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NHL Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
02-15-21	Jets +123 v. Oilers		6-5	Win	123	15 h 10 m	Show
Edmonton is due for regression. The Oilers have played the Senators in four of their last six games, beating Ottawa all four times. The Senators have the fewest points in the NHL. The Jets and Oilers split two games in Winnipeg earlier this season. The Jets outshot and outscored the Oilers in that series. Edmonton is 4-4 at home. The Oilers last played on Thursday when they beat Montreal, 3-0. Being idle for a full three days at this juncture of the season is too long and can take a hot team out of their rhythm. The Oilers may be fat, rusty and happy. Not so with Winnipeg. The Jets fell to the lowly Senators, 2-1, this past Saturday giving up the winning goal with nine seconds left on a stupid turnover deep in their own end. The Jets are anxious to put that embarrassment behind them. They have defeated the Oilers in eight of the past 11 meetings, including four of the last five times in Edmonton.
02-15-21	Islanders -140 v. Sabres	Top	3-1	Win	100	14 h 30 m	Show
The Islanders have picked up their game going 3-1 in their last four games with the lone loss during this span coming in a shootout loss to the Penguins following a late Pittsburgh goal in regulation. The Islanders have their confidence back up after upsetting the Bruins in their last game, 4-2, this past Saturday. Because of COVID-19, the Sabres have yet to play this month. Buffalo finally is back in action, but will be without defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen, Jake McCabe and Brandon Montour along with forwards Dylan Cozens and Tobias Rieder. All are in COVID protocols. The Sabres have a losing home record. They entered their long layoff having allowed at least three goals in five of their last six games. The Islanders have dominated this series winning eight of the past 10 times.
02-13-21	Bruins v. Islanders +122		2-4	Win	122	12 h 55 m	Show
The Bruins are good. But they've also been lucky. They've won their past four games all by a single goal, including nipping the Rangers, 1-0, on Friday. This marks the end of Boston's seven-game road trip. It's the Bruins' third game in four days and first time this season they are playing without rest. Boston was 1-4 in that role the past five times last season. The Islanders are the Islanders. They remain a tough out. They are well-coached and strong defensively ranking sixth. The Bruins have first-hand evidence of that losing to the Islanders, 1-0, in the team's initial meeting this season on Jan. 18. The Islanders should be in a foul mood after blowing a lead with 30 seconds left in regulation this past Thursday, which cost them a 4-3 shootout home loss to the Penguins.
02-12-21	Blues -135 v. Coyotes		4-1	Win	100	19 h 45 m	Show
The Blues were mid-sized to heavy home favorites in each of their last three games - all of which came against the Coyotes. Arizona defeated St. Louis in each of those contests, winning those matchups by a combined four goals. The latest occurred this past Monday with Arizona nipping St. Louis, 4-3, in a shootout. Now, four days later, the two teams meet in Arizona. Nothing has changed my viewpoint that the Blues are the better team. St. Louis dominated 5-on-5 action this past Monday outshooting Arizona, 43-26, while recording 21 hits showing its effective physical style of play. So what's been the problem for the Blues? Special teams. St. Louis was 1-for-12 in power play chances the past three games, while Arizona scored on four of 13 power play opportunities during this span. The Blues have had three days to work out their special teams issues. They have beaten the Coyotes 10 of the last 13 times in Arizona and are 6-1 the last seven times they were road chalk.
02-11-21	Flames v. Canucks +132		3-1	Loss	-100	14 h 60 m	Show
Saddled with a five-game losing streak and last in the league defensively, Vancouver is getting no respect. This is a huge game, though, for the Canucks and they are back home after six consecutive road games. They've been idle since Monday. Calgary is slightly below average both offensively and defensively. The Flames have a losing record in their last nine games. They also are 2-4 on the road, while the Canucks are 4-2 at home. Vancouver has double-revenge having lost in mid-January to the Flames, 3-0 and 5-2. Both of those games were in Calgary. The Canucks have firepower. The key for them is defensive improvement. I believe that will happen here. During their current losing streak the Canucks played the Jets, Canadiens and Maple Leafs. Winnipeg ranks ninth in scoring, Montreal is the highest scoring team in the NHL and Toronto has scored the fourth-most goals. Now the Canucks are dropping down in class. The season has gone on long enough where the Canucks' many new faces are more acclimated. This is their spot.
02-09-21	Lightning -160 v. Predators		6-1	Win	100	10 h 47 m	Show
There's a clear class difference here. It was shown when the two teams met yesterday and Tampa Bay won by three goals despite going with its backup goalie. Now Andrei Vasilevskiy, who I would argue is the best goalie in hockey, will be back in net. The Lightning are 7-1-1 with Vasilevskiy in goal. He has a 1.88 GAA and a .931 save percentage. Tampa Bay hasn't allowed more than two goals in seven of his nine starts. While the Lightning are already in peak form, the Predators are having a down season going 3-7 in their last 10 games. If you discount a 6-5 overtime victory against the Panthers, the Predators have scored just 14 goals in regulation during their last nine games. Tampa Bay ranks fourth in scoring at 3.6 goals per game.
02-08-21	Lightning -152 v. Predators		4-1	Win	100	14 h 40 m	Show
The defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning are out of the gates fast going 7-2. They've hosted Nashville twice this season going 2-0 winning by a combined four goals. Tampa Bay has proven itself on the road winning 68 percent of its last 99 away contests. The Predators are not playing well and just lost Ryan Johnson, the center on their top line, to an upper-body injury this past Thursday. Nashville is 3-6 in its last nine games after a split of its two-game series against Florida. The Predators were lucky not to have gotten swept by the Panthers. They were outshot, outhit and lost the faceoff battle by a considerable margin during that series. Tampa Bay is much the superior team. So laying this price doesn't bother me.
02-08-21	Hurricanes v. Blue Jackets +127		2-3	Win	127	13 h 50 m	Show
The Hurricanes ended a four-game losing streak in Columbus by nipping the Blue Jackets, 6-5, on Sunday. They were aided by a controversial goal. I don't see the Hurricanes being so fortunate in this rapid revenge spot for Columbus. The Blue Jackets' scoring is starting to pick up with Patrik Laine getting comfortable with his new team. Laine scored two goals on Sunday. This will be just his fifth game of the season. Carolina is likely going to have to go with third-stringer Alex Nedeljkovic in net for the first time this season. Starting goalie Petr Mrazek is out long-term and veteran backup James Reimer played yesterday and is in need of rest. The Blue Jackets are 5-2 versus Carolina in the past seven meetings despite Sunday's loss.
02-08-21	Islanders +100 v. Rangers		2-0	Win	100	13 h 42 m	Show
No great handicap here. I just believe the Islanders are the better and they are back on track after a 4-3 victory against the Penguins in their last game this past Saturday. The Rangers have started to play better. But I'm not sold on them, nor the consistency of their young goalie, Igor Shesterkin. He was in net during the team's first meeting this season, which the Islanders won, 4-0. The Islanders have defeated the Rangers 13 of the last 18 times on the road.
02-06-21	Oilers +113 v. Flames		4-6	Loss	-100	16 h 38 m	Show
The Oilers are playing much better than the Flames right now. Edmonton also is in the better situational spot having not played since Tuesday while Calgary is in action for the fourth time in six days. This also is the Flames' first home game since Jan. 26. This is an intense rivalry. Calgary, though, loses much of its home ice advantage because no fans are allowed in the stands. Edmonton is up to .500 having won three in a row. The Oilers have looked much better on their special teams. Calgary is below .500 on the season. The Flames haven't scored more than two goals in four of their last five games.
02-06-21	Sharks v. Ducks -114		1-2	Win	100	14 h 3 m	Show
The Ducks probably should have defeated the Sharks on Friday night. They blew a 3-1 lead and lost in a shootout. Anaheim outshot San Jose, 37-30. I don't see the Ducks losing a second straight home game at Honda Center to San Jose in this second of consecutive games. The problem with backing the Ducks is their lack of offense They rank last in the NHL in scoring. However, the Ducks have scored a season-best seven goals during their last two games. They also are facing a porous Sharks defense that ranks second-to-last in the league giving up 3.9 goals per game. The Sharks haven't been good enough offensively to overcome their defensive problems ranking 27th in scoring. Anaheim ranks eighth defensively and has the sixth-best penalty killing unit. The Sharks have scored just one power play goal in 26 chances during their past six games.
