NHL Annihilation Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 8:05 ET - The Flyers are on a stretch of 4 straight road games totaling 7 or more goals. They continue to play competitive hockey but are guilty of breakdowns in the defensive zone and so Philadelphia continues to give up too many goals. Philly has endured some sub-par goaltending too but continues to score quite well and that is why I look for this game at Minnesota to fly over the total. The Wild are in the midst of a stretch of low-scoring wins but I look for the Flyers, playing with no pressure, to be very aggressive in getting plenty of rubber on the net to put pressure on Marc-Andre Fleury. Keep in mind, Fleury was solid in his first start with the Wild and allowed just 2 goals but this followed him allowing 3 or more goals in 7 of 8 starts heading into that one. He allowed 3.6 goals in those 8 games and more of the same expected here. Look for a 4-3 or 5-3 type game in this one! 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Divisional Dominator Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes are back on track and scoring more goals again. After a rare low-scoring stretch, the Canes scored 3 goals in a 4-3 SO loss versus Dallas. This was followed by a huge 7-2 win at St Louis Saturday and I expect Carolina to carry the high-scoring momentum right into this revenge game at Washington. I know this game has big-time playoff implications and involves the Hurricanes seeking revenge against a divisional foe for a home loss versus Capitals less than 2 weeks ago, but I still expect a high-scoring game here. The Caps piled up 40 shots on goal in that 4-3 shootout win at Carolina and the Canes have allowed 3 goals per game last 7 games. So the Hurricanes will struggle to stop the Capitals here but the key is that Washington has been allowing too many goals lately and faces a talented revenge-minded divisional foe. The Caps have won 9 of 12 games and 10 of last 11 games have totaled 7 or more goals and I expect this one will too! 10* OVER 6 in Washington

Total of the Month NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Nashville Predators vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 6:05 ET - The Predators off B2B 6-1 losses but, prior to that, Nashville had won 7 of 9 games and scored an average of 5 goals per game during this stretch! Now, off B2B losses and facing a Flyers team that has struggled defensively and in goal, Nashville should enjoy an offensive explosion here. One thing about Philly though, is they are still fighting and scoring goals and I do not expect them to lay down here. The result has been 3 straight games totaling 7 or more goals and, going further back, 8 of last 12 games totaling 7 or more goals. The Flyers have scored at least 3 goals in 8 of last 12 and will have success here in the offensive zone but, once again, their defense and goaltending lets them down. The result is a barn-burner with a ton of goals scored here. 10* OVER 6 in Nashville

NHL No Doubt Blowout Rout Saturday 9* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes -125 @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are off a 5-2 loss to the Flyers. Yes, home loss to Philadelphia! So we should take St Louis to bounce back, right? Don't be so fast to do so! The Blues have lost 8 of 11 as they have recent 4-game and 3-game losing streaks and I fully expect at least a 2-game losing streak now for St Louis. They are hosting a very strong Carolina team that is favored on the road for a reason here! The Hurricanes are also off a loss and have had some struggles lately but they were 41-12-5 as of last Saturday the 12th. They then faced a very tough schedule and struggle for it. Now, after a SO loss at Dallas, after a key win over the 2x defending Stanley Cup Champion Lightning, the Canes take advantage of facing a struggling STL team and get right back on track. This one will be all Hurricanes on the road. 9* CAROLINA -125

NHL Divisional Dominator Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Devils off a 3-2 loss at Toronto Wednesday but this followed 4 straight New Jersey games totaling 9 or more goals! Washington off a 4-3 SO win at Buffalo last night and this continued a high-scoring trend in Capitals games! 9 of last 10 Caps games have totaled 7 or more goals! More of the same expected here as the B2B situation and having been on the road last night plus the game going into OT and having to be decided in the shootout means an extra taxing situation for Washington goaltending and defense. Devils will be on the attack early and often but Capitals will respond and this one should fly over the total. 10* OVER 6.5 in Washington

NHL Earliest Dominator Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres off a 4-3 SO win over Penguins and will ride momentum into this game. The problem is that, though Buffalo should score well at home again, they will have trouble stopping an angry Capitals team. Washington is off a 5-2 loss and will be looking to respond with plenty of goals here. I am expecting 7 or more and we have extra value here since this total is set at 6 goals. The Sabres last 12 home games have featured 9 totaling 7 or more goals! Those 9 games have averaged 8 goals per game! The Capitals 5-2 loss versus St Louis was the 8th time last 9 games that a Washington game has totaled 7 or more goals. More of the same expected here with a high-scoring barn-burner expected between these two teams given the situation. 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Earliest Cash Thursday 8* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Lightning off B2B losses and Bruins off B2B wins so the set-up is perfect for backing an under-valued road team. Also, Tampa Bay has revenge from a 5-2 home loss to Boston in January. Prior to that loss, the Bolts had won 9 of last 11 meetings Bruins. Also, TB has won 3 straight games at Boston. Payback time here and the Lightning get some revenge and bounce back after rare B2B losses. Patrice Bergeron expected to miss this game for the Bruins. 8* TAMPA BAY -105

NHL Divisional Dominator Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens are off a 3-2 OT loss Monday which followed a 5-1 win Saturday. While those games fell short of going over 6 goals, note that the Habs 8 games prior ALL totaled 7 or more goals! In fact, those 8 games averaged 8.3 goals each and I expect we'll get to 8 goals again here or at least the 7 we need for a win! Florida, of course, is a scoring machine and this is the debut of Claude Giroux with his new team and the Panthers have had nearly a full week off since a 3-0 shutout win capped a West Coast road trip. Florida has seen 17 of last 20 home games total 7 or more goals and this one will too! 10* OVER 6.5 goals in Montreal

NHL TNT Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - The Penguins won 5-1 last night at home against Columbus but the game burned me as we had over 6.5 and it fell just short despite being 4-1 after two periods. I will come right back with an over involving the Penguins as they will continue scoring well here but note they did use #1 goalie Tristan Jarry last night. Look for the Sabres to enjoy some success on home ice and facing a back-up goalie or Jarry in the 2nd game of a back to back. At the same time though, I do not foresee Buffalo being able to slow down the Pens here. In fact, Pittsburgh has averaged a ridiculous 47 shots on goal in the first two games against the Sabres this season. More of the same here and this one should fly over the total as a result. 8 of Buffalo's last 11 home games have totaled 7 or more goals. Pittsburgh has won 5 of 6 games and scored an average of 4 goals per victory. Of course the Penguins are a big favorite here for a reason. In other words, look for a 5-3 type game or at least a 4-3 game. 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 8* OVER 7 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Maple Leafs off a 6-3 loss at Nashville. That makes it 22 of the last 30 Toronto games totaling 7 or more goals and this one will too. New Jersey enters this game off a 7-4 win versus the Rangers and each of the Devils last 4 games have totaled 9 or more goals. Keep in mind, the average goals scored in the Leafs last 11 games is 8.5 goals. Look a wild one here. 8* OVER 7 in Toronto

NHL Situational Slaughter 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +132 @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - Red Wings off a loss and have now lost 9 of 11 games. The 9 losses by an average of 3 goals so Detroit hasn't exactly been overly competitive of late. The Flyers, on the other hand, have the Claude Giroux era in the rear view mirror now as they traded him to the Panthers for Owen Tippett and draft picks. Philadelphia has won 4 of 8 games. Certainly not great but much better than the Red Wings have been playing and we have a lot of line value here with Philly as an underdog against a struggling Detroit team. Also, unlike the Red Wings, the Flyers last 6 losses have included 4 by an average margin of just 1.5 goals. Philly has been the much more competitive team of late and they are undervalued here. 8* PHILADELPHIA +130

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are off a 5-4 win versus St Louis Saturday. 17 of last 23 Columbus games have totaled 7 or more goals. Not surprisingly, given those numbers, the Jackets have scored well for many weeks now but also have struggled to stop the opposition. Look for that trend to continue here. The Penguins have not been giving up many goals but their most recent home game was a 4-2 win and, prior to that, 7 of last 8 Pittsburgh home games totaled 7 or more goals. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Total of the Week Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - The Wild have been hot and have won 4 of 6 games. Minnesota has scored an average of 3.7 goals per game last 9 games. The problem for the Wild at times is allowing too many goals. Prior to their 3-1 win over Chicago Saturday, Minnesota had allowed a crazy 4.4 goals per game last 15 games. Vegas has been without the injured Robin Lehner (goalie) and, prior to 5-1 win versus Kings Saturday, the Golden Knights allowed 5.3 goals last 4 games. 2 of the last 3 meetings between the Knights and Wild have totaled 8 or more goals and this one should easily get to at least 7 goals given all of the above. Look for a 4-3 type game at a minimum in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Minnesota

