NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers +160 vs Los Angeles Kings @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers have set a franchise record with their 13-game losing streak. I have been keeping an eye on them and you know these things don't go on forever. I have been looking for the perfect spot to back them and this is it. They had a break in the schedule and have been off since Tuesday. That means plenty of extra practice time as well as a chance to heal up both physically and mentally. So many of their recent defeats have been such close games. Saturday is the day they get over the hump and I am taking advantage of the exceptional line value being offered here. The Kings are off a win over the Islanders Thursday but had lost 4 of 5 games heading into that one. Also, LA has a game on deck tomorrow with Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. This looks like the ideal flat spot for Los Angeles and I expect a home dog upset here. 8* PHILADELPHIA +160

NHL Earliest Cash Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:05 ET - Off a low-scoring loss, the Penguins are sure to respond huge here. Trouble is they used Jarry between the pipes last night which it means it could be DeSmith here. The Red Wings have allowed average of 5.3 goals in regulation time of last 3 games! DeSmith has been horrible lately for the Penguins between the pipes. With Pittsburgh angry off yesterday's result and Detroit providing the perfect punching bag, the Pens will score plenty here but I don't trust DeSmith between the pipes and he is the likely starter here. No matter who is between the pipes, note that the Red Wings have averaged 3.2 goals scored last 5 games but again they continue to allow far too many as well. 10* OVER 6 in Pittsburgh

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals +104 in Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Senators are one of the weaker teams in the NHL so normally one does not think about overs with Ottawa as much due to the club being somewhat lacking in firepower on offense. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the over here but it is not without plenty of good reason. The fact is the Senators do tend to get involved in some high-scoring games when they are on home ice. Also, this is a revenge game for the Hurricanes as they suffered a huge upset at the hands of the Sens earlier this season. Carolina has shown a propensity to not slow up in terms of piling up games in blowouts. Though Canes goalie Frederik Andersen has played well overall, he has allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of his last 7 starts. Keep that in mind and note Carolina is a huge favorite here for a reason. In other words, a 5-3 final sounds about right! The Hurricanes have averaged scoring 4.5 goals per game last dozen games! The Senators are off a 5-0 home shutout of the Sabres but, prior to that, allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 11 home games. Ottawa has scored an average of 3.6 goals per game in regulation time of last five contests as a host. The Hurricanes outshot the Senators 49-20 in the 3-2 loss at Carolina in early December. The Canes deserved better and want payback here and will not take their foot off the gas in this one! 10* OVER 6.5 in Ottawa

NHL TNT Annihilation Wednesday 9* Top Play Detroit Red Wings -115 vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 7:35 ET - The trade chatter involving Marc-Andre Fleury might start to get to him and there seems to be some gossip going on around the league about where he might end up with Washington a possibility. Either way this could start to effect his game soon enough and he plays for Blackhawks club that has won just 7 of 23 road games this season. The Red Wings lost their most recent home game in OT but to a tough Dallas team. Detroit is still a solid 13-6-3 on home ice. I like the value with the home team at a short price and feel the Red Wings are going to bounce back here as, prior to a road loss in most recent games, they had earned points in the standings in 6 of last 8 games. 9* DETROIT

NHL Contrarian Crusher Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames @ 7:05 ET - Merzlikins likely to start for Blue Jackets and Markstrom likely to start for Flames. That might have you thinking under here based on the long-term with those two guys. But note that the over is 10-5 in Merzlikins starts in non-conference action this season. Also, Markstrom has allowed 4 or more goals in 5 of last 7 starts. He is off a start in which he allowed just 1 goal and that is noteworthy as he has not had strong back to back starts since early December! Columbus off low-scoring loss but 13 of 16 games heading into that one had totaled 6 or more goals. Also, the Flames have seen 8 of last 10 games total 6 or more goals and the only two that did not were each 5-goal games. Look for Calgary to build off 7-1 win. 10* OVER 6 in Columbus

NHL Total of the Week Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg Jets vs Florida Panthers @ 8:05 ET - The Jets have a great goalie by the name of Connor Hellebuyck. However, this Panthers team is an offensive juggernaut and they are entering this game off a loss and I expect them to pepper Winnipeg with shots here. At the same time, the Jets are playing their first home game in a very long time due to all the covid issues and I expect Winnipeg, also off a tough loss, to come out firing on all cylinders here in a game that should have an excellent pace. The Panthers have averaged scoring 4.3 goals last 3 games when off a loss. Florida overall has seen 10 of last 13 games total 7 or more goals. The Jets don't have those same impressive numbers in terms of high-scoring games but, again, I expect this to be a very special situation in Manitoba with it being their first home game in over 5 weeks! The last 6 Jets home games have averaged 8.3 goals and I look for another high-scoring game Tuesday. 10* OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg

NHL Situational Slaughter Tuesday 9* Top Play OVER 6 goals in Carolina Hurricanes vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - The Golden Knights in 2nd game of a B2B and off a 1-0 win. Vegas gave up a pile of shots last night but Robin Lehner was superb between the pipes but is unlikely we see him now in 2nd game of a back to back. That means the angry Hurricanes, off a 7-4 loss and rested, are likely to have a huge game here. 9 of Carolina's last 11 games have totaled 6 or more goals. These 11 games have averaged 7.6 goals per game! Look for a wild game here as Vegas will has plenty of offensive firepower and will have to rely on that here because the Canes will come out firing on all cylinders. 9* OVER 6 in Carolina

NHL Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Montreal Canadiens @ 8:05 ET - The Wild have a lengthy road trip on deck so they will want to make the most of this opportunity on home ice. That said, look for Minny to turn to their offensive production! Minnesota has won 3 of 4 games and scored an average of 4.5 goals per game in regulation time of these games. The Wild have allowed at least 3 goals in 3 of their last 4 games. The Canadiens are having a very rough season but they have scored an average of 3.3 goals per game last 3 games. The issue for Montreal is they have allowed 3.7 goals in regulation time of their last dozen games here. Non-conference match-up. Teams have not faced in other in a long time so there is not much animosity. In other words not likely to be a defensive minded battle with a lot of physicality. Should be a lot of open ice and the Habs have major issues at the goalie position with injuries/illness. 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Monday 8* OVER 5.5 goals in New York Rangers vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - We had the over involving the Kings at New Jersey last night. The game had 3 goals after one period and had not business staying under the total of 5.5 but the fact it did is what will keep this over off of the radar screen of most today. This one goes over the total. Los Angeles looked good yesterday. They were fast in transition and played a strong north-south game getting up and down the ice quickly. The Rangers certainly know a thing or two about faster paced games of late. New York has seen each of their last 3 games total 9 or more goals and I expect more of the same here. 8* OVER 5.5 in New York Rangers

NHL Monday 9* Top Play Vegas Golden Knights +130 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Vegas expected to get some reinforcements on this road trip. Also, they catch the Caps off an OT win. Why does this matter? Well, since a pair of wins in early December, Washington has won B2B games only once! The Capitals have proven time and time again they struggle off a win while the Golden Knights come into this game on a run of 12 wins in 19 games. Couple that with the underdog value here and you have a great spot to back the road team at a plus money price. 9* VEGAS +130

NHL Contrarian Crusher Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - The Devils off a 7-4 upset win over Carolina yesterday. The underdog win coupled with a B2B situation sets this one up perfectly for plenty of goals. New Jersey has allowed 4 or more goals in 9 of last 14 games. This one is a contrarian play because the Kings are not known for higher scoring games but the Devils have averaged scoring 3.5 goals per game in regulation time of last 9 games. Los Angeles has allowed 5.3 goals per game last 3 games. Also, before being held to just 1 goal in most recent game, the Kings had averaged scoring 3.8 goals last 8 games. Given all those big numbers and the fact this total is a 5.5 you can see why we have excellent value here for a top play. 10* OVER 5.5 in New Jersey

NHL Network Rout Sunday 8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line +200 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 1:05 ET - This is a tricky spot for the Penguins in my opinion. Yes, Pittsburgh has been hot but they have not played two games in the same city in quite some time. During their current 4-game winning streak they were at San Jose, then at Vegas, then at home but then back on the road at Columbus and then now back home again. I could see them overlooking the slumping Jets. Winnipeg is better than their recent results show and, after coming up just short at Boston yesterday, I like the Jets here no matter who is in goal. It could be Conner Hellebuyck in 2nd game of back to back or Eric Comrie who is now back from covid protocols. Though Comrie has not played in some time he has solid numbers this season and this Jets team will rally in front of him as teams often do when they are forced to utilize a back-up netminder in a back to back situation. So the Jets offer solid line value here in my opinion. Winnipeg very hungry for a win and the Pens are so happy to now be starting a lengthy 6-game homestand I could see them coming out a little too relaxed for this one and the hungrier team, Jets on 3-game losing streak, will play with a purpose here. Winnipeg has had only one losing streak of more than 3 games this season and they snap this one here. 8* WINNIPEG

NHL Total of the Week Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - Mackenzie Blackwood is the Devils #1 netminder right now but he has allowed 3 or more goals in 9 of his last 10 starts including allowing 4 to the low-scoring Coyotes in his most recent start. As for the Hurricanes, their #1 netminder is Frederik Andersen and he was in goal last night so that means it is likely to be a back-up between the pipes here and no one, other than Andersen, has enjoyed success in the crease for the Canes this season. Carolina might give up more goals than normal here as a result but this highly efficient Hurricanes offense should lead them to victory. That is why they are such a pricey favorite even on the road in this one and in a back to back. That said, I feel the best value is with the over in this match-up! The Devils have allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 13 games. New Jersey had scored an average of 3.5 goals per game last 7 games before being shutdown by Arizona. As for Carolina, they are on a red hot 8-2 run in which, other than a shutout loss, they have scored an average of 5.2 goals per game! 10* OVER 6 in New Jersey

NHL Earliest Cash Friday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Both teams off big upset wins and I like that situation to set this one up for a bit of a wide open game. The Hurricanes are hot and have won 7 of 9 games. One of the two losses was a shutout loss but Carolina scored 3 goals in the other loss and at least 4 goals in all 7 wins! In fact, the Canes, other than the shutout loss, have averaged scoring 5 goals per game since mid-December! As for the Rangers, they are known for lower-scoring games generally speaking but Shesterkin was not overly sharp in New York's 6-3 win over Toronto Wednesday. The offense bailed him out after they got into a 3-1 hole versus the Maple Leafs. Speaking of that offense, the Rangers are now 7-2 last 9 games and have scored an average of 4 goals per game in the 7 wins. Given all of the above I feel we have excellent line value with this total at a 5.5 as of late morning Friday. I'll take it! 10* OVER 5.5 in Carolina