02-06-21	Coyotes v. Blues -155		3-1	Loss	-155	9 h 55 m	Show
Arizona is not a good road team. But the Coyotes edged the Blues, 4-3, on Thursday. It was their first away victory of the season. I don't see the Coyotes making it two in a row and I'm willing to lay a higher price than normal to back St. Louis in this spot. The Blues had won four consecutive games until falling to the Coyotes. Arizona built a 3-0 lead and held on to win, 4-3. The Blues did not play a good game yet almost pulled out the victory. Following the game, Blues coach Craig Berube ripped his team. So I don't anticipate St. Louis to be flat again in this spot. The Blues have been the only NHL American-based team not to have a player go on the COVID protocol list. Even with that victory, Arizona is just 5-21 in its last 26 road contests.
02-05-21	Sharks +102 v. Ducks		5-4	Win	102	11 h 38 m	Show
The Sharks have played a tough schedule: Eight games all on the road. While the Sharks lost two games to the Avalanche, no shame in that given Colorado was at full strength then and San Jose carried a fatigue rating while playing back-to-back games in high altitude, they managed splits against the Coyotes, Blues and Wild. Due to COVID-19 issues, the Sharks haven't played during the last eight days. That was a needed break. So I'm expecting a strong effort from San Jose. The Sharks have won seven of the past nine times versus the Ducks in Anaheim. The Ducks are playing for the fourth time in seven days. They have the worst offense in the NHL. Anaheim has managed just eight goals in its last five games.
02-04-21	Predators v. Panthers -109		6-5	Loss	-109	8 h 42 m	Show
Florida is playing well. Nashville has yet to show anything on the road. So I'm going to ride the Panthers at a fair line value price. The Panthers are 5-0-1. All but one of their victories has been by one goal. So they've been fortunate. But they've also produced good numbers such as ranking seventh in scoring, seventh in defense and fourth in power play efficiency. Florida is the lone team left that has not lost in regulation. The Panthers also have been idle for the past three days. Nashville is 0-4 on the road. The Predators, in contrast to the Panthers, have bad numbers: 28th in scoring, 24th in scoring defense, 28th in power play efficiency and last in penalty kill efficiency.
02-04-21	Stars v. Blue Jackets +110		3-4	Win	110	8 h 37 m	Show
Until losing to the Stars, 6-3, this past Tuesday, the Blue Jackets had beaten Dallas eight straight times. Dallas had dropped five in a row in Columbus until achieving that win. That game marked Patrik Laine's much-anticipated Columbus debut - and it was a flop. The Blue Jackets stunk and Laine had trouble adjusting to his new team and was rusty having not played since Jan. 14. Laine should have his legs under him and be more comfortable this time around. The Blue Jackets have revenge and history going for them. The Stars have been playing well, but I don't see them keeping this pace up especially 36-year-old Joe Pavelski. He's fifth in the NHL in points. He's averaging two points a game. The only other person at that elite level is Connor McDavid.
02-02-21	Ducks v. Kings -113		3-1	Loss	-113	11 h 37 m	Show
The Ducks average 1.6 goals. That's last in the NHL. They are off two home games versus the Blues where they were outscored, 10-2. Oh, yes, this also is the Ducks' fourth game in six days. By contrast, the Kings are well rested. They last played on Thursday. The Kings are 3-2 in their last five games with victories against the Blues, Avalanche and Wild during this span. The Kings are the better team, home and in the better spot. So this short price is worth laying.
02-01-21	Bruins -135 v. Capitals	Top	5-3	Win	100	13 h 56 m	Show
Despite being short-handed due to injuries and COVID-19 issues, the Capitals have managed to go 6-3. The Capitals' first eight games were two against the Penguins early in the season when Pittsburgh was struggling, four games against the Sabres, who have a losing record, and two games against the 3-6 Islanders. Finally the Capitals stepped up in class this past Saturday. They nipped the Bruins, 4-3, in overtime. I don't see the Capitals doing it again in this Boston revenge spot. The Bruins scored three of the last four goals. They outshot Washington, 43-23. It was clear to me the Bruins were the better team. Alex Ovehckin did return after missing four games due to COVID-19 protocols. But the Bruins also got back their superstar, David Pastrnak. He played more than 20 minutes, while Ovechkin was limited to fewer than 15 minutes of ice time. The Capitals still could remain short-handed. Justin Schultz, Lars Eller, Evgeny Kuznetsov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov are all day-to-day. Washington has lost 12 of the last 16 times following a victory. The Capitals are in action for the fifth time in nine days. All but one of their last seven games have been decided by one goal. So there has been a physical and mental toll on the Capitals. The Bruins are an elite team that should take advantage especially given the situation.
01-31-21	Blues v. Ducks +143		4-1	Loss	-100	8 h 30 m	Show
The Blues are riding high on their 2-0 road trip beating the Golden Knights in overtime this past Tuesday and then burying the Ducks, 6-1, scoring three goals within the first 2:06 of the game. Following this game, the Blues go home for four games against the Coyotes and Avalanche. Those are much tougher opponents than the Ducks. So it's a clear letdown and lookahead spot for St. Louis. It sets up an ambush situation for the home Ducks. I expect John Gibson to rebound from his worst game ever. Gibson had been playing great up until that contest. He didn't get a lot of help from his defense in that game. Even with that loss, the Ducks still rank sixth in defense. They also have the fourth-best penalty killing unit. Scoring is a major problem for Anaheim. The Ducks, though, should play extremely hard here and they have a strong defense. It's a bonus if the Blues decide to rest Jordan Binnington and go with their backup goalie.
01-31-21	Stars +111 v. Hurricanes		3-4	Loss	-100	4 h 27 m	Show
The Stars played their first road game of the season yesterday. It didn't go well. The Hurricanes beat them, 4-1. Dallas was outshot, 26-11. That was embarrassing. It also was a humiliation for Dallas goalie Anton Khuodobin, who had a rare bad game letting in four goals on 16 shots and getting pulled from the game. I want the Stars going for me in this rapid revenge spot. Dallas has won eight of the last 11 times as a road 'dog. The Hurricanes are playing short-handed due to COVID-19 issues. They probably also lost their starting goalie, Petr Mrazek. He was injured against the Stars and isn't likely to play here. Carolina's backup goalie is James Reimer, who I don't hold in high esteem
01-30-21	Avalanche v. Wild +140		5-1	Loss	-100	9 h 54 m	Show
I don't believe the Avalanche should be this big of a road favorite. Each team is 5-3. Colorado is 2-2 in its road games and has been outscored away from home. The Avalanche fattened up their statistics by sweeping two home games from the Sharks this past week. The Wild are 12-5 the last 17 times hosting Colorado.
01-30-21	Islanders +110 v. Flyers		2-3	Loss	-100	8 h 53 m	Show
The Islanders, with Barry Trotz cracking the whip, should feel a lot of urgency after blowing a 3-goal lead to the Capitals in a 6-3 loss this past Thursday. It was New York's third straight defeat. Perhaps the Islands overachieved last season, but they usually prove to be a tough out. They have won in five of their last seven visits to Philadelphia. The Flyers haven't played at home since Jan. 19. They come in fat and happy having just swept the Devils this past Tuesday and Thursday. The Flyers are far from at full strength with injuries to Sean Couturier, Morgan Frost and Phil Myers.
01-29-21	Blue Jackets v. Blackhawks +111		2-1	Loss	-100	19 h 22 m	Show
I'm not often looking to get involved with the Blackhawks in what is a clear rebuilding year for them. But taking a small plus price in this spot puts me on them. Columbus is coming off a 3-2 shootout victory against Florida on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets got revenge for a 4-3 shootout loss to the Panthers from Tuesday. This is their third game in four days and first road contest in 10 days. They are 1-3 on the road losing a pair to the Predators by multiple goals and splitting with the Red Wings, the worst team in hockey and a team that lost a pair of road games to the Blackhawks earlier this week by a combined seven goals. Chicago is 2-0 at home with the victories against Detroit. This is just the Blackhawks' third home game. They have shown improvement. Their last two games were 1-goal road losses to the Predators in overtime and in a shootout. The Blackhawks' young players are showing some potential and Chicago has found a goalie who has been looking good - Kevin Lankinen. He has a .931 save percentage. The Blackhawks are 10-2 the past 12 times hosting the Blue Jackets.
01-28-21	Islanders -132 v. Capitals		3-6	Loss	-132	12 h 55 m	Show
Much credit to the short-handed Capitals for pulling out a 3-2 victory against the Islanders on Tuesday scoring the game-winner with 26 seconds left. New York had won seven straight at Washington previous to that game. I'm looking for a bounce back from the Islanders, who blew a 2-1 second period lead against the Capitals. The Islanders' loss did not sit well with their coach, Barry Trotz. He formerly coached the Capitals and is one of the best coaches in the NHL. The Capitals managed to beat the usually well-disciplined Islanders despite missing Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuzntesov, Dmitry Orlov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov. They are all on the COVID-19 protocol list. Enforcer Tom Wilson also missed the game with a lower-body injury. Then during the game, the Capitals lost forward Nicklas Backstrom. I'd be very surprised if the Capitals manage to beat the Islanders again without so many key players.