NHL Earliest Cash Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +135 vs New York Islanders @ 2:05 ET - The Islanders are off a win yesterday and should have a hot goalie, Ilya Sorokin, between the pipes for this one. However, New York is just 3-7 the last 10 times when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the Islanders are not only off a win yesterday, they are in a short rest spot while the Flyers have rest here and are on their home ice. Philadelphia is playing first game since the Claude Giroux trade has been made official and I am expect them to respond in a strong way on home ice in this one. The Flyers have gone 3-0 the last 3 times they are at home off a loss that was not a shutout loss and not a back to back situation. Here they enter this home game off a 3-1 loss at Ottawa and that followed an emotional home game win and was a Friday game. Rested, at home, off a loss, the Flyers get a big home dog win here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +135

8* OVER 6 in Montreal vs Ottawa @ 7 ET - The Canadiens last 8 games have all totaled 7 or more goals and have actually averaged 8 goals per game. That said, I feel we have tremendous value with this total at a 6 and knowing that the Senators are in the 2nd game of a B2B which puts stress on the defensemen and goaltending for a team. 8* OVER 6 in Montreal

8* OVER 6 in Nashville vs Toronto @ 7 ET - The Maple Leafs will have Auston Matthews back from suspension for this one and are off a 3-2 win over Carolina. Off B2B lower-scoring games but Toronto had been on a trend in which 11 of 12 games had totaled 6 or more goals and I feel certain this one will resume that trend after the 2-game hiatus. Nashville enters this game having won 5 of 7 games and scoring an average of 4.6 goals per game in those 7 games. This game is set up perfectly to be a 4-3 type game as I like the chances for both of these surging teams to get to at least 3 goals in this one. 8* OVER 6 in Nashville

10* Arizona Coyotes +1.5 goals -120 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 5:05 ET - This is a tough spot for the Penguins and they are over-valued. They are off a 3-2 win in the shootout at St Louis Thursday. That was a big win for the Pens but this Pittsburgh team is only 6-6 last 12 games and 3 of the wins were by just a single goal. That means that at -1.5 goals the Penguins would be just 3-9 last 12 games. Now they face a scrappy Coyotes team that is at home and well-rested and has been playing well. Arizona has been off since Tuesday and they have won 8 of 11 games and 2 of the 3 losses were by just a single goal. That means that the Coyotes have only 1 loss by a multi-goal margin in last 11 games. Just a ton of line value here in a non-conference game in which the Penguins will be in a fierce battle just to win this game let alone win it by any kind of margin. 10* ARIZONA +1.5 goals

NHL Contrarian Crusher Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line -100 vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - I know the Bruins are a good team and coming off a loss but this is a tough spot for them on enemy ice. Note that on the road Boston only has 1 regulation win last 5 games! Also, the 2 road losses last 5 games away from home were both in regulation for the Bruins. I like a surging Winnipeg team here on home ice. The Jets have won 4 of last 5 games and Hellebuyck getting his confidence back with the recent winning and Comrie also was rock solid between the pipes in a recent 2-1 win. The Jets get it done here. 10* WINNIPEG

NHL Earliest Cash Friday 8* OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - You get some line value here because Claude Giroux - likely to be traded - is not even traveling with the team to Ottawa. That is helping to keep this total at a 6 and the Senators have allowed 4.5 goals per game their last 4 home games so the Flyers will score goals here. As for the Sens, they are unlikely to have any trouble either. Philly is off an emotional win in last night's 5-4 victory over the Predators as it was on home ice and the 1,000th - and likely final - game for Giroux in a Flyers uniform. Philadelphia continues to give up a lot of goals and 5 of last 7 games have totaled 7 or more goals. 8* OVER 6 in Ottawa

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +150 vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - This is perfect flat spot situation for Nashville. The Predators had a big win versus division rival Minnesota and then knocked off a red hot Penguins team. On deck is a big game against the Maple Leafs. That said, could the Preds overlook the Flyers? Absolutely! Philly is in last place in their division and has had a frustrating season. But this team still has talent and is actually much healthier now than they have been for much of this season. Giving consideration to that, this is a solid home dog spot that has upset written all over it! 8* PHILADELPHIA +150

NHL Earliest Cash Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - Total moved from 6.5 to a 6 likely because of the Auston Matthews suspension and I am happy to take advantage of the added value here! The Maple Leafs have plenty of firepower to score goals even with Matthews not on the ice for this one. Also, the biggest issue for Toronto these days is between the pipes and that issue has been magnified by the Jack Campbell injury. The Leafs had given up an average of nearly 5 goals per game in the 8 games preceding a rare 4-0 shutout win Tuesday versus Dallas. As for Carolina, they will be fired up to respond off a 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh Tuesday. Prior to that defeat, the Hurricanes had won 9 of 11 games and scored an average of 3 goals per game in the 9 wins. I would not be surprised to see each team get to 3 goals in this one and that would translate to nothing less than a 4-3 final. 10* OVER 6 in Toronto

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 8* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line +125 @ Ottawa Senators @ 7:35 ET - Feel there is is too much value to pass up on with this one. Ottawa is a moderately priced favorite at home and I know Blue Jackets have not been great on the road this season but Senators just not deserving of this price range and I like Columbus in this spot. Note that Sens have lost 9 of last 12 games overall. Also, in terms of home games, Ottawa has lost 8 of last 10 home games. Columbus enters this game off B2B wins and, though each of those victories were on home ice, they can build momentum from this. Also, although the Blue Jackets don't have a great season record on the road but they have won 8 of last 12 road games! Grab the underdog value here. 8* COLUMBUS +125

NHL TNT Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - I know the Bruins trend toward lower scoring games but this is the 2nd game of a B2B situation for them and they are on the road and I feel strongly that the Wild are going to dictate the flow and pace of this game on their home ice. That should certainly be a good sign that we can expect an over here as Minnesota enters this game with 12 of their last 15 totaling 7 or more goals. By the way, one of the only 3 that did not was a game totaling 6 goals and the posted number on this total is 6 goals. Boston has won 10 of last 12 games. Prior to last night's tight low-scoring OT win, the Bruins had scored an average of 4 goals per game. I know Bruins have been getting solid goaltending but this Wild team so dangerous in the offensive zone and I look for plenty of goals in this one given Boston being in a back to back situation as well. 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Total of the Week Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs Arizona Coyotes @ 7:05 ET - Had over involving Coyotes last night and that was a solid winner and I will use the over again involving Arizona in their very next game in this B2B situation. The Coyotes won 5-3 at Ottawa last night and now they head a little further east to Montreal for this one. The Canadiens last 6 games all have totaled 7 or more goals and I fully expect this one will as well. Montreal has won 8 of 11 games and has been scoring much better of late. Arizona falls into that same category of playing better, and scoring better, of late. The Coyotes are 5-1 last 6 games and have scored an average of 5 goals during this run of strong play. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6 in Montreal 

NHL Network Rout Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs Arizona Coyotes @ 7:35 ET - The Coyotes are off a 3-2 loss at Boston Saturday but this followed 4 straight wins in games in which Arizona scored an average of 5 goals per game. Also in the run was an 8-5 home win versus the same Senators team they will be facing tonight. In other words, you can comfortably expect plenty of goals here. Ottawa enters this one having seen 3 of last 4 home games total 7 or more goals and plus they had that crazy road game against the Coyotes just over a week ago also. The Sens and Coyotes are both teams playing out the string on their respective seasons. No playoff pressure, just go out and play and try to build for the future. The result should be another wild one between these two non-conference foes. 10* OVER 6 in Ottawa

NHL PA Dominator Sunday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -135 vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers had actually been playing better of late but then they ran into some tough competition. Montreal certainly does not fall into the category of tough competition and that is why you are seeing Philly as a sizable home ice favorite here. Note that Philly does have 11 home wins this season and the Canadiens actually have own just 7 of 31 road games this season. This is a rare case to say this but it is a strong call here...lay the price with confidence with the Flyers! 8* PHILADELPHIA

NHL Divisional Dominator Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Predators are off a 7-4 loss yesterday. That was the 8th time last 13 games that a Nashville game has totaled 6 or more goals. Couple that with fact Minnesota seems to constantly be involved in high-scoring and there was no way I was going to pass up on this one. The Wild are off a 3-2 SO loss at Columbus. However, prior to that, 12 of last 13 Minnesota games totaled 6 or more goals. Getting this total at 6 goals is an exceptional value and I will not pass this up. 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Situational Slaughter Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +110 @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - The Rangers Igor Shesterkin had a rare bad effort at St Louis Thursday and New York got hammered for a 2nd straight game. Note that NY is actually a rock solid 6-1 this season when they enter a game off 2 or more consecutive losses. Even if Alexandar Georgiev was in goal for this one tonight I look for the Rangers to win. But I do fully expect Shesterkin to be given the opportunity to redeem himself and he has been so good for so long this season. The Rangers bounce back here off rare B2B losses. I know Dallas is off a loss but I still like this situation way too much to pass up an opportunity to have one of the stronger teams in the league as an underdog and off, not only B2B losses, a pair of games in which they were outscored 11 to 4. Take advantage of the underdog price and look for a very determined effort from the road dog in this one. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +110

