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NHL Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
06-06-21	Jets +124 v. Canadiens		1-5	Loss	-100	12 h 59 m	Show
The Canadiens rode the momentum of upsetting the Maple Leafs after being down 3-1 in that series to upset the rusty Jets in Winnipeg in Game 1 of this series. Montreal won that game, 5-3, scoring an empty net goal during the final minute to account for the two-goal final. Still riding their momentum and steaming mad about Mark Scheifele's cheap shot of Jake Evans in Game 1, the Canadiens nipped the Jets, 1-0, in Game 2 despite being outshot. But with the scene shifting to Montreal, I see the Canadiens being a little fat-and-happy returning home as heroes while the Jets are in must-win mode. The series obviously has been very close. So I'm going to take a plus price with the Jets, who have been excellent in this role. They are 6-0 the past six times as underdogs. They've also won 11 of their last 15 road games. Montreal has failed to win six of the last eight times it was favored. Sunday Free Play Avalanche at Golden Knights Over 5 1/2 plus $1.09 I understand this is Stanley Cup hockey and that both teams' goalies are playing well. But I see this Game 4 of the Avalanche-Golden Knight series breaking the norm of the past two games where just five combined goals were scored. Colorado is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL averaging 3.5 goals a game. The Avalanche also were No. 2 in shots on goal. Their top line of superstar Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen gets my vote as being the best line in the NHL They are going to be unleashed here since the Golden Knights have outplayed the Avalanche during most of the past two games. The Avalanche have produced at least three goals a game in 10 of their last 12 contests. They are averaging 4.57 goals in their seven Stanley Cup games. The Golden Knights are going to do their part to get this game to go Over, too. Las Vegas is the No. 3 scoring team in the league at 3.4 goals. The Golden Knights took the fourth-most shots on goal. Getting Max Pacioretty back from injury is huge for Las Vegas. He was the Golden Knights' leading goal scorer during the regular season, while averaging a point-per-game. This will be his third game in the lineup after missing the previous dozen contests. The Golden Knights should have scored more than two goals in Game 2, firing 31 shots on net during the last two periods and hitting the post three times. Las Vegas stayed on the assault in their 3-2 Game 3 victory with 43 shots on goalie Philipp Grubauer, who has held up well this season but who I don't consider an elite goaltender. While the Avalanche have a dominant first line, the Golden Knights are that rare hockey team with four solid lines. Their fourth line of William Carrier, Patrick Brown and Keegan Kolesar have managed 24 shots on goal during the last two games. Having the last say on line changes being the home team has allowed the Golden Knights to effectively mix-and-match getting needed edges.
06-05-21	Bruins v. Islanders +131		1-4	Win	131	7 h 18 m	Show
Boston probably is the superior team here. But this is nearly last stand time for the Islanders, down 2-1 in the series and playing at home with Game 5 set for Boston. The Islanders showed their resilience and tenacity in taking out the Penguins. During this series, two of the three games have been decided in overtime. You know with the Islanders you're going to get a well-disciplined defensive effort and good coaching. New York is 23-9 in its last 32 home games. The Bruins also are unlikely to have one of their better defenseman, Brandon Carlo. He suffered a head injury in Game 3.
06-04-21	Avalanche v. Golden Knights +105		2-3	Win	105	12 h 42 m	Show
I don't expect the Golden Knights to beat the Avalanche in this Stanley Cup series, but I'm not expecting Las Vegas to get swept either. This is the Golden Knights' game to win, returning home to a full capacity of 18,000 fans down 0-2 in the series. The Golden Knights should have tied the series, but lost 3-2 in overtime to Colorado two days ago. Las Vegas outshot the Avalanche, 31-12, during the last two periods. The Golden Knights had three shots hit the post during the third period. Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson are overdue to produce points. Both are scoreless so far in the series. Las Vegas has a strong home ice advantage going 21-5-2 at T-Mobile Arena.
06-02-21	Golden Knights v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-110	18 h 47 m	Show
I certainly don't expect the Avalanche to score seven goals like they did in Game 1 of this series. But I do expect there will be at least six goals produced in this game. Sparked by arguably the top line in hockey - Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen - Colorado led the NHL in scoring at 3.5 goals a game. The Avalanche have scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their past 14 games. They are averaging 5.4 goals a game in five playoff games. MacKinnon, Landeskog and Rantanen combined for five goals in Colorado's 7-1 opening game win. Las Vegas must prove it can stop them. The Golden Knights are no slouches either in the scoring column. They finished third in the NHL in goals per game at 3.4. Las Vegas has scored 3 or more goals in 10 of its last 15 games.
06-02-21	Canadiens v. Jets -132		5-3	Loss	-132	15 h 13 m	Show
Perhaps the Jets will come out rusty. But I'd much rather have Winnipeg's situation than Montreal's here in this opening round series game. The Jets made quick work of the Oilers. Their reward is they've been idle for nine days. So they certainly will be rested. Yes, rust is a concern. But the Canadiens' are in a terrible spot having come back from a 3-1 series deficit to stun the Maple Leafs with a Game 7 victory two days ago. That rivalry series had to have drained the Canadiens. This will be their sixth game in 10 days. Montreal is 6-15 the last 21 times following a victory. Winnipeg went 6-3 against Montreal during the regular season.
06-01-21	Lightning v. Hurricanes -110		2-1	Loss	-110	5 h 8 m	Show
The Hurricanes are extremely tough at home winning 23 of the past 32 times. This includes a 3-1 playoff mark this season. But that one loss came this past Saturday, 2-1, to the Lightning in the opening game of their second-round Stanley Cup series. Carolina fired 38 shots on Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning hold a playoff experience edge and an edge in net because of Vasilevskiy. The Hurricanes, however, can match the Lightning's quickness and speed and also have the necessary depth. This is a very even series and I don't see the Hurricanes losing twice in a row at home.
05-27-21	Hurricanes v. Predators +125		4-3	Loss	-100	19 h 2 m	Show
To say this is a huge home ice series would be to understate the case. The home team has won the past 11 times! Now it's Nashville's turn to host Carolina. The Predators have won 13 of their last 16 home contests, including both Stanley Cup games at Bridgestone Arena against Carolina. The Predators are in must-win mode down 3-2 in the series. They should get a huge boost from more than 12,000 spectators allowed into the arena and from the return of veteran forward Victor Arvidsson, who has missed the past couple of games with an upper body injury. Carolina has lost the last four times it has played on the road. The past three games all have been decided in overtime. Given the closeness of the series and Nashville having home ice, I'll certainly accept a plus price on the home 'dog.
05-25-21	Maple Leafs v. Canadiens +151		4-0	Loss	-100	10 h 5 m	Show
This is strictly a value play. The Maple Leafs lead the series, 2-1, with two of the outcomes being decided by one goal. Toronto nipped Montreal, 2-1, on the road Monday night. The Canadiens were the clear aggressor, though, in the third period outshooting Toronto, 15-2. The Maple Leafs were able to hold on for dear life. The Canadiens hit a post and came close to scoring on several other occasions. I see the Canadiens keeping up that same pressure since they can't afford a second straight home loss and fall down, 3-1, in the series. Toronto has lost six of the past eight times when playing for the fourth time in six days. I think this line should be more in the pick range so I'll go ahead and take a big plus price.
05-24-21	Oilers v. Jets OVER 5.5		3-4	Win	100	6 h 9 m	Show
The Oilers could be dead in the water after blowing a 4-1 third period lead against the Jets in a 5-4 overtime loss this past Sunday. That loss put them down 3-0 in the series. But the Oilers aren't going to go playing a tight, conservative game. I'm envisioning another high-scoring matchup. The Over has won eight of the last 11 times the Jets have hosted the Oilers. The Oilers have the superstars, but the Jets have scored four or more goals in four of their last five games.
05-23-21	Avalanche v. Blues OVER 5.5		5-2	Win	100	8 h 6 m	Show
The hot-scoring Avalanche could probably cover this total just by themselves. Colorado has averaged five goals in each of the first three games of this series in building a 3-0 series lead. Colorado is averaging more than five goals a game during their last five games. The Over is 11-2 the past 13 times the Avalanche have been favored in a playoff game. The Avalanche scored five goals this past Friday despite star player Nathan MacKinnon being held scoreless. MacKinnon had accounted for five goals and two assists during the first two games of the series. The Avalanche could be especially deadly given that the Blues may be down three defensemen as Justin Falk, Vince Dunn and Robert Bortuzzo are all questionable-to-doubtful to play because of injuries. The Blues know they can't pull the upset by being in a defensive shell. They fired 32 shots in Game 3 and I expect them to be going all out in their attacks to avoid a home loss and worse, getting swept.
05-21-21	Avalanche v. Blues OVER 5.5		5-1	Win	100	7 h 56 m	Show
The Avalanche are averaging 5.2 goals in their last four games. The Blues haven't been able to slow them down, giving up 10 goals in the first two games of this playoff series. Those games were in Colorado. Now the scene shifts to St. Louis. The Blues are averaging 4.6 goals a game during their last six home contests. The Blues, who could be down defensemen Robert Bortuzzo and Justin Faulk, are going to be on the attack since they haven't shown an ability to beat Colorado through defense.