01-28-21	Panthers v. Blue Jackets -108		2-3	Win	100	12 h 53 m	Show
Scoring a game-tying goal with three seconds left, Florida went on to beat the Blue Jackets, 4-3 in a shootout, two days ago in Columbus. The Panthers outplayed the Blue Jackets and deserved to pull out that win. But I see the Blue Jackets getting their revenge here. They've defeated Florida 14 of the last 17 times at home even with that Tuesday defeat. Columbus may have suffered a letdown in that loss to the Panthers. The Blue Jackets had upset defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay by three goals in their previous game, which also was at home. This will be just the Panthers' fourth game. They are 3-0, but their first two victories occurred at home against the Blackhawks. Note, too, that Florida backup goalie Chris Driedger is expected to be in net.
01-26-21	Islanders -129 v. Capitals	Top	2-3	Loss	-129	15 h 43 m	Show
Surprised the Islanders are a mid-sized road favorite against the Capitals? Shouldn't be because the spot and situation set up well for New York. The Islanders enter this two-game series off a 2-0 loss to the Devils this past Sunday. Islanders coach Barry Trotz was not happy about that defeat and he let his team know about it. Trotz should have his squad ready and fired-up to play his former team. So I'm expecting an all-out effort from the Islanders. The Capitals are 0-7 the past seven times they've hosted the patient and defensive-minded Islanders, a team that has frustrated them with their style. The Islanders are strong again defensively ranking third in fewest goals allowed per game and fourth in penalty kill. Washington is highly vulnerable right now with Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dimitry Orlov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov all on the COVID-19 list. In addition, enforcer Tom Wilson is likely out, too, because of a lower body injury. The Capitals have managed three victories because they've played four of their six games against the Sabres. They are 3-1 versus Buffalo. Their other two games were losses to the Penguins.
01-24-21	Maple Leafs v. Flames -113		3-2	Loss	-113	12 h 27 m	Show
This is a nice situational spot for the Flames. After sweeping the Canucks in two home games by a combined, 8-2, the Flames have been idle since Monday. That's given them plenty of time to practice, get fully in sync and be prepared for this matchup. The Maple Leafs will be playing for the sixth time in 10 days. They are coming off a 4-2 home win against the Oilers on Friday night despite being short-handed minus Auston Matthews and Joe Thornton, who is out for around a month. Matthews, the Maple Leafs' best player, is questionable due to an upper body injury. I like Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom more than Toronto's Frederik Andersen, who is too inconsistent for my taste. Markstrom has been sharp early with a 1.99 GAA and .935 save percentage in three games. The Flames have won nine of the last 11 times they've been favored, while the Maple Leafs are 6-14 the last 20 times as underdogs.
01-22-21	Golden Knights v. Coyotes +148		2-5	Win	148	16 h 14 m	Show
Las Vegas heads off for its first road trip fat and happy at 4-0, its best start in franchise-history. The Golden Knights play two games against the Coyotes in Arizona before returning back to Las Vegas for a stretch of eight home contests in 10 games. The Golden Knights just swept the Coyotes in Las Vegas. The Coyotes aren't going to lack motivation in this short revenge spot. The Golden Knights not only could be in for a letdown, but also their concentration may be lacking. This is their first time away from home and they have to follow COVID-19 protocols. It's going to be a different experience. Buried by seven penalties, the Coyotes fell behind the Golden Knights early in their 5-2 loss this past Wednesday. I'm expecting the Coyotes to play much better today under favorable situational elements.
01-22-21	Red Wings +115 v. Blackhawks		1-4	Loss	-100	15 h 6 m	Show
Detroit looks improved. Chicago looks horrible. No fans either for the Blackhawks so their home ice is largely negated. This combination lands me on the Red Wings. Detroit is 2-2. If it weren't for a one-goal loss to the Blue Jackets they would be riding a three-game winning streak. Detroit's confidence is up and its puck control has been much better. Jonathan Bernier and Thomas Greiss have played well in net. It's become very evident this is a rebuild year for the Blackhawk - and a big one at that. The Blackhawks are going with a massive youth movement. They miss the leadership and skill set of veteran captain Jonathan Toews and defenseman Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks have surrendered five goals in each of their four games this season in going 0-4 versus Tampa Bay and Florida.
01-21-21	Flyers v. Bruins -130	Top	4-5	Win	100	12 h 29 m	Show
Their defense has been there for the Bruins despite losing two of their first three games. Boston has permitted only five goals in three games. The Bruins very well could be 3-0 and we'd be seeing a much higher price. Boston was nipped, 2-1 in overtime, by the host Devils and fell 1-0 to the Islanders on the road in which they outshot New York, 27-17, during their past two games. I don't see Boston losing a third game in a row especially now that it gets to play its first home game. The Bruins' offense will come around even without injured David Pastrnak. I believe that happens here. Flyers goalie Carter Hart is off to a slow start with a 3.66 goals against average. The Flyers are short-handed on the blue line, too. Philadelphia went 1-1 in its last two games both against the Sabres. Buffalo outshot Philadelphia, 77-52, in those two games.
01-20-21	Canadiens -116 v. Canucks		5-6	Loss	-116	18 h 56 m	Show
The Canadiens have gotten bigger this season on defense - and more aggressive. Montreal's early defensive improvement looks like it's for real after the Canadiens held Edmonton to two goals in two games. Montreal outhit the Oilers, 31-17, in its 3-1 road victory on Monday. If it weren't for blowing a two-goal lead to the Maple Leafs in their opening game, the Canadiens would be 3-0. Montreal has won its last four games on the road against Vancouver. The Canucks aren't playing well. Vancouver has lost three in a row, outscored, 13-4, during this span. The Canucks' young, talented scorers are slumping and their special teams have been atrocious giving up seven power-play goals in 21 times behind shorthanded while failing to score when they've had the man advantage this season.
01-18-21	Bruins v. Islanders +121		0-1	Win	121	3 h 57 m	Show
I'll take the Islanders as a home 'dog coming off an embarrassing 5-0 road loss to the Rangers this past Saturday. The Islanders played a terrible game and backup goalie Ilya Sorokin seemed ill-prepared as a surprise starter in that game, judging by his poor performance, when starter Semyon Varlamov suffered a freak injury during pregame warmups. Word is that Varlamov is able to play today. I'm fine with the Islanders even if Sorokin has to play again. He's better than what he showed in that game. I'm expecting a supreme effort from the Islanders after their coach, the highly-respected Barry Trotz, ripped them following the Rangers' loss. This is a good spot to go against the Bruins being early in the season. Boston doesn't have David Pastrnak back yet and they are in transition defensively minus the departed Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug. The Bruins opened with a split against the Devils, with both of those games behind decided either in overtime or in a shootout.
01-17-21	Blackhawks +138 v. Panthers		2-5	Loss	-100	10 h 51 m	Show
I'm not going to be landing on the Blackhawks too often this season. But this is one of those exceptions. The Panthers finished last season losing nine of their past 11 home games. The key, however, to this handicap to the Blackhawks is the situation. Chicago has played two games. Florida has yet to see action. This disadvantage for Florida is magnified because the Panthers are breaking in many new players and didn't have a preseason to work out the kinks. The Panthers don't have their leading goal scorer from last season, Mike Hoffman. He signed with the Blues. Florida also is likely to be minus veteran defenseman Keith Yandle, who is expected to be a healthy scratch due to issues with management. Starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky won't be in net either. He's still working his way into shape. So the Blackhawks draw Florida backup goalie Chris Driedger. The Blackhawks are stepping way down in class after unfortunately drawing reigning Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay in their first two games. Neither game against the Lightning was close, but the Blackhawks played better in the rematch, which was this past Friday. Chicago has had a nice recent run in Florida beating the Panthers in six of its last eight visits.
01-16-21	Wild v. Kings +118		4-3	Loss	-100	16 h 22 m	Show
I don't see rookie Kirill Kaprizov repeating his season-opening heroics of producing three points, including scoring an overtime goal, in leading the Wild past the Kings, 4-3, two days ago. I look for the Kings, with their veteran players, to bounce back against the youthful Wild. Veteran defensemen Drew Doughty and Olli Maatta had terrible games. They should play much better for LA, whose blue line gets reinforced with Sean Walker and Kurtis MacDermid now available after missing Thursday's game because of COVID restrictions.
01-16-21	Canadiens -108 v. Oilers		5-1	Win	100	14 h 23 m	Show
The Canadiens are still kicking themselves for blowing a two-goal lead in their opener against the Maple Leafs, a 5-4 overtime defeat this past Wednesday. The rested Canadiens felt they were the better team. They catch the Oilers playing for the third time in four days. Edmonton got satisfying home revenge in its last game, beating Vancouver, 5-3, this past Thursday. I expect the Canadiens to be better this season with a rejuvenated Carey Price, who did have several outstanding saves against the Maple Leafs.
