Surprised the Islanders are favored against the Hurricanes?

Don't be. The oddsmaker has it right. After two close road losses, the Islanders get to host their first playoff game at UBS Arena.

Carolina nipped New York, 2-1, in Game 1. The Hurricanes nipped the Islanders, 4-3, in overtime in Wednesday's Game 2. The Islanders had 12 penalty minutes in Game 2. Carolina wasn't whistled for a penalty.

The Hurricanes scored the overtime winner on a sequence after the referee failed to call an obvious high stick penalty on Carolina's Jordan Martinook.

The Islanders have won their last four home games. They are due to get some breaks.

The Hurricanes' forward depth took another hit when left winger Teuvo Teravainen suffered a broken hand late in Wednesday's game. Teravainen had 37 points playing on Carolina's top line.

Backing the Maple Leafs in the playoffs can be an exercise in futility. But I see the Maple Leafs coming up big against the Lightning at home in Game 2 of their series after being upset by four goals as a mid-sized favorite two days ago in Game 1.

Toronto is 5-0 the past five times following a home loss of three or more goals.

The Maple Leafs have the talent. Their lack of intensity and mistakes around the net prevalent in Game 1 should be cleaned up here following that opening game, 7-3, embarrassament.

Tampa Bay has lost six of its last eight road games. This is not the great Lightning team of the past few years.

The Lightning also have injury concerns, especially on the blue line. Defenseman Erik Cernak is out. Star defenseman Victor Hedman is questionable with an undisclosed injury. He didn't practice Wednesday.

The Wild played a gutty game in upsetting the Stars, 3-2, in double overtime this past Monday in Dallas to win Game 1 of this Stanley Cup series.

Dallas had won six in a row prior to Monday's game. I like the Stars to come back and win this Game 2 at home.

The Stars dominated the Wild during the third period and in the overtimes with more shots and scoring chances.

But the Wild were able to withstand the pressure despite missing two key players, defenseman John Klingberg and forward Joel Eriksson, their third-leading goal scorer. Both are questionable for this Game 2.

The oddsmaker opened this Game 1 too short.

Each of the four regular-season games went Over the total. There was an average of eight goals scored per game in the four games.

Yes, this is the playoffs. But the Panthers aren't going to get into a grind-out battle with Boston. If you discount a 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs, the Panthers have averaged 4.8 goals in their last six games. Florida ranks first in shots on goal and sixth in goals scored.

The Bruins were the second-highest scoring team in the league. They are averaging five goals a game during their last three games and facing a below average Florida defense.

Colorado needs to beat the Predators on the road here in order to edge out Dallas for the Central Division title. That is going to be easier said than done.

The Avalanche are a banged-up team and the Predators haven't shown any quit despite being eliminated from the playoffs.

Colorado's depth took a hit in its 4-2 home win against the Jets last night as forwards Andrew Cogliano and Denis Maign left with injuries.

Nashville is 4-1 in its last five games. During their last nine games, the Predators beat three clubs that won divisions - Bruins, Golden Knights and Hurricanes. Nashville has surrendered only nine goals during its past five games.

Congrats to the Bruins on setting the NHL single-season win record. Now the Bruins conclude their regular season with this road game. It means nothing to the Bruins. Their thoughts are all geared to next week's Stanley Cup action. As for Montreal, the Canadiens long ago checked out. They are 1-6 in their last seven games.

I'd compare this situation for the Bruins to an NFL team playing its final preseason game. The biggest concern is not having anybody get hurt. The Bruins are likely to be holding out players, just being content to just passing the puck around until this meaningless game is finished. Don't look for many penalties to be called. 

Montreal has scored two or fewer goals in six of its last seven games. If you discount a six-goal game against the Capitals, the Canadiens are averaging 1.1 goals in their last six games. 

These teams have a solid Under history even under normal conditions with the low side being 11-4-2 during the last 17 meetings. 

The Stars are looking to win the Central Division. I don't see the Blues tripping them up.

Dallas is 6-1 in its last seven games, riding a four-game win streak.

The Stars have a strong history against bad teams going 45-21 the past 66 times for 68 percent.

The Blues, by contrast, are 8-20 the past 28 times they've played above .500 opponents.

The Golden Knights have playoff seeding incentive and this spot sets up well for them.

Las Vegas last was in action this past Saturday, losing on the road to Dallas, 2-1. The Golden Knights have been home since.

Seattle, meanwhile, is in action for the fourth time in six days and playing without rest after beating Arizona on the road, 4-1, last night.

The teams meet again in the final regular season game Thursday. That game will be played in Seattle.

The Golden Knights are 11-3 in their last 14 home games. They are 5-1 in their last six games against the Kraken. This is their spot to win.

The season is mercifully coming to an end for these two bottom feeders. The formula is right for a high-scoring game here. Neither team has anything to gain and neither can play defense.

The Blue Jackets have given up 4 or more goals in 14 of their last 16 games. The Flyers have surrendered 4 or more goals in each of their last four games.

The Over is 12-4-1 in Columbus' last 17 games. The Over has cashed in seven of Philadelphia's past nine home games.

The Over has cashed in 11 of the last 15 meetings between the two teams, including all three games this season.

Defense and tight-checking will be stressed here with the Predators, Flames and Jets all trying to chase down the final wild-card playoff spot in the West.

The Predators, down Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene, are trying to hang in with defense and outstanding goaltending from Juuse Saros.

Nashville is averaging 1.7 goals in its last four games. The Predators have scored 3 or fewer goals in nine of their last 10 games. They tallied 2 or fewer goals in seven of those 10 games.

But if you discount the five goals they allowed to the Stars, the Predators have held their last six opponents to only eight goals.

The Flames have an above average defense, too. They rank No. 3 in fewest shots allowed.

The Under has cashed in four of the last five meetings between the two teams.

The price is low enough to strongly back the Bruins, the best team in hockey. Boston gives up the fewest goals while scoring the second-most.

The line is low because the Devils are a strong team, too, and unlike Boston - which has already clinched the No. 1 seed - are playing for playoff seeding.

So motivation factors. The Bruins haven't taken their foot off the gas winning 10 of their last 11 games. They have incentive. This is a nationally televised game courtesy of ABC and a victory would allow Boston to match the highest win total in NHL history. The Bruins are 61-12-5 on the season, including 32-4-3 at home.

New Jersey is just 2-4 in its last six road contests with one of those victories occurring versus the lowly Blackhawks. The Devils also are 2-5 the past seven times they've played an above .500 opponent.

Boston has defeated New Jersey 17 of the past 22 times when playing at home.

This game has strong playoff implications with the Predators and Jets battling the Flames for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. So I project a playoff-type intensity, which means tight checking and both teams not wanting to take chances.

None of the previous three games this season between the two teams resulted in more than five goals being scored. The scores were 3-2 in overtime and a pair of 2-1 games. That's how I see this one, too.

Each team has an elite goalie. Nashville's Juuse Saros has a 2.72 goals against average and .918 save percentage. He leads the NHL in goals saved above expectations. The Predators have allowed just 2.6 goals since March 3. The Jets have averaged 2.7 goals since March 3.

Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck has a 2.57 GAA and also a .918 save percentage. The Predators haven't scored more than two goals in regulation during 11 of their last 13 games.

The Over has cashed the past four times the teams have met in Anaheim. I expect it's going to be five in a row after this game.

The Oilers are No. 1 in the NHL in scoring and power play percentage. Edmonton has produced a minimum of three goals during 16 of its last 17 games.

