin Hill, who might have played the best game of his career. His stick save on Nick Cousins' chip shot may have been the stop of the year. Still, the Golden Knights had some luck. The Panthers hit the post three times. Note, too, that five of the last six times the Golden Knights have hosted the Panthers the total has gone Over. |
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05-27-23 | Stars v. Golden Knights -142 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -142 | 22 h 25 m | Show |
Down 3-0 against the Golden Knights in their Western Conference Finals series, the Stars went all out at home this past Thursday to stay alive. They fired 42 shots on goal, received an outstanding goalie performance from overdue Jake Oettinger and out-hit the Golden Knights, 46-23. The Stars won - barely. They prevailed in overtime, 3-2. Now the scene shifts back to Las Vegas where I see the Golden Knights ending the series. Teams that have taken a 3-0 lead in the playoffs before the Stanley Cup final round are 47-0. The Golden Knights are 11-1 after scoring two goals or less during their previous game. Dallas is 1-4 in its last five road games and also 1-4 following a victory. The Golden Knights outplayed the Stars in the third period in Game 4. They outshot the Stars, 14-8, in the third period and looked like they were going to win in regulation. So even taking the Stars' best shot, the Golden Knights nearly clinched the series on the road. The Stars can't match the Golden Knights' four-line depth - especially missing suspended team captain Jamie Benn and injured right winger Evgenii Dadonov - nor can they match Las Vegas' solid core of six reliable defensemen. Adin Hill has also outplayed Oettinger in net. Las Vegas is an NHL-leading 6-2 at home during the postseason. Unlike Game 4, the Golden Knights will be in control of the matchups having the final line say being the home team. These many edges are too much for the Stars to overcome. |
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05-25-23 | Golden Knights v. Stars UNDER 5.5 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 22 h 44 m | Show |
Dallas is down 3-0 to Las Vegas in these Western Conference Finals and totally frustrated. The Stars are averaging two goals during their last five games and now will be without their captain and second-leading points producer suspended Jamie Benn. Dallas also likely will be missing injured forward Evgenii Dadonov, who has accounted for 10 points during the Stars' 16 playoff game hurting the team's scoring depth. The Golden Knights have stymied the Stars with their defensive depth - six solid blue-liners - and with backup goalie Adin Hill stepping up. Hill made 34 saves in Las Vegas' 4-0 Game 3 road win this past Tuesday. The Golden Knights have held their opponents to 1.7 goals during their last four games. Clogging up the middle of the ice, leading the NHL in blocked shots and averaging 10.3 takeaways - best of the remaining playoff teams - have been keys for the Golden Knights in holding the Stars to two goals during the last seven periods. How does Dallas respond? Obviously the Stars are in a desperate position on the verge of elimination. I don't see them opening up their attack. It's not realistically possible minus Benn, who has been such an important figure in their offense. Instead, I see the Stars trying to be more careful with the puck and helping out their goalie either backup Scott Wedgewood, or a shaky Jake Oettinger. That means a conservative game plan trying to get that much-needed elusive first win to keep the series alive. It's worth noting, too, that the past seven games in Dallas between these two teams have all gone Under. |
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05-22-23 | Hurricanes -102 v. Panthers | 0-1 | Loss | -102 | 19 h 32 m | Show | |
Down 0-2 to the Panthers - with both losses occurring at home and in overtime - it's maybe best for the Hurricanes they go on the road now. Carolina has to be totally focused and unfazed. The Hurricanes have outshot the Panthers, 103-86, and had good scoring looks. But bad luck and unexpected strong goaltending from 34-year-old Sergei Bobrovsky, who hasn't been nearly that good up to this point of the season, has stymied the Hurricanes. I see that changing in this Game 3, however. Florida is on a tremendous roll winning nine of its last 10. But the Panthers haven't been dominant. They are 6-0 in overtime games during this time frame. Despite the two losses in a row, the Hurricanes are 50-24 in their last 74 games. They also are 7-3 during their past 10 visits to the Panthers. I'm not convinced that the Panthers are the superior team. I certainly don't see Florida sweeping. This is Carolina's game to win. |
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05-20-23 | Panthers +137 v. Hurricanes | 2-1 | Win | 137 | 11 h 47 m | Show | |