01-16-21	Sharks v. Coyotes -123		3-5	Win	100	11 h 27 m	Show
I'm playing the Zig/Zag here expecting the Coyotes to bounce back after losing to the Sharks, 4-3, in a shootout on Thursday. San Jose goalie Martin Jones bailed his team out with several outstanding saves in that 4-3 win. Arizona had more shots on goal than San Jose. Even with the victory, the Sharks have lost eight of the last 11 times as an underdog.
01-14-21	Canucks v. Oilers -120		2-5	Win	100	17 h 58 m	Show
Vancouver exploited Edmonton's vulnerable defense with a 5-3 road victory Wednesday night. Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisailt were held to a combined one assist by the Canucks. I'm betting on a bounce back from the Oilers and McDavid and Draisailt. Call it a zig-zag play if you want. I'm impressed with Vancouver's young scorers. But the Oilers still have more firepower especially with the Canucks missing center J.T. Miller. He's out with an undisclosed injury. Miller scored the most points for Vancouver last season and tied for the team lead in goals with 27. There's a good chance both teams go with their backup goalies in this one. If that's the case, I would rate an edge to Edmonton with Mike Smith. Mikko Koskinen was disappointing in net for the Oilers on Wednesday. So Smith should be an improvement.
01-14-21	Islanders -105 v. Rangers	Top	4-0	Win	100	15 h 57 m	Show
By the end of the season, the Rangers could prove dangerous. But right now the Rangers are somewhat vulnerable being one of the youngest teams in the league. The patient, well-coached, savvy Islanders are a bad first-game matchup for the Rangers. The Rangers' home ice edge is greatly reduced, too, with no fans allowed in the stands and the Islanders just having to make a short trip. The absence of exhibition games hurts the Rangers far more than the Islanders, who retain virtually their entire roster that took Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay to six games in the Eastern Conference finals. Morale is up for the Islanders after they were able to sign Mathew Barzal to a contact extension last week.
01-13-21	Canadiens +118 v. Maple Leafs		4-5	Loss	-100	13 h 51 m	Show
Toronto has new faces, older ones at that. So the Maple Leafs are in a bit of a transition phase. Montreal came on last season and has improved its depth. The Canadiens have a good lineup on paper, which I think will translate to victories especially with Carey Price looking rejuvenated. Note, too, Toronto loses some of its home ice edge because no spectators are being allowed in any of the Canadian arenas.
09-26-20	Stars +145 v. Lightning		3-2	Win	145	12 h 13 m	Show
Less than 24 hours after the Lightning's controversial, 5-4, overtime victory against the Stars on Friday night the teams are back in action today. This is unusual scheduling, which could lead to a randomness element to the game. Randomness is a plus for the underdog. Sure the Stars could quit after suffering a tough defeat in such a short time frame. But they also could come out extremely fired out. This is their playoff life after all being on the verge of elimination down 3-1. Dallas has proven resilient all season. There's more of a chance, I feel, that the Lightning could suffer a letdown coming off such a big win in such a short period of time. Tampa Bay has to feel very good up 3-1 in the series. The Stars have not been outclassed. They won Game 1 by three goals. They've lost two games by one goal each, including this past one in overtime after leading by two goals. The Stars have not peaked. They are capable of playing better. This would be the perfect time to show that.
09-21-20	Stars v. Lightning -147		2-3	Win	100	14 h 15 m	Show
Each time Tampa Bay has lost a playoff game it came back to win the next game. I expect that pattern to continue in Game 2 of this Stanley Cup Final. So does the linemaker making the Lightning this high of a favorite. This goes to my way of thinking that the Lightning are the superior team. They certainly won't lack focus after being ambushed, 4-1, in Game 1 this past Saturday. The Stars dominated the first two periods of that game being the much fresher team. Dallas was idle for four days previous to that matchup, while the Lightning had just concluded their series against the Islanders with an overtime victory on Thursday night. The Lightning seemed to figure out the Stars in the third period posting 22 shots on goal while dominating the period. Dallas has done great to reach this point. This isn't a fade on the Stars as it is more a play on the Lightning based that they will play a much crisper and better game than they did during the first two periods of Game 1 when fatigue was an issue for them. Even with that defeat, the Lightning still have defeated the Stars in five of the past seven meetings
09-17-20	Lightning v. Islanders +145		2-1	Loss	-100	13 h 39 m	Show
I'm not convinced Tampa Bay has the mental toughness to close out this Eastern Conference finals after losing, 2-1, to the Islanders in double overtime this past Tuesday. That was the Lightning's opportunity. The Islanders still face elimination down 3-2 in the series. But New York is riding house money. The pressure remains on the Lightning. Tampa Bay has been in this situation before - and failed miserably blowing 3-2 series leads in 2016 and 2018 in the Eastern Conference finals. The double overtime win gives the Islanders new-found momentum. New York goalie Semyon Varamov also looked back in good form. The Lightning still could be without Brayden Point, their leading scorer in the playoffs. At this plus price, I'll take a shot with the well-coached, disciplined and mentally tough Islanders. They may not win, but they certainly won't go gently into the night.
09-11-20	Lightning v. Islanders +140		3-5	Win	140	12 h 22 m	Show
No, the Islanders may not be nearly as talented as Tampa Bay. But the Islanders are extremely well-coached and have proven resilient since play resumed. New York outshot the Lightning, 28-21, and had numerous missed scoring opportunities in a 2-1 Game 2 loss. So I don't see the Islanders quietly going in the night down 0-2 in the series. They are in must-win territory and draw Tampa Bay minus suspended right winger Alex Killorn and likely without injured center Brayden Point, too. Killorn had the team's third-most goals during the regular season and Point was Tampa Bay's No. 1 playoff points producer. The Islanders have the defense and discipline to get back into this series. The last time the Lightning had been held to as few as 21 shots on goal was March 3.
09-07-20	Islanders +138 v. Lightning		2-8	Loss	-100	16 h 22 m	Show
What we have here is a unique situation. The Islanders just concluded a seven-game series with the Flyers that finished Saturday night. The Lightning, by contrast, haven't played in a week. I'm going to ride the Islanders' adrenaline and 3-0 record in Game 1 series against the Panthers, Capitals and Flyers at this plus price against Tampa Bay's long rest. The Lightning are the better team, but the Islanders have the momentum to take this Game 1 especially given that Tampa Bay is likely to be highly rusty. The Islanders are a frustrating team for the opposition because they are defensive-minded, disciplined and well-coached. These factors are big on the Islanders getting this far, but their offense also has stepped up. The Islanders are averaging 3.38 goals since the league resumed. That figure would have ranked fourth in the league if computed out during the entire season. New York scored 3 or more goals in each of their seven games against the Flyers.
09-04-20	Stars +116 v. Avalanche		5-4	Win	116	11 h 57 m	Show
Despite a slew of injuries, Colorado has won the last two games in this Western Conference Stanley Cup semifinal to force today's Game 7. The Avalanche have momentum. But I want the Stars going for me considering how banged-up Colorado is and how important this game is for the future of Dallas' organization. This is the situation the Avalanche are in: They likely will be without captain Gabriel Landeskog, a member of their top line. They also likely will be missing Erik Johnson, one of their top-four defensemen along with three other plays who provide depth, which is important at this late stage. But worse of all for the Avalanche is they probably will be missing starting goalie Philipp Grubauer and his top backup, Pavel Francouz. That would put journeyman third-stringer Michael Hutchinson back in goal. The Stars don't need to play their "A" game to beat Hutchinson, who I consider one of the worst backup goalies in the NHL. Credit to Hutchinson for allowing a total of four goals in the last two games. Dallas, though, managed only 15 shots during the last two periods of Game 6. The Stars' top line of Jamie Benn, Alexander Radulov and Tyler Seguin have managed just one point during the last two games. They are much better than that, especially going against Hutchinson and a Colorado defense that isn't as good as the Stars' No. 2 ranked defense. The ramifications could be huge for the Stars if they lose this game and thus blow a 3-1 series lead. Interim coach Rick Bowness probably won't be back. The roster could be gutted, too, with the team's aging veterans sent packing in abysmal failure.