The pathetic Ducks have lost eight in a row as they play the string out. They rank last defensively and have the second-worst penalty kill unit.

The Over is 39-18-1 the past 60 times the Oilers have gone against a below .500 foe.

The Ducks scored four goals against the Flames in their last game. So they are capable of scoring outbursts.

I find this total to be short. The Golden Knights have scored 3 or more goals in 14 of their last 16 games. They are averaging 4.1 goals during their last seven games.

Minnesota is going to be on the attack after suffering a 4-1 road loss to the Golden Knights two days ago. Wild coach Dean Evason thought his team was too passive in that game.

The Wild were averaging 4 goals a game during their previous four games before falling to Las Vegas. The Over is 8-3-1 in the Wild's last 12 games.

The Golden Knights are a strong road team. But the Wild are a strong home team, playing with short revenge and have dominated the Golden Knights at Xcel Energy Center going 7-1-2.

Minnesota coach Dean Evason questioned his team's energy following the Wild's 4-1 loss to Las Vegas on the road this past Saturday.

I'm expecting a great amount of intensity from the Wild here especially from goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, going against his former team.

The Wild have won 16 of their last 22 games. They are 24-11-3 at home this season. Long-term, Minnesota has won 70 percent of its last 108 home contests.

The Bruins have averaged just two goals in regulation during their last four games. This has coincided with their clinching the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Boston, however, continues to play great defense. The Bruins haven't given up more than two goals in eight of their past nine games. They are the No. 1 defensive team in the NHL.

The Penguins have held their last five opponents to an average of two goals per game if you don't count their giving up seven goals to the Red Wings. Star goalie Tristan Jarry is back for Pittsburgh and expected to get the start. Jarry shut out the Predators, 2-0, making 28 saves in the Penguins' last game two days ago. 

The Under has cashed five of the last six times the Penguins have hosted the Bruins. 

Not this is an early start time, which is another plus for the Under. 

Getting an elite team off a home loss against a bottom-feeder off a rare home victory sets up a great spot here for taking Las Vegas against San Jose.

The Golden Knights are off a 7-4 home loss to the Oilers this past Tuesday. Las Vegas was 11-2 in its previous 13 games prior to that loss. The Golden Knights have the most points in the Western Conference. Their 17-4-2 record in their 23 games is tied for the second-best mark in the NHL during this span.

San Jose snapped a nine-game losing streak in its last game, beating the Jets, 3-0, this past Tuesday. The Sharks have the worst home mark in the NHL with only seven victories. Before defeating the Jets, the Sharks hadn't won at home since Feb. 20. San Jose, already eliminated from the playoffs, has lost 43 of its past 57 home games.

Las Vegas is a top road team with a 24-7-5 away mark. The Golden Knights have won seven consecutive road games. They consider San Jose an arch-rival. The Golden Knights won't lack motivation. They've beaten the Sharks eight straight times in San Jose.

The Golden Knights are expected to go back to Laurent Brossoit in net after Jonathan Quick struggled in goal against the Oilers. Brossoit has allowed just 11 goals in his last five appearances. Las Vegas is giving up an average of 2.4 goals during its last seven road contests.

Both teams have good reason to be stressing defense in this matchup. The teams just met eight days ago in LA and the Kings slaughtered the Flames, 8-2.

Calgary certainly doesn't want a repeat of that onslaught in which the Kings built a 4-0 first period lead. Since that loss, the Flames have played three games and given up an average of 2.3 goals.

The Kings will look to tighten their defense, too, having nearly blown a 5-1 lead against the Blues two days ago in a 7-6 victory. Prior to that contest, the Kings had gone 10 straight games without giving up more than two goals during regulation.

The Canadiens have a lot of confidence coming off an eight-goal game in their last matchup this past Saturday. Montreal has scored at least 3 goals in nine of its last 11 games. The Sabres rank 29th defensively giving up 3.7 goals per game and have the second-worst penalty kill unit in the league.

Buffalo, though, is the third-highest scoring team in the NHL. The Canadiens also give up an average of 3.7 goals per game. They've allowed 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 13 games.

The Over has cashed in nine of Buffalo's last 11 home games.

All hands on deck are needed to slow down the Oilers. The Golden Knights won't have that in this matchup missing All-Star goalie Logan Thompson and defenseman Alec Martinez.

Edmonton is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL and a huge Over team. The Oilers have scored 4 or more goals in each of their last six games. They have produced 3 or more goals in 17 of their last 18 games. The Over has cashed in 71 percent of the Oilers' last 52 games.

The Golden Knights have been reliable in their scoring, too, ringing up at least three goals in 10 of their last 12 games. The Oilers have surrendered 3 or more goals in five of their last six games.

I see this as a kill spot for Seattle. The Kraken are off three straight home losses. Now they go on the road to play the Sharks, who have by far the worst home mark in the NHL at  6-19-9.

The Kraken have played much better on the road going 21-9-3. They've won their last four road games. Their last road defeat occurred to the Sharks, 4-0, on Feb. 20. So no chance the revenge-minded Kraken take the Sharks lightly.

Motivation, on the other hand, could be difficult for the Sharks. They just were eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight season following a 6-5 home overtime loss to the Blue Jackets. 

This matchup may look good on paper, but the Devils are in far superior current form. They have won three in a row and nine of their last 10 home games. They catch the Lightning going through their worst stretch.

Tampa Bay is 2-7 in its last nine games. The Lightning's lone wins during this span have come against two terrible teams - the Blackhawks and Flyers.

Andrei Vasilevskiy has been cold in net, too, for the Lightning.

The Avalanche are back scoring. They've produced three or more goals in each of their last 10 games.

But until Colorado solves its recent defensive woes, the team can't be backed and the Over is an inviting way to go.

The Avalanche have surrendered seven goals each to the Stars and Devils during their last two games. Goalie is a concern for Colorado with Pavel Francouz out and Alexandar Georgiev not playing well. This could mean a start for third-stringer Keith Kinkaid.

Seattle has scored at least four goals in six of its last eight games.

It's easy to envision each team producing at least 3 goals in this game of bottom feeders. Chicago ranks 26th defensively. The Ducks are last defensively.

The Blackhawks have been playing well. They are averaging four goals a game during their last five games against better defenses than the Ducks.

Chicago, though, has allowed 3 or more goals in 10 of its last 11 games.

The Ducks have produced at least 3 goals in seven of their last nine games, including scoring 3 goals on the road against the Hurricanes in their last game.

The Over has cashed in seven of the Ducks' last eight home games.

Look for the Jets to play well in this spot back home from a 1-3 road trip. Winnipeg is 20-8 at Canada Life Centre, including winning the past three times there. 

The Jets have won three in a row against the Avalanche, too, including twice this season. 

Colorado has won three consecutive games, but won't have star defenseman Cale Makar. He's out due to post-concussion symptoms. The Avalanche also hasn't played in four days. That's too much time off this late in the season. So their momentum could be derailed. 

Winnipeg is 7-1 at home versus Central Division foes. I'm expecting Connor Hellebuyck to be in net. He stopped 40 shots when the Jets shut out the Avalanche, 5-0, when they last met on Nov. 29. 

The Bruins have a seven-point lead over the Hurricanes for the best record in the NHL. It could prove difficult for Boston to be up for every one of its games. But the Bruins are sure to be heavily motivated for this matchup. 

It was the Kraken who dealt the Bruins their first home loss of the season with a stunning, 3-0, victory on Jan. 12. It also was the only time this season Boston failed to score. 

