East Beast - Rickenbach NHL Game #71 Wednesday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders outshot the Hurricanes 27-18 in Sunday's Game 2 loss and are now down 2 games to none in this series. After that tough loss, New York is going to respond strongly here and take advantage of a Canes team that is dealing with mounting injury issues. The injury list includes goalie Petr Mrazek being listed as out for this game. Curtis McElhinney is expected to get the start here between the pipes and this will be his first start since early April. Of course this gives an edge the Islanders. Additionally, the road team went 7-2 in Isles games in the month of April! Carolina has been strong on home ice but I don't see the hungry and desperate Islanders being denied here after a pair of tight home losses. 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Just like yesterday's play with the Blues over the Stars, I like to look for situations where I have the better team, in a favorable spot, and I can get them at plus money. This one checks the boxes on all 3 of those factors. Though there may not be a huge difference between these teams there is no argument really that the Bruins are the better team. The odds makers are telling you that. In Game 1 of this series Boston went off the board priced as high as a -150 favorite on home ice. Now, in Game 3, the Blue Jackets get their shot on home ice and they are priced as low as a -115 favorite. As for the favorable spot, Columbus won Game 2 so the Bruins are highly motivated to bounce back here and return the favor by getting a win on enemy ice in Game 3. As for the plus money price, Boston is available at +105 in some books as of early Tuesday morning. Again, this one checks the box on all 3 variables I like to look for when seeking value in betting. Since mid-March the Bruins are 6-2 when coming off a loss. Also, Boston is 13-6 on the season when playing with two days of rest between games and also 12-3 in Tuesday games. The Blue Jackets have been strong this April but the prior two Aprils lost 14 of 19 (DOWN $9,300 at a dime per game). Road teams were strong in the first round playoff action in the NHL and it has continued in the 2nd round with the road teams going 6-3 so far in the first 9 games. Look for that trend to continue here. 10* BOSTON

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - I like to look for situations where I have the better team, in a favorable spot, and I can get them at plus money. This one checks the boxes on all 3 of those factors. Though there may not be a huge difference between these teams there is no argument really that the Blues are the better team. The odds makers are telling you that. In Game 1 of this series St Louis went off the board priced as high as a -160 favorite on home ice. Now, in Game 3, the Stars get their shot on home ice and they are priced as low as a -115 favorite. As for the favorable spot, Dallas won Game 2 so the Blues are highly motivated to bounce back here and return the favor by getting a win on enemy ice in Game 3. As for the plus money price, St Louis is available at +105 in some books as of early Monday morning. Again, this one checks the box on all 3 variables I like to look for when seeking value in betting. Since mid-March the Blues are 5-1 when coming off a loss. Also, St Louis is 18-9 on the season when off a game in which the Blues allowed 4 or more goals. The Stars have lost 42 of 70 (DOWN $23,200 at a dime per game) when Dallas is off game which they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. Road teams were strong in the first round playoff action in the NHL and it has continued in the 2nd round with the road teams going 5-3 so far in the first 8 games. Look for that trend to continue here. 10* ST LOUIS

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Sunday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 7:35 ET - In general, rest is a good thing. However, when it is too much rest it can lead to rust and that was the case with the Avalanche in Game 1 of this series. Colorado was up 2-1 and had a chance to really take over the game with a Sharks double minor penalty leading to a 4 minute power play. When the Avs failed to score on that the entire complexion of the game changed as San Jose really raised their level of play while Colorado, still a little rusty from the layoff, failed to do so. As a result, the Sharks scored the final 4 goals of the game and the history of struggles for the Avalanche in games played at San Jose continued. With full consideration to all of the above, the fact is that it was no fluke that Colorado won 4 straight games against a great Calgary team in the first round. While San Jose was impressive in managing a huge comeback in their first round series with the Golden Knights, the fact is that Vegas was not nearly the team this season that they were last season. The point being that I was much more impressed with the Avs series win over a Flames team that finished the regular season with the best record in the West. The Avalanche really elevated their level of play after dropping Game 1 of their opening round series with Calgary and they'll do the same thing here against San Jose. Grab the solid underdog money line value here. 10* COLORADO 

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Sunday 7* New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 3:05 ET - I don't see the Islanders going down 2-0 in this series on home ice. After losing a tight one in OT 1-0 on Friday, look for a bounce back from the Isles on Sunday. The Hurricanes are a long-term 5-14 in road games with a posted total of 5 or less goals. Carolina is also 4-8 after a shutout win and also 9-17 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Islanders are on a 14-2 run in April games and also 8-2 in Sunday games this season. The Isles are also 13-6 this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Head coach Barry Trotz (led Capitals to Stanley Cup last season) will have his troops ready to respond here on Sunday. 7* NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 3:05 ET - The Stars limited the Blues to just 20 shots on goal in Game 1 but lost a tight game 3-2. Look for Dallas to bounce back strong here. Keep in mind, the Stars had won 6 of their 7 prior games against the Blues and that includes each of their 2 prior visits to St Louis. Overall, the road team had taken 3 of the last 4 games between these teams before that Game 1 home ice win for the Blues. In the last 5 meetings between these games, St Louis has scored a total of only 7 non-power play goals. Conversely, the Stars have scored a total of 12 non-power play goals in the last 5 games between these hockey clubs. Despite the Game 1 result, I still feel that Dallas has the advantage in 5 on 5 hockey and I still prefer having the veteran Ben Bishop in goal on my side over the rookie Jordan Binnington for the Blues. St Louis has lost 12 of 20 when they enter a game having stayed under the total in 3 straight games. The Stars have won 7 of 10 games when in a road game with a posted total of 5 or less goals. Look for another tight low-scoring game here with the road team again having the edge in shots on goal but this time it properly translates to a road dog win. 10* DALLAS

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Friday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 10:05 ET - The Avalanche have a lot of speed and their top line of Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Landeskog is going to give the Sharks trouble. This is particularly true with the Sharks coming off their emotional and physically grueling hard-fought series win over the Golden Knights. Keep in mind, Vegas has become a big rival for San Jose and I would not be surprised to see the Sharks a little flat or listless here after working so hard to get past the Knights. That Game 7 win featured San Jose coming all the way back from a 3-0 third period deficit and also featured overtime. That said, I like the underdog Avalanche in Game 1 as the Sharks are likely to still be "spent" from their first round series. Additionally, Pavelski (San Jose captain) is unlikely to play tonight while Colorado could have both Brassard and Girard available for this one. The Sharks are at home, have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these teams, and yet are priced very low in Game 1. Do you think the odds makers do NOT know what they're doing? Of course they know! Don't be fooled by the low line here as the play is to go contrarian and take the small road dog and that is precisely what I am doing in this one. 10* COLORADO

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Friday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders are a great team and have been fantastic under head coach Barry Trotz. Of course it was Trotz that led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Championship last season before coming to the Islanders. That said, as strong as New York truly is, they are going to be rusty in this opening game. Practice is one thing but live game action is another and the Isles haven't played since wrapping up their sweep of the Penguins all the way back on the 16th! That is why, even though the Hurricanes are off an emotional upset win over the Capitals Wednesday, they are arguably better positioned for this opener than the Islanders are. Look for Carolina to be the crisper team and get the upset in Game 1. The Hurricanes are 12-6 (+$8,900) in 2nd round playoff games so they have some history on their side. Conversely the Islanders lost their most recent 2nd round playoff series in 5 games. Also, the Isles lost 5 of 7 games this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games and this one in particular is a VERY lengthy layoff! 8* CAROLINA

Total of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The over is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between these teams. Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky played very well in the first round series versus the Lightning but he does have a sub-par playoff history. Additionally, he could be rusty here after the long layoff between games because Columbus swept Tampa Bay in the first round. The Blue Jackets haven't played in over a week while the Bruins just wrapped up their series with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. I look for Boston to be on the attack early and often in this one as they try to catch Columbus and their rust factor early in the game. Keep in mind Bobrovsky has won just 3 of his 11 career decisions against the Bruins and has an ugly 3.90 GAA against them. The good news for Columbus fans tonight is, even though the Jackets are likely to struggle to stop the Bruins I do see the Blue Jackets scoring well in this one. The moves they made late in the season prior to the trade deadline have strengthened this team. Columbus has been red hot and has won 11 of their last 12 games thanks to production on offense that has seen the Blue Jackets score an average of 4.5 goals per game in these dozen games. More of the same expected here and this total is a bargain at 5.5 goals. Once the Jackets shake the rust off their speed is going to give the Bruins some trouble but look for Boston to get the early jump in this game with some early goals. By the 3rd period I expect this to be a 3-3 game which locks in our play as a win. The Bruins have scored 4 or more goals in 4 of their last 6 games. The over is 12-4 (including 5-0 this season) when Columbus enters a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Wednesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - As long-time followers know, I am a contrarian. In this series the home team has won all 6 games. So who do I have in Game 7? The road team of course! But it is certainly not without good reason. The Hurricanes, arguably (but many hockey experts would agree), have outplayed the Capitals in this series. Carolina has been physical and has seen their star players step up as this series has gone on. It is so hard to repeat as champions in the NHL and that is the uphill battle that Washington is in as they're simply trying to get out of the first round and I feel they won't make it. Very few series in playoff history go 7 games and see the home team win all 7 games. Amazingly this one has gone 6 with home ice prevailing every time. That streak ends tonight. The Hurricanes have stolen the momentum in this series by winning 3 of the last 4 games. The Canes also have won 21 of 32 games this season when off a game which they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. Overall, the Capitals have won just 10 of their last 19 games. Included in that stretch was winning just 3 of their last 6 home games in the regular season. The Hurricanes have outshot Washington 192 to 153 in this series and that includes outshooting them in 2 of the 3 games played in DC. More of the same tonight but this time it translates to a victory for the road team. 10* CAROLINA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Tuesday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Why would this year be any different? The Bruins have had the Maple Leafs number in recent playoff meetings but this Toronto team is stronger than those while Boston is actually a step down from those teams. Additionally, the home team went 5-2 in last spring's post-season series but this season these teams enter Game 7 with the road team having won 3 straight games in this series and also 5 of the last 7 meetings overall! Home ice has not been a positive of late and I like the value with the Leafs as a sizable dog here. The Bruins are just 1-4 when tied in a playoff series. The Maple Leafs are 21-10 this season after allowing 4 or more goals. 10* TORONTO

Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #90 Monday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - This is one series where home ice has actually mattered. The home team has won all 5 games and I don't expect that streak to end tonight. Carolina is off an embarrassing 6-0 loss at Washington in Saturday's Game 5 and they're ready to respond here. The Hurricanes are 9-1 this season in home games with posted total of 5.5 goals. Also, the Capitals have lost 5 of their last 9 road games. The Canes have won 18 of their last 24 home games. Included in that stretch for Carolina is 4 straight wins on home ice by a combined score of 17-4. Look for a big response here after the embarrassing Game 5 loss. Note that the Hurricanes did actually outshoot the Caps in that game but were done in by Washington going 3 for 4 on the power play. The Canes have outshot the Capitals by an average margin of 5.6 shots on goal per game in this series. The special teams problems for the Hurricanes Saturday are unlikely to be repeated here as they have held opponents to just 2 for 15 on the power play in their last 6 home games. Look for the home team to make it 6 in a row in this series. There are some injury issues for each side but one could argue the TJ Oshie injury for the Capitals is the biggest one. 10* CAROLINA