NHL Total Blowout Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 7 +115 in Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers @ 9:05 ET - I know we have the option to take the over 6.5 too but that has big juice on it in the -135 to -150 range so I would rather take the over 7 in the +110 to +115 range for a nice payback price. I know that will turn a 7 from a win to a push but I really think we are going to see an absolutely crazy game here with 8 or more goals. The Panthers have been on a torrid run of 9 straight games totaling 7 or more goals but that was finally snapped in their surprising 5-1 loss at Calgary. I watched that game and there easily could have been more goals there. The key here is the Panthers are now off a loss and will be flying all over the ice even more than usual tonight as a result of that defeat. That is bad news for an Oilers team that has played only 1 game in the past two weeks! The key for Edmonton however is that they are playing with an "us against the world" mentality now after being "left for dead" because of a rare tough stretch. The Oilers are loaded with talent, especially in terms of skilled players in the offensive zone, and I look for them to come out playing with a chip on their shoulder here. That means an intense game with a lot of offensive zone pressure. The Panthers, as strong as they have been, do give up a lot of goals. The Oilers will have plenty of success scoring here as a result as they are out to prove the doubters wrong but they will be unable to stop this high-flying Florida juggernaut and that means we see a ton of goals here. 10* OVER 7 +115 in Edmonton

NHL Early Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +135 vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - The Maple Leafs are simply over-rated here on the road. They have been the higher-scoring team of late in comparison with the Rangers and so they are the more attractive team to the betting markets as that catches attention. However, this New York team has been the much better team recently in terms of stifling opponents and getting strong goaltending and I look for that to be the difference maker here and I love the home dog price we are getting here. The Rangers are 6-2 last 8 games and have allowed an average of only 1.2 goals per game those 6 victories! The Maple Leafs will have Jack Campbell between the pipes tonight. He has allowed 13 goals in his last 3 starts! Yes an average of more than 4 per game and then you look at the goalie work the Rangers are getting and look at the money line price on this game and the fact the Rangers are at home. All signs point to a ton of value on the home dog and this is particularly true as the line has been moving toward the Leafs so far today. I love fading line moves. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +135

NHL Total Blowout Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Arizona Coyotes vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Coyotes have scored an average of 3.6 goals per game last 9 games and are coming off a huge 5-2 win versus Montreal Monday. Even though Arizona has been scoring better this is still a team that has lost 11 of 15 games and allowed an average of 4 goals per game during this stretch. That said, this total of 6 goals is likely to prove too low. The Devils are in need of a big win and are on home ice and New Jersey has averaged a respectable 3.4 goals per game last 7 games though it has only been a 4-3 stretch for them. The issue for the Devils is allowing too many goals as well as they have conceded an average of 4 goals per game during their current run which has seen them lose 9 of 13 games. Look for plenty of goals again in another non-conference battle that will not feature too much defensive intensity. 10* OVER 6 in Arizona

NHL Total Blowout Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 5 goals in Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - Yesterday's game could have had a lot more scoring and yet it still landed on 5 goals even with the crossbars and posts struck numerous times. There was one fluke goal, by Travis Konecny of the Flyers, but that actually is a boost for today's game as he and his line looked quite improved and the intensity was kicked up a few notches once he got that goal. He had been a scoring drought but that goal lifts his confidence and the Flyers also got Rasmus Ristolainen back last night and he helps move pucks out of the defensive end and get Philly going the other way to break into the offensive zone better. The key factor here is both teams have been struggling overall to score goals but now that has resulted in a rare case here where this total has dropped to a 5. This is a huge value in today's NHL and also Carter Hart has been struggling a bit and will be between the pipes for Philly since Martin Jones started last night. Additionally, Georgiev has not been as strong as Sorokin for the Isles in the crease and since the latter was in between the pipes last night that means we should see the former tonight. The result is excellent line value with this total dropping to a 5. I watched last night's game in its entirety and this back to back sets up well for even more scoring tonight between these divisional rivals. 10* OVER 5 goals

NHL Earliest Annihilation Tuesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes +115 @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins are playing well and are a strong team for sure. But how many times do you get to take a team like the Hurricanes as an underdog? Carolina is one of the best teams in the NHL and they are built well to beat a team like Boston. In fact they already did it earlier this season by a 3-0 count! The Canes are a tough hard-nosed team just like their coach is a tough hard-nosed no-nonsense guy. Rod Brind'Amour again gets the most of out his team here and they win this one on the road. Though the Bruins have won 3 straight home games now, this is still a team that were on a run of 7 losses in 11 home games heading into this hot stretch on home ice. The Hurricanes are 13-4-1 on the road this season for the best road mark in the NHL. I will gladly back them here in the rare underdog role. 10* CAROLINA +115

NHL TOP Annihilation Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +180 @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - This play is as much about a play against the Islanders as it is a play on the Flyers. We also get line value because Martin Jones is getting the start instead of Carter Hart in goal for Philadelphia. Note that the Flyers had a strong run before this losing streak and Jones was in goal for 3 of the wins and NONE of the losses in the 5-0-1 run! Jones has been a solid back-up this season and the Flyers lost his most recent start in OT. They also enter this game off 3 straight one-goal losses including one in OT. Philly has been right on the cusp of getting into the win column and yet falling just short. Here they will take advantage of facing an Islanders team that struggles to score goals. Both clubs struggle to score goals but it is the Isles that are -200 faves here and that just is not justified in my opinion. The Islanders have won 35% of their home games this season and the Flyers have won 35% of their road games this season and should have Ristolainen back to bolster the defense tonight. I'll take the big plus money here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +180

NHL Afternoon Annihilation Monday 8* OVER 5.5 goals in Arizona Coyotes vs Montreal Canadiens @ 4:05 ET - The Canadiens allowing a ton of goals and on a losing streak but they know this is a winnable game at Arizona. That said, look for some extra push up front in terms of aggressiveness in the offensive zone and on the forecheck. Montreal will look to create some good scoring opportunities and, generally speaking, I like overs in non-conference games. They tend to have less defensive intensity. Also, like the Habs, the Coyotes have been allowing too many goals as well. Both clubs have had their goaltending impacted by injury/covid issues as well. The Canadiens have allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 8 games. The Coyotes have allowed an average of 4 goals last 14 games. The hosts also had scored an average of nearly 4 goals per game in their 7 games preceding the home shutout versus Colorado Saturday. They will respond on home ice here but the Canadiens put up plenty of fight as they are so hungry for a win. The result is more goals than you would otherwise expect from a match-up like this. 8* OVER 5.5 goals in Arizona

NHL Early Annihilation Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Washington Capitals vs Vancouver Canucks @ 2:05 ET - Both teams off low-scoring efforts yesterday and I feel that has given us excellent line value here with this total dropping to a 5.5 in some of the big books. We'll take it in a non-conference match-up and with the Capitals off a 2-0 win in a very tightly-played physical low-scoring battle with the division rival Islanders yesterday. They now go from that to a non-conference opponent and plus the Canucks have allowed at least 4 goals in each of their last 3 games. Before yesterday's 4-1 loss, each of Vancouver's last 3 games - which did include a 5-2 win - totaled 6 or more goals. The Capitals, before the shutout win yesterday, had lost 4 straight and allowed 4.3 goals per game in those defeats and I feel strongly that we are going to see a game with a lot of open ice and quality scoring chances here given the back to back situation. Also, back to backs tend to test a teams goalie situation and that is another strength here as the shutout was from Vanecek yesterday and plus the Canucks used their #1 netminder, Demko yesterday. 10* OVER 5.5 in Washington

NHL Early Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 6:05 ET - Even though Elvis Merzlikins is expected in goal for the Jackets tonight and he is off a shutout win over Carolina Thursday on national TV, this Florida team continues to be one of the most dangerous in the NHL in terms of offensive zone production. The Panthers have won 7 of 8 games and scored a ridiculous average of 5.6 goals per game during this red hot run. The Blue Jackets used to be known as a defensive-minded grinding team but that has not been the case of late. Columbus, prior to their shocking shutout win over the Hurricanes, had allowed 4.2 goals per game last 12 games. The Blue Jackets have scored an average of 4 goals last 3 games. I like the fact Florida was in action last night which means a goalie, Spencer Knight, coming off the covid list makes the start tonight or if he ends up unable to go it will be Evan Fitzpatrick making his first ever NHL start or Sergei Bobrovsky having to start the 2nd game of a B2B. I am looking for a barn-burner between these teams considering the situation heading into this one. 8 STRAIGHT Panthers teams have totaled at least 7 goals and I am not bucking that trend here! 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 8* Nashville Predators Money Line +140 @ Boston Bruins @ 1:05 ET - This play is all about the value. Yes, Boston has been hot including back to back home wins. Remember they started the season with a 5-0 mark in their first 5 home games too. But what have the Bruins done in between this? How about a 4-6-1 mark on home ice? Yes indeed they lost 7 of 11 in Boston after that hot start on home ice. So, while I am well aware that the Bruins are a hot club right now, they are simply way over-valued here against a Nashville team that will be hungry off a loss and that has won two thirds of games this season! The Predators, like Boston, are playing like one of the top teams in the NHL and the Preds are 8-2 last 10 times when off a loss. Overall, Nashville had won 5 straight games and 12 of 14 before their embarrassing home loss as a huge favorite versus the Sabres on Thursday night. They get back on track here. 8* NASHVILLE +140 

NHL Early Annihilation Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Dallas Stars @ 7:05 ET - The Panthers are seeking revenge for a 6-5 shootout loss at Dallas last Thursday. Even though Jake Oettinger is expected in goal for the Stars tonight and he has been playing well, this Florida team continues to be one of the most dangerous in the NHL in terms of offensive zone production. The Panthers have won 6 of 7 games and scored a ridiculous average of 5.4 goals per game during this red hot run. The Stars used to be known as a defensive-minded grinding team but that has not been the case of late. Dallas has allowed 3.4 goals per game last 11 games but scored 4 or more goals in 4 of last 6 games. Just like last week's game look for another barn-burner between these teams in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +245 @ Boston Bruins @ 7 ET - The value just too good to pass up here. Yes the Flyers have been off since Saturday due to covid but now they are getting all their guys back and can't wait to hit the ice. Also, in the last 7 games played between these teams in Boston or Philly, the road team has won 5 of the 7! Philadelphia has hit a tough recent stretch but they are rested and with fresh skating legs and have a solid goalie in Carter Hart and they catch the Bruins possibly weary in the 2nd game of a back to back and playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Boston has won 3 straight but they have yet to win 4 straight this season. The Flyers were playing better after the coaching change but then got hit by covid. Now that they are healthy again plus playing with more motivation since the coaching change, watch what happens here. 8* PHILADELPHIA +245