The Bruins have had this rematch circled ever since. It's their only chance to get revenge unless the teams happen to meet in the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Seattle lost to the Sharks, 4-0, in its last game this past Monday. The Bruins last played on Monday, too, beating the Senators, 3-1, for their fourth straight victory. 

Boston is 19-6-2 on the road. The Bruins have won their last three away games beating the Predators, Stars and Maple Leafs by a combined margin of 13-4. 

Linus Ullmark is expected to be in net for the Bruins. He's 29-4-1 with a 1.88 goals against average and a .937 save percentage. Those are Vezina Trophy numbers. Ullmark has surrendered just seven goals in his last four games. The Bruins rank No. 1 in scoring defense and penalty killing. They also are the second-highest scoring team in the league.

I would be very surprised if the Bruins lose a second time to Seattle. 

I can easily envision each team scoring at least three goals here. The Flames enter this matchup desperate for a victory after a 4-3 home loss to the Flyers this past Monday.

The Coyotes are tough at home with a 13-8-2 record.

The Flames have scored 3 or more goals in eight of their last 11 games. They take the second-most shots in the NHL. Arizona gives up the second-most shots.

Arizona has produced at least 3 goals in six of its last seven games. The Flames have surrendered 3 or more goals in each of their last four games.

Going to ride the Canucks and their Over streak. Vancouver is 8-0-2 to the Over in its last 10 games.

The Canucks rank second-to-last defensively and have the worst penalty kill unit in the NHL. Vancouver, though, ranks 12th in scoring. The Canucks are averaging five goals during their last two games.

Nashville also is averaging five goals during its past two games. The Predators, though, are having defensive issues, too. They've allowed three goals or more in eight of their last 10 games.

The Over has cashed 11 of the last 14 times these teams have met.

First off, this is a very early start time. That's especially bad for the Senators, who played on Sunday beating the Blues at home, 7-2. Ottawa will be playing for the third time in four days and second time in less than 24 hours. So don't expect a fast-paced game from the Senators.

The Bruins should have their full intensity having gone 0-2 against Ottawa this season with the latest loss coming, 3-2, in a shootout on Dec. 27. Both of those games were played in Ottawa.

Oh, yes, the Bruins are the No. 1 defensive team in the NHL giving up 2.1 goals per game. Boston is in stellar defensive form, too, allowing just 1.6 goals per game during their last five games.

The Senators have a below average offense. They have a below average defense also, but haven't permitted more than three goals during any of their last four games.

It's not often the Coyotes are favored. But it's justified in this matchup.

Arizona is tough at home playing on the Arizona State campus in a small arena. The Coyotes are 12-8-2 at home this season.

Columbus is 6-17-2 on the road. The Blue Jackets just upset the Stars, 4-1, as a heavy road underdog on Saturday. They were 1-5 in their previous six games. This marks their fourth game in six days.

The Coyotes also played Saturday nearly pulling out a win against the Kings after trailing, 5-1. They should ride that momentum given the poor opponent and being home.

The Golden Knights are 4-0 this month. But the oddsmaker has it right making the Lightning road chalk.

Las Vegas barely edged the lowly Sharks, 2-1, at home two days ago. The Golden Knights' other wins were also against unimpressive foes - the Ducks, slumping Wild and Predators. Las Vegas is not a strong home team.

Tampa Bay should come in highly motivated after being upset by the Coyotes, 1-0, in a shootout this past Wednesday. The Lightning played their backup goalie in that game and also outshot Arizona, 47-26.

Until that loss, Tampa Bay had won three in a row. The Lightning have won the past six times they've faced an above .500 opponent.

The Over has cashed in 13 of Anaheim's last 16 games. Surprised? Not really since the Ducks are the worst defensive team in the NHL. They are in terrible form, too, giving up 20 goals during their last three games.

The Kings are in strong form offensively scoring four or more goals in five of their last six games. LA should have their skating legs, too, having last played on Monday when they beat the visiting Sabres, 5-2. The Kings have gone Over the past eight times following a victory.

The Ducks should contribute to this total going Over. The Kings have permitted at least three goals in nine of their last 12 games. LA ranks 22nd defensively.

The Coyotes are not a good team. But they are respectable at home going 11-8-2 at their new temporary home, Mullett Arena. They have won four of their last six home games and are capable of beating any team at Mullett Arena having proven that with victories against the Bruins, Maple Leafs and Avalanche.

Mullett Arena is a 5,000-seat arena on the Arizona State campus. It is not a normal NHL arena because of its small size. Fans are right on top of the players. Opponents of the Coyotes are not used to this, especially when playing there for the first time. Tampa Bay fits that category. The Lightning probably won't take to the ice until pre-game warmups because they aren't likely to have a morning skate after playing Tuesday night.

And what a game the Lightning had last night in Colorado.

Tampa Bay edged the Avalanche, 4-3, in a shootout. The game had the intensity of a playoff matchup. I doubt the Lightning will go with star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy in the second of back-to-back games. Tampa Bay's next game is much bigger on the road against the Golden Knights. There's a monster drop off from Vasilevskiy to backup goalie Brian Elliott. So that would be another plus for the Coyotes.

I would recommend taking the Coyotes to win the first period, too, at around a nice plus $1.50 price. The Coyotes have yet to be outscored during the first period in five previous situations where an opponent was playing at Mullett Arena for the first time after playing the day before.

Now that they are healthy, the Avalanche are superior to the Penguins. They also went into the All-Star break playing much better than Pittsburgh.

Colorado is 7-1 in its last eight games. Pittsburgh is 1-3 in its last four and 5-12 in its last 17 games.

The Avalanche get a boost to their defense with Bowem Byram expected to play after missing three months with a lower body injury. The Penguins aren't likely to have back their No. 1 goalie, Tristan Jarry.

Colorado has won 39 of its last 58 road games. I give the Avalanche edges in all three areas - offensive, defense and goaltending. So they are an easy choice at this price.

The Lightning entered All-Streak break on a 3-game win streak. They had that streak end very rudely falling, 7-1, to the Panthers on the road Monday night.

Now Tampa Bay returns home where it has won 51 of the past 68 times to face San Jose, who is 16-39 in its last 55 road contests.

I see this as a kill spot for the Lightning following their embarrassing loss. It helps that they got the rust off by playing on Monday. San Jose hasn't played since Jan. 28.

The Sharks have dropped 15 of their last 20 games. They are giving up an average of 4.3 goals during their last nine games.

Tampa Bay is 6-0 the past six times playing the Sharks.

Carolina is playing great. But the Sabres also are playing well with five wins in their last six games. The Hurricanes face a brutal scheduling spot here. So I'm going to take this big price on the home 'dog.

Buffalo defeated the Penguins on the road this past Saturday night. The Sabres haven't played since. They should be well-rested and well prepared.

Not so for the Hurricanes.

Carolina gave its all in pulling out a 5-4 overtime home victory against the Kings Tuesday night after trailing by three goals entering the third period. The Hurricanes had beaten the Bruins in a huge revenge matchup this past Sunday in their previous game. So this marks their fifth game in eight days with three of their past four games having gone into overtime. Flying nearly 500 miles to Buffalo to play without rest is a horrible spot for Carolina.

Lost in the glare of the Bruins' brilliant season has been the Hurricanes. Carolina is 21-6 in its last 27 games, including 4-0 in its past four games.

The rested Hurricanes host the Bruins, who just suffered a brutal road overtime 4-3 loss to the Panthers on Saturday when Florida tied the game with 2.4 seconds left.