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #83 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 7 ET - Great line value here as the Sharks are back in business with the 5-2 win in Game 5. With just one upset win (here on the road in Vegas), the Sharks can send this series to a Game 7 where San Jose would also have the benefit of home ice. That said, there is  a lot of pressure on Marc Andre Fleury and the Golden Knights to bounce back and close this series on home ice. Vegas certainly doesn't want to even think about having to play Game 7 on the road at San Jose but that is what will happen should they fall short today. The point being the pressure is not just on the team facing elimination here. The Golden Knights also know (and feel) what it as stake here. San Jose did drop the two games in this series played at Vegas but they wrapped up the regular season 10-5 in their last 15 road games. The Golden Knights, after the loss in Game 5, have now lost 9 of their last 13 games. Also, goalie Martin Jones got his confidence back with his performance Thursday and the Sharks also have some added confidence after handing Fleury his second sub-par performance in the 5 games in this series. Look for 3rd one here and grab the huge value available with this big dog. 10* SAN JOSE

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Sunday 8* Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 3:05 ET - No team has won back to back games in this series. Also, the road team has won 3 of the 5 games so home ice certainly hasn't proven to be a big edge. I look for the Bruins to get the win at an underdog price here and even this series up. Boston has outshot Toronto in 4 of the 5 games. The Bruins are a long-term 27-14 (including 9-2 this season) when they enter a match-up off a game in which they were held to one goal or less. The Maple Leafs are a long-term 8-17 ATS including 0-3 ATS in recent seasons when they are leading in a playoff series. Taking a look at the 10 games between these teams the Maple Leafs have not won back to back games a single time. I don't expect that to change here either as the Bruins are fighting for their playoff live and won't be denied here. 8* BOSTON

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Saturday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - A home team has won only one game out of the 5 games so far in this series and that was the most recent one which featured an amazing comeback from the Blues. Down 2-0 from the first period on St Louis managed to scored 3 third period goals (including one with just 15 seconds left) to steal Game 5. Look for the Jets to respond huge in Game 6. Winnipeg is very confident playing at St Louis and they really got to Blues rookie goal Binnington in Game 3 action here. Winnipeg has won 6 of the last 10 meetings and the only 4 wins for St Louis each have come by a single goal margin. As for the Jets, their 6 wins have come by an average victory margin of 3 goals per victory which of course shows a huge difference in terms of which team has shown the ability to dominate for longer stretches in meetings between these teams! St Louis has only 3 goals in the past 3 games that have come in 5 on 5 hockey. The Jets 10 goals the last 3 games have only included 1 goal that came on the power play. The point is that, without the man advantage, the Jets have been the much more dangerous team in terms of goal-scoring ability and I look for that to key a road win to send this series back north of the border for a massive Game 7. Grab the road dog at a great price! 10* WINNIPEG

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #77 Saturday 8* Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 3:05 ET - The Stars are off a 5-1 home win and now the series returns to Nashville where the Predators got the best of Dallas in Game 2. However, prior to that defeat, the Stars had won 8 of their last 10 road games. In other words, we're getting great line value here because this series (just as in many of the other first round series) has proven to show that home ice is not a key factor. The Predators have won just half their games on home ice since Christmas! Nashville has scored only 2 power play goals in their last 15 games! The Stars scored more than that in just the last game alone. In fact, Dallas is a red hot 13 of 40 on the power play in their last 11 games! Special teams can play a key role in tight low-scoring games and that is the type of match-up expected here on Saturday in this key Game 5 with the series knotted at 2 games apiece. Long-term the Predators have lost 15 of 23 games when knotted up in a playoff series and one could argue the pressure is all on Nashville here as they are at home and off an ugly Game 4 loss and losing on home ice would put them in a tough spot heading to Dallas for Game 6. I look for the Stars surge to continue here. 8* DALLAS

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - Game 4 of this series went over the total but the 3 prior games all stayed under the total. From that standpoint many will be looking to the under in this Game 5 match-up but, in typical contrarian fashion, I like the over here. The power play for both teams is a key here. The Maple Leafs are coming to life now with the man advantage as they are 3 for 6 in the past two games. The Bruins power play has been a beast throughout this series as they have scored on 5 of 11 opportunities. Each of the last two games have seen 3 power play goals scored so we're seeing the scoring pick up. I also like the fact that there is so much scoring talent for both these clubs and that was evident in Game 4 when the Bruins got some guys going that needed to get on the scoring sheet but, at the same time, the Maple Leafs answered on more than one occasion. First time Toronto game back from down 2-0 to tie it up. Then again, when it looked like they were dead down 5-2, the Leafs rallied to make it a 5-4 game. Look for another wild one in Game 5 and I like the fact that plus money odds are current available on the over 6 in this one. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Thursday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - It is so hard to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. Now of course I know Washington is a long way off from that as this is only the first round of this post-season but that is noteworthy for a couple reasons. The strong hunger that you saw from Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals last spring is simply not there this spring. After finally reaching the ultimate prize you certainly want to do it again but it is just the same. This is especially true when you lost your head coach to a division rival. The Islanders now have coach Barry Trotz and he just led them to a sweep of the Penguins and the Isles, of course, are loaded with players very hungry to taste post-season success. So the key point being, the Capitals are not the same team they once were and the Hurricanes are ready to even this series up. Keep in mind the only game Washington outshot the Canes was Game 2 but that was by a very slim margin and the Capitals managed to get an OT win. In the other two games the Caps have been outshot 74 to 36. You read that right, the Hurricanes had more than DOUBLE the amount of shots that Washington had in those 2 games. The point is that the Capitals are fortunate to even be up in this series. After Thursday's game, they won't! Look for the home team to improve to 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. 10* CAROLINA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs got the best of the Bruins in Game 3 in a very tight battle. However, entering that game Boston had taken 5 of the last 7 meetings. It has been awhile since Toronto has won 2 straight in this rivalry match-up and it is not something that happens frequently. I look for the Bruins to get back on track with a determined effort on the road as they know falling into a 3-1 series hole would be very tough to come back from. Keep in mind, the Maple Leafs have not been a great team on home ice. Toronto actually was better this season on the road than at home. Prior to the win in Game 3, the Leafs had lost 5 of their last 7 games on home ice. The Bruins, prior to their loss in Game 3, had won 5 of their last 7 games on enemy ice. Long-term, when trailing in a playoff series the Bruins are 26-18 while the Maple Leafs, when leading in a playoff series, are a poor 8-16. When Boston enters a game against Toronto playing with revenge from losing to the Leafs in their prior meeting, the Bruins have won 5 of the last 6 times. I look for that trend to continue here as the Bruins top line is bound and determined to have a huge game after, for the most part, being held in check so far in this series. 10* BOSTON

Contrarian Crusher Total - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - Time is running out on the Penguins and, facts are facts, the Islanders tough defensive-minded play has completely smothered and frustrated Pittsburgh. That said, desperate times bring desperate measures and I fully expect the Pens to be very aggressive Tuesday even at the expense of allowing odd man rushes going the other way. Pittsburgh has scored just 1 goal in each of the last two games. Their best chance at winning game was the first one when they scored 3 goals but lost in OT at New York. The point is, the Penguins know their best chance is to force the pace here. They need a better pace, they need open ice, and down 3-0 in this series they're absolutely willing to take a lot of risk to turn the tables on this series. The Islanders have scored an average of 3.4 goals per game their last 8 games. The Penguins are not the offensive juggernauts they once were but they still averaged 3.3 goals per game this season and they'll respond after being held to just 1 goal on home ice in Game 3. It is win or hit the golf course time for the Pens and the desperation of the situation is going to lead to a high-scoring game tonight as the Penguins pull out all the stops in this one and throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Islanders in the offensive zone! I will gladly take advantage of the total being 5.5 plus being available at solid plus money. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Contrarian Crusher Side - Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Tuesday 8* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - This is a great home dog opportunity. I know the Lightning now get Nikita Kucherov back but they still are likely to be without Victor Hedman plus Anton Stralman is still dealing with a lower body injury. Also, Alex Killorn is listed as questionable for this game. The Bolts are banged up both physically and mentally and now they're still laying a sizable price here on the road. You know the Blue Jackets badly want to end this now and avoid going back to Tampa Bay. They want to win this on home ice. Also, lets not kid ourselves, the Lightning are a very strong team and highly motivated here after dropping each of the first three games. However, are there not some match-up issues here? Note that since Tampa jumped out 3-0 in the first period of Game 1, Columbus has outscored the Lightning by a count of 12 to 2. In other words, the Jackets haven't just been winning the battles, they've been dominating! When the Blue Jackets enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games, they've won 34 of 47 games! No one wants to believe it will happen but John Tortorella has his team coming together fully at the perfect time and they finish off the Bolts tonight. 8* COLUMBUS

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #30 Monday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 7 ET - I am well aware of the possible suspension of Nazem Kadri for this game and that it would have some impact on the Maple Leafs. However, Game 2 was very physical and the Bruins actually ended up taking the worst of it and have a couple guys banged up for this game. Also, the Maple Leafs have won 7 of the last 9 meetings with the Bruins in Toronto. I fully expect a strong Leafs response here as Boston surprised them early on with their physical response in Game 2. Though the Maple Leafs ultimately fell short it had a lot to do with digging themselves into an early large deficit. I don't expect that to happen again here and I expect Toronto to carry momentum from having weathered the storm as the game went on. The Leafs will be ready to respond here on home ice and are still feeling confident courtesy of getting one win down in Boston. Keep in mind, the Bruins won each of the first two games on home ice in last spring's playoff series with Toronto. However, after that, Boston never again was able to win two straight. Coming off a win in Game 2, look for that trend to continue here as the Bruins fall short in Game 3. Boston is very focused on playing a physical game and they have a strong top line too. But I like the skating ability of the Leafs and expect them to again use that to their advantage here like they did in the Game 1 victory. Long-term Boston has lost 101 of 175 road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Maple Leafs have won 19 of 29 games this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* TORONTO

Contrarian Crusher (Best in the West) - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Sunday 8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 7:35 ET - There is simply a ton of value here on the Jets. Yes Jordan Binnington has been the better goalie thus far compared to Connor Hellebuyck. However, that doesn't mean the latter won't respond here and, keep in mind, Winnipeg led most of Game 1 but then lost on a goal with about two minutes to go in the game. In Game 2, it was a tight game throughout and entered the 3rd period tied at 3. Once again, St Louis got the deciding goal in the 3rd period. Additionally, in terms of special teams play, the Jets are 2 for 4 on the power play in this series while the Blues are 0 for 7. So you can truly see how mis-priced this line is when you consider how tight this series has been as well as the fact that the Jets are going to go extremely hard in this game as they are desperate to avoid the dreaded 0-3 hole. Winnipeg has deserved better than to be an 0-2 hole at this point and the Jets will play like it here and finally get what they deserve, a win to get back into this series. 8* WINNIPEG

Contrarian Crusher (Beast in East) - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Sunday 7* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Coming into the post-season everyone talked about the domination the Lightning had over the Blue Jackets in the regular season. However, it was based on the scoreboard results. Upon further review, Columbus actually led Tampa Bay by a wide margin in shots on goal cumulatively for the regular season. Now some of that edge was due to playing from behind and having to get shots on goals while the Bolts backed off. However, it wasn't the pure domination it looked like. The reason I bring that up here is because the same thing holds true in this playoff series. Yes, the Blue Jackets are up 2-0 and the Lightning are in one helluva predicament (also, Nikita Kucherov suspended for this game) but note that the shots on goal in this series are dead even so far. If any team can come back from an 0-2 hole on home ice it is the team that was the regular season's best. Tampa Bay also is offering great line value here because they are on the road and they are without Kucherov. Also, lets not forget the Blue Jackets had a 2-0 lead on the Capitals last season and then lost 4 straight games! 7* TAMPA BAY