NHL Early Annihilation Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes fired up off an OT loss to Florida Saturday and because they then flew to Philly for a game against the Flyers only to find out it ended up being postponed. No doubt in my mind the Canes are angry and going to take out their frustration on the Blue Jackets here. Prior to the 4-3 OT loss, Carolina had won 5 straight games and scored an average of 5.4 goals per game. The Blue Jackets have allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game last 16 games. Columbus will struggle again here in their own zone but the key to the over is them having success at the other end and they will. The Blue Jackets have averaged scoring 3 goals per game last dozen games and will be competitive enough here to send this flying over the total. 10* OVER 6 in Carolina

NHL Puck Line Punisher 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Puck Line +1.5 goals +130 @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Yes the Bruins are the much better team and much hotter team and the Canadiens are coming back from a long layoff due to covid issues. However, this is an Original Six rivalry match-up and Montreal is anxious and excited to finally be taking the ice again. The Habs energy is going to be a difference maker in this one and Boston is off a big win at Washington where they fell behind 2-0 but then went on to win 7-3. This is a flat spot situation for the Bruins after the big win over Alex Ovechkin and Company plus with having a perceived tougher game versus Flyers on deck. No team has fewer wins (7) on the season than Montreal so it is hard to blame Boston for overlooking them here but it will prove to be a mistake. The road dog surprises here and I don't see them losing by more than a 1-goal margin. 10* MONTREAL +1.5 +130

NHL Earliest Dominator Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Vancouver Canucks @ 7:05 ET - When teams are off long layoffs it tends to lead to some rust on the ice for the skaters and this in turn seems to create more odd man rushes and good scoring opportunities as guys miss assignments or end up out of position. That is why we have seen some extra high-scoring games when teams are off layoffs and here is a case where Vancouver has not played a game since New Year's Day and they have to do battle with a high-flying Panthers team! Florida has won 5 of 6 games and here they are off a big OT win at Carolina. That was their 6th straight game totaling at least 7 goals since the NHL returned from the pause and those games have averaged 8 goals in regulation time! Also, in home games Florida has seen 8 of their last 9 total 7 or more goals. They are such a dangerous team and I just don't see the Canucks, especially after a long layoff, being able to slow them down. At the same time, however, that was a big win for the Panthers over the Hurricanes over the weekend Florida could get caught a little flat-footed in their own zone after an emotional win like that. Don't be surprised if the Canucks score quite well in this one too. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrvosky has seen the over go 11-4 in his home starts this season and he has allowed an average of 3 goals in his 5 starts since the NHL pause. Look for a 4-3 or 5-3 type game here per all of the above. 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida 

NHL Earliest Cash Monday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line -101 vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Washington could get both Oshie and Backstrom back for this one. Based on morning skate looks like Oshie will for sure be back on the top line with Ovechkin for tonight's game. I love the Capitals in this spot. Washington has lost 3 straight but 2 were after regulation time including a SO loss at Minnesota Saturday in which the Caps allowed the tying goal with under a minute to go in the game. They will bounce back here and Washington has not lost 4 straight all season long! Also they have revenge against the Bruins from being knocked out of the post-season by Boston in May. This is a payback spot and the Capitals are catching the Bruins off a big win versus the rival Lightning Saturday. Off that 5-2 revenging win over the defending Stanley Cup Champs, Boston falls flat here. 10* WASHINGTON -101

NHL Total of the Week Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Anaheim Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings @ 8:05 ET - This is tough spot for both teams in terms of the goalie situation because it is a back to back spot. In terms of the skaters though, they should do just fine here. In fact, I am expecting big games from both teams offensively because both clubs were extremely outplayed yesterday and the Red Wings ended up suffering a shutout loss and the Ducks managed only 1 goal in loss to Rangers. Both clubs hungry to bounce back and will look to test the goalies they will face because Anaheim as both clubs have goalie concerns. The Ducks are without Gibson (covid) and Stolarz started yesterday. So that means Stolarz starts again in a back to back after facing about 40 shots yesterday and that is not appealing at all. Or it could be 21-year old Lukas Dostal making his NHL debut! Either way the Red Wings know they need to be peppering the goalie with shots in this one. The Ducks will also test the Detroit netminder here and since Nedeljkovic started yesterday that means it likely will be Thomas Greiss between the pipes for this one. He has struggled badly with a 1-6 mark on the road this season and that has helped lead the way to 6 of 7 overs in his road starts this season. Look for another one here and, regardless of who is between the pipes for the clubs in this one, there should be plenty of scoring in this back-to-back spot as both teams will be aggressive after yesterday's results and given the situation tonight. 10* OVER 5.5 in Anaheim

NHL Earliest Cash Sunday 8* OVER 5.5 in St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars @ 2:05 ET - The Stars rallied for 2 goals in the final 5 minutes to beat Pittsburgh 3-2 yesterday. Dallas will build momentum off of that comeback victory but I don't see them slowing down a red hot St Louis team that beat them 4-1 in each of the two meetings in mid-December. The Blues will give up some goals here though in my opinion and that is why I am projecting an over in this game. Dallas had gone over the total in 3 straight games (average of 9 goals in regulation) before that tight 3-2 win over the Penguins yesterday. As for the Blues, they also have seen high-scoring trending. St Louis has won 8 of 11 games and has scored an average of 4 goals in those 11 games. Not sure who will be between the pipes for the Blues here but normal #1 starter Jordan Binnington has allowed nearly 4 goals per game in his last 4 starts. 8* OVER 5.5 in St Louis

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Both these teams, just like much of the NHL, trending over in recent weeks. Look for that to continue here. The Hurricanes off a 6-2 win over the Flames last night but Calgary easily could have had more than two goals and certainly the Panthers will get more than that tonight. Florida is one of the highest scoring teams in the leagues and they match-up with a Carolina team that also has been finding the back of the net with great regularity! The Canes have won 5 straight games and scored an average of 5.6 goals in those five victories! The Panthers have won 4 of 5 games and scored an average of 5.8 goals per game in those 5 games. Florida also has allowed an average of 4 goals last 7 games. 10* OVER 6.5 in Carolina

NHL Earliest Cash Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Calgary Flames @ 7:05 ET – The Flames should have Markstrom back between the pipes tonight but he has struggled recently. Overall, Calgary has allowed 4 or more goals in 4 of last 5 games. However, the Flames also had scored 4.3 goals per game in last 3 games before an ugly 4-1 loss at Tampa Bay. Now the Flames take on a red hot Canes team and I am expecting plenty of goals in this non-conference affair as a result. The Hurricanes have won 4 straight games and have scored an average of 5.3 goals per game in the 4 wins. Carolina has won 8 of 9 games and is playing with a lot of confidence but the Flames solid offensive production will test them here too and as a result we should see a high-scoring affair in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Carolina

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +200 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Yes the Flyers have a lot of covid issues but one of those casualties, goalie Carter Hart, has been back and is known for playing very well on home ice. Also, the Penguins are in the 2nd game of a back to back and used both their top goalies last night. Jarry and DeSmith were both in action in the comeback win over the Blues last night. I know that Pittsburgh has been hot but this is a back to back and facing a division rival and it is on the road and the Flyers are hungry after a frustrating end to their road trip. Yes, this Philly team is short-handed right now but I remind you of that old saying that is very true, "it is the wounded dog that bites the hardest". I am taking a shot with the big plus money here. 8* PHILADELPHIA +200

NHL Earliest Cash Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in New Jersey Devils vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Both teams have been involved in plenty of high-scoring games of late with no end in site based on goaltending and other key factors. The Devils have seen 7 of their last 8 games total at least 7 goals! New Jersey has lost 7 of 10 games thanks in large part to allowing 4.2 goals per game during this stretch. As for Columbus, 8 of their last 9 games have totaled at least 7 goals. The Blue Jackets have lost 10 of 13 games and allowed 4.5 goals per game during this stretch. This is a big total posted on this game but, as you can see, it is absolutely justified. 10* OVER 6.5 in New Jersey 

NHL Contrarian Crusher Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers @ 7:05 ET - I am aware that, although Auston Matthews has been cleared for tonight's game for the Leafs, Connor McDavid did not clear protocols for tonight's game for the Oilers. That has resulted in this total settling in at a 6 instead of a 6.5 and I am happy to grab the additional value here on the over in this one. Look for Edmonton's other skaters to pick up their game knowing McDavid is out tonight. That said, the Oilers should score their fair share of goals in this one. The big issue for Edmonton has been keeping the puck out of their own net. The Oilers have lost 10 of last 12 games thanks in large part to allowing an average of about 4 goals per game during this stretch. Edmonton is off a 4-1 loss to the Rangers but did score an average of about 4 goals per game in the 5 games before that ugly defeat. The Maple Leafs have won 9 of 12 games and, incredibly, they have scored an average of about 5 goals per game their last 11 games! You can see why a 5-4 game here would not be shocking at all and also why a 4-3 type game appears likely at the least. Look for a 4-3 or 5-3 final in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Toronto

NHL Earliest Annihilation Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Florida Panthers vs Calgary Flames @ 7:05 ET - There has been a high-scoring trend in the NHL since the season resumed after a break due to the holidays as well as covid. Certainly these two clubs have been a part of the high-scoring trend and it extends further back as well. As for the Flames, they have won back to back games and scored at least 5 goals in their last two games and both were wins. Calgary enters this game with confidence after the B2B high-scoring wins but before the 5-1 win at Chicago Sunday, the Flames did allow 4 goals in each of last two games. The Panthers know plenty about allowing too many goals too. Florida is off a 5-2 win but this was preceded by allowing 4.5 goals in last 4 games. The Panthers have scored an average of 6 goals per game in their 3 games since returning from the time off. They are one of the highest scoring teams in the league but Calgary will give them a run for their money in this one and that has me looking for a 4-3 type game here. 10* OVER 6 in Florida