The Bruins are banged-up down a couple of starters and playing for the third time in four days and without rest.

Carolina has had this game marked since a 3-2 overtime road loss to the Bruins on Nov. 25. The Hurricanes have beaten the Bruins five straight times in Carolina.

Healthy again at forward and center, Colorado is on a scoring spree. The Avalanche have racked up 17 goals in their last three games. 
Now the Avalanche draw Vancouver, which ranks second-to-last defensively and has the worst penalty kill unit in the league. 

The Canucks have given up three or more goals in nine of their last 10 games with the opponent reaching at least four goals in seven of those games. 

Vancouver is in desperation mode. The Canucks can't win defensively so they should be going all out to outscore their foes. They could draw Colorado without superstar defenseman Cale Makar. He missed Colorado's last game. 

The Avalanche has surrendered three or more goals in eight of their last 11 games.

The Under hasn't won during the last seven times the teams have met in Vancouver. 

The Avalanche are still down defensemen Bowen Byram and Josh Manson. But their firepower has returned with superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in top offensive form. The Avalanche have scored 13 goals during their last two games. They also have back from injury forward Valeri Nichushkin.

The Flames should be primed for a big effort returning home from five games on the road. They were highly frustrated in a 2-1 loss to the Predators on Monday. They also ran into star goalie Juuse Saros.

Even with that result, Calgary still has scored 3 or more goals in 11 of its last 13 games. The Over has cashed eight of the past 10 times the Flames have played on one day's rest.

The Kings have won three in a row, averaging five goals a game during this span. They've been idle since Wednesday and won't play again for five more days. So LA should have its full focus to defeat the Devils, who beat the Ducks last night.

The Devils are 7 -20 the past 27 times they've played without rest. Even with that win against Anaheim, the Devils are 6-8-2 in their last 16 games.

Los Angeles has won seven of its last nine home games. The Kings also have defeated New Jersey in four of the last five meetings.

Saturday Free Play

Blackhawks plus $2.15 hosting Kraken 

The Kraken are only in their second year in the NHL. Yet they've already accomplished something that hasn't been done since 2015 - win the first six games of a road trip.

Seattle has just one game left on its seven-game, 12-day road swing: this one against the lowly Blackhawks.

The Kraken just upset the Bruins, 3-0, on Thursday thus dealing NHL-leading Boston its first regulation loss of the season at home. It probably was Seattle's finest game of the season.

It also puts the Kraken in a huge letdown spot. At more than 2-to-1 odds, I'll take a shot on the Blackhawks.

Chicago is tied with Columbus for the fewest points in the league. However, the Blackhawks are playing well on a three-game win streak. There's a strong chance the Blackhawks get Patrick Kane back. He's their second-leading points producer despite being out since Jan. 3 because of a lower-body injury.

The Kraken are anxious to come home. They host the Lightning on Monday. Seattle is 2-8 the past 10 times it has played in a four-game, six-day situation.

The Stars won't be taking the Ducks lightly after their four-game win streak was snapped by the Kings last night.

Dallas is the third-highest scoring team in the NHL, while the Ducks are historically bad defensively.

The Stars own huge special teams edges with the second-best power play and fourth-best penalty kill units in the NHL. Anaheim, by contrast, ranks second-worst on the power play and third-worst in killing penalties.

The Ducks have lost by more than one goal during eight of their past nine defeats.

It's been a disappointing season for the Panthers, but this is one matchup they've had circled for a long time.

The Canadiens had the worst record in the NHL last season and they are bad again this season. But Montreal buried the Panthers, 10-2, at home in the regular-season finale last season.

The Panthers haven't forgotten that humiliation. They are well-rested having been idle the last five days for holiday break. The Panthers also expect to get fortified with the return of captain Aleksander Barkov and defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Radko Gudas.

Montreal has lost nine of its last 12 games, including falling to the Lightning, 4-1, on the road last night. That dropped the Canadiens' road record to 19-44 in their past 63 away matchups. Florida has defeated Montreal the past five times at home.

The Sharks have raised their offensive level averaging 4.3 goals during their last six games. Vancouver ranks 30th defensively and has the least effective penalty kill unit in the NHL.

The Canucks are a top-eight scoring team, though. They entered holiday break having scored six goals versus Seattle and five against Edmonton. The Sharks rank 26th defensively.

The Over is 5-0-1 the past six times the teams have met. 

The Coyotes are not a good team. But they are tough at home, playing at Mullett Arena inside the campus at Arizona State. It's a smaller than normal NHL rink, making it rough on opposing teams especially those playing there for the first time.

Such is the case for the Avalanche.

Colorado's offense is way down due in large part from injuries. Star scorer Nathan MacKinnon remains sidelined. The Avalanche rank 25th in scoring.

The Avalanche would be 1-10 in its last 11 games if laying 1 1/2 goals. Each of their last three victories have come by one goal - two in overtime and the other in a shootout.

Arizona is 4-2 in its last six home games with three of those wins occurring versus the Kings, Islanders and Bruins. The Coyotes would be 12-4 in their last 16 games if plus 1 1/2 goals.

This is a great spot for the underdog Coyotes. They catch the Kings fat and happy after LA just completed a three-game homestand sweep by edging the Flames, 4-3, in overtime last night.

So the Kings are playing for the third time in four days and without rest. This also is the first time they will be playing in Mullett Arena, a college hockey rink much smaller than a normal NHL arena. This gives the Coyotes a huge home ice advantage especially for opponents who have yet to play there like the Kings. The Kings aren't likely to have the luxury of a morning skate there either to get used to the place because they played last night.

The Coyotes have won three of their last five home games, including upsetting the Bruins during this span.

This should be a loose game between two bottom-feeders.

The Canadiens go on the road having just allowed five goals each to the Lightning and Ducks in consecutive home games. They've allowed five power-play goals in 15 penalties during their last three games. Arizona also is having problems killing penalties. The Coyotes gave up two power-play goals during five short-handed situations in a 5-2 home loss to the Sabres this past Saturday.

The Coyotes are tough in their college stadium home ice. But they also don't play defense, permitting 3 or more goals in 11 consecutive games.

This should be an intense, tight-checking game with the Bruins in revenge mode from a 5-2 road loss suffered to the Panthers on Nov. 23. Florida should have its confidence up following a 4-2 road victory against the Devils this past Saturday.

The Panthers may be without their captain and fourth-leading points producer, Aleksander Barkov. He suffered a lower-body injury against the Devils.

Both teams have been getting outstanding goaltending. The Bruins rank No. 1 in fewest goals allowed and in penalty kill.

The Sharks have won two in a row. They are getting healthier and have dominated the Kings in LA winning 15 of the last 19 times there.

LA returns home following a huge upset road win against the Bruins two days ago. The Kings are 0-6 following a victory. They also are 1-4 in their last five home games.

The Sharks are well rested having last played on Tuesday while this marks the Kings' fifth game in eight days.

San Jose could have a goalie edge. James Reimer has been confirmed as its starter. The Kings could go with Pheonix Copley instead of Johnathan Quick.

The Islanders are in circle-the-wagons mode with six losses in their last eight games. They've played tough against elite foes - a 4-3 shootout loss to the Bruins on the road this past Tuesday for example - but have played down to the level of their competition. That happened to them last night in Arizona when they to the Coyotes, 5-4. 

The Golden Knights return to Las Vegas fat and happy winning both games of their road trip that concluded Thursday night in Chicago. Las Vegas is 14-2-1 on the road, but just 8-7 on home ice.