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars @ 6:05 ET - I have a tremendous amount of respect for each of these goalies and am also well aware of the fact that both of these teams are known as defensive-minded hockey clubs. However, there were 61 shots on goal in their game on Wednesday. Also, there were 86 shots on goal in their final regular season match-up. That game totaled 8 goals. I also like the fact that the Predators lost Game 1 as I feel they're now going to be even more aggressive in Game 2 and they don't want to let the defensive-minded Stars dictate the flow of Game 2. Dallas has averaged 3 goals per game in their last 6 games against the Preds. That said, I also expect the Predators to match the Stars goal for goal in this one and even just getting to a 2-2 game means we can't lose this play as we would do no worse than a push. Stars April games are 8-3-1 to the over their last 12. Also, the last 7 times they've played a road game with a total of 5 or less goals only 1 of the 7 has resulted in an under! The Predators respond here and get more high-quality scoring chances in Game 2 but I see this game going to the wire as the Stars continue their strong play and I feel we're looking at a 4-3 type game here. 10* OVER the total in Nashville

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Saturday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 3:05 ET - So far the home teams have only won 5 of the 12 games played so far in this post-season. Home ice always gets a lot of extra shading in the line and yet, year after year, especially in these first round series, it proves to be not so critical to the outcome. One of those 5 home wins that did show up was the Capitals knocking off the Hurricanes in the opener of this series. However, the Hurricanes outshot the Caps 29-18 in that game. Washington got a pair of power play goals plus jumped out to a 3-0 lead but Carolina didn't play nearly as badly as the 4-2 final score might lead you to believe. That said, I feel we're getting great line value here with the hungry Canes looking to even up this series with a big win in Game 2. Washington has lost 21 of 39 (-$8,400) this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Hurricanes had won 30 of their last 44 games prior to that loss and bounce back strong here. 8* CAROLINA

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - Had the Islanders lost Game One we might see Game Two play out much differently. However, New York managed to prevail in overtime and that means the Penguins are going to be very hungry to continue to force their style of game. Keep in mind, in Game One, the Pens had over 40 shots on goal. That is a very strong showing against an Islanders team that prefers to play low-scoring games. With Pittsburgh looking to even up this series, look for an even stronger push in Game Two and that means a good pace again for an over. The Penguins Matt Murray will give up his fair share again here between the pipes but I look for Pittsburgh to also be relentless in the offensive zone. The Islanders also were quite aggressive and looked like the faster team at many times throughout Wednesday's game and having already had success against Murray their confidence level is very high. The Isles continue to have success with quick outlet passes and creating great looks for their scorers on odd man rushes. 3 of the last 5 meetings between these teams have totaled 7 or more goals and we need just 6 to give us a winning ticket here. The over is a long-term 32-20 in Islanders home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. In Pittsburgh's last 12 first round playoff games only 3 of the 12 (25%) have resulted in an under. 10* OVER the total in New York Islanders

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Friday 8* Tampa Bay Lightning Puck Line -1.5 goals (+) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - To get the best team in the league at plus money in a bounce back game on home ice is something I won't pass up on. While it is true that the Bolts have to win this game by at least 2 goals for us to cash our ticket it is also true that a blowout is likely here. The Lightning were up 3-0 on the Blue Jackets after one period Wednesday. Early in the 2nd period they had two chances within the first minute to make it a 4-0 game. However, Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got a big stop on a 2 on 0 breakaway and then he got some puck luck as a shot rang off the post. The score remained 3-0 and the Blue Jackets still had life. They took advantage and rallied for the win. Now, down 1-0 in this series on home ice, Tampa Bay will be absolutely relentless tonight and I do not see them being denied. That said, note that of the 13 losses the Blue Jackets have had since February 1st, 11 have come by a margin of 2 or more goals. Of the 13 wins that the Lightning have since March 1st, 9 have come by a victory margin of 2 or more goals. This one will too. 8* TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING Puck Line

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7 ET - Playoff hockey tends to lead to lower scoring games but, while this total may look too big at 6, don't let the number scare you. I am going contrarian and going with the over here but it is not without plenty of good reason. First off, this is a playoff rematch and last spring's series went the full 7 games with only 2 of those games finishing with less than 6 goals. Long-term, including this season's 4 games, only 3 of the last 12 games between these teams has finished with a total less than 6 goals. Both teams penalty killers allow 20% conversion rate on opponents power plays. Plus the Maple Leafs are converting 21% of their power plays this season while the Bruins are converting a lethal 26% of their power play opportunities. These teams have very strong top lines and, of course, the top lines get plenty of time on the ice come playoff time. The weakness for the Maple Leafs would be in the defensive zone and that is why they allowed more than 300 more shots on goal this season than the Bruins. So I look for Boston to score plenty here but I expect the high-powered Maple Leafs to answer them goal for goal and each team gets to 3 goals here which then would guarantee we're holding a wining ticket. The Maple Leafs have allowed at least 3 goals in 6 of their last 7 games. The Bruins have allowed at least 3 goals in 6 of their last 8 games. Toronto is 18-9-1 to the over in divisional games this season. The Bruins are 4-2 to the over this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Fresh legs here and plenty of offensive firepower for both teams and they're also each healthier than they've been in some time! 10* OVER the total in Boston

Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #6 Wednesday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues finished the season as the hottest team in the NHL over the last 3 months. The Jets finished the season with some struggles. However, all that has done for us here is lead to some great line value. Keep in mind, Winnipeg is laying just -115 here on home ice and a lot of has to do with the current betting market appeal of these two teams. This is great line value on a Jets team whose blue line is suddenly healthy again. They just got Dustin Byfuglien back at the end of March and now Josh Morrisey is back for tonight's game after being out for an extended stretch. Additionally I like the playoff experience that the Jets have as they are still ultra hungry from being knocked out of the playoffs by Vegas last year as Winnipeg truly was (and still is) considered a viable Cup contender. I know the Blues are hot and have a hot goalie but playoff time can be a different animal entirely and St Louis goalie Jordan Binnington is getting his first taste of that. The Blues lost 12 of 21 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Jets have won 42 of 65 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals the past three seasons. Also, Winnipeg has won 28 of 42 April games long-term and the Jets have won 15 of 19 April games the past 2+ seasons. I am grabbing the hungry and undervalued home team at a great price here. 10* WINNIPEG

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 8* Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - This is a payback series for the Penguins. That doesn't mean they're necessarily going to win the series and get their revenge. But I do expect their hunger and motivation to lead to a Game 1 win and the price is right since they are on the road. The Islanders are coached by Barry Trotz and, of course, he led the Washington Capitals to the Stanley Cup Championship last year. Along the way his Capitals eliminated Pittsburgh from the post-season. The Islanders are the stingiest team in the NHL in terms of goals allowed but the Penguins have plenty of star power and those stars raise the level of their game come playoff time. The Islanders have lost 5 of 6 games this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Pittsburgh, long-term, has won 19 of 25 games when playing with 3 or more days of rest. The Penguins also have won 8 of their last 11 first round playoff games. 8* PITTSBURGH

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #38 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - Yes the Flyers have struggled since being eliminated from post-season contention but, at the end of the day, these are still professional players whom still play for pride especially when the situation is right. Here they are on home ice and off one of their most embarrassing games of the season and are looking to finish the season on a positive note. They catch a Hurricanes team that has defeated them in all meetings this season and that is going to the post-season. Yes the Canes still have some motivation here because they can improve their playoff positioning. However, don't be surprised when the Flyers play one of their best games of the season for their home fans and wrap up the season a positive note. The home dog, behind a strong start from rookie goalie Carter Hart, finish the season the right way after pure embarrassment at St Louis in their most recent game. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play after last night's Blue Jackets game very nearly ended 2-1. The Rangers scored a late goal to force overtime and then Columbus prevailed 3-2 in the shootout. The fact is that the Blue Jackets did generate 41 shots on goal last night but New York got great goaltending. Now, off that clinching win, don't be surprised if there is a bit of a letdown here for Columbus and plus they'll either be starting Korpisalo (hasn't started in two weeks) or Bobrovsky (2nd night of a back to back). Neither situation is ideal. As for the Senators, their defense and goaltending has been inconsistent at best and we should see plenty of goals in their season finale. Ottawa is off a 5-2 loss but had scored 4 or more goals in 6 of their prior 10. The Senators have allowed 5 or more goals in 5 of their last 9 games! The over is 13-7 in Blue Jackets April games. The Senators have had just 18 unders in their last 48 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. In other words, this total is a big one with good reason. Don't be fooled here. Go contrarian. 10* OVER the total in Ottawa

Total of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Each of the last 4 meetings between these teams have gone over the total. Those games have averaged a total of 9 goals per game! The Blue Jackets enter this game with a chance to clinch a post-season berth with a win. Columbus will be very aggressive in this game as they're coming off a 6-2 loss to Boston Tuesday. That Blue Jackets defeat was preceded by a 5-game winning streak that saw Columbus score an average of 4.8 goals per game! The Rangers enter this game having allowed 4 or more goals in 7 of their last 11 games. New York is off back to back losses but, prior to that, the Rangers had won a pair of games as part of a 3-game stretch where they scored at least 3 goals in each game. With this being their final home game, and with the announcement that team president Glen Sather is stepping down (will be in an advisory role in future) the Rangers are going to go all out here. I expect them to get to 3 goals but, as you can see by the 2 to 1 odds on the Blue Jackets, the road team fully expected to prevail here. As a result, at a minimum, I expect a 4-3 game here. The reality is, as noted above, the last 4 meetings have averaged 9 goals per game and getting to that total would not surprise me here. The Blue Jackets made a bunch of moves before the trade line and now all their new acquisitions are starting to "click" and that is why we've seen the uptick in production on offense. The over is 12-3-1 in the 16 meetings between these teams with the Rangers as a host. Columbus is 13-6-1 to the over in April games. The Rangers are 15-8-2 to the over after a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals in their prior game. 10* OVER the total in New York Rangers

Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #10 Thursday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (+) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This is one of those contrarian situations that leads to superb line value. We are getting Florida at home and not having to lay any juice and it is because the Islanders are the team that "needs to win" while the Panthers will soon be on the golf course rather than battling in playoff hockey. The point is that this often leads to false market perception and this is another case of that. The team that "needs to win" often is pressing a little bit harder while the other team is playing loose and relaxed and often becomes truly a "dangerous dog" as a result. That is precisely the case we have here with the Panthers. Note that Florida has won 3 straight games and the victories have included wins over two of the top teams in the East - the Bruins and Capitals! Overall, the Panthers continue to be tough on home ice as they have won 4 of their last 5 games as a host. The Islanders come into this game off a loss and they have lost 8 of their last 14 road games. I am aware that Roberto Luongo is expected to start in goal in Saturday's season finale and that Samuel Montembeault is expected to get the start tonight. However, prior to recent struggles in his last 2 starts (and one very short outing), Montembeault went 6 straight starts without ever allowing more than 3 goals. The Panthers have beaten the Islanders 3 straight times. Florida also is one of the best power play teams in the league while the Isles are one of the worst. The Panthers are 5-1 the last 6 times they've been off a win by a multiple goal margin and they stay hot here. 10* FLORIDA

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - With the Blackhawks relegated to the role of spoiler, you know they'd love to help prevent the Blues from winning the Central Division title. These divisional rivals certainly have some history. For Chicago to get the upset of St Louis they know they need to turn to their offensive production. That's because the Blackhawks have reverted to their long-term struggles in their own zone. Chicago has allowed an average of 3.7 goals per game in their last 3 games. The strength of this team is their production up front and the Blackhawks have scored 10 goals in their last 3 games. Their most recent match-up with the Blues was way back in November and was a rare low-scoring game between these rivals. How rare? The over was 9-2-1 in the 12 meetings prior to that 1-0 Chicago win. The over is 10-3-1 in the Blackhawks last 14 games against teams with a winning record. St Louis is off B2B unders but, prior to that, only 1 of their 7 previous games had resulted in an under. The Blackhawks will fight hard to play the role of spoiler here and the Blues do have a home game on deck for tomorrow. That said, I expect the home dog to get their fair share of goals here but the Blackhawks won't be able to stop a St Louis team that has scored an average of 4 goals per game in its last 9 games. 10* OVER the total in Chicago