NHL Contrarian Crusher Monday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -120 @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - I know that the Rangers have been the hotter team and are having the stronger overall season thus far plus are on home ice here. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the Oilers in this one but, also in typical fashion, it is not without good reasoning! The fact is that the loss of Artemi Panarin really hurts the production of the Rangers forwards. Also, the fact that goalie Alexandar Georgiev is back and likely to start here is also a negative for the Rangers in my book. Igor Shesterkin has been so strong that he would likely be the best option in goal here but I expect the Rangers to want a rusty Georgiev to get some work now that he is back from covid protocols. Look for an angry Oilers team loaded with talent up front to take advantage. Edmonton is on a losing streak but each of the last two defeats were after regulation time and the Oilers are ultra hungry to push over the top here and finally get back into the win column. They dominated earlier this season in terms of shots on goal when these teams met out west and now they get it done again here in the rematch back east. 10* EDMONTON -120

NHL Situational Slaughter Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames @ 7:05 ET - I certainly do not claim to be the sharpest guy around but this is a rare case where a total is a head-scratcher to me. Marc Andre Fleury did clear covid protocols but he has to get game ready and will not play tonight. Also, Kevin Lankinen just recently entered covid protocols. That said, the Blackhawks are expected to start the inexperienced Arvid Soderblom in goal tonight with a struggling Collin Delia as his back-up. Now certainly the Flames goalie situation is much better with Jacob Markstrom likely starting tonight but even he is off back to back starts in which he has allowed 4 goals in each. That said, and considering the plethora of high-scoring games since the NHL return from the Covid/Christmas break, I just can not see how the total on this game is only 5.5 goals! Calgary is off a 6-4 win at Seattle and that was preceded by a 4-2 loss versus Boston before the break. Chicago is off a 6-1 loss at Nashville and 4 of their last 5 games have totaled 7 or more goals and we only need 6 to be a winner with this bet. I like our chances given all of the above! 10* OVER 5.5 in Chicago

NHL Winter Classic Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - This game is outdoors and the conditions will be frigid. As a skater you can stay warm on the bench and also all the skating on the ice warms your body in a hurry. As for the goalies however, they are out there in the cold and not moving around as much and their situation is much different. That is just part of the situation here. The big key too is that the Wild have not played since the Christmas break which also started early due to the covid breakout. A lot of these first games for teams after the layoff have been a bit messy with extra goals scored due to some rust from the long layoff leading to good quality scoring chances. Also, St Louis is off a 4-2 win versus Edmonton in their only game since the break. The Blues have not been the Blues of old this season as they have been a much higher scoring team and a little less emphasis in the defensive zone. The Wild have allowed an average of 5 goals per game last 3 games. That was part of a stretch of 4 straight losses but all of this followed a 9-2 stretch in which Minnesota scored an average of 4.6 goals per game. St Louis has won 8 of 12 games and scored an average of 3.6 goals per game in these dozen games. 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Situational Slaughter Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 goals in Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning are back home after a 9-3 loss at Florida last night. The Bolts will be hungry to bounce back and they did have over 40 shots on goal against the Panthers yesterday. However, they have serious goaltending issues with Vasilevskiy and Elliott dealing with covid protocols. Both Lagace and Alnefelt seeing action between the pipes last night at Florida. TB does have tremendous scoring ability and that is why I again like the over tonight even though I certainly respect Rangers goalie Shesterkin. He is going to see a barrage of shots tonight from a Lightning club determined to get back on track. That means the Bolts should get some goals again tonight but, once again, I expect trouble for them in their own end. 10* OVER 6 goals in Tampa Bay 

NHL Total of the Month Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning have goalie issues with Vasilevskiy and Elliott both in covid protocols. That means Maxime Lagace likely to start again and he has struggled badly at the NHL level. The Lightning off a 5-4 OT win Tuesday and I am looking for plenty of goals again tonight. The Panthers started Sergei Bobrovsky last night in their 4-3 win over the Rangers and that means Spencer Knight likely to get the start in the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, in his last 3 starts Knight has allowed a total of 15 goals - 5 per game. He could be rusty too as he has not played in 2 and 1/2 weeks and there is a lot of scoring firepower for the Bolts so Knight is going to face a barrage of shots here. But the Panthers are one of the highest scoring teams in the league so you can see why I am expecting plenty of goals in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Florida

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Florida Panthers vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Some key offensive production listed as probable for each team here and I like our chances of a high-scoring game. Panarin is back for Rangers and Barkov back for Panthers. Also, Georgiev is on the covid list now for Rangers and that means Shesterkin will be back between the pipes. Both are solid goalies but Shesterkin has not played since the very beginning of the month and could have rust here. That said, and with the Panthers being a high-scoring team but allowing a lot of goals too, I am comfortably expecting 7 or more goals here. 10* OVER 6 in Florida

NHL Total Blowout Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - First off, these games right after the little NHL break due to Christmas and covid are going to be a little tricky. Secondly, my first thought here was actually Montreal as Tampa Bay currently has the worst of the covid outbreak in terms of comparing these two teams right now. Also, the Habs have revenge from losing in the playoffs to the Lightning last season and also losing the first meeting between these teams this season. However, I can't trust the goalie situation here for the Canadiens as Jake Allen has entered virus protocols. That means Samuel Montembeault likely to get the start here and he has struggled this season. Lightning also have issues too. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brian Elliott are their top two goalies and both are out for this one so Maxime Lagace likely to get the start here and he has struggled at the NHL level. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6 in Tampa Bay

NHL Game of the Week Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line +105 @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 10:05 ET - This is just too strong of an opportunity to take the 2x defending Stanley Cup Champion Lightning at a plus money price. Tampa Bay is likely to have Vasilevskiy between the pipes as this is scheduled to be the final NHL game before the normal Christmas break as, due to covid concerns league-wide, they are beginning it early. So hopefully they get this one in and then NHL resumes on Monday the 27th. In any event, the Lightning very likely to use the world's best goaltender in Vasilevskiy tonight and TB is 6-0 in his last 6 starts! The Bolts have been red hot even though they are still down a couple key starters and I don't see that ending tonight as Vegas is certainly not 100% healthy either and Tampa has the edge in goal for this one. Vegas has been hot too and Lehner has been strong between the pipes but he'll be tested early and often by this strong Lightning team. Also, already with Alec Martinez hurting, the fact that Mark Stone is dealing with an upper body injury could have the Golden Knights a bit short-handed here. 10* TAMPA BAY +105

NHL Contrarian Crusher Monday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line -104 @ Dallas Stars @ 8:38 ET - The Wild have lost 3 straight and the Stars have revenge from a 7-2 loss at Minnesota last month. However, in typical contrarian fashion I am on Minny here. Dallas might have revenge but I don't like what I have seen from them lately. Yes, they are off an OT win but this followed 5 straight losses and the Stars scored a total of only 3 goals in the final 4 games of that 5-game losing streak. Also, when off a game decided in OT (not the shootout but OT), Dallas is 0-4 this season and lost those 4 games by a combined score of 17 to 6. Look for the Stars to get clobbered again in that situation as they are off a hard-fought win over the Blackhawks in OT Saturday and now playing 3rd game in 4 nights. As for the Wild, they are off a shootout loss and are a perfect 4-0 this season when off a game decided in the shootout. Playing just their 2nd game in 8 days, the fresh legs of the visitors and the hunger to end a 3-game losing streak will be the difference-makers in this one. Testing double perfect situation here as you can see with the Stars 0-4 and the Wild 4-0 in this situation respectively this season. 10* MINNESOTA -104

NHL Annihilation Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Washington Capitals @ 7:08 ET - This is not a match-up that would have you immediately thinking "over" but there is a key to the value here. Kings are in 2nd game of a back to back. Jonathan Quick started yesterday in between the pipes. The normal back-up is Cal Petersen but he is in covid protocols. That means that Jacob Ingham, all the way up from ECHL, or Garret Sparks (up from AHL) could get the call here in the crease. None of these options, including Quick possibly starting again after a bad game yesterday, is very attractive against Alex Ovechkin and company. Also, keep in mind, Washington also has dealt with some covid issues through the ranks but news on that front appears better entering this one. Also, the Capitals have been involved in plenty of high-scoring games including their most recent ones and I expect this trend to continue here. We only need 6 to be a winner and 10 of the Caps last 12 games have totaled 6 or more goals. I feel strongly that this one will too. 10* OVER 5.5 in Washington

NHL Daytime Dominator Sunday 8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line -130 vs St Louis Blues @ 3:08 ET - The Jets have been losing and the Blues have been winning. That said, why is this line priced this way? Exactly! It is priced this way because high likelihood that Winnipeg is going to get the W here. What I like about this situation is that St Louis is off B2B huge wins over the rival Stars! After beating Dallas in a back to back don't be surprised when the Blues fall short here. Revenge game for the Jets too as they fell short on home ice last month when St Louis got the equalizer with about 8 minutes to go in the game and then won it in the shootout. Payback time. 8* WINNIPEG -130

NHL Contrarian Annihilation Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -120 vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:08 ET - Between covid and injury issues there is a ton to keep up with relating to all sports teams in all leagues. So, specific to the NHL and the Flyers, I know there are a few issues here. However, I also know that Philadelphia had won 3 straight before the shootout loss at Montreal on Thursday. I also know that the Flyers hold the home ice edge here. So we are talking about a line that has dropped from the -155 range to the -120 range and I won't hesitate to grab the home team that has been playing better hockey of late since the coaching change was made. As for the Senators, I know they have been playing better lately too but this is still a team that still has won only 7 of last 24 games overall and I feel we have value here with the Flyers on a 4-game points streak in the standings but angry about letting a win slip away from them in the shootout loss at Montreal Thursday. Payback time here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -120

NHL Earliest Crusher Friday 8* OVER 5.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:08 ET - Buffalo in a back to back so Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is likely to get a break between the pipes for the Sabres and he has been their star. That said, with Malcolm Subban likely to get this start in the B2B it has me on the over. Subban allowed 5 goals in his only appearance this season for Buffalo and in the last two seasons (Chicago/Vegas) he had a GAA north of 3.00 in each season! The Sabres are off B2B wins and have some confidence heading into this one so I certainly expect them to score some too and I look for the rested Penguins to attack Buffalo early and often in this one. Pittsburgh has won 5 straight games and scored an average of 4 goals per game in those contests. With 3 straight divisional match-ups on deck for the Penguins, will this be one of their better defensive games tonight? Absolutely it should not be and that is what has me on the over here given all of the above circumstances. 8* OVER 5.5 goals in Pittsburgh