The Golden Knights are 1-4 in their last five home games with the lone victory during this span occurring in overtime against the Flyers. 
I think the Islanders produce a strong effort and game here. So given the spot and the Golden Knights' spotty home record, I'll take a good price on the 'dog. 

The Devils have been held to one goal in each of their last two games, losses to the Flyers and Stars. New Jersey, though, went up against exceptional goaltending in those defeats. The quality shots on goal were there for the Devils. Prior to those two games, the Devils had scored 3 or more goals in 19 of 20 games. 

Florida has allowed at least 4 goals in three of its past four games. The Over is 7-2-1 in the Panthers' last 10 games. 

Florida is 10th in scoring and No. 1 in the league in shots on goal. The Devils' defense isn't in good form giving up 16 goals during the last four games. 

The Over has cashed during six of the last seven meetings in the series. The Over has cashed each of the past four times the teams have played in New Jersey.

Winnipeg is home with double revenge. The Golden Knights are dealing with injuries to their best players. The spot is right for the Jets. So is the price.

The Golden Knights are 2-0 against the Jets with both wins coming in Las Vegas, including a 2-1 overtime winner on Oct. 30, where the Jets were playing for the third time in four days.

Las Vegas is down their leading goal and points scorer with Jack Eichel going on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Also out is defenseman Zach Whitecloud with a knee injury. Two other important defensemen, Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, have been out, too, for Las Vegas. Pietrangelo hasn't played since Nov. 26 due to an illness in his family, while Theodore missed the Golden Knights' Sunday loss to the Bruins with a lower-body injury.

The loss of these players really hurts Las Vegas' special teams both on the power-play and penalty kill unit.

Winnipeg has won 10 of 14 home games. The Jets are 7-2 in their last nine games, but coming off a 5-2 home loss to the Capitals this past Sunday that halted a four-game win streak.

The Golden Knights haven't maintained their hot earlier pace. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games with three of those five victories coming in a shootout or overtime. Las Vegas also hasn't fared well in Winnipeg losing in its last four visits.

The Wild are back scoring averaging 4.2 goals during their last eight games. Vancouver ranks 30th defensively. The Canucks remain without their No. 1 goalie, Thatcher Demko.

Vancouver, though, is hot offensively scoring 16 goals in its last three games. Minnesota has permitted 3 or more goals in each of its last seven games, including five during the last three.

Death, taxes and the Bruins beating the Coyotes. Those are about the only three certain things in life. 

Boston has defeated Arizona 19 straight times. 

I'd be shocked if the Bruins didn't make it 20 in a row against the Coyotes, who haven't defeated Boston in 12 years. The Bruins are tied for the most points in the NHL. They rank first defensively and second in goals scored per game. 

The key question is can Boston beat Arizona by more than one goal so as to reduce laying such high vigorish? 

Yes. This is the Coyotes' first home game after a record-tying 14 consecutive road games that began back on Nov. 5. Not surprisingly, Arizona ran out of gas losing its last six games with the most recent defeat occurring two days ago to Edmonton by six goals. This marks the Coyotes' fifth game in nine days. They also have the distraction of finally being home after being gone close to five weeks. 

The Bruins rolled past the Coyotes, 6-3, at home in the first meeting between the two teams this season. Boston has won by multiple goals in 11 of its last 12 victories. 

I see a buy sign on the Blues here as they catch the Jets fat and happy. 

The Blue received a huge needed dose of confidence snapping their four-game losing streak with a 7-4 road win against the Islanders two days ago. St. Louis achieved this despite missing winger Pavel Buchnevich and defenseman Torey Krug. Both are questionable here. 

The Jets concluded a 3-1 homestand with a highly satisfying 5-2 victory against the Panthers and their former coach Paul Maurice this past Tuesday. 

This will be Winnipeg's first away game since Nov. 27. 

Idle since Saturday, the Maple Leafs should have their legs. They have produced at least 3 goals in each of their last five games. The Stars are the No. 2 scoring team in the league. They have scored 4 or more goals in five of their last six games. The Over has cashed four of the last five times the Stars have hosted Toronto. 

This is going to be an emotional game with Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy returning to Boston for the first time after being the Bruins coach for six seasons until being let go this past June.

I'm expecting a tight-checking matchup between two strong defensive clubs.

Boston gives up the fewest goals per game in the NHL. The Bruins have held 11 of their last 13 opponents to two goals or fewer. It's a break for the Under if Las Vegas' Jack Eichel can't play after suffering a lower-body injury in the Golden Knights' last game two days ago.

Las Vegas gives up the seventh-fewest goals per game at 2.7. This is the finale of a four-game, eight-day road trip. So the Golden Knights aren't likely to push tempo.

The Under has cashed the past four times the teams have met in Boston.

I see this as a kill spot for the frustrated Islanders. The spot sets up well for them to bury the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks just snapped an eight-game losing streak by beating the Rangers, 5-2, on Saturday. Chicago had surrendered 37 goals in their previous seven games.

The Islanders have lost their last two games, to the Flyers on the road and two days ago at home to the Predators in a game that was closer than the 4-1 final indicates.

The Islanders are a far better team than the Blackhawks, who rank 28th defensively.

The Coyotes have allowed 4 or more goals in seven of their last eight games as they play their 12th of 14 straight road games.

The Canucks have scored 4 or more goals in six of their last eight games, but aren't likely to have starting goalie Thatcher Demko, who suffered a leg injury in their last game.

Vancouver has surrendered 13 goals in its last three games.

The Over has cashed in five of the last seven games the Canucks have hosted the Coyotes.

The Kings hosted the Kraken two days ago. LA scored eight goals - and lost! Seattle's 9-8 overtime victory was the highest-scoring game of the season. 

So how did the Kings react? They called off Wednesday's practice. Didn't have media availability and cut goalie Cal Petersen, who was in the first season of a three-year, $15 million contract. 

I have to believe the Kings are primed to play the defensive game of their lives today. LA had given up an average of 3.3 goals per game during their previous three games before its insane game against Seattle. 

The Kings draw the nomadic Coyotes, who are in the 11th game of an NHL-record tying 14-game road trip. The Coyotes rank 26th in scoring, get off the fewest shots on net and have been idle since Sunday. The Coyotes figure to be out of rhythm and rusty. Their last three games had been spaced two days apart before this extended time off. The Under is 10-4 in Arizona's last 14 games. 

The Rangers are much superior to the Senators. Yet the line is short here because the Rangers have lost three in a row, while the Senators have won consecutive games.

I see the Rangers turning things around against this opponent.

New York lost 5-3 to the streaking Devils this past Monday. New Jersey is the hottest team in the NHL winning 19 of its last 21 games. The Rangers went into their matchup against the Devils having lost 4-3 to the Oilers and 3-2 to the Ducks. The Rangers blew a 3-0 third period lead against the Oilers.

Rangers star goalie Igor Shesterkin wasn't happy with his performance against the Devils. He's primed for a bounce back effort. The Rangers should be able to release their frustrations against an Ottawa club that ranks 23rd defensively and had lost 11 of 13 games before beating the Ducks and posting an overtime victory against the Kings.

This is the Senators' first home game since returning from a four-game West Coast trip that finished this past Sunday. Ottawa is 1-6 in its last seven home games.

Both teams average only 2.5 goals a game. They rank 29th and 30th in scoring. 

The Under has cashed in seven of the Ducks' last nine games. This matchup has the makings of another Under. 

