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NHL Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
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.
03-11-18	Bruins v. Blackhawks UNDER 6		1-3	Win	100	3 h 31 m	Show
Less than 24 hours after Boston beat Chicago, 7-4 on Saturday, these teams are playing against each other this time in Chicago with a very early start time. I envision a much slower-paced game and a lot of tired legs. There's bad blood between these two teams and the Blackhawks are in the shortest revenge spot possible after blowing a two-goal lead. Anton Khudobin is going to be in goal for Boston, but he's one of the better backups in the league. The Bruins are the No. 2 defensive team in the league. Chicago has scored two goals or less in 11 of its last 17 games.
03-10-18	Rangers v. Panthers UNDER 6.5		3-4	Loss	-115	5 h 22 m	Show
First, we're getting both team's best goalies as Henrik Lundqvist and Roberto Luongo have been confired. Luongo has been especially sharp since returning from injury. The revamped Rangers can't be counted on to score more than three goals failing to do so in seven of their past eight games. Before giving up five goals to the top-scoring Lightning in their last game, the Rangers had allowed an average of two goals per game during their last three games. Florida hasn't allowed more than two goals per game during five of its last six games. The Under has cashed in Florida's last five home games.
03-09-18	Flames v. Senators OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-116	3 h 58 m	Show
Since Michael Ferland returned from an injury two games ago, the Flames' scoring has picked up. Calgary is averaging four goals per game in its last two games. The Senators have scored 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 15 games. They've also allowed 3 or more goals in 14 of their last 17 games. That's no surprise since Ottawa has the worst defense in the league. These teams have gone Over in seven of their past eight meetings.
03-08-18	Golden Knights -125 v. Red Wings		4-0	Win	100	4 h 25 m	Show
The Golden Knights are in stop-the-pain mode and revenge mode. I see them getting back on track against the Red Wings. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been extremely solid on the road with a 10-4-1 mark, 2.12 GAA and .934 save percentage. Las Vegas has been excellent, too, when playing on one day's rest going 20-6. The Golden Knights are proven road warriors going 18-12-2 away from home. The Red Wings have lost the last four times versus opponents with a winning road mark.
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.
03-08-18	Jets -110 v. Devils		3-2	Win	100	4 h 16 m	Show
I'm going to ride with the Jets, which have won three games in a row. Winnipeg has scored three or more goals in each of its last 10 games. The Devils are 1-3 in their last four games. They've allowed three or more goals in their last four games. New Jersy has lost its last six games versus Western Conference opponents. Winnipeg has won five of the last six meetings in this series.
03-07-18	Penguins v. Flyers -104		5-2	Loss	-104	13 h 31 m	Show
The Flyers are in stop-the-pain mode and getting back star forward Wayne Simmonds. The Penguins are coming off two straight overtime winners. The situation is ripe for the Flyers to win this home game. Philadelphia has dropped three in a row with the last two coming on the road against the Panthers and Lightning. The Flayers are likely to lose on Thursday when they play on the road against the Bruins. That's followed by tough home games against the Jets on Saturday and Golden Knights on Monday. So this is a crucial spot for the Flyers, who have double revenge motivation, too, going. Getting Simmonds back is huge, too. The Penguins aren't that fearsome on the road at 13-17-1. They aren't likely to have starting goalie Matt Murray back yet from a concussion.
03-07-18	Penguins v. Flyers OVER 6		5-2	Win	100	6 h 42 m	Show
It's difficult to not pull the trigger on the Over in this matchup. I'm not fond of either goalie and the Penguins have been huge offensively. Pittsburgh has scored at least 3 goals in 12 of its last 13 games. The Penguins have netted at least four goals in eight of their last 11 games. The Flyers have given up 15 goals in their last three games. The Flyers get back Wayne Simmonds their third-leading goal scorer and a tremendous player. This series has an Over bias, too, with the Over cashing five of the last six times.
03-06-18	Avalanche +123 v. Blackhawks		1-2	Loss	-100	8 h 37 m	Show
There are few teams the Blackhawks should be favored against and the Avalanche aren't one of them. Colorado has won three of its last four games and hold playoff aspirations. Colorado is averaging five goals per game in its last three games and holds a strong goalie edge. The Blackhawks are minus star goalie Corey Crawford forcing them to use either Anton Forsberg or Jean-Francois Berube. Neither of whom is any good. Chicago has surrendered 19 goals in its last four games. This is the Blackhawks' first home game since Feb. 23 and fourth game in six days. The Blackhawks just returned from a four-game road trip so focus could be an issue along with a high fatigue rating. So could motivation. The Blackhawks are 4-12 in their last 16 games and in rebuild mode knowing they are going to miss the playoffs. Chicago has lost eight of its last 11 home games.
03-06-18	Jets v. Rangers OVER 6		3-0	Loss	-107	6 h 5 m	Show
The Jets have gone Over in seven of their last nine games scoring three or more goals in each of those games. Winnipeg's second-ranked power play has really been cooking notching at least one goal in all but one of its past eight games. The Rangers have given up 85 shots in their last two games. The Over has cashed in seven of New York's last 10 home games. The Rangers are averaging four goals per game in their last three games.
03-05-18	Maple Leafs v. Sabres OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	12 h 20 m	Show
I envision at least six goals being scored. The Sabres have gone Over in five of their last seven home games and draw a Toronto defense that is giving up an average of 3.6 goals during its last five games. The Maple Leafs have been held to two goals apiece in their last two games. They are in stop-the-pain mode with three straight losses. Look for the Maple Leafs to accelerate their normal aggressive offensive style against the Sabres. Prior to their last two games, the Maple Leafs had scored three or more goals in 10 of 11 games. Toronto also draws Buffalo backup goalie Chad Johnson. Only three times in the past 17 meetings between these two teams has the Under won.
03-04-18	Golden Knights -115 v. Devils		3-2	Win	100	3 h 3 m	Show
The Golden Knights are in stop the pain mode having lost three straight games. The last two defeats have been in Las Vegas. So the Golden Knights could be better off hitting the road where they should be fully focused. Las Vegas has won 11 of 13 times on one day's rest following a loss, which is the situation here. The Devils' scoring has gone way down. They have managed just 11 goals during their last six games. Las Vegas is 11-5 in its last 16 games against Eastern Conference opponents while New Jersey has lost its last five games versus Western Conference games.
03-03-18	Senators v. Coyotes -130		1-2	Win	100	15 h 34 m	Show
Arizona is playing its best hockey winning six of its last eight games. The Coyotes are in a great spot here, too. They draw the Senators the night after Ottawa stunned the Golden Knights, 5-4, in Las Vegas. That halted a five-game Ottawa losing streak and probably was cause for a celebration in Sin City. The Senators now have to travel, likely dealing with hangovers, to face Arizona with no rest. Arizona is off an impressive 5-3 home win against Minnesota on Thursday. The Coyotes are 4-0 the past four times when playing on one day's rest. This also is the Coyotes' final game of a seven-game homestand so a full effort should be forthcoming. The Senators have lost 12 of the last 17 times when meeting an opponent with a losing record.