Price and value. That's what this Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals comes down to. Florida has played once in eight days. Carolina has played once in nine days. But the last game these two teams played was this past Thursday night/early Friday morning in Carolina. It went within 12 seconds of going into a fifth overtime. The road underdog Panthers won it. Now there's a huge randomness factor with the teams not just playing only once in more than a week, but how they react to that epic four overtime game. Florida is on house money leading 1-0 in the series. The Hurricanes have to be down both physically and more important emotionally. They have little time to regroup. And the pressure is all on them. I see this game as a toss-up. So getting this nice plus price on the Panthers makes sense. The Panthers have more than proven themselves on the road in the postseason winning seven of eight away playoff games. They are on a seven-game road win streak having defeated the Bruins three consecutive times in Boston and Maple Leafs three times in a row in Toronto entering this series. Florida is 13-3 in its last 16 road contests. The Panthers also have beaten the Hurricanes six of the past eight times. |
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05-14-23 | Golden Knights v. Oilers OVER 6.5 | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 20 h 28 m | Show | |
Each team is averaging 3.4 goals per game through the first five games of this series. I'm expecting a fast tempo, especially from the Oilers, with this Game 6 shifting back to Edmonton. The Oilers played at a face pace when they scored four goals at home in Game 4. Their tempo was slower in their 4-3 Game 5 road loss this past Friday. Edmonton's dynamic power play, perhaps the best in the last 25 years, has converted 40 percent of the time during the series. That's even better than its league-leading 32.4 percent it achieved during the regular season. Las Vegas is the deeper team and has dominated 5-on-5 competition outscoring the Oilers, 13-8, at even strength during the series. The Golden Knights are live to score against the below average defensive Oilers when any of their four lines are on the ice. Neither team is getting stellar goaltending. The Golden Knights are forced to go with backup Adin Hill as starter Laurent Brossoit remains out. The Oilers have a choice of sticking with rookie Stuart Skinner and his .890 save percentage in the playoffs, or go with Jack Campbell, who had an .888 save percentage in the regular season. |
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05-13-23 | Stars v. Seattle Kraken OVER 5.5 | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 10 h 2 m | Show | |
This is Game 6 in this Western Conference Stanley Cup playoff series between these two teams. Each of the first five games have gone Over the total with a minimum of six goals being scored in every game. There have been nine goals produced in three of the five games. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. So I'm going to keep riding the Over in this series until proven otherwise. The Kraken haven't been able to slow down Dallas' top line of Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski and Jason Robertson. The Stars have scored four or more goals in six of their last seven games. They've tallied 11 goals in the last two games. This is a potential elimination game for the Kraken, who are down 3-2 in the series. So there could be empty-net goals coming Dallas' way if the Kraken trail in the later stages of the game. Seattle was the fifth-highest scoring team in the league. The Kraken have a deep roster and fast skaters. They've proven resilient all season, including taking out the Avalanche in the first round. The Stars' goaltending has been largely disappointing in this series. So I see the Kraken certainly keeping up in the scoring column. |
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05-09-23 | Hurricanes v. Devils -145 | 6-1 | Loss | -145 | 8 h 18 m | Show | |
I'm going to ride the Devils in their Game 4 series matchup hosting the Hurricanes following their 8-4 home win this past Sunday. That win greatly boosted the Devils' confidence after they lost the first two games of the series in Carolina. I'm expecting a strong carryover effect for New Jersey. I'm not sold on any of Carolina's goalies following that Devils' four-goal victory. Frederik Andersen played so poorly in Game 3 he was pulled. Antti Raanta has been sick. He's also been much worse on the road where he's 1-6 the past seven times in net with an .884 save percentage. The Devils were able to establish their speed game at home in Game 3, something they weren't able to do in Carolina when they were too tentative. New Jersey has won eight of its last 10 home games. The Devils also have beaten the Hurricanes seven of the last nine times when hosting them. |
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05-08-23 | Golden Knights +153 v. Oilers | 5-1 | Win | 153 | 20 h 9 m | Show | |
The Oilers have one of the great power plays of all-time. They are home now and coming off an impressive 5-1 road victory against the Golden Knights this past Saturday to even this playoff series at 1-1. But I find the underdog Knights an outstanding value play. Las Vegas has proven resilient all season. The Knights are an excellent road team, much deeper than the Oilers and better than the Oilers when the teams are at full strength. Only twice have the Knights lost two consecutive games since the All-Star break. They are 10-2 after giving up five or more goals in their previous game. Las Vegas tied for the second-most road points during the regular season and are 11-3 in its past 14 away games. The Knights have outscored the Oilers, 5-3, in the series when the teams were skating five-on-five. The Oilers can't match Las Vegas' tremendous depth. The Knights are one of the few teams with four strong forward lines and three solid defensive pairings. Edmonton's strength is its tremendous power play unit. The Knights, though, were the least penalized team in the NHL during the regular season. So the Knights have the right antidote to the Oilers' greatest strength. |