NHL No Doubt Blowout Rout Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:35 ET - I lost with the Jets Over yesterday so I will come right back with it here. The Islanders are off a game that also did not go Over 6 as they delivered a 6-0 shutout over the Blue Jackets. That said, I was still impressed with the 6 goals New York hung on Columbus and I expect some goaltending struggles in this one. Hellebuyck will likely be between the pipes for Winnipeg here after Comrie got the start last night and impressed. Normally Hellebuyck is solid and he is the #1 netminder for the Jets for a reason. However, Hellebuyck has an .861 save percentage and allowed an average of 4 goals per game in his last 4 starts and 3 of the 4 went over the total. The Islanders had Sorokin between the pipes last night so it will likely be Varlamov in the crease for this one. He has struggled recently and the over is also 3-1 his last 4 starts plus the over is 6-3 in his 9 starts in non-conference action this season as well. No matter who is guarding the cage for either team tonight I also like the fact that both teams off wins last night and will enter tonight's game with plenty of confidence. 10* OVER 6 in New York Islanders 

NHL Earliest Dominator Friday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets got drilled 6-0 yesterday at New York against the Islanders and they are unlikely to slow down a surging Wild team here. However, Minnesota continues to give up goals in bunches. The Wild allowed 5 goals in their shootout win at Detroit over the Red Wings yesterday. They now face a Columbus team that was scoring well prior to yesterday's shutout loss. The Blue Jackets last 17 games featured 14 totaling 7 or more goals before yesterday's landed on 6 goals. Columbus scored an average of 4 goals per game in those 17 games! The Wild 11 of last 13 games have totaled 7 or more goals! Minnesota averaging nearly 4 goals scored per game during this stretch and I envision a 5-4 type game here but, at the very least, a 4-3 final in what should be another "wild" one involving the Wild! 9* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +110 @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Might seem easy to lay the small price with the Blues on home ice here but, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the other side of this one. As always though, it is not without some reasoning though. The fact is St Louis has been struggling overall with losses in 4 straight games. Also, home ice has not exactly been magical of late for the Blues as they have lost 3 of last 5 on home ice including the loss to Senators Tuesday. The Rangers also enter this game off a loss but that was with Georgiev between the pipes. Tonight we should see Shesterkin back in the crease again and he has been absolutely phenomenal this season. The New York netminder is 28-6-3 with a 1.93 GAA and a .942 save percentage. Shesterkin has allowed just 1 goal in 6 of last 8 games and has allowed 2 or less goals in 9 of last 10 games! The road dog Rangers have been the better team recently and they should have the better goalie in between the pipes in this one tonight. They already beat the Blues in New York and they can do it again here in St Louis. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +110

NHL Total Annihilation Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in New Jersey Devils vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Devils 10 of last 14 games have totaled 7 or more goals. The Jets 5 of last 6 games have totaled 7 or more goals. Both teams are off high-scoring wins and this is a non-conference match-up so the set up is perfect for expecting a lot of goals in this one. 10* OVER 7 in New Jersey

NHL TNT Game of the Week Wednesday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -120 vs Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - Capitals used goalie Vitek Vanecek in last night's hard-fought win at Calgary. Washington now likely going to Ilya Samsonov in this back to back spot. Not only did Samsonov suffer an injury in practice recently, he simply has not been as consistent of late and that is why Vanecek has been seeing most of the action. No matter who is between the pipes here tonight for the Caps, this spot favors an Oilers team that has lost 3 straight and 6 of last 8 and is rested, ready, and fired up to get back on track in a big way in this one. We get line value here because of their recent losses. I am expecting a huge bounce back effort from Edmonton in this one. The Oilers jumped on Samsonov when these teams met in early February and I expect them to dominate again as they catch the Capitals in in the 2nd game of a B2B. Note that Washington is 0-3 last 3 times in the 2nd game of a B2B and that includes when they faced the Oilers early last month as that was also a B2B for the Caps! 10* EDMONTON -120

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in New Jersey Devils vs Colorado Avalanche @ 7:05 ET - The Avalanche used Pavel Francouz between the pipes last night so #1 goalie Darcy Kuemper is expected to get the start tonight. He is looking to bounce back after getting yanked in the game versus Calgary as he allowed 3 goals in about 1 period of work. However, I am not so sure of Kuemper bouncing back here. He had allowed 13 goals in his 4 starts leading into that one. So he has simply not been as rock solid of late as he was prior to mid-February. Couple that with the fact he is facing a Devils team that will play loose and relaxed and with no playoff pressure and the fact the Avs in the 2nd night of a B2B and could have some tired defensemen out there and you have the ideal set up for a lot of goals in this one. Colorado has won 5 of 7 games and scored an average of 4 goals per game during this stretch. New Jersey is off B2B low-scoring battles but this followed a stretch in which 9 of 11 games totaled 7 or more goals and I am expecting that trending to resume here as those games did average 8.5 goals! 10* OVER 6.5 in New Jersey

NHL Earliest Cash Monday 8* OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - 17 of Maple Leafs last 23 games have totaled 7 or more goals. As potent as their offense has been, Toronto continues to struggle often in terms of allowing too many goals. Columbus certainly knows all about that feeling as well as 13 of their last 16 games have totaled 7 or more goals. Since the price on the over 6.5 is in the -140 range on this one we will lower our rating but I do feel this play offers plenty of value considering the above trending for both of these clubs. 8* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Contrarian Crusher Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play as the Sabres just got shutout on home ice in a low-scoring 3-0 loss and yet we are coming right back with the over today involving Buffalo. Not only can you expect the Sabres to bounce back here, this play of course has a lot to do with who they are facing in this one as well. Florida is off a 6-2 win and 20 of their last 26 games have totaled 7 or more goals! The Panthers are loaded with firepower but also note, other than a recent home shutout of Ottawa, they have allowed an average of 4.5 goals last 4 games! For the 7th time in last 8 road games, a Florida game totals at least 7 goals! Note that 8 of 12 Sabres games, before yesterday's 3-0 loss, had totaled 7 or more goals. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Game of the Week Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +105 @ Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - This Jets team just can not be trusted. Off another OT loss to Dallas and Winnipeg has now lost 5 of 7 games. The only two victories in that span were against the two worst teams in the league - Montreal and Arizona. Now the Jets are hosting a Rangers team that is likely to have Igor Shesterkin guarding the cage and he just continues to be absolutely phenomenal this season. New York has won 16 of 24 games overall including 13 of last 17 that Shesterkin started. Look for the Rangers, regardless of who is in goal, to take advantage of a Jets team that has struggled to beat quality opposition. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +105

NHL TNT Annihilation Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars @ 4 ET - The last two meetings between these teams both flew over the total and averaged 10 goals per game. There has been only 1 under in the last 6 meetings between these teams. With Dallas on a 3-game winning streak and scoring 4 goals in each win and the Wild having seen 8 of last 10 games total 7 or more goals, we should see a wild one involving the wild here! 9* OVER 6.5 in Minnesota

NHL Divisional Dominator Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Detroit Red Wings @ 6:05 ET - The Panthers off a 3-0 shutout win but this was preceded by 10 of 12 games that totaled 7 or more goals and the only two that did not were still able to get to 5 goals. I just feel we have a lot of value because Florida is likely to enjoy an offensive explosion here as they catch Detroit in the 2nd game of a back to back. The Red Wings off a 3-1 loss yesterday at Tampa Bay. Note that Detroit's last 8 games before the loss to the Bolts had featured 6 that totaled 7 or more goals. In fact, the Red Wings 8 games heading into last night's game with the Lightning averaged a total of 9 goals per game! Look for a wild one down in Sunrise tonight! 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL National TV Blowout Saturday 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers -115 vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 3:05 ET - The Blackhawks are off a win and that is noteworthy here as Chicago wins are almost always followed by a loss! The Blackhawks have had two 4-game winning streaks this season. Other than those two instances, Chicago has NEVER won B2B games this season and have lost 35 of their other 47 games not including those 2 winning streaks. That said, the Flyers have certainly also had a frustrating season but they have been on the cusp of victory so often in recent games and why do you think they are favored here? Of course it is for a reason! Lay it! 9* PHILADELPHIA -115