05-20-21	Golden Knights v. Wild UNDER 5.5		5-2	Loss	-120	10 h 14 m	Show
No team gives the Golden Knights more trouble than the Wild especially when playing in Minnesota. The tight-checking, conservative Wild frustrate the Golden Knights with their methodical style. That's not going to change with the teams switching venues after the first two games of the series were played in Las Vegas. There was one goal scored in Game 1. There were four goals scored in Game 2. I'm not expecting a two-goal leap to six goals being scored in this Game 3. Las Vegas has allowed only four goals in regulation during its last five games. Marc-Andre Fleury is one of the all-time big play goalies. He has more playoff victories than any active goalie. The Golden Knights have not had their leading goal scorer, Max Pacioretty, for the last eight games. He also ranks second on the Golden Knights in points. The Under has cashed five of the last six times the teams have met.
05-19-21	Canucks v. Flames UNDER 6	Top	2-6	Loss	-100	8 h 38 m	Show
Neither Vancouver nor Calgary have made the playoffs. This is the final regular season game for them - and it's a totally meaningless contest. It's the third game in four days between the two teams. It's a day game, too, another plus for the Under. It's been a long and unrewarding season for both the Canucks and Flames. The players just want the season to finally end so they can go on vacation. So I'm greatly anticipating a listless matchup lacking any energy or fast tempo.
05-18-21	Lightning v. Panthers +119		3-1	Loss	-100	15 h 39 m	Show
The Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions and have gotten healthy. But they've had trouble with the Panthers. Florida won the last two regular season meetings and nearly beat Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the series two days ago. The Panthers led, 4-3, midway through the third period before falling, 5-4. Florida outplayed Tampa Bay during regular -5-on-5 action, but gave up four special teams goals. Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning's star goalie, is 1-3 in his last four starts against Florida. He's allowed 4.7 goals a game against the Panthers during this span. This is close to must-win territory for the Panthers because a loss puts them in an 0-2 hole with the next two games at Tampa. The Panthers have won 13 of their past 16 home games.
05-16-21	Islanders v. Penguins -125		4-3	Loss	-125	11 h 31 m	Show
This is a fair price to back the Penguins at home. Pittsburgh finally has gotten healthy and is primed for a serious Stanley Cup run. The Islanders don't enter the Stanley Cup playoffs with momentum, losers of seven of their past 10 games. They are 2-8 in their past 10 road contests and lost six of eight times to the Penguins during the regular season. Pittsburgh is a dominant 39-14 in its last 53 home games for 73 percent. The Penguins haven't forgotten the Islanders sweeping them in the first round of the playoffs two years ago.
05-15-21	Canucks +180 v. Oilers		4-1	Win	180	7 h 59 m	Show
Vancouver managed to upset Edmonton, 6-3, on the road nine days ago. But this handicap is all about taking a huge price going against the Oilers, who are locked into their playoff spot and thinking more about the Stanley Cup than this meaningless matchup. This is a day game for the Oilers. They have their focus on meeting the Jets in their first-round Stanley Cup series starting Wednesday. The Canucks have endured a bizarre schedule and season because of COVID. But they've had a full day to rest and prepare after losing, 4-1, to the Flames this past Thursday. The Canucks still are playing hard. They may run out of gas with games Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday against the Flames. But they should be somewhat fresh here.
05-13-21	Wild v. Blues -103		3-7	Win	100	9 h 16 m	Show
Both teams are locked into their respective playoff spots in the West Division. The feeling I get, though, is the Blues want this game more. St. Louis blanked Minnesota, 4-0, two days ago behind backup goalie Ville Husso. It was the Blues' fourth straight home win against Minnesota. The Blues could get back a couple of key contributors, winger Vladimir Tarasenko and defenseman Vince Dunn. Center Tyler Bozak could see action, too, after being rested this past Wednesday. The Blues also are expected to go with their starting goalie, Jordan Binnington. The Wild, whose hopes to finish higher than third in the West, were dashed by Wednesday's defeat to the Blues, are expected to go with backup Kaapo Kahkonen in goal and could be resting a number of other regulars.
05-12-21	Golden Knights v. Sharks UNDER 6		6-0	Push	0	17 h 8 m	Show
The Golden Knights are dealing with injuries. Among those injured is Max Pacioretty, the team's top goal scorer. He has missed the last five games. Las Vegas was down to just 15 shakers - three below normal - in a 2-1 home loss to the Avalanche this past Monday. This is a bitter and heated rivalry. The Under has cashed eight of the last 11 times between the two teams. So I can't count on the Golden Knights to produce a lot of goals. But I can count on them to have a strong defensive game especially since Marc-Andre Fleury will be back in net after not playing against Colorado. The Golden Knights have not permitted more than two goals per game during Fleury's last eight starts. Fleury won't have to worry about Sharks team captain and third-leading goal scorer, Logan Couture. He's out with an injury.
05-12-21	Maple Leafs v. Senators UNDER 6.5		3-4	Loss	-113	16 h 16 m	Show
The Under is 11-2-1 in the Senators' last 14 home games. Ottawa has given up just six goals during its last four home games. The Senators' strong defense at home should continue here. Toronto has multiple injuries and figures to be resting starters having clinched the North Division. This could lead to a conservative game plan from the Maple Leafs, who also don't want goalie Frederick Andersen embarrassed if he's in goal for the first time since March 19. The Maple Leafs haven't surrendered more than two goals in regulation during their last seven games.
05-12-21	Maple Leafs v. Senators +170	Top	3-4	Win	170	18 h 30 m	Show
This is a huge Ontario rivalry. Given the circumstances, the Senators probably should be the favorite instead of a massive home 'dog. The Maple Leafs have nothing to play for in this game. They have already clinched the North Division and the No. 1 seed in the division. Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe has made it clear his intention and priority is to rest healthy players and get his injured players slowly back into form if they are able to play. Another priority is getting rusty goalie Frederik Andersen up to speed. Andersen has been the Maple Leafs' first string goalie. However, he hasn't played in the NHL since March 19 due to a knee injury. Andersen didn't look good in a couple of AHL appearances, but Keefe wants to prepare him for the playoffs. He has this game and the Leafs' final regular season game on Friday against the Jets to do that. Ottawa has been playing well going 8-3 in its last 11 games. The Senators, though, are off a bad 6-1 road loss to the Flames this past Sunday. This is Ottawa's final game of the season since it won't be in the playoffs. The Senators want to close their season looking good. So this is a much more important game for them. This has been a home team series, too, lately with the host winning four of the past five times.
05-12-21	Oilers v. Canadiens UNDER 6		4-3	Loss	-110	13 h 22 m	Show
I don't see either team pushing pace, or showing much in this meaningless matchup. The Oilers are the No. 2 seed in the North Division, while the Canadiens backed into the playoffs after getting a point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Oilers two days ago. The teams could meet in the playoffs so neither will want to tip their hand. So I see a vanilla type of low-scoring, conservative game. The Canadiens are in action for the 25th time in 44 days. They are likely to rest key regulars in order to get fresh for the postseason. The Oilers don't want to risk injury by overextending their superstars. This past Monday's game was just the second time in the last nine meetings that the Oilers-Canadiens went Over the total. There was just one goal scored in the third period. It was 3-2 more than halfway through the third period.
05-11-21	Bruins v. Capitals UNDER 5.5		1-2	Win	100	7 h 58 m	Show
The Capitals have clinched second place in the East Division. The Bruins just clinched third place in the East with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Islanders on Monday. So both teams are locked into their playoff seedings. I'm expecting a very vanilla type of game because of this especially given the Bruins having won a huge game last night and the Capitals nursing multiple injuries to key players. There's no reason for either team to go all out here, or show any new wrinkles right before the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Capitals couldn't even field the usual number of 18 players during their last game, a 2-1 victory against the Flyers this past Saturday. Now, because of either injury or COVID-19 protocol, the Capitals could be without superstar Alex Ovechkin, their two top centers - Nicklas Backstom and Evgeny Kuznetsov - star defenseman John Carlson, T.J. Oshie and enforcer Tom Wilson. Carlson's loss actually would be a plus for the Under since he's arguably the best offensive defenseman in the league. The Capitals are likely to play more conservative if he's out.
05-10-21	Blues v. Kings +120	Top	2-1	Loss	-100	15 h 11 m	Show
You may think this is a cheap price for the Blues to lay against the Kings, who won't be making the playoffs. This is all about the situation, though. St. Louis clinched a playoff spot this past Friday. The Blues are locked into the fourth spot in the Pacific Division regardless of this outcome. So Blues coach Craig Berube isn't going to risk an injury to any of his players. He's going to be resting his regulars and getting ready for the postseason. The Blues have eight regulars who are 30 or older. The Kings won't be letting up. This is their final home game so a strong effort should be forthcoming. LA coach Todd McLellan has made it clear to his team - both youngsters and veterans - that they are playing for their jobs and futures. The Kings have shown determination and competitiveness in their last four games beating the Coyotes - who still held playoff hope at the time - twice and losing to the powerful Avalanche twice by one goal in each loss.
05-09-21	Stars v. Blackhawks +140		2-4	Win	140	17 h 56 m	Show
The Blackhawks showed a little life pulling out a 2-1 overtime road win against Carolina this past Thursday in their last game. But really my entire handicap here is a fade on the Stars. Dallas has to be demoralized. The Stars were impressive in a 5-2 win against the Lightning this past Friday. But on Saturday the Stars found out their playoff hopes were ended by the Predators defeating the Hurricanes. So I don't see how the Stars get motivated for this meaningless matchup. The Blackhawks have played Dallas tough this season going 2-2-2. The Stars have lost four of their last five road games. At this big of a 'dog price, I'll take a shot with Chicago.
05-08-21	Ducks v. Wild UNDER 5.5		3-4	Loss	-111	7 h 11 m	Show
This is a special game for Anaheim. It's the Ducks' final game of the season and they're being sentimental about it putting Ryan Miller in goal. This will be Miller's last game of his 18-year NHL career as he is retiring. I have to believe the Ducks will play ultra-conservative, doing their best not to let Miller get embarrassed. A slower-paced tempo is fine by the Wild. Minnesota coach Dean Evason was not pleased with how his team played in a 4-3 overtime win against the Ducks on Friday. Evason is more about discipline and grit rather than flash and style. Minnesota goalie Cam Talbot has a 1.34 goals-against average and .951 save percentage in three starts against the Ducks this season. Lifetime, Talbot has a 2.04 GAA and .935 saver percentage in 20 games against the Ducks. Anaheim is the lowest-scoring team in the NHL averaging just 2.2 goals per game. It's a big reason why the Under has cashed in 11 of the Ducks' last 15 games.
05-07-21	Coyotes v. Sharks OVER 5.5		5-2	Win	100	8 h 35 m	Show
Expect a loose game with both teams now eliminated from Stanley Cup competition. That should result in at least six goals being scored. Arizona ranks 23rd defensively. San Jose is 30th defensively. The Coyotes have permitted at least 3 goals in all but one of their last six games. The Sharks have given up 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games. They are going to be starting backup goalie Josef Korenar, who has a 3.04 goals against average. The Over has cashed in six of the last seven meetings between the two teams.
05-07-21	Blues v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5		3-4	Win	100	8 h 47 m	Show
These teams have a strong Over tendency when meeting each other with the high side being 8-1-1 the past 10 times. The Blues are a slight above average scoring team with a below average defense. They have allowed at least 3 goals in eight of their last 10 games. The Golden Knights are the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL, averaging 3.4 goals a game. Las Vegas has scored at least 3 goals in 11 of its last 12 games.
05-04-21	Islanders -1.5 v. Sabres		3-4	Loss	-100	6 h 35 m	Show
A flat performance and outstanding goaltending from Buffalo fourth-stringer Michael Houser did in the Islanders in a 4-2 loss on Monday. I'm not expecting a repeat. Buffalo is 17-40 following a victory. The Islanders had beaten the Sabres in the previous six meetings this season with five of those victories occurring by multiple goals. The last time the Sabres defeated the Islanders two straight times during the regular season was nine years ago. Even not performing well, the Islanders still outplayed the hapless Sabres in two of three periods. Houser came up with 34 saves. I doubt he plays that well again against a determined Islanders squad that will be taking Buffalo far more seriously this time around.
05-03-21	Kings v. Coyotes -134	Top	3-2	Loss	-134	18 h 41 m	Show
This late in the regular season, it's vital to find out which teams have incentive AND are playing hard and which teams have packed it in. This contrast between these two teams was made obvious this past weekend. The Coyotes showed life and energy nearly sweeping the powerful Golden Knights at home. Arizona is pushing for the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Coyotes ended Las Vegas' 10-game win streak this past Friday with a 3-0 victory and then nearly upset the Golden Knights again on Saturday losing, 3-2, in overtime. The Kings were the complete opposite. Even though mathematically their playoff hopes are alive, the players and coach know they aren't achieving the impossible. They are not making the postseason. LA nipped the Ducks, 2-1, this past Friday by scoring in the final minute. The Ducks, who have the second-fewest points in the NHL, then soundly whacked the listless Kings, 6-2, Saturday night. Following that loss to the Ducks this is what Kings coach Todd McLellan had to say, "We're not going to make the playoffs. I just don't see how that's going to happen." Now both teams have to suck it up and play their third game in four days. The Coyotes are 4-0 the past four times when favored. The Kings are 2-7 the past nine times when playing for the third time in four days.
05-03-21	Bruins v. Devils OVER 5.5		3-0	Loss	-110	14 h 18 m	Show
The Bruins are going to get their share of goals against the Devils, who have allowed at least 3 goals in 15 of their last 16 games and rank last in penalty killing. Boston has scored 3 or more goals in nine of its last 11 games. The Bruins are averaging 4.6 goals during their last three games. The key is how many goals can the Devils put up to help get Over this total? New Jersey should contribute its share. The Devils are showing a lot of energy in posting a three-game win streak. They are averaging 4.5 goals in their last four games.
05-03-21	Capitals -110 v. Rangers		6-3	Win	100	14 h 2 m	Show
The Rangers are banged-up, in a scoring slump and drawing the Capitals, who are likely to be reinforced with Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson returning from injuries. Those are the Capitals' two best players. Their return makes this even more of a bad matchup for the Rangers, who are not a physical team. New York has surrendered 3 or more goals in seven of its last nine games. The Capitals are the second-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals per game. The Rangers have been shut out in their last two games. They have been down multiple players, including Chris Kreider, Brett Howden, Ryan LIndgren and Jacob Trouba.
05-02-21	Lightning v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5		2-1	Win	100	14 h 48 m	Show
The Red Wings are becoming a dead nuts Under team. Detroit has allowed only five goals in regulation during its past four games. However, the Red Wings have scored two or fewer goals in seven of their last eight games as multiple injuries to their best scorers have taken a toll. The Red Wings realize their only hope is to play conservative and not get caught up in an up-tempo style since they have no firepower. They got away with this on Saturday edging the Lightning, 1-0, in a shootout. Detroit managed just 15 shots on goal and couldn't score against Lightning backup goalie Curtis McElhinney during regulation and overtime. Now Detroit could get Andrei Vasilevskiy, perhaps the best goalie in the NHL.
05-02-21	Lightning -1.5 v. Red Wings		2-1	Loss	-120	14 h 47 m	Show
The Lightning thoroughly outplayed the Red Wings as expected on Saturday. What wasn't expected was the Red Wings pulling out a 1-0 shootout win. Tampa Bay outshot Detroit, 33-15, but blew a number of good scoring chances. The Lightning won't be taking the Red Wings lightly in this shortest of revenge setting. They also likely won't be playing their backup goalie again. I see this as a kill spot for the Lightning. Detroit has no firepower. The Red Wings have only scored more than two goals once in their eight games. Tampa Bay is the No. 3 scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals per game.
05-01-21	Stars v. Predators -103		0-1	Win	100	7 h 10 m	Show
I like the way this game sets up for Nashville. The Predators are home and have had ample time to rest and prepare since they last played on Tuesday, a game they lost, 7-4, at home to the Panthers. It's rare this late in the season for a team to get a three-day break like that. Dallas, on the other, is coming off a 3-0 shutout loss to the Lightning two days ago. This will be the Stars' fourth game in six days. The Stars have lost 21 of the last 29 times against above .500 opponents. Nashville has defeated Dallas in four of the last five meetings.
05-01-21	Lightning v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5		0-1	Win	101	7 h 2 m	Show
The Red Wings weren't much offensively when they were at full strength. Now that they are enduring multiple injuries to key scorers, the Red Wings could be the worst offensive team in the NHL. Detroit has managed to score just two or fewer goals in six of its last seven games. The Red Wings have scored two goals during their last three games. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy could be the top goalie in the NHL with the second-high save percentage and fifth-best GAA at 2.10. The Red Wings understand their only hope of winning is by playing conservative with constant checking, not taking any chances, or getting into an up-tempo matchup. The Red Wings' last three games have reflected that - a 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes, a 1-0 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets and a 2-1 overtime loss to the Stars. Detroit has given up only four goals during regulation in its past three games.
04-30-21	Golden Knights v. Coyotes +1.5	Top	0-3	Win	100	19 h 14 m	Show
The Coyotes are in desperation, must-win mode win trailing the Blues for the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Coyotes have a winning record in their past nine home games and are primed to give a strong effort here. The Golden Knights, on the other hand, enter this matchup fat and happy. Their playoff ticket is punched and they are off a highly-satisfying, 5-2, home victory against the Avalanche this past Wednesday. The Golden Knights regard the Avalanche as their main competitor in the Western Conference. This is a prime letdown spot for Las Vegas. So this sets up as a great ambush spot for Arizona. But to play it safe, I'm going to lay the juice and take 1 1/2 goals on the puck line.
04-29-21	Flyers v. Devils OVER 6		3-5	Win	100	11 h 40 m	Show
Given that the Flyers are the worst defensive team in the NHL and the Devils are the third-worst, was there any surprise when the teams scored 10 goals when they met two days ago? Was it a shock when there were seven goals scored when the two teams played each other this past Sunday? Nope. New Jersey has surrendered four or more goals in eight consecutive games. The Devils have allowed at least three goals in 14 straight games. And the Devils give up fewer goals per game than the Flyers! Neither team is making the playoffs. So this should be another loose game lacking defense. The Over has cashed in 11 of the Flyers' last 14 games. The Flyers have short revenge after the Devils snapped their 10-game winless streak with a 6-4 victory this past Tuesday. The Over has won the past seven times the Flyers have been a road favorite.
04-28-21	Avalanche v. Golden Knights -127		2-5	Win	100	11 h 47 m	Show
Going to ride with the Golden Knights being home and playing in what they consider to be their biggest game of the season. Las Vegas has won a franchise-record nine in a row. The Golden Knights are 40-16 in their past 56 home games. Colorado has dropped two in a row, losing to the Blues, losing 4-1 two days ago and 5-3 this past Saturday. The Golden Knights are the healthier team. Colorado will be missing its leading goal scorer, Mikko Rantanen, right winger Joonas Donskoi and No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer, who has had a huge season. Not seeing Rantanen on the ice makes it easier for the Golden Knights to key on Nathan MacKinnon. The Golden Knights own a depth edge and have the size and brawn to take advantage of the Avalanche's undersized defensive corps.
04-27-21	Red Wings v. Blue Jackets -130	Top	0-1	Win	100	14 h 27 m	Show
This could be the first time I've ever laid a mid-size price with a team that has lost nine in a row. But I really see the Blue Jackets halting their losing skid. Columbus is home to Detroit. That's the reason. Columbus nearly ended its losing streak this past Sunday falling to defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay, 4-3, in overtime. The Red Wings have been an underdog in each of their last 56 road games. Their record in these contests is 9-47 for 16 percent. Detroit has lost in six of its last seven visits to Columbus. Detroit last played on Saturday falling, 2-1, to the Stars in overtime. That score was misleading, though. The Red Wings were outshot, 52-17. Detroit goalie Jonathan Bernier played well over his head. Elvis Merzlikins is likely to be in net for Columbus. I prefer him over either of Detroit's goalies, Bernier or Thomas Greiss. Discounting a freak 7-3 home win against the Stars, the Red Wings have scored five goals in their last four games. The Red Wings have limited firepower and that has been reduced with injuries to three centers, including Dylan Larkin, and right winger Bobby Ryan.
04-26-21	Coyotes -104 v. Sharks		4-6	Loss	-104	17 h 52 m	Show
The price is right to get on the Sharks fade train. San Jose has lost eight in a row. Only once during their last eight games have the Sharks scored more than two goals in a game. Defense isn't going to bail out the Sharks. They rank 28th defensively allowing 3.3 goals per game. Arizona is holding on to the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Coyotes looked good in their last game, a 4-0 blanking of the Kings in LA two days ago. The Coyotes have problems when stepping up in class. But they are 8-1 the past nine times against sub .500 foes. Arizona has beaten San Jose in five of the past six meetings.
04-25-21	Devils v. Flyers OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	3 h 16 m	Show
No great insights here. Just strongly believe each team should be good for at least 3 goals apiece given how bad the defenses are. The Devils rank 30th defensively allowing 3.4 goals per game. They've given up at least 3 goals in 12 straight games. The Flyers rank 31st defensively allowing 3.5 goals a game. The Flyers are a heavy favorite. The Over is 18-7-1 the last 26 times Philadelphia has been chalk.
04-24-21	Stars -1.5 v. Red Wings		2-1	Loss	-100	11 h 31 m	Show
Despite multiple injuries, the Red Wings came out of nowhere to surprise the hot Stars, 7-3, at home this past Thursday. Dallas is much the better team and won't get ambushed again. Detroit is 6-16 following a victory. All but one of the Stars' last six victories have been by more than one goal. Until Thursday's shocking four-goal loss to the Red Wings, the Stars had given up just 12 goals during their previous eight games.
04-24-21	Devils v. Penguins OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	11 h 34 m	Show
My usual lean to early start time games in the NHL is to go Under. Not in this case, though. These two teams have met twice during the past five days. The Penguins scored 12 goals during the first five periods. The Penguins went into defensive shell mode up 5-1 in Thursday's victory against the Devils. New Jersey is 1-12 in its last 13 games. The Devils have lost by more than one goal in eight of their last nine losses. It's clear the Penguins can score at will against them. New Jersey ranks 30th defensively. The Penguins are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. The Devils are capable of helping this total go Over, too. They had scored 12 goals in their previous three games prior to losing 5-1 this past Thursday. Pittsburgh's defense is merely average.
04-23-21	Canadiens v. Flames -105		2-4	Win	100	15 h 21 m	Show
The Flames have had four days to rest, regenerate and think about a 4-2 loss to the cellar-dwelling Senators from this past Monday. Calgary is in must-win mode for this series. A loss to the Canadiens here, really seals the Flames' fate of not making the playoffs. I have to believe no-nonsense coach Darryl Sutter will have the Flames sky-high for this first of three straight crucial games against Montreal. The Flames have defeated the Canadiens in four of the last five meetings this season. Montreal nearly blew a 4-1 late lead against the Oilers this past Wednesday. The Canadiens held off the Oilers, 4-3. That was just Montreal's fourth road win in its past 14 away contests. Prior to scoring four goals versus Edmonton, the Canadiens were averaging a puny 1.5 goals in their last eight games.
04-23-21	Predators -121 v. Blackhawks		3-1	Win	100	14 h 29 m	Show
Maybe it was too easy. The Predators were on their way to beating the Blackhawks for the seventh consecutive time this past Wednesday leading, 4-1, with 10:03 left. The Blackhawks ended up pulling the game out, 5-4, in overtime. Nashville has outscored Chicago, 23-13, in its seven meetings this season. The Predators are 13-3 the last 16 times they've been favored. So I see them bouncing back and beating Chicago. Certainly the Predators won't be overconfident again. Chicago's rookie goalie, Kevin Lankinen, probably has hit the wall. He's had a tough month. Malcolm Subban was in net against the Predators and stopped 36 of 40 shots. No matter who's in net for Chicago, I like the Predators' defense better.
04-23-21	Flyers v. Rangers OVER 6		1-4	Loss	-120	14 h 38 m	Show
The Flyers nipped the Rangers, 3-2, on Thursday. I don't know how that total stayed Under 6. There were a combined 66 shots on goal - 33 by each team. Flyers goalie Brian Elliott, who nobody will confuse with Bernie Parent, made two point-blank saves. The Flyers had six power play opportunities. So I am going to get involved with today's rematch taking the Over. The Flyers should keep their intensity. They haven't forgotten about the humiliating 9-0 loss the Rangers pinned on them last month. New York dressed five defensemen 23 or younger in last night's game. The Rangers have surrendered at least 3 goals in each of their past four games. I do expect the Rangers to score at least 3 goals against a Philadelphia defense that is the league's worst giving up 3.5 goals per game.
04-22-21	Hurricanes v. Panthers OVER 5.5		4-2	Win	100	9 h 40 m	Show
I trust these two top-11 offenses to each produce at least 3 goals. The Hurricanes have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last eight games. The Panthers have scored 14 goals in their last three games. The Panthers remain without injured star defenseman Aaron Ekblad. The Over has cashed in 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in Florida.
04-22-21	Devils v. Penguins -1.5		1-5	Win	100	8 h 29 m	Show
Don't look for Penguins to come close to blowing a six-goal lead like they did this past Tuesday. Pittsburgh is some three tiers better than the Devils, who have lost seven in a row and are now firmly in the argument for worst team in the NHL. Yet the Devils nearly came back from a 6-0 deficit against the Penguins two days ago, losing 7-6 after trailing, 6-0. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan spent yesterday lecturing his team about not letting up. The Penguins have won 40 of their last 56 home contests and I expect a blowout here. New Jersey, losers of 23 of its last 30 games, could be short-handed on the blueline if P.K. Subban remains on the COVID-19 protocol list.
04-21-21	Canadiens v. Oilers UNDER 6		4-3	Loss	-120	12 h 40 m	Show
The Oilers can play a fast skating, wide open game, or they can go into a defensive shell. They are that flexible. It's the latter style they use when they play the Canadiens. Edmonton matched the physical Canadiens this past Monday winning, 4-1. It was the seventh straight Under game between the two teams. I don't see a style change in this rematch. I do see a lot of intensity with the Canadiens trying to clamp down on Connor McDavid and the Oilers not backing down from Montreal. The Canadiens are in a huge scoring funk averaging a puny 1.6 goals in their last nine games.
04-21-21	Sharks v. Golden Knights -1.5		2-5	Win	102	11 h 54 m	Show
It was an emotional game for the Sharks when they met the Golden Knights two days ago as it marked Patrick Marleau setting the record for most games played in NHL history. The Sharks gave it a great effort, but fell, 3-2, in a shootout. The Golden Knights came back from a 2-0 deficit. I don't see the Sharks being so up for this game. San Jose has lost six in a row. Before Monday's game, the Sharks had lost by multiple goals in eight of their past nine losses. Las Vegas had won four in a row by more than one goal before Monday's game. The Golden Knights were very classy following Monday's game in congratulating the Sharks and Marleau. Make no mistake, though, the Golden Knights hate the Sharks. This is a bitter rivalry. I don't see the Golden Knights coming out flat again. Las Vegas has won all six of the meetings between the two teams this season.
04-20-21	Maple Leafs -1.5 v. Canucks		3-6	Loss	-114	17 h 32 m	Show
It was probably the biggest upset of the season. The Canucks stunned the Maple Leafs, 3-2 in overtime, two days ago. Vancouver hadn't played since March 24. Braden Holtby turned in his finest Vancouver performance stopping 37 shots. Holtby was filling in for regular goalie Thatcher Demko, one of 22 Vancouver players to test positive for COVID-19. Holtby has a save percentage of less than 90 percent and his GAA is 3.44. He's past his prime. The Maple Leafs are several tiers above the Canucks. I expect them to get their revenge in a big way here. Tuesday Free Play Penguins at Devils Over 6 minus $1.05 These two teams just met on April 9 and April 11 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won those games, 6-4 and 5-2. So what's changed? Nothing. The youthful, mistake-prone Devils still are in full rebuild mode and the Penguins still have a well above average offense ranking sixth in goals. Pittsburgh has scored 3 or more goals in 10 of its last 13 games. The Penguins shouldn't encounter problems denting the net again versus the Devils, who rank 28th defensively and have the worst penalty kill in the league. New Jersey has surrendered a minimum of 3 goals in each of its last nine games. The Devils aren't quitting, though. They came from three goals down to tie the Rangers during their last game this past Sunday before losing, 5-3. The Penguins haven't been sharp defensively. They've given up seven power-play goals during their last eight games and are off a 4-2 loss to the lowly Sabres this past Sunday.