03-02-18	Senators v. Golden Knights OVER 6		5-4	Win	100	8 h 48 m	Show
Ottawa has the worst defense in the league and Las Vegas has the No. 2 offense. Ottawa has surrendered an average of four goals per game during its last four games. The Senators, though, have scored at least three goals in 10 of their last 11 games. Las Vegas has scored four or more goals in eight of its last 12 games.
03-01-18	Lightning v. Stars OVER 6		5-4	Win	102	5 h 40 m	Show
Tampa Bay is the No. 1 scoring team in the league. The Lightning have scored three or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games. They've scored four or more goals in nine of these 12 games. The Over is 12-3-1 in Tampa Bay's last 16 road games. Dallas has a number of top offensive players and is likely to draw Lightning backup goalie Louis Domingue instead of star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Over has cashed 13 of the past 16 times these two teams have met.
02-28-18	Rangers v. Canucks UNDER 6		6-5	Loss	-115	13 h 28 m	Show
I'm surprised to see a total this high in this matchup. The Rangers rank in the bottom-10 in scoring. They've managed just four goals in their last three games. The Rangers have many new faces following the trade deadline. It's going to take time for them to get in sync offensively. The Canucks rank 25th in scoring. They haven't broken the three-goal barrier during their past three games. Vancouver's offense figures to be weaker, too, after it dealt second-leading scorer Thomas Vanek to Columbus this past Monday. The Canucks managed just one goal in their first game without Vanek, a 3-1 road loss to the Avalanche.
02-27-18	Kings v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	4-1	Loss	-120	13 h 45 m	Show
The Kings have scored three or more goals in 10 of their last 12 games. The Kings just got back Jeff Carter after he missed 55 games with an ankle injury. Carter led the Kings in goals and points last season. Their offense is much upgraded with Carter playing for the third time since suffering his injury. The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the league averaging 3.5 goals per game. Las Vegas is averaging 5.6 goals during its last five home games if you discount their game against the Ducks. The Golden Knights boosted the offense of their third line trading for Tomas Tatar. Both teams played against each other last night in Los Angeles. The Kings won, 3-2, in overtime. There would have been more goals scored if not for the outstanding goalie work of Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 41 saves, and Jonathan Quick, who made 37 saves several of them of which were sensational. The intense matchup left both goalies gasping. So there's a chance we could see backup goalies - Maxime Legace for Las Vegas and Jack Campbell for LA. The Kings traded their quality second-string goalie, Darcy Kuemper. Campbell has never started an NHL game. Even if Quick and Fleury get the start, it's hard to believe they would have much left in the tank playing without rest. The Golden Knights previously hosted the Kings on Nov. 19 and won, 4-2. Carter didn't play in that game and Kuemper stopped 30 shots in relief of Quick, who surrendered three goals on Las Vegas' first nine shots.
02-27-18	Blues v. Wild -145		3-8	Win	100	13 h 21 m	Show
Until they prove otherwise, the Blues are fade material unless the lay price gets too insane. Right now it's not especially considering the circumstances and matchup. St. Louis has lost six in a row. The Blues have been outscored, 8-0, in their last two games falling to the Jets and Predators. Morale is at low ebb for the Blues with the losing streak and being sellers at the trade deadline dealing Paul Stastny to the Jets, a division rival. The Blues haven't been getting good goaltending and their defensive depth is down with Robert Bortuzzo doubtful. Minnesota has won four in a row. The Wild are very strong at home winning 16 of their last 22 home games. The Wild have scored three or more goals in 13 of their last 16 games. They shouldn't have a problem getting at least three goals against the Blues, which should be enough to stretch their winning streak to five.
02-27-18	Hurricanes v. Bruins -1.5		3-4	Loss	-100	12 h 47 m	Show
Sometimes a team returning home following a multi-game road trip can be flat. I don't see that happening here with the Bruins. Boston is mad and in stop-the-pain mode having lost two in a row for the first time since mid-November. Both defeats came on the road. The losses were a controversial 4-3 defeat to the Maple Leafs this past Friday following by a flat performance on Saturday in a loss to the last-place Sabres. Now the Bruins are back in action after two full days off. Boston has won 10 of its last 13 home games and fortified itself at the trade deadline picking up Rick Nash and Tommy Wingels while signing Brian Gionta off the U.S. Olympic team. All are expected to play for the first time at home today as members of the Bruins. The Bruins are much the superior team and should be fired-up. So I believe it's worth it to take a plus price with them on the money line rather than lay such heavy juice. Carolina is struggling both record-wise and emotionally. The Hurricanes have lost five in a row, managing only six goals during this span. They've allowed at least three goals in their last six games. This is a very difficult time, too, mentally for the Hurricanes following the death of co-captain Jordan Staal's baby daugther during the weekend. Staal isn't likely to play. The two teams met in Boston last month and the Bruins blasted the Hurricanes, 7-1. Boston goalie Tukka Rask has a strong history versus Carolina with a 7-3-3 record, a 1.89 GAA and .939 save percentage.
02-26-18	Flyers -125 v. Canadiens		1-0	Win	100	6 h 29 m	Show
The price is low enough to back the red-hot Flyers versus the reeling Canadiens, who have to be distracted with today's trade deadline. Philadelphia is 9-0-2 in its last 11 games. The Flyers have won their last six road games. The Flyers rank 11th in goals scored. Montreal is 28th in goals. Another plus for the Flyers is the Canadiens will be starting third-string goalie Charlie Lindgren with starter Carey Price on the IR. LIndgren was 8-14-1 with 3.18 GAA less than a 90 percent save percentage with Laval in the AHL.
02-26-18	Maple Leafs v. Lightning OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	6 h 10 m	Show
It takes three goals from each team for this total to go Over. The odds of that happening are good considering the quality of these offenses and current form. The Lightning have managed three or more goals in nine straight games. The Maple Leafs have tallied at least three goals in all but one of their last 10 games. The two teams just met on Feb. 12 and the Maple Leafs won, 4-3. The Lightning have a good history, though, against Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen. Tampa Bay is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL. The Over has cashed in 72 percent of the Lightning's last 26 games.
02-24-18	Bruins -114 v. Maple Leafs		3-4	Loss	-114	8 h 2 m	Show
Boston is 17-2-2 in its last 21 road games and has been idle since Tuesday. So I'm anticipating a huge effort from the Bruins. Toronto, on the other hand, is playing for the fifth time in eight days. The Maple Leafs also will be without their leading scorer, center Auston Matthews. Toronto is one game above .500 when playing without Matthews, who suffered a shoulder injury in Toronto's last game two days ago.
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.
02-22-18	Avalanche v. Oilers -135		2-3	Win	100	9 h 39 m	Show
This has been a real bad season so far for Edmonton. But the Oilers still have Connor McDavid and are in a good spot to pick up a home win. They draw the Avalanche playing for the fourth time in six days - all at different locations. Colorado has dropped 28 of its last 41 road games. The Avalanche are a big fat and happy after rallying from three goals down to beat the Canucks, 5-4, in overtime this past Tuesday on the road. The teams have split in two meetings this season, but the Oilers have a plus 9 rating against Colorado's three top scorers, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog. Edmonton also has a good history versus expected starting Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov. He's 1-5 with a 4.44 GAA and .866 save percentage lifetime against the Oilers.