NHL Divisional Dominator Friday 8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line -105 vs Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - When these teams met recently in Dallas, the Jets never trailed the entire game and led 2-1 more than halfway through the 3rd period. However, the Stars scored a 3rd period goal with about 6 minutes to go and then won the game in OT. Winnipeg is seeking revenge here plus confident off B2B wins plus they have the home ice edge here. Note that Dallas has won only 40% of its road games this season. As a result, we have excellent line value with the home team at a pick'em price and I see them getting revenge in this key divisional match-up. 8* WINNIPEG

NHL Situational Slaughter Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The fact both teams were in action last night means back-up goalies likely involved in tonight's game. No matter who is guarding the cage at either end I also like the fact that Carolina is off a shutout loss and will be fully ready to respond here. I also like the fact that Penguins off an upset win at Tampa Bay. That sets this one up well for a quickly early explosion in the offensive zone from the Hurricanes as well as a solid response from a Pittsburgh club that has plenty of firepower on offense. The Pens had that on full display last night against the Lightning and the won't go down without a fight here against the Canes. As a result, we should see plenty of goals in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Carolina

NHL Atlantic Division Total of the Year Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Panthers have lost 3 straight games and will want to inflict a beating upon the Senators in this one. However, Florida has had trouble stopping opponents and this scrappy Ottawa team will score some goals here. The result should be a game that flies over the total. The Panthers have allowed 5.3 goals per game last 3 games. Florida, however, is a team averaging scoring 4.6 goals per game last 24 games! 19 of those 24 games totaled 7 or more goals and fully expect this one will as well. The Sens have had recent games against quality teams like Tampa Bay, Minnesota, and St Louis all total 7 or more goals and now they face the highest scoring team in the league. Additionally, Ottawa's last 3 road games have seen them score an average of 3 goals per game and I am looking for at least a 5-3 final in this one as I expect the Panthers to "go off" in the offensive zone and be relentless here. This is even at the risk of the continued struggles they have had defending their own cage. 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Situational Slaughter Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:35 ET - The Sabres have lost 6 of last 7 road games and allowed an average of 4.7 goals per game in these 7 as travelers. Buffalo has averaged 3 goals per game last 9 games and scored 4 in a home loss to Toronto earlier this season. Based on the big line here, Maple Leafs expected to win this game by a 2-goal margin. Don't be surprised if we see a 5-3 type game here. Buffalo has been scoring well enough to do some damage here but they will not be able to stop the Maple Leafs here. 16 of last 21 Toronto games have totaled at least 7 goals. Going back even further, 22 of last 30 Maple Leafs games have totaled 7 or more goals. With this total at a 6.5 we definitely have solid line value to work with here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Situational Slaughter Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - New Jersey is in the 2nd game of a B2B and is off a 7-2 win over the Canucks yesterday. Because this is a back to back, the Devils are likely turning to Jon Gillies for this one. Not only are his numbers rough this season but he has particularly struggled in his last 4 appearances with no less than 19 goals allowed! More of the same expected here and look for another wild one with the Devils in this one. New Jersey has seen 8 of last 10 games total 7 or more goals. Those 10 games have averaged nearly 9 goals per game so expecting this one to get to at least 7 is really not expecting too much. Love the value here. The Blue Jackets are off a 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh and this followed a 4-0 shutout at Carolina. Prior to these two losses though, Columbus was 9-2 last 11 games and 10 of those games totaled at least 7 goals. The Blue Jackets will get back on track on home ice here and score a pile of goals but the Devils high-scoring ways continues as well in a back and forth game that should fly over the total. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Situational Slaughter Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 +105 in New Jersey Devils vs Vancouver Canucks @ 7:35 ET - There is still some over 6 available at the time of this write-up but it has a big -130 price on it and I would rather grab the +105 with the over 6.5 in this one. Vancouver is in the 2nd game of a B2B and is off a 5-2 win over the Rangers yesterday. The surging Canucks have won 3 straight and 6 of 8 games and scored an average of 5 goals in the 6 victories. But, because this is a back to back, Vancouver is likely turning to little used Jaroslav Halak for this one. Not only will he be rusty but he has struggled in his last two appearances. More of the same expected here but look for a wild one with the Devils in this one. New Jersey has seen 7 of last 9 games total 7 or more goals. Those 9 games have averaged nearly 9 goals per game so expecting this one to get to at least 7 is really not expecting too much. Love the value here. 10* OVER 6.5 +105 in New Jersey

NHL Situational Slaughter Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 6:05 ET - Blue Jackets off a shutout loss Friday and Penguins off a shutout win Saturday. That makes this an excellent situational play on the over. Columbus had seen 10 of last 11 games total 7 or more goals before the 4-0 loss at Carolina. Pittsburgh is off a 1-0 win over the Rangers yesterday and 9 of Penguins last 12 home games had totaled 7 or more goal before that surprising result. Since Jarry was in goal for the Pens yesterday that means DeSmith the likely starter tonight and Penguins have given up 12 goals in his last 3 home starts. More of the same here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Puck Line Punisher Sunday 9* Top Play Winnipeg Jets -1.5 +135 @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - Great set up here as Jets are on a losing streak but have faced a tough stretch of opposition and now finally get a chance to bounce back against one of the weakest teams in the league. The set up is strengthened here because the Coyotes off a rare win and that was a big one too as it was a victory over Vegas Friday. Note that Arizona has lost 11 of 13 times this season when off a win. Also, most recent loss was a 1-goal loss but 10 of 13 defeats prior to that one had been by 2+ goals. 15 of Winnipeg's last 17 wins have been by 2+ goals. Look for this to be another big win for the Jets by a comfortable margin on the road. 9* WINNIPEG -1.5 +135

Earliest Cash NHL Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Edmonton Oilers @ 1:05 ET - The Hurricanes off a 4-0 shutout win as the Blue Jackets seemingly did not show up for that game. Prior to that, Carolina had allowed at least 3 goals in 5 straight and 7 of last 8. That said, facing an Oilers team off a 4-3 win at Florida last night, you can expect plenty of goals in this one Sunday. Edmonton has scored an average of 4.3 goals per game last 6 games but also allowed 3.7 goals per game during this stretch. The Canes so dangerous in the offensive zone so look for this one to turn into a wild back and forth non-conference barn-burner. 9* OVER 6.5 in Carolina

NHL TNT Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line +160 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:30 ET - Last season, with the divisions reconfigured due to the pandemic impacting scheduling and cross-border travel, these teams ended up in the same division. The Lightning dominated the Predators on their way to a 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup title. That said, this game means an awful lot to Nashville. It is an outdoor game in their home city and a chance to get some revenge against a Tampa Bay team that held the upper hand in their season series last season. I know this game still means something to the Bolts of course and they are excited about playing outdoors. However, I still feel this one means a helluva lot more to a hungry Predators team and and this Nashville team has gotten back on track with back to back wins after a rare tough recent patch. Look for the Preds to carry momentum right into this game. Adding to the value is the fact the price has constantly risen on TB leading into this one and I feel we have phenomenal line avlue with the home dog here as a result. 10* NASHVILLE +160

NHL National TV Rout Saturday 9* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers @ 3:05 ET - First off, I know the Rangers have been getting strong goaltending. However, it is not going to be easy to stifle a Penguins team with plenty of offensive firepower and on their home ice for this game. Pittsburgh has scored an average of 4.5 goals last 4 games versus Rangers. However, this Pens team currently struggling and allowing too many goals. Pittsburgh has allowed 4.5 goals per game last 4 games. This total opened up at a 6 and I expected a drop to 5.5 which has happened and now I am all in on the value with this one! 10* OVER 5.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +165 vs Washington Capitals @ 12:35 ET - Flyers seek revenge for a 5-3 loss a week ago in which they actually led 3-2 late in the third period! Carter Hart expected back in goal for this one and Philadelphia is getting healthier with the return of guys like Joel Farabee and Derek Brassard expected for this one. This is simply too much value to be given a home dog that is desperate for a win and has been playing better of late than what their record shows. The tide is starting to turn and they are getting healthier and I don't see Philly being denied here. 9* PHILADELPHIA +165

