Thursday NHL 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - This should be a high-scoring game in the 2nd game of a B2B for each club. We saw a lot of goals in last night's NHL action across the board and I am expecting more of the same in this one. Right now the Capitals are not the same club without enforcer Tom Wilson and he remains out. They allowed 5 goals in the loss to Boston last night. Now it will be either Darcy Kuemper again tonight in the 2nd game of a B2B or Charlie Lindren gets his shot in goal. Note Lindgren does not have much NHL experience and though he had good numbers in limited action last season, he had more combined action in the 3 seasons coming in and those stats were not good. Also, whoever is in goal for Washington here will be facing an angry Maple Leafs club that lost 4-3 at Montreal last night courtesy of allowing a late goal. Look for Toronto to be relentless in the offensive zone tonight after falling short against the Canadiens last night. The Toronto goalie, since Matt Murray played last night, could be Ilya Samsonov in this one. He is a former Capital and will be motivated facing his former team but he did not have great stats last season and the added pressure of facing his former team and in a home opener for Toronto could result in a bit of a tough game for him here. You know the Caps will be extra hungry tonight after scoring just 2 goals last night. Both teams off losses and pushing hard in the 2nd game of a back to back will mean some relentless attacking in the offensive zone. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - I just can not trust either goalie in this match-up. It doesn't even matter who starts in goal for either club as I just do not like the goalie options of either club at this point until they prove me wrong. But the expected goalie match-up is Matt Murray for the Leafs and Jake Allen for the Habs. Note that both had very poor records last season and high GAA. Also, everyone is saying Montreal was a better club under Martin St Louis and they were when he first took over in mid-season but really they faltered down the stretch. This Canadiens team allows too many shots on goal and too many quality scoring chances and that hurt them again the last few weeks of the season as well when they went into another rough slump and gave up too many goals. I do expect them to certainly put up a fight here on home ice and play well but they will have to rely on scoring here to hang around in this game. They are not going to shut down a highly potent Maple Leafs attack. Also, Toronto will be very aggressive in this game as another early playoff ouster last spring disappointed them. The Leafs can't wait to get the new season going and I don't think we'll see any quit in how aggressive this team will be in terms of being on the attack. Also, John Tavares missed training camp and was originally a question mark for opening night with oblique injury but he is ready to go now and is expected to be on the top line for the ultra-potent Leafs! 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -110 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Rangers seek revenge from last season's playoff ouster at the hands of the Bolts. Make not mistake about it the Lightning are still one of the top teams in the NHL and have a superb goalie in Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes. However, the Rangers also have an incredible goalie in Igor Shesterkin and they have the home ice edge here. New York also did great in picking up Kevin Fiala in the off-season. For the Lightning, the losses of McDonagh and Palat in the off-season as well as a top assistant coach could hurt this club a bit. That said, I love the hungry home team to get the job done in this one and get some playoff revenge in the process. Lightning have had a great run but their club roster is finally starting to regress a bit and this Rangers team is the one building well and getting ready to peak in my opinion. I have New York as having a solid chance at winning the cup this season and I like this spot for them to jump start their season. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -110

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in San Jose Sharks vs Nashville Predators @ 2 ET - This game being played in Czech Republic but Saturday, unlike Friday, the Sharks are the designated home club. Of course there are some extra edges as the home club in hockey games even when you are not on home ice. So San Jose should be a little better Saturday compared to Friday and I expect them to be extra hungry off the 4-1 loss. The shots on goal were about equal in Friday's game and San Jose will be pushing even harder here. The problem for the Sharks is they are struggling to stop the more talented team in this match-up. The Predators are just too much for San Jose but I feel the fact we are expected to now see the #2 goalies in this back-to-back match-up, after the starters Saros and Reimer played yesterday, will also help our cause here. Look for this one to fly over the total. As mentioned yesterday, these games in the Global Series have a history of being higher-scoring. Yesterday's just missed going over but it certainly had its chances for more scoring. Today, and with back-up goalies in there (or starters in the 2nd game of a back to back) I think we might see some soft goals let in too. This one should get to at least 6 and I am expecting a highly entertaining 4-3 type game here. 10* OVER 5.5 in San Jose Sharks

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks @ 2:05 ET in Czech Republic - If you look at the history of the Global Series games since it started in 2017, these overseas games have featured a lot of goals. There have been 8 regular season games that pitted NHL teams against each other and 7 of the 8 games totaled at least 6 goals. I generally don't like puck line plays in the NHL and you can see with the line on this game that the money line is pricey. I just don't like 1 goal games late that then go either way. Is there an empty net goal or not? But when I look at the total on this game, note that neither team is very strong defensively. Both teams, in terms of goals allowed, are a bit leaky on defense at times. But both clubs have some strong scorers and I expect a big push here. Of course there are a lot of European players on each club and even some that are from Czech Republic. That said, there will be a strong push here and a bit of extra aggression for each team. They want to start the season on the right foot. Don't be surprised that we might see some key turnovers of the puck in this one too. Early season game, unfamiliar arena and surroundings, there can be some sloppy play in games like this and that can lead to odd man rushes the other way. Look for a very entertaining game here with plenty of goals. 10* OVER 5.5 in Nashville

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line -114 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:15 ET - The Avalanche are 4-0 last 4 times when entering a game off a loss. Also, the Avs are 8-1 in road games in this post-season. Colorado has dominated shots on goal in this series and that continues here. The Avalanche just too much for a Lightning team that doesn't have the same level of talent on offense. Vasilevskiy fantastic in goal for the Bolts but Avs also have been getting good goaltending and the better team in terms of offensive output will prove to be too much here. 10* COLORADO -114

NHL Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +163 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8:15 ET - Pretty amazing that Tampa Bay could be up 3-1 in this series and yet are down 3-1 but are now catching a big underdog price in this one. Lightning lost Game 1 in OT and now Game 4 in OT and that is the only reason this series is 3-1 Avs instead of 3-1 Bolts. Colorado is a strong team for sure but they are very over-valued here and the play of Andrei Vasilveskiy in goal has been huge for them in the past two games. Truly the Avs goals on him in Game 4 including some fortunate bounces. That said, I am sure the stellar netminder, when he is in the zone like he has been now, can come into Denver and help the Bolts steal this game on the road. Tampa Bay is 9-2 the last 11 times they entered a game off a loss. With the Avs win at TB Wednesday, the road team has taken 8 of the last 13 Colorado games. Also, though Brayden Point is likely again out for the Lightning, they are 11-2 in the last 13 games he has missed in this post-season. The value is off the charts here and I look for the defending champs to get up off the mat, at least one more time, to live to fight another day as they stay alive with a big upset in Game 5 Friday. 10* TAMPA BAY +163

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:15 ET - After the Lightning got destroyed 7-0 in Game 2 of this series following a tight OT loss in Game 1, they responded with a huge 6-2 win in Game 3. Tampa Bay is now 7-0 / 100% PERFECT L7 home games in this post-season. Indeed, the Bolts have won 8 straight games this post-season on home ice. The combined score of those 8 home ice playoff wins is 33-13. In other words they have not just been squeaking by in these home victories, they have been dominating. I have no hesitation in now testing a perfect situation here. I like our chances in this spot for the defending champs to stand up strong here once again as Vasilevskiy continues to be so strong on home ice and they now climb all the way back into this series by making it 2-2 after Wednesday's game is in the books. 10* Tampa Bay -105

NHL Monday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:15 ET - The Lightning just got destroyed 7-0 in Game 2 of this series after a tight OT loss in Game 1. Tampa Bay is 4-0 / 100% PERFECT this season when off a shutout loss. Also, the Bolts have won 7 straight games this post-season on home ice. The combined score of those 7 wins is 27-11. In other words we are testing a double perfect situation here and one of those situations is one that has not lost all season for TB. I like our chances here for the defending champs to stand up strong here to climb back into the series and make it 2-1 after Monday's game is in the books. 10* Tampa Bay -105

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line +135 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Lightning are 8-0 the last 8 times they were off a loss in which they allowed 5 or less goals. Keep in mind, the 4-3 OT loss saw the Bolts dig out of an early 3-1 hole. I liked the response from Tampa Bay after falling behind early and I like the fact they played more their style of game the final two periods of the hockey game before losing in overtime. I know the Avalanche are a great team and have been red hot but Tampa has won B2B cups for a reason! Look for their streak to make it 9 in a row here when in this situation! 10* TAMPA BAY +135

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +150 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - This one falls into the rest versus rust factor. You might be thinking it is great that the Avalanche swept the Oilers and are so well-rested here. However, this will be their first live game action in over a week and that will be tough on Colorado. Conversely, the Bolts have an ideal amount of rest entering this game. Yes Tampa Bay had to battle hard to get by the Rangers in 6 games after dropping the first two games of the series. However, the Lighting will enter this game having full off days Sunday and Monday and Tuesday. That, unlike what the Avs had, is an ideal amount of rest. It is enough to rest up but not so much that a team is rusty. Also, TB has more recently been in intense game action and winning all those tight low-scoring games could serve the Lightning well right off the bat here. These are two great teams here and I am certainly not saying that TB is going to get a 3-peat. Lets not get ahead of ourselves. We have to see how things play out as the series gets going. But the points is I do feel this is a huge situational edge for the Lightning entering this series and I feel they have a great shot to steal game one on the road. Getting a +150 price on a dog that is the 2x defending champ and enters this game having won 10 of 12 games...yes, I'll take it! 10* TAMPA BAY +150