02-21-18	Senators v. Blackhawks OVER 6		2-3	Loss	-103	11 h 36 m	Show
Two of the most disappointing teams in the NHL square off here. There's no reason for either team to hold back. That should favor a high-scoring game especially with below average goaltending. Neither team is playing well defensively. Ottawa has permitted three or more goals in eight of its last nine games. The Blackhawks have allowed three or more goals in eight of their last nine games. The Senators have been better offensively notching three or more goals in six of their seven games. The Blackhawks scored eight goals when they beat the Senators, 8-2, on the road during the first meeting on Jan. 9.
02-20-18	Predators -108 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	9 h 6 m	Show
Better team in a short revenge spot and a fair line price puts me on Nashville. Detroit upset the Predators, 3-1, at Nashville this past Saturday. The Predators halted a two-game home losing streak with an impressive 5-2 victory against Ottawa on Monday. This does mark the Predators' third game in four days, but they have won five of the past six times in that spot. They also are 4-1 the past five times when playing without rest. The Red Wings are 2-7 in their last nine home games. Their players could be distracted due to the upcoming trade deadline and seeing goalie Petr Mrazek dealt to the Flyers yesterday. The Red Wings also could be without their top offensive defensiveman, Mike Green. He's missed the last two games due to an upper-body injury.
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.
02-19-18	Bruins -113 v. Flames		2-1	Win	100	5 h 19 m	Show
The teams just met six days ago and Boston won 5-2 at home. Sure Calgary is home now, but the Flames aren't the better team. The price is low enough to back the superior team. Calgary is off a loss. The Flames should be fired-up. But Boston also is off a loss, a bad one, too. The Bruins lost to the Canucks, 6-1, this past Saturday on the road after being being idle for three days. Boston was 11-0-2 in its previous 13 road games before that defeat. The Bruins are 10-1 the past 11 times when playing on one day rest. Calgary is 1-6 in its last seven home games. Simple choice here and the price is right.
02-18-18	Maple Leafs -120 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	9 h 3 m	Show
The Maple Leafs had won five in a row until losing to the Penguins at home on Saturday. No shame in that. I see Toronto bouncing back today against a far inferior opponent. Toronto has lost its last two away contests. Those were against the Penguins and Bruins, though. They Maple Leafs had won their previous four road games beating the Rangers, Stars, Blackhawks and Senators. Detroit is coming off an upset road win against the Predators on Saturday. The Red Wings are 1-4 the past five times playing without rest. They also have lost in six of their last eight home games. Toronto has defeated Detroit in five of the past six meetings.
02-17-18	Capitals -105 v. Blackhawks		1-7	Loss	-105	15 h 51 m	Show
The Blackhawks have become an auto-fade for me, losers of eight games in a row. Chicago has fallen down and can't get up. The Blackhawks have a losing record at home. They've dropped seven consecutive games at United Center. The Capitals aren't as dominant as they've been, but still are vastly superior right now to the Blackhawks. The Capitals have taillied three or more goals in nine straight games. They hold a big goalie edge with Braden Holtby against Anton Forsberg, or whatever stiff the Blackhawks want to put in net with Corey Crawford sidelined.
02-17-18	Maple Leafs v. Penguins OVER 6		3-5	Win	100	13 h 14 m	Show
Not only is there a lot of skating speed with both of these teams, but each has an aggressive offensive mentality. So it's not surprising the Maple Leafs and Penguins each rank in the top-five in scoring. Toronto has scored three or more goals in nine of its last 10 games. The Maple Leafs have won five in a row. Those victories have all come at home. I expect the Maple Leafs to carry a strong offensive approach into this matchup. They aren't going to back down by going into a defensive shell. The Penguins have scored at least three goasl in nine of their past 10 games. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel have all been dynamite during the Penguins' 10-game home win streak. The Maple Leafs just surrendered 54 shots on goal to the Blue Jackets in their last game this past Wednesday.
02-17-18	Canadiens v. Golden Knights -1.5		3-6	Win	130	13 h 8 m	Show
It's not difficult to imagine the Golden Knights winning big here against the Canadiens. Las Vegas has the best home record in the NHL at 21-4-2. The Golden Knights are off a pair of three-goal home wins beating the Blackhawks and Oilers. Those teams are struggling and so are the Candiens. Montral has lost four in a row, three of those defeats by more than one goal. The Canadiens are 1-10 in their last 11 away contests. They have the worst road mark in the NHL and have not played at T-Mobile Arena, or been in the distracting Vegas enviornment. Goalie Carey Price is having an off-season. He's 0-for-8 in his last eight road starts. I don't expect the Golden Knight to let down either. They remember a 3-2 loss to the Canadiens back in early November. The Golden Knights didn't have starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury for that game and were at the end of a six-game, nine-day road trip.
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.
02-17-18	Ducks v. Wild -122		3-2	Loss	-122	8 h 20 m	Show
I like Minnesota at home in this bounce back spot. The Wild are 10-1-3 in their last 14 home games, but didn't play well in a 5-2 home loss to the Capitals this past Thursday. Goalie Devan Dubnyk may have had his worst game of the season. He was called out by coach Bruce Boudreau after the game. Dubnyk is a solid goalie. I expect a much stronger performance from him here. The Wild have a history of playing much better following a blowout loss going 7-1 the past eight times after losing by at least three goals. The Ducks had lost three in a row before nipping the free-falling Blackhawks, 3-2, on Thursday. This is a very early start for Anaheim. Minnesota defeated the Ducks earlier this season in Anaheim. Now the Wild are in a good spot to repeat that victory at home.
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.
02-15-18	Ducks -103 v. Blackhawks		3-2	Win	100	12 h 18 m	Show
The Blackhawks are becoming an auto-fade losers of seven in a row and realistically out of the playoffs. Chicago isn't losing close games either being outscored by 17 goals during its losing streak. I don't see the Blackhawks being helped returning to Chicago. They concluded a three-game road trip with a 5-2 loss to Las Vegas on Tuesday. This will be their fourth game in six days. Chicago has lost its last six games at United Center, its longest home losing streak since 2005. Anaheim already is in the Midwest. The Ducks lost by one goal at home to San Jose and then followed that up with a one-goal defeat to the Red Wings on Tuesday. The Ducks are due and have the superior goalie with John Gibson expected to be in net.
02-14-18	Canadiens v. Avalanche -110		0-2	Win	100	9 h 33 m	Show
This is a reasonable price to back Colorado against Montreal especially with revenge motivation. It was the Candiens who snapped the Avalanche's 10-game win streak with a 4-2 home victory on Jan. 23. The Avalanche doesn't need leading scorer Nathan McKinnon to defeat the Canadiens at Pepsi Center where they have won nine in a row. Montreal has struggled on the road losing 17 of 25 away contests, including its last three. The Canadiens have injuries to key players and goalie Carey Price is having a down season. Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov, on the other hand, is 5-0-1 career-wise versus Montreal.
02-13-18	Lightning v. Sabres OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	6 h 16 m	Show
Tampa Bay leads the NHL in goals scored per game and also has the second-best power play in the league. The Lightning draw one of the weaker goalies in the league, Chad Johnson. The Sabres have picked up their attack scoring 15 goals in their last four games. They catch a break in that Tampa Bay will go with backup goalie Louis Dominque instead of Andrei Vasilevskiy. There may not be a great difference from first-string to second-string goalie in the entire league.