NHL Network Rout Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Chicago Blackhawks vs New Jersey Devils @ 8:35 ET - The Devils are off a huge 6-1 win at Pittsburgh last night but the B2B means it is likely a struggling Gillies back between the pipes tonight and I expect goals aplenty here as the Blackhawks are likely to go with Lankinen rather than Fleury tonight between the pipes. Regardless of who is guarding the cage for either team tonight, some key facts point to a high-scoring affair here. New Jersey's last 8 games have featured 7 totaling 6 or more and 6 totaling 7 or more goals. The average total goals scored in those 8 games is 8 goals! As for Chicago, their goal-scoring has been spotty at times for sure but I am expecting the Devils to have a bit of a defensive letdown here after the huge upset win over the division rival Penguins last night! So the Blackhawks should score very well here on home ice but, at the other end of the ice, they have allowed 4 goals per game last 10 games. Look for a wild one here. 10* OVER 6 in Chicago 

NHL Earliest Dominator Friday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets off huge 6-3 win at Florida last night. Columbus games have now totaled 7 or more goals in 10 of last 11 games. The Jackets, especially considering they are in 2nd game of a back to back are not going to be able to stop Carolina here. The Hurricanes are one of the top teams in the league and scoring an average of 4 goals per game during 3-game winning streak but also have allowed at least 3 goals in 5 straight games. Look for a 5-3 Canes win here but even if it ends up 4-3 or 5-2 we get the win with this play also. All signs point to plenty of goals here as Columbus is playing with a lot of confidence right now and the Hurricanes will not be stopped. 9* OVER 6.5 in Carolina

NHL ESPN Smash Pass Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 -120 in New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Value here as total has dropped from a 6 to a 5.5 and I like the over in this spot. Capitals are expected to still be without Vitek Vanecek and he had been their top goalie. The good news for Washington is Nicklas Backstrom is probable for this game. So offensive firepower on hand but still concerns in goal. I know the Rangers have been getting good goaltending and have been involved in low-scoring games of late but I am expecting the powerful Caps to put a lot of pressure on them in the offensive zone. The issue for the Capitals will be struggling to stop the Rangers. Washington has allowed 3.3 goals per game last 7 games but has averaged scoring 4 goals per game last 8 games. That means we have excellent value with the over here. In particular, the Caps have been strong on the road and averaged 4.3 goals per game last 6 road games! 4 of last 6 road games for Washington have totaled 7 or more goals and we just need 6 to be a winner here. I like our chances of getting to that number! 10* OVER 5.5 in New York Rangers

NHL Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:35 ET - The Sabres have won all 3 meetings with the Canadiens this season and have scored an average of 4.7 goals per game. However, the Habs are playing better of late and I expect them to be ultra competitive on their home ice for this one. The result should be plenty of goals because Buffalo enters this game on a run in which 6 of their last 7 games have totaled 7 or more goals. Those 6 games have averaged 8 goals per game! As for Montreal, they have been won 3 straight games and are off a 5-2 win versus Toronto. The Canadiens enter this game on a run in which 11 of their last 15 games have totaled 7 or more goals. The Habs have been better defensively of late and in goal but the Sabres continue to give them trouble here and the result will be a back and forth high-scoring game. Look for a barn-burner to continue the high-scoring trend involving both these teams. 10* OVER 6 in Montreal

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 -135 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - Yes we have to lay a little extra juice to grab this over here but it is a fantastic situation. The Maple Leafs have so much firepower on offense but can not stop anyone of late as their goaltending has struggled and that was the case again in yesterday's loss at Montreal. Now the Maple Leafs are at Columbus and note that the Blue Jackets are heating up and scoring plenty of goals. The Jackets have won 7 of 9 games and 8 of their last 9 games have totaled 7 or more goals. As for the Leafs, 13 of their last 17 games have totaled 7 or more. Lay the juice to get the 6.5 here! 9* OVER 6.5 -135 in Columbus

NHL Annihilation Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 -115 in Ottawa Senators vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Wild are scoring plenty of goals but continue to have some issues in goal. This is why Minnesota's last 4 games have all totaled 8 or more goals and have, in fact, averaged a ridiculous 9.5 goals per game. Minnesota is off a big win at Edmonton and has a tough match-up with Toronto on deck. That sets this up as a dangerous game for the Wild against an Ottawa team that could surprise them. I know the Senators have not been scoring a lot of goals but they are playing well overall and with confidence even though they have fallen just short on the scoreboard quite often. The key here is I do expect another close game but they'll have to score plenty to keep up. That was also the case when these teams met in Minneapolis earlier this season and the Wild prevailed in a 5-4 OT win. Look for another "wild" one involving the Wild in this one! 10* OVER 6 in Ottawa

NHL Total of the Month Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets @ 4:05 ET - Calgary is on a 9-game winning streak and has won 11 of 12 after a 2-1 win versus Seattle Saturday. The fact that one was low-scoring has certainly been the exception rather than the norm for the red hot Flames of late. In their 11-1 run only 2 victories were of the low-scoring variety. In the other 9 wins Calgary has scored an average of 5.4 goals per game! Now they host a Jets team that has scored at least 4 goals in each of its last 3 games against the Flames. You can see why I am forecasting a high-scoring battle in this one! Winnipeg is off a 4-2 loss to Edmonton Saturday but this followed the Jets scoring an average of 4 goals per game over a 5-game stretch heading into that one against the Oilers. The Jets have allowed 13 goals last 4 games and that was even with Hellebuyck in goal for 3 of them. With Winnipeg having good recent history against the Flames they will build on that and score well here but I don't see the Jets being able to slow down this offensive juggernaut. 10* OVER 6 in Calgary

NHL Earliest Cash 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Boston Bruins vs Colorado Avalanche @ 1:05 ET - The Bruins have not been scoring well recently and are still without Brad Marchand. However, other than Marchand being out this team is basically healthy and they are capable of solid scoring against the Avalanche here. The Avs do tend to allow more goals on the road than at home. Also, they just allowed 3 goals in their win at Buffalo Saturday with Kuemper in goal. Colorado, in the game most recently started by Francouz, allowed 4 goals. So look for Boston, especially being on home ice, to get back on track offensively here. But the Bruins will need all they can muster because they won't slow down this Colorado juggernaut. The Avalanche are healthy and firing on all cylinders right now. The Avs have scored about 4 goals per game on the season and about 3.5 goals last 9 games. Look for the big 5-3 win over the Sabres Saturday to help build momentum for them as they deliver another offensive onslaught here against a Bruins team that will struggle to match their team speed and have issues trying to slow them down. 9* OVER 6 in Boston

NHL Annihilation Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres @ 6:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are off a 7-4 win at Chicago Thursday and 7 of last 8 games for Columbus have totaled 7 or more goals. Now the Sabres are in town in the 2nd game of a B2B - lost 5-3 versus Colorado yesterday - and I expect the high-scoring trend to continue. That's because Buffalo has seen 5 of their last 6 games total 7 or more goals. Both teams having goalie issues and issues defensively but both teams continuing to score a lot of goals as well. I see no reason for this pattern to change here and this one gets my highest rating. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Network Rout Sunday 9* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line +110 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 1 ET - This play is all about the line value. The Hurricanes have a better road record than Pittsburgh's home record. However, the Penguins are favored here simply because they are on home ice. Keep in mind, the Pens were fortunate to get the win over the Flyers Tuesday and this followed 4 straight losses in their 4 preceding home games. In other words, Pittsburgh could very easily be on a 5-game losing streak in home games! Now they enter this game off a 4-1 loss at Toronto and the Canes, in my mind, are absolutely the better of these two teams this season. I am grabbing the line value with the road dog. 9* CAROLINA +110

NHL Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Blues are off a disappointing 3-2 loss in OT at Montreal. Prior to that defeat, St Louis had won 6 of 9 games and scored an average of 4.4 goals last 10 games! The Blues will bounce back here but they are facing a high-scoring Maple Leafs club. The last time these teams met it was a 6-5 Toronto win at St Louis. The Leafs are off a 4-1 win versus Pittsburgh that burned us because we had over 6 in that game and it went scoreless the final 14 minutes. We'll get some payback here. Before that 4-1 victory over the Penguins, the Maple Leafs last 23 games featured 17 that totaled 7 or more goals. Look for another wild one here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Contrarian Crusher Saturday 9* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -120 @ Winnipeg Jets @ 4:05 ET - The Oilers are hot as they have won 4 straight games. Winnipeg is playing better too and has won back to back games. However, the Jets have struggled to put together long winning streaks and had won just 3 of 12 games before notching these back to back victories. They have a strong goalie in Connor Hellebuyck but I feel the streaking Oilers are just going to prove to be too much here. Edmonton is not just winning here, they are dominating. The Oilers have won 9 of 12 games and their last 6 wins by a combined score of 30 to 11. Lay it! 9* EDMONTON -120