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Wednesday 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - The Rangers have lost 14 of their last 18 games and yet they have risen to the 175 range on the money line in this game. Simply put, it is not warranted. New York has divisional games on deck with playoff-bound Columbus (potentially headed to post-season) and Pittsburgh to close out the season. If the Rangers were going to step up and do something it might be one of those last two games against a division rival including their home finale coming up next versus the Blue Jackets. The point is that, to be expect a huge effort here versus the team in last place in the Eastern Conference standings is asking a lot. This has led to great value here because the Senators have been playing respectable hockey of late. They have won 5 of their last 9 games games and 2 of the 4 losses came against the top team in the east and top team in the west - TB and Calgary, respectively. The Sens won 10 of 18 April games the past two seasons. The Rangers enter this game having lost 16 of 24 games this season when off a loss by a multiple-goal margin. 8* OTTAWA

Puck Line #1 Top Game - Rickenbach NHL Game #66 Tuesday Dallas Stars Puck Line -1.5 goals +145 vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 8:35 ET - The Stars are highly motivated here. The Flyers could care less. Dallas is still trying to secure a playoff spot and if the Stars were a division rival of Philly or, at the very least, an Eastern Conference foe, the Flyers might care. However, sitting in the Western Conference, Philadelphia could care or less about this game. Their season ended with a late slump that left them on the outside looking in and the losses are now piling up. The Flyers have lost 7 of their last 10 games. Of course this is why the Stars are nearly 2 to 1 favorites on the money line in this game. There is no value in that play. Where there is value is on the puck line. Instead of laying 2 to 1 odds on Dallas just to win, which I certainly would never do, you can lay 1.5 goals on the Stars on the puck line and get nearly a +150 return! Now that is value especially when you consider that when the Flyers have lost recently it is generally an ugly loss. 10 of Philly's last 12 losses have come by a margin of at least two goals! Dallas is off a loss to the Canucks but that was on the road. The Stars two prior wins came by just a single goal but those were also on the road. Now back at home I look for a blowout win and prior to the aforementioned 3 games, note that Dallas had seen EACH of their last 5 wins come by two or more goals and, in fact, the average margin of the 5 victories was THREE goals! Two months ago these teams met in Philly and Dallas lost despite a 38 to 22 edge in shots on goal. On Tuesday night, the Stars get payback in a home rout. 10* DALLAS -1.5 goals +145

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Tuesday 8* Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Great line value with one of the best teams in the NHL getting solid plus money. Keep in mind the Bruins still want to lock up the best playoff position they can and, off back to back losses, they have not done that. Boston needs a couple more points in the standings before they can let up. Also, there is another reason they won't "let up" here. The Blue Jackets, though they haven't clinched a spot, are very likely to make the post-season and a match-up in the playoffs between these two clubs would not be a surprise. The Bruins will want to assert themselves right here. I am grabbing one of the best teams in the NHL at a plus money price as they are still playing with plenty of motivation here. The Bruins are 8-3 the last 11 times they've enter a game off 2 or more losses. Columbus is on a 5-game winning streak, their 2nd of the season, and they've also had two 4-game winning streaks. All 3 of those prior winning streaks ended on home ice AND the Blue Jackets have not won 6 straight this season. As you can see, this is the perfect spot for their streak to end again...and it will! 8* BOSTON

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Monday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Yes I am aware of the Mikko Rantanen injury and the fact that he is still out. However, the Avalanche have won 3 of the 4 games since he's been out. Overall, Colorado has won 6 of its last 7 games. This is a contrarian play of course because everyone will back the playoff-bound Blues on home ice over the playoff-hopeful Avalanche. However, the Avs will prove to be the hungrier team. Yes this game still matters to St Louis but they've at least clinched a playoff berth. As for the Avs they are still in a fierce battle to clinch the final spot. There is some history between these teams and playoff hopes but that only goes so far once the puck drops on the game. The fact is that the Blues are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights while the Avalanche come in well rested as they have had each of the last two days off! Colorado has allowed only 1.6 goals per game their last 7 games! The Blues have given up 2.6 goals per game their last 7 games. Both numbers are solid but you can see why I like the huge road dog value with the Avs here. The Avalanche got a big win in April last season but the Blues have taken all 3 meetings this season. That said, the scheduling situation here and playoff implications here make this one ripe for road dog payback! 10* COLORADO

Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Monday 8* New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Rangers have not only won all 3 games with the Devils this season, they've dominated play. New York has outshot New Jersey by a combined 100 to 67 shots on goal in their 3 games this season. Both teams have long been eliminated from post-season contention but the Rangers are still giving effort as they've won back to back games and 3 of their last 5. As for the Devils, they have been a dumpster fire since late February! New Jersey has now lost 12 of its last 16 games! The Devils have scored an average of only 1.5 goals in their last 6 games. The Rangers have averaged 3.3 goals in their last 3 games and get another win over a division rival Monday. 8* NEW YORK RANGERS

Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Monday 8* Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off back to back losses while the Islanders are off back to back wins. Toronto is an incredible 11-1 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. As you can see with that stat, their worst losing streak of the season is only 3 games and that only happened once. Don't look for it to happen again. The Maple Leafs have been one of the best road teams in the league this season and they are out for payback here in New York. The Islanders have taken it to the Leafs this season but this situation suggests revenge happens tonight. The Isles are 0-5 the last 5 times they've entered a game off 2 or more consecutive wins. 8* TORONTO

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins will surely respond after scoring just 1 goal yesterday despite plenty of effort in the offensive zone in a home loss to Florida. However, the Red Wings are playing their best hockey of the season and should answer the Bruins goal for goal in this one. Detroit has won 4 straight games and 6 of their last 7 games. During their current 4 game winning streak the Red Wings have averaged 4 goals per game. The over is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings between these teams. The over is also 5-0-1 in the Bruins last 6 road games. The Red Wings are off a rare shutout win and the over is 6-3 the last 9 times when off a shutout victory. 8* OVER the total in Detroit

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Sunday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 5:05 ET - Couple contrarian angles work very well in this one and we get line value with the money line underdog as the contrarian angles favor the road dog! The fact is that Carolina is in a back to back spot and that would seem to hurt them. But this Hurricanes team is an incredible 10-0 the last 10 times they have played the 2nd game of a back to back. The Canes have averaged scoring 3.9 goals per game in those 10 games! The Penguins are on home ice which would seem to favor them. However, Pittsburgh has lost 3 straight games on home ice and they've been held to scoring just a single goal in EACH of those 3 games. This game has huge playoff implications and while I do expect the Penguins offensive production to be better here, I expect the Hurricanes to be even stronger and make it 11 in a row when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. 8* CAROLINA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Rangers @ 12:35 ET - After fighting hard and trying to play quality defense, the Flyers season ended anyway yesterday with a loss to the Hurricanes. Now I foresee a very loosely played game against the rival Rangers. It is a late season match-up with no drama as the Rangers have been eliminated from the post-season for quite some time and, as noted above, Philadelphia's fading playoff hopes were finally dashed the death blow yesterday. Look for plenty of goals as both teams play very relaxed in this game. With no pressure I expect both teams to take plenty of risks and we're going to see a lot of odd man rushes and scoring opportunities as a result. The over is 49-25 in Rangers divisional games including 15-8 this season. The Flyers are 51-33 to the over in divisional games. Though these trends over the past few seasons are strong in divisional games, when these two match-up there has been a surprising under trend going. That is helping to keep this total at a 6 as the reality is that the situation is very different for this match-up than their prior ones. 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 1:35 ET - Though their hopes are slim, the Flyers still have playoff life and it certainly helps their cause that they're facing one of the two teams their chasing on Saturday. Not only is Philly at Carolina this afternoon, they host them again in the final game of the season. The fact is the Flyers know that with a win today they stay alive and this is a tremendous value spot based on the money line. Philadelphia's road record is nearly equivalent to their home ice record this season and yet Carolina is a 2 to 1 favorite in this spot. The point is that this is a high value spot to grab a road dog. The Hurricanes are feeling the pressure of trying to secure a playoff spot and have lost back to back games. The Canes are only a modest 4-3 in their last 7 games on home ice and they've been outscored by a combined 23-20 in those 7 games. Overall, Carolina is just 6-6 their last 12 games. Does that justify this -200 price? Absolutely not when you consider their facing a desperate and hungry Flyers team that just will not quit on this season. By the way, the Flyers have won 5 of their last 7 road games and they enter this game off a key home win over the Maple Leafs where they rallied from an early multiple goal deficit. Like I said, this team won't quit and they remain alive in the race with an upset win today. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Total of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers @ 1:05 ET - The Panthers aren't going to the playoffs. The Bruins playoff position is set. With the current situation ongoing for both clubs, it is not surprising that they've been continually involved in high-scoring games. The fact is that defensive intensity takes a step back when you reach the point that each of these teams are at this late in the season. The over is a perfect 4-0 in Boston's last 4 games and 6-1-1 in the Bruins last 8 games. As for Florida, the over is a perfect 6-0 their last 6 games and 17-4-1 in the Panthers last 22 games. In the last 6 meetings between these teams in Boston NONE of the 6 have stayed under the total as there have been 3 overs and 3 pushes. Combined perfect trends here of 13-0 in favor of the over and, with this total at a 6.5, there will be no push in this one! Look for 7 or more as the Panthers have scored an average of 4 goals per game their last 11 games and the Bruins have averaged scoring 5.4 goals per game their last 5 games. A 5-4 type game here would not be a surprise. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #71 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:35 ET - I like to look for late-season match-ups between teams that are NOT going to the post-season and that are NOT division rivals. Usually games like this tend to lack in defensive intensity and the result is often a high-scoring barn-burner with end-to-end action! The Red Wings are playing well as they have won 5 of their last 6 games and Detroit has averaged 3 goals per game in their last 7 games. The Devils have not been scoring as well but they do enter this game off back to back wins on home ice. Also, prior to being shutout in their most recent road game, New Jersey had scored an average of 4.3 goals per game in their 3 prior road games. The over is on a 3-0 run in match-ups between these teams when Detroit is the host. Also, the Red Wings are 3-1 to the over this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The over is a long-term 15-6 (including 5-1 this season) when the Devils enter a game with rest of 3 or more days between games. Also, in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals, New Jersey is 5-1 to the over this season. Look for a wild Friday night at Joe Louis Arena as the over improves to 8-3 in Devils Friday games this season! 10* OVER the total in Detroit

NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 8* Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (-) vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are getting healthier. Even if all guys aren't back on the ice yet tonight, the fact that they are back skating on the ice and very close to returns is also a mental boost for Pittsburgh. Both the Pens and Preds enter this game with 3 days of rest between games and the game is important for both teams in terms of playoff positioning. That said, I love the value here with the small home favorite as the Penguins were as high as a -145 on the money line but have dropped down to the -120 range this morning. Note that Pittsburgh has won 19 of 24 when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. Also, the Penguins are a perfect 5-0 the last 5 times they've hosted Nashville. The Predators are off a win at Minnesota but previously the Preds had lost 4 of their past 7 including losing to the Pens in Nashville. The Predators have lost 9 of their last 15 games against teams with a winning record. The Penguins are happy to be back home and they've won 8 of 11 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 8* PITTSBURGH