02-12-18	Lightning +111 v. Maple Leafs		3-4	Loss	-100	13 h 38 m	Show
The Maple Leafs are playing well, but anytime I can get a plus price with Tampa Bay I'm inclined to take it. Such is the case here. Toronto is 8-2 in its last 10 games. Tampa Bay, though, is 7-3 in its last 10 and owns the best record in the NHL. The Lightning are 19-9-2 on the road this season and have won in five of their last six visits to Toronto. The Lightning have the superior offense - ranking No. 1 in the league in goals scored - and defense along with a far better goalie. Tampa Bay won the lone meeting between the two teams this season, 2-0, last month. That game was in Toronto, too.
02-11-18	Flames v. Islanders OVER 6		3-2	Loss	-100	7 h 32 m	Show
Only once in their last seven games, have the Flames scored fewer than three goals per game. Their offense should be good for at least three goals going against an Islanders defense that is the worst in the league and has porous goaltending, too. Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak is allowing an average of four goals per game during his last three games. The Islanders are the No. 3 scoring team in the NHL. Their power play unit has been clicking lately, which is bad news for the Flames, who have had trouble killing of penalties. New York has been a great Over team at home going 20-7-1 above the total in its last 28 home contests.
02-09-18	Oilers +125 v. Ducks		2-3	Loss	-100	9 h 35 m	Show
The Oilers have revenge, a hot Connor McDavid and catch the Ducks playing for the first time at home in February following a five-game East Coast trip that concluded Tuesday night with a win against the Sabres. The Ducks nipped the Oilers, 2-1 in a shootout at Edmonton on Jan. 4. The Oilers have been playing better winning five of their last eight games. McDavid has scored seven goals in his last three games.
02-08-18	Golden Knights v. Sharks +100		5-3	Loss	-100	22 h 23 m	Show
The Golden Knights have been the story of the year this season in the NHL. But regression is starting to kick in and the Golden Knights carry a heavy fatigue rating here. Las Vegas is 3-3 in its last six games with two of its wins during this span coming by one goal, including one in overtime. The Golden Knights just played a physical and emotional game at Pittsburgh on Tuesday with goalie Marc-Andre Fleury facing his old team. The Golden Knights lost that one, 5-4. San Jose has the defense and goaltending to frustrate Las Vegas. The Sharks also have revenge for a 5-4 road overtime loss to Las Vegas from November.
02-08-18	Canucks v. Lightning -1.5		2-5	Win	120	19 h 24 m	Show
Following a bad 6-2 road loss to the Oilers this past Monday, I have to believe the Lightning will be motivated to bury Vancouver. So does the oddsmaker making Tampa Bay such a heavy favorite. So the way to attack this game is on the puck line laying 1 1/2 goals and getting back a plus price. Tampa Bay is 21-7 in its last 28 home games. Vancouver is a bad road team. The Lightning have the best record in the NHL, but are only one point ahead of Boston. So they can't afford to take Vancouver lightly. They shouldn't either having lost the past two times hosting the Canucks.
02-08-18	Flames v. Devils OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-105	19 h 60 m	Show
Calgary has scored three or more goals in 11 of its last 15 games. The Flames take on the Devils, who have a below average defense and above average offense. The Devils have a real problem in net with Cory Schneider injured and Keith Kinkaid not playing well. Things have become desperate enough where former Calgary goalie Eddie Lack was signed and could be in net here. That would be another plus for the Over. I like the Devils' offense much more when Taylor Hall is healthy. Hall is back in top form with 16 points in his last 11 games, including seven goals. New Jersey has scored at least three goals in each of its last four games.
02-06-18	Golden Knights v. Penguins -124		4-5	Win	100	6 h 7 m	Show
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins are coming on winning nine of their last 12. The Penguins are in revenge mode for a 2-1 road loss to the upstart Golden Knights. Pittsburgh is playing much better now than they were back then. Evgeni Malkin is sizzling with 11 points in his last four games, including eight goals. The Golden Knights are playing for the fourth time in six days and fifth time in seven days. They carry a high fatigue factor especially coming back to upset the Capitals on the road two nights ago.
02-05-18	Rangers v. Stars -1.5		1-2	Loss	-100	7 h 60 m	Show
The Rangers have lost five of their last six games and are sinking fast. All five of their losses during this span have been by more than one goal. New York is dealing with multiple injuries, too. Already down Chris Kreider, Pavel Buchnevich and Kevin Shattenkirk, the Rangers could be missing defensemen Jim Vesey and Marc Staal, who each left Saturday's 5-2 loss to Nashville with upper body injuries. New York has surrendered 24 goals in its last five games. Dallas has a strong home ice advantage. The Stars are 18-9 at home this season with five of their past six overall victories coming by two or more goals. Dallas is averaging five goals per game during its last two games.
02-04-18	Golden Knights v. Capitals -110		4-3	Loss	-110	8 h 19 m	Show
Washington is strong at home winning 42 of its last 57 at Capital One Arena, including going 19-7-1 this season. The Golden Knights are playing their fourth of six consecutive road games. This marks their third game in four days and fourth in six days. The Golden Knights may have played their worst game of the season two days ago losing 5-2 to the Wild. Las Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said his team looked tired for the first time this year. The Golden Knights are not going to be helped by a very early start as this is a day game. The Capitals have scored 13 goals in their last three games. Alex Ovechkin is hot again with 10 points in his last seven games, including five goals.
02-04-18	Golden Knights v. Capitals OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	100	8 h 18 m	Show
The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. They should come out with more energy even though this is an early start time after sleepwalking through a 5-2 loss to Minnesota this past Friday. Washington has allowed three or more goals in eight of its last 11 games. The Capitals are hot offensively, though, ringing up 13 goals in their past three games.
02-03-18	Penguins v. Devils OVER 6		1-3	Loss	-100	6 h 39 m	Show
The Penguins are rolling offensively scoring 21 goals in their last four games. Evgen Malkin is blazing scoring seven goals in his last three games. Pittsburgh has scored 26 goals in its last five games against the Devils. There have been a total of 28 goals during the last three games between the two teams. The Devils are a better than average offensive team with Taylor Hall back in the lineup. Hall is hot, too, recording at least one point in each of his last nine games. Another bonus to going Over is the goalie situation. The Penguins are going with backup Casey DeSmith while the Devils continue to go with second-stringer Keith Kinkaid as Cory Schneider remains out with a groin injury.
02-02-18	Capitals v. Penguins OVER 5.5		4-7	Win	100	4 h 15 m	Show
The Capitals are back scoring putting up nine goals in their last two games. They've gone Over in their last four road contests. The Penguins have scored 14 goals in their last three games. They can take advantage of Braden Holtby, who is overrated in net when on the road.