04-18-21	Maple Leafs -1.5 v. Canucks	Top	2-3	Loss	-114	10 h 10 m	Show
Toronto is one of the best teams in hockey. The Maple Leafs are in rare stop-the-pain mode losers of three in a row, including an embarrassing 5-2 home loss to the Jets in their last game this past Thursday. The Maple Leafs are in a great scheduling spot here. They draw Vancouver, which hasn't played since March 24 because of an outbreak of COVID-19 that affected 22 of its players. Not only have the Canucks not played since then, but they've only been able to practice once during this long idle period. They still could be down as many as seven players. The Canucks certainly could use more time to get ready, but the league is anxious for them to resume their season. The Canucks are not up to par physically or mentally. I can't see them hanging close to the Maple Leafs regardless if Austin Matthews, the NHL's top goal scorer, plays or not after sitting out Thursday with a hand injury. Toronto has won five of the last six times it has been a road favorite. They are in a great spot to add to that record.
04-18-21	Penguins v. Sabres OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	7 h 53 m	Show
The Penguins are the No. 4 scoring team in the NHL. They have scored at least three goals in 10 of their past 12 games. The Penguins fired 38 shots on third-string Buffalo goalie Dustin Tokarski and came away with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Now the Penguins are likely to draw Buffalo's fourth-string goalie, Michael Houser, as both Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton are injured. The Sabres have picked up their offense averaging 3.4 goals during their last 10 games. They played hard yesterday firing 28 shots on Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry. Now the Penguins likely will turn to backup goalie, Casey DeSmith, for this rematch.
04-17-21	Blue Jackets +163 v. Stars		1-5	Loss	-100	10 h 21 m	Show
I'm not going out on a limb to say there aren't going to be many goals scored here with the total at 5. This is last stand time for the Blue Jackets if they want to maintain any playoff hope. Columbus isn't going to lack incentive following a 4-1 loss to the Stars from two days ago. The Blue Jackets had been competitive in their previous four games splitting two with the Lightning and losing two to the Blackhawks by one goal each. Columbus grabbed an early lead against Dallas, but couldn't hold it. The Stars have a below offense. This huge underdog price puts me on the Blue Jackets in what shapes up as a one-goal type of dogfight game.
04-17-21	Senators +1.5 v. Canadiens		4-0	Win	100	1 h 57 m	Show
I'm not sold on the Canadiens to win this game especially by multiple goals. Montreal has won only once by more than one goal during its last eight games. The Canadiens are missing one of their key offensive players with Brandan Gallagher out. The Senators usually keep games close. They would be 11-3 in their last 14 games if given 1 1/2 goals.
04-17-21	Capitals -133 v. Flyers		6-3	Win	100	3 h 26 m	Show
The Capitals are 18-4 the last 22 times they've been favored. They should bring their "A" level intensity to this matchup following a 5-2 upset loss to the Sabres this past Thursday, while the Flyers stunned the Penguins, 2-1, in a shootout this past Thursday. The Flyers haven't won two in a row during their past nine games. Washington has defeated Philadelphia in four of five meetings this season. The Capitals are the No. 2 scoring team in the league while the Flyers surrender the most goals per game in the NHL.
04-15-21	Flyers v. Penguins OVER 6		2-1	Loss	-125	13 h 5 m	Show
The oddsmaker is making a mistake if he hangs anything less than 6 1/2 goals on a Flyers total when Philadelphia is playing a good offensive team. The Penguins are the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL. Pittsburgh has scored 4 or more goals in nine of its last 10 games. The Over has cashed in each of Pittsburgh's past five games. The Flyers have allowed three or more goals in 20 of their last 24 games. The Over is 17-7 in those games. The Penguins, though, are giving up 4.6 goals in their last five games. So the Flyers, who have scored at least two goals in 10 of their last 12 games, should hold up their end in making this total go Over. Thursday Free Play Penguins minus $1.65 hosting Flyers I'm old enough to remember Bernie Parent and the Broad Street Bullies. So I can't say the Flyers never had great goaltending. They just haven't had it for the past 45 years. The Flyers are 2-6 in their last eight games, following a 5-3 loss to last-place Buffalo this past Sunday and a 6-1 blowout defeat to Washington this past Tuesday. The Flyers hoisted up the white flag at the trade deadline signaling they are in rebuild mode. I'm not expecting the Flyers to do much here in action for the fourth time in six days and meeting a hot Pittsburgh team that has won eight of its last 10, including the past three all by multiple goals. The host Penguins will be rested, too, having last played this past Sunday. The Penguins were active at the trade deadline acquiring two-time Stanley Cup champion veteran Jeff Carter to center and shore up their battered second line, which is without Evgeni Malkin and Freddy Gaudreau. Center probably is the versatile Carter's best position. He also adds to the Penguins' special teams units. Only Ottawa surrenders more goals per game than the Flyers, who give up nearly 3.6 goals a game. The Penguins are the No. 4 scoring team in the NHL. They have tallied 4 or more goals in nine of their past 10 games. Sometimes there can be value backing the favorite, even heavy chalk like this. This is such a case.
04-14-21	Ducks v. Sharks OVER 5.5		4-1	Loss	-118	17 h 36 m	Show
Even though the Ducks and Sharks are not big scoring teams, I'm surprised not to see a 6 on the total for this matchup. Anaheim ranks 26th defensively allowing 3.2 goals per game, while San Jose is 29th permitting 3.3 goals a game. The teams have met twice during the last eight days. The Ducks have scored a combined nine goals against the Sharks in these two games. Anaheim just beat the Sharks, 4-0, this past Monday. Note, though, the Sharks fired 46 shots on goal against rookie backup goalie Anthony Stolarz. No Anaheim goalie in franchise history recorded more stops in a shutout than Stolarz did in that game. Both teams are down defensemen. The Sharks won't have Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who is injured. This means more playing time for Radim Simek and Christian Jaros, both of whom played poorly against the Ducks this past Monday being on the ice for three of Anaheim's goals. The Ducks recently traded two of their top six defensemen with Ben Hutton and Jani Hakanpaa being dealt. Keep in mind, too, the Ducks remain without injured defenseman Hampus Lindholm.
04-14-21	Coyotes +1.5 v. Wild		2-5	Loss	-147	8 h 11 m	Show
The Wild's schedule and mental frame have been thrown out of whack due to protests in the Minneapolis region following the police shooting of unarmed Daunte Wright. The Wild's Monday night home game against the Blues was postponed until May 12 and their game today against Arizona was moved up to the afternoon instead of being played in the evening like originally scheduled. All of this has to be distracting and disconcerting to the Minnesota players and families. It leaves open how much concentration and intensity the Wild will have in this matchup. The Minnesota Timberwolves played on Tuesday afternoon at home against the Nets after their original Monday night game against the Nets was postponed. The Timberwolves were blown out by 30 points. Unlike the Timberwolves, the Wild are heavy favorites in this game. Because of circumstances brought about by the tragic shooting, the Wild are more susceptible to being flat. I can't trust the Coyotes, losers of four in a row, to pull off the outright upset but I will lay high juice to back them at plus 1 1 2 goals on the puck line. The Coyotes are in stop-the-pain mode. Their last three losses have come to elite foes, two games against the Golden Knights and one to the Avalanche.
04-14-21	Coyotes v. Wild UNDER 5.5		2-5	Loss	-120	8 h 10 m	Show
Minnesota is an above average defensive club that is tough at home. The Coyotes know this first-hand. They visited the Wild for three games on March 12, 14 and 16. Arizona scored a grand total of one goal in those three games. Arizona, though, has been playing solid defense if you toss out giving up seven goals to the Golden Nuggets during a recent game. Discounting that performance, the Coyotes are giving up an average of 2.5 goals in their last six games. The Under has cashed each of the past four times the teams have met in Minnesota. Note there is a time change in this game. It's gone from a night start to a matinee because of the unrest in the Minneapolis area. That's a plus for the Under.
04-13-21	Panthers -108 v. Stars		3-2	Win	100	16 h 5 m	Show
The Panthers have had two full days to stew about a poorly-played 4-1 road loss to the Stars. Now it's rematch time and I expect Florida to be ready. Florida is the better team and has proven road-worthy going 12-8-1. The Panthers have won in eight of their last 11 visits to Dallas. Dallas is not a good home club. The Stars are 4-13 in their last 17 home games. This marks their fourth game in six days so they carry a high fatigue rating, too. Prior to this past Saturday's loss to the Stars, the Panthers had swept two games at Dallas on March 27-28 winning, 4-3 and 4-1. The Panthers also took two of three from the Stars at home in late February. Chris Driedger will be in net for Florida. He's 2-1 with a 1.34 goals against average in three career matchups versus Dallas.
04-13-21	Rangers v. Devils OVER 5.5		3-0	Loss	-130	15 h 48 m	Show
The Rangers have a tendency to play to the level of their competition. In this case, the Devils are not a very worthy opponent. New Jersey is giving up an average of 4.4 goals in its last seven games. The Devils have surrendered 3 or more goals in nine of their past 11 games. The Rangers are the No. 7 scoring team in the NHL. New Jersey is last in killing off penalties. The Devils have been scoring lately, averaging 3.8 goals in their last five games. So I envision a sloppy game with plenty of defensive mistakes leading to each team contributing at least three goals. Historically, these two teams play high scoring games against each other. There have been only five Unders during the past 26 games in the series.
