The set-up: Tampa is coming off back-to-back wins over Columbus, but it needed OT to sneak by 4-3 last time out. The end of the regular season is in sight now. I think Tampa gets caught complacent here vs. the revenge-minded Hawks side which fell 4-1 to Tampa on March 20th in their most recent matchup. 

The pick: Chicago is 12-9-1-1 at home this year. The Hawks have the offense to keep up with anyone in the league, and I expect them to catch the Lightning flat-footed here. Chicago is also 7-2 in its last nine in trying to revenge a three goals or greater loss vs. an opponent. In a contest which I see being decided late on in extra time or shootout, I'm laying what I deem to be a very reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Blackhawks.

The set-up: Here's a contest which I see being decided late or in extra time. Sure, why not sprinkle a little on the Senators on the money-line as well here. Ottawa easily handled the Canucks 3-0 here two nights ago. The Sens are unquestionably playing their best hockey of the year right now, as they've won four of their last five, including three straight. 

The pick: The Canucks returned from a lengthy COVID break and somehow managed to beat the Leafs in two straight, but after the adrenalin wore off, they fell flat here against the Sens, and all signs point to an identical thing happening here in my opinion. I'm laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance, as I expect this one to come right down to the wire.

This is a 6* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Senators.

The set-up: There's no question that Boston has been playing better of late, but I think it's overvalued here against a Sabres team that's arguably playing its best hockey of the season right now as well. Boston comes in off a 6-3 win over Washington, and it's now won four in a row. The Sabres have been alternating wins and losses over their last six games, most recently off a 4-2 win here over the Penguins two nights ago. 

The pick: This is the opener of three straigth between the clubs and the Sabres play with revenge here after a 3-2 loss in these team's most recent matchup on April 13th. There's no way the home side doesn't give everything it has here. And the Bruins could easily get caught in "trap." In a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm grabbing the 1.5 goals of insurance.

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Sabres.

The set-up: In a game which is going to be more competitive than what Las Vegas is trying to lead us to believe, I'm going to lay the mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance here. To say this is a "revenge" game would be a massive understatement, as Boston has won all five in the season series so far. 

The pick: Boston is off a 7-5 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday and looks primed for a letdown, as note that the B's are just 2-7 in their last nine after scoring six or more goals in a victory in their last outing. Philly is the more desperate and revenge minded team here which is still in the thick of the playoff hunt. Lay the price for the 1.5 goals.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on the Flyers.

The set-up: Calgary's still in the hunt for the final playoff spot. The Flames won't be rolling over here and in this case, I think they're worth the price of admission here to lay this larger price, just to get the extra 1.5 goals of insurance, in case this one goes into extra periods, or even the shootout. 

The pick: Calgary does play with revenge here, as it's only won two of the six in the season series. The Flames continue to get solid goaltending from Jacob Markstrom and David Rittich. These provincial rivals are poised to a battle until the final moments.

This is a 6* PUCK-LINE PLAY-BOOK on the Flames.

The set-up: Both teams have been the best in the league. I think that the Leafs will win this game, and at the very least, also bury and empty netter. However, I don't think it's going to come to that. 

The pick: These teams numbers are incredibly similar, but the Jets are just 2-9 in their last 11 after a road victory in which they scored five or more goals in. Toronto plays with the added incentive of "revenge" here as well after losing 5-2 in the most recent matchup in mid March. Lay the 1.5 goals for the monster plus-money return.

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Leafs.

The set-up: I think this is going to be a very competitive game. The Oilers are coming off a confidence-building 3-2 win OT win at Toronto last night, and I'm not going to buy into the whole fatigue factor here, instead I'll go the other way and expect it to help out the visiting side here. 

The pick: And especially against a Montreal team that's not seen live action for a month. Yes, the Habs will be rested. But rest leads to rust. Besