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NHL Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
05-30-22	Rangers +135 v. Hurricanes	Top	6-2	Win	135	21 h 24 m	Show
Let's get this out of the way right now. The Hurricanes are 7-0 at home in the playoffs. They are 3-0 at home against the Rangers in this series. So why take the underdog Rangers besides getting a plus price? Several reasons starting with the goalie matchup. Igor Shesterkin isn't just the favorite to win the Vezina Trophy as the best goalie in hockey, but he's also a strong Hart Trophy candidate, too, as the MVP of the league. Shesterkin has allowed two or fewer goals in five of the six games in the series. He's a difference maker. The same certainly can't be said for Carolina goalie Antti Raanta. He's a backup forced into the spotlight because of an injury to Frederik Andersen. Fatigue could be hitting Raanta. He's made 12 starts in the postseason after making only 26 starts during the regular season. Raanta surrendered two - if not three - marginal goals to the Rangers in Game 6 with New York winning, 5-2. Raanta played so poorly he was pulled after 13 shots. It's rare to get an underdog this large that holds such a monster goalie edge. All three of the Rangers' losses in Carolina were close. This stage and challenge isn't too big for the Rangers. They proved that in their first playoff series winning Game 6 in Pittsburgh and finishing off the Penguins in seven games. Adam Fox gives the Rangers a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman. The Rangers have the point producers with Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. The Hurricanes can't be as aggressive as the Rangers because of the goalie discrepancy. The Rangers were a lot faster and smoother than the Hurricanes in the last game. That should carry over. It's the Hurricanes who are playing with all the pressure.
05-28-22	Hurricanes v. Rangers -106	Top	2-5	Win	100	21 h 45 m	Show
We've been down this path before with the Rangers. They faced elimination down 3-1 to the Penguins in their first-round Stanley Cup matchup and prevailed. Now they need to win this home game to stay alive against the Hurricanes down 3-2 in the series. The Rangers have the resilience, goaltending and home ice necessary to win this game. Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad are due to step up bigger than they have in this series. Igor Shesterkin has regained his touch as the best goalie in hockey this season. The price is more than right to back the Rangers against a Carolina squad that has shown strength at home, but weakness on the road. The Hurricanes are 0-5 in their Stanley Cup away games. All of those losses were by more than one goal. They have been outscored by 13 goals on the road in the playoffs during those five games. Carolina doesn't have a good history at Madison Square Garden either, losing 20 of the past 26 times there.
05-22-22	Hurricanes v. Rangers +105		1-3	Win	105	4 h 2 m	Show
I like getting the Rangers in this price range knowing they are in must-win mode and their defense and strong goaltending is back. New York has held the Hurricanes to three goals in regulation during the first two games of this series. The Hurricanes lost all three of their road games to the Bruins in their last series. Carolina was outscored by eight goals in these road defeats. The key for the Rangers is if their offense will come around. I think it will now that the Rangers are back home. New York scored 14 goals against the Penguins in three home games during their previous series.
05-18-22	Oilers v. Flames -149		6-9	Win	100	12 h 34 m	Show
This is a much anticipated series. Calgary is the better team and I see the Flames getting this Game 1 victory at home. I thought the price would be higher on the Flames so I'm getting involved. Calgary beat Edmonton the past two times they met - back in March - by a combined six goals. The Flames finished with the best shot attempt percentage in the NHL. Calgary had to deal with a hot Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger in its last series. The Oilers don't have that type of stellar goaltending. Edmonton superstar Leon Draisaitl is dealing with an ankle injury. So he's unlikely to be 100 percent.
05-17-22	Blues +196 v. Avalanche		2-3	Loss	-100	13 h 45 m	Show
Colorado has shown some vulnerability during the second round of the playoffs the last few seasons. It wouldn't surprise me if the Blues stole this first game of this series. So at this price, I'm throwing down on St. Louis. The Avalanche could be dealing with serious rust having last played on May 9. The Blues have won nine of their last 11 road games. Colorado only outscored St. Louis by one goal during three regular season meetings.
05-17-22	Lightning v. Panthers -153		4-1	Loss	-153	10 h 0 m	Show
Look for the Panthers to get this opening game, a game they've been pointing to ever since the Lightning eliminated them in the playoffs last season. Florida is much improved from a year ago setting a franchise record with 122 points, most in the league. The Lightning still could be sucking wind after a hard-fought seven game series against the Maple Leafs that concluded Saturday night. Tampa Bay is 1-4 the past five times when playing on two days rest. The Lightning also may be minus forward Brayden Point, who is doubtful after suffering a lower-body injury in Saturday's victory against Toronto. The Panthers, the highest-scoring team in the NHL, are 48-11 in their last 59 home games.
05-12-22	Maple Leafs v. Lightning -130		3-4	Win	100	10 h 58 m	Show
The Maple Leafs haven't won a first-round playoff series in 18 years. I don't see them ending that streak with an upset road victory against the Lightning today. Tampa Bay has won 70 percent of its last 113 home contests. Even more impressive is the Lightning are 17-0 in the playoffs following a loss. Toronto is up 3-2 in the series. The Lightning followed each of their losses in this series with multiple goal victories. The highly-experienced two-time defending Stanley Cup champions have earned my respect and trust especially at home where they have the final say on line changes.
05-10-22	Blues v. Wild -144		5-2	Loss	-144	10 h 44 m	Show
I trust the Wild to beat the Blues at home just like they in Game 2 of this series. That was the last time the Wild hosted the Blues and they won by four goals. Minnesota is 15-3 in its last 18 home games. St. Louis could be down possibly three defensemen with Nick Leddy, Marco Scandelia and Robert Bortuzzo all dealing with injuries.
05-08-22	Maple Leafs v. Lightning -113	Top	3-7	Win	100	20 h 45 m	Show
During the past three postseasons, Tampa Bay has gone 16-0 following a playoff loss. That resiliency has been instrumental in the Lighting winning the Stanley Cup the past two years. I see that streak continuing with the Lightning hosting the Maple Leafs Sunday. Toronto opened the series with a 5-0 victory. The Lightning were flat that game. They came back to even the series with a 5-3 win on Wednesday, but then lost at home, 5-2, in Game 3 this past Friday. Tampa Bay couldn't overcome a 3-0 deficit. The Lightning did outplay the Maple Leafs for much of the last two periods, especially the third period, but the damage had been done. Tampa Bay's core, which has been together for around a decade and used to playoff highs and lows, should rebound like they always have. Toronto goalie Jack Campbell has been playing above his talent level. I can see a drop-off in his play with this game in Tampa. Having home ice also gives the Lightning the last line change. This is especially crucial for Tampa coach Jon Cooper in matching up against the Maple Leafs' upper tier line featuring superstar Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
05-03-22	Penguins v. Rangers -135		4-3	Loss	-135	6 h 14 m	Show
I have lots of reasons to like the Rangers at this price. Here are three of them: 1. home ice. 2. greatness of goalie Igor Shesterkin. 3. current form. The Rangers are going to be super pumped for their first home Stanley Cup game in nearly five years. The Rangers are 8-4 in their last 12 games. The Penguins are 7-11 in their past 18 games while giving up the most shots on goal during the last 10 games. This doesn't bode well for Penguins backup goalie Casey DeSmith. He'll be making his first playoff appearance with starting goalie Tristan Jarry out with a foot injury. The biggest key, though, is Shesterkin. He's been a monster this season especially at home where he compiled a 1.85 goals against average and 94 percent save percentage. Shesterkin made four starts against Pittsburgh this season and held the Penguins to four goals in four games.
05-02-22	Lightning +114 v. Maple Leafs		0-5	Loss	-100	22 h 37 m	Show
Do you trust the Maple Leafs now that it's Stanley Cup time? I sure don't. The last time Toronto won a first-round series was 2004. They were upset in the first round by the Canadiens last season, blowing a 3-1 series lead. Tampa Bay has proven it knows how to step up having won the Stanley Cup each of the last two seasons. The teams just met on April 21. Tampa Bay blasted Toronto, 8-1, at home. The Maple Leafs were without Auston Matthews and No. 1 goalie Jack Campbell. Still, this was a 7-goal win for the Lightning. Tampa Bay has defeated the Maple Leafs seven of the last 10 times in Toronto. The Lightning hold a monster edge in net with Andrei Vasilevskiv against Campbell.
05-01-22	Seattle Kraken v. Jets -180		3-4	Win	100	16 h 45 m	Show
The Jets are on a three-game win streak. They draw what should be a tired Seattle team at home in what is the final regular-season game of the season. The rest of the teams finished their regular season on Friday. This is a makeup game from an April 13 game that was postponed because of a snowstorm. Seattle concluded its home season with an emotional 3-0 victory against the Sharks this past Friday. That snapped a four-game losing streak. I doubt the Kraken will have much left to prove in this meaningless matchup. Seattle has lost 20 of its last 27 road games. Winnipeg is home and rested after beating visiting Calgary two days ago. Seattle has to make the long 1,154-mile trip with really no incentive. The Kraken aren't capable of pulling a big road upset unless they produce an ''A'' game and I certainly don't see that here.
04-28-22	Devils +290 v. Hurricanes	Top	3-6	Loss	-100	18 h 38 m	Show
The major part of this handicap is a letdown factor from Carolina. The Hurricanes have been playing extremely well winning five in a row. The latest victory, 4-3 against the Rangers two days ago, clinched the Metropolitan Division for the Hurricanes. So that sense of urgency is gone now for the Hurricanes. They accomplished what they wanted to do. Now, playing for the fourth time in six days, I don't see the Hurricanes too motivated for this matchup against the lowly Devils. New Jersey is capable of pulling off a huge upset on the road. The Devils have done that twice during the last 3 1/2 weeks beating the Golden Knights and Stars at better than plus $2.00 in each game. The Devils nearly upset the Hurricanes when they hosted them five days ago, losing 3-2 in overtime. The Hurricanes forced the overtime by scoring with less than two minutes left.
04-11-22	Jets v. Canadiens +125		4-2	Loss	-100	19 h 41 m	Show
The Jets don't deserve to be a road favorite against the Canadiens. Winnipeg escaped lowly Ottawa winning, 4-3, on Sunday. Prior to that, the Jets had lost four in a row. The Canadiens are 4-8 in their last 12 games. However, Montreal has been extremely competitive against upper level competition. The Canadiens lost in overtime to the Bruins and Stars. They also fell by one goal to the Maple Leafs and Panthers during this span. Montreal has won five of the past six meetings against the Jets and is the more rested team. Winnipeg is playing for the third time in four days and fourth time in six days. The Jets had a tough one-goal home loss to the Avalanche in overtime this past Friday and then had another tough game against the Senators on Sunday. The Jets also will be without Mark Scheifele, who is second on the team in goals and points. He suffered an upper body injury against the Senators.