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Colorado Avalanche @ 1:05 ET - This is the final home game for Buffalo until nearly two weeks from now. The Sabres will want to make the most of it and they do score better at home than on the road. The problem for Buffalo is they struggle to stop teams and here they are hosting one of the most dynamic teams in the league as the Avalanche are in town. Colorado is likely to score a pile of goals here and note that the Sabres have allowed 3.5 goals last 10 games. In home games, Buffalo had scored 4.2 goals last 5 games before a tough 3-1 loss versus Ottawa Thursday. The Sabres bounce back with a stronger effort here but can't stop the Avs so we see a very high-scoring game here. 9* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Contrarian Crusher Friday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line +115 vs Florida Panthers @ 8:05 ET - Undoubtedly Florida is a great team but so too is Minnesota. That said, based on situational value and home ice value, the Panthers are over-priced here and the Wild are offering great line value. Florida is at the top of the Atlantic Division but they have lost 12 of 22 road games this season! Also, the Panthers are off a huge win at Carolina in which they rallied for the late tying goal and then won in overtime! Minnesota is in second place in the Central Division and has won 16 of 20 games on home ice this season! Plus the Wild are off a 6-3 loss at Winnipeg. After that ugly loss, I expect a Minny team that had won 11 of 13 including 6 in a row on home ice, to bounce back big in this one. Home dog value off the charts here! 10* MINNESOTA +115 

NHL Early Dominator Friday 9* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes are angry off an OT loss in a game they let slip away versus Florida Wednesday. Carolina is off B2B 3-2 losses and this was preceded by a 6-0 win. The Canes know they must be aggressive and start scoring a ton of goals again. Enter the Predators! Nashville is the most penalized team in the league and they continue to give up too many goals of late as Saros suddenly struggling between the pipes. The Preds have allowed 4 or more goals in 3 straight games. I do expect Nashville to battle hard here though and that is why I like the over. I expect the Canes to be so aggressive in the offensive zone that it will lead to some quick scoring opportunities for the Predators going the other way. With this total available at 5.5 I feel we have excellent line value on the over here. 9* OVER 5.5 in Carolina

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line -100 @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - My regular analysis in hockey will resume tomorrow. Today only, my package of 3 hockey plays is being loaded without my regular analysis. 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line -100

10* Top Play OVER 6 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - My regular analysis in hockey will resume tomorrow. Today only, my package of 3 hockey plays is being loaded without my regular analysis. 10* OVER 6 in Toronto

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +155 vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - My regular analysis in hockey will resume tomorrow. Today only, my package of 3 hockey plays is being loaded without my regular analysis. 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +155

NHL Total of the Week Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - Two of the highest-scoring teams in the league. Yes these teams are also strong in their own zone and get solid goaltending from time to time too. But the big story with both these clubs is how highly skilled they are when it comes to creating excellent scoring chances. Panthers have so much team speed and guys flying all over the ice. The Hurricanes so strong on the forecheck and create excellent scoring chances and a lot of offensive zone time because of this. The Canes have won 13 of 19 games and averaged scoring 4 goals per game during this run. The Panthers are 14-4 last 18 games and averaged scoring 5 goals per game during this run. Just a ton of firepower in this match-up and I also like the fact that each club off a loss in which they were held to just 2 goals in the defeat. There has been only 1 under in last 6 meetings between these teams. That trend continues here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Divisional Dominator Wednesday 9* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line +120 vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Jets are off a 3-1 home loss to the Blackhawks in a game that slipped away from them late. However, Winnipeg is 3-0 L3 times when off a loss and I like them as a home dog here to a Wild team they just recently defeated in a 2-0 shutout win. The Jets Connor Hellebuyck rates the edge over Minnesota's Cam Talbot in my opinion. Yes, the Wild have been really hot but this is still a team that is 5-6 in last 11 road/neutral site games. I feel they are over-priced here on the road against a Jets team that dominated the face-off circle 35-14 in most recent meeting. The home team has taken 5 of the last 6 meetings and I look for that trend to continue here. 9* WINNIPEG +120

NHL Annihilation Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 +105 in Nashville Predators vs Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - Vitek Vanecek, goalie for the Capitals, is traveling with the team on this road trip. However, even if he plays tonight he would likely be rusty from the time off dealing with an upper body injury. That is why I love the over in this spot because Washington has plenty of firepower and is ready to respond off an ugly 4-1 home loss to Ottawa but the Capitals also have goalie issues. Because of Vanecek being out, Washington has been struggling between the pipes with an average of 3.8 goals allowed in 5 games so far this month. The Caps though, before the bad loss to the Senators, had scored an average of 4 goals last 5 games and I expect a strong game from them in the offensive zone in this one tonight. As for the Predators, 13 of their last 18 games have totaled at least 6 goals. Nashville has allowed 9 goals last 2 games. The Preds, prior to a 5-2 home loss to Winnipeg, had scored an average of 3.7 goals per game last 6 games. Look for a surprisingly high-scoring game here even if Vanecek plays for Washington. 10* OVER 6 +105 in Nashville

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 9* Top Play Ottawa Senators Puck Line +1.5 goals -135 vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 - The Senators are catching the Blues off a big 5-1 win versus Marc-Andre Fleury and the Blackhawks. Not only that, St Louis was at home for that one and is on the road for this one and I really like the way Ottawa has been playing. The Sens have been getting fantastic goaltending and have been a tough team to beat and I especially like the value with the +1.5 goals on the puck line in this one. The Senators have allowed an average of only 1.8 goals per game in regulation time of their last dozen games. Also, Ottawa has a record of 6-4-2 in these 12 games and one of the regulation losses by just 1 goals so, at +1.5 goals, the Sens would be 9-3 last 12 games. The Blues are a solid 8-5 last 13 games but two of those wins by just a single goal so St Louis would be unimpressive 6-7 at -1.5 goals last 13 games. Just feel there is too much value with the way the Senators have been playing and the solid goal-tending they have been getting. The Blues, before their win over Chicago, had allowed 3.6 goals per game last 9 games. 9* OTTAWA +1.5 -135

NHL Annihilation Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Seattle Kraken vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 9:05 ET - The total here has dropped from a 6.5 to a 6 and I love the additional value we are now getting on the over in this match-up. Toronto is off B2B losses and will be hungry to respond. The Kraken have often struggled on their home ice but have been scoring better of late overall. As a result, I expect goals galore in this one. Seattle has scored an average of 3 goals per game last 3 games. The Kraken have allowed 4 goals per game last 4 home games. The Maple Leafs have scored 4.2 goals per game last 10 games but also allowed 3 or more goals in 10 of last 13 games. A lot of value in a game here that should end with 7 or 8 goals given the above stats and considering the situation here. 10* OVER 6 in Seattle

NHL Earliest Cash Monday 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Detroit Red Wings @ 8:05 ET - The Wild off tight 3-2 win versus a strong Carolina club and have a big game at Winnipeg on deck. That sets this one up well for an over in my opinion as Minnesota is now hosting a Red Wings club that has been skating very well and is playing with a lot of confidence. Detroit had one ugly 4-1 loss in last 11 games but in the other 10 games they have averaged nearly 4 goals per game. This game should feature plenty of goals as the Wild have won 7 of 8 games and have averaged scoring 4 goals per game during this stretch even including a shutout loss! 9* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Divisional Dominator Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 +110 in New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 1:35 ET - Not only are the Devils off back to back games in which they have scored 7 goals in each win, New Jersey has allowed 4 or more goals in 4 of last 5 games. Overall, 4 of last 5 NJ games have totaled 8 or more goals. Also, the Penguins have won 7 of last 9 road games and averaged scoring nearly 4 goals per game during this stretch. I know that the Penguins are off a shutout win but the last 3 times Pittsburgh was off a game in which they allowed 1 goal or loss their next game has totaled at least 7 goals all 3 times. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6.5 +110 in New Jersey

NHL Earliest Cash Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres @ 12:35 ET - The Canadiens in 2nd game of B2B and used Montembeault in goal yesterday which means it is likely going to be Primeau between the pipes for this one. Either way this is a tough spot for Montreal to keep the puck out of their own net even though they did a good job of that yesterday in a rare low-scoring 2-1 loss. Prior to this the Habs had been giving up a ton of goals and I expect that trend to resume here. Also, the Sabres are expected to go with Anderson between the pipes and he has allowed 5 goals in 2 of his last 3 starts including his most recent one. Both these teams have been giving up a lot of goals lately and I expect these trends to continue here. 9* OVER 6 in Montreal