09-03-20	Flyers v. Islanders -115	Top	5-4	Loss	-115	16 h 0 m	Show
These two teams are very similar, stressing defense and discipline. Except the Islanders are the better team. The Flyers barely held off elimination by nipping the Islanders in overtime two days ago. I see the Islanders closing the series out now in their second try just like they did against the Capitals and Panthers. Except for the opening period in Game 3 and the second period in Game 5, the Islanders have gotten the better of Philadelphia. The Flyers were outscored by the Canadiens during their previous Stanley Cup series and I don't believe they can step up enough to force a Game 7 against the extremely sound and well-coached Islanders, who are playing their best hockey. The Islanders have defeated the Flyers in seven of their past nine meetings.
09-01-20	Islanders v. Flyers +109		3-4	Win	109	17 h 19 m	Show
I'm not saying the Flyers are the superior team to the Islanders. I just don't see this series ending in five games. I see Philadelphia extending the series to at least six games. The Flyers won Game 2 and then lost 3-1 and 3-2 during the last two games. Philadelphia has proven resilient all season. The Flyers are 40-18 when playing on one day's rest and until Game 4 had bounced back from every postseason defeat with a victory. The Flyers dominated the second period of Game 4 and outshot the Islanders in that contest, 38-33.
08-31-20	Bruins v. Lightning -113		2-3	Win	100	13 h 10 m	Show
Don't step in front of the Lightning. Tampa Bay is smelling blood as it seeks redemption from being swept in the first round of the Stanley Cup last season after dominating the regular season. The Lightning have won three in a row against the Bruins after losing the first game. The Lightning have smashed the Bruins outscoring them, 10-2, during the past three games. Backup goalie Jaroslav Halak hasn't been up to the task of stopping the Lightning's high-powered attack. The Bruins haven't matched up well to the Lightning during the past few seasons losing 14 of the last 17 games.
08-30-20	Flyers v. Islanders -121		2-3	Win	100	11 h 17 m	Show
Don't underestimate the intensity and killer attitude of the Islanders to take out opponents during these Stanley Cup playoffs. The Islanders took out Washington, a team with far more firepower than Philadelphia, in five games during the first round while the Flyers were being outscored and struggling with the inferior Canadiens. Now the Flyers are down 2-1 in the series to the forechecking, disciplined Islanders. The Islanders play the Flyers' type of game except better. Philadelphia has scored just 16 goals in nine Stanley Cup games, an average of less than two goals per game. The Islanders have outplayed the Flyers for the past five periods. So I see no compelling reason not to stick with them.
08-29-20	Flyers v. Islanders -114		1-3	Win	100	17 h 2 m	Show
The Canucks' two top lines showed their talent and speed being instrumental in Vancouver's 5-2 Game 2 victory on Tuesday. Vancouver has the offense to do that to foes. The Canucks aren't so strong on the defensive end. It's why the Over is 21-9-1 in Vancouver's last 31 games. The Golden Knights have scored 4 or more goals in eight of their last 11 games since hockey resumed. The Golden Knights won Game 1 of the series, 5-0, and have the depth to dominate when third and fourth lines are skating. Both teams should be fully fresh after getting extra rest time with the postponement of Thursday's game until Saturday. The Over has cashed four of the past five times the teams have met.
08-24-20	Islanders +100 v. Flyers		4-0	Win	100	16 h 41 m	Show
Impressive. That's what you have to say about the Islanders' performance in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs when they dominated and took out the Capitals. The Flyers had to go six games to eliminate the Canadiens. Montreal outscored Philadelphia in its first-round series. The Flyers were bothered by the Canadiens' physical, aggressive style. Philadelphia averaged just 1.8 goals during the series. The Islanders are a step up from Montreal. The Islanders swept the Flyers during the regular season winning all three matchups.
08-21-20	Blues -130 v. Canucks		2-6	Loss	-130	16 h 39 m	Show
The Blues have been down this path before. They were down 3-2 in the playoffs against the Stars last season. St. Louis rebounded to win that series on its way to capturing the Stanley Cup. Maybe the Canucks can take out the Blues. But I don't see it happening in this Game 6. The Blues are kicking themselves for blowing a 3-1 second period lead in a 4-3 loss to the Canucks on Wednesday. Outstanding goaltending by Jacob Markstrom has been a huge key for Vancouver. The Blues have fired an average of nearly 43 shots a game during the last three games. I don't see the Canucks being able to keep up and Markstrom is due to start wearing down.
08-21-20	Flyers -129 v. Canadiens		3-2	Win	100	13 h 7 m	Show
The Flyers came back from an embarrassing, 5-0, loss in Game 2 to defeat the Canadiens in the next game. I expect the Flyers to follow that same winning pattern after losing, 5-3, on Wednesday in a physical and emotional game. Philadelphia is 6-0 the past six times after laying five or more goals in its previous game. Montreal scored five goals in each of its victories. But in the other three games in this series, the Canadiens have produced only one goal. The Canadiens also will be without injured Brendan Gallagher, who tied for the team lead in goals during the regular season.
08-20-20	Stars v. Flames +113		7-3	Loss	-100	19 h 13 m	Show
This is a real even series with a seven-game feel to it. So I'll take a plus price on Calgary believing the Flames will extend the series to seven games being down three games to two. The underdog has won eight of the last 11 between these two teams. The Flames were extremely close to opening a 3-1 lead in the series, but they gave up a late game-tying goal in Game 4 and then lost in overtime. I respect the Stars' defense, but I would give a strong nod to Cam Talbot over Anton Khudobin in net. Talbot is in a tremendous groove. The Flames need to do a better job of testing Khudobin especially Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm. They are all overdue to produce better scoring performances.
08-19-20	Canucks +127 v. Blues		4-3	Win	127	15 h 46 m	Show
The Canucks nearly went up 3-0 in the series. They won the first two games and led in the third game before losing in overtime. Sparked by backup goalie Jake Allen, the Blues have evened the series. But now it's Vancouver's turn to win. The Canucks own an edge in firepower especially now that it's for certain that explosive winger Vladimir Tarasenko is done for the series because of a shoulder injury.
08-19-20	Hurricanes +135 v. Bruins		1-2	Loss	-100	8 h 28 m	Show
Even though Boston can close out the series with a victory here leading 3-1, I'm not convinced the Bruins are the superior team. If you discount a late empty net goal, every game has been decided by one goal. The Bruins have managed to win three of those four games. If the Hurricanes didn't blow a two-goal lead in the last game, the series would be even at 2-2 and this betting line might be different. Yes, it's a blow that the Hurricanes lost rising star forward Andrei Svechnikov. But he also had missed time when the Hurricanes met the Capitals in the first round last season. The Hurricanes won that series. The Bruins are not unscathed. Their leading scorer, David Pastrnak, has not played in the last three games and starting goalie, Tukka Rask, opted to leave the team.
08-18-20	Flyers -130 v. Canadiens		2-0	Win	100	12 h 38 m	Show
The Canadiens certainly caught the Flyers' attention when they whipped them, 5-0, in Game 2 of this series. The Flyers came back to nip Montreal, 1-0, on Sunday. The Flyers are the superior team and they reinserted themselves with that victory. I don't see this series going more than five games so I like the Flayers. The lay price isn't too high to back the better team. Philadelphia is 12-2 following a victory and has beaten Montreal in nine of the last 13 meetings.
08-17-20	Bruins v. Hurricanes +114		4-3	Loss	-100	19 h 41 m	Show
This series has the makings of going the full seven games. There have been three close games and the Bruins have managed to win two of three. I see the Hurricanes evening the series here. I'm not buying into the perception that Boston is the better overall team. The Bruins are 1-7 the past eight times they've been playoff chalk. The Hurricanes have won seven of their last nine games. There have been significant developments since the series began. The Hurricanes have lost Andrei Svechnikov, their No. 2 goal scorer and a rising star. The Bruins are without their starting goalie as Tuukka Rask decided to leave the bubble to be with his family. It's 50-50, too, if the Bruins get back injured David Pastrnak. Backup goalie Jaroslav Halak was up to the task in Boston's Game 3 victory, 3-1, stopping 29 of 30 shots. Halak may not be that effective in this next matchup.
08-17-20	Lightning v. Blue Jackets +140		2-1	Loss	-100	10 h 19 m	Show
The Blue Jackets are a tough out with proven resiliency. They are 3-0 in the postseason following a defeat. So I see value at this price taking the underdog Blue Jackets and their red-hot goalie Joonas Korpisalo, who has a 1.51 GAA and .956 saver percentage in seven playoff games. Tampa Bay is 3-7 the last 10 times it has been favored. It's an added bonus for the Blue Jackets if Cam Atkinson returns to the lineup. He's missed the last two games due to an undisclosed injury.