04-13-21	Flyers v. Capitals OVER 6		1-6	Win	100	15 h 42 m	Show
It's difficult not to envision an Over when the total is less than 6 1/2 on a Flyers game and their opponent is the Capitals. The Flyers have allowed 3 or more goals in 19 of their last 23 games. The Over is 16-7 in those games. The Capitals just scored eight goals in its last game two days ago against the Bruins. Philadelphia has scored a minimum of two goals a game in 10 of its past 11 contests. The Capitals have gone Over in 42 of their last 61 home games for 69 percent.
04-11-21	Rangers v. Islanders -118	Top	2-3	Win	100	16 h 54 m	Show
The Islanders don't often lose at home. But they are coming off a bad 4-1 defeat to the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum this past Friday. That halted a five-game home win streak for the Islanders. The Islanders, though, had been playing with fire narrowly winning their previous home game, 3-2, against the Flyers in a shootout. The Islanders have won 23 of their last 31 home contests. They are 17-2-2 at Nassau Coliseum this season, tied with the Avalanche for most home victories. Barry Trotz is one of the top coaches in the NHL. I don't envision the Islanders playing a third consecutive flat game at home. The Rangers were beaten by the lowly Sabres in their previous road game prior to defeating the Islanders. Depth is going to factor here since both teams are in action for the fourth time in six days. The Islanders are 7-0 the past seven times they were in a 4-in-6 situation.
04-11-21	Sabres +1.5 v. Flyers		5-3	Win	100	12 h 15 m	Show
Less than 24 hours after a achieving a highly-satisfying 3-2 win against the Bruins on Saturday, the Flyers have to play again. The opponent is the rebuilding Sabres. So I need to go to the puck to get an extra cushion at plus 1 1/2 goals, but this definitely is a bad spot for Philadelphia. The Flyers exerted a lot of energy holding off the Bruins, including going 4-for-4 in penalty kills. The Flyers carry a huge fatigue factor as this is their fifth game in seven days. The two teams met twice in Buffalo on March 29 and 31. The Sabres blew a 3-0 lead in a 4-3 overtime loss. Buffalo came back to whip the Flyers, 6-1, to end its 18-game losing streak. The Sabres have played better during their last eight games as some of their younger players develop more. If given 1 1/2 goals during this span, the Sabres would be 7-1.
04-10-21	Oilers v. Flames +101		0-5	Win	101	14 h 55 m	Show
Last chance Calgary. The Flames desperately need this home victory if they realistically harbor any playoff hope. There's going to be hell to pay in Calgary if the Flames don't get it with some of the team's mainstays possibly being traded before Monday's trade deadline passes. Calgary certainly should be well prepared having last played on Monday. The Oilers, on the flip side, will be in action for the fourth time in six days. The Oilers were fortunate to get past the last-place Senators, 3-1, this past Thursday. Edmonton will be minus injured Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He's fourth on the Oilers in goals and points.
04-10-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5		4-3	Win	100	11 h 44 m	Show
I don't understand why the oddsmaker can't see at least six goals being scored here. The Blackhawks give up the most shots on goal and have the worst penalty kill in the league. Opponents have racked up 3 or more goals in nine of the past 13 games versus the Blackhawks. The Blue Jackets just put up consecutive 4-goal games against Tampa Bay and Andrei Vasilevskiy, arguably the top goalie in hockey. The Blue Jackets rank 25th defensively giving up 3.1 goals per game. They also give up a lot of shots on goal and are well below average in killing off penalties. Columbus has permitted 3 or more goals in eight of its last 10 games. Both teams are frustrated and anxious to break out. The Blackhawks are off a 5-1 home loss to the Stars from two days ago, while the Blue Jackets are 1-4 in their last five games and off a 6-4 home loss to the Lightning from Thursday.
04-10-21	Jets v. Canadiens -128		5-0	Loss	-128	11 h 36 m	Show
I want the Canadiens going for me in this quick revenge spot. The Jets overcame not having Blake Wheeler to beat Montreal, 4-2, on the road two days ago. Wheeler remains out. Montreal had a terrible first period in that loss. I look for the Canadiens to be much sharper this time. I'm more than fine with Jake Allen in net. He's been more consistent this season than Carey Price, who isn't the super goalie of years past.
04-09-21	Coyotes v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5		4-7	Win	100	18 h 44 m	Show
Below the radar, the Coyotes have picked up their offense. Arizona is averaging 4 goals per game during their last eight games. They have scored at least 3 goals in each of these past eight games. The Over has cashed in eight of Arizona's last 10 games. The Golden Knights enter this home matchup frustrated and ready to break loose. They fired 51 shots against the Blues in their last game two days ago on the road, yet still lost, 3-1. Las Vegas is averaging 3.4 goals in its last nine home contests.
04-08-21	Stars -113 v. Blackhawks		5-1	Win	100	16 h 51 m	Show
Sparked by strong goaltending from Kevin Lankinen, the Blackhawks held off the Stars, 4-2, this past Tuesday scoring an empty-net goal with seven seconds left to account for the final score. I don't see Chicago being so fortunate in the rematch. The Stars have the stronger defense and the Blackhawks are 1-6 following a victory. Dallas ranks 10th defensively permitting 2.4 goals per game. The Stars give up the fourth-fewest shots on goal. The Blackhawks, by comparison, rank 21st on defense yielding 3.1 goals a game and give up the most shots on goal.
04-07-21	Avalanche v. Wild +170		3-8	Win	170	15 h 35 m	Show
The Avalanche is a blistering 13-2 in their last 15 games. They are off a 5-4 road win against Minnesota this past Monday night. But I'm going to get involved with the Wild at this generous price because the Wild are a great home team and will be extremely motivated for this matchup. Minnesota had won 11 consecutive home contests before falling to the Avalanche. Among the Wild's home victories during this span were two against the Golden Knights and one against Colorado. The Wild outplayed the Avs in the first period and especially in the third period during Monday's contest. But they couldn't overcome a horrendous second period. This will be just Colorado's fourth away matchup during its last 16 games. So the majority of the Avs' hot 13-2 mark has occurred at home. Colorado is a far more mundane 8-6 in its last 14 road contests. The Avs are high-scoring, but Minnesota has the necessary defensive talent and schemes to frustrate them.
04-06-21	Predators -150 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	8 h 54 m	Show
Nashville is playing its best hockey of the season winning nine of its last 11 games. This includes a 7-1 home win against the Red Wings from March 25. Little chance of Nashville taking the Red Wings lightly, though, after Detroit stunned defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay. The Red Wings beat the Lightning, 5-1, on the road this past Sunday taking advantage of Tampa Bay going with a third-string goalie. That stopped a Detroit 17-game road losing streak to the Lightning. The Red Wings still could be celebrating. This is Detroit's first home game since March 28. The Predators last played on Saturday. They have held their last seven opponents to 10 goals. Only once have they surrendered more than two goals in a game during this span.
04-05-21	Flyers v. Bruins OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-106	15 h 36 m	Show
The Bruins were averaging just 2.4 goals during their last five games until their matchup against the Penguins this past Saturday. There were 12 goals produced in that one with Boston winning, 7-5. Boston stars David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand were in top form contributing a combined five goals while playing on different lines. Now the Bruins host Philadelphia, the worst defensive team in the NHL allowing 3.4 goals per game. The Flyers have given up 3 or more goals in 16 of their last 18 games. The Over has cashed in 11 of their past 14 games. Boston has been missing starting goalie Tuukka Rask. The Bruins' backup goalies could be hitting a wall. Boston has surrendered 13 goals in its last three games. The Bruins also are down Brandon Carlo, one of their top defensemen. He's out with an upper-body injury.
04-03-21	Sharks v. Kings -112		3-2	Loss	-112	7 h 38 m	Show
The Sharks are going for their fourth win in a row. They have not won four consecutive games all season and I don't see that changing here. San Jose defeated the Kings, 3-0, on Friday night in a game that was closer than the final score. The Sharks are 1-6 the last seven times when playing on zero rest. Prior to blanking the Kings last night, San Jose was 0-4 in its past four road games. The revenge-minded Kings are likely to break out of their scoring slump with Devan Dubnyk expected to be in net for San Jose. Dubnyk is not in good form allowing 14 goals in his last four starts - all losses - for an 88.2 percent save percentage during this span. On the season, Dubnyk is 3-9-2 with a 3.18 GAA and .898 save percentage.
04-03-21	Flyers v. Islanders OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-118	4 h 42 m	Show
There is only one way to play Flyers totals - and it's not Under that's for sure. Philadelphia has the worst defense in the NHL. The Flyers allowed an average of 4.4 goals during their 17 March games. They have surrendered at least 3 goals in 15 of their last 17 games. The Islanders are coming off an 8-4 victory against the Capitals this past Thursday. New York has scored 3 or more goals in 11 of its last 14 games, while yielding 15 goals in their last four games.
04-03-21	Penguins v. Bruins -113		5-7	Win	100	3 h 44 m	Show
Credit to the Penguins. They are playing very well despite missing two/thirds of their second line and starting goalie Tristan Jarry. But I don't see the Penguins getting a road sweep of the Bruins after beating Boston, 4-1, this past Thursday. Pittsburgh was 0-8-2 in its previous 10 visits to Boston before that Thursday victory. Boston coach Bruce Cassidy ripped his team after that loss. So I'm expecting a strong revenge effort from the home Bruins.