02-01-18	Lightning -113 v. Flames		7-4	Win	100	9 h 9 m	Show
Tampa Bay is the best team in the NHL and has not only revenge motivation for a 5-1 home loss suffered to the Flames on Jan. 11, but also a poor showing coming out of All-Star break with a 3-1 road loss to Winnipeg two days ago. The Lightning went with backup goalie Louis Dominque in that loss to Jets. Now they go from one of the worst backups to maybe the best starting goalie with Andrei Vasilevskiy back in net. Star defenseman Victor Hedman also is back for Tampa Bay. He returned against the Jets after being out five games with a lower-body injury. The Flames have lost their last five games.
02-01-18	Maple Leafs v. Rangers OVER 6		4-0	Loss	-110	7 h 10 m	Show
Toronto is back on track offensively coming out of All-Star break with five goals against the Islanders last night. The Maples Leafs can take advantage of a leaking Rangers defense that has surrendered 34 goals in their last eight games for an average of 4.2 goals during this span. The Rangers are a top-10 scoring team that will have plenty of energy having last played a week ago. The Rangers went ino All-Star break having beat the Sharks, 6-5, on the road. They are expected to draw Toronto backup goalie Curtis McElhinney.
01-31-18	Sharks -105 v. Red Wings		1-2	Loss	-105	18 h 6 m	Show
The Sharks are in stop-the-pain mode going 0-2-1 during their last three games and have the advantage of being less rusty than Detroit. The Red Wings last played six days ago previous to the All-Star break. San Jose played last night and got hammered, 5-2, by the Penguins in Pittsburgh. I expect the superior team, the Sharks with their veterans, to take care of business here with a focus effort. I'm fine with Aaron Dell scheduled to be in net. He has a higher save percentage than Martin Jones, who was in net last night. The Red Wings have lost their last five home games being outscored by 12 goals during this span. San Jose has won in four of its last five trips to Detroit.
01-30-18	Wild v. Blue Jackets -120		3-2	Loss	-120	15 h 31 m	Show
Two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky looked back in great form stopping 38 shots in Columbus' 2-1 road win at Arizona right before All-Star break. Given Bobrovsky's strong history versus the Wild and Minnesota's poor road mark, the price is right to back the Blue Jackets. Minnesota is 9-14-1 on the road this season. The Wild have lost five of their last six away contests getting outscored, 24-9, in those games. Bobrovsky is 8-2 career-wise versus the Wild with a 1.78 GAA and .936 save percentage. The Wild have played much better at home going 17-4-4. But one of their home defeats was to the Blue Jackets in the team's previous meeting this seaso
01-25-18	Blue Jackets -115 v. Coyotes		2-1	Win	100	10 h 55 m	Show
The price is low enough to fade the Coyotes. I can't see Arizona going into the All-Star break with a three-game win streak. Arizona is just 6-14-3 at home this season. The Coyotes have lost in their last five games to Columbus. Columbus should have plenty of energy playing for only the third time 13 days. The Blue Jackets have back Cam Atkinson, their leading scorer from a year ago.
01-23-18	Flyers -125 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	5 h 23 m	Show
I'm going to ride the Flyers, winners of seven of their last eight games and three in a row. Philadelphia is 15-5-1 in its last 21 games. Consequently, the Red Wings have lost three in a row at home. Detroit is down injured defenseman Trevor Daley and playing for the third time in four days. The Red Wings have lost four of the last five times they've been in that spot. Philadelphia has dominated the series, too, winning nine of the last 12 times.
01-22-18	Islanders -120 v. Coyotes		2-3	Loss	-120	16 h 34 m	Show
I have to believe the Islanders have too much offense for the Coyotes. The Islanders have the scored the second-most goals in the NHL. New York has scored 23 goals in its past four road games and is a respectable 11-13-1 away from home. The Islanders are off an impressive 7-3 road victory against the Blackhawks. Arizona ranks with Buffalo as the worst team in the NHL. The Coyotes have the most losses in the league, but are coming off a shocking 5-2 road win against the Blues from two days ago. The last time the Coyotes won two in a row was Nov. 20. The Coyotes are 5-14-3 at home and have lost seven of their past nine games. The teams met back in October and the Islanders won, 5-3, at home. It's a bonus if the Islanders were to get back injured defenseman Johnny Boychuk and center Casey Cizikas. They both practiced yesterday.
01-21-18	Golden Knights -118 v. Hurricanes		5-1	Win	100	4 h 9 m	Show
The Golden Knights continue to play well, but only have one victory in their last four games to show for it. I believe the Golden Knights are due for a victory here. Las Vegas catches Carolina in its second game back from its mandated bye. The Hurricanes defeated the Red Wings, 3-1, on Saturday with Cam Ward in net. The Golden Knights should have a strong goalie edge with Marc-Andre Fleury confirmed as a starter and Scott Darling likely to be in net for Carolina. Carolina is 2-8 in Darling's last 10 games. The Golden Knights rank third in the NHL in scoring at 3.3 goals per game. Carolina, by contrast, is 23rd in scoring averaging 2.7 goals a game.
01-20-18	Rangers v. Avalanche -115		1-3	Win	100	7 h 27 m	Show
Colorado is red-hot winning eight in a row. The Avalanche have won six of these games by more than one goal. I'm going to ride the Avalanche here catching the Rangers traveling West into high altitude for an early start time game following a closer-than-expected home win against the Sabres two days ago. The Rangers will be without defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. He's out with a knee injury.
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.
01-17-18	Penguins +110 v. Ducks		3-5	Loss	-100	14 h 29 m	Show
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins are getting hot winning four in a row. I'm going to ride them here against the Ducks, who have lost three of their last four. The Penguins are averaging four goals per game during their last six games. They have been getting excellent goaltending from backup Tristan Jarry, too. Jarry has a .928 save percentage in his last four starts. He could get the start here if starter Matt Murray, who made the trip to California, can't go. Pittsburgh has revenge for a 4-0 home loss suffered to Anaheim a litte more than three weeks ago. That was just the second time in the last nine meetings the Ducks have defeated the Penguins. Pittsburgh is 9-3 the past 12 times when playing on two days rest. The Ducks are a cripple shooting type of team going 4-13 the past 17 times when facing an opponent with a winning record. Anaheim goalie John Gibson hasn't been that sharp at home either.
01-16-18	Sharks v. Coyotes +125		3-2	Loss	-100	13 h 7 m	Show
It's difficult to back the Coyotes, the worst team in the NHL. But this is a good spot for Arizona. The Coyotes' poor record is a bit deceiving considering they've either been leading or tied late in the third period during recent action. Discounting an empty-net goal, the Coyotes have been involved in one-goal outcomes during their last four games. Arizona has short revenge from this past Saturday night. The Sharks scored a game-tying goal with 15 seconds remaining in regulation. San Jose then won in overtime, 6-5. The Coyotes did a lot of things right in that game, including scoring three goals on their first six shots. The Sharks pulled starting goalie Martin Jones after that. San Jose isn't likely to be nearly as motivated as the Coyotes after beating despised rival the Kings, 4-1, on the road Monday. That was the game the Sharks really wanted. Arizona is going to go with goalie Antti Raanta, who didn't play in the 6-5 loss to the Sharks on Saturday night. Raanta has a .922 save percentage in his last five games. He also has a winning record and 1.46 GAA lifetime versus the Sharks.