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +167 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - As long-time followers know I am a contrarian. Everyone will be lining up on Tampa Bay here to close this series out. However, the Rangers have been "right there" with the Lightning throughout this series and this is a tremendous value spot for New York getting huge plus money on the money line. Yes the home team had dominated this series but that ended when the Bolts scored late in Game 5 to steal a game on the road. Look for a similar result here as now it is the Rangers turn to steal one and that will set us up for an incredible Game 7 which is exactly what this hard-fought series deserves. New York has been a fantastic team all season long when off B2B losses and now they've lost 3 straight for just the 3rd time this season. Note: the Rangers have NOT lost 4 straight this entire season! That trend continues here as the big road dog staves off elimination. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +167

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:15 ET - The Rangers are 8-0 last 8 home games in this post-season. The home team is a perfect 4-0 so far in this series after Tampa Bay won both games on their home ice to even this series up at 2 games apiece. New York is a different team and Shesterkin seemingly a different goalie when at Madison Square Garden. The home team is 6-0 in Tampa Bay's last 6 games in this post-season. Look for all these 100% perfect home team streaks to continue here. There is just too much value to pass up on here given these streaks and the fact that it is hard to win the Stanley Cup two times in a row...let alone 3 times! That said, I still feel the Rangers are going to find a way to win this series and to do so tonight's game is critical. I just don't see the Lightning getting a shot at the 3-peat and so, again, this Game 5 is critical and the hosts prevail. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +115

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers +155 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - This is just too much value to pass up on. The Rangers are 5-2 the last 7 times when off a loss. Yes the Lightning did outshoot them heavily in the Game 3 win but New York still had plenty of chances to win that game and fell just short when Tampa Bay scored a goal in the final minute. That said, when you can take a scrappy team like the Rangers off a loss and knowing they had more than a punchers chance Sunday in a must-win game for the Bolts...I will take it every single time. The defending champs simply over-valued here. Keep in mind, Rangers had won 6 of last 7 meetings between these teams before coming up short in Game 3. I will grab the big dog here without hesitation. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS money line +155

NHL Monday 8* Edmonton Oilers Money Line +115 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Oilers were better than the 4-2 final score from Saturday's Game 3 would lead you to believe. In fact, Edmonton very nearly took a 3-2 third period lead when an Oilers shot struck iron right before the Avalanche caught a break the other way and got their own 3-2 lead in the game. It is a game of inches for sure and the breaks have gone the way of the Avs so far. That is not to say Colorado is not a great team that is getting what they deserve because they absolutely are. However, it is just to say that Edmonton has been much better than most realize and they are very unfortunate to be down 3-0 in this series. Look for the Oilers to pull it all together here in Game 4 with their absolute best effort of the series and the result will be a home win. The Avalanche have been surviving so far with their injury issues mounting because they are a deep team. However, it catches up with them here on the road with Kadri now out as well and the home team finally tilts the ice in their favor for much of the game in this one as they prove to be the much hungrier team and simply will not accept getting swept out of the post-season in their own building. Home team pride kicks in here! 8* EDMONTON +115

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers @ 3 ET - The Rangers have scored 9 goals so far in this series. The first game totaled 8 goals and the second game finished a 3-2 Rangers win that was very close to going over the total of 5.5 goals. I feel we'll get it here as the Bolts respond at home and NY goalie Shesterkin known for being stronger at home than on the road. As good as TB goalie Vasilevskiy is, he has had some struggles with this Rangers team and New York continues coming in waves. The Rangers will be very aggressive here as they are already up 2-0 in the series so getting a win down in Tampa Bay will simply be a bonus at this point. Especially here in Game 3, the Rangers will be loose and relaxed but I look for the Bolts to be in full on attack mode too in this one as it is a must win and they will be aggressive on home ice. 10* OVER 5.5 in Tampa Bay

NHL Saturday 10* Edmonton Oilers Money Line +115 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Oilers just got trounced 4-0 in game two of this series after a valiant comeback effort in game one of this series fell short in an 8-6 loss. The home team has now won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams and I look for that trend to continue here. The home loss before these 3 straight wins was an Oilers 2-1 loss in Edmonton but the hosts outshot the Avalanche 50 to 34 in that game. Edmonton is 6-1 the last 7 times they have entered a game off B2B losses. I just don't see the Oilers laying down and especially on home ice where they have won 18 of last 21 games! 10* EDMONTON

NHL Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - As mentioned in my Game 1 write-up on this series, this is another nice home dog situation here. Yes the Bolts are the 2x defending cup champs but they also have now lost 5 of last 6 versus Rangers. This New York team is better than many realize and they also will take advantage of a Lightning team still likely to be without Brayden Point. The Rangers getting such strong goaltending and that is what is needed to counteract a TB team that also gets such great goalie work from Vasilevskiy who also faltered a bit in Game 1 as it was a 6-2 loss for the Bolts. Look for Shesterkin to again help lead the way to an upset win here. As I mentioned before, heading into this series, just more impressed with the Rangers knocking off the Pens and the Canes moreso than Tampa beating Leafs and Panthers teams known for playoff failures. Also, the Rangers have won 7 straight home games and I am happy to test that 7-0 run with an undervalued home dog once again Friday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +115

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers +165 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Oilers got down huge early in Game 1 but rallied back and also got strong goaltending from Koskinen when he came in for Smith. Conversely, the Avalanche had some soft goaltending from Francouz when he relieved Kuemper. Also, Kuemper may be out for this game. Either way I like Edmonton here. I have all the respect in the world for the Avalanche but this Oilers team continues to be undervalued. Remember that in the prior round against the Flames, the Oilers were getting hammered but rallied for a tight loss to Calgary. That ended up being their only loss in the series. Now I am absolutely not saying that is happening here. But what I am saying is that I do expect Edmonton to again carry momentum from a Game 1 loss in which they rallied right into a Game 2 victory. This Oilers team turned the tables on the Avs as Tuesday's game went on and they can do it again here. Too much big money line value to pass up on in this one. 10* EDMONTON +165

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - Another nice home dog situation here. Yes the Bolts are the 2x defending cup champs but they are also have lost 4 of last 5 versus Rangers. This New York team is better than many realize and they also will take advantage of a Lightning team still likely to be without Brayden Point. The Rangers getting such strong goaltending and that is what is needed to counteract a TB team that also gets such great goalie work from Vasilevskiy. Look for Shesterkin to help lead the way to an upset win here. Just more impressed with the Rangers knocking off the Pens and the Canes moreso than Tampa beating Leafs and Panthers teams so known for playoff failures. Also, the Rangers have won 6 straight home games and I also feel the long layoff for Tampa Bay will hurt them here as thsi will be their first game in over a week. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +115

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line +160 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - I have a ton of respect for Colorado but feel the Oilers could steal game one of this series on the road before some adjustments are made. Edmonton has shown a lot of resilience to get here. Remember they suffered the OT heart-breaker versus the Kings in Alberta to fall behind 3-2 in the series and then had to go on the road to win Game 6 before winning Game 7 again home ice. Then they dropped Game 1 of their series at Calgary only to battle back and win 4 straight games over a very strong Flames team. That said, I am more impressed with the Oilers than the fact the Avs got by the Predators and then a Blues team that I think they should have destroyed but they did not. The key point being that the value is off the charts here as Edmonton is much stronger than many realize while everyone knows the Avalanche are so talented and hence we have seen a line move in a strong way toward Colorado in the opener. I am happy to invest in the value on the other side as the Oilers are 4-2 on enemy ice in this post-season and the road team has won 7 of last 8 Avs games! 10* EDMONTON +160

NHL Monday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +135 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 8 ET - With the home team having won all 6 games in this series, there is certain to be favoritism from the betting markets toward the Hurricanes in this one. However, I feel strongly that that the fact the Rangers have taken 3 of the last 4 games in this series has much less to do with the home ice factor and much more to do with a goalie edge. New York has the edge between the pipes and that is particularly huge in a Game 7. That said, I am backing the road dog that is loaded with momentum and coming off another huge win in Game 6 Saturday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +135

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -105 vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8 ET - The home team has won all 5 games in this series and long-term history is on our side here too as the Rangers have won 37 of 51 meetings between these franchises when they are a host. Not only is the home team 5-0 in this series, the Rangers are a perfect 4-0 the last 4 times they were on home ice and coming off a loss in prior game. That means we have a double perfect situation here and I am happy to test it! 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -105

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in St Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Blues are down to their last chance here at home after surviving the same situation (a must win) Wednesday on the road at Colorado. As a result, I expect them to bring a huge effort on home ice. The problem for St Louis is that ever since they lost Binnington to injury, the goaltending has really taken a hit. The Blues can not seem to stop the Avalanche and Colorado, prior to the 5-4 Game 5 loss, had outscored St Louis 11 to 5 since Binnington got hurt early in Game 3. Keep in mind, those two high-scoring Avs wins were at St Louis and now, on the road where they have played so well, the Avalanche are even more likely to pile up goals in this one as they come off a high-scoring loss. The Blues have scored an average of 3.5 goals per game the last 4 games but the Avalanche are a big favorite for a reason here. In other words, a 4-3 or 5-3 type game would not be surprising in the least. Only 2 unders in last 11 meetings between these teams in St Louis and that trend involving Blues and Avs continues here. 10* OVER 6.5 in St Louis

NHL Thursday 8* Calgary Flames Money Line -145 vs Edmonton Oilers @ 9:30 ET - The Flames are too strong to lose this series on home ice in my opinion. This is an elimination game for Calgary and the recent series between these fierce Alberta rivals has been dominated by home ice wins. Look for the Flames to come up big here on home ice. The most recent home game for the Flames versus the Oilers was a Game 2 loss and that was a rare home ice loss in the battles between these provincial foes. With their backs against the wall and the extra energy and motivation that will bring to this match-up, look for the hosts to get it done and I will lay the price here. 8* CALGARY -145