04-10-22	Stars -150 v. Blackhawks		6-4	Win	100	17 h 16 m	Show
I'm expecting the Stars to produce a big effort after playing terrible in a 3-1 home loss to the Devils on Saturday. Dallas coach Rick Bowness ripped his team following that loss saying not one player had a good game. The Stars were 7-3 in their previous 10 games. They are 9-2 the last 11 times they've been a road favorite. The rebuilding Blackhawks have dropped their last six games. Chicago has managed just four goals in its last four games.
03-12-22	Lightning -135 v. Oilers		1-4	Loss	-135	22 h 51 m	Show
You have to go back to late December/early January to find the last time the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning lost three in a row. Tampa Bay is in that rare stop-the-pain mode after losing to the Jets this past Tuesday and to the Flames this past Thursday. I fully expect the Lightning to take care of business and right their ship against the Oilers. Edmonton is 3-6 in its last nine games. The Oilers are lucky to not be 2-7 after giving up a tying goal to the Capitals in their last game this past Wednesday with less than one second left. Edmonton managed to prevail in overtime. The Lightning rank seventh in scoring. The Oilers are a below average defensive team with mediocre goalies. Tampa Bay has won the past five meetings in the series.
02-22-22	Sharks v. Ducks -145		3-4	Win	100	12 h 9 m	Show
Considering the lopsided money lines in hockey this season, this seems like a reasonable lay price to fade San Jose. The Sharks have lost six in a row. They have goalie problems with Adin Hill dealing with a lower body injury and James Reimer not playing well. The key question here is can Anaheim be trusted? I have some confidence in the Ducks following their last game, a 7-4 road win against the Canucks this past Saturday. The Ducks have had ample time to rest and game plan for this home game, their first in 11 days. The Ducks are 14-5 the past 19 times against sub .500 opponents. They went 3-0 versus the Sharks last season with all three of those games being in San Jose.
02-11-22	Islanders v. Oilers -136	Top	1-3	Win	100	23 h 36 m	Show
After racing off to a 16-5 start, Edmonton is just 7-13-3 in its last 23 games. The bottom fell out for the Oilers in their last game, a 4-1 home loss to the Blackhawks this past Wednesday. The Oilers were minus $1.78 in that game. That loss was so bad the Oilers fired coach Dave Tippett following the game. This will be Edmonton's first game under new coach Jay Woodcroft. You have to believe the Oilers are going to be super fired-up. It's also must-win time for the Oilers trailing the Flames by five points for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. So the timing is right for the Oilers to beat the Islanders. The Islanders have endured a rough season themselves. They played for the first time in a week and beat the Canucks, 6-3, this past Wednesday. The Islanders were shut out by Seattle, 3-0, at home in their previous game. The Islanders are 1-7 the past eight times as a road 'dog. They also are 6-13 the last 19 times following a victory. Edmonton has dominated the Islanders at home winning eight of the last nine times, although the last time the Oilers hosted the Islanders was nearly three years ago.
01-03-22	Oilers +115 v. Rangers	Top	1-4	Loss	-100	21 h 29 m	Show
The Oilers are in stop-the-pain mode with three consecutive losses, the last two coming in overtime. The Rangers, on the other hand, are fat and happy having just defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning, 4-0, on Sunday for the second time in three days. The Oilers have scored five goals in three of their last five games. They can be explosive with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Rangers aren't likely to have their best player, forward Artemi Panarin. He was placed in COVID-19 protocols on Sunday. Edmonton is 5-0 the past five times facing the Rangers.
11-24-21	Maple Leafs -155 v. Kings	Top	6-2	Win	100	21 h 42 m	Show
Toronto is 11-2 in its last 13 games. The Maple Leafs have accomplished this with defense and strong goaltending. Toronto has permitted just eight goals in its last seven games. The Kings have scored two or fewer goals in four of their last five games. LA has dropped four in a row, including a 2-1 overtime loss to the lowly Coyotes in its last game this past Sunday. The Kings are 2-9 the past 11 times they've been a home 'dog. But don't expect the Maple Leafs to take the Kings lightly, or not be motivated. Toronto is in full revenge mode for a 5-1 loss suffered at home to the Kings a little more than two weeks ago. Former Kings goalie Jack Campbell is likely to be in net for Toronto. He has three shutouts this month. Superstar Auston Matthews is due for a breakout game having been held without a goal the past three games despite coming close to scoring.
11-20-21	Blues +103 v. Stars		1-4	Loss	-100	5 h 57 m	Show
After four straight one-goal losses, the Blues ended their losing streak with a solid, 4-1, victory against the Sharks two days ago. I see St. Louis following through with another win. The Stars are off a confidence-draining 7-2 road loss to the Wild this past Thursday. Dallas is 3-9 the past 12 times when playing on one day's rest. The Blues have defeated the Stars in six of the last eight meetings.