01-16-18	Devils v. Islanders OVER 6		4-1	Loss	-110	11 h 3 m	Show
It's hard not to go Over this total. New Jersey has gone Over in 11 of its last 15 games. The Islanders are 16-5-1 to the Over during their last 22 home games. The Islanders are the No. 2 scoring team in the league, while the Devils rank eighth in goals scored. The Islanders have to win with offense because their defense is so weak. They just allowed the Canadiens, who rank 29th in scoring, to get off 56 shots and score four goals on Monday. The Islanders still were able to prevail, 5-4 in overtime. The Islanders, though, lost defenseman Scott Mayfield, who was hit in the face with the puck. Devils goalie Cory Schneider was playing well earlier in the season, but has been cold lately.
01-16-18	Blues +130 v. Maple Leafs		2-1	Win	130	11 h 3 m	Show
I'm attracted to taking a 'dog price with the Blues. Both teams are coming off an extended break so I like taking a price when there is an increased randomness factor. The Blues are one of the better road clubs with an 11-8-3 away mark. The Blues will be primed to stop a three-game losing streak having had six days off to stew about that. The Maple Leafs entered their break not playing well either losing five of their past seven. St. Louis has a strong record when playing at Air Canada Centre going 10-1-2 the past 13 times there against the Maple Leafs.
01-16-18	Blues v. Maple Leafs UNDER 5.5		2-1	Win	100	11 h 1 m	Show
Both teams are coming off an extended break. St. Louis has been idle for six days, Toronto for five days. So I'm not expecting a lot of crisp passing and offensive fireworks. Toronto hasn't scored more than three goals a game during its last seven games. The Blues rank sixth defensively permitting an average of 2.7 goals a game. The Blues, though, were not sharp defensively heading into break losing three high-scoring games. I expect the Blues to be more committed to defense in this their first game following the break. This is what St. Louis General Manager Doug Armstrong was quoted as saying, "... We have to be comfortable again playing in low-scoring games. And I think we've lost our comfort level in that and we have to regain that. We have to play time-and-score to a higher efficiency. Every play doesn't have to be a home run. We have to just methodically go through and push games along and play to win."
01-13-18	Avalanche v. Stars OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-110	8 h 44 m	Show
When the teams last met on Dec. 3 there were 10 goals scored in Dallas' 7-3 victory. While I don't expect 10 goals to be scored again, I do believe it's not too much for each team to produce at least three goals apiece. The much-improved Avalanche rank fifth in the league in goals scored. They have scored 22 goals during their last five games. Dallas still remains without defenseman Marc Methot. The Stars aren't the scoring machine they were two seasons ago, but they are better than last season. Dallas ranks 12th in scoring. They've scored at least four goals in six of their last eight games. They draw the Avalanche without goalie Semyon Varlamov, who is out with a groin injury.
01-11-18	Flames v. Lightning -1.5		5-1	Loss	-100	17 h 31 m	Show
Calgary has managed to win four in a row - all by one goal. But I see this as a kill spot for Tampa Bay, the best team in the NHL. So I'm laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line in return for a strong plus price. The Lightning leads the NHL in goals scored while giving up the second-fewest goals. While the Flames have to be fat and happy picking up four consecutive victories, the Lightning should be primed for an all-out effort sensing a challenge at home and not playing again for a week. Tampa Bay has won five of its last six games by more than one goal.
01-09-18	Flames v. Wild -114		3-2	Loss	-114	8 h 46 m	Show
The price is right here to get the Wild at home. Minnesota has been dominant at Xcel Energy Center going 11-1-1 during its last 13 games there, including winning four in a row. The Wild outscored their last four opponents at home by a combined 12 goals. The Wild have extra incentive after being humiliated by Colorado on the road this past Saturday, 7-2. The Flames are 0-2 versus the Wild this season. Minnesota won both games with Alex Stalock in net where he'll be tonight.
01-06-18	Canucks v. Maple Leafs OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-115	14 h 20 m	Show
I'm not a fan of either team's goalies or defense. Vancouver ranks 27th defensively and the Maple Leafs are the No. 5 scoring team in the league. Toronto has scored at least three goals in five of its last six games. Vancouver has good young offensive talent, though, and could get forward Sven Baertschi back. He's Vancouver's fourth-leading goal scorer. The Over has cashed in nine of Vancouver's last 11 games and in each of its past six away contests. The Over also has won in six of the past seven times the Maple Leafs have hosted the Canucks.
01-05-18	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.
01-05-18	Penguins v. Islanders OVER 6		4-0	Loss	-110	3 h 24 m	Show
I'm going to follow the Islanders' Over machine again. Only once in their last 11 games have the Islanders gone Under the total. New York is bad defensively and lacks good goalies. The Islanders have allowed 21 goals in their last four games. Pittsburgh is struggling defensively, too, giving up four goals in four of its last six games. The teams met slightly more than a month ago and seven goals were scored. It marked the fourth time in the last five meetings the Over has cashed in this series.
01-04-18	Islanders v. Flyers OVER 6		4-6	Win	100	7 h 59 m	Show
The Flyers have allowed three or more goals in five of their last six games. Now they draw the Islanders, who are the No. 3 goal scoring team in the league. The Islanders, though, rank last in defense making them an Over machine. Only once in the Islanders' last 10 games has the Under cashed. I don't like the goalies on either team either. The teams have met twice this season and both games went Over with totals of seven and nine goals being scored.
01-03-18	Senators v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	10 h 5 m	Show
Both teams have trouble scoring with the Senators ranking 28th in goals per game and the Red Wings rating 26th. I'm expecting a conservative, tight-checking game between these two teams with the Senators, who have won just four times in their past 21 games, knowing they have a real shot at a victory here. The Senators, though, will have to accomplish that with defense. If you discount a five-goal performance versus Columbus, the Senators have scored just one goal in their last three games. Part of the problem is the Senators' passive attack. They have drawn just five power play opportunities in their past four games, failing to score on each one. The Red Wings are much stronger defensively at home. They've allowed only seven goals in regulation in their past five home contests. Jimmy Howard has been playing well in net for Detroit giving up seven goals during his last four starts. He's allowed three goals to Ottawa in two games this season.
01-02-18	Blue Jackets v. Stars OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-102	5 h 34 m	Show
I want to get behind Dallas with this total priced lower than 6. The Stars have scored 20 goals in their last five games. The Over has cashed in six of Dallas' last seven home games. The Blue Jackets have surrendered five goals in each of their last three games. Columbus, though, has scored four goals in three of its last six games.
01-02-18	Sharks v. Canadiens OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-100	10 h 6 m	Show
Look for the Sharks to play faster after they sleepwalked through a 6-0 road loss to the Stars on Sunday. That was their worst defeat of the season. Logan Couture, the Sharks' leading goal scorer, returned after missing the last four games. He didn't play well, but did get the rust off. Montreal is giving up an average of four goals per game during its last four games. The Canadians have gotten more aggressive on offense in an effort to break a four-game losing streak. This is their first home game since Dec. 14. A strong effort should be forthcoming. The teams met on Oct. 17 and the Sharks won 5-2.