NHL Situational Slaughter Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 +110 in Calgary Flames vs New York Islanders @ 10:05 ET - The Islanders peppered Edmonton with shots last night and deserved better in the 3-1 loss. I look for the Isles to keep on coming tonight but, at the same time, the Flames have been red hot and are likely to score a pile of goals here. Calgary will be helped by the fact that New York used their #1 goalie, Ilya Sorokin, last night. That means back-up netminder likely for the Isles and I know Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom has been hot but the Islanders looked very strong last night as they are healthier now and were flying all over the ice. The Isles will score their fair share tonight but note that the Flames have won 8 of 10 games and have scored at least 4 goals in 7 of those 8 victories! In fact, Calgary's last 10 games have featured 9 that totaled 6 or more goals. I understand this total of 5.5 goals involving the Flames and Islanders but look for it to prove to be too low. 10* OVER 5.5 +110 in Calgary

NHL Contrarian Crusher Saturday 9* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line +180 @ Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Predators opened up as -165 favorites and then shot up to as high as -215 and, as per usual, I am fading the line move. This is a revenge game for the Jets and though they lost 5-2 at Nashville last month they outshot the Preds 38 to 23 in that game. Also, Nashville has lost 6 of 10 games and is over-priced here plain and simple. Yes this is a back to back for Winnipeg so Comrie might be between the pipes but he has actually been solid in recent outings. Additionally, the Jets are off a game in which they got ripped off on a bogus late-game penalty call that allowed Stars to take the lead. The Jets were the better team in that game last night but did go on to lose in OT and they deserved the full 2 points in the standings last night. Tonight they will get what they deserved last night. 9* WINNIPEG +180

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +145 @ Detroit Red Wings @ 12:05 ET - Flyers get a change at revenge after a home loss versus Detroit Wednesday by a 6-3 count. Philadelphia had won back to back games before that loss and I expect them to respond here. This line opened up with the Red Wings at a -135 and has shot all the way up to a -165. I am grabbing the extra value on the other side of the move. 9* PHILADELPHIA +145

NHL Contrarian Crusher Friday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Edmonton Oilers vs New York Islanders @ 9:05 ET - I know the Oilers just fired their head coach and will respond here under their interim head coach who had been the team's AHL affiliate. However, that response is likely to involve more goals rather than stellar defense and goaltending. Simply put, Edmonton is built better for the former rather than the latter and I expect plenty of scoring here. Yes, the Islanders are known more for defense and goaltending - particularly when Sorokin is in the crease - but the Oilers have the high-end talent to create quality scoring chances when motivated. That said, I expect a highly motivated effort from the hosts in this one and that should lead to plenty of goals. The Islanders also looking to make a big push here as they have a chance to pick up major ground in the standings as they will be a busy team with makeup games over the next couple weeks. The Isles already won their first game after the All-star break with a 6-3 win at Vancouver. More of the same on tap tonight. 10* OVER 5.5 in Edmonton

NHL Earliest Cash Friday 9* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line +140 @ Dallas Stars @ 8:35 ET - The Stars are a strong team but they are off a big win versus Nashville and have a huge game with Colorado on deck. For Winnipeg this is the front end of a back to back spot. That means Hellebuyck likely to start one game and Comrie start the other. No matter which guy is protecting the cage here I like my chances in this one. Hellebuyck is back "in the zone" again as he has been sharp in his last two starts and, when he is on his game, he is one of the best in the league. As for Comrie, he has been rock solid in recent appearances when called upon. Comrie has had one dud in his last 5 appearances but allowed a total of just 9 goals in the other 4. As for the Stars, they have had one strong performance from netminders last 4 games but allowed a total of 12 goals in the other 3 games! The Jets have only 9 regulation losses in 23 road games this season but have had some trouble with games going past regulation on the road. I look for them to get over the hump here as this team is better than their full season record shows and they are under-valued here. 9* WINNIPEG +140

NHL Earliest Dominator 9* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line -130 @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins have lost 4 of 6 and now Brad Marchand is beginning a 6-game suspension and Patrice Bergeron is out with an upper body injury. Boston is hosting an angry Carolina team that is off B2B losses and is one of the best teams in the league. The Hurricanes respond in a big way with one of their best efforts of the season and take advantage of a short-handed Bruins club in this one. Lay the price as it should prove well worth it! 9* CAROLINA -130

NHL Eastern Conference Total of the Month Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals @ 7 ET - The Canadiens just made a head coaching change. Certainly the team should respond with a strong effort tonight. However, the new head coach can not come in and play goalie for the team and therein lies the current problem with Montreal. The Habs have lost 7 straight games and each of the last 5 games saw them allow at least 5 goals in all 5 regulation losses. The Capitals also have goalie issues right now because Vanecek is out. In the last 6 games started by someone other than Vanecek, Washington has allowed an average of 4.7 goals per game! That said, the fact Ovechkin is out for the Capitals tonight is merely serving to give us line value here as it should help this total hold at 6 when the reality is that it should be 6.5 in my opinion. The Caps have scored an average of 4 goals per game in their last 4 games and I am looking for that, coupled with a spirited effort from the Habs here, to result in a true barn-burner in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Montreal

NHL Total of the Week Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 +110 in Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:05 ET - The Oilers got shutout on home ice yesterday and lost 4-0 to the Golden Knights. I fully expect Edmonton to bounce back tonight but, at the same time, I absolutely can not trust their defense or netminding. The good news for the Oilers is that the Blackhawks enter this game having allowed 4.8 goals per game their last 4 games. Chicago's Marc-Andre Fleury has been struggling between the pipes again. The bad news for Edmonton fans tonight is that the Oilers have allowed 4.2 goals per game their last 5 games on home ice. Edmonton is so strong in terms of their top-end talent and high-end scoring ability but their rather smallish and less physical blue line tends to come back to haunt them. They just do not have the grinders back there that they need and Chicago has talented forwards and will take advantage and score well in this one. Look for the Oilers to answer them goal for goal there and, of course, the hosts are favored heavily on the money line for a reason here. Look for a 4-3 or 5-3 type game in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Edmonton

NHL PA Insider Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -110 vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7 ET - There are 32 teams in the NHL now that the Kraken joined the league and only 1 of them (Montreal) has fewer road wins (3) than the Red Wings (6). The point is that Detroit is very over-valued here. The Red Wings are a young and scrappy team that is building around their youth movement but that still does not change the fact that Detroit has won just 29% of road games this season! The Flyers blew a 2-0 lead but were tied 3-3 in their most recent loss (4-3) to the Islanders but they followed that up with B2B wins and the victory that took OT involved allowing a late goal and it never should taken OT for Philly to get the full 2 points in the standings. The point is that the Flyers have been playing better than people realize. They are more talented than many realize and they also will get Derek Brassard back in the lineup tonight. Claude Giroux was MVP of the All Star Game played here in Las Vegas where I live and the entire club is really rallying around him and I think you could see a push from Philly post All Star break! Look for a 3rd straight win tonight and take advantage of this bargain line. 10* PHILADELPHIA -110

NHL Puck Line Rout Tuesday 9* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 +105 @ Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes outplayed the Maple Leafs last night but lost 4-3 in OT in a frustrating loss that should not have happened. Carolina will bounce back stronger than ever tonight and they catch a Senators team off a rare big win versus the Devils last night as Ottawa prevailed 4-1. The Sens have been playing better recently but are still no match for a Canes team angry off a loss in a game in which they know they deserved better. Of course the money line is prohibitive here as it is far too pricey but we get value on the puck line and I do expect a road team win by 2+ goals. The Hurricanes are 4-1 last 5 times when off a loss and 3 of the 4 wins by a multiple goal margin. Look for this one to be a rout as well. 9* CAROLINA -1.5 +105

NHL Contrarian Crusher Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Considering neither one of these hockey clubs have been lighting the NHL on fire this season you may be reluctant to play on over here. In typical contrarian fashion though I am pounding this over with a top play. The Devils outshot the Senators last night but were done in by a goalie who was on his game. I don't expect that to be the case tonight. Both NJ and Montreal have been struggling to get consistent play between the pipes for varying reasons. The result is that the Devils have allowed 4 goals per game their last 11 games in a tough 1-10 stretch. The Canadiens have lost 12 of 13 games and allowed 4.5 goals per game during this rough 13-game stretch. Look for both teams to take advantage of leaky defense and questionable goaltending and this one should easily get past the 6-goal mark. 10* OVER 6 in Montreal

NHL Earliest Cash Monday 8* Ottawa Senators -130 vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Devils have lost 6 straight games and 9 of their last 10. All 9 of those losses in regulation time! New Jersey also has been held to 2 or less goals in 6 of last 7 losses. The Devils will not be able to keep up with the Senators here. Ottawa has only 2 regulation losses in last 7 games as they have picked up 3 wins and an OT loss and a SO loss in last 7 games. The point is that the Sens have been the better team and now they are on home ice for this one. With a very tough game versus Carolina on deck for tomorrow, the Senators know they need to take care of business tonight and get the full two points in the standings. I fully expect them to do just that! 8* OTTAWA -130