NHL Situational Slaughter Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers +120 vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:08 ET - A few years ago the Golden Knights faced the Sharks in the post-season. What does that have to do with this play you ask? Well San Jose was then coached by Peter DeBoer and Vegas was coached by Gerard Gallant. During the series Gallant called DeBoer a clown and San Jose ended up winning a thrilling 7-game series. The reason this is all relevant here is Gallant is now the coach of the Rangers and DeBoer now the coach of the Golden Knights. Gallant was fired by Vegas and replaced by the man he had called a clown. You know Gallant wants this game bad. That is also part of the reason the line dropped early on as the Rangers got some betting action but then it went the other way because Panarin is out for New York for this game. This is one of those classic setups where you actually get even more value because of an injury effecting the team you are betting on. I simply love the Rangers on home ice in this match-up as they catch the Golden Knights in a back to back and New York is a fantastic 19-7-3 this season and on home ice and have the rest edge. I know that Vegas has been hot but the back to back likely means Laurent Brossoit between the pipes and he struggled in most recent start. More of the same here. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +120

NHL PA Dominator Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers -150 @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:08 ET - The Habs called up Cayden Primeau from Laval and he will be the starter in goal tonight. Primeau has struggled in limited action (8 games) at the NHL level and that includes 8 goals allowed in his two appearances last month for Montreal. The Canadiens wanted to rest Jake Allen though and this is a case of two teams heading opposite directions as the Habs have lost 7 straight and the Flyers have won 3 straight. Indeed Philly is showing signs of life and they will have Carter Hart in goal for this one. The Flyers playing like a new team with renewed energy and aggression after the coaching change was made. Considering all of the above factors, and the fact Montreal has only won 6 games all season, that is why I am willing to lay the price here with Philly but note the reduced non-top star rating on this one. 8* PHILADELPHIA -150

NHL Total of the Week Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in New Jersey Devils vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:08 ET - Vegas is really hot with wins in 5 of their last 6. In the last 7 Golden Knights games they have averaged scoring nearly 5 goals per game and overall these 7 games have averaged the teams totaling 8 goals per game. More of the same likely here given the recent pattern we have seen with New Jersey also. The Devils have seen 6 of their last 9 games total at least 6 goals. New Jersey has lost 7 of 8 games and allowed an average of nearly 5 goals in those 7 defeats. The Devils are scoring an average of 3 goals per game at home this season but the Golden Knights are heavily favored here for a reason. In other words, don't be surprised if we see a 4-3 or 5-3 type game here. 10* OVER 6 in New Jersey

NHL Blowout - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals @ 8:08 ET - The Capitals have been scoring very well plus are expected to have Nicklas Backstrom back tonight for his first game of the season. The Caps are averaging 3.5 goals per game this season. Defensively Washington has allowed 3.1 goals per game last 10 games. I feel this total at 5.5 goals is offering solid line value. It did open at 6 in some books. I know that the Blackhawks have not scored that well overall but they did score 4 goals at Toronto in their most recent game and I expect them to enjoy some more success in the offensive zone tonight but to again struggle in their own end given all the numbers above. This one should land in the 6 to 7 range. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Chicago

NHL Earliest Rout - 8* Boston Bruins Money Line -105 vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:08 ET - I know the Bruins have underachieved a bit this season but comparing them to Vegas, Boston has the better special teams numbers so far this season. That goes for the power play and penalty kill in comparing them to the Golden Knights. Also, the Bruins off B2B wins and they have a better home record than Vegas' road record so far this season. I feel strongly there is too much line value to pass up on here with the home team. Jeremy Swayman will likely start for Bruins between the pipes in this one and he has a .955 save percentage in non-conference starts this season! 8* BOSTON -105

NHL Divisional Blowout - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -115 vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:08 ET - The Flyers and Devils both have had disappointing stretches of late. The difference though is Philly appears to be snapping out of it. Sometimes all it takes is one. Once they got that key win at Vegas they were able to build off it with a win at Arizona. Yes the Coyotes are a bad team but the B2B wins are a confidence boost and this Flyers team has looked better since the coaching change. They are playing a more spirited brand of hockey now. Also, hosting the Devils means they can take advantage of another struggling team and they are on home ice. Note that the home team has won 6 of the last 7 meetings between these teams. I look for that trend to continue here as New Jersey has only 3 wins in 11 road games this season. Flyers stay hot and make it 3 in a row here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -115

NHL Situational Slaughter Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in New York Rangers vs Nashville Predators @ 7:08 ET - Predators off a 3-2 win at New Jersey Friday which stayed under the total but 7 of 8 games for Nashville heading into that one had totaled 6 or more goals. Preds averaging about 4 goals per game last 6 wins! They are on a 4-game winning streak and will challenge the Rangers here for sure but look for New York to answer them goal for goal. The Rangers are off a tight 2-1 win at Buffalo but had been trending toward high-scoring games prior to that. 10 of 15 heading into that one had totaled 6 or more goals and I expect this one will get there as well. New York had won 11 of 13 before a 7-3 loss that preceded that 2-1 win. In those 11 victories the Rangers averaged scoring about 4 goals per game. You can see why you have two teams here playing with a lot of confidence and that should find the back of the net early and often in this one. 10* OVER 5.5 in New York Rangers

NHL Total of the Week 10* Top Play OVER 6 goals in Buffalo Sabres vs Washington Capitals @ 7 ET - Both teams in a back to back situation. Both teams hungry off losses. I am expecting a big push in the offensive zone as a result and I like the expected goaltending match-up. Vanecek going for the Capitals and he will be rusty and has struggled in his last two starts. Luukkonen has started last two games for Sabres and played well but he is unlikely to go in this one. Prior to that the other 3 goalies started the 3 prior games for Buffalo were involved in games totaling 20 goals allowed by the Sabres. With Luukkonen unlikely to go here you can see why I am expecting the Capitals to have a huge game in the offensive zone given those numbers. The result should be a high-scoring match-up as the Sabres certainly will not lay down at home and they should enjoy success against a rusty Vanecek as his recent struggles continue. 10* OVER 6 goals in Buffalo

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 8* OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 1:08 ET - The Lightning wrapping up a long road trip here. Not sure Tampa Bay is going to be overly strong defensively in a situation like this. Particularly this is true when facing a downtrodden Senators club. That said, I am expecting a lot of goals in this one. 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams have gone over the total. Also, these teams met early last month and that one totaled 8 goals. The Bolts enter this one a 5-game winning streak and have scored an average of 4 goals per game in those 5 victories. Ottawa has allowed 4.4 goals per game last 11 contests. The Senators not only give up a lot of goals, they have been scoring better of late. The Sens have been shutout once in last 5 home games but in the other 4 games as a host averaged scoring 4 goals per game. 8* OVER 6 in Ottawa

Situational Slaughter Friday NHL 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line +100 @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:35 ET - The Devils are off a win, albeit over the slumping Flyers, and note that New Jersey has gone 0-3 last 3 times they were off a win. Overall the Devils had been slumping as prior to beating Philadelphia, they had lost 9 of last 11 games. The Predators come into this one hot as Nashville has won 14 of 21 including 3 straight. We get line value since this game is on the road for the Preds. I will take it as the Devils just haven't been consistent enough to trust in this spot. 10* NASHVILLE +100

Total Blowout NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - This series has seen 9 of last 12 games go over the total. Also, both teams enter this one on higher-scoring trends of late. The Penguins have scored 10 goals last two games and before that had allowed 5 or more goals in 2 of last 3 games. The Capitals have seen 7 of their last 8 games total at least 6 goals. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 5.5 in Washington

NHL Early Blowout - 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens +123 @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 7:08 ET - The Canadiens have been playing much better since the management changes in the organization but they just don't have anything to show it for yet thanks in part to a tough schedule. Recent battles with Colorado, an OT loss at Nashville, and then they lost the game to Tampa Bay very late on Tuesday. The Habs have been on the cusp of breaking through and I like the way they have been playing and they can beat this Chicago team. The Blackhawks are certainly a step down in level of competition from what the Canadiens have been seeing and they will take advantage. Chicago has lost 16 of 25 this season and 5 of their last 9 and they have been held to 2 or less goals in all 5 of those recent losses. 10* MONTREAL +123

NHL Early Blowout - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +137 @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:08 ET - Well aware of the Flyers losing streak and so are the betting markets but so too are the odds makers! They set this line in the -125 range as an opener and yet it has shot up to the -155 range! The key here is that Philly fired their coach after the 7-1 debacle against the Lightning. The, even though they did not get the result they wanted in the 7-5 loss to the Avalanche, Philadelphia did look like a different team. This is a hockey club ready to get back into the win column and, keep in mind, the Bolts and Avs are two of the top teams in the NHL. This Devils team certainly does NOT fall into that category and New Jersey has lost 9 of its last 11 games! I feel strongly the odds makers knew what they were doing with setting a low money line on the hosts in this one. That said, we now have tremendous line value on the other side of the move. I'll take it and expect a very strong effort from a very hungry road dog tonight! 10* PHILADELPHIA +137

NHL Puck Line Blowout - NHL 8* Montreal Canadiens +1.5 goals -135 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:08 ET - Rematch of Stanley Cup Finals which wrapped up about 5 months ago to the day! Means a lot more to a Canadiens team that is in the basement of the division and already has undergone a management shakeup this season. Undoubtedly the 2-time defending champion Lightning have a bigger concern and that is a date with the Maple Leafs on deck for Thursday as Toronto is just ahead of them in the division and has been playing well. As for Montreal you can tell by their season record they have not been playing well on the season but the fact is they have been more competitive since the management changes. I look for a huge effort from the Habs here and having the +1.5 goals with this home dog is a value play in my opinion. Tampa Bay has won 7 of 11 road games this season but 4 of the 7 wins were OT or shootout wins. That means that in 11 road games this season only 3 have been Lightning wins in regulation. I like the odds of a very tight game here with a great shot at an outright upset but feel especially comfortable having the added insurance of the 1.5 goals on our side for the reasons noted above. 8* MONTREAL +1.5 -135

NHL Total Rout - 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:08 ET - The Blue Jackets off big 6-4 win versus San Jose. Not only did Columbus allow 4 goals in that one, they now go on the road where they have allowed an average of 4 goals per game this season! Toronto has won 5 of last 7 games thanks in part to offensive production that has seen them score an average of 4.7 goals last 6 games! You can see why I am expecting plenty of goals from the hosts here but also they have allowed 3 or more goals in 3 straight games and an average of 4 goals in regulation time of those 3 contests so don't be surprised if this one ends up in the 8 goal range in my opinion and we should see at least 7 in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Toronto