01-02-18	Penguins v. Flyers OVER 5.5		5-1	Win	100	9 h 18 m	Show
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins are a major disappointment so far this season. They've allowed the fourth-most goals in the NHL. The Penguins could get back offensive-minded defenseman Kris Letang for this matchup and I expect them to snap out of their scoring slump facing the Flyers. Philadelphia has given up three or more goals in five of its last six games. The Penguins were held to only one goal in their last game, a 4-1 road loss to the Red Wings on Sunday. But the Penguins did fire 38 shots on goal. The Penguins and Flyers put up nine goals in their previous meeting this season on Nov. 27 in Pittsburgh with the Penguins winning, 5-4.
01-01-18	Sabres v. Rangers UNDER 5.5		2-3	Win	100	5 h 10 m	Show
An early day time start on New Year's Day has certain built-in advantages for a low-scoring matchup. Those elements are enhanced by this game being playing outdoors in frigid conditions at Citi Field in Queens. It's also aided greatly by the Sabres being involved. Buffalo is 31st in goals. The Rangers will be without Chris Kreider, who is tied for second in goals on the team. New York will be going against a hot goalie in Robin Lehner, who has a .933 save percentage in his last five games. New York has scored only five goals in its last three games. The Sabres are likely to be facing Henrik Lundqvist, who is coming off a strong December where he posted a .936 save percentage.
12-31-17	Penguins -127 v. Red Wings		1-4	Loss	-127	10 h 20 m	Show
Pittsburgh is having a disappointing season to put it mildly. But I see the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions getting things into gear soon. I don't envision them losing to the Red Wings even if top goalie Matt Murray and star defenseman Kris Letang remain out. Detroit is off a shootout home win against the Rangers two days ago. The Red Wings achieved that victory minus their leading goal scorer, Anthony Mantha. He's not likely to play here either due to injury. Only twice since Nov. 9 have the Red Wings won two games in a row. Detroit has lost 13 of its last 17 games.
12-29-17	Flames v. Ducks UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	6 h 10 m	Show
The Flames have won once in their last 26 games at Anaheim. Calgary has yet to get its 23rd-ranked offense going. The Flames have scored two or fewer goals in six of their last seven games. So I certainly don't see an offensive explosion coming from them. Anaheim ranks 27th in scoring. The Ducks could manage just 13 shots during the last two periods in their 4-1 home loss to Las Vegas this past Wednesday. The Under is 6-0-1 in the Ducks' last seven home games. Overall, Anaheim has gone Under in eight of its last 10 games.
12-28-17	Blackhawks v. Canucks OVER 5.5		2-5	Win	100	9 h 31 m	Show
The Blackhawks gave up four goals each to the Stars and Devils - both on the road - during their last two games before the Christmas break. Now, coming out of break, the Blackhawks should be refreshed and full of energy. They can take advantage of Vancouver, which ranks 26th defensively and has yielded nine power-play goals in its last seven games. The problem for Chicago, though, is it won't have star goalie Corey Crawford. He's out for at least the next three games. It's a huge step down from Crawford to backup Anton Forsberg, who is 1-4-3 with a 3.13 GAA. The Canucks' offense is respectable thanks to rookie Brock Boseser, who has 20 goals including seven in his last nine games.
12-27-17	Oilers v. Jets OVER 5.5		3-4	Win	100	4 h 45 m	Show
The Oilers entered break on a hot streak winning four in a row while averaging 3.7 goals per game during this span. Connor McDavid is expected to play. The Jets are the fifth-highest scoring team in the league. They've scored 30 goals during their last six home games. The Under has cashed just four times during the Jets' past 14 home contests. Look for a lot of high energy and plenty of offense from these two teams coming off break.
12-23-17	Ducks v. Penguins OVER 5.5		4-0	Loss	-115	3 h 43 m	Show
Sparked by the return of Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim is more respectable offensively now. The Ducks have tallied three or more goals in six of their last nine games. The Penguins are ranked No. 1 in shots taken and also have the league's third-most potent power play advantage. So the Penguins should get their share of goals here. Pittsburgh usually plays better at home where the Over is 6-2-1 in its last nine home contests. There only has been one Under during the past six meetings, too, between the two teams.
12-20-17	Blues +104 v. Flames		1-2	Loss	-100	7 h 10 m	Show
The Blues are the superior team so I like them at this price. Calgary struggles to stop the magnificent Vladimir Tarasenko and is under .500 at home this season. The Blues are in bounce back mode after a bad 4-0 loss on the road to Winnipeg in their last game. St. Louis has won five of the last six times following a road defeat. Calgary is 1-3 in its last four games and 3-6 in its last nine. I don't see the Flames winning if the Blues bring at least their "B" game.
12-19-17	Lightning -125 v. Golden Knights		3-4	Loss	-125	8 h 38 m	Show
Las Vegas has been great at home. Kudos to the Golden Knights. But I don't believe the expansion Golden Knight can beat the best team in the NHL. Tampa Bay is sizzling winning seven in a row. The Lightning are rested, too, having last played on Saturday. Tampa Bay trumps Las Vegas in all areas leading the NHL in scoring and having the top goalie in Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning won't be taking the Golden Knights lightly either knowing what they've accomplished.
12-18-17	Penguins v. Avalanche OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	4 h 27 m	Show
Pittsburgh ranks 23rd defensively. Colorado is 27th defensively. The Penguins have scored three or more goals in nine of their last 11 games. They lead the NHL in shots and catch Colorado short-handed on the blue line with defenseman Erik Johnson out. The Avalanche are averaging 3.6 goals in their last five games. Matt Murray has been confirmed as Pittsburgh's goalie. Murray isn't nearly as good on the road where he's a mediocre 6-6 with a 3.25 GAA and has an .885 save percentage.
12-15-17	Maple Leafs v. Red Wings OVER 5.5		1-3	Loss	-100	3 h 6 m	Show
This is only the sixth time all season the Maple Leafs have a total of less than 6 on their matchup. Toronto has been in a scoring slump. I don't see it continuing against the Red Wings and cold goalie Jimmy Howard. The Red Wings have allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game during their last eight games. Detroit can take advantage offensively of the Maple Leafs' mediocre defense. Only one team gives up more shots on goal than Toronto.
12-14-17	Sabres +160 v. Flyers		1-2	Loss	-100	6 h 57 m	Show
I'm taking the value and going with the Sabres, who I see as a very live 'dog. The Flyers are 1-6 in their last seven home games. It's a flat spot, too, for Philadelphia. The Flyers have won four in a row with the last coming at home two nights ago against the Maple Leafs. The Flyers host the hot Stars on Saturday in a bigger game than this. Buffalo has been more competitive than its record may indicate. The Sabres are 2-2 in their last four games. Their two losses during this time frame both came in overtime on the road to the Blackhawks and Blues. The Sabres are healthy and have Robin Lehner in net. He has been playing well stopping 149 of 159 shots in his last four games for a .937 save percentage.
12-12-17	Kings -115 v. Devils		1-5	Loss	-115	7 h 54 m	Show
The Kings have won a league-best eight straight games. At this low price, I'll ride with them. The Devils are 1-3 in their last four games giving up an average of four goals per game during this span. LA has proven tough on the road going 10-3-1. The Devils have only been mediocre at home going 6-5-2. The Kings also have won 14 of 17 games versus Eastern Conference opponents and are 5-0 against teams from the Metropolitan Division. The Devils' offense has cooled off. New Jersey is averaging 2.2 goals during its last four games. The Kings yield the fewest goals per game in the league at 2.1.