11-20-21	Predators -120 v. Canadiens		3-6	Loss	-120	4 h 57 m	Show
Until the Canadiens right their ship, they are a fade. Montreal has lost seven of its last eight games, including the past four. Proud Canadien fans have turned on their team for their awful performances. Nashville has ample rest and prep time having last played on Tuesday. The Predators have a hot goalie, too, as Juuse Saros has given up just eight goals in his last 14 games. Nashville is 6-1-1 in those games. Saros is 2-0 lifetime versus Montreal holding the Canadiens to three goals in those two games.
11-17-21	Avalanche v. Canucks +140		4-2	Loss	-100	5 h 58 m	Show
Colorado is 2-6 in its last eight road games and has key injuries. Out for the Avalanche are star Nathan MacKinnon and J.T. Compher. Bo Byram still may be out, too, being in concussion protocol. Vancouver has rapid revenge for a 7-1 road loss to Colorado six days ago. The Canucks have lost four in a row. If they keep losing it could cost them their head coach and general manager. Both are under fire. Vancouver usually plays Colorado tough at home winning 14 of the last 19 times it has hosted the Avalanche.
11-09-21	Seattle Kraken v. Golden Knights -110		2-4	Win	100	6 h 50 m	Show
The Golden Knights have multiple injuries, but the price range is low enough to back them. Las Vegas edged the Kracken, 4-3, on Oct. 12. The Golden Knights were in the minus $2.40 range for that game. Las Vegas is 41-18 as a home favorite. Seattle has lost its past five road games. The Kracken just lost on the road to Arizona. That was the Coyotes' first win in 12 games.
11-03-21	Hurricanes v. Blackhawks +136		4-3	Loss	-100	3 h 33 m	Show
The Hurricanes are unbeaten. The Blackhawks have just one victory. Yet I'm going to take this price and back the home 'dog Blackhawks, whose lone victory occurred in their last game. That was a 5-1 dominant win at home against the improved Senators. Patrick Kane scored a hat trick and Marc-Andre Fleury was excellent in goal for a second straight game. Carolina barely escaped winless Arizona in its last game this past Sunday. The Hurricanes nipped the Coyotes, 2-1, with a power-play goal at 2:27 of the third period. The Hurricanes now take to the road for the first time in 12 days. They are fat and happy, overdue for a loss. I expect the Blackhawks to come in with their ''A'' game. That combination should produce a Chicago win.
11-01-21	Senators +125 v. Blackhawks		1-5	Loss	-100	4 h 24 m	Show
The Senators are improved this season. They are a respectable 3-4 and just upset the Stars, 4-1, on the road this past Friday. The Blackhawks do not look improved. They look worse. Chicago is 0-9 and has plenty of chemistry issues. The Blackhawks have managed only 12 goals in their last seven games. Patrick Kane is a game-time decision having been in COVID-19 protocol. Maybe the Blackhawks get their first win and the due factor kicks in. But I'll take a plus price to find that out.
10-31-21	Sabres +118 v. Kings		2-3	Loss	-100	14 h 15 m	Show
The Sabres have been a big early surprise going 5-2. They last played on Thursday and draw the Kings playing without rest and in action for the third time in four days. The Kings are a bit fat and happy after ending a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 home win against the Canadiens Saturday. Calvin Peterson was in net for the Kings in that game. So that likely means Jonathan Quick will be in goal against the Sabres. LA is 0-4 with Quick in goal as Quick is well past his prime. The oddsmaker is sleeping on the Sabres opening the Kings as the favorite.
10-18-21	Blues -175 v. Coyotes		7-4	Win	100	7 h 40 m	Show
Arizona is going to be terrible this season. The Coyotes opened the season with an 8-2 loss to the Blue Jackets and then lost, 2-1, in a shootout against the Sabres, another terrible team like themselves. The Blues looked very good in their opener - at least for the first 50 minutes. The Blues nearly blew a 4-1 lead against the Avalanche on the road, but held on to win, 5-3. Now St. Louis is stepping way down in class. The Coyotes have confirmed Carter Hutton will be in goal. I don't consider him a legitimate starting NHL goalie.
10-17-21	Stars v. Senators +120		2-3	Win	120	5 h 44 m	Show
The Senators have won each of the last six times they have been a home underdog. Dallas is 0-4 in its last four visits to Ottawa. The Stars already are dealing with injuries. The biggest injury is to key defenseman John Klingberg. The Stars also are going with backup goalie Anton Khudobin. There's a chance the Senators will have newly signed Brady Tkachuk in the lineup. But I still like the Senators to pull the upset even without Tkachuk.
10-16-21	Jets -130 v. Sharks		3-4	Loss	-130	4 h 29 m	Show
The Sharks were terrible last season finishing 3-14. San Jose doesn't look any better going into this season. If anything they could be even weaker in goal. They also don't have Evander Kane. Winnipeg is off a 4-1 loss to Anaheim from Wednesday. The Jets aren't going to lack motivation. They outshot the Ducks, 34-22. Now the Jets get back Mark Scheifele, who finished his four-game suspension by sitting out against the Ducks. The Jets have won the past four times in San Jose.
10-14-21	Stars v. Rangers -125		3-2	Loss	-125	8 h 1 m	Show
The Rangers are more physical and better coached this season with Gerard Gallant. They had a tough opener at the Capitals last night. But I expect them to bounce back at home today. This is the Stars' season debut. So the Rangers have the advantage of having played a game already. Fatigue won't matter this being just the second game of the season. Dallas could be minus veteran Alexander Radulov. He missed practice on Wednesday due to non-COVID illness. The Rangers are 7-2 the past nine times when favored, while Dallas is 1-6 the past seven times as a road 'dog.