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Senators have won 4 of their last 6 games and they've scored 4 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 games. The Panthers are off an embarrassing 6-1 loss at Montreal. However, prior to that defeat, Florida had scored 4 or more goals in 6 of their last 9 games. In fact, the Panthers averaged 4 goals per game during that 9-game stretch. The last 6 meetings between the Sens and the Panthers have averaged 7.5 goals per game. Yes this total today is a big one at 6.5 but both teams are playing very loose hockey as they are simply wrapping up the season before hitting the golf courses - no playoffs for either one of these teams! The over is 5-0 in Florida's last 5 games and the Panthers are 9-2 to the over their last 11 games. Also, the Senators are 15-8 to the over in divisional games this season. Ottawa is 3-0 to the over this season after a shutout win. After a win by two or more goals this season, the Sens are 11-6 to the over. Florida is 8-3 to the over this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Panthers are 22-11 to the over after allowing 4 or more goals in their prior game. Also, when entering a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games, Florida is 8-3 to the over this season. 10* OVER the total in Ottawa

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins led the Lightning 4-2 going to the 3rd period Monday and then lost 5-4 because they took their foot off the gas and tried to simply sit back and protect the lead. They won't make that mistake against the Rangers. In other words, look for a full-on offensive onslaught all the way through this game. As for New York, they jumped out 2-0 at Pittsburgh in the first period Monday but then their shots on goal totals from the 2nd and 3rd period combined BARELY topped their total from the first period alone. In other words, look for the Rangers to also be highly motivated to keep the pressure on in the offensive zone all game long. New York certainly has plenty of confidence here as they've scored 3 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 meetings with the Bruins and have won each of the last two meetings at Boston. The Bruins enter this game having allowed 8 goals in their last two games. The Rangers enter this game having lost 6 of their last 7 games overall and defense/goaltending has been a big issue as New York allowed an average of 4.2 goals per game in the 6 defeats. The over is 6-3 in the last 9 meetings between these clubs. The Bruins have scored an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 7 games. Many will be looking under here since the Rangers haven't been scoring well but I like their confidence factor with their recent success against Boston and the fact that the Bruins could be in for a letdown defensively after that huge showdown with the Lightning on Monday. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:35 ET - The last 4 match-ups between these divisional foes all totaled at least 6 goals and they averaged 7.5 goals per game. These are the type of late season match-ups I look for in terms of finding "overs" as both teams will play loose and relaxed as they've been eliminated from post-season contention. Neither team looking to play spoiler and neither team battling for a playoff spot. This type of set up (and based on the recent results for these teams too) generally lends itself to a higher-scoring game. The Sabres are off a low-scoring loss at New Jersey but they entered that game with the over having gone 9-4-1 in their 14 prior games. Buffalo has allowed a ridiculous 4.6 goals per game in its last 8 road games. Prior to the under against the Devils, the Sabres were on a 5-1-1 run to the over in road games. The Senators have scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games. However, Ottawa also has allowed an average of 5 goals per game their last 3 games. You can see why it wouldn't be shocking to see a 5-4 type game break out tonight in Ottawa. The Sens last 44 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals have resulted in only 16 unders. The Sabres last 28 road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals have resulted in only 8 unders. The over is 9-5 in Buffalo's last 14 games against teams with a losing record. Also, the Sabres are 8-4 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Ottawa

Early Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Tuesday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This line on the Blue Jackets has gone from a -140 (which was already aggressive) all the way up to a -160 and it simply is not justified. The game is being priced as if the Islanders are not motivated here and that is absolutely not the case. The Islanders currently sit in the #5 spot in the Eastern Conference but if they top the Capitals for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division they can jump all the way up to the #2 seed! Of course this would be a huge benefit for the Islanders as they would be guaranteed of home ice throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs against every club except the #1 seed Lightning of course. That said, New York has plenty of motivation here and absolutely their situation is better than that of Columbus. That is because the Blue Jackets are playing with playoff pressure. While the Isles are very close to locking up at least a spot, Columbus is playing with a ton of pressure as they are currently just outside the playoff field and had been collapsing for quite some time before finally notching a win over the Canucks on Sunday. By the way that game was at Vancouver so now the Blue Jackets are off a Western Canada trip and the first game back east after a trip out west tends to be the toughest game AND this is especially true with only one off day in between! Before that win Columbus had lost 7 of their last 11 games and been held to 2 or less goals in 8 of those 11 games! The Islanders enter this game off back to back wins and are playing with confidence again after winning 7 of their last 11 games. They are back to playing "Islanders Hockey" and also have the Blue Jackets number. They've won all 3 match-ups with Columbus this season and it has been domination - combined score of 8 to 2. More of the same expected here but, even better, at a sizable underdog price! 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Monday 7* Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Predators are off an ugly 5-0 loss at Winnipeg. Look for a big response here. Nashville has won 37 of 60 (including 11 of 17 this season) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. The Wild are also off an ugly loss but a response is unlikely. Minnesota has simply been struggling for many weeks now. They've lost 8 of their last 11 games. The Wild have been held to 2 or less goals in 7 of their last 8 games! It is hard to win when you don't score goals! As for the Preds, they are off back to back losses but had scored 3 or more goals in 7 of their 8 prior games. We get line value here because Nashville is on the road. The fact is that Minnesota has lost 12 of their 19 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. Also, the Wild have lost 29 of their last 44 March games and their typical late season fade is well underway! Minnesota has revenge here but they have lost 22 of 35 this season when playing with revenge and Nashville has had their number to say the least! The Predators have won 4 straight over the Wild. Make that 5 in a row. 7* NASHVILLE 

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - Most will look at this game and expect a tight defensive-minded battle between division rivals. However, Tampa Bay's playoff position is set and the Bruins have now clinched a playoff spot and their position is very close to being set as well. With these teams also likely on a collision course to eventually meeting the NHL's "second season" I feel strongly that this game will play out with a lot more offense than many are expecting. There will be more open ice and scoring opportunities as neither team wants to show how their going to attempt to bottle the other one up in the playoffs should they meet. In terms of support for this play, the over is 4-0-1 in the Bruins last 5 road games. The over is 6-1 in the Bolts last 7 games. The Lightning are 27-15-1 to the over after playing 3 or more consecutive road games. Boston is 27-19-1 to the over when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay

Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Monday 7* OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The most recent meeting between these teams stayed under the total but, prior to that, the over was on a 3-0 run in their 3 previous match-ups. The over is 16-7-1 in Maple Leafs divisional games this season. The over is 20-11 this season when the Panthers are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The over is 14-4-1 in Florida's last 19 games overall! Toronto is on a surprising 3-game under streak. Prior to this the Maple Leafs were 10-2 to the over in their last dozen games and the over streak resumes here! 7* OVER the total in Toronto

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 3:05 ET - The Coyotes and Islanders both play this game with plenty of playoff implications. However, I like the fact that Arizona lost in the shootout yesterday in another non-conference game while New York is off a win in a divisional game against the Flyers. In terms of the set-up here, it is a nice one in which to back the Coyotes off a tight loss and fade the Islanders off a key win. Note that the Islanders entered yesterday's game having scored an average of 1.4 goals per game their last 7 games. Also, yesterday's game against the Flyers was one of the most poorly officiated games of the season with all the call going the Islanders way. They won't have that same benefit today and the officiating certainly impacted the outcome yesterday. Arizona enters this game on a 4-game losing streak and they are 3-1 this season when they enter a match-up on a losing streak of 4 or more games. The Islanders had lost 9 of their last 16 games prior to yesterday's win over the Flyers. The Isles are on a putrid 1 for 36 run on the power play in their last 15 games! The Coyotes power play hasn't been great but at least it has been substantially better than that as Arizona has notched 3 power play goals in its last 5 games. Prior to this rare tough 4-games stretch, the Coyotes had won 13 of 17 games and this is great line value here on the sizable road dog. The Islanders have lost 27 of their last 43 games played in the month of March. 10* ARIZONA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 12:35 ET - The Flyers are off a poor performance against the Islanders yesterday and I expect them to respond against another division rival Sunday. However, though Philly will certainly score better today and give a better effort, they simply can not stop Washington. The Capitals have scored an average of 4.6 goals per game in their last 5 games against the Flyers and the Caps have reached the 5-goal mark in 4 of those 5 games. The over is a perfect 5-0 in those 5 most recent meetings. Also, prior to being held to 1 goal Friday by the Wild, the Capitals had scored an average of 4.1 goals per game in their dozen prior games and 4 of their 5 most recent games had gone over the total. The Flyers are a long-term 140-95 to the over when playing with home loss revenge. 8* OVER the total in Washington

Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Saturday 8* Buffalo Sabres Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens are a 2 to 1 favorite here on the money line but, in my mind, it is not justifiable. Montreal is in a very tricky scheduling spot here as they are off back to back wins against two other teams in the playoff race and the Canadiens have a huge game on deck with another playoff-caliber team Carolina. That makes this a potential "pitfall game" for the Habs and, keep in mind, they had lost 11 of their last 17 games prior to those back to back wins. The fact is that Montreal has a knack for folding under late season playoff pressure and the Sabres come into this game as a division rival that would love to have a hand in keeping the Canadiens out of the post-season. Keep in mind, Buffalo is already a perfect 3-0 against the Habs this season and it is no fluke as the Sabres have outshot them by an average margin of 7 shots per game. While Buffalo will be playing loose and relaxed, the Canadiens are squeezing the sticks a little too tight as they feel the pressure. This is particularly true in hockey-crazed Montreal where the Habs essentially play under a microscope. The Sabres have shown the ability to surprise teams as their 4 most recent wins have come against the Blues, Capitals, Penguins, and Islanders. They were a dog in all 4 of those games and, though wins have been infrequent for Buffalo of late, this is the type of "step up" game in which the Sabres have excelled. Though some will argue that Montreal has revenge here, the fact is that the Canadiens have lost 80 of their last 131 (-$33,400!) when they're playing with revenge. 8* BUFFALO

Early Total Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals have scored an average of 4.1 goals per game their last dozen games. The Wild have had some trouble in the goal-scoring department of late but a visit to Washington should provide the perfect remedy. The Caps have allowed 5 or more goals in 3 of their last 5 games. The over is 4-1 in the Capitals last 5 games. Washington is 18-6-2 to the over this season when they are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Wild are 13-8-1 to the over this season when they are off a divisional game. Minnesota has allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of its last 9 games. The Wild have scored 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 14 road games. Of course if both teams get to 3 goals here we've got ourselves nothing less than a 4-3 final since there are no ties in hockey. In other words, look for this to one fly over the total! Minnesota has been scoring better away from home ice and only 3 of their last 8 road games against Eastern Conference foes have resulted in an under. Look for at least 7 goals in this one. 10* OVER the total in Washington

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Thursday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - Yes the Islanders have a couple injury issues right now but the line move here simply isn't justified. The Isles are coming off a 5-0 loss where they generated just 13 shots on goal. Do you really think New York isn't going to come to play tonight after that abysmal effort? At the same time, the Islanders are one of the best defensive teams in the league and they're taking on a Canadiens team that has managed only 15 goals in their last 8 games! Montreal is off a key 3-1 win over the Flyers that helped solidify the Habs as contenders for a playoff spot. The Canadiens could have trouble coming up big again here and, keep in mind, the Islanders playoff possibilities range anywhere from winning the division to not even making the post-season. In other words, the Isles are plenty motivated here. The Islanders are 10-5 this season after being held to 1 goal or less in their prior game. Montreal has lost 13 of 21 this season when coming off a win by a multiple goal margin. Also, the Canadiens have lost 7 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Early Total Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Florida Panthers vs Arizona Coyotes @ 7:05 ET - The other meeting this season, in Arizona, went over the total. The last time these teams met in Florida the game also went over the total. The Coyotes have allowed 3.7 goals per game in their last 9 road games. The Panthers are 12-4-1 to the over their last 17 games. Florida has scored an average of 4.5 goals per game their last 8 home games. The over is 6-1-1 in the Panthers last 8 home games. Florida has allowed 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 13 games. The over is 18-9 this season in Panthers games against teams with a losing record. Florida has been hot on the power play but the Panthers have also been struggling on the penalty kill. Of course that is the ideal special teams combo for high-scoring games and another one is expected here. 10* OVER the total in Florida