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +140 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - Just too much value to pass up on here in my opinion. The line keeps climbing on the Canes but the Rangers have the hot goalie in Shesterkin and have all the momentum after B2B wins. I know one could argue the home team has won all the games in this series and their argument is correct. However, I think the biggest key in this series is the goalie edge that New York has. That said, and with momentum on their side, I will ride the road dog in this one. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +140

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Colorado Avalanche vs St Louis Blues @ 8 ET - The Blues are down to their last chance here. As a result, I expect them to bring a huge effort on the road. The problem for St Louis is that ever since they lost Binnington to injury, the goaltending has really taken a hit. The Blues can not seem to stop the Avalanche and Colorado has outscored St Louis 11 to 5 since Binnington got hurt early in Game 3. Keep in mind, those two high-scoring Avs wins were at St Louis and now, at home with a chance to close the series out, the Avalanche are ever more likely to pile up goals in this one. The Blues have scored an average of 3 goals per game the last 3 games but the Avalanche are a big favorite for a reason here. In other words, a 4-3 or 5-3 type game would not be surprising in the least. 10* OVER 6.5 in Colorado

NHL Monday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -125 vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Vasilevskiy has allowed only 1 goal in each of his last 4 starts. Tampa Bay has won 5 straight games. The Lightning are on home ice here and are the two-time defending champs. TB continues to get too little respect and Florida continues to get too much respect. The ability to get the Bolts at a small money line here on home ice just because the Panthers are in a 3-0 hole is too good to pass up on. Brayden Point likely to be out again for this one and yet though he keeps missing the games the Lightning have a 3-0 series lead. They are so strong defensively and in goal and know how to win playoff hockey and I expect them to get the sweep here as Florida continues to struggle to score goals and their power play numbers have been on a horrific run even after yesterday's goal! 10* TAMPA BAY -125

10* New York Rangers +105 - Rangers have scored an average of 4 goals per game in regulation time of their post-season games in 2022. New York has won 3 straight games on home ice. They are getting strong goal-tending from Igor Shesterkin but just can't get anything going in the offensive zone. They will now that they are back on home ice. Look for the Rangers to get back into this series with a big win Sunday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +105

10* Tampa Bay Lightning +100 - Vasilevskiy has allowed only 1 goal in each of his last 3 starts. Tampa Bay has won 4 straight games. The Lightning are on home ice here and are the two-time defending champs. TB continues to get too little respect and Florida continues to get too much respect. The ability to get the Bolts at even money here on home ice just because the Panthers are in a 2-0 hole is too good to pass up on. Brayden Point likely to be out again for this one and yet though he keeps missing the games the Lightning have a 2-0 series lead. They are so strong defensively and in goal and now how to win playoff hockey! 10* TAMPA BAY +100

NHL Saturday 8* Colorado Avalanche Money Line -165 @ St Louis Blues @ 8 ET - It is very rare for me to lay much juice but I just do not see the Avs losing B2B games in this series. They swept Nashville in the first round and then won the opener of this series. But then St Louis took Game 2 even though that game was in Colorado and now it is payback time for the Avalanche on enemy ice. The fact that this game is in St Louis actually is a positive for us because it keeps the Avs line manageable. I will lay it here and look for a big road win. 8* COLORADO -165

NHL Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +155 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 8 ET - Late in the 2nd period of Game 1 the Rangers rang one off the pipe that would have given them a 2-0 lead in the game and likely a 1-0 series lead as a result. Instead, the Canes kept the 1-goal deficit nearly the entire game and then struck finally with just a few minutes left in the game to tie it up and force OT. The Hurricanes then went on to win it in overtime and now the Rangers respond. Since the calendar turned the page to 2022, New York has had 4 losses after regulation. There were 2 in the regular season and then Wednesday's was the 2nd one of the post-season. After each of the first 3, the Rangers won their next game every single time. I look for that record to improve to 4-0 after tonight's game goes into the books. Game 1 was a heart-breaker for the Rangers and for us but we both get payback tonight! 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +155

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7 ET - Of course Vasilevskiy is an amazing goalie and one of the best in the world. That was on full display again in the game one victory for the Bolts. However, lets also not forget that the Panthers offensive capabilities rank among the best in the league as well and I am certain they will bounce back at home in Game 2 after being held in check in Game 1. That said, the Lightning will continue piling up goals as well in this one in what should be a back and forth high-scoring affair. Florida needs a win as they can't afford to lose both games on home ice to open up this series. But the Panthers known for struggles in goal and in their own end of the ice. So goals should be aplenty in this one. The last 3 games between these teams have totaled 29 goals! 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers +150 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - As we saw yesterday with Tampa Bay, good teams know how to win on the road. The road team has taken 3 of the last 4 meetings between these clubs. Also, the Rangers have won 3 of their last 4 visits to Carolina. Of course the Hurricanes are a good team but New York is under-valued here and can steal game one on the road. I know that Shesterkin had some struggles in the first round series with the Penguins but he seems past that now. Note that the Hurricanes are not quite the same team without goalie Andersen. Just too much value here to pass up on with the road dog. The Rangers tied for the regular season league lead with 25 road wins this season. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +150 

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +155 @ Florida Panthers @ 7 ET - I know the Lightning are likely without Brayden Point here but this is just such a strong team and getting a great price in this one. Also, I like the fact that the Bolts just beat a very strong Maple Leafs team. Florida struggled at times with the Capitals and I feel strongly that Washington was nowhere near the level of the Toronto club that Tampa just defeated. So, don't get me wrong, the Panthers are certainly a strong team but the point is that the value is off the charts here with the two-time defending champion Lightning getting a huge comeback price here on the money line. Look for goalie Vasilevskiy to be a key here in Game 1 and I certainly like the goalie edge here with him over Florida's Bobrovsky. 10* TAMPA BAY +155

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -135 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Crosby likely going to play tonight as he was at practice yesterday and seemed ready to go. However, he is not the Penguins biggest issue right now. Their biggest issue is that they have goalie injury issues and the Rangers have an edge in the crease. Dominque has allowed at least 4 goals in 3 of his last 4 starts. Also, the Rangers have the home ice edge here and all the momentum after rallying from a 3-1 series deficit to tie this series up. Look for the Rangers to ride all these edges to the win this one this evening. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -135

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs -120 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning are the 2x defending champs. Tampa just forced a Game 7 with the OT win in Game 6. The Leafs are now 0-8 their last 8 games with elimination potential. That said, all signs would point toward the Bolts in this one. However, in typical contrarian fashion I am on Toronto here and I feel backing them is fully justified in this one. The fact they are favored despite all of the above is further justification for backing the Maple Leafs. Truly this season's Leafs team seems different and I just do not see them being denied here. Toronto is very strong and on home ice and has a different team chemistry than other recent Maple Leafs teams. This is the season they put it all together and advance to the 2nd round. Toronto is 8-1 last 9 times when off a loss and they get it done again here as they bounce right back from the loss at Tampa Thursday. The Bolts are actually 0-4 last 4 times when off a win. The patterns continue here as no team has won B2B games yet in this series and, in my strong opinion, that is how this one closes out as well. 10* TORONTO -120

NHL Saturday 9* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line +130 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 4:35 ET - I know the home team has won all the games in this series but I am bucking that trend here. What I am looking at is the fact that the Bruins have allowed just 2 goals to the Hurricanes in 3 of the last 4 games since they switched to Swayman in net. Also, the Canes have allowed 4 goals - not including empty netters! - in 3 of the last 4 games. Boston is a veteran team loaded with playoff experience and the Hurricanes home ice edge can only take them so far. Carolina just 3 for 21 on the power play last 4 games while Bruins 5 for 20 and the special teams play could absolutely make a difference in a winner take all Game 7. Grab the underdog in this one as they continue with the better goaltending and ride their recent momentum to the upset win to advance. 9* BOSTON +130

NHL Earliest Dominator Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers -110 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Penguins already dealing with goalie injury issues and now they are hurting at the other end of the ice too as Sidney Crosby is a big question mark for this game. Even if he plays, I like the fact that Igor Shesterkin bounced back in goal for the Rangers in Game 5. When he is on, he certainly gives the Rangers the huge goalie edge with Pittsburgh having now turned to Louis Dominque in goal due to the injury issues. It is with good reason that the Rangers are favored on enemy ice here even though they are facing elimination and even though the home team has won four straight games. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -110

NHL Thursday 10* Boston Bruins -122 vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - We have seen the zig zag theory working quite well in this particular NHL first round series and I expect more of the same here. Bruins just got blasted by the Hurricanes in most recent game in Carolina so watch them bounce right back here in Boston. The home team is a perfect 5-0 in this series and the hosts have won the games by an incredible margin - average of 3.2 goal margin per victory! More of the same expected here and another solid home win projected in this one. 10* BOSTON -122

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 -120 in Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals @ 7:30 ET - The Capitals nearly won Game 4 but gave up a late goal and lost in overtime. Washington did a very poor job of generating shots on goal in that game and they ultimately paid for it. Look for the Caps to have learned their lesson and be much more aggressive in the offensive zone in this one but, at the same time, they will not be able to stop the Panthers in Florida. The hosts will be a determined bunch on home ice and should score plenty here and I expect a very high-scoring game here as a result. 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins +135 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - The home team has won all 4 games so far in this series but I see a shift happening here. Boston won the last two games on home ice and part of the key was that Kochetkov struggled in one game in goal for the Hurricanes and Raanta struggled in the other guarding the crease. The Bruins on the other hand, switched to Swayman in goal after losing the first two games of this series. The move has paid off huge and he will be in goal for Game 5 on the road tonight at Carolina. All the momentum with the road team and a hotter goalie. The Hurricanes are a great team but really got hurt badly when Frederik Andersen got hurt and that costs them again here. 10* BOSTON +135