10-13-21	Rangers +115 v. Capitals		1-5	Loss	-100	10 h 5 m	Show
The Rangers hate the Capitals because of Tom Wilson. New York should be tough this season with the coaching switch to Gerard Gallant. The talent and goalkeeping are there for the Rangers. Foes won't be able to physically intimate the Rangers either since New York brought in enforcer Ryan Reaves. Washington is a team that's declining. The Capitals have depth concerns and questionable goaltending. They were knocked out of the postseason early.
10-13-21	Canadiens v. Maple Leafs -167		1-2	Win	100	9 h 11 m	Show
The Maple Leafs have waited all off season for this game. Montreal came back from a 3-to-1 deficit to knock the Maple Leafs out of the playoffs last season. So this is monster revenge for Toronto. I'm expecting a Toronto blowout as the Canadiens won't have goalie Carey Price and are down several defensive players. Defensemen Shea Weber and Joel Edmundson. Weber is out for the season with various injuries. Montreal also will be missing defensive-minded center Phillip Danault.
07-05-21	Lightning v. Canadiens +144		2-3	Win	144	17 h 37 m	Show
It has been 23 years since there was a Stanley Cup Finals sweep. Tampa Bay has a chance to end that string up 3-0 against Montreal. I don't see it happening, though. The Canadiens are an extremely prideful organization. Montreal has shown tremendous guts and resiliency in reaching the finals especially in knocking off the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights. No doubt the Lightning are the superior team. Certainly not arguing that point. But the Canadiens haven't been dominated in this series even though they've been outscored, 14-5. Montreal has hurt itself with mistakes. The Lightning haven't let the Canadiens get away with that either, taking full advantage. That has been the story of this series. It has been five days since the teams last played. That's a disadvantage to Tampa Bay, which could lose some of its momentum. The Canadiens have had ample time to recover and regroup. I don't know if they can produce an ''A'' level performance against such a strong foe, but I'm certain they will produce an ''A'' level effort. The Lightning aren't nearly in such desperation. They are fat and happy knowing that if they lose they get Montreal at home on Wednesday for Game 5. Subconsciously that could mean a letdown for the Lightning. So I'm going to take a nice home 'dog price backing Montreal.
07-02-21	Lightning -130 v. Canadiens	Top	6-3	Win	100	18 h 6 m	Show
The Canadiens did a fantastic job pulling off one of the great playoff series upsets when they eliminated the Golden Knights. But Montreal doesn't match up nearly as well against defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay. The Lightning have defeated the Canadiens in 14 of the last 17 meetings. This includes outscoring the Canadiens by an 8-2 margin to go up 2-0 in this Stanley Cup Final. Switching venues to Montreal isn't going to change that. The Canadiens are limited to just 3,500 fans. The Lightning didn't come close to playing its ''A'' game two days ago in Game 2 yet still won, 3-1. The Lightning are capable of playing far better. Montreal lacks the offense to stay with Tampa Bay. The Lightning not only have their top scorers back, but their defense and goaltending have been superb. Tampa Bay has surrendered just four goals in regulation during its last five games. Andrei Vasilevskiy trumps Carey Price in net.
06-24-21	Golden Knights -138 v. Canadiens	Top	2-3	Loss	-138	18 h 33 m	Show
As strange as it sounds, maybe beating the Canadiens, 4-1, in the first game of this series after overcoming the Avalanche in a tough series was the worst thing that could have happened to the Golden Knights. Since that decisive opening game victory, the Golden Knights have lost three of four to Montreal. Now the Golden Knights are on the verge of elimination down 3-2 in the series. How will they respond? Certainly the letdown factor has long since disappeared. Las Vegas is the superior team. But that doesn't mean that much now as the Canadiens' confidence is sky-high, Carey Price has stayed hot in net and Montreal is on house money. Those make for a dangerous combination. Yet I see Las Vegas winning this game and the price finally has come down enough to back the Golden Knights. Las Vegas has overcome adversity. The Golden Knights trailed in their series against the Wild and Avalanche before coming back to eliminate those teams. The Golden Knights are off a 4-1 loss from two days ago. They are 9-1 the past 10 times following a loss of three goals or more. Las Vegas has done the job as a road favorite winning 20 of the past 27 times in that role. Key center Chandler Stephenson is back in the lineup for Las Vegas. That gives the Golden Knights' four solid lines. So they own a depth edge, which increases in importance as the series grows longer. The Golden Knights ranked first defensively in the NHL and were third in scoring at 3.39 goals per game. However, they've managed just seven goals during their past four games. Price has a 2.01 goals above average when facing an average shot distance of 39.82 feet, a metric courtesy of NaturalStatTrick.com. Price has played well this entire postseason, but he's far from the best goalie in the league like he was a few years ago. The top six forwards on the Golden Knights have combined for only one goal in the series. Las Vegas is a much better scoring team than that. The Golden Knights are way overdue. They've also had plenty of time to see and adjust now to Montreal's 1-1-3 neutral zone blockage style of play. So I see Las Vegas making the proper adjustments - both on the ice and in their heads - while their overdue scorers finally break out with the season on the brink.