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05-07-23 | Stars v. Seattle Kraken OVER 5.5 | 2-7 | Win | 105 | 22 h 44 m | Show | |
If it's not broken, why fix it? That's the way I feel about going Over in this Stars-Kraken Game 3 matchup. These teams have gone Over in each of their last five meetings. That includes the first two games of this Stanley Cup series. There were nine goals scored in Game 1 and six goals produced in Thursday's Game 2 matchup. Seattle has to be pleased having split two games in Dallas. Now the Kraken has home ice, where they've averaged four goals a game during their last seven home contests. The Kraken were the No. 5 scoring team in the NHL. Dallas ranked seventh in scoring and fifth in power play goals. Seattle has a below average penalty kill unit. The Stars have scored four goals in each of their last four games. They also have Joe Pavelski back to spark their attack. The 38-year-old Pavelski has scored five goals already in the series. |
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05-02-23 | Panthers v. Maple Leafs -155 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -155 | 19 h 10 m | Show |
It's going to be extremely difficult for the Panthers to be fully up for this Game 1 series matchup against the Maple Leafs. You can't blame the Panthers either. Florida eliminated the Bruins this past Sunday with an overtime Game 7 victory in Boston. The Bruins had set the NHL regular season record with 65 wins and 135 points. It was a stunning loss for the Bruins and a tremendous victory for the Panthers. Florida matched-up well to Boston. The Panthers haven't matched-well to the Maple Leafs when playing in Toronto losing nine of the past 11 times there. Toronto should feel less pressure now after winning their first playoff series in 19 years by taking out the Lightning this past Saturday. It's a great spot for the Maple Leafs. One that should result in a victory. |
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05-01-23 | Rangers +102 v. Devils | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 30 m | Show | |
The Rangers are right where they want to be - on the road and in a Game 7 playoff series. The Rangers are 8-3 in their last 11 visits against the Devils. Road teams are 31-18 (63%) in the playoffs this season. The No. 1 seeded Bruins and defending champion Avalanche were just eliminated yesterday on their home ice in Game 7 matchups. The Rangers went 2-0 in the Stanley Cup playoffs last year in Game 7's. The Devils haven't won a playoff series in 11 seasons. New Jersey could have won the series this past Saturday, but were soundly thrashed, 5-2, in Game 6. That sets up this Game 7. I like the Rangers' momentum, track record and goalie edge. Rookie Akira Schmid finally was exposed in net by the Rangers in Game 6. Devils coach Lindy Ruff pulled him after Schmid gave up five goals on 29 shots. Vitek Vanecek went back in goal. Vanecek was the goalie for the first two games of the series and was terrible, surrendering nine goals on 52 shots. So Ruff has a tough, unattractive goalie choice. The Rangers, on the other hand, have an elite goalie, Igor Shesterkin, who is playing well. Shesterkin has a 1.79 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage in the series. |
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04-28-23 | Bruins -1.5 v. Panthers | 5-7 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 6 m | Show | |
I see the Bruins ending their first-round series against the Panthers today - and doing it in convincing style. The Panthers staved off elimination by upsetting the Bruins, 4-3 in overtime, in Boston during Wednesday's Game 5. The Bruins outshot the Panthers, 47-25, but made some horrendous turnovers that cost them the game. I don't see that happening again. Perhaps the Bruins were pressing too much playing at home. They should be focused being in Florida where they are 2-0 in the series, outscoring the Panthers by six goals during those two games. Boston is the best team in the NHL. The Bruins will prove it here. I'm confident enough of that to take a nice plus price on them laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line. |
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04-27-23 | Rangers +110 v. Devils | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 38 m | Show |
Perhaps they feel less pressure. Some teams just play better on the road, especially when it counts the most. The Rangers are such a team. New York rolled past the Devils, 5-1 in both Games 1 and 2, in this first-round series. Both wins were at New Jersey. But then the Rangers seemed to play tight and without Stanley Cup playoff intensity when they returned home, losing a pair of close games to the Devils. Now the Rangers go back to New Jersey - and I'm expecting them to win this Game 5 there. New York is 4-1 in its past five away contests. The Rangers have defeated the Devils in eight of the last 11 meetings in New Jersey. Look for a great effort from the Rangers after their coach, Gerard Gallant, ripped them for their poor play at home. The Devils are braced for a strong Rangers' performance. "We are going to see their best game," Devils coach Lindy Ruff said of the Rangers. "There is no doubt, by far, we will see their best game.'' I believe him. |