08-16-20	Flyers -130 v. Canadiens	Top	1-0	Win	100	17 h 28 m	Show
The Flyers are far superior to the Canadiens. I thought the Flyers could sweep their series against Montreal. That's not going to happen after the Canadiens embarrassed Philadelphia, 5-0, on Friday. The Flyers are not happy with that defeat especially after the Canadiens still used their top power play unit up 5-0 in the third period. Carey Price is stepping up for Montreal. But I still like youngster Carter Hart more as Price is past his prime. Even with that stinging loss, the Flyers are 20-6 in their last 26 games. Their top five scorers have yet to produce a goal in the series. They are way overdue for a breakout performance. I see that happening here.
08-14-20	Canucks +129 v. Blues		4-3	Win	129	14 h 18 m	Show
Watch out for Vancouver. The Canucks have won four in a row. Their speed and scoring depth was on display in Game 1 of this series when the Canucks defeated the Blues, 5-2. The Canucks are peaking while the Blues have serious problems. So while I respect the defending Stanley Cup champions, I believe the wrong team is favored here. St. Louis has yet to win since hockey resumed going winless in the four-team round-robin tournament. The Blues have key injuries and Vladimir Tarasenko hasn't been 100 percent following a shoulder injury suffered this past October. Alex Steen and Sammy Blais missed Game 1 against Vancouver due to injuries. Another problem for the Blues is the subpar play of goalie Jordan Binnington. He was great last season. Not now, though. He's struggling and his GAA of 3.6 during his last five starts reflects that.
08-13-20	Hurricanes +125 v. Bruins	Top	3-2	Win	125	15 h 11 m	Show
The Bruins weren't sharp during the round robin series. They were able to get past the Hurricanes, 4-3, in double overtime on Wednesday, though. The Hurricanes hadn't played in seven days after sweeping the Rangers in a qualifying series. The rust showed because the Hurricanes were sluggish. Yet they nearly won. Expect a much better effort from the Hurricanes today. Fatigue shouldn't factor for them either since they had been idle for so long prior to yesterday. The Hurricanes haven't forgotten the Bruins sweeping them in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Carolina has better scoring depth than Boston and its top line of Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen can match the Bruins' powerful No. 1 line of Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. Carolina swept the Rangers despite not having key defenseman Dougie Hamilton. He played Wednesday, though. So that's a major plus for the Hurricanes. The Bruins have yet to convert a power play opportunity this month going 0-for-13.
08-12-20	Canucks +129 v. Blues		5-2	Win	129	10 h 25 m	Show
Maybe the Blues can just turn it on. But I'll take a plus price to fade the defending Stanley Cup champions in this Game 1 playoff matchup. The Blues went 0-3 in their round-robin postseason games. They are 6-13 the past 19 times facing an above .500 opponent. Goalie Jordan Binnington, who was so instrumental in the Blues' capturing the Stanley Cup last season, isn't playing well with a 4.10 GAA and .895 save percentage during the round-robin competition. The Canucks have their confidence up after beating the Wild in four games during their qualifying series. They have played the Blues strong this season winning twice while losing once, which came in overtime.
08-11-20	Blue Jackets v. Lightning -164		2-3	Win	100	6 h 46 m	Show
Bad spot for the Blue Jackets and a monster revenge spot for Tampa Bay. That combination makes me lay this price with the Lightning. The Lightning were shockingly swept by the Blue Jackets last season after a dominant regular season. They will have tremendous motivation. The Blue Jackets took out the Maple Leafs in five games during their series. The finale of that series was Sunday. This is an early start time. So the turnaround is very short for Columbus. The Blue Jackets have struggled to score averaging just 2.1 goals per game during their last eight games. Tampa Bay is unlikely to have Victor Hedman, one of the better defensemen in the league. But the Lightning have the depth to overcome his loss. This is the Lightning's season as a Game 1 upset loss could send them into the type of tailspin they experienced last year in the Stanley Cup.
08-07-20	Oilers -128 v. Blackhawks		2-3	Loss	-128	15 h 56 m	Show
Credit to the Blackhawks for pulling out a victory on Wednesday to take a 2-1 series lead on the Oilers. But I'm still convinced the Oilers are the better team. So I'm behind them in this do-or-die spot. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who led the league in points, are too much for Chicago. Both have been hot in the postseason with Draisaitl producing six points and McDavid seven points. They've combined for eight goals. McDavid is the most dangerous offensive player in the NHL.
08-07-20	Islanders -123 v. Panthers		5-1	Win	100	8 h 29 m	Show
Now that the Panthers got their victory, Iook for the Islanders to close out this series with a victory today. New York is the better team. The Panthers nipped the Islanders, 3-2, on Wednesday because the Islanders made uncharacteristic mistakes and stupid plays. Expect a much cleaner effort from them as they thrive on discipline and defense. The Islanders had defeated the Panthers six straight times until that loss. The Panthers could be missing Jonathan Huberdeau, who is their leading scorer. He missed the last five minutes of Wednesday's game with an injury.
08-06-20	Capitals -113 v. Flyers		1-3	Loss	-113	7 h 24 m	Show
I'm expecting Washington star defenseman John Carlson to play after he missed Monday's loss to the Lightning. Carlson practiced on Wednesday. But even if Carlson is a no-go, I still like the Capitals in this spot. The Capitals were frustrated in a shootout loss to the Lightning. The Flyers are going to be rusty. They last played on Sunday when they defeated the Bruins, 4-1, in an underdog role. Flyers rookie goalie Carter Hart was outstanding in that win. However, the Flyers are going with 35-year-old Brian Elliott in net for this matchup. That's a break for the Capitals.
08-05-20	Oilers -135 v. Blackhawks		3-4	Loss	-135	16 h 36 m	Show
The class difference between these two teams is greater than the lay price in my view. Edmonton has too much offense for a mistake-prone Blackhawks defense. Connor McDavid is at the top of his game. There is no one better in the NHL. The Blackhawks caught the Oilers napping in the first period of Game 1 scoring four goals. Since then during the past five periods, the Oilers have outscored the Blackhawks, 9-5. Chicago has not done well in quick turnarounds going 9-25 the past 34 times when playing on one day rest.
08-05-20	Avalanche v. Stars +117		4-0	Loss	-100	12 h 37 m	Show
I expect a strong effort from the Stars after they blew a 3-1 lead to the Golden Knights on Monday in a 5-3 loss. The Stars got soft in the third period giving up four unanswered goals. The Stars have yet to lose to Colorado in four games this season. The Avalanche escaped with a 2-1 victory against the Blues in their first game since play was halted. I prefer Ben Bishop against any of Colorado's goalies.
08-04-20	Wild v. Canucks +104		3-4	Win	104	19 h 15 m	Show
The Canucks were unexpectedly shut out in Game 1 on Sunday, losing 3-0. Look for the Canucks to make the necessary adjustments and get their offense rolling. Minnesota's defense and goalie Alex Stalock played over their heads in that opening series victory. The Canucks go four lines deep. They had five players who produced 21 or more goals during the regular season. I expect a much better result from Vancouver down 0-1 in the series.
08-03-20	Blackhawks v. Oilers -125		3-6	Win	100	11 h 45 m	Show
I like Connor McDavid and the Oilers to get revenge after losing, 6-4, in the first game of the series this past Saturday. The Blackhawks hit the Oilers with a quick four-goal first period punch. The Oilers will be more prepared this time around. The Oilers are the superior team and have motivation. McDavid produced three points in the first game and is the best player on the ice. The Blackhawks are 8-24 when playing on one day's rest.
08-01-20	Jets +117 v. Flames		1-4	Loss	-100	12 h 57 m	Show
These two teams are extremely evenly-matched. But I like Winnipeg's firepower more and I give the Jets a big edge in net with goalie Connor Hellebuyck. He's played so well that he is in the Vezina Trophy discussion. Calgary's defense has taken a hit with Travis Hamonic opting out of the playoffs due to concerns about Coronavirus. The Flames have a recent history of flaming out in the playoffs. They have lost the past four times they've been favored in the postseason.
03-11-20	Senators +150 v. Kings		2-3	Loss	-100	16 h 58 m	Show
Kudos to the Kings, who have the fewest points in the Western Conference. Despite their lowly status, the Kings have put together a six-game win streak. Note, though, that three of those victories were by one goal with two of the victories coming in either overtime, or via a shootout. Now, for just the second time in their last 16 games, the Kings are favored. This is where I jump off the Kings' bandwagon. Ottawa hasn't been playing bad either with four wins in its last six games. The Senators are 7-3 the past 10 times against the Kings. Bottom line: Too much value on Ottawa to let this one pass.
03-09-20	Avalanche v. Kings +121		1-3	Win	121	11 h 58 m	Show
Not only are the Kings playing their best hockey - winners of five in a row - but they are in a tremendous situational spot. Colorado is playing for the fourth time in six days and at its seventh different venue in a row. The Avalanche are coming off a 4-3 victory against the Sharks on Sunday. So they will be playing without rest. This is third consecutive away matchup. After this game, the Avalanche head home for four games in Colorado. LA is 6-1-1 in its last eight home games with four victories during their past four home contests. Jonathan Quick is expected to be in net for the Kings. He has a .957 save percentage and 1.35 GAA in his last five games. Colorado either will go with overworked Pavel Francouz, or backup Michael Hutchinson, in goal. Note, too, the Kings have defeated Colorado in seven of their last 10 meetings.