Nashville hasn't played in six days. That's because two of its games were postponed because of a water break that flooded Bridgestone Arena causing postponement of two games. 

That's too long of a break without playing. The Predators have been held to fewer than four goals in six of their last eight games. 

The Ducks have managed only five goals in their last three road games. They averaged just two goals a game in three games against Nashville last season. Anaheim is facing a hot goalie, too, in Juuse Saros. Not only are the Ducks 30th in scoring, but they are last in power play goal percentage. 

These two teams have gone Under during their last five meetings. I could see that happening again especially given the scheduling dynamics.

The Stars are playing for the fourth time in six days and third time in four days. The Blues also are in action for the fourth time in six days - all at a different venue. This also is the Blues' third game in four days.

So I'm not expecting a fast-skating up-tempo game.

The Stars could manage only one goal against the Avalanche this past Saturday. The Blues had scored just once with less than 12 minutes left against the Panthers this past Saturday before exploding to pull out a 5-4 overtime victory. I don't see the cautious Stars, who have a top 12 defense, letting the Blues go off like that.

St. Louis has given up just three goals in its last two home games. The Under has cashed seven of the past eight times the Blues have hosted the Stars.

Note a very early start time here. It's important in fading the Rangers in this spot.

The Rangers just concluded a four-game West Coast trip late Wednesday night. So they had to fly cross country on Thanksgiving. This will be their third game in five days. It's almost like playing a fourth game in five days, though, because of the early start time.

The Oilers won't be bothered by this. They've been in New York the past few days. They last played at the Islanders on Wednesday.

The Rangers are 2-6 in their last eight home games. The Oilers have defeated the Rangers in five of the past six meetings. The Oilers have a winning road mark.

The teams just met two weeks ago and the Islanders beat the Blue Jackets, 4-3, in overtime. There were 75 shots on goal in that game with 46 coming from the Islanders.

I'm expecting at least seven goals to be scored in this matchup, too.

The Islanders have scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 15 games. The Blue Jackets have given up at least 3 goals in 11 of their past 12 games, allowing 4 or more goals in nine of those games.

New York goalie Ilya Sorokin could face fatigue issues having made 79 saves during the last two game, which were played this Monday and Wednesday.

The Ducks are a low-scoring team once again. They have produced just six goals in regulation during their last 10 games, an average of 1.6 goals during this span.

This is the Ducks' first game back from three games on the road - all losses. They should be primed for a big effort and that means tight-checking and defensive intensity.

The Rangers are back to winning. They beat the Kings, 5-3, at LA last night for their second straight victory. I don't see the Rangers being up-tempo playing without rest. The Under is 12-5 in their last 17 road games. The Under also has cashed the last five times when the Rangers have scored 5 or more goals in their past game.

There's the possibility the Rangers start backup Jaroslav Halak in net instead of star Igor Shesterkin. I'm fine if that happens. The Rangers would be more defensive-oriented and take less chances if Halak were in goal. Halak has given up two goals in regulation during each of his last two starts facing the Predators and Red Wings.

If it wasn't for an overtime road loss to the Lightning, the Stars would be on a four-game win streak.

Dallas will have Jake Oettinger in net and catch the Avalanche fat and happy along with being severely short-handed while playing their third road game in five days.

Despite missing numerous key players, the Avalanche are 2-0 on their three-game road trip getting past Carolina in overtime and shutting out Washington this past Saturday night. Those two foes outshot the Avalanche by a combined 36 shots.

Colorado won't be able to get away with that against the Stars in Dallas. The two teams meet again on Saturday night in Denver. That figures to be a better spot for the Avalanche.

I can see each of these teams reaching at least three goals. The Islanders have done this 10 times in their last 13 games. Toronto has scored three or more goals in seven of its last 10 games.

The Maple Leafs have been getting away with committing too many penalties and are expected to have Eric Kallgren in net. He's the least effective of their three goalies.

The Over is 10-3-1 the last 14 times these teams have played in Toronto.

The Kings are one of the better road teams. But they haven't been able to win in Vancouver, losing the past five times there. The Canucks are 7-1 in their last eight overall games against the Kings.

I see the Canucks continuing their dominance against the Kings.

Vancouver received a much-needed victory hanging on for a 5-4 win against the Sabres this past Wednesday to close out a five-game road trip in which the Canucks had lost the first four games. Now the Canucks are back home. They should be up for this game with Bruce Boudreau coaching for his job.

The Kings defeated the Oilers on the road, 3-1, this past Wednesday scoring an empty-net goal during the final minute to account for the final. The Kings had played five straight one-goal games prior to Wednesday.

The Blue Jackets are a strong Over team at home. The Over has cashed 73 percent of the time during their last 61 home contests.

I'm going to ride that trend here. Columbus is averaging 4.3 goals in its last three games. Montreal is a below average defensive team.

The Canadians have been playing more up-tempo. They are averaging 3.5 goals in their past eight games.

This is a case of taking a nice plus price with a pair of struggling teams.

Buffalo has lost six in a row. Before the losing streak, the Sabres had been showing good improvement. They rank sixth in the league in scoring.

The Senators have been even worse losing eight of their last nine games. I don't see any improvement from the Senators. Things aren't going to be any easier for Ottawa during the next week or so because its top defenseman, Thomas Chabot, is out with a concussion.

I find this a cheap price to back the Islanders against the Senators, a team they have dominated. The Islanders are 9-1 during the last 10 games in this series.

The Islanders are playing well winning eight of their last 10. That's not the case for the Senators, who are 1-7 in their last eight games. Ottawa has lost four in a row at home. The Islanders are 4-1 in their past five road contests.

New York should have an edge in net as the projected goalies are Ilya Sorokin and Anton Forsberg for Ottawa. Sorokin has a 2.17 GAA this season. He stopped 56 of 60 shots in two games against the Senators last season. Forsberg has struggled during his last five games posting a 4.46 GAA.

The Islanders rank fifth defensively, while the Senators are 26th.

Both teams are on Over streaks. San Jose is 6-0-1 to the Over in its last seven games. The Over is 4-0-1 in the Stars' last five games. 

The Sharks have picked up their scoring pace, scoring 3 or more goals in each of their last six games. 

However, the Sharks are giving up 4.4 goals per game during their last seven games. The Stars can take advantage of San Jose's leaky defense being very productive this season.

Dallas is fifth in the NHL in scoring at 3.6 goals. The Stars have scored 5 or more goals in three of their last four games. 

The Over has cashed 15 of the last 21 times the teams have met in Dallas. 

Both of these teams have played more Overs than Unders this season. So I feel confident going Over in this matchup.

The Senators are 12th in scoring. They have scored 3 or more goals in eight of their last 10 games.

The Devils are a hot team with seven wins in a row. Their offense has produced 3 or more goals in seven of the last eight games.

New Jersey should be good for another high-scoring night facing an Ottawa defense that ranks 27th and has permitted 4 or more goals in five of the last six games.

Vancouver has gone Over the total in its last four games. The Canucks are fifth in scoring, but 30th defensively. So it's easy to see why they've been an Over team. 

The Canucks are averaging 4.8 goals in their past six games. Montreal has a below average defense and is expected to start backup goalie Sam Montembeault. He's given up an average of 4.5 goals during his two starts this season. The Canadiens have permitted three or more goals in four of their last five games.

Montreal is averaging 3.4 goals in its last five games. The Canucks are expected to go with their starting goalie, Thatcher Demko. He hasn't played well, though, this season with a 3.90 goals-against-average. 