NHL Top Blowout Monday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line +120 @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - Great match-up. The Maple Leafs are expected to use goalie Petr Mrazek rather than their usual starting goalie, Jack Campbell. Mrazek use to be with the Hurricanes. However, Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen use to be with the Maple Leafs. So this is a unique match-up for sure. What I like about Andersen in this match-up is he already beat the Leafs 4-1 in Carolina when these teams met earlier this season and he is the normal starting goalie for the Canes. The Leafs are reaching here by giving Mrazek a shot against his former team. I do expect Andersen to play in this one even though he, like Campbell, was at the All Star game in Vegas this past weekend. No matter who is in the crease for either team here, I like the Hurricanes in this match-up. Yes, I respect the Maple Leafs and they are a very strong team but Carolina just has more grit in my opinion. They play just like their head coach Rod Brind'Amour, long-time Hurricane and Flyer, use to play and that has given this team a hard-nosed attitude and they are tough to beat. They have won 16 of 20 games now and remember they started this season winning 14 of 16 games! When this team gets hot, look out, and they are on fire again right now. The Maple Leafs have been hot too but played a number of weaker foes during this stretch. Also, prior to the 5-game winning streak Toronto was on a run that saw them lose 6 of 13 games. The Hurricanes, when rolling and motivated, are simply the better team and getting them at plus money (since this game is at the Scotiabank Arena) is something I will not pass up on! 10* CAROLINA +120

NHL Situational Slaughter Wednesday 9* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line -130 @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Kings have earned at least a point in 5 straight games with a 3-0-2 run and I really like the way Los Angeles has been playing. They skate well and have a quick north-south game that creates trouble for teams built like the Red Wings. I don't particularly care for the Detroit defense and feel this game will be a match-up issue for them. Detroit is off an OT win versus the Ducks Monday but this was preceded by a 20-game stretch in which the Red Wings only won 6 of the 20 games! Also, Detroit played Monday but LA has off since Sunday. The rested road team is worth every bit of this price particularly after the drop from 157 to 130. Lay it! 9* LOS ANGELES KINGS -130

NHL Non Conf Total of the Month Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Washington Capitals vs Edmonton Oilers @ 7:05 ET - Have to go quick with this write-up to get the pick up as this total is moving toward 6.5 and I love the over in this match-up. Currently some 6 still available and the set up is ideal. The Capitals off huge win at Pittsburgh last night. A rivalry win after regulation time and could leave Washington a little flat early in this game which leads to plenty of goals for the high-flying Oilers. However, as always seems to be the case for Edmonton, their trouble is in the defensive zone and they allow far too many quality chances and the Caps will rally back in this game. The results is a very high-scoring barnburner in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Washington

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +130 vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7 ET - The Flyers finally got over the hump with their OT win over the Kings on Saturday. Los Angeles forced OT in another game where Philly played very well but, this time, Philadelphia finally got what they deserved for their efforts...a win. This is the final game before the all star break for each team. The Jets do come in on off a win but are simply overpriced here. Winnipeg had lost 6 straight games before that win and goalie Connor Hellebuyck has been struggling. It was Eric Comrie between the pipes that got the win Saturday at St Louis. The Flyers getting solid goaltending from Carter Hart and should not be passed up on here in a home dog role. The Jets, prior to beating the Blues, had won just 7 of 21 road games (33%) on the season. That does not equate to a team that should be favored in the -150 price range here against a hungry home dog that has been playing better than the results have recently shown. 9* PHILADELPHIA +130

NHL Situational Slaughter Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in New Jersey Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - These teams met last night and though the game featured a late flurry to get to 10 goals - Leafs won 6-4 - we only need 7 to be a winner here and I love the back to back situation. The Maple Leafs started Jack Campbell in goal last night but then he struggled so Petr Mrazek got the call. That means Toronto used both goalies last night which makes it tough in a back to back spot. As for the Devils, they are currently without their top two goalies Blackwood and Bernier. So Akira Shmid played last night and Jon Gillies likely to get the call tonight. Neither New Jersey netminder has much NHL experience and Gillies did allow 7 goals in his last two home starts combined. The Maple Leafs last 9 games have featured 7 totaling 7 or more goals! The Devils have allowed an average of 4 goals last 9 games and will again struggle to stop Toronto. However, the Leafs do allow plenty of goals so I look for another barn-burner in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in New Jersey

NHL Total of the Week Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets would love to get revenge and tighten things up in their own zone after a 9-2 loss at Florida earlier this month. However, though I would love to subscribe to that theory I can not and the numbers prove this out too. Columbus is having an awful season in their own zone. They are allowing 3.6 goals per game and they have struggled against this high-powered Florida team for a long period of time. In the last 7 meetings dating back to March of last year, the Panthers have scored 4 or more goals in 6 of the 7 meetings and the over is 6-1 in last 7 meetings between these teams. Florida scored an average of 5 goals per game in these 7 meetings. So, yes, Columbus wants revenge here but their only hope is to score enough to hang around in this game and I do expect them to do that. But, simply put, the Blue Jackets are not stopping this high-powered offense. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Contrarian Crusher Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Carolina Hurricanes vs San Jose Sharks @ 5:05 ET - The Hurricanes off B2B low-scoring wins and this might have some thinking of an under here. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am going over the total here. Yes the Canes have gotten some good goaltending last two games but this is a team that scores a ton of goals and is so strong on the forecheck in the offensive zone. Just a relentless team. Carolina is going to take advantage of a San Jose team that might have to use goalie Zach Sawchenko here. He has struggled at the AHL level this season with a 4.07 GAA in his 10 appearances and now faces one of the top teams in the NHL in his first ever start. If he does not play in this one then it would be James Reimer again in the 2nd game of a back to back which is never easy. The reason for the goalie squeeze with San Jose is because Adin Hill is out with an injury. The Sharks have scored an average of 3.4 goals per game last 5 games. The Hurricanes have won 11 of 14 games and, in regulation time of those games, have averaged scoring 4.1 goals per game. This one should get to 8 goals in my best estimation as I look for a 5-3 type game. We should get at least 7 here. Lot of value with this total at 6 even. 10* OVER 6 in Carolina

NHL Earliest Cash Sunday Top Play 9* OVER 5.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Los Angeles Kings @ 1:05 ET - Total dropped from a 6 to a 5.5 and I will not hesitate to grab the value here. The Penguins are off B2B low-scoring games but they snap that here after losing both those games - one in OT and one in SO. The fact is that Pittsburgh will take advantage of a Kings team in a back to back. LA will have to use back-up goalie here or have Quick going in 2nd straight start on B2B days. I don't see that happening. Either way the hungry Penguins will be able to score well here. At the same time though, I don't see the Pens slowing down a Kings team that has impressed me with their north-south game as they get up and down the ice so quickly and create excellent scoring chances. The last time these teams met the game totaled 8 goals earlier this month. In fact, that became part of a stretch in which 8 of 12 Penguins games totaled 7 or more goals. I feel strongly this one will get to at least 7 just like the 4-3 OT loss Los Angeles had at Philly yesterday. At the very least I am looking for 6 here. Solid opportunity! 9* OVER 5.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Total of the Month Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs San Jose Sharks @ 6:05 ET - The Sharks are likely to start James Reimer here. San Jose is 4-2 in his last 6 starts and there have been a ton of goals scored in his games. Not including OT of course, the average goals scored in games he started is 8.7 goals! 4 of the 6 games totaled at least 8 goals! I am looking for this one too as well because Florida is one of the highest scoring teams in the league plus I like the fact that the Sharks come into this one with their last 7 road games averaging a total of 7 goals per game with an average score of San Jose losing 4-3 in those games. Florida is a huge favorite in this game for a reason and I am forecasting a 5-3 type game here. The Panthers have won 12 of 15 games and have scored an average of 5 goals per game during this red hot stretch. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Afternoon Annihilation Saturday 8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line +160 @ St Louis Blues @ 3 ET - Another nice underdog spot here. The Jets are on a losing streak but they never should have lost their most recent road game. It was a 3-2 shootout loss at Pittsburgh in a game in which they never trailed and had a 2-goal 3rd period lead. You are going to see a very determined Winnipeg team here as the Jets are hungry to snap their overall 6-game losing streak. They are catching the Blues at the right time to do it. St Louis is off a huge revenging win 5-1 over Calgary on Thursday. The Blues badly wanted that game after getting embarrassed by the Flames north of the border earlier in the week. That sets this one up perfectly as it is a flat spot for St Louis and I know the Jets are going to bring an extremely strong effort here. 8* WINNIPEG +160