NHL Metro Div Game of the Year Monday 10* New York Rangers -112 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Rangers got down huge to the Penguins in Game 3 but then rallied to tie it only to ultimately lose the game 7 to 4. This will only strengthen their resolve here in Game 4. I do feel strongly that New York is the stronger team and this is essentially a must-win game to even up this series up at 2 games apiece. Rangers could have easily won Game 1 of this series and should have were it not for a disallowed late goal that never should have been disallowed. NY also won the final two meetings between these teams in the regular season. Look for the Rangers to bounce right back here as they are 8-1 last 9 times when they are playing on the road after coming off a loss in the prior game. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -112

NHL 1st Rd Total of the Year Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7 ET - The over is 5-1 in last 6 meetings between these teams. There has not been an under in any of the last 4 meetings between these clubs at Tampa Bay. I fully expect the Lightning to respond big off the 5-2 loss to the Leafs in Game 3 but, at the same time, I don't see Toronto's scoring slowing down any time soon. The Leafs are feeling it again and growing with confidence and, amazingly, the winning team has scored at least 5 goals in each of the last 6 games between these teams. Neither goalie has been consistently overly impressive of late and there have been 11 power play goals scored in the last 4 games between these teams. 10* OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay 

NHL Daytime Dominator Sunday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild +105 @ St Louis Blues @ 4:30 ET - The Wild have swung the series behind back to back strong starts from Marc Andre Fleury while the Blues have lost each of the last two games behind a struggling Ville Husso. St Louis also has some injuries to defenseman and I feel Minnesota will continue to pull away in this series. They are just so strong and are built well for the playoffs and the Blues simply are not what they use to be. The downhill slide for St Louis continues here. 10* MINNESOTA +105

NHL Situational Slaughter Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers -110 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Rangers have won 4 of 5 games against the Penguins including the key blowout in Game 2 of this series after losing a heart-breaker in Game 1. Keep in mind, New York never should have lost Game 1 of this series as they had a disallowed goal late in the game that never should have been disallowed and they went on to lose that game in triple-OT. In other words, the Rangers could easily be up 2-0 in this series and have 5 straight wins over the Penguins. Considering that plus the fact the Pens had already lost goalie Jarry to injury and now also lost back-up goalie DeSmith to injury. That said, the Penguins are counting on Dominque in net and the Rangers have a huge edge with Shesterkin between the pipes. With Rangers on the road for this one we get line value with a very low price and I will take it. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -110

NHL Puck Line Punisher Saturday 8* Nashville Predators Puck Line +1.5 -125 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 4:30 ET - The Predators are happy to be back on home ice and buoyed by the confidence afforded them by the strong performance of goalie Connor Ingram in Game 2 of this series. That was a 2-1 OT loss and, prior to losing Game 1 by a big margin, the Preds actually had won 3 straight over the Avs. Nashville scored at least 5 goals in all 3 of those wins and, in a critical Game 3, I do expect the Predators to come up big here at both ends of the ice. Look for the Preds to be in this one all the way and I love the excellent value of the goal and a half at a manageable price. 8* NASHVILLE +1.5 goals -125

NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Year Friday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs +107 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:30 ET - The Maple Leafs lost Game 2 by a 5-3 count but the Lightning had 3 power play goals in that game. In other words, Toronto outscored Tampa Bay in 5 on 5 hockey. Also, the Leafs did win Game 1 by a 5-0 count. The point is that I feel we are now getting some line value here as the series has shifted to Tampa. It is so hard to repeat and I know this is only the opening round of the post-season but the Bolts are B2B Stanley Cup Champs and will they be able to match the hunger and intensity of this Maple Leafs team coming off a loss? I don't think so! I really like Toronto here to bounce back off the Game 2 loss with a strong effort and we are getting line value since they are on the road. Keep in mind, TB has lost 6 of last 15 home games so they certainly are not automatic when they are on home ice! The Maple Leafs have won 6 of 9 road games and I like the value with them in this spot. 10* TORONTO +107

NHL Puck Line Punisher Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Puck Line +1.5 goals -120 @ 7:30 ET - The Capitals rallied for the win in Game 1 as they were down 2-1 after two periods. However, the victory was no fluke really. This Washington team built well for the playoffs and they outshot a tough Panthers team 38 to 32 in the game. I don't necessarily think they will spring the outright upset in each of the first two games of this series but they will be tough to beat here. Florida going to have to really battle just to win this game let alone cover the 1.5 goals on the puck line. Washington is a strong physical team and I also do not trust goalie Sergei Bobrovsky of the Panthers. Again, not saying they will not win this game. Just think it is going to be a tough battle all the way through and remember the Capitals tied for the league lead this season with 25 road wins in the regular season! 10* WASHINGTON +1.5 goals -120

NHL Earliest Cash Thursday 8* New York Rangers Money Line -150 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Rangers lost a heartbreaker in Game 1 in triple-OT and I fully expect a bounce back here. In my opinion, New York's late game goal that got overturned and disallowed never should have been overturned. Clearly the Rangers player was pushed in the back and that caused him to take out the goalie. 100% that goal should have counted and NY should have won Game 1. They will win Game 2 as turnabout is fair play. New York comes out highly motivated here and will not be denied. The Rangers have the goalie edge and home ice edge and the line move toward them in this game is justified. 8* NEW YORK RANGERS -150

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins +105 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins lost Game 1 by a 5-1 score but outshot the Hurricanes by a count of 36 to 25. In other words, this was not the blowout it really looked like. In fact, the game was very close for a very long time so the final score not indicative of how the game played out. The Bruins are a playoff-veteran team that will bounce back off the game one loss. Boston has eliminated Carolina from the post-season twice in recent seasons and has plenty of confidence in this match-up despite the recent Hurricanes wins in both the regular season and the start of this series. 10* BOSTON +105

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -125 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - Very few teams in the NHL had more home wins than the 27 the Rangers amassed this season. Also, the Rangers Igor Shesterkin was arguably the best goalie in the game this season. Though he is coming off a tough couple starts to finish the season that will only motivate him even more to have a huge performance beginning with Game 1 of this series. So the Rangers have the goalie edge and home ice edge and we are getting a very fair price because the Penguins are a public team in the NHL. They are very popular indeed and a lot of bettors like to back them which gives us even more value in the backing the Rangers here. New York has won 4 of last 5 home ice meetings with the Pens. Overall, the Rangers have won 3 straight meetings with Pittsburgh. Love the line value here. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -125

NHL Earliest Cash Monday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line -110 vs Boston Bruins @ 7 ET - The Hurricanes seek revenge for playoff ouster at the hands of Bruins two years ago. Boston is a great team but only one team in the Eastern Conference (Florida with 7) had fewer losses than the 8 Carolina had on home ice in the regular season. This is a tough team to beat at Carolina. Also, the Hurricanes certainly are not lacking for confidence in this one after beating the Bruins by a combined score of 16 to 1 in the 3 regular season meetings! The goalie match-up is expected to be Raanta versus Ullmark and both have been playing well but note that the Canes won 10 of 13 home starts for Raanta and the Bruins lost 8 of 20 road starts for Ullmark. The pick'em price considering the home ice factors and all of the above make the Hurricanes well worth the investment here. 10* CAROLINA -110

NHL Playoff Primer Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg Jets vs Seattle Kraken @ 2 ET - Seattle is off a win and Winnipeg has won 3 straight games. This is a "meaningless" late season game but you know both these non-playoff clubs want to head into the off-season on a positive note. There should be plenty of open ice and solid scoring chances in this one. Seattle is off a rare 3-0 shutout win but had allowed an average of nearly 5 goals per game in losing 4 straight before that. The Kraken will have their hands full trying to slow down a Jets team that wants to end the season with a bang. I do like the fact that Seattle has scored at least 2 goals in 9 straight games and has actually averaged 3 goals per game during this stretch. The Jets are favored heavily for a reason though and I am looking for a 4-3 type game here at a minimum. Winnipeg is on a 3 game winning streak and off a 3-1 win versus Calgary plus scored at least 4 goals in each of the 3 home games preceding that one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg

NHL Total of the Month Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia Flyers vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are off B2B embarrassing road losses but are now back home for their final game of the season. Philadelphia scored 4 goals in winning their most recent home game. Also, that followed a 6-3 win at Montreal in the prior game. The Flyers have been struggling defensively and in goal but they can find the back of the net when motivated and Philly is motivated on home ice to close the season with a win. However, they will have to score plenty of goals to do so because of their recent poor defense and sub-par netminding. The Senators will take advantage and enter this game having scored 3 goals in each of the first two games against Flyers this season. The Sens are off a shutout loss versus Florida but had won 4 straight games prior to that. Also, other than 2-1 win in that stretch, Ottawa's other 5 games prior to the shutout loss to the Panthers had totaled an average of 8.4 goals apiece. 10* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - Lost with this play when these teams met in Tampa Bay Tuesday but the Lighting scored 4 goals in that one. TB will be able to score well again here but this time the Blue Jackets will join the party as well. Columbus is a different team on home ice and should produce much better here. The Jackets last home game was a 5-2 win and they love for that cannon to be going off plenty of times with each goal scored for the hosts when in Columbus. Overall that 5-2 win was the 13th time last 19 home games for Columbus totaling at least 7 goals. This one will too as the Blue Jackets are sure to put up a fight in their home finale but they will have to score plenty of goals to topple Tampa Bay. So look for a 4-3 or 5-4 type game here that might see the Jackets fall just short but our over will not fall short this time! 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +170 @ Winnipeg Jets @ 7:35 ET - This is a tricky spot for the Jets and this play is all about the underdog value for the Flyers. Winnipeg is off a win but had lost 4 straight games before that. The average margin of defeat was 3.3 goals per game in those 4 losses. The point is that the Jets have not been playing that well, their playoff hopes were only recently dashed, and they have two bigger games against Western Conference foes on deck. They will want the game with Calgary up next and then their home finale after that versus Seattle. This is the most meaningless game left on their schedule and the Flyers could surprise here. Also, I do respect back-up goalie Comrie but he is the #2 to Hellebuyck for a reason of course and Comrie will be between the pipes tonight. Flyers off a loss but won 2 straight before that and will be motivated to win their final road game of the season after a bit of a lackluster showing at Chicago Monday. 10* PHILADELPHIA +170

NHL Situational Slaughter Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line +100 vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:35 ET - The Golden Knights are the more desperate team here. But that is merely serving to give us extra line value because of public perception. The fact it is the Stars have yet to clinch a playoff spot and they can do so with a win tonight. On home ice and with a chance to clinch, Dallas should get the win tonight. Vegas knows their odds are now extremely slim after losses to the Devils and then a heart-breaking gut-wrenching OT loss to the Sharks in which they blew a late 2-goal lead. The Knights will try to bounce back here but it is too much to ask and Dallas rolls again on home ice after a 3-2 win over Seattle in most recent game. The Stars are 25-10-3 on home ice this season while Vegas has won only about half their road games this season. The situation sets up perfectly for a home ice win here. 10* DALLAS +100

NHL Earliest Punisher Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning just blasted three straight teams including the Maple Leafs and they prefer to meet Toronto in the post-season so they will keep going hard so they don't fall into a wild-card sport. That said, Tampa Bay should again score extremely well here. TB has won 5 of 6 games and scored 6.4 goals per game in those 5 victories! As for the Blue Jackets, they are off a 5-2 home win and 2 of their last 4 road games totaled at least 9 goals. Look for another high-scoring game here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay

NHL Total of the Week Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 8:05 ET - This is the perfect spot to fade the Flyers off their huge upset win over the in-state rival Penguins yesterday. However, while I do expect the Blackhawks to catch a sleepy and unmotivated defense here (plus goalie likely to be a very young Felix Sandstrom in this one) I just do not trust the Blackhawks defense and netminding either. Hence, a play on the over in this one. Chicago has allowed at least 4 goals in 7 of last 8 games. Blackhawks home games have totaled at least 7 goals in 4 straight contests and, in fact, those games averaged 8 goals per game. As for the Flyers, before yesterday's 4-1 win stayed under the total, 6 of 7 Philly games totaled at least 7 goals. As a matter of fact, those 6 games averaged 8.3 goals per game. Look for at least 7 goals in this one as well with two teams just playing out the string on tough seasons so there will be little defensive intensity here particularly with Flyers off win over their biggest rival yesterday. 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Situational Dominator Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals have lost each of the two prior meetings with the Leafs by a combined score of 12 to 6 - an average total of 9 goals scored per game. Washington comes in seeking revenge but Toronto also comes into this one angry off B2B losses after a loss at Florida yesterday. The Maple Leafs have averaged scoring 4.3 goals per game the last 6 times they have entered a game off 2 or more losses. At the same time, note that the Caps have been scoring plenty of goals and have been particularly high-scoring in home games. Now, finally back in DC after a lengthy road trip, this one should see a pile of goals scored. I know this total is a big one posted at 7 goals but it should not be a problem here given the situational edges pointing toward goals in this one. 10* OVER 7 in Washington

NHL PA Dominator Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 4:05 ET - You know Philly is going to bring a strong effort on their home ice here against the rival Penguins. However, this does not change the fact that this team can stop no one! The Flyers continue to struggle defensively and in goal and Pittsburgh should score plenty here. But Philadelphia has been scoring well and continues to get involved in one high-scoring game after another and I expect that trend to continue here. The result is a game in which I expect each team to get to 3 goals and, of course, this guarantees of nothing less than a 4-3 final in this one. 9* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Divisional Dominator Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 7 -130 in Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Leafs could get Auston Matthews back for this one. Either way I am looking for plenty of goals. Toronto just got destroyed at Tampa Bay and gave up a ton of goals so they need to bounce back after that embarrassing loss. The Maple Leafs should bounce back here and score plenty against a Panthers team known for having some issues defensively and in front of their own net. Of course the difference is that Florida also scores goals like crazy. This one sets up nicely to be a barnburner just like the 7-6 final these guys played to in their last meeting. This one of course may not get that crazy but a 5-4 type game would not surprise me in the least. Just so much firepower for these two clubs and the Leafs have consistently been involved in high-scoring games and the Panthers will put up a pile of goals here at home too. Toronto needs to bounce back after embarrassing loss to Lightning but the hosts here make this one turn into a wild goal-filled contest. 10* OVER 7 goals -130 in Florida

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders @ 12:35 ET - The Islanders are known as a defensive-minded team but this is a late season match-up between two teams out of the playoff race. The Isles have been playing a different style recently and the Sabres enter this game off 3 straight wins. Buffalo is scoring a lot of goals and this will be an up-tempo game on their home ice. The Sabres have seen 14 of their last 16 games total at least 6 goals so I feel we have fantastic value here with this posted total at 6 goals. In fact, of those 14 games, 13 of them totaled at least 7 goals. I fully expect this one will too as the Sabres continue to score well but the Islanders come to play in this one too as they are off 3 straight losses including a 6-3 loss to the Rangers. 9* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Earliest Cash Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - This follows the same late-season logic I have used in cashing other overs recently. This match-up features two teams long out of the playoff race and playing out the string on the season. You tend to see less defensive intensity in match-ups like this and more open ice. There should be plenty of solid goal-scoring opportunities just like we saw in last night's game involving the struggling Flyers and struggling Canadiens. In this case we are talking about a Senators team that has allowed 3.7 goals last 3 games but also scored 3.6 goals per game last 11 games. Ottawa will score well here against the struggling Blue Jackets but of course Columbus will do some damage on home ice too! Jackets home games have totaled 7 or more goals in 12 of last 17 contests. Look for another wild one here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Total of the Week Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - Yes, Carey Price has played well for the Habs since he came back but he has only made two starts and in his first home start he did not face many shots. I expect him to face a barrage of shots from the Flyers tonight. Philly has been losing a lot of games lately too just like the Canadiens have been. Philadelphia games have been played a bit helter-skelter with a lot of open ice and and turnovers and great scoring chances, etc. Flyers so weak defensively right now and they also have goalie Carter Hart now shutdown for the remainder of the season. Their back-ups have had some issues along the way defending the cage. Philly has lost 6 straight games and allowed an average of 5.3 goals in this horrible stretch! The Habs have lost 10 of 12 games and have allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 11 games! This one should get crazy as these are not the most highly skilled teams offensively but their recent poor defensive play more than makes up for that in terms of a high-scoring affair being likely here! 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Earliest Blowout Wednesday 10* Top Play UNDER 6.5 in Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars @ 8:30 ET - After Oettinger got pulled from last start against the Canucks, look for the Stars to respond big here no matter who is between the pipes. Dallas had 9 of 12 games heading into that one total 5 or less goals. In fact their 3 games just before the ugly loss at Vancouver averaged only 3 goals totaled per game! This a key playoff-intense battle taking place at Edmonton and the Oilers are playing well and have gotten fantastic goaltending in all but one recent game. One bad game last 7 and in the other 6 games Edmonton has allowed an average of 0.83 goals per game! Yes just 5 goals conceded in regulation time in those 6 games. This one featuring Oilers hosting Dallas should be a tight low-scoring battle as the game also is so key within the different aspects of the playoff picture! 10* UNDER 6.5 in Edmonton