06-19-21	Lightning v. Islanders +114		2-3	Win	114	5 h 50 m	Show
This has been an extremely tight series. So taking a plus price with the home Islanders makes sense. The Islanders controlled much of the action during the last two periods of Game 3 on Thursday, but lost, 2-1. I trust Islanders coach Barry Trotz to make a few adjustments, especially at home where he has last say on the lines, to get this series evened up. New York is 7-2 the past nine times when playing on one day rest. The Islanders also are 25-10 during their past 35 home contests.
06-09-21	Bruins -130 v. Islanders		2-6	Loss	-130	16 h 40 m	Show
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy may be a crybaby. But I do see the Bruins evening this series at 3-3 having lost the last two games. The oddsmaker does, too, making Boston a road favorite. The Islanders nipped the Bruins, 5-4, in Game 5 two days ago thanks to three power-play goals. Boston dominated, outshooting New York, 44-19, and controlling play for much of the game on the Islanders' side of the ice. The Bruins have taken 53 more shots than the Islanders during the series. A frustrated Cassidy was fined $25,000 for complaining about the Islanders getting more calls than his team. Perhaps the refs might subconsciously favor Boston a bit because of that. Certainly I'm not counting on that. But I do think Boston is going to play well here. So does Islanders coach Barry Trotz, who predicts the Bruins will produce their "A" game.
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	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.
05-18-21	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	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.
05-10-21	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.
05-03-21	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	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.
05-01-21	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.
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.
04-23-21	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.
04-17-21	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	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.
04-13-21	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.
04-11-21	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.
04-10-21	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	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.
04-08-21	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.
04-03-21	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	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.
04-01-21	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.
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.
03-26-21	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	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.
03-22-21	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.
03-20-21	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.
03-17-21	Blues -138 v. Kings		1-4	Loss	-138	19 h 47 m	Show
The listless Kings lost 4-1 to the Avalanche in Denver on Sunday and then couldn't get out of Denver due to a snowstorm causing Monday's scheduled matchup to be postponed until today. So this will be the Kings' first home game in 11 days. They draw the Blues in stop-the-pain mode. The Blues own the best road record in the West Division at 10-2-2. St. Louis, though, has lost a season-high four games in a row. Note, however, three of these defeats occurred in overtime. The Blues' last two games were against Las Vegas so this is a major drop in class. While the Kings have been dealing with traveling nightmares, the Blues have been on the West Coast since the end of February. St. Louis is more than ready, having been idle since Saturday. St. Louis also is getting healthier. Vladimir Tarasenko, the Blues' leading goal scorer from 2014-19, has produced four points in four games since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. Tyler Bozak is expected to play against the Kings. He's been out 21 games due to a concussion. There's also the possibility the Blues get back Jaden Schwartz from a lower-body injury. Meanwhile the Kings could be minus their leading scorer and key cog on their power play, Dustin Brown. He didn't play Sunday due to an upper-body injury and is questionable here.
03-12-21	Golden Knights -108 v. Blues		5-4	Win	100	18 h 11 m	Show
This marks the Blues' first home game since Feb. 24. Being back in St. Louis, though, hasn't necessarily been good for the Blues as they are 1-6 in their past seven home contests. St. Louis draws an angry Las Vegas squad that was swept two games against the Wild in Minnesota. The Golden Knights haven't lost three in a row all season. It's step-up time for the Blues as in their last 19 games they've played just four teams - Sharks, Kings, Ducks and Coyotes. Those are the bottom-four teams in the West Division. The Blues are playing short-handed minus several key forwards, including Jaden Schwartz, and without their top defenseman, Colton Parayko. Las Vegas holds a strong goalie edge with Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been one of the three-best goalies this season. St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington is having a disappointing season. The Golden Knights have scored 3 or more goals in seven of their last eight games.
03-11-21	Canadiens v. Flames -114	Top	1-2	Win	100	17 h 27 m	Show
Calgary is close to being in must-win mode and this spot sets up beautifully for the Flames. Montreal just beat the Canucks in Vancouver, 5-1, late Wednesday night. So Montreal didn't get into Calgary until the wee hours of the morning. This will be the Canadiens' third game in four days and they will be playing without rest. Backup goalie Jake Allen likely will be in net since Carey Price played Wednesday. The Canadiens lost key defenseman Ben Chiarot to injury in that victory. The Flames are six points behind the Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the NHL's North Division. So this is a crucial matchup for the Flames with a potential four-point swing at play. Calgary certainly isn't going to lack motivation and preparation. No-nonsense Darryl Sutter has taken over as coach at Calgary. This will be his first game behind the bench. Flames assistant coach Ryan Huska acted as the team's head coach during the last two games following the firing of Geoff Ward a week ago. The Flames lost those games to the Oilers and lowly Senators. Calgary hasn't played since Sunday. Sutter has put the Flames through intense practices in anticipation of winning this game and getting his underacheiving team on track. This is what Sutter was quoted as saying on Wednesday, "Montreal is in our division and they’re a very good hockey club. Right now, we’re behind them in the standings so we know the importance of tomorrow night and the bottom line is we’ll be ready for it.” I don't doubt him.