NHL Total Smash - 10* Top Play OVER 6 in New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - Both these clubs been giving up goals like crazy. The Devils have lost 8 of 10 games thanks in large part to having allowed 4.1 goals per game in regulation time during this stretch. The Senators have been a bit of a mess since coming back from that 3-game stretch of postponements mid-November. Since then Ottawa has won 2 of 7 games and scored an average of 4 goals on their 2-game winning streak entering this game but have allowed an average of nearly 5 goals per game in these 7 games. Look for the high-scoring ways for both clubs to continue here. 10* OVER 6 in New Jersey

NHL Earliest Blowout - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 6:08 ET - This is a great spot for the Flyers as a home dog on the money line. The Lightning are off a fierce battle with the Bruins which they won in overtime yesterday at Boston. Not only is that the type of game that can leave Tampa Bay flat in their next game, it also means the goalie situation is unique. I do not expect Andrei Vasilevskiy to go again between the pipes after facing nearly 40 shots yesterday and with the game going to OT and, though I have plenty of respect for Brian Elliott, the veteran would be in trouble here. I do expect Elliott to start and he'll be facing his former team and they know the veteran netminder well. They know his strengths and weaknesses well and will take advantage here. No matter who is between the pipes for the Bolts, look for a very hungry and rested Philly team (just one game since last weekend) to take advantage and get a much needed win. Yes the Flyers have been slumping but this is the perfect spot to back them as a home dog and with a huge rest edge and with a massive situational edge with TB off that key win yesterday. 10* PHILADELPHIA +115

NHL Total Crusher - 8* OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs Colorado Avalanche @ 7:08 ET - The last these teams met the game totaled 12 goals and that was a recent meeting at Colorado. Now they are at Ottawa where the Senators are off a rare low-scoring 3-2 win. Prior to this rare victory Ottawa had lost 6 straight games and allowed an average of 5 goals per game. The Senators have scored two or more goals in 5 of last 6 games. So I do expect the Sens to again enjoy some success in the offensive zone against the Avalanche but they will not be able to stop this potent Avs attack. Colorado recently welcomed back Nathan MacKinnon from injury also and the Avalanche are off a 4-1 win at Montreal and have scored an average of 4.6 goals per game last 14 games. 8* OVER 6 goals in Ottawa 

NHL Earliest Cash - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals New York Rangers vs San Jose Sharks @ 7:08 ET - Sharks in a tough back to back spot. The Rangers will look to take advantage and put on a blitzkrieg display of offense which is something they have been doing often. However, a confident San Jose team fully capable of responding to the barrage of shots the Rangers will bring here. That said, I expect this non-conference match-up to be high-scoring. New York has won 8 of 9 and the Rangers have averaged scoring 4 goals in those 8 victories. The Sharks off the tight 2-1 win in the shootout over the Islanders last night but San Jose did register a solid 35 shots on goal in that game and the Sharks have won 5 of 6 now and averaged 3.5 goals in the first 4 victories in that streak. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in New York Rangers

NHL Early Dominator - 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line +175 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 7:08 ET - The Avalanche lost #1 goalie Kuemper to injury yesterday in pre-game and ended up having to turn to Johansson on short notice. He and the Avs got embarrassed at Toronto last night. Of course they will be hungry to bounce back but this is a very tough spot on the road. They have to use Johansson in 2nd game of a back to back or go with 21-year old rookie Justus Annunen on the road in a very tough situation. Yes it has been a very rough season for Montreal but now after the big management shakeup over the weekend. I fully expect another strong effort in this one. Yes they did have a strong effort versus an equally desperate Vancouver team but fell just short in a 2-1 loss that will only strengthen their resolve here. Canadiens are desperate for wins and need a big one on home ice and are catching the Avalanche at the right time to get it done and I look for a strong game from Jake Allen between the pipes and look for the goaltending to be the difference in this battle. 10* MONTREAL +175

NHL Early Dominator - 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche +110 @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:38 ET - The Avalanche are expected to have Nathan MacKinnon back tonight. Think about that for a second because he is one of the best players in the NHL and Colorado has been without him for most of this insanely red hot 7-1 run in which they have averaged a ridiculous 5.6 goals per game in the 7 victories! The only team to slow them down was Dallas and the Stars have been slowing down everybody of late as they continue an incredible run. That said, I also certainly do respect Toronto as the Maple Leafs are one of the top teams in the league but how many times are you going to get the Avalanche, when all their top guns are healthy, as an underdog? Exactly! This play is a great value spot for the underdog and I will not hesitate to step in! The Maple Leafs play in the hockey pressure cooker city known as Toronto (Montreal certainly takes the cake but Toronto is up there too) and though the Leafs have been hot, look at their recent home stats. The Maple Leafs have only 2 regulation wins in their current 3-2 run on home ice and have been held to an average of just 1.4 goals per game in regulation time of those 5 games! I am not sure they are going to be able to keep up with this red hot and confident Avalanche offense that also gets a big boost with the return of MacKinnon tonight. 10* COLORADO +110

NHL Double Perfect Play - 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +103 @ St Louis Blues @ 8:08 ET - St Louis is a solid team but they had been struggling recently before a win in most recent game. Tampa Bay is the defending two-time Stanley Cup champs and proving they can win even without guys like Point and Kucherov. That is the backdrop here and I love having the Bolts as an underdog as that is a rather rare occurrence. So now as for the double perfect situation. The Lightning are off a loss and are a perfect 4-0 L4 times off a loss. The Blues are a off a win and are an ugly 0-6 the last 6 times they have entered a game off a win. Give me the Lightning in this combined 10-0 spot! 10* TAMPA BAY +103

NHL Perfection Play - 10* Top Play Buffalo Sabres Money Line +130 vs Seattle Kraken @ 7:08 ET - Yes the Kraken have won 3 of 4 but two of those wins were on home ice. Seattle is coming off a road upset win at Florida which was just their 2nd win in 10 away games this season. Also, Driedger started in goal in that game and the Panthers are his former team and it was just one of those nights when everything "clicked" for the Kraken. That said, this is still a team that has won only 20% of its road games and is now laying a -150 price here. I am not buying it. I know Buffalo has some issues of their own for sure but the Sabres are hungry off an OT loss and a respectable 6-5-1 on home ice so far this season. Buffalo is off that OT loss on the road at Detroit but won their prior game by a 4-1 count on home ice. They also have a win at Pittsburgh plus a home win over a strong Edmonton team in the past couple weeks. When the situation is right, this Sabres team can bring a strong effort and get it done. This is certainly the case again tonight as, they have a tough 2-game road trip coming up and won't be home again until next Tuesday. This games is very important for Buffalo and, as added motivation, they did lose 5-2 at Seattle early this month in a game that was tied at 2 heading to the 3rd period. Payback tonight. 10* BUFFALO +130

NHL Total of the Week - 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Vegas Golden Knights vs Edmonton Oilers @ 7:08 ET - The Oilers are dealing with a cluster of injuries impacting the left side of the blue line. All the injury issues for their corps of defensemen is going to be particularly detrimental here. Keep in mind, Edmonton just allowed 3 goals at Arizona and now face a much tougher test here. The Golden Knights are hell bent on revenge for a 5-3 home loss to the Oilers last month. They are welcoming back Marchessault to the line up tonight and the Golden Knights also have Stone and he was not available in the first meeting between these teams. Vegas can score a lot of goals when healthy but, by the way, Edmonton is one of the highest-scoring most dangerous teams in the league. That will be the key the Oilers rely on tonight, is all that offense, since they are so banged up on defense. Note that Edmonton is averaging 4 goals per game this season. The Golden Knights are averaging 4 goals per game their last 11 games. Could we see a 5-4 game here? Honestly it would not surprise me and, at the very least, I do see at least a 4-3 game here as each team is allowing 3 goals per game this season and I do not see either team being held below 3 goals in this one. 10* OVER 6 in Vegas

Game of the Month - NHL 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line -120 @ Dallas Stars @ 7:30 ET - The Avalanche have won 6 straight games and, incredibly, have scored an average of 6 goals per game in these victories! Not only that, Colorado might be getting Nathan MacKinnon back on the ice soon too. This Avalanche team continues to look like a Stanley Cup contender but last season Dallas ended those hopes and dreams with knocking the Avs out of the post-season in early September. This is their first meeting since and is a big-time revenge spot for Colorado. Since the Avalanche are on the road we get line value here as they are small favorite. This is a very manageable price and I know how hungry the Avs are for this game and they have been red hot on the ice. Dallas is hot too with wins in 4 of 5 games but lets not forget this is a Stars team that began the season with losses in 8 of 12 before this hot run. I think the road team is the vastly superior team this season and they get it done at a great price here. 10* COLORADO -120

Afternoon Annihilation - NHL 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +133 vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 3:38 ET - This one all about the situational value. The Flyers are on home ice and each of their last 5 games have been played in the Eastern Time Zone. The Hurricanes are coming back from a road trip and were all the way in the Pacific Northwest for a game at Seattle Wednesday. Then the distractions of Thanksgiving yesterday and now a road game at Philly. Keep in mind the Hurricanes last 5 games were all in the Pacific Time Zone and they have had no more than 1 day off between games throughout this stretch and all of these games have been on the road. The Hurricanes are a great team but have lost back to back games and are not as strong on the road overall and this is a tough scheduling spot for them and yet they are laying -150 on the road. Love the home dog value here as the Flyers have seen Hart and Jones both playing very well between the pipes. 8* PHILADELPHIA +133

NHL Divisional Dominator - 10* Top Play New York Rangers -120 @ New York Islanders @ 7:38 ET - In recent seasons, including last season, the Islanders have gotten the best of the Rangers more often than not. That said, this rivalry is set up perfectly Wednesday for the Rangers to get some much wanted revenge. The Islanders have been hurt badly by injuries and covid-19 protocols. As a result, even if some players come back, this team is just a bit disjointed right now. The Isles are not playing Isles hockey and just can't get anything going and they are definitely not going to get any sympathy here from an angry revenge-minded rival. The Rangers lost the last 4 meetings between the teams last season and the last 3 were by a combined score of 13 to 1. Suffice to say, a little payback is on order here in this one! The Islanders, by the way, have lost 6 straight games and allowed 4.5 goals per game in those 6 contests! The Rangers, on the other hand, have won 5 of last 6 games and this will be just their 2nd game since Thursday so they are well rested while the short-handed Islanders, though off so far this week, played games on both Saturday and Sunday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -120