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #24 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Lightning already clinched home ice for the entire post-season. The Capitals will prove to be the much hungrier team here. Certainly Tampa Bay is not going to lay down in this game but the fact is that Washington is still in a dog fight for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division while the Bolts wrapped up the Presidents Trophy for this season by knocking of the Coyotes 4 to 1 on Monday. The Caps also are seeking revenge for their loss at Tampa Bay last week. Even though this is a back to back spot for Washington they'll be ready as they have had this game circled after losing 6-3 down in Tampa. That game was closer than the final score would indicate as the Lightning got two empty-net goals. Also, the Capitals went with Phoenix Copley between the pipes last night so that Braden Holtby would be ready to go tonight. The dog had won 6 of the last 9 meetings between these teams prior to the favored Bolts getting the win in the most recent match-up. The Capitals are 25-6 including a superb 9-3 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 10* WASHINGTON

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:05 ET - The Avs are off a rare shutout win. Prior to that, the Avalanche had allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of their previous 5 games. Also, Colorado is 9-3 to the over (including 3-1 this season) when off a game in which they shut out their opponent. The Avs are also 7-2 to the over in Tuesday games this season and 6-3 to the over this season when they are off 3 or more consecutive home games. Now the Avalanche are at Minnesota tonight. There have only been two unders in the last 6 meetings between these teams. Also, those 6 games have all totaled at least 5 goals and the average has been 7 goals per game. Tonight's total is a 5.5 and the Wild are 10-6 to the over in their last 16 games against teams with a losing record. The Avalanche are 5 for 17 on the power play in their last 5 road games. The Wild are 4 for 10 on the power play in their last 3 home games. Minnesota has allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their last 5 games. I see no reason that each team won't get to 3 goals in this one given all of the above factors. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #8 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - It isn't always a thing of beauty but the fact is the Flyers continue to find a way to stay alive in the race for a post-season spot. One of the teams also alive is the Canadiens but this is clearly a case of two hockey clubs going different directions. The Habs play in high-pressure hockey-crazed Montreal and the extra intensity of a late-season push for the playoffs certainly is getting to them. The Canadiens have lost 11 of their last 17 games. Also, Montreal has lost 8 of their last 11 road games! The Flyers have won 20 of their last 29 games and Philly has been particularly tough on home ice. Also, the Canadiens have lost 21 of 35 road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Flyers have won 13 of 22 this season when off a divisional game and, though off a big game with the Penguins, they've gone 2-0 L2 in their game immediately following the Penguins. More of the same expected here. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks @ 8:35 ET - The Canucks have trended under but the Blackhawks have trended over in a huge way and I expect Chicago to dictate the pace and flow of this game on home ice. The Blackhawks are 24-3-1 to the over their last 28 games. Vancouver does enter this game having recorded an under in 3 straight games but that is a situation that has seen them go 6-2 to the over the last 8 times. In other words, the odds strongly favor that under streak coming to an end as this one flies over the total. The Blackhawks are 13-0 to the over in their last 13 games against teams with a losing record! Also, Chicago is 7-1 to the over this season when on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Blackhawks are 22-7-1 to the over this season in a home game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in Chicago

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:35 ET - The over is 11-3-1 in the Flyers last 15 games. The Penguins have been trending under of late but it hasn't been a result of a lack of offense. Prior to their 5-1 home loss to St Louis yesterday, Pittsburgh had scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 9 previous games. The over is 15-9 this season when the Pens are off a non-conference game. I don't expect the Flyers to be able to stop the Penguins here but, at the same time, Philly has been scoring very well also. Philadelphia's problem has been inconsistent play in their own zone and then getting some shaky goaltending as well. The Flyers have allowed an average of 4.2 goals per game in their last 5 games. The Penguins have averaged scoring 4.8 goals per game in their last 4 games against Philly. This total is big but it is fully justified given all of the above and I look for scoring early, often, and throughout this game between these division in-state rivals. Should be plenty of power play opportunities as well as these teams don't like each other and there is some bad blood that often leads to some extra penalties! 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Kings vs Florida Panthers @ 4:05 ET - The Panthers have averaged 4 goals per game their last 14 games. Their most recent game resulted in an under but, prior to that, the over went 10-2-1 in Florida's 13 prior games. Even though the Kings are known for low-scoring games, I am expecting a wild one in Los Angeles Saturday afternoon. That's because LA is looking for payback from a 6-1 loss at Florida earlier this season. The Kings have gotten a little healthier lately and eventually the goal-scoring will see an uptick for LA. With the Panthers coming into this one overconfident, this looks like the perfect spot to see the Kings do some damage in the offensive zone. However, Los Angeles won't be able to slow down the red hot production of the Panthers forwards. Florida is 17-8 to the over this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. LA is 14-8 to the over this season after being held to 1 goal or less in their prior game. Also, the Kings are on a long-term 34-17 run to the over (including 13-5 this season) in Saturday games. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday 8* St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 1:05 ET - Pittsburgh has big game on deck with rival Flyers tomorrow. The Penguins are 0-3 this season in that situation (Philly game on deck) and have been outscored by a margin of 8 goals in those 3 defeats. The Blues are highly likely to be the more motivated and hungrier team here as St Louis enters this game off 3 straight losses and also they've lost their last two match-ups with the Pens by a combined score of 10 to 2. Definitely time for a little payback here. In a road game with a posted total of 6 or more goals, the Blues have won 12 of their last 18. In Saturday games this season, Pittsburgh has lost 13 of their last 20. Road dog value here. 8* ST LOUIS

Contrarian Crusher – Rickenbach NHL Game #26 Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - Too much value to pass up on here with this home dog. Yes it is true that Dallas is in a back to back spot but the Stars are battling for a playoff spot just like the Golden Knights are. That said, Dallas is tough to beat because they just don't allow many goals at all. The Stars have allowed a TOTAL of only FOUR goals in their last SIX games! Goalie Bishop was in between the pipes yesterday and Dallas has won each of his last 5 starts. Goalie Khudobin lost his most recent start despite playing well and each of his 3 prior starts were winners. As you can see, the Stars have been getting solid goaltending. As for the Golden Knights, they have been getting solid goaltending most of the time too but certainly not as consistently as Dallas has. Vegas is actually off a 6-3 loss that marked the 3rd time in their last 8 games that they've allowed 5 or more goals. People are grabbing the Golden Knights here due to their scheduling edge but, keep in mind, the Stars also have revenge on their side in this game. Dallas has been the better team in their own zone of late and the Stars are making a playoff push and are starting to believe! That makes for a dangerous home dog. 10* DALLAS

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Friday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - Yes the Flyers are in a back to back spot and they did not get the job done last night at home against the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals. However, there is way too much value here with Philadelphia to pass up on. The Maple Leafs are a 2 to 1 money line favorite but the Flyers are 4-0 since the All Star break when they are playing the 2nd game of a back to back! Toronto enters this game having gone 1-3 its last 4 games. Philadelphia also is 9-1 in its last 10 games when off a divisional game!  Combined 16-2 trending here favors a very sizable underdog. Won't pass this up! 8* PHILADELPHIA

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Double revenge spot for the Flyers as they've lost each game by a 5-3 count this season even though Philadelphia has outshot Washington by a combined count of 70 to 60 in the two games this season. The Flyers are still very much alive in the playoff race and have won 6 of their last 8 games. Even though the Capitals have also been hot, they are off a loss at Pittsburgh and are just 13-13 in their last 26 games. Look for the Caps to drop to 9-9 this season when off a game which they lost by a margin of 2 or more goals. The fact is that Washington is overvalued here as a road favorite here against a hungry division rival home dog! Other than the loss to the Capitals last week, the Flyers have won 8 of last 12 against teams with a winning record. They've been playing their best hockey of the season as they continue to make a push for the post-season. With Carolina and Columbus matched up tomorrow, the Flyers know they can pick up two points here plus see one of those two teams they are chasing fail to do so tomorrow on Friday. That means Philly can continue to gain ground with a win here and I look for them to do just that as the Flyers improve to 12-4 in their last 16 games on home ice. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #66 Wednesday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Puck Line -1.5 goals +120 vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 7:05 ET - Perfect set up here as the Blackhawks are off a huge 7-1 win while the Maple Leafs are off a 6-2 loss. Toronto is 16-4 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Chicago is playing this game with home loss revenge but that is a situation that has seen them lose 15 of 19 games this season. Also, the Blackhawks have lost 21 of 31 games against teams with a losing record this season. The Maple Leafs have won 47 of their last 74 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Per the above, a Toronto bounce back here is quite likely. Of course the money line is huge here but that is where the puck line comes into play as a valuable asset. By taking the Maple Leafs at -1.5 goals we actually get a plus money return on Toronto here and any Leafs win is likely to come by 2 or more goals. The reason I say that is because the Maple Leafs last 40 wins have featured 32 (80%) by a victory margin of 2 or more goals. As for the Blackhawks losses, 5 of Chicago's 6 losses since the All Star break have come by a margin of defeat of 2 or more goals. Situation points toward a Toronto win here and the odds (as you can see immediately above) fully favor the win to come by at least two goals. 10* TORONTO Puck Line -1.5 goals +120

Early Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Each of these teams are coming off a loss. However, while that is newsworthy for the Bruins, it truly is nothing new for the Blue Jackets. The fact is that Columbus is playing with playoff pressure and they continue to, more often than not, wilt under that pressure. The Blue Jackets have now lost 4 of their past 6 games and they've scored an average of only 1.3 goals per game those 6 contests! As for Boston, prior to their 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh, they had won 15 of their past 17 games! High-powered Boston had averaged scoring 3.8 goals per game in their last 13 wins. While the Bruins were off yesterday, the Blue Jackets were at New York getting shutout by the Islanders. That said, Boston has the rest edge here and Columbus has lost 8 of 12 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Bruins have won 25 of 37 Tuesday games including 9 of 11 this season. Columbus took 2 out of 3 meetings last season and it is time for a little payback here! 10* BOSTON

Early Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off back to back unders but they had previously gone over the total in 6 straight games. Toronto has averaged scoring 4.3 goals per game their last 8 games. The Lightning have been trending under of late but the Bolts are a very high-powered team. Tampa Bay has averaged 3.9 goals per game on the season. The over is 14-6-1 in Maple Leafs divisional games this season. In March games, the Maple Leafs are 20-12 to the over. The Bolts are converting 28.8% of their power plays this season. The Maple Leafs are converting 26% of their power plays in home games this season. Look for this one to fly over the total. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - Both teams in a back to back spot here. The Bruins hosted the Senators and the Penguins were at Columbus yesterday. Boston has won 13 of their last 14 games and has averaged 3.8 goals per game in those 13 victories. Pittsburgh's last 13 games, prior to yesterday's low-scoring loss, saw the Penguins average scoring 3.6 goals per game. The over is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between these teams and that includes each of the last 5 meetings in Boston going over the total. Look for another one here as there is a lot of firepower on both of these hockey clubs and with both off low-scoring "grinders" yesterday I expect a barn-burner today to result. Look for this long-term series trend of high-scoring games between the Pens and Bruins to continue here. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #28 Sunday 7* Washington Capitals Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals have won 6 straight games and have allowed only 1.6 goals per game their last 5 games. The Jets are off a big 8-1 win but previously gave up an average of 4 goals per game in their 9 prior games. That was part of a rough 3-6 stretch for Winnipeg. Now the Jets are playing right into the teeth of revenge as the Caps lost at Winnipeg early this season. Washington is the much hotter team, has been playing better in their own zone, and has been getting the better goaltending of late in comparing these two clubs. The Jets are 12-12 and down $4,400 this season after a game which they won by 2 or more goals. The Capitals are on a red hot 24-10 run in March games. 7* WASHINGTON