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals -130 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - Even if Auston Matthews still is out, the Maple Leafs should roll big here and that means plenty of goals. Toronto has won 10 of 12 games and has scored an average of FIVE goals per game in those dozen games! Even if Leafs "only" hit their recent "average" of 5 goals can we expect at least 2 from Philadelphia here? The Flyers have lost 11 of 14 games but have scored at least 2 goals in 12 of those 14 games. In fact, Philly has averaged scoring nearly 3 goals per game during this stretch. The big problem for a Flyers team playing a lot of young guys and missing some key veterans and also without #1 goalie Carter Hart is the fact that they have allowed 5 goals per game in those 11 losses in this rough 3-11 stretch. This one gets crazy in my opinion. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Western Conference Total of the Year 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames @ 8:05 ET - The Blackhawks are mired in a losing stretch but are still scoring plenty of goals. Chicago has averaged 3.3 goals per game in regulation time of last 4 games. The Blackhawks have lost 9 of 10 games and allowed an average of 4 goals per game in regulation time of last 13 games. Chicago will not be able to stop this surging Flames team that is looking to secure the top spot in the Pacific Division. Calgary has won 6 of 7 games. In the Flames last 10 wins they have scored an average of 5.3 goals per game. They are a -300 favorite here for a reason. They are fully expected to win and the value way to play this one in my opinion is the over. Calgary wins, they score plenty, but Blackhawks get a few goals too. Rather than lay the 1.5 goals with the Flames and worry about if the game ends 4-3 rather than 5-2 I am simply playing the over here as I do fully expect 7 or more goals here no matter what the final score. Note that the fact the Flames have a big game at Nashville on deck could impact their goalie situation here as well as their focus defensively. That is another thing I like about this one seeing more scoring than most might expect. 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Contrarian Crusher Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres @ 5:05 ET - As mentioned in yesterday's write-up on this match-up (yesterday the teams met in Buffalo): at first glance, with two non-playoff teams matched up you might expect a lackluster under here. However, in typical contrarian fashion, there is more than meets the eye here at first glance and I like the over a lot in this one. Neither one of these teams has been able to stop anyone lately. The Flyers lost goalie Carter Hart to injury and Martin Jones got the start yesterday so that means Felix Sandstrom likely to start here and he has only made 2 career NHL starts and allowed 3 goals in each start. If we get this game to 3-3 we can not do any worse than a 4-3 final and so now lets talk about the Sabres goalie. Craig Anderson started yesterday so it is likely to be Dustin Tokarski today. He has been lit up in each of his last four starts and allowed 4 or more goals in each of his last 3 starts. The Flyers did not generate many shots on goal yesterday and I expect them to be much better in that regard as they look for payback today after blowing a 2-0 lead in yesterday's loss. However, the Philly defense has been atrocious in their own zone and they are playing a lot of young guys too which leads to mistakes as there is always a learning curve. That said, look for a bit of a wide-open game with plenty of open ice. The Sabres have seen 11 of their last 14 games total 7 or more goals. Flyers games have totaled at least 7 goals in 9 of last 13 games! 10* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Contrarian Crusher Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6 goals -120 in Buffalo Sabres vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - At first glance, with two non-playoff teams matched up you might expect a lackluster under here. However, in typical contrarian fashion, there is more than meets the eye here at first glance and I like the over a lot in this one. Neither one of these teams has been able to stop anyone lately. The Flyers lost goalie Carter Hart to injury and Martin Jones will be getting the start. He has been lit up in each of his last two starts and allowed 4 or more goals in 4 of his last 6 starts. However, it is not all on the goalies for Philly, the defense has been atrocious in their own zone and they are playing a lot of young guys too which leads to mistakes as there is always a learning curve. That said, look for a bit of a wide-open game with plenty of open ice. The Sabres will score plenty here on home ice but Buffalo also will conceded plenty as their opponents continue to pile up goals. The Sabres have seen 10 of their last 13 games total 7 or more goals. Philadelphia is off a 4-0 loss to the Rangers but they will bounce back with some scoring here as that game as on the heels of a stretch that saw Flyers games total at least 7 goals in 8 of last 11 games! 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Afternoon Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -120 vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 4:05 ET - The Oilers are on home ice and facing back-up goalie Thompson for the Golden Knights because Lehner had a personal matter to tend to here in Vegas. The home of the Golden Knights is also my home and his decision to return here (certainly hope all is okay for Lehner) certainly hurts his team in the middle of chasing down a playoff spot. The Oilers playoff positioning is much better than the Knights but they still have not clinched one so there will be no backing down here. Also, this is a revenge game for Edmonton after they got embarrassed on home ice in a 4-0 loss to the Knights the last time these teams met. The Oilers had won each of the 2 meetings (by an 8-5 final) before that one this season. I look for them to dominate here given the above situational aspects. 10* EDMONTON -120

NHL Puck Line Punisher Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets +1.5 -110 @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Jets are battling hard to stay alive in the playoff race in the West. Florida is looking to lock things down for the top spot in the league heading into the post-season. The key here is the value with the +1.5 goals. Even without Scheifele for the entirety of the last game and most of the game before that, Winnipeg won both games. Overall only 6 of their last 22 games have been a loss by more than a single goal. As for the Panthers, as strong as they are they have only 5 wins by more than a 1-goal margin in their last 15 games. Florida wants to win and earn top spot in the league as they look for that home ice edge for entirety of playoffs or at least for the entire Eastern Conference post-season - as they may not top Avalanche out West in regular season points in the standings. However, one can not argue the fact that the Jets are even hungrier here. Winnipeg is desperate to earn points in the standings and still alive in the post-season chase but chasing two teams (Dallas and Nashville) makes it more difficult. With both those teams losing last night, the Jets got an added boost as their slim chances are still very much alive. Also, the Jets game getting canceled Wednesday at home (blizzard in Winnipeg) allowed them to stay in USA and they are well rested mentally and physically for this huge game Friday. They may ultimately still fell short but, if they do, I expect it would be by just a 1-goal margin as they have received solid netminding in 7 of last 9 games and arguably have the goalie edge here over Florida. 10* WINNIPEG Puck Line +1.5 goals -110

NHL Game of the Week Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line +105 @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This line jumped off the page at me because it opened up at a pick'em even though Nashville was on home ice. Keep in mind the Predators have won 23 of 35 home games and the Oilers have won 19 of 38 road games. In other words, the line looked funny. Why? Exactly! Sure enough the markets jumping on the Preds on home ice and driving the line from the 110 range to the 125 range. In my opinion though, and as per usual, the odds makers had this one right. Here are the keys to this one: The Predators are off a win but lost 5 of 9 games before that victory. Also, 5 of the last 6 wins that Nashville has came against bad teams that are not going to make the playoffs. Now take a look at Edmonton heading into this match-up. The Oilers are off B2B losses to strong teams heading to the post-season but had won 12 of 15 games before these B2B defeats. 5 of those 12 Edmonton victories were against teams that are in playoff position. The Oilers were priced this way for a reason by the odds makers on the road and so don't be fooled in this one. The visitors have been playing the better overall hockey and will get the job done here. 10* EDMONTON +105

NHL Earliest Dominator Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres are off a huge 5-2 win at rival Toronto. I could easily see the Sabres coming out flat here at home and the Blues taking it to them early in this one. After all, Buffalo had lost 3 straight and allowed 4.7 goals per game in the 3 games before the win over the Maple Leafs. The key however is that this Buffalo team has been scrappy late in the season and will bounce back even if they do get down early. I say this with confidence because the Sabres have won 5 of last 8 home games and scored 3.4 goals per game in regulation time of those 8 match-ups. St Louis enters this game having won 8 of 9 games and having averaged 4.6 goals per game during this red hot run! The Blues have allowed 3.6 goals per game last 7 road games. Look for plenty of goals here in this non-conference battle. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Divisional Dominator Wednesday 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Rangers want to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to Carolina yesterday. They also have revenge from a 4-3 OT loss to the Flyers recently. This is a rivalry so that is keeping this total lower than it should be in my opinion. Right now Philadelphia is struggling to stop anyone but they still score some goals (particularly at home) and here they catch New York in a back to back. The Rangers used their top goalie, Shesterkin, last night so that sets this one up well for value on a high-scoring game. The Rangers are off a 3-1 win at New Jersey in most recent road game but that was preceded by 3 road games for NYR that average 8 goals apiece! As for Philly, 8 of last 11 games have totaled at least 7 goals! In fast those 11 games have averaged nearly 8 goals apiece. Flyers are also in a B2B spot here and used both Jones and Hart in goal in yesterday's embarrassing loss to the Capitals. 9* OVER 6 in Philadelphia

NHL Eastern Conf Total of the Month Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are well-rested here and the fresh legs - off since Saturday's 5-4 OT win at Detroit - should help to continue the high-scoring surge being seen in Columbus' games. The Blue Jackets 23 of last 34 games have totaled 7 or more goals. The Canadiens are off a 4-2 home loss to Winnipeg Monday so they also were off yesterday and, after B2B Habs games failed to reach the 7-goal mark, I look for plenty of goals here. Heading into last weekend, Montreal had seen 13 of 18 games total 7 or more goals. With two non-playoff teams matched up in a late-season game that is a non-divisional match-up, we should see plenty of open ice and a lot of scoring opportunities. Also, as you can see from the numbers above, neither team has been getting stellar goaltending very often either! This one flies over the total! 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL ESPN Blowout Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Puck Line +1.5 goals -105 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 - The ability to get the full goal and a half with a scrappy Flyers team playing without any pressure and with Bobby Brink now added to the roster is too much to pass up on here. The Capitals are a rival of Philly and Washington is the team that still has not clinched a playoff spot. Yes the Caps are as good as in but they have not clinched so the pressure on them to perform here while game means nothing to Philly in the standings and they will simply go hard and look to be a spoiler. Though Washington has won 3 in a row, they have lost 20 of 38 games on home ice this season. All kidding aside, they might wish this game was in Philly! Also though the Capitals have won 12 of 20, the 18 games before B2B multi-goal wins featured only THREE wins by a multi-goal margin in an 18-GAME stretch! There is a lot of value with the puck line here as Flyers angry off a horrible performance in a 5-3 loss to Anaheim in which they blew a 2-0 lead after one period. It was the first time this season the Ducks won a game in which they trailed by a 2-goal margin. In the past two months dating back to mid-February, only 2 times have the Flyers lost consecutive games by a multi-goal margin. They bounce back here against the rival Capitals for at least the puck line cover. 10* PHILADELPHIA +1.5 goals