03-06-21	Wild v. Coyotes +136		2-5	Win	136	10 h 53 m	Show
Arizona outshot and outhit Minnesota during their home game on Friday night. You wouldn't know that by the score, though. The Wild embarrassed the Coyotes, 5-1, leaving Arizona coach Rick Tocchet fuming. Tocchet ripped a bunch of his best players following the game, although he didn't name names. Still, the message got across. So I'm going to get behind the home 'dog Coyotes in this spot. Arizona's record hasn't been very good this season. Keep in mind, though, teams have played funny schedules because of the pandemic. The Coyotes, for instance, have met the Golden Knights and Blues 11 times already. That has been 48 percent of their games. Las Vegas and St. Louis rank first and second, respectively, for most points in the eight-team West Division that features the Wild and Coyotes.
03-06-21	Panthers v. Predators +126		6-2	Loss	-100	6 h 49 m	Show
The Predators have been disappointing this season. But I see them playing with a great deal of urgency in this rapid revenge scenario. Florida built up 3-goal leads twice against the Predators this past Thursday and had to hang on to win, 5-4. Following this matchup, the Panthers travel to Carolina for a Sunday game against the Hurricanes. Carolina nipped the Panthers, once in overtime and once in a shootout, before Florida beat Nashville two days ago. The Panthers could get caught looking ahead to that double revenge game against the Hurricanes on Sunday, while the Predators have their own revenge spot right here. Nashville has been looking better lately winning four of its last seven games, while the Panthers are 3-4 in their last seven games.
03-02-21	Canucks v. Jets -129		2-5	Win	100	15 h 35 m	Show
Jets minus $1.32 hosting Canucks The Jets are the superior team and I see them getting it done at home after being blanked, 4-0, in Winnipeg by the Canucks on Monday night. Winnipeg had won four in a row - two against the Canucks - until losing last night. The Jets seemed overconfident, perhaps because of that win streak, as they fell behind 3-0 in the first period. Winnipeg came back to fire 15 shots on goal in the third period, but the game had been decided by then. If the Jets come out with more urgency - which they should do in this rapid revenge spot - they should be fine. Vancouver is 3-8 in its last 11 road games. The Canucks were 1-9 at Winnipeg before last night's game. The Jets take to the road for 12 of their next 14 games following this matchup. So they can't afford not to pick up two points with a home win here. The Canucks return to Vancouver for five games following this one so their concentration might not be at peak efficiency.
02-28-21	Red Wings v. Blackhawks -159		2-7	Win	100	11 h 46 m	Show
A few things about the Red Wings' 5-3 upset road win against the Blackhawks on Saturday: The Red Wings scored their first power play goal in 15 games. Not only do the Red Wings have the worst power play in the NHL, but they also are the worst at killing penalties. Chicago had just one power play opportunity. It was Detroit's second consecutive victory. The Red Wings have not won three in a row all season. The Blackhawks played their backup goalie, Malcolm Subban. He isn't very good. Chicago's starting goalie, Kevin Lankinen, is a rookie-of-the-year candidate. The Red Wings played without their most dynamic offensive player Dylan Larkin. He's out again today. Tyler Bertuzzi also remains sidelined for Detroit so the Red Wings are without two-thirds of their top line. Detroit ranks 30th in scoring averaging two goals a game. Even with that victory, Detroit is 12-45 in its last 57 road games. It was the first time in five tries this season the Red Wings defeated the Blackhawks. They are 2-8 in their past 10 games versus Chicago. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks have won eight of their last 11 games. So, yes, I want the Blackhawks going for me here.
02-25-21	Canadiens -120 v. Jets		3-6	Loss	-120	7 h 51 m	Show
This will be Montreal's first game under new coach Dominique Ducharme after Claude Julien was fired after the Canadiens lost a second straight one-goal game to the Senators two days ago. I'm expecting a lot of energy from the Canadiens to mark the event. Winnipeg last played at home back on Feb. 13. The Jets haven't scored more than three goals in regulation during nine of their last 10 games. Montreal averages 3.4 goals a game, seventh-best in the league. The Canadiens rank No. 1 in shots on goal.
02-25-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets -122		2-0	Loss	-122	6 h 54 m	Show
I want the Blue Jackets going for me in this short revenge spot. Columbus came back from a late 5-3 deficit against Chicago two days ago, but lost 6-5 in a shootout. It was just the Blackhawks' third win in 14 tries as a road 'dog. The Blue Jackets' defense should be improved with Michael Del Zotto back in the lineup after missing Tuesday's game with an injury. The Blackhawks are going with backup Malcolm Subban in goal. That's another plus for Columbus.
02-25-21	Devils -107 v. Sabres		4-3	Win	100	6 h 49 m	Show
Twice within the last six days Buffalo defeated New Jersey on the road. Yet the Devils are favored at Buffalo in this one. What does that tell you? It tells me the oddsmaker regards the Devils in higher esteem than the Sabres. New Jersey has quick double revenge and catches the Sabres playing their first game in Buffalo since Feb. 16. The Sabres are 0-3 in their last three home games, outscored by seven goals during these losses. They also are 0-5 the past five times as a home 'dog.
02-23-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets -115		6-5	Loss	-115	6 h 6 m	Show
The price is low enough to back the Blue Jackets against the Blackhawks, who have lost 18 of the last 24 times they've been a road 'dog. Chicago has fattened its record by going 4-0 against the hapless Red Wings. Columbus coach John Tortorella ripped his team following a 4-2 home loss to Nashville this past Saturday. The Blue Jackets haven't played since. They should be raring to go. Rookie goalie Kevin Lankinen has been a revelation for the Blackhawks with a 2.42 GAA and .927 save percentage. I'm expecting some regression, though. The Blackhawks aren't good defensively and they have a lot of youth. Lankinen has given up five or more goals in two of his last four games. Columbus has scored at least three goals in seven of its last nine games.