03-06-20	Blackhawks v. Red Wings +145		1-2	Win	145	9 h 5 m	Show
The Red Wings are getting strong goalie work from Jonathan Bernier and have been idle since Monday. But this handicap is based far more on fading the Blackhawks. It's weird to see the Blackhawks this big of a favorite especially since they are playing without rest having edged the Oilers, 4-3, at home Thursday. The Red Wings nearly beat Chicago in the first meeting between the two teams this season. They led 2-0, but fell, 4-2. This gives the Red Wings revenge incentive and a rare realistic chance to win a home game for their long-suffering fans.
03-03-20	Sabres v. Jets -150		1-3	Win	100	6 h 56 m	Show
The Jets are 10-3 the past 13 times as a home favorite. I want them going for me returning home after being idle for two days and coming off a tough 3-2 loss to Edmonton on Saturday in which they outshot the Oilers, 41-22. Buffalo is a terrible road team as evidenced by its 14-46 away mark in its past 60 away games. The Sabres' offense is heavily reliant upon Jack Eichel and he's in a scoring slump without a point in his last four games.
02-29-20	Stars +124 v. Blues		3-4	Loss	-100	7 h 57 m	Show
I'll take a plus price with the Stars in revenge mode for a 5-1 home loss to the Blues on Feb. 21. Dallas is 10-4 the last 14 times as a road 'dog and 18-7 the past 25 times when facing an above .500 opponent. The Blues, by contrast, are 4-10 versus opponents with a winning mark.
02-28-20	Wild v. Blue Jackets -124	Top	5-0	Loss	-124	15 h 59 m	Show
These two teams just met on Tuesday in Minnesota. The Blue Jackets were playing for the eighth time in 13 days. The Wild edged them, 5-4. Now the fatigue situation is reversed. Columbus has been idle the past two days. Minnesota just played last night rolling past the Red Wings. This marks the Wild's third game in four days and fourth matchup in six days. The Wild's track record in these spots is very bad - 2-8 the past 10 times on zero rest and 2-11 the last 13 times when playing in a 3-in-4 situation. They also have a losing record on the road. This is a crucial home matchup for the Blue Jackets, who hold a narrow two-point lead over the Hurricanes and Rangers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
02-25-20	Panthers v. Coyotes -124		2-1	Loss	-124	4 h 17 m	Show
The Coyotes draw the Panthers at the end of their five-game, nine-day road trip. Arizona has been idle the past two days after posting an impressive home victory against Tampa Bay. The Coyotes are 10-1 the past 11 times on two days rest. The teams met last month and the Coyotes beat the Panthers, 5-2, in Florida. The Panthers are 0-5 the past five times they've been underdogs and are 1-5 during their last six visits to Arizona.
02-21-20	Predators -120 v. Blackhawks		1-2	Loss	-120	10 h 41 m	Show
The Blackhawks are fade material as they look to rebuild and deal with trade rumors as the trade deadline nears. Chicago is 1-7 in its last eight games. The Blackhawks have dropped their past three home games with the latest being, 6-3, to the Rangers two days ago. After this matchup, the Blackhawks face road games against the Stars, Blues and Lightning. So they know the playoffs are not going to be reached. The Predators should be pumped as defenseman Ryan Ellis could make his return to the lineup. He's been out with a head injury. Nashville is 5-2 in its last seven road games. The Predators can take advantage of a Blackhawks defense that is giving up an average of 4.3 goals in their last six games and last-ranked power play unit that has failed to score in its last six games spanning 17 chances.
02-20-20	Jets -118 v. Senators		5-1	Win	100	7 h 35 m	Show
The Jets got better and the Senators got worse with Winnipeg picking up defenseman Dylan DeMelo from Ottawa. The trade happened just two days ago. DeMelo is eager to make an impact against his old team and the timing is right. Winnipeg has been strong as a road favorite winning 23 of the last 34 times in that role. Ottawa is 4-11 in its last 15 home contests. The Senators have given up at least three goals in seven of their last eight games.
02-19-20	Coyotes v. Stars -155		2-3	Win	100	11 h 55 m	Show
You have to go back to 2012 to find the last time Arizona won in Dallas. The Coyotes are 1-9-1 in their past 11 games against the Stars, including losing 4-2 at home on Dec. 29. I don't see that pattern changing in this matchup. The Coyotes go to Dallas fat and happy riding a two-game winning streak with home victories against the Capitals and 2-1 over the Islanders this past Monday. The Stars are 6-1-2 this month, but coming off a 4-3 road loss to the Senators from Sunday. That was Dallas' fourth game in six days. The Stars are home now and have had two days to rest up following that defeat. Wednesday Free Play Rangers plus $1.17 at Blackhawks Face it Chicago it's not going to happen. The Blackhawks aren't going to make the playoffs. Not after going 1-6 in their last seven games. The Blackhawks return home for the first time in two weeks. They are 0-2 in their previous two home games. Chicago hosts the Predators after this matchup followed by road matchups against the Stars, Blues and Lightning. So deep down inside if they are being honest, the Blackhawks have to realize that their just completed 1-4 road swing just about destroyed their forlorn playoff hopes. The Rangers are in desperate need of a victory here, too, as they are outside the playoff picture. Unlike the Blackhawks, though, the Rangers have shown life winning four of their last five games. The lone loss came to the hot Bruins, 3-1, at home this past Sunday. This gives the Rangers amble time to regroup. New York has won its last five road games. The Rangers have been getting outstanding goalie play from Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev. Those two have made Henrik Lundqvist almost an afterthought. The Rangers are giving up just 1.8 goals in their last five games. Only once in their last 10 games have they surrendered more than three goals. The Blackhawks rank last in the NHL in power play percentage. They were 0-for-14 in their power play opportunities during their just conclued five-game road trip. Chicago is allowing an average of four goals per game during their last five contests.
02-17-20	Capitals +120 v. Golden Knights		2-3	Loss	-100	12 h 26 m	Show
It doesn't happen that often, but when it does you have to strongly consider Washington. The Capitals are a road 'dog to Las Vegas. Washington has won nine of the last 11 times (82 percent) it has been a 'dog. Las Vegas has been playing better, but the Capitals have had the Golden Knights' number winning six of the past seven meetings. Washington also is the top road team in the NHL. The Capitals are 19-7 in their last 26 road contests. Note this is a mid-afternoon Vegas time start. That favors the East Coast Capitals and is a negative for the West Coast Golden Knights, who usually play their home games at night.
02-09-20	Ducks v. Sabres -120		3-2	Loss	-120	10 h 27 m	Show
The spot sets up well for Buffalo and the price is fair. The Sabres are 15-9-4 at home. They draw the Ducks playing their fourth road game in six days. Anaheim exerted a lot of energy in coming from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime against the Maple Leafs two days ago before losing. The Ducks have lost 38 of their last 55 road contests. They have been on the road this entire month. The Ducks will return to Southern California following this game so both concentration and tired legs could be issues for them. Anaheim also is likely to be without key defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who suffered an arm injury against the Maple Leafs. The Sabres are not going to lack motivation. They have revenge for a 5-2 road loss to the Ducks from October and were embarrassed in their last home game losing to the lowly Red Wings. Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is back for Buffalo and Carter Hutton has been solid in net.
02-06-20	Canucks +113 v. Wild		2-4	Loss	-100	7 h 43 m	Show
I see value with the Canucks, who have won 7 of their last 10 games and are 10-1 during their past 11 Western Conference games. The Wild care a bit fat and happy after nipping the Blackhawks, 3-2 in overtime, two days ago. The Canucks are the more hungry team with losses in their last two games. Vancouver has beaten the Wild four of the last five times in Minnesota.
01-31-20	Golden Knights +122 v. Hurricanes		4-3	Win	122	4 h 58 m	Show
The Golden Knights have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NHL this season. I expect the Golden Knights, though, to make a move having made a coaching change to Peter DeBoer. Neither Las Vegas nor Carolina has played since All-Star break. Both have been idle for 10 days. That rustiness puts more of a random element into this matchup and is a plus for the underdog. The extra time also has given DeBoer more of a chance to implement his coaching and style into the Golden Knights,
01-30-20	Canadiens -115 v. Sabres		3-1	Win	100	8 h 22 m	Show
The Canadiens are expected to get back Brendan Gallagher, their second-leading scorer, from injury. The Sabres are minus their No. 1 goalie, Linus Ullmark. His likely replacement is Carter Hutton, who has allowed an average of 5.6 goals in his last three games. The Canadiens fell to the Capitals, 4-2, on Monday. Prior to that loss, though, Montreal had won of four of five. Montreal also has won its last two road games.