The Over is 8-3-1 during the past dozen meetings in this series. 

Two fully rested above average offenses square off here against bottom tier defenses.

Minnesota has scored three or more goals in nine of its 11 games. However, the Wild rank 25th defensively allowing 3.6 goals a game. Los Angeles has scored four goals in each of its last three home games.

The Kings rank 27th defensively, permitting 3.8 goals per game.

Both teams should have plenty of energy since they have been idle since Thursday.

Free Tuesday Play

Coyotes at Sabres Under 6 1/2 plus $1.05

The Under has cashed the last four times these teams have played in Buffalo. Only once in the last seven overall meetings between these teams has the total gone Over. I see that trend continuing here.

The Coyotes average 2.8 goals a game. They are last in shots. Arizona hasn't scored more than three goals in nine of its 11 games. The Sabres should be committed to a strong defensive effort after blowing a late lead in a 5-3 road loss to the Lightning this past Saturday. That was Buffalo's second consecutive defeat. The Sabres' intensity and concentration should be up.

The Sabres haven't allowed more than three goals during each of their past four home games.

This is the second of 14 straight road games for the Coyotes. They have games Thursday, Friday and Saturday. So there is no reason for them to push pace.

The Kings have scored four or more goals in seven of their last 10 games. Expect them to continue their hot-scoring ways against the Blackhawks.
Chicago has suspect goaltending right now. The Blackhawks have surrendered 17 goals in their last four games. 

The Blackhawks, though, have been hot offensively producing at least three goals in seven of their last eight games.

The Blackhawks also have gone Over in nine of their last 12 home games.

I'm expecting each team to tally at least three goals in a battle of two top-eight offenses.

Minnesota has scored three or more goals in all but one of its eight games. The Blackhawks have given up at least three goals in four of their last five games.

Chicago has scored three or more goals in each of its past six games, reaching four or more goals in five of those contests. Minnesota ranks 29th defensively.

The projected starting goalies don't look imposing either with Alex Stalock facing Marc-Andre Fleury, who is off to a terrible start.

This is a buy-low spot on the superior Penguins. Pittsburgh is at low ebb having lost three in a row. This is the Penguins' finale on a five-game road trip.

Pittsburgh's first two defeats during this losing streak occurred against the Oilers and Flames. No shame in that. But then the Penguins fell, 5-1, to the Canucks last night. Unacceptable and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan called into question his team's effort. That should be a kick in the pants for the Penguins. The energy should be there since they were idle the previous two days.

Seattle is 1-4 at home this season.

These two teams just met at Edmonton Saturday and the Blues blanked the Oilers, 2-0, behind goalie Jordan Binnington. The Blues played a highly-conservative game bottling up Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. 

There's no reason for the Blues to deviate from that strategy hosting the Oilers today especially off a bad 4-0 road loss to Winnipeg two days ago. Binnington is expected to be back in net for St. Louis after backup goalie Thomas Greiss faced the Jets. Binnington has had the Oilers' number with a 3-0 lifetime mark and a 1.65 goals against average and 94 percent save ratio. 
 
The Blues are averaging just 1.6 goals in regulation during their last three games. 

The Kings are one of those rare play-better-on-the-road-than-at-home teams. They had a better away mark last season and that pattern has held up early this season as they are 3-2 on the road, 0-2 at home.

LA just concluded a five-game, eight-day East Coast trip this past Saturday night. The Kings are 2-10 the past 12 times at home following a road trip of a week or more.

Tampa Bay matches up well to Los Angeles. The results prove that. The Lightning have won 11 of the past 12 times.

The Kings are likely to draw star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, too. He's expected to start in goal against the Kings with backup Brian Elliott starting on Wednesday when the Lightning plays at the Ducks.

So not only are the Lightning the superior team, but they have history and situation going in their favor, too. The price is low enough to back Tampa Bay.

The Maple Leafs are 4-2 the same as Las Vegas. Toronto has won three of its games by one goal. The Maple Leafs are capable of losing to any team. That was proven when they lost, 4-2, to the Coyotes as more than a 5-to-1 favorite. 

The Golden Knights are trying to prove they still are a viable playoff team. They've been getting strong goalie play, which was a question entering the season. 

Las Vegas lost, 3-2, to Colorado at home this past Saturday. Toronto opened its five-game road trip with a 4-1 victory against Winnipeg this past Saturday.

I find value on Las Vegas in this spot as a home 'dog. 

The Blackhawks aren't going to win many games this season. But they capped off their three-game West Coast trip with a victory against the Sharks. Now they are in Chicago for their home opener, fat and happy. The Blackhawks last played on Saturday. Six days between games is too long, especially so early in the season.

The Red Wings are the better team. They've been off for three days after suffering a 5-4 overtime victory against the Kings on Monday. Detroit had won its first two games beating the Canadiens and Devils on the road. The Red Wings will be refreshed like the Blackhawks, but not as rusty.

Detroit has improved its depth through free agency and trades. The Red Wings aren't so dependent on just one line anymore. They can handle bad teams such as the Blackhawks.

It has been three days since the Coyotes stunned the Maple Leafs on the road, 4-2. Toronto was better than a 5-1 favorite in that game. 

The Maple Leafs conclude their four-game homestand here looking for redemption following that stunning loss to Arizona. 

Dallas is playing well. But the Stars are 2-6 in their last eight road games, going back to last season. Toronto is 40-16 in its last 56 home games.

The Stars have lost in seven of their past nine visits to Toronto. 

This spot sets up extremely well for Nashville. The Predators last played on Saturday. They host the Kings, who edged the Red Wings, 5-4, in overtime last night. Not only are the Kings playing without rest, but are in action for the fourth time in six days.

The rested Predators should be extremely focused having lost both ends of a home-and-away series to the Stars during their two previous games. Nashville has the offense to take advantage of a weak Kings defense that has allowed 18 goals in their last four games. Predators goalie Juuse Saros is superior to either of LA's goalies, Jonathan Quick or Cal Peterson.

Nashville has defeated the Kings in nine of the past 11 meetings. The Predators have won the last four times they've hosted the Kings.

The schedule maker didn't do Colorado any favors. The Avalanche opened their season rolling past the Blackhawks, 5-2, at home this past Wednesday. But right after that game the Avalanche had to travel to Calgary where they lost, 5-3, to the Flames.

Colorado has been idle since. The high-scoring Avalanche should have plenty of energy and fire power to take advantage of Minnesota's early defensive trouble.

The Wild have surrendered seven goals each to the Rangers and Kings to open their season. Marc-Andre Fleury has looked terrible in net. He was replaced in both games by backup Filip Gustavsson. The Avalanche have been deadly on the power play going 5-for-10 through their first two games.

Free Monday Play

Avalanche-Wild Over 6 1/2 minus $1.07

You better be playing solid defense if you're playing the Avalanche. Minnesota hasn't. The Wild have allowed seven goals in each of their first two games. I've never seen goalie Marc-Andre Fleury start so cold. He's been pulled in both games having given up 8.36 goals per game with a .776 save percentage. The Wild are alarmed enough to start backup goalie Filip Gustavsson today.

Colorado was the fourth-highest scoring team in the league last season. The Avalanche were the No. 1 scoring team during the playoffs. They are averaging 4.0 goals during their first two games this season. 

The Avalanche hasn't been getting good goalie work either, though. Their net is patrolled by a pair of backups, Pavel Francouz and Alexandar Georgiev, who likely will draw the start here. 