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Saturday 8* Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins continue to dominate the Blue Jackets. They won 3-0 Thursday at home and that makes it 13 of the last 16 games between these teams that Pittsburgh has gotten the W over Columbus. Overall, the Penguins enter this game as the hotter team as the Blue Jackets appear to be wilting under the playoff pressure. Pittsburgh has won 3 straight games and 8 of its last 12. Columbus has lost 4 of its last 6 games. Also, the Penguins have averaged 3.6 goals per game his last 13 games. The Blue Jackets have been held to 2 or less goals in 8 of their last 12 games. Once again, look for the Pens firepower to be too much for a Columbus team that continues to be guilty of squeezing the sticks too tight. The fact is that the pressure of trying to make the post-season appears to be impacting the Blue Jackets in recent weeks. The Penguins have won 6 of 8 this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Blue Jackets have lost 8 of their last 13 games against teams with a winning record. 8* PITTSBURGH

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This line looks a little "off" and you know what that usually means. The fact is the Islanders are a very small favorite here considering they are on home ice. This is no mistake though. The game is priced this way because the odds maker sees the same thing I do here. The Flyers are very much alive in the playoff race but off a bad home loss to the Capitals. Philly needs to respond here and surely should. The Flyers had won 17 of 23 games prior to that loss. The Islanders won their most recent home game but previously lost 3 of their last 4 home games! They were held to just a single goal in all 3 of those losses! The Flyers have won 7 of their last 9 road games! The road team is also a perfect 2-0 in the match-ups between these teams this season and the games were decided by a combined score of 10 to 2. Look for the road dominance to continue here. The Islanders have home loss revenge here but have lost 10 of 17 in that situation this season. The Flyers have won 11 of their last 12 games when off a game in which they allowed 3 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - The Jets have won 17 of 32 road games this season. The Hurricanes have won 18 of 32 home games this season. The point is that, of course, home ice gets factored into these lines but oftentimes that home ice factor is overvalued and I firmly believe that is the case here. Yes these teams are nearly equal on points on the season in the standings (Winnipeg slightly more) but while the Jets are battling for the top spot in their division, Carolina is playing with a lot of pressure on their shoulders. That's because the Hurricanes may not even make the playoffs. So with the Canes playing with playoff pressure and also having lost 4 of last 5 meetings with the Jets, I won't hesitate to back the sizable road dog in this match-up. In home games with posted total of 6 or more goals, Carolina actually has a losing record this season. Also, the Hurricanes have lost 27 of their past 47 games when playing with two days of rest between games. The Canes have lost 4 of 5 this season when they enter a game on an O/U streak of 3 or more overs. Winnipeg has won 25 of 39 when they enter a game with 2 days of rest between games. Also, after a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals, the Jets have won 11 of 17 this season. Look for the Jets to bounce back after a 5-2 loss to the best team (Lightning) in the NHL. 10* WINNIPEG

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Thursday 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This game has huge implications in the post-season race. That said, it makes sense that this game could be played with playoff intensity. However, when it come to these two teams, that doesn't necessarily translate to tight, defensive-minded hockey. Both these hockey clubs win plenty of games with top-notch firepower. Also, the Blue Jackets are particularly stacked now after the big acquisitions they made prior to the trade deadline. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. Even though the Pens have averaged scoring 4 goals per game in their last two games each game did stay under the total. Not only has Pittsburgh been scoring well, the two games were preceded by a stretch that saw the Penguins go 6-1 to the over. The Blue Jackets have not scored well in recent games but, prior to a 2-1 win at New Jersey, Columbus had allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game and gone 3-1 to the over in their last 4 games. The Blue Jackets are playing this game with home loss revenge. That is a situation that has seen them go 27-15 to the over in recent seasons. Columbus lost on home ice to the Penguins a little over a week ago. That was part of a 7-game stretch that saw the Pens allow an average of 3.9 goals per game. You can see that neither team is likely to shut down the other in what should be another high-scoring divisional battle. Though this is "playoff pressure" time, the Penguins are 22-12 to the over in March games! Look for another one here. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #42 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - Home ice has been important in meetings between these divisional foes. The home teams has won 7 of the past 9 meetings. Even though the Capitals enter this game having won 4 straight games, they had previously lost 12 of 19. The Flyers, long-term, have certainly been the hotter team. Philadelphia enters this match-up having won 16 of their last 21 games. Even though Voracek is expected to miss this game tonight and Patrick also might not be back just yet for the Flyers tonight, they are off a huge 4-1 win over the Islanders Sunday that was played (essentially) without both of them. Voracek missed the entire game and Patrick got hit within the first few minutes of the game. Philly did get good news on both players and I would not be surprised to see Patrick back on the ice tonight. As for Voracek he is likely out until Thursday at least. But the point is the Flyers continued to play very well even without these guys Sunday. The Capitals enter this game off back to back road wins. Since the calendar turned the page to 2019 however, Washington has never managed 3 straight road wins. In fact, prior to these back to back road wins, the Caps had lost 7 of their past 12 road contests. The Flyers have won 10 of their last 13 games on home ice and one of those 3 losses was to league-leading Tampa Bay. Great value here with the home dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - This total opened up at a 6 but has dropped to a 5.5 in some books (and I expect others to follow) as of early morning Tuesday. I do understand the move as this is a key battle with plenty of impact on the playoff picture. Also, the Bruins have been trending under in recent weeks. However, the fact is that both of these teams have plenty of firepower up front. Also, the Hurricanes enter this game having gone over the total in 3 straight games and 4 of their last 5. The Canes have scored an average of 4.4 goals per game in their last 5 games. The Bruins are off a 1-0 shutout win and have won 10 of their last 11 games. Prior to registering the the tightest of low-scoring wins, Boston had scored an average of 3.8 goals per game in their 10 prior games. You can see why it would not be a surprise to see one of these teams score 4 goals tonight and yet we're dealing with a total of only 5.5 on this game. Also, note that the last 6 times these teams have matched up 5 of the meetings have gone over the total. This is a contrarian play for sure as the markets are taking this game the other way but I feel the odds makers had this one correct with their initial number (6) posted as this total on this one. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Calgary Flames vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 9:05 ET - The Flames last 6 games have featured ZERO overs as none of the 6 totaled more than 6 goals and, in fact, the games averaged only 4 goals apiece. That is why this play (an OVER for me) is a contrarian play and, as always, it is not without good reasoning. The fact is the Flames had won 7 in a row before their home loss to Minnesota on Saturday. Note that Calgary is 5-1 to the over the last 6 times they have entered a game off a loss. The Flames finally got burned by trying to beat teams in a low-scoring battle. That said, just like after their other recent losses, Calgary responds with offense early and often in this one. The Flames are loaded with skill and talent and will take advantage of a Maple Leafs team that had allowed 3 or more goals in 9 of their last 12 games before their 5-2 win over the Sabres Saturday. Toronto is 5-0 to the over their last 5 games and I expect each team to get to at least 3 goals here which, if that occurs, guarantees no less than a 4-3 final and a winning ticket with this play. The Maple Leafs have scored 4 or more goals in 9 of their last 14 games. Also, the Leafs have scored 5 or more goals in 4 of their last 5. Toronto is 13-6 to the over when off a divisional game this season. The Flames are 20-6-3 to the over in their 29 home games this season that had a posted total of 6 or more goals. Look for a barn-burner in this one with plenty of end to end action leading to lots of goals. 10* OVER the total in Calgary

Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Monday 8* Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres have more points in the standings on the season than the Oilers do. However, because these teams are in opposite conferences, Edmonton enters Monday's action closer to a playoff spot than Buffalo. Additionally, the Oilers psyche is the better of the two teams right now as Edmonton is winning again while the Sabres are mired in a long slump that has them headed into a downward spiral. Buffalo has lost 7 of its last 9 games while the Oilers enter this game having won 4 of their last 6. Last season the Sabres swept Edmonton by a combined score of 8 to 1. The Oilers got some measure of revenge with a mid-January win by a 7-2 win in Alberta but now they seek the road payback for last year's loss at Buffalo. Both these teams (including SO and OT losses) have more losses than wins this season. That is noteworthy from a technical standpoint because the Sabres have actually lost 10 of their last 11 games against teams with a losing record. Look for the Oilers to improve to 4-1 on the season when they enter a game off a shutout win. 8* EDMONTON  

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Great value spot here with the Jets. The Blue Jackets are in a back to back spot. Columbus got blasted 4-0 on home ice yesterday. The Jackets are feeling the playoff pressure as they've lost 5 of their last 9 games. Columbus also has lost 7 of 11 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Winnipeg has won 8 of 9 games on Sundays this season and has the added edge here as they were off yesterday while Columbus was in action. The Jets have won 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. The Blue Jackets have lost 6 of last 11 games against teams with a winning record. Winnipeg still has a legitimate shot at being the #1 seed in the West this season. Conversely, Columbus may not even make the playoffs. I am aware that the Jets have struggled some of late but they are still the superior team in comparison with the Blue Jackets and the situational edges for Winnipeg are big here. Columbus has lost 4 of its last 6 on home ice. The Jets are 25-10 in Sunday games last 3 seasons combined so their ability to get it done (8-1 this season) on Sundays is not a fluke. Grab the value with the road dog here. 10* WINNIPEG

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Florida Panthers vs Ottawa Senators @ 5:05 ET - The Senators have lost 9 of their last 10 games and a big issues has been the inability to stop the opposition. Of course that becomes even tougher when in a back to back situation. Ottawa got blasted 5-1 at Tampa Bay yesterday and they've now allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 10 games. The Sens have not been scoring well but, on Sunday, I expect them to take advantage of a Panthers team that is also in a tough back to back spot and that also has been giving up a lot of goals. Florida has allowed 4.3 goals per game in their last 4 games. The Panthers have not had a single under in their last 8 games as they have gone 7-0-1 to the over. Florida has scored an average of 4.4 goals per game in their last 5 games but, again, they've also struggled to keep the puck out of the back of their own net! This will be the 14th back to back that the Panthers have had this season and only 4 of these have resulted in an under. As for Ottawa, they are 13-6 to the over when off a divisional game. 8* OVER the total in Florida

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 3:05 ET - The Flyers continue to be under-valued by the marketplace. They lost a tough one in OT at Columbus Thursday and responded Friday with a huge 6-3 win. Philadelphia has won 15 of its past 20 games. Certainly the Islanders deserve a lot of respect but to get a "live dog" in this healthy price range, when they are battling for their playoff lives, is a great value. Keep in mind New York has lost 4 of its last 6 games and they've averaged scoring only 1.7 goals per game in those 4 defeats. The Flyers enter this game having won 3 of their last 4 games and they've averaged scoring 4.5 goals in this 4-game stretch. In the only meeting between these division rivals so far this season (all the way back in October!) the Flyers got throttled 6-1. But they are a much different team now than they were then. This is payback time. The Islanders have lost 22 of their last 32 March games. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #72 Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Puck Line -1.5 goals (+105) vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - Perfect set up here. The Sabres are off a huge upset win (in overtime) over the Penguins last night. The Maple Leafs were resting (physically) last night but getting fired up (emotionally) as they got blasted 6-1 by the Islanders at New York on Thursday. With Buffalo set up for a letdown and Toronto set up for a blowout home win, that is why the Leafs are a very big favorite here on the money line. Though I would never lay a huge money line price, we can still capture the value of this situation by grabbing Toronto on the puck line. Yes the Maple Leafs must now win the game by two goals but, given the situation, this absolutely should be a home blowout. The Sabres will likely start Carter Hutton tonight between the pipes since Linus Ullmark got the start last night. In Hutton's last two starts Buffalo surrendered 5 goals in each game. Both those were on the road and the Sabres have now lost 5 straight road games and only one of the 5 defeats came by a single goal. Overall, Buffalo's last 7 goals have seen 6 come by a margin of 2 or more goals. The Sabres are on a 5-19 run in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Toronto is 15-4 this season after allowing 4 or more goals in their prior game. Each of the Maple Leafs last 5 wins have come by a margin of 2 or more goals. Look for this one to do just that as well! 10* TORONTO Puck Line -1.5 goals