01-28-20	Blues +109 v. Flames		5-4	Win	109	10 h 29 m	Show
The Blues played Monday following the long All-Star break. St. Louis lost to Vancouver, 3-1. The Blues, though, fired 37 shots on net. They entered that matchup having scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 13 games. The Flames are home, but at a disadvantage. It has been 10 days since Calgary last played. The Flames are sure to be rusty while the Blues are not. St. Louis is 6-1, too, the last seven times when playing without rest. The Blues also have defeated the Flames in four of the last five games, including blanking them, 5-0, at home on Nov. 21 when the teams last met.
01-27-20	Maple Leafs +102 v. Predators		5-2	Win	102	9 h 43 m	Show
The Maple Leafs have a winning road record. They've won five of their last six away games and are expected to get back Auston Matthews, who is tied for second in the NHL in goals scored and gives Toronto a huge spark. Nashville is not a strong home ice team. The Predators have lost 11 of their past 16 home contests. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has a losing record in his last 20 appearances. He hasn't been in good form.
01-21-20	Penguins v. Flyers +121		0-3	Win	121	12 h 22 m	Show
I'm attracted to the Flyers whenever I see them as a home 'dog, which is the case here. Philadelphia is 16-4-4 at home this season. The Flyers are 7-2 during their past nine home contests and have strong incentive for an embarrassing, 7-1, road loss they suffered to the Penguins earlier this season. The Penguins are fat and happy after coming from three goals down to nip the Bruins, 4-3, at home this past Sunday.
01-21-20	Golden Knights v. Bruins -145		2-3	Win	100	12 h 55 m	Show
The Golden Knights haven't proven to be good underdogs losing 22 of the past 28 times in that role. They are in that role here traveling to Boston having lost five of their last six games. The Bruins have beaten Las Vegas in each of the last four meetings and should be highly motivated for this matchup after blowing a 3-0 road lead to the Penguins this past Sunday. The last time Boston blew a three-goal lead in a regulation game was 2011. There's a 50-50 chance the Golden Knights could be without their star goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury. He has to sit out a one-game suspension for bypassing the All-Star Game. Fleury will either sit out this game, or a game following the All-Star break. There's a huge drop from Fleury to the Golden Knights' backup goalie Malcolm Subban.
01-19-20	Jets +105 v. Blackhawks		2-5	Loss	-100	7 h 25 m	Show
Spot and history set up for Winnipeg here. The Jets have beaten the Blackhawks in six of the last seven meetings. They have won during their last three visits to Chicago. Winnipeg won't lack motivation after an embarassing 7-1 home loss to the Lightning two days ago. Chicago is fat and happy returning home after sweeping all three games during its Canadian road trip, including beating the Maple Leafs, 6-2, on Saturday. The Blackhawks carry a high fatigue rating as this marks their fourth game in six days.
01-18-20	Stars -114 v. Wild		0-7	Loss	-114	9 h 41 m	Show
Dallas is the superior team and in a good situational spot. That's enough to overcome laying small juice with the slightly favored Stars on the road. The Stars are 7-2 in their last nine games, but are off a surprising 4-1 home loss to the Sabres on Thursday. Dallas didn't waste any time brooding about that defeat immediately hopping a plan to come to Minneapolis where a focused effort should be forth coming. The Wild are off a 3-2 upset win against the Lightning from Thursday. Prior to that, the Wild had dropped six of seven. Dallas has won five of the last six in the series.
01-16-20	Canadiens +122 v. Flyers		4-1	Win	122	8 h 3 m	Show
Both teams were in action on Wednesday. The Canadiens were upset by the Blackhawks at home, while the Flyers stunned the Blues on the road winning in overtime. Philadelphia also defeated the Bruins in a shootout on Monday. So I see this as a good spot for the Canadiens. Montreal hasn't been playing well, but the Canadiens have a winning road mark. The Canadiens also have a huge goalie edge with Carey Price is expected to be in net after backup Charlie Lindgren played last night. The Flyers could be starting third-stringer Alex Lyon in goal. Starting goalie Carter Hart is out for the Flyers and backup Brian Elliott played last night. The Flyers also have two other key injuries with defenseman Shayne Gostibehere and forward Nolan Patrick both out.
01-13-20	Hurricanes v. Capitals -135	Top	0-2	Win	100	10 h 36 m	Show
Carolina takes to the road to play its first road game since Dec. 27. The Hurricanes are off a 5-2 homestand, winners of their last three games. But while the Hurricanes take to the highway fat and happy, the Capitals are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost two in a row. The Capitals were embarrassed, 5-1, by the Devils at home this past Saturday. Washington hasn't dropped three straight since Oct. 10. The Capitals are 27-12 (69 percent) during their last 39 games even with their losing skid. The Hurricanes dropped their past two away contests giving up a combined 13 goals in losses to the Rangers and Maple Leafs. Carolina also has lost 11 of the last 15 times when playing the Capitals on the road. Washington is expected to start Ilya Samsonsov in goal. I'm fine with that. Samonsov has been very solid going 12-2-1 with a .921 save percentage. Starting goalie Braden Holtby has just an .832 save percentage during his last six appearances.
01-09-20	Stars v. Ducks +125		3-0	Loss	-100	10 h 26 m	Show
Dallas is playing well and the Ducks are not. But I'm not buying the Stars as road chalk here. Dallas is 0-6 during its last six visits to Anaheim. The Stars also are 1-6 the past seven times they have been an away favorite. The Ducks are anxious to get back on the ice after suffering a frustrating 4-3 home loss to Columbus on Tuesday. Dallas, on the other hand, enters this matchup fat and happy having nipped the Kings, 2-1, on Wednesday night. The Stars are expected to have Ben Bishop in net. Bishop is an upper tier goalie, but he also could be rusty having last been in goal eight days ago.
01-05-20	Red Wings +180 v. Blackhawks		2-4	Loss	-100	8 h 8 m	Show
The Red Wings are the worst team in the NHL with just 23 points. But the Blackhawks shouldn't be laying such a high price. So I'm going to go with the value and take a shot on Detroit. The Blackhawks have lost five of their last seven home games. They just returned from a three-game road trip that concluded late Thursday against Vancouver. Blackhawks starting goalie, Robin Lehner, was injured in that game. So backup goalie Corey Crawford is likely to be in net.
01-04-20	Jets +122 v. Wild		2-3	Loss	-100	2 h 14 m	Show
Even though Minnesota is home, the wrong team is favored. The Wild are not a strong home club. The Jets are 12-7-1 on the road and have won nine of the last 13 times they were an away underdog. The Jets have dominated the Wild during the first two meetings this season outscoring them, 11-2. This includes a 6-0 victory two weeks ago.
12-20-19	Stars v. Panthers -118		4-7	Win	100	8 h 33 m	Show
Bad timing here for the Stars. The Panthers end their nine-game homestand after this matchup. Florida has been idle since Monday after crushing Ottawa, 6-1. The Panthers are 10-7-2 at home and draw the Stars having just upset Tampa Bay, 4-3, in overtime on the road last night. It's going to be extremely tough for the Stars to be up for this game with no rest. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has displayed his elite talent this month with a 1.69 GAA and .953 save percentage.
12-19-19	Canadiens v. Flames -133		4-3	Loss	-133	19 h 51 m	Show
I want Calgary at home in stop-the-pain mode after two consecutive home defeats. Montreal enters this matchup off a fortunate 3-1 road win against Vancouver. The Flames were sizzling before their last two games winning seven in a row. Calgary averaged four goals a game during its win streak. But the Flames have been held to one goal in their last two games by the Hurricanes and Penguins. Has Calgary's offense shut down? No. The Flames generated 43 scoring chances during those two losses. They looked great in the first period against the Penguins on Tuesday, but then got complacent. The 4-1 loss to the Penguins is misleading because Pittsburgh scored a pair of empy net goals.
12-14-19	Bruins -116 v. Panthers	Top	4-2	Win	100	15 h 17 m	Show
It's not just being in stop-the-pain mode for the Bruins, who have lost five in a row for their worst skid in four years. But also revenge motivation. The Panthers bested Boston, 5-4 in a shootout, during their earlier meeting this season on Nov. 12. The Bruins blew a 4-0 lead in that game. Note that the Bruins' last two defeats occurred by one goal each to Tampa Bay and Washington. Now Boston is stepping way down in class. The Bruins have 11 more points than the Panthers do in the standings. The price is low enough to back the superior team, which is Boston.

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