02-22-21	Wild v. Sharks +133		6-2	Loss	-100	12 h 51 m	Show
I'm not buying the Sharks as a home 'dog to the Wild just because Minnesota has won two in a row. Those two victories happen to come against the Ducks, who have the worst offense in the NHL. Minnesota is getting healthier. But the Wild are not at full strength and their players haven't had nearly enough playing time together to be fully in sync yet. Until defeating Anaheim, 5-1, this past Saturday the Wild were averaging 1.5 goals during their last four games. The Sharks are 2-1 in their last three games, coming off a confidence-building, 5-4, road win against the Blues from Saturday night. This is just San Jose's third home game of the season. The Sharks have played a tough schedule drawing the Blues, Avalanche and Golden Knights for seven of their 16 games. This mark's Minnesota's fourth game in seven days. The teams split a two-game series in Minnesota earlier this season. The Sharks have defeated the Wild in six of the past eight meetings.
02-20-21	Lightning -145 v. Hurricanes		0-4	Loss	-145	7 h 39 m	Show
The combination of the price on the Lightning dropping and the Hurricanes announcing they will be starting third-string goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is enough to push me into laying this price with Tampa Bay. The Lightning have been idle since Monday when they were upset at home by the Panthers, 6-4. Tampa Bay is anxious to atone for that defeat. The defending Stanley Cup champions are averaging 4.3 goals in their last nine games and have star Steven Stamkos back in their lineup. Nedeljkovic has a 3.23 goals against average and an .886 save percentage. Carolina is playing for the third time in four days and second in two days. The Hurricanes defeated the Blackhawks, 5-3, on Friday. Tampa Bay has won 68 percent of his last 103 road contests.
02-18-21	Predators v. Blue Jackets -123		0-3	Win	100	10 h 44 m	Show
Nashville is 0-7 the last seven times it has been an underdog. The Predators are a 'dog here. They catch a frustrated and angry Blue Jackets squad. Columbus has gotten better since dropping its first two games of the season - to the Predators. The Blue Jackets are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but off an embarrassing, 7-3, road loss to the Hurricanes this past Monday. Columbus is anxious to put that defeat behind it and also has double revenge against Nashville. The Predators have gone 4-9 since sweeping the Blue Jackets. Aside from Flip Forsberg, the Predators have no scoring threats. They have scored two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games and now rank 29th in the league in scoring at 2.3 goals a game. The Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals in all but one of their last seven games. Nashville hasn't had a chance to get its offense on track either having been idle since Saturday. The Predators were supposed to play two games against the Stars in Dallas, but those were postponed due to bad weather and power outages.
02-17-21	Blackhawks v. Red Wings +120		2-0	Loss	-100	14 h 52 m	Show
The Blackhawks are the better team, but not that much better. Chicago was extremely fortunate to nip the Red Wings, 3-2 in overtime, this past Monday. Chicago is 3-0 versus Detroit this season. The Red Wings are improving, though, especially defensively. They have allowed just 2.1 goals per game in regulation during their past six games. The Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last six games. They could easily be 1-5 in those games having won four of those matchups in overtime and the fifth by two goals scoring an empty-net goal in the final minute. Just one goal determined the winner in nine of the Blackhawks' last 11 games. The other two games were decided by two goals with one occurring on an empty net goal in the final minute. This is a triple-revenge spot for the Red Wings. They outplayed the Blackhawks in their last game two days ago. I look for Chicago's luck to run out this time.
02-16-21	Wild v. Kings +123	Top	0-4	Win	123	16 h 34 m	Show
If there's a non-West Coast team the Kings most would like to beat it probably is Minnesota. The Wild beat the Kings twice in heart-breaking fashion earlier this season in LA winning both, 4-3, in overtime. The teams then met twice in Minneapolis in late January. The Kings got a split in that series. Now the Kings have a golden opportunity to gain a measure of revenge from those two earlier home defeats to the Wild. LA should be ready and energized, having last played on Thursday. That's nothing compared to the Wild, though. Minnesota has been out of action for the past two weeks due to COVID-19. The Wild are going to be without many of their regular players. The list of those who are include goalie Cam Talbot, defensemen Ian Cole, Jonas Brodin, Brad Hunt and Carson Souch. Forwards Nick Bonino, Victor Rask and Nico Sturm also are out. So the Wild will be rusty and short-handed. Minnesota has managed just one goal in three of its last five games. The Kings have suffered a lot of close losses this season, but they are capable, having won games against the Blues and Avalanche.
02-15-21	Flames v. Canucks +115		4-3	Loss	-100	16 h 1 m	Show
The Canucks ended their six-game losing streak with a 3-1 win against the Flames two days ago. It was the Canucks' best game of the season and the close score was not indicative of how much Vancouver dominated. The Canucks outshot the Flames, 43-18. I see the Canucks riding the momentum of that victory to beat the Flames again at home. Vancouver must build on this win if it hopes to have any playoff chance. The Canucks have won four of their past five home games. Calgary is likely to be without Mikael Backlund, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday's game. Backlund is the Flames' fifth-leading scorer and leaves the team thin at center.

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