NHL Atlantic Div Total of the Month Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - Toronto out for revenge from a 5-2 loss at Buffalo last month. Since that defeat, the Maple Leafs have won 10 of 13 games and score an average of 4.4 goals per game. In this revenge spot the Leafs most certainly will not take their foot off the gas and I expect them to score plenty here. But Toronto also gives up goals in bunches and that is why 29 of 39 Maple Leafs games totaled at least 7 goals prior to Saturday's 3-2 win over Montreal.  The Sabres are off a 5-0 loss to a determined Tampa Bay team as Buffalo continues to struggle defensively and with goaltending. However, the goose egg on the board for the Sabres has certainly not been the norm of late. Buffalo actually average scoring nearly 4 goals per game in their 9 games before that shutout loss. In fact, Sabres 8 of 10 games before the loss to TB had totaled at least 7 goals and this one will too! 10* OVER 7 in Toronto

NHL Network Rout Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Jets in a back to back spot and off a 4-3 win at Ottawa last night. Look for at least 7 goals in their game again tonight. Here is an updated excerpt from yesterday's write-up on the Winnipeg Over: Consider that the Jets road games have been higher scoring and perhaps they feel a little less pressure not being in front of their home fans. 7 of the last 9 Winnipeg road games have totaled 7 or more goals. In fact those 7 games averaged 8 goals per game! As for the Canadiens, they are off a 3-2 loss in which the game totaled just 5 goals scored but this followed a stretch in which 4 of 5 Montreal games totaled at least 9 goals! That loss was on the road but now they are back on home ice where 12 of last 18 Habs games have totaled 7 or more goals! Look for another wild one here as Jets fighting hard to stay alive in playoff race but Canadiens would love to play role of spoiler and the B2B spot for Winnipeg takes on toll on their defensemen and goaltending for this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Contrarian Crusher Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:35 ET - This is a contrarian play because many will look at this match-up and see a Senators team that has had a bad season and scored just 1 goal in most recent game and they will also see a Jets team that is battling hard to stay relevant in the playoff picture and has been involved in lower scoring games recently. The way I see this one playing out is a huge push from Winnipeg but also seeing Ottawa respond well because they are on home ice. Consider that the Jets road games have been higher scoring and perhaps they feel a little less pressure not being in front of their home fans. 6 of the last 8 Winnipeg road games have totaled 7 or more goals. In fact those 6 games averaged 8.5 goals per game! As for the Sens, they are off B2B losses in which they totaled just 3 goals scored but this followed a stretch in which 5 of 6 Ottawa games totaled at least 7 goals. Those 6 games averaged 7 goals and I look for this one to get to at least that mark as well! 10* OVER 6 in Ottawa

NHL TNT Annihilation Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Nashville Predators @ 4:05 ET - Both teams in a back to back. Both teams off losses. The Pens off a 6-3 defeat and there were a TON of missed opportunities and shots off iron in the Preds 4-1 home loss to Florida yesterday. That game, just like Pittsburgh's game did, could have easily also totaled 9 goals. That said, I feel we do have some solid line value here with the over as the B2B situation tends to be tough on a teams defensemen plus it taxes the goaltending situation. Look for plenty of goals here in this one as both teams push hard to bounce back off losses as this game important to each. Playoff implications for Nashville and playoff seeding for the Penguins. 9* OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL PA Dominator Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -105 vs Anaheim Ducks @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers have won 2 of 3 games but they had a home loss in there. That was their 2nd straight home loss but this followed a stretch of 4 wins in last 5 games on home ice for Philadelphia. Unlike the Ducks, the Flyers are still playing with a lot of heart and passion here late in the season. That said, Philly is offering a lot of line value here at home at a pick'em price. With both these clubs being non-playoff teams this game is off the radar of most bettors but sometimes these hidden games are actually hidden gems offering the best line value late in a season. That is absolutely my strong sense here and I expect Philly to get it done on home ice in a big way in this one. Note that the Ducks have lost 13 of 14 games! This is excellent line value in a spot where Anaheim should be faded. By the way 6 of last 8 losses for Ducks were by a multi-goal margin. They simply are not playing that well right now and the Flyers have been looking better in recent games and take advantage of home ice here too. 10* PHILADELPHIA -105

NHL Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in Nashville Predators vs Florida Panthers @ 6:05 ET - Yesterday the Panthers were in Buffalo and the game was 3-3 entering the 3rd period and was also an over 7 and, miraculously, the over ended up a push in a 4-3 Florida win. Over players can get the win they deserved yesterday by again backing the over in this one today! The Panthers are the highest scoring team in the NHL and continue to pile up goals. Their speed will create problems for the Predators in what is a tougher game today at Nashville but don't be surprised if the Preds pile up goals too as the Panthers struggle defensively and in goal in this back to back spot after the hard-fought win last night. So the point is that both teams are in a spot that favors an over too. Nashville was off yesterday so they are rested here and, prior to the 3-2 Preds win Thursday over Ottawa, 10 of last 12 Predators games had totaled 7 or more goals. The Panthers 8 of last 9 games have totaled at least 7 goals. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 7 in Nashville

NHL Annihilation Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in St Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - This is a big battle for playoff positioning in the Central Division so defense and goaltending will be important. However, both these teams have been more offensively-driven this season and I expect plenty of goals in a fierce battle. Note that 6 of the last 8 meetings have totaled 7 or more goals and 4 of those 6 totaled at least 9 goals! In other words these are not just sneaking over the totals, they are crushing it. So the recent history between these teams bodes well for an over and, also, the Blues have won 5 of 6 games and have scored an average of 4.7 goals per game during this stretch. St Louis is off a 4-1 win that stayed under the total but this was preceded by 11 of 13 Blues games totaling at least 7 goals. Minnesota has played lower scoring games of late but is off a 6-2 loss at Nashville in which Fleury finally faltered in a Wild uniform after a good couple starts to begin his Minny tenure. Talbot expected to start here and he is off a strong start at Washington. However, prior to that he allowed an average of 4 goals per game in last 8 road starts including 4 or more in each of 4 preceding road starts and all 4 of those non-playoff teams! In other words, he will have his hands full trying to stop the Blues here but I do look for the Wild to have some success getting pucks past Husso. The STL netminder is off B2B strong starts against non-playoff teams but has definitely had some struggles against quality foes in recent starts before that with 4 or more allowed against Calgary, Carolina, Columbus, and Nashville. All those efforts since mid-March too. Look for a "Wild" one here! 10* OVER 6 in St Louis

NHL Annihilation Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Chicago Blackhawks vs Seattle Kraken @ 8:35 ET - The Kraken are in a B2B spot here and they scored a measly 1 goal last night. Seattle will bounce back and score more at Chicago but they will not be able to stop the Blackhawks. Entering yesterday (4-1 loss at St Louis) the Kraken had trended toward higher-scoring games the past 5 weeks. Seattle had one 3-0 loss during this stretch but in the other 13 games since then they had gone 6-6-1 and the games averaged 6.5 goals per game. So after yesterday's game stayed under, look for things to return to normal for Seattle here. Note that Chicago is off a 3-2 OT loss to Arizona and that was on home ice! The Blackhawks will be angry to respond big here and will take advantage of tired Seattle defensemen and a Kraken team known for shaky goaltending in a back to back. Chicago, prior to the 3-2 OT loss to the Coyotes, had seen 13 of 18 games total 7 or more goals and I fully expect this one will too. 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -105 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The NHL is not as popular for sports betting as NFL, NBA, and even MLB. However, just as in those sports there are "public teams" when it comes to betting. Just like the Cowboys in the NFL or the Lakers in the NBA or the Yankees in MLB, the Penguins in the NHL tend to be one of the more heavily bet teams. This to me is a classic value spot as a result of that. The Rangers opened up as a -120 favorite and now the line has moved to a pick'em and even to the point of the Penguins being a -115 favorite in some spots. The Pens are certainly a quality team but so too are the Rangers and they are on home ice for this one. For those of you that like trends, the Rangers have not had a standalone win since January 8th. In other words, a New York win when coming off a loss usually leads to a win streak of at least 2 games. The Rangers bounced back from a SO loss to the Flyers Sunday by notching a 3-1 win over the Devils Tuesday. They will make it 2 straight wins here! 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -105

NHL Contrarian Crusher Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line +135 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - These clubs have met twice this season and the Bolts took both games but each by just a single goal including an OT win here in DC very early this season. The Caps outshot TB in both games and it is time for some payback here. The Capitals have not won a game since March 26th but they enter tonight having played only 2 games since then. In other words, this Washington team is rested and ready and angry! I know that the Caps have struggled recently but so too has Tampa Bay. That said, this play is all about the value. The whole world is seeming to line up on the Lightning here but that gives us a great price on a home dog that is going to come out firing on all cylinders in this game in my opinion. Note that Tampa is off B2B losses and playing 4th game in 6 days. Yes the Lightning were off yesterday but this is still a tough spot for them and they are on enemy ice and facing an angry foe. 10* WASHINGTON +135

NHL Total of the Week Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 +105 in Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Jets tend to play lower-scoring games at times but the young, scrappy Red Wings are going to push the pace in this game and help it to play out as a high-scoring game. Plus Winnipeg's goaltending has been a bit up and down of late to say the least. Note that the Jets had seen 12 of 18 games total at least 7 goals prior to a 3-2 loss to Los Angeles Saturday. Winnipeg has had a few days to think about the opportunity they let slip away in that game against the Kings so I also feel sure they will be more aggressive here in the offensive zone against Detroit. The Red Wings have seen 7 of last 8 games total at least 7 goals and I fully expect another wild one here. Detroit is off a 5-3 upset win over the Bruins which will give them some confidence heading into this one and I expect them to score well here as a result but they will not be able to stop the Jets. Prior to the win over Boston, the Red Wings lost 7 of 8 games and allowed an average of 5 goals per game during this stretch! 10* OVER 6.5 +105 in Winnipeg