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Saturday 8* OVER the total in Los Angeles Kings vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 4:05 ET - The recent trending for these two teams simply too strong to ignore and the fact that we can get this total at 6 goals makes it a must play. The over is on a 20-1 run in Blackhawks games and that includes 13 in a row. The Kings trended under for much of this season but they are now on a 13-3 run to the over including 4 in a row. That means we have combined trending of 33-4 (89%) in this one and that includes a combined 17-0 / 100% PERFECT! Could go into more detail about this play but truly this powerful trending tells you all you need to know here! 8* OVER the total in Los Angeles

Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Friday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are off a tough shootout loss at Columbus last night. They at least picked up a point to stay alive in the playoff race. What has kept Philly alive is they rarely have back to back losses. Since a tough stretch that wrapped up in early January, there has only been one single time that Philadelphia has lost two straight games. In other words, the odds certainly favor a bounce back winning effort for the Flyers at New Jersey tonight. The Devils are off a home loss and have now lost 7 of their last 11 games on home ice. Overall, NJ has been outshot 104 to 63 in their last 3 games. The Flyers have won 8 of their last 10 games against a team with a losing record. 7* PHILADELPHIA

Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Friday 8* New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Montreal is off a huge 8-1 win at Detroit but the Canadiens entered that game having lost 6 of their last 8 games. Keep in mind, Montreal is a hockey-crazed city and the pressure to make the playoffs seems to be getting to the Habs. As for the Rangers, they'd love nothing more than to play the role of spoiler here and they've been playing quite well of late despite what their record shows. New York is 2-1-2 in their last 5 games so they've earned at least a point in 4 of their last 5 games. Also, the two losses that came post-regulation came against the defending champion Capitals and this season's league-leading Lightning. That said, the Rangers are certainly playing well enough of late to hold their own against the Canadiens. I also like the fact that Montreal has lost 47 of 80 when off a divisional game. The home team is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings between these teams and I look for that perfect trend to make it 7 in a row here. Grab the home dog. 8* NEW YORK RANGERS 

Rickenbach NHL Game #49 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are off a big 5-2 win at Columbus. The over is now 5-1 in their last 6 games. The Sabres are off a 5-2 loss at Philadelphia. The over is now a perfect 3-0 in their last 3 games. Buffalo is going to struggle to slow down a powerful Pittsburgh team as the Sabres have allowed 4 or more goals in 5 of their past 7 games! As strong as the Pens are in the offensive zone they are dealing with a cluster of injuries to their blue line. Couple that with the fact that the Penguins strength is also truly not between the pipes and you have a nice "recipe" here for an over. The over is 14-6-1 in Buffalo's last 21 games. The Sabres are 4 for 12 on the power play in their last 3 games. Pittsburgh is 5 for 14 on the power play in their last 6 games. The Penguins also have allowed their opponents to convert 5 of 11 power play opportunities in their last 3 games. The Pens are a long-term 71-42 to the over after scoring 4 or more goals in their prior game. Also, this season Pittsburgh has gone 13-7 to the over when off a win in which the victory margin was 2 or more goals. Look for these trends to continue here. 10* OVER the total in Buffalo

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Thursday NHL 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - You guys ever watch how many NHL games are very close in the latter stages of a match-up? The fact is there is not much separation between the haves and the have-nots in this league. That said, this match-up is simply priced way too high and offers tremendous underdog value as a result. The fact is the Blue Jackets are only slightly ahead of the Flyers in the playoff race and the fact is Columbus would likely be better off if this game was in Philly! Why do I say that? Because believe it or not, the Jackets are better on enemy ice than at home. Columbus has 19 wins away from home and only 2 teams in the entire league have more than that! However, on home ice the Blue Jackets have been just a 50-50 betting proposition with 16 wins in 32 games. Does that sound like the type of a team that should be a nearly 2 to 1 favorite against a Flyers team that has won 14 of its last 18 games. Would I be surprised if the Blue Jackets win this game? Of course not but I am telling you the value is HUGE with the Flyers here and I am betting this game expecting a big dog money line return when the final seconds tick off the clock in this one! The Blue Jackets, with their loss to a short-handed Penguins team Tuesday, have lost 6 of their last 8 home games. If they deserve to be a 2 to 1 favorite on the money line in this spot, I have got some oceanfront property for sale in Arizona for all those interested. All kidding aside, this is a tremendous value spot that is too good to pass up on. The "never say die" Flyers are very much alive in the playoff race and Columbus is the team directly in front of them. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Shocker of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that head coach Barry Trotz has done a great job with the Islanders and that they are more of a defensive-minded team under his leadership. However, getting a 5.5 with a total involving the Maple Leafs in a superb situation is simply too good to pass up. The Maple Leafs are in a back to back spot and that means Garrett Sparks is likely to get the start between the pipes. He hasn't started a game in over two weeks and will be rusty here plus that start was a 4-1 loss for him. Also, Toronto is without a pair of defensemen, Jake Gardiner and Travis Dermott, for this one. The Maple Leafs aren't known for defense as it is and you can see why that is likely to be a key weakness tonight. What Toronto is known for is scoring goals and they enter this game having scored 5 or more goals in 3 straight games and 4 or more goals in 8 of their last 11 games. They'll get their fair share tonight but won't be able to stop the Islanders for the aforementioned reasons. The Isles will be ready to bounce back after a 3-1 home loss to Calgary. The Islanders entered that game having scored an average of 3.4 goals per game in their 5 prior games. The Isles have averaged 3.7 goals per game in their last 3 games versus the Maple Leafs. It was a shutout home loss for the Leafs versus the Islanders earlier this season but they previously averaged scoring 4.7 goals per game in their 3 prior meetings. The over is a perfect 3-0 the last 3 times these teams have met in New York. The over is 3-0 in Toronto's last 3 games overall. 10* OVER the total in NY Islanders

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers @ 7:05 ET - The Oilers will get a big scoring boost tonight with Connor McDavid returning to the ice with fresh legs following his suspension. The Maple Leafs enter this game having scored 4 or more goals in 7 of their last 11 games. Toronto has scored 5 or more goals in each of their past two games. The Leafs have allowed 3 or more goals in 8 of their last 10 games. Edmonton has allowed 3 or more goals in 13 of their last 15 games. Can we get each team to 3 goals here? You bet and that guarantees us of the game finishing with at least 7 goals. Keep in mind, the Maple Leafs are off a high-scoring win over Buffalo and Toronto is 12-6 to the over this season when off a divisional game. For Edmonton, this will be the 20th road game with a posted total of 6 or more goals this season and only 6 thus far have resulted in an under. Also, the Oilers are 19-10-1 to the over in games against teams with a winning record this season. Look for all the above trends to continue with a high-scoring barn-burner at the Scotiabank Centre tonight. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Tuesday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play as many will be looking to the Bruins on home ice. However, the Sharks have been red hot just like Boston has. Additionally, San Jose just suffered a tough (and controversial) 6-5 home loss to the Bruins last week and now it is payback time. The Sharks have actually lost 6 straight to Boston but, keep in mind, San Jose has outshot the Bruins 75 to 40 in their last two meetings. Finally, on Tuesday night in Boston, the Sharks will get what they deserve in the form of a well-earned meeting. While it is true that the Bruins have a rest edge here, it is also true that Boston just returned from a trip out west and oftentimes that first game after returning back east can be the toughest. As for San Jose, they were off yesterday so that helps and also they've been in the eastern time zone for each of their past 3 games (at Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Detroit). The Sharks are 2-1 so far on this road trip and this is the finale. Extra motivation here for San Jose to finally knock off the Bruins and to also make it a winning road trip. Boston also has the #1 team in the league, and a division rival, on deck as they host the Lightning on Thursday. From a situational standpoint (as well as value standpoint), this is a superb spot for the Sharks! 10* SAN JOSE

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #71 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:35 ET - This is a contrarian play as the Kings have struggled to score goals all season long. However, my take on this game is that with having the worst record in the NHL Western Conference, Los Angeles has little to play this season EXCEPT in a game like this. On Monday night on the NBCSN game (on TV) they take a shot at the #1 team in the league. This is the type of game where an underestimated opponent steps up their game to its highest level possible. Do I expect the Kings to win this game as a result? No. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if they lose the game by 2 or more goals. That's why I am not playing the money line or puck line in this game. Where I feel we have great value is with the over. That's because the Kings are going to surprise and score some goals here but, of course, I expect the Lightning to continue their tremendous onslaught in the offensive zone. The Bolts have won 8 straight games and have scored an average of 4.6 goals per game in those 8 games. The Kings have lost 7 straight games and have allowed 4.3 goals per game in those 7 games. The over is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams and those games have averaged 7.3 goals per game. Look for at least 7 here as well. Tampa is 16-10 to the over this season in games against teams with a losing record. The Kings are 18-9 to the over in non-conference games this season. Los Angeles is 10-3 to the over in their last 13 games. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay

Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #68 Monday 8* New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Habs are off a 6-3 loss at Toronto in which they blew a 3-0 lead as they wrapped up the game allowing 6 straight goals! While some may be expecting a Canadiens bounce back here, the problem is that Montreal just can't get the job done on enemy ice. The Habs are 0-4 in their last 4 road games and have been outscored by a combined score of 18 to 7. Now they face a Devils team so it may look like a bit of an easier match-up. However, looks can be deceiving. New Jersey has actually been quite tough on home ice this season and would love to play the role of spoiler here. The Devils are on the outside of the playoff race while the Canadiens are currently in a wild card spot but certainly a precarious one. New Jersey has won 3 of its last 4 home games and averaged scoring 3.5 goals per game during this stretch. The Devils have held their opponents to 2 or less goals in 3 of those 4 games. Montreal has home loss revenge here but that is a situation that has seen them lose 37 of 60 long-term (including 11 of 18 this season). The Devils, long-term, have won 61 of 99 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals and that includes 15 of 25 this season. Considering they are a sizable home dog here we've got great value in this one. 8* NEW JERSEY

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #64 Sunday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - This is a situation that strongly favors the Wild. While the red hot Blues were at Boston yesterday Minnesota was at home resting. The Wild are back from a road trip that saw them get back on track and get their confidence going again with a pair of wins. Minnesota also has an edge here in that the Blues used their red hot goalie, Jordan Binnington, yesterday and it was a fierce battle for a 2-1 win in the shootout. St Louis is likely spent after the hard-fought win at Boston and now their choices are to start Binnington in the 2nd game of a back to back or go with Jake Allen whom hasn't started in over a week and has had some struggles this season. Minnesota will take advantage and get payback for a 4-0 home ice shutout to the Blues last Sunday! Keep in mind, prior to that loss, the Wild had won 5 straight games over St Louis by a combined score of 24 to 9. Minnesota had shown they had the Blues number in recent meetings and, after getting embarrassed on home ice last Sunday, it is payback time this Sunday. The Blues are in the midst of a brutal stretch that has seen them play 10 games in 16 days without playing consecutive home games a single time. The point is it has been road road road for St Louis or just one off home games here and there. Tough stretch catches up with them here. The Blues are 2-7 this season in the 2nd game of a back to back. 10* MINNESOTA