NHL Earliest Cash - NHL 8* Winnipeg Jets -125 @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:08 ET - The Blue Jackets have been scoring a lot of goals but a lot of that has to do with who they have been facing. The Jets are a stingy, defensive-minded team that gets good goal-tending. Winnipeg has lost 3 straight games though and is in the perfect bounce back spot and they catch Columbus off a wild game at Buffalo in which they prevailed 7 to 4. The set up here is ideal for a road rout and that is why you are seeing the Jets as the favorite even though they are on the road and the Blue Jackets have the better record on the young season. Don't let the line fool you. 8* WINNIPEG -125

NHL Early Annihilation - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +150 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7 ET - This play is all about value. Of course the Lightning are a great team and the 2x defending Stanley Cup Champs but these teams met in Philly last week and the Flyers had a 2-0 lead in the game. Yes, Tampa Bay came back and eventually won the game 4-3 in the shootout but there is not much that separates these teams right now. Certainly not enough to warrant this big of a price on the Bolts in this one. Note that Tampa also was already without Kucherov and Cernak and now they lost Point to injury. Point is a fantastic player and his absence will be felt. Maybe he comes back here but he is dealing with an upper body injury and may not be 100% and he did not play against Minnesota on Sunday. The Bolts snuck by the Wild in a game that, like the Philly game, also required the shootout. In fact, TB has won 5 of last 8 games but of those 8 contests only 2 were Lightning wins in regulation. That said, this team is just over-valued right now and especially in this spot and, keep in mind, hunger matters in games like this. The Flyers are seeking revenge and are off B2B losses for the first time this season. The Bolts are still relishing their B2B Cup victories and have not been overly dominant so far this season. 10* PHILADELPHIA +150

NHL Earliest Dominator - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Buffalo - The Blue Jackets are not the same team they were under Tortorella plus there was some roster turnover coming into this season too. Though they are off a 3-2 loss at Vegas Saturday that stayed just under this total, this team has been trending toward higher scoring games for quite some time now. That includes 7 straight games totaling 6 or more goals before that loss to the Golden Knights. Also, in the loss to VGK, you know CBJ is now kicking themselves for sitting back a bit after they got a 2-0 lead early. They can not make the same mistake tonight and so I look for extra push from a Columbus team that has been scoring quite a few goals of late. Korpisalo is expected to start for the Blue Jackets to give #1 goalie Merzlikins a break after 4 straight starts. Also, the Sabres are in 2nd game of a back to back so Tokarski is likely to be the starting goalie. He has been struggling often and Dell struggled last night in a 5-4 loss for Buffalo. The Sabres have lost 8 of 10 and have allowed an average of 5 goals per game in the last 7 losses. So with a total of 5.5 and considering the situation this looks like a high value situation on this total. 10* OVER 5.5 in Buffalo

Total of the Week - 10* OVER 5.5 in NY Islanders - The Islanders are dealing with a covid outbreak and some injury issues. The team is missing some key personnel but they still fought hard in their loss in the opening of their new arena by Belmont Park last night. The fact is that after a short-handed team expended a lot of energy in a hard-fought loss to the Flames they will not have much left in the tank for this game. That is bad news as they face a Maple Leafs team that is angry off a home loss to the Penguins last night in which they were shutout! That said, my first thought here was a play on Toronto but I think the better play is the over especially at just 5.5 goals. We are getting a low total because of the long-term reputation of the Islanders but keep in mind this has not been your typical Isles team early this season. Also, the key to the over here is Toronto starting Joseph Woll between the pipes as he recently had a rough NHL debut and allowed 4 goals. The Islanders are smart enough to know they need to pepper him with shots here but the key is that on the other end of the ice the short-handed Isles will struggle to slow down an angry Leafs lineup full of solid attackers. The Islanders have lost 5 straight games and allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game. The Leafs are a different team when Jack Campbell is not between the pipes. He started last night so Woll gets the call tonight and the last 3 games not started by Campbell all have totaled at least 8 goals! Look for that pattern to continue here. 10* OVER 5.5 in New York Islanders

NHL Situational Slaughter - 10* Top Play PHILADELPHIA +125 - The Flyers are off a tough loss in the shootout versus Tampa Bay. Philly blew a 2-goal lead in that game and then actually had to rally to tie it on a late goal but still the missed opportunity motivates them greatly here. This is a team that has gone a perfect 6-0 this season when off a loss. They are hosting a Bruins team they already beat 6-3 earlier this season. Boston is a solid team but Philly has bested them in each of their last two meetings. Also, Bruins enter this game off B2B wins but have not won 3 straight all season. Boston also has struggled on the road this season. Prior to winning their most recent road game at New Jersey, the Bruins had lost 4 of 5 road games this season. Flyers known for being tough to beat on home ice and they bounce back to improve to 7-0 this season when off a loss. Great value with the Flyers as a home dog here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +125

Situational Slaughter - NHL 10* VANCOUVER -105 - The Canucks off a tough loss to the Avalanche Wednesday in which the only 3 goals that Colorado had were on the power play. Vancouver did play hard and they are playing hard because they want to put the tough start to the season behind them. They are catching the Jets at the right time to do that. Winnipeg is off B2B big games against the Oilers and that includes, after winning the first one, a tough shootout loss (they lost in the shootout period) at Edmonton last night. That defeat could leave the Jets a little worn out both physically and mentally here and also Hellebuyck was between the pipes. That means it is likely that little used Comrie gets the call here. Though he has solid numbers this season, he has not played in nearly two weeks. I expect the rust to show in this one and, keep in mind, he entered this season with sub-par career numbers in his limited NHL action. 10* VANCOUVER -105

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #10 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:08 ET - This is all about the line value. The Lightning are the 2x defending Stanley Cup Champs. This is the first visit for the Bolts to Philly in quite some time. You know the Flyers will be highly motivated here. Philadelphia has won 4 of last 6 home games and coming off a confidence boosting win in OT over a Flames team that has been playing solid hockey. As good as Tampa Bay has been, it is definitely hard to 3-peat and this is especially true when you have a target on your backs all the time. The Flyers will be up for this game. The Bolts are going to lose some games this season. That is most likely to occur on the road and facing a quality team. This game, as a result, checks all those boxes and indeed Tampa has lost 2 of its last 4 road games. The last time these teams met was in the bubble in August of last year and the Carter Hart, playing very well right now by the way, outplayed Andrei Vasilevskiy, the best goalie in the league, in that one. I look for more of the same here as the home ice makes the big difference here. Hart known for being tougher on home ice and the Bolts have allowed 3 goals per game when on the road this season and without Kucherov again and the loss of Cernak to injury also hurts them. 10* PHILADELPHIA +115

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #68 Wednesday 10* Top Play Vancouver Canucks Money Line +150 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 9:08 ET - The Canucks have their backs against the wall and the Avalanche have been rolling. That said, there is much more than meets the eye here. Vancouver actually is 2-0 the last 2 times they have been on home ice and coming off a loss. Also, the Canucks have only 1 regulation loss in their last 4 games played at home. The Avalanche have won just 2 of 5 road games this season and one of those wins was in the shootout. In fact, in regulation time in road games this season, Colorado has been outscored 20 to 13. I know coach Travis Green is on the the hot seat for Vancouver right now but his team is off a strong practice Tuesday and is ready to respond big after a road trip that wrapped up on Sunday. The Canucks have had a chance to regroup and hit the reset button and I expect them to start this 3-game homestand with a big upset win over an Avs team that is without Nathan MacKinnon now too. Look for the Canucks to get some revenge for last week's embarrassing 7 to 1 loss at Colorado. It is payback time here. 10* VANCOUVER +150

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #54 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +105 vs Calgary Flames @ 7:08 ET - The Flyers are off a loss at Dallas Saturday. Philadelphia is 5-0 this season when off a loss! The combined score of those 5 victories is 18 to 6. Look for angry Flyers team to take to the ice Tuesday in Philly and keep in mind they most definitely will not overlook the Flames. I say that because the Flyers lost at Calgary last month 4-0 in what is their biggest margin of defeat this season. Philadelphia was in the final game of a 3-game road trip to Western Canada and had won the first two at Edmonton and Vancouver and simply did not have it for the finale of the 3-game trip. That said, a little extra motivation for the hosts here and they catch the Flames off a win but that was at Ottawa. The Senators have been decimated by covid-19 issues and in fact are now having their next 3 games as a result. The Flames face a much bigger challenge here as the Flyers are mostly healthy and will prove to be a much tougher test. Also, Calgary had lost 5 of 6 games prior to the win over the Sens. Look for Philly to improve to 6-0 this season when off a loss as they get some revenge in this one and get right back into the win column. 10* PHILADELPHIA +105

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #39 Monday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line +115 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:08 ET - I have tremendous respect for the two time defending champion Lightning and their goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Bolts are a fantastic team. However, there is a reason they are priced so low for this match-up. The Islanders are a much stronger team than their recent results have showed and the set-up here, TB off huge win, is a perfect one for backing the road dog. While Tampa Bay is off an OT win over Florida, the Isles are off B2B losses for just the 2nd time this season. The Islanders also are the much more rested team as tonight's game will be just their 2nd one in the past 8 days! Prior to the B2B losses, New York had won 4 of 5 and all 4 wins were by 2 or more goals and the lone loss was in the shootout. As for the Lightning, they are off huge win over a Panthers team that has been great early this season and that game was on Saturday. Prior to that the Bolts had lost 2 of 3 and this a challenging spot for them. Keep in mind, the Lightning have played 13 games this season and only 4 of them have resulted in a win in regulation time. This Tampa Bay team, as good as they still are (for sure high quality), do seem to be having a bit of a 2x Stanley Cup Champ hangover so far this season. Considering that plus the big win over the Panthers Saturday, this is an ideal spot to take a hungry dog and fade the Bolts. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS +115