NHL Situational Slaughter Tuesday 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -130 vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets gave a huge effort last night against the Bruins but ended up losing the game 3-2 in OT. After that very physical, grueling game against Boston, Columbus could quite possibly "mail it in" against the Flyers here. I look for Philadelphia to roll on home ice here given the huge situational edge. Philly is off a confidence-boosting road win over the Rangers Sunday. So they were resting yesterday for this one and they did lose most recent home game to Maple Leafs but this followed earning points in 5 straight games here! Indeed, Philly was on a 4-0-1 run in home ice games prior to the loss to Toronto. As for the Jackets, they have lost 7 straight games! 9* PHILADELPHIA -130

NHL Blowout Rout Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - These teams have both been trending toward higher scoring games and neither team has been getting stellar goaltending so another high-scoring game likely here. Both teams long gone from the playoff picture and can play loose, free-wheeling, pressure-free hockey here. Note that the Habs have allowed at least 4 goals in 3 straight games. The Canadiens have been scoring well too and that has played a key role in why 12 of their last 16 games have totaled 7 or more goals. Also, the posted total on this game is 6 goals and 2 of the only 4 games in that 16-game stretch that did not total at least 7 did total 6 goals! As for the Senators, they have seen 4 of their last 5 games total 7 or more goals. Also, Ottawa is off B2B wins so a team that is use to losing actually comes in with some extra confidence and you know Montreal will feel good too about having this match-up on their home ice. That said, look for plenty of scoring from both the Habs and Sens in this one! 10* OVER 6 in Montreal 

NHL Blowout Rout Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are on home ice here so they certainly will put up a fight as they have double revenge against the Bruins from falling short in each of the two meetings this season including 5-2 at Boston Saturday. The issue for Columbus is they will be unable to stop the Bruins here and, so though they should put up a valiant effort, the Jackets ultimately lose a high-scoring battle. That is how I see this one playing out and, of course, that is why Boston is such a huge money line favorite here. Where we have the value here, in my opinion, is with the over.  The Bruins have had 4 straight games total 7 or more goals and in fact these games have averaged 8.75 goals per game. The two games against Columbus have seen Boston and the Blue Jackets combine for an average of 7.5 goals in regulation time. The Jackets have had 21 of last 29 games total 7 or more goals! More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Blowout Rout Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Washington Capitals vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - Minnesota off a huge 3-1 win at Carolina as Fleury dominated between the pipes again. Talbot now gets the start after taking the loss in a 4-3 defeat in his last start. So this is a back to back for Minny and will Talbot be the same guy now that Fleury is in town and supplanting him as the #1 guy? Seems Talbot could be a little shaky now and the Wild are facing an angry Capitals team off a 6-1 loss. I am sure Washington is going to score well on home ice here. The issue for the Caps will be in trying to stop a solid Minnesota offense that has been piling up goals. As for the Capitals, they had won 9 of 12 before the loss and 11 of last 12 Washington games have totaled 7 or more goals! As for the Wild, their games have trended toward lower-scoring of late but they have been winning because they score enough to get the job done. Here if Minny gets to their typical 3 goals I absolutely expect the Caps to match them goal for goal and that sends this one over the total. Great situation with Wild in a B2B and Capitals off a rare ugly loss in which they scored only 1 goal and the Caps get their offense going again on home ice. 10* OVER 6 in Washington 

NHL Afternoon Annihilation Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 5.5 in New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders @ 4:05 ET - The Devils off a 7-6 SO loss versus Panthers yesterday and this followed an 8-1 loss as pucks keep flying in the net in New Jersey games. NJ crazy high-scoring loss to Florida  Saturday was the 17th time last 25 games in which a New Jersey game has totaled 7 or more goals. Now the Devils remain on home ice and catch Islanders off huge shutout win at the Rangers Friday. New Jersey will score some goals here again but the Devils problems will be at the other end of the ice in this one. NJ will be unable to stop a surging Islanders team that has won 3 straight games. The Isles have won 10 of 14 and higher-scoring games have been the norm of late for NYI. Prior to 3-0 win over the rival Rangers, the Islanders 10 of last 14 games totaled 6 or more goals and I fully expect this one will too as the Devils go hard to play the role of spoiler in this one. 9* OVER 5.5 in New Jersey

NHL Game of the Week Saturday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line -120 vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - Kings in a playoff spot and this game is important to them for sure but I feel we have excellent line value with the Jets given the situation here and the fact the hosts are desperate for points in the standings to keep their playoff hopes alive. Winnipeg is on home ice and off a bad 7-3 loss at Toronto. That is noteworthy because the Jets have not lost back to back games in 4 weeks. Winnipeg had won 9 of 12 before the ugly loss to the Maple Leafs and I expect them to bounce right back here. The situation is perfect because the Kings are off a tight road win at Calgary Thursday. Hellebuyck is likely to be back between the pipes for this one after Comrie started, and struggled, against the Leafs because it was the 2nd game of a B2B for Winnipeg. This situation much better for the Jets and note that Los Angeles has not won B2B games since early March. The Kings had lost 7 of 11 before the shootout win over the Flames. Perfect set up here. 10* WINNIPEG -120

NHL Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia Flyers vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off a 7-3 win versus Winnipeg Thursday and are one of the highest scoring teams in the league. The Flyers continue playing competitive hockey and will put up a fight here on home ice. However, Philadelphia continues to struggle in the D zone and, when you add all this up, it equates to what should be a highly competitive and high-scoring battle. Toronto's last 35 games have seen 25 of them total 7 or more goals. We have solid line value with this total at a 6.5 as the Flyers are off a 4-1 loss at Minnesota Tuesday but had been involved in a stretch of high-scoring battles before that. Prior to the loss to the Wild, Philly's last 13 games had seen 9 of them total 7 or more goals. The Flyers most recent home game was a tight 2-1 win over the division rival Islanders but this was preceded by 4 of last 5 Philly games on home ice totaling at least 7 goals. In fact, those 4 games averaged 8 goals per game. Look for a wild one involving the Leafs in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Annihilation Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres went into the 3rd period of their game Wednesday with a 2-2 score hosting the Jets but, inexplicably, nobody scored in the 3rd period. The game ended up being a 3-2 Winnipeg win decided in the shootout. Buffalo bounces back here with plenty of goals but I expect them to struggle to stop a solid Nashville team. The Sabres should be able to get some past Saros as he has struggled in goal recently for the Predators. Before a 4-1 win in his most recent start, Saros actually had seen 20 goals against the Preds in his last 5 starts! That is an average of 4 goals per outing. As for the Sabres, prior to the tight 3-2 SO loss versus the Jets, they had 4 straight games total 7 or more goals. We only need 6 for a push here but certainly I expecting 7+ as I go to my highest rating on this play! The Sabres averaged 4 goals in regulation time of their last 4 games prior to the low-scoring loss versus Winnipeg. Buffalo allowed an average of nearly 4 goals last 4 games before the Sabres fell short to the Jets. I like how competitive the Sabres have been of late but the Preds likely force them to score plenty to keep up here so the result should be at least a 4-3 final as I see it! 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Annihilation Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Minnesota Wild vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins struggling and have lost 3 of 4 games and allowed 4 goals per game in the 3 losses. Going to Minnesota is not exactly the right locale to improve your GAA and, indeed, I expect the Wild to have a huge game here on home ice. However, most definitely the Penguins can pile up goals and I expect success against Talbot here after Fleury was dominant in most recent game for Minny. Now Talbot likely get the start and he's facing a Pens team that has scored an average of 4.3 goals last 6 games. The Wild off a 4-1 win versus Philly and have seen a stretch of games not get past the 5-goal mark but I look for this one to play out much differently. The Wild have scored an average of 3.5 goals last 13 games and that is not including anything other than regulation goals of course and they have gone 9-4 in this stretch. Given all of the above I expect each club to get to at least the 3-goal mark here and that guarantees us of nothing less than a 4-3 final in what should be a highly competitive game. 10* OVER 6.5 in Minnesota

NHL TNT Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Detroit Red Wings vs New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - The Rangers off key 3-2 win at Pittsburgh last night. Not only is this a back to back spot that could leave New York a bit flat and susceptible to big plays in their D zone, their goaltending could be subpar here too. That is because Shesterkin has dominated for the Rangers this season but if he plays here it would be a B2B. So whether he starts again or Georgiev gets the call - the latter is more likely - the Rangers could struggle to slow down the Red Wings here. Detroit has been involved in a lot of high-scoring games lately. Sure they want to bounce back in the defensive zone after an 11-2 loss at Pittsburgh Sunday but I just don't think the Wings are built well enough defensively or in goal to slow a talented group of Rangers forwards that will have to lead the way for New York tonight. The Rangers have scored an average of 4 goals per game last 4 games. The Red Wings have seen 16 of 26 games total 7 or more goals and the crazy thing is those 16 games have averaged a ridiculous 10 goals each! Detroit's most recent home game was a 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay but the Red Wings scored 4 or more goals in 9 of 13 at home prior to that one. High scoring trending on home ice continues here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Detroit

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 8* OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres have had 4 straight games reach at least 7 goals. Going further back, only 6 of Buffalo's last 23 games have failed to reach 6 goals. With the 6 the current number posted on this game, I feel we have excellent value and will not hesitate to get involved on the over in this one. The Jets are off a 2-1 OT win at home versus Arizona. Prior to the low-scoring victory, 17 of last 23 Winnipeg games totaled at least 6 goals. Also, the Sabres have trended toward higher-scoring games when at home and the Jets last 6 road games have seen 5 total 7 or more goals and in fact those 5 games have averaged 8 goals per game. Look for a wild one here. 8* OVER 6 in Buffalo