04-02-21	Blues v. Avalanche OVER 5.5		2-3	Loss	-115	10 h 12 m	Show
No matter who the opposition is, the oddsmaker should be almost automatically setting at least a 6 total on Colorado games. The Avalanche have been the hottest scoring team in the NHL producing 53 goals in their last 10 games for an average of 5.3 goals a game. The Blues just gave up a combined seven goals to the low-scoring Ducks during their last two games, both home losses. Colorado is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL. The Over has cashed in eight of Colorado's last nine games. The Blues rank a disappointing 17th in scoring. But they have a number of good scorers who are overdue to break loose. St. Louis has been underachieving.
04-01-21	Penguins v. Bruins -129		4-1	Loss	-129	14 h 0 m	Show
Pittsburgh enters this matchup fat and happy having won four in a row - all at home. Now, though, the Penguins take to the road where they have lost six of the last seven times as an underdog. Oh, yes, Pittsburgh is playing in Boston. The Penguins are 2-14 (12 percent) during their last 16 visits to Boston. The Bruins have the firepower and defense to take advantage of the Penguins' many injuries. Out for Pittsburgh is second-line center Evgeni Malkin, second-line left winger Kasperi Kapanen and starting goalie Tristian Jarry, who isn't likely to play after missing Wednesday's practice after suffering an injury in Pittsburgh's Monday 2-1 victory against the Islanders.
04-01-21	Rangers -1.5 v. Sabres		3-2	Loss	-100	11 h 53 m	Show
There must have been plenty of Labatt Blue consumed in Buffalo last night after the Sabres ended their 18-game winless streak by crushing the Flyers, 6-1, at home. The Sabres still could be celebrating by the time this game starts. It's unfortunate for the Sabres they have to play right away following that long-awaited victory. It's also their third game in four days and sixth game in nine days. Buffalo is 3-14 in its last 17 home contests. The Rangers don't mind being party poopers. They can't afford a slip-up here. New York is 6-4 in its last 10 games with all of its victories during this span occurring by at least two goals. The Rangers have proven trustworthy lately in this role winning six of the last seven times as chalk. Probable Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin is 2-0 with a 1.96 GAA and .918 save percentage in two games against Buffalo this season. Sabres expected goalie Dustin Tokarski, on the other hand, has a 5.12 GAA and .854 save percentage in three career games versus the Rangers.
03-31-21	Flyers v. Sabres +1.5	Top	1-6	Win	100	15 h 22 m	Show
The Sabres won't have a better chance of ending their hideous 18-game losing streak than right here. But can they be trusted? Heck no. That's why I'm backing them on the puck line taking 1 1/2 goals and laying juice believing this is going to be an extremely close game between two teams who are playing terribly. It sure went that way this past Monday night. Buffalo jumped to a 3-0 lead before proceeding to lose, 4-3 in overtime. It may have been the Sabres' most frustrating loss of the season, which is saying a lot since you need a calculator to add up all of their defeats. Now the Sabres get their revenge opportunity. Motivation can mean everything, but it won't work if the talent level isn't there. Fortunately for the Sabres, the Flyers are extremely mediocre with the worst defense and penalty kill in the league. Philadelphia is 5-9 in its last 14 games. If laying 1 1/2 goals, the Flyers would be riding a 16-game losing streak themselves. They haven't won a game by more than one goal this entire month.
03-29-21	Islanders -105 v. Penguins		1-2	Loss	-105	8 h 6 m	Show
Kudos to the short-handed Penguins who rolled to an easy 6-3 victory at home against New York this past Saturday. The Islanders haven't had a game that bad since late January. I'm expecting a strong effort in short revenge from the Islanders, who draw the Penguins minus a number of forwards and centers. The Penguins' long injury list, includes Evgeni Malkin and Brandon Tanev. Basically the Penguins are missing their No. 2 line. The Islanders were riding a three-game winning streak while going 14-2-1 in their last 17 games prior to Saturday's loss.
03-27-21	Lightning -117 v. Hurricanes		3-4	Loss	-117	15 h 47 m	Show
I want the Lightning going for me at this price coming off a 4-3 loss to the Stars two days ago where Tampa Bay blew a two-goal lead. That snapped goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy's 12-game win streak. Carolina is off a 4-3 overtime victory against Columbus this past Thursday. The Hurricanes rank eighth in goals scored and goals allowed. Impressive, but trumped by the Lightning ranking No. 1 in goals scored while giving up the fifth-fewest goals per game. Carolina hasn't scored more than 3 goals in regulation during its last six games. The Hurricanes scored fewer than 3 goals in four of those contests. The teams last met for three games from Feb. 22-25. The Lightning held the Hurricanes to three goals in those three games winning all three by multiple goals.
03-27-21	Oilers v. Maple Leafs UNDER 6.5		3-4	Loss	-105	15 h 40 m	Show
Edmonton has been playing some underrated defense allowing an average of 2.1 goals per game in its last nine games. The Maple Leafs haven't broken the 3-goal barrier during regulation in their last nine games. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares are in scoring slumps. Toronto is 0-for-15 in its last 15 power play attempts. The Oilers should have plenty of energy having last played a week ago because of COVID-19 protocols. The Maple Leafs have been a defensive nightmare for the Oilers. Edmonton could manage just one goal versus Toronto in three games when the teams last met from Feb. 27-March 3.
03-27-21	Rangers v. Flyers OVER 6		1-2	Loss	-110	9 h 59 m	Show
I'm surprised this one opened 6 and not 6 1/2 given past circumstances. Those past circumstances are the Rangers burying the Flyers, 9-0 and 8-3, during the last 10 days. The Flyers should get up for this one no doubt, but their defense certainly can't be trusted. Philadelphia is allowing an average of 4.6 goals in 14 games this month. If there's a worse goalie tandem in the NHL than Carter Hart and Brian Elliott, I haven't seen it. I feel sorry for Shayne Gostisbehere. It's no surprise the Over has won 72 percent of the time during the Flyers' last 32 games. The Rangers have picked up their scoring averaging 4.8 goals during their last seven games. New York has surrendered at least 3 goals in seven of its past 11 games.
03-26-21	Sharks v. Coyotes -120	Top	2-5	Win	100	20 h 34 m	Show
The Coyotes are coming off perhaps their biggest win of the season, 5-4 in a shootout, at home against Colorado. I don't see a letdown. Instead I see the Coyotes building off their win knowing they are in the playoff hunt and can't afford a home loss here. A loss to San Jose would nullify the victory over Colorado, which occurred this past Tuesday. Arizona is 11-4 the last 15 times when playing on two days rest. San Jose enters this matchup fat and happy having swept two close games at home against the Kings. The Sharks are 3-10 the past 13 times following a win. The Sharks' defense has shown improvement. San Jose, though, still is among the bottom-three in goals allowed and shots on goal. The Coyotes are riding with third-string goalie Adin Hill. I'm fine with that after how well Hill looked against the high-powered Avalanche. No team fires more shots on goal than Colorado. Hill made 35 saves, including seven in overtime several of which were huge. San Jose is averaging just 2.2 goals in its last four games. The Coyotes have picked up their scoring producing 11 goals in their last three games.
03-25-21	Panthers -113 v. Blackhawks		0-3	Loss	-113	11 h 5 m	Show
Florida hasn't lost three in a row all season. But the Panthers could have that happen if they lose this game having lost 5-3 to the Lightning this past Sunday and to the Blackhawks, 3-2, two days ago in an upset. The Panthers fell behind Chicago, 3-0, before rallying to get within one goal before falling. Prior to that game, Florida had won all four meetings against Chicago this season, outscoring the Blackhawks by a combined nine goals in those four games. Florida is the superior team and I see the Panthers getting their quick revenge. It would be an added plus if team captain and team points leader Aleksander Barkov played for Florida. Barkov was scratched during warmups on Tuesday due to a lower-body injury. It was just his fourth missed game during the past two seasons.
03-25-21	Panthers v. Blackhawks OVER 6.5		0-3	Loss	-100	11 h 4 m	Show
The teams just met on Tuesday in Chicago and the Blackhawks hung on for a 3-2 victory. There were 67 shots on goal in that game. The Blackhawks had yielded an average of 4.5 goals during their past seven games previous to Tuesday. The Panthers are the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals per game. They have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last eight road contests. The Blackhawks have scored 3 or more goals in 10 of their past 11 home games.
03-25-21	Rangers v. Flyers +107		8-3	Loss	-100	10 h 44 m	Show
It's a score that will live in infamy with the Flyers. Rangers 9, Flyers 0. That happened eight days ago at Madison Square Garden. It was the Flyers' worst road shutout loss in franchise history. Philadelphia hasn't been playing much better since. The Flyers are 2-6 in their last eight games. But I can't pass up this all-time revenge spot. So I'll back Philadelphia. Note, Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin is the probable starter for the Rangers. He's been out with a groin injury the last three weeks so he could be rusty making his first start since then.
03-25-21	Islanders +107 v. Bruins		4-3	Win	107	10 h 43 m	Show
Boston hasn't played in a week due to COVID-19 protocols. The Bruins still may be minus starting goalie Tukka Rask, who has been out since March 7. I'm factoring that the Bruins are going to have some rust. That won't be the case with the Islanders. This is New York's fourth game in six days. The Islanders happen to be 7-0 the past seven times when playing a 4-in-6 situation. The Islanders have been one of the hotter teams in the NHL winning 10 of their last 12. They have the No. 2 defense in the league. They also have defeated the Bruins in each of the last four meetings.