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #31 Sunday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -105 @ St Louis Blues @ 7:08 ET - The knee-jerk reaction here from most will be to take the home team off a loss with Jordan Binnington between the pipes and on home ice. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the other side of that. I really like this Oilers team this season and they are off a loss also. Key factor Edmonton is their loss was Friday while the Blues loss was yesterday. St Louis is in a back to back and has lost 5 of 8 games. Edmonton has yet to lose back to back games and I love the resiliency of this club. When the Oilers faced the Bruins in Boston on Thursday they fell behind 1-0 and 2-1 and 3-2 but kept battling back immediately each time in the eventual 5-3 win. Also, Mikko Koskinen is likely to be between the pipes since he did not play Friday and he is 8-1 with a 2.59 GAA and a .918 save percentage this season. He has played very well and looked very comfortable between the pipes. This will not be an easy game for the Oilers as the Blues are at home and hungry off B2B losses but I think the B2B situation here will be too much for them. That said, when you want to play strong teams like Edmonton you have to be willing to take them on the road and against quality opponents if you want to get the most manageable lines. So just like grabbing the Oilers as a dog at Boston Thursday now we get them in a pick'em price Sunday at St Louis and this is a solid value worth taking! 10* EDMONTON -105

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #4 Saturday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -110 vs Florida Panthers @ 7:08 ET - The set up here perfect. The Panthers are starting to falter after losing their head coach following a red hot start to the season. Florida has now lost 3 straight games and has only 1 win that game in regulation in their last 7 games. Earlier this season the Panthers did get some playoff revenge against the Lightning with a 4-1 win at Tampa Bay. That makes this a payback spot for the Bolts and they are a rested team as they have been off since Tuesday and that was a tough 2-1 OT loss to Carolina in which goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Lightning did play very well. In fact, the Bolts have been going the opposite direction of the Panthers of late. TB had won 4 of 5 before the OT loss to the Hurricanes and all 4 of the wins were in regulation with 3 of them by a multi-goal margin. The only 2 losses the Bolts have since Oct 26t were both in OT. Ideal situation to grab the home team at a bargain price in this one! 10* TAMPA BAY -110

NHL Situational Shocker - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +160 - The Hurricanes are a fantastic hockey club but situations do not get much better than this. Carolina is off a playoff revenge win over Tampa Bay in which they scored a late goal to tie it and then won in overtime. Keep in mind this tight win was a very emotional one for the Hurricanes plus this followed a 5-2 loss at Florida so the Canes haven't exactly been dominant last two games. Both of those games were huge games for Carolina as the Panthers entered that game as the other hottest team in the league. So now, after those two huge wins the Hurricanes are in a definite flat spot and taking on a Flyers team that has only one loss in regulation in 5 road games this month. Also, the Flyers are a perfect 4-0 this season when off a loss and they enter this game off a rare shutout defeat on home ice versus Toronto on Wednesday. Look for a huge effort from the road dogs here and they should get the job done with a big upset that many would not expect. The Canes are a great team but, especially considering this situation, the Flyers - a quality team in their own right - are very undervalued here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +160

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #41 Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line +130 @ Boston Bruins @ 7 ET - We are getting phenomenal line value here. The Oilers are off just their 2nd loss of the season. Edmonton will be in bounce back mode here and they are the highest scoring team in the league but coming off a game in which they were held to just 2 goals. The only reason they are an underdog in this spot is because they are on the road and facing a Bruins team that is 5-0 on home ice this season. Boston is a solid team again this season no doubt but this is a team that had only 1 regulation time win in its last 5 games prior to sneaking by Ottawa 3-2 on Tuesday. The point is that the Bruins are not some juggernaut that has been rolling through teams this season. Ullmark is getting the start for Boston in goal here and he has allowed 3 or more goals in 3 of his last 4 starts. Oilers likely to go with Koskinen in between the pipes and he is 7-1 with a 2.54 GAA on the season! With all due respect to the Bruins and Ullmark, this is just an incredible value to have the highest scoring team in the league with a hot goalie between the pipes and getting a +130 price range when coming off a loss. 10* EDMONTON +130

NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #28 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +115 vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:38 ET - This spot is offering tremendous home dog value. The Flyers have been a great team on home ice ever since Alaign Vigneault took over. Also, Toronto is coming off a 5-1 loss and that was at home! Note that the Maple Leafs have lost 3 of 4 road games and the only win was in overtime. The point is that, though Toronto is a solid team, they are a bit over-valued and certainly have struggled on the road early this season too. The Flyers are well-rested for this game and have been playing well in long stretches early this season. Philly lost their season opener on home ice but have won 3 of 4 since with the only loss to a red hot Florida team and the 3 wins coming by a combined score of 15 to 4. The point is that this game has home blowout potential and even if it is a close game I still see the hosts prevailing. 10* PHILADELPHIA +115

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes +110 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:08 ET - Revenge game for the Hurricanes after getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Lightning last season. Also, Carolina - perhaps caught looking ahead to this game - is off their first loss of this season as they were hammered 5-2 Saturday at Florida. The Lightning are a little banged up right now and have not been as dominant as usual early this season. In fact, the Bolts have lost 3 of 5 games on home ice this season and one of their two wins was over an Arizona team that has been dreadful this season. The Hurricanes have won 9 of their 10 games this season. Yes Tampa Bay is on home ice here but the road team has actually taken 5 of the last 6 meetings between these teams. Look for that trend to continue here as the Hurricanes have been the better team early this season and get some playoff revenge with a big win here. 10* CAROLINA +110

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #2 Monday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +110 vs Florida Panthers @ 7:08 ET - I know it may look funny to be see a Rangers team that has lost half its games in nearly a pick'em price range against a 10-0-1 Panthers team that has yet to lose a game in regulation this season. However, think about that for a second...there is, of course, a reason this game is priced this way. That said, I am happy to grab the home dog here. The Rangers are back from a tough trip out west which ended with 3 consecutive losses. However. New York has played a road-heavy schedule and they are going to take advantage of this opportunity on home ice. The Rangers, in fact, won their most recent game on home ice by a 4-0 count. Also, this is NY's only game between last Saturday and this coming Saturday. They are focused on making the most of it and, of course, they are facing a Florida team with a bullseye on its back as the last remaining team without a regulation loss. I look for the Panthers to absolutely suffer their first regulation defeat here. Florida is off their biggest game so far this season as they faced an equally hot Carolina team and shut them won for the 5-2 win Saturday. This is one of those situations where the Panthers could get caught still celebrating such a big win. The Rangers will surprise them here as this is a high quality team ready to respond after a tough road trip and with another road game on deck. They won't let this opportunity pass them by and the goaltending bounces back after a pair of tough games. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS Money Line +110

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Detroit Red Wings vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 6:08 ET - Love the set up here as the Golden Knights are off a playoff revenge win at Montreal yesterday. That could leave Vegas a little flat here in terms of defensive intensity. However, at the other end of the ice the Golden Knights finally got their power play going and it was the 3rd time in 4 games that Vegas has scored at least 4 goals. That said, I am looking for a barn-burner here with plenty of goals because Detroit also was in action yesterday in a high-scoring win at Buffalo. I like the fact the Red Wings got the win but also have now allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 4 games. Detroit has averaged scoring 3 goals per game when on home ice this season and with both teams in a back to back here that is tough on the goalie situation as well as the defense. I look for the Golden Knights to come out a little sluggish after the revenge lead and the Red Wings should take advantage but then Vegas comes back strong and this helps lead the way to a back and forth high-scoring game. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Detroit

Philly Special - Rickenbach NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +140 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:08 ET - The Flyers are really undervalued here. Yes the Capitals are on home ice but Washington has only won 5 of 10 games this season and Philly has won 5 of 9 games this season. There is just not enough that separates these two teams to justify this high price. Also, the Flyers are off a poor game against Pittsburgh. Yes they salvage a point in the standings in the OT loss thanks to a strong effort from goalie Carter Hart in regulation but, overall this team did not play well. That said, great spot to back them at a big plus money price as the road team actually has won 6 of the last 8 meetings between these nearby divisional rivals. Travel just not a big deal in games between these clubs based on their close proximity. Also, note that Philly is 3-0 this season when off a loss. The Capitals have lost back to back games and 4 of their last 6 and the road dog value is just too good to pass up here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +140

Rivalry Rout - Rickenbach NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +110 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:08 ET - The Flyers are the healthier team, hotter team, and are on the road here against a bitter rival so the result is a nice line for us! We can get Philly as an underdog and they are facing a Pittsburgh team that has lost 3 straight games by a combined score of 13 to 3. Not only that, the Penguins are going to have their hands full with a Flyers team that has revenge for a 7-3 home loss in the last meeting between these teams. Sidney Crosby is doubtful for this game (Covid) and this Flyers team is playing with confidence right now having won 5 of last 7 games and off a shutout win over Coyotes. Carter Hart is likely to be in goal tonight and he has been sharp recently and I expect more of the same tonight. He was rock solid when he last started again the Penguins in a 2-1 win and I expect another strong effort here! 10* PHILADELPHIA +110

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line +130 vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:38 ET - Tough spot for the Hurricanes. Yes, Carolina is a great team and 8-0 this season but the only other team without a loss in regulation this season is Florida. Up next for the Hurricanes is a match-up with the Panthers at Florida on Saturday. This is clearly a lookahead spot for the Canes. Yes, Carolina is undefeated this season but Chicago is in revenge mode after a 6-3 loss at Carolina Friday. They have been a different team since then as Marc Andre-Fleury was not in goal for that game but has been back between the pipes for the last two and he allowed just one goal in each game! Not only is Fleury back in top form, they got Patrick Kane back for their last game and he delivered a hat trick in the big 5-1 win for Chicago. The Blackhawks are a home dog with a hot goalie and a rejuvenated attitude and they catch the Hurricanes in a lookahead. This home dog too good to pass up on in this spot as I look for Kane and Fleury to again lead the way. 10* CHICAGO +130

Situational Slaughter - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7 ET - The total has dropped from a 6 to a 5.5 for this one and I love the value with the over here. I know William Karlsson just suffered a broken foot for Vegas and the Golden Knights have been dealing with injuries up front. However, they still have firepower in their lineup and are coming off a 5-4 shootout win over Anaheim. The Knights have some momentum too courtesy of 3 straight wins now. However, though they should score some goals here, they will not be able to stop the high-powered Maple Leafs. For thing, Vegas goalie Robin Lehner has been rather inconsistent. For another thing, this Toronto team is very dangerous in the offensive zone. The Maple Leafs are off a 5-4 win and the last two games at the Air Canada Centre each totaled 8 or more goals. As per usual the Leafs defense has been a little leaky and they have had some goaltending concerns of late with 4 or more goals allowed in 4 of last 5 games! That is why I expect this one to shape up to be a barnburner. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Toronto