The Wild have scored nine goals in their first two games against the Rangers and Kings. 

So it shouldn't be asking too much of each team to produce at least three goals. 

Note this a matinee game with a very early start time. So I'm not envisioning a wide open game.

The Panthers scored three goals in their 3-1 opening game win against the Islanders. One of their goals was an empty-netter. Florida averaged just two goals during its last five preseason games.

The Sabres scored just 11 goals during their last five preseason games. Buffalo held Ottawa to one goal in a 4-1 opening game win.

So I see a 7 total this early in the season between these two teams as being too large.

There's a certain randomness to this opening night matchup between the Bruins and Capitals because of injuries. Boston won't have Brad Marchand while the Capitals are missing Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson and perhaps T.J. Oshie. There are others missing but those are the big names. 

Randomness is good for the underdog. So is a strong road record, which the Bruins had last season going 25-13-3. Washington wasn't a strong home team either finishing 19-16-6. 

The Bruins are expected to have Jeremy Swayman in net. He played his best on the road with a 13-6-2 record, 2.08 GAA and a .926 save percentage. Darcy Kuemper is set to make his Capitals debut. He had an excellent season last year, but now is with a new team with new defensemen. So there could be an adjustment period. 

Boston has defeated Washington in six of the last seven meetings, including going 2-1 versus the Capitals last season. 

It has been a great run for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning, but their chance for a three-peat ends Friday night in Colorado.

A combination of an outstanding and hungry Avalanche team and fatigue is too much for Tampa Bay to overcome.

Just like the Celtics, the Lightning have nothing left in the tank this late into the playoffs after enduring a much tougher path than Colorado to reach the finals, including coming back from series deficits to defeat the Maple Leafs and Rangers.

The Avalanche are 7-2 at home in the playoffs. They buried the Lightning, 7-0, in their last home game.

Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper complaining about the Avalanche having six skaters on the ice when they scored the winning goal in overtime in Game 4 this past Wednesday is sort of hoisting up the white flag. That was a bitter home loss for the Lightning - and the turning point of the series.

The Avalanche have proven to be the superior team. They are fresher and highly motivated. I don't see the Lightning having enough left to hang close.

We've been down this 0-2 playoff path before with the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning and recently, too. Tampa Bay came back from a 2-0 playoff deficit against the Rangers in their last series to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. 

I'm not blind, though. The Avalanche are the strongest opponent Tampa Bay has faced during its three-year Cup run. The Lightning nearly pulled out Game 1 in Colorado, losing in overtime. But the Avalanche dominated at home, especially in their 7-0 Game 2 victory over Tampa Bay this past Saturday looking faster, hungrier and more disciplined than the Lightning. 

It was a humbling beatdown of the Lightning that's for sure. 

But I'm not going to ignore, nor discount, the Lightnings' playoff pedigree, goalie edge with Andrei Vasilevskiy and heart. Tampa Bay has always been resilient and able to make the necessary adjustments. The Lightning's 18-2 playoff record following a loss is proof of that. Tampa Bay has won 40 of its last 55 home games, including going 7-1 in this season's Stanley Cup games. 

The Avalanche is as good as advertised. However, I don't see the Lightning getting swept. They are at home now. Their season and pride are on the line. They've come through before. It's not a leap of faith to back them in Game 3.   

Tampa Bay is a mid-sized road 'dog. But there are a number of factors that point to the Lightning grabbing this Game 1.

Here are three of them:

Andrei Vasilevskiy. He's the hottest and best goalie in the playoffs. Vasilevskiy has allowed one or fewer goals in seven of his last 10 games. His GAA in the playoffs is 2.27. The Avalanche can't come close to matching that in net.

Quality of competition and championship experience. Both strongly favor Tampa Bay. The Lightning went against much tougher competition than Colorado in taking out the Maple Leafs, Panthers and Rangers to reach this point. Tampa Bay knows how and when to peak, having won the Stanley Cup the past two years. The Lightning are in peak form now.

Rustiness. The Lightning will have not played in four days when this game goes on Wednesday. But that's nothing compared to Colorado. The Avalanche last played on June 6 so they will have been idle for nine days!

The Avalanche have dominated the Oilers for most of this Western Conference Final in building a 3-0 series lead. That includes a 4-2 road victory in Game 3 this past Saturday.

Colorado is now 6-0 away from home in the playoffs. The Avalanche have outscored their opponents by 15 goals during these six away victories.

I see no reason to go against the Avalanche. They have outscored the Oilers by eight goals in the series. The Oilers must realistically realize their cause is hopeless. Teams that have lost the first three games in the conference finals and semifinals are 0-44 when it comes to winning a series.

The Avalanche are in a great rhythm. They are 40-18 the past 58 times when playing on one day's rest. Colorado is 6-1 during the last seven meetings against Edmonton.

Making things even worse for the Oilers is Evander Kane won't play because of suspension. Kane is the No. 1 postseason scorer with 13 goals.

The Rangers upset the Lightning, 6-2, in the opening game of this Eastern Conference Final. We know what Tampa Bay does following a playoff loss. If you need a reminder this is it: The Lightning are 19-0 following a Stanley Cup loss. 

The oddsmaker doesn't believe in the Rangers either making them a home 'dog despite their convincing Game 1 victory. 

Kudos to the Rangers for not only taking out the Hurricanes with a Game 7 road victory, but also their win against Tampa Bay. But do keep in mind, the Lightning hadn't played in nine days following their four-game sweep of the Panthers in the second round. 

Don't expect the prideful two-time defending Stanley Cup champions to be flat against the Rangers for a second straight game. The rust is off. Star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, stud defenseman Victor Hedman and Tampa's many scoring threats should be primed now with their pride on the line. 

If you're expecting this Game 1 Eastern Conference Final to be similar to Colorado's 8-6 victory against Edmonton in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final Tuesday then we have totally opposite viewpoints.

Because I see a defensive matchup pitting the two best goalies in hockey, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Igor Shesterkin. Both goalies are hot, too.

Tampa Bay, behind Vasilevskiy, has surrendered just four goals in its last five games. That was a four-game sweep of the Panthers, the highest-scoring team in the NHL, and the final game of the series against the Maple Leafs, the second-highest scoring team in the NHL.

Backed by Shesterkin, the likely Vezina Trophy winner as the league's best goalie, the Rangers have not allowed more than two goals per game in six of their last seven games. The Rangers face a Lightning squad that should be extremely rusty, too, since it has been nine days since Tampa Bay last was in action.

The Oilers were able to get past the Kings and Flames so far in these Stanley Cup playoffs despite subpar goaltending by washed-up Mike Smith. But I don't see Smith, who has allowed three or more goals in seven of 11 playoff games, holding down the fort against the Avalanche.

Edmonton has been able to get away with shoddy defense and goaltending because of its high-powered offense. Colorado, however, has an offense as good as the Oilers plus a much stronger defense.

Edmonton scored a league-best 4.33 goals per game. Colorado was right behind the Oilers at 4.30 goals a game. The Oilers have two superstar point producers, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, to Edmonton's lone offensive superstar, Nathan MacKinnon. Colorado, however, has better scoring depth and its defenders have been the best in the playoffs at limiting shots on goals, limiting scoring chances and high danger opportunities.

The Oilers don't have an answer for Colorado's star blue liner Cale Makar, who can control the action. Devon Toews gives Colorado the second best defenseman on the ice, too.

This Game 1 is a home statement game for the Avalanche. I see them doing that with a multiple goal victory.