03-25-21	Devils +170 v. Capitals		3-4	Loss	-100	10 h 40 m	Show
New Jersey is 4-1 in its last five games. That's the Devils' best stretch of the season. Washington also is in good form. However, the Capitals haven't played in five days. That's too much time in between games. Washington also might be missing its top goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin. He's questionable with a lower-body injury. The Devils haven't given up more than 3 goals in each of their last seven games. I see the Devils hanging in and at this price worth taking a shot on.
03-24-21	Jets v. Canucks UNDER 6		5-1	Push	0	14 h 33 m	Show
This has been an Under series with the low side cashing seven of the last nine times, including this past Monday with the Jets winning, 4-0. That was a 1-0 game going into the third period. Vancouver is determined to end a seven-game home losing streak to Winnipeg. If the Canucks are to succeed they likely will have to do it with a stellar defensive effort. That's because the Canucks are dealing with a cluster injury problem at center with Elias Pettersson and Jay Beagle out and Bo Horvat unlikely to play due to an ankle injury suffered in Monday's loss. Vancouver also is down three forwards because of injuries. That's a lot of missing firepower. Fortunately for Vancouver, goalie Thatcher Demko has come up big this season. The Canucks are in good defensive form holding opponents to an average of 2.5 goals in their last 10 games. The Jets aren't going to get wild here knowing they have a good situational spot because of Vancouver's injuries. Horvat's expected loss is huge. Horvat ranks with Demko, Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller as one of the four most important players on the team. Winnipeg can win this game by picking its spots and not doing anything foolish. So I'm expecting a conservative, smart approach from the Jets just like they did on Monday.
03-23-21	Panthers v. Blackhawks OVER 6		2-3	Loss	-119	16 h 26 m	Show
Florida and Chicago have met four times this season: The Panthers are 4-0. The scores of those games were 4-2, 6-3, 5-2 and 5-4. That's an average combined total of 7.7 goals per game. I'm certainly not expecting fewer goals to be scored in this meeting. After some initial promise sparked by rookie goalie Kevin Lankinen, the Blackhawks' defense has regressed to where it was perceived before the season - being awful. Chicago is surrendering an average of 4.5 goals during its last seven games. That, of course, would rank last if computed out for the entire season. Chicago does allow the most shots on goal. Florida is the third-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals a game. The Panthers also take the second-most shots on goal. Florida has scored at least 3 goals in six of its past seven road games. The Blackhawks should be primed for a strong performance. This is their first game since Saturday and first home contest since March 7. The Blackhawks average 2.9 goals a game. Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat make Chicago respectable on offense. The Blackhawks have scored 3 or more goals in nine of their last 10 home games.
03-22-21	Kings v. Sharks -115		1-2	Win	100	13 h 30 m	Show
I think I'd almost rather be in the water with a real shark than back the Sharks as a favorite. But this spot sets up for San Jose. The Kings are off an exhausting 3-1 upset home win against the powerful Golden Knights. Calvin Petersen made 41 saves for the Kings, including 24 during the final period when LA was outshot, 24-7. The Kings managed to hold off the Golden Knights, though. I doubt the Kings have much left for this quick turnaround road game. LA has lost the past four times following a victory. The Kings also are a bad road team having won just 31 percent of their last 65 away contests. San Jose has lost four in a row. The Sharks, though, haven't been playing bad. Those defeats are misleading. Two of them occurred to the Golden Knights by one goal each. Both of them were in Las Vegas. The Sharks then hosted the Blues and fell, 2-1 in a shootout, and 5-2 in a game that was far closer than the final score indicates. The Sharks were hurt and lost momentum in that loss because of a controversial faceoff violation that resulted in two late St. Louis goals that broke the game open.
03-22-21	Ducks v. Wild -1.5		1-2	Loss	-100	11 h 40 m	Show
The Wild return to Minnesota in embarrassing fashion having lost two straight games to the Avalanche. There's no shame in losing to the Avs in Denver, but there is when you're outscored, 11-1, like Minnesota was. Luckily for the Wild, they have a patsy awaiting them - the rebuilding Ducks, losers of 14 of their last 17 games. Minnesota hasn't lost three in a row all season. I certainly don't believe that streak will be broken here. I'm so sure that I'm willing to take plus price juice by laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line since I'm not in the habit of laying such a hefty money line price. Minnesota is on an eight-game home win streak with five of the last seven victories during that streak coming by multiple goals. Anaheim's last five losses have been by a combined 20 goals, an average loss of four goals per game. The Ducks average a puny 2.2 goals per game, which ranks 29th. The Wild are the seventh-best defensive team in the NHL. The key will be if Minnesota can score enough to cover the puck line. The Wild have been way underwhelming on the power play. However, Anaheim has serious goalie problems. Starting goalie John Gibson is out with injury. This leaves 40-year-old Ryan Miller and third-stringer Anthony Stolarz for the Ducks' netminder choices. Miller is well past his prime. The Ducks gave Stolarz his first start of the season this past Saturday. It didn't go well. He was pulled after allowing two goals on 14 shots in a 5-1 loss to Arizona. The offensively-starved Coyotes had entered that matchup having scored only four goals in their last five games.
03-21-21	Devils +1.5 v. Penguins		2-1	Win	100	8 h 21 m	Show
These teams are well acquainted with each other having played twice during the past three days. New Jersey won, 3-2, this past Thursday and Pittsburgh prevailed, 3-1, on Saturday. I'm expecting another close game. The Devils would be 6-2 in their last eight games if given 1 1/2 goals. They haven't lost by more than two goals in any of their past eight games. The scene shifts to Pittsburgh after Thursday and Saturday's games were played in New Jersey. The Devils have won four of the past five times in Pittsburgh. The Penguins also are 1-5 the last six times when playing without rest. This has been a tight series the past three days. The Devils beat the Penguins Thursday and played them even during 5-on-5 action Saturday, but lost because of special teams. New Jersey went 0-for-4 on its power play chances, while the Penguins scored on one of their two power play opportunities. Multiple injuries to the Penguins have helped make this such a close series. The Penguins are down their No. 2 and No. 3 centers with Evgeni Malkin and Teddy Blueger out. Forward Brandon Tanev is questionable. Tanev has the second-highest plus mark on the Penguins.
03-20-21	Jets +119 v. Oilers		2-4	Loss	-100	12 h 11 m	Show
Edmonton was sharp in beating Winnipeg, 2-1, two days ago. Yet the Jets still almost forced overtime despite how well the Oilers played. Here's a stat I really like about the Jets and this revenge situation: Winnipeg is 8-1 in regular season games following a loss with the lone defeat being a 4-3 shootout loss to the Flames. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl draw all the publicity. They deserve it being superstars. However, the Jets have some excellent offensive performers, too. Edmonton averages 3.4 goals a game. Winnipeg averages 3.3 goals per game.
03-20-21	Coyotes -122 v. Ducks		5-1	Win	100	10 h 16 m	Show
Arizona has lost five in a row scoring a meager four goals during its losing streak. Yet the Coyotes are road chalk against Anaheim. What does that say? It says the Ducks are dreadful, which they are and they know it. The Ducks already have gone to rebuild mode this season. They did manage to get past the Coyotes, 3-2 in overtime, this past Thursday. It was just Anaheim's third victory in its last 16 games. The Ducks are 2-8 in their past 10 home games. The Coyotes blew a 2-0 lead. Don't look for the Coyotes to let up in this rapid revenge spot. They are the better team here and overdue to prove it.
03-20-21	Flyers v. Islanders -129		1-6	Win	100	10 h 34 m	Show
After the Flyers were thoroughly humiliated by the Rangers, 9-0, this past Wednesday they came back to beat the Islanders, 4-3, on Thursday. Previous to beating upsetting the Islanders, the Flyers had lost the past seven times they were underdogs. That Philadelphia victory also snapped a six-game Islanders home win streak. Islanders coach Barry Trotz was not happy with that loss, New York's second in a row following a nine-game win streak. Trotz, one of the top coaches in the league, publicly expressed his disappointment and displeasure with his team. Now it's the Islanders' turn to respond. They are home and superior to the Flyers. So I believe they will respond.
03-19-21	Blues v. Sharks OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-121	17 h 37 m	Show
The oddsmaker opened this total too low at 5 1/2 with juice on the Over. Early marketplace activity has pushed the total up to 6 at many betting outlets. Going Over still is the way to go. The Blues are in desperation mode having lost five in a row. They trailed the Kings 3-0 in the first period during their last game this past Wednesday. Expect more urgency and quicker pace from the Blues, who came out flat having been idle the previous four days. St. Louis should be at full strength offensively with Tyler Bozak back and Jaden Schwartz expected to play here. San Jose has the worst defense in the NHL giving up an average of 3.5 goals per game. The Sharks, though, can score and their defensemen are offensive-minded. San Jose has produced at least 3 goals in four of its last five games. The Blues rank 25th defensively allowing 3.2 goals a game. St. Louis is in bad form defensively, too, surrendering an average of 4.2 goals in its last five games.
03-18-21	Blackhawks v. Lightning OVER 6		2-4	Push	0	3 h 23 m	Show
The Blackhawks' defense is slipping and so is goalie Kevin Lankinen, who was outstanding earlier in the season. Chicago is giving up an average of 4.8 goals during its last five games. Now the Blackhawks face their worst opponent - Tampa Bay. The defending Stanley Cup champions have averaged 5.5 goals in going 4-0 versus Chicago this season. The Lightning lead the NHL in scoring at 3.6 goals a game. They've scored 4 or more goals in five of their last six games. However, the Lightning's defense has not looked good. Tampa Bay has surrendered at least 3 goals in each of its past seven games. The Blackhawks have a slightly above average offense, but the league's No. 3 power play unit.

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