12-12-17	Avalanche v. Capitals OVER 5.5		2-5	Win	100	2 h 45 m	Show
Colorado ranks 24th defensively and the Capitals have scored 18 goals during their last four games. The Avalanche, though, are a top 10 scoring team and they draw the Capitals going with backup goalie, Philippe Grubauer. The over has cashed in four of the past five meetings between the two teams.
12-11-17	Panthers v. Red Wings OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-120	6 h 27 m	Show
Florida has scored 13 goals in its last three games, but given up 16 goals during this span. Part of the Panthers' defensive woes are they are forced to go with James Reimer, one of the lesser backup goalies in the league. The Red Wings also are having problems on defense yielding 17 goals in their last three games. Jimmy Howard played well last season for Detroit. But Howard is on a cold spell giving up four or more goals in his last five games.
12-11-17	Avalanche v. Penguins OVER 6		2-1	Loss	-100	6 h 60 m	Show
Pittsburgh has scored three or more goals in each of its last eight games. Both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are hot for Pittsburgh. Colorado ranks 26th defensively and is going with backup goalie Jonathan Bernier. The Over is 6-0-1 in Pittsburgh's last seven home games. Colorado ranks eighth in scoring. The Avalanche just scored seven goals in their last game. They also draw a backup goalie in Tristan Jarry, who is filling in for injured Matt Murray. Jarry looked good in two games against offensively-challenged Buffalo, but has found things tougher against better offenses.
12-11-17	Capitals v. Islanders OVER 6		1-3	Loss	-105	6 h 58 m	Show
The Islanders are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL and an Over machine going 10-2-1 above the total during their last 13 games. The Islanders have gone Over in 82 percent of their home games this season. The Capitals have been a big Over team on the road with the Over cashing in 77 percent of their away contests this season. Washington has scored 18 goals during its last four games and catch the Islanders down injured defenseman Thomas Hickey.
12-09-17	Senators +148 v. Sharks		0-5	Loss	-100	15 h 0 m	Show
San Jose is a declining team that is in a letdown position after rallying from a 3-0 deficit to pull off a dramatic 5-4 home victory against Carolina on Thursday. The Sharks can't be faulted for taking the Senators lightly. Ottawa has lost 10 of its last 11. However, the Senators have shown signs of breaking out of their slump. They nearly ended the Kings' win streak in their last game losing 4-3 on Thursday. Ottawa overachieved last season reaching the Eastern Conference finals. But the Senators are better than they have shown during their current skid. The Senators have disappointed offensively, but the Sharks are scoring even less goals. San Jose ranks 29th in scoring at 2.6 goals per game. The Senators have won five of the past six in this series. They are 4-1 in their last five games at San Jose.
12-09-17	Golden Knights v. Stars OVER 6		5-3	Win	100	3 h 29 m	Show
These two teams have met twice and both times the game went Under. I don't see that occurring a third straight time. The Golden Knights are a huge Over team. Las Vegas is 18-8-2 to the Over this season, including a 10-4-1 Over record on the road. The Golden Knights are the third-highest scoring team in the league, but rank in the bottom 10 in the major defensive categories. Dallas is back to its poor defensive ways giving up an average of four goals in its past two games. The Stars will have Ben Bishop back in net today. Still, I like the Over as the Stars have scored a minimum of three goals in seven of their last 10 games.
12-09-17	Jets v. Lightning OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	3 h 48 m	Show
These are two high-powered offenses going here. Winnipeg ranks fifth in scoring. The Jets are averaging five goals per game in their last five games if you discount a flat 5-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Lightning are the highest scoring team in the NHL. They have tallied 16 goals in their last three games. Tampa Bay also has scored at least one power play goal in eight consecutive games and 13 of its last 14. So until proven otherwise, I have to go Over this total.
12-09-17	Islanders v. Bruins OVER 6		1-3	Loss	-100	2 h 28 m	Show
The Islanders are almost an automatic Over team. Only one of their last 12 games has gone Under. They are the No. 2 scoring team in the league. They have scored at least five goals in seven of their past 12 games. The Bruins have gotten healthy and picked up their scoring. Boston has taillied four or more goals in six of their last eight games. The Bruins can take advantage of the Islanders' last ranked penalty killing unit.
12-07-17	Jets -104 v. Panthers		4-6	Loss	-104	7 h 9 m	Show
I like the Jets this season and I like them especially off a loss where they have won the past six times following a defeat. Winnipeg ranks fifth in scoring while Florida is 27th defensively. The Jets have plenty of firepower with Blake Wheeler, who leads the NHL in assists, Patrik Laine, Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers. The Jets get to face Panthers second-string goalie James Reimer, who is one of the lesser backups in the league with an .892 save percentage and 3.67 GAA. Regular Florida goalie Roberto Luongo is injured again. The Jets should be highly motivated after losing 5-1 to the Red Wings on Tuesday. Winnipeg is likely to go with Eric Comrie in net. He's a top prospect, who is 8-4-1 with a .927 save percentage in 13 starts for Manitoba in the AHL. Comrie faces a Panthers squad that has scored two or fewr goals in seven of their last 10 games.
12-06-17	Flyers v. Oilers OVER 5.5		4-2	Win	100	9 h 47 m	Show
The Flyers showed offensive life in their last game beating the Flames on the road two nights ago, 5-2. Now the Flyers draw Edmonton, which ranks 27th defensively and is last in killing penalties. The Oilers have given up nine power play goals in their last nine games. The Oilers have shown steady offensive improvement scoring three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. Consequently, the Flyers have permitted three or more goals in nine of their last 10 games. I'm expecting Connor McDavid to play. He has been sick but practiced on Tuesday. Another plus for the Over is the goaltending. I'm not impressed with Philadelphia's goalies and Edmonton's Laurent Brossoit is one of the worst backups in the league. Brossoit is filling in for injured Cam Talbot. He's 1-4-1 with a 3.81 GAA and .872 save percentage.
12-05-17	Islanders v. Lightning -1.5		2-6	Win	160	14 h 59 m	Show
The buy sign is back on Tampa Bay. The Lightning looked good beating San Jose, 5-2, at home this past Saturday in their last game. It was encouraging to see Nikita Kucherov reuturn to his hot ways scoring two goals after being switched to a line with Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat. The line change also energized Tyler Johnson, who scored two goals playing with Steven Stamkos and Vladislav Namestnikov. Kucherov and Stamkos rank first and second, respectively, in scoring in the NHL. Tampa Bay has dominated the Islanders winning seven of the last eight meetings. New York, though, defeated the Lightning, 5-3, in Tampa on Nov. 18 during the previous meeting. The Lightning should be fired-up remembering that recent loss, just their third home defeat in 15 games. The Islanders played a tough game last night squeaking past the Panthers, 5-4, on the road. I like the goalie matchup, too, from a Lightning standpoint much preferring Andrei Vasilevskiy against either Thomas Greiss or Jaroslav Halak. Vasilevskiy has been one of the top goalies this season leading the NHL in wins with 14 and rating fifth in goals-against-average at 2.22.

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