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04-26-23 | Panthers v. Bruins OVER 6 | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 23 m | Show | |
This one could get ugly. The Panthers are down 3-1 in the series, on the verge of elimination. They will hold nothing back. The Bruins are heavily favored. So if the Panthers find themselves trailing late in the game - a logical conclusion - they won't hesitate to pull their goalie even if they fall behind by two or three goals. Florida certainly is capable offensively. The Panthers were the sixth-highest scoring team in the league. They also were No. 1 in shots on net. The Bruins were the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. Boston is averaging 4.4 goals during its past seven games, scoring at least three goals in each of these games. The Bruins are expected to get back their second-leading goal scorer and team captain, Patrice Bergeron, today. He's missed the entire series after getting hurt during the Bruins' final regular-season game. The Over has cashed six of the past eight times these teams have met. |
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04-26-23 | Panthers v. Bruins -1.5 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 19 h 5 m | Show |
Swept the past two games at home, the Panthers find themselves down, 3-1, to the Bruins and on the verge of elimination in this first-round series matchup. I don't see Florida upsetting the Bruins in Boston in this Game 5. I'm willing, too, to turn a huge lay price into a plus price by laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line with the Bruins. The bonus being this is a closeout spot so the Panthers won't hesitate to pull their goalie early if down by a goal or two near the end of the game. The Bruins have been dominant all season. They certainly are dominant at home having won 42 of their last 51 games there. Florida has lost 20 of the past 26 times in Boston. Boston, though, will be taking nothing for granted as the road Panthers upset the Bruins in Game 2. The stinging defeat was a wakeup call for Boston. The Bruins beat the Panthers, 4-2 and 6-2, in Games 3 and 4. Boston's last six victories now have all been by more than one goal. As a bonus, the Bruins could get back their captain, Patrice Bergeron. He's yet to play in the series after getting hurt in Boston's regular-season finale. Bergeron is Boston's second-leading goal-scorer. |
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04-25-23 | Kings +1.5 v. Oilers | 3-6 | Loss | -120 | 9 h 31 m | Show | |
This series has been dead even. It's tied 2-2 with three of the four games going into overtime. There have been 27 goals scored, 14 by Edmonton and 13 by LA. The Kings should have won the last game this past Sunday. They built a 3-0 lead only to lose in overtime. The Kings have proven themselves on the road going 21-14-6 during the regular season. They have split the two playoff games played in Edmonton during the series. So I'm expecting another close game and am protected if the game reaches overtime again by taking the puck line. |
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04-23-23 | Bruins -148 v. Panthers | Top | 6-2 | Win | 100 | 5 h 2 m | Show |
The Bruins set the NHL regular season record for wins and points. Until proven otherwise, they are the best team in the NHL. They have taken control of their first-round series against the Panthers going up 2-1 following a 4-2 road win against the Panthers two days ago. I don't see the Panthers getting back into the series after that loss. The Bruins exposed 30-year-old career minor league goalie Alex Lyon, who allowed several soft goals in Friday's loss. Lyon had been a major surprise for the Panthers down the stretch. But the team may have lost confidence in him now. That could mean a pivot to Sergei Bobrovsky, who hasn't played since March 27. So there would be plenty of rust if the Panthers go with Bobrovsky in net. The Panthers may not have their best defenseman, Aaron Ekblad, either. He's questionable after getting hurt in Game 3. The Bruins are 41-11 the past 52 times when playing on one day's rest. |
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04-22-23 | Maple Leafs -114 v. Lightning | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 47 m | Show | |
We know the Maple Leafs' choking playoff history. They haven't advanced past the first round since 2004. But the buy sign is on Toronto now. The Maple Leafs came back from a 7-3 Game 1 embarrassment to blow out the Lightning, 7-2, this past Thursday. It's not just renewed confidence for the Maple Leafs. The Lightning are down from years past. They are not in particularly good form having lost five of their last seven games and they could be missing key defensemen Victor Hedman and Erik Cernak for a second straight game. Both were injured in Game 1. Hedman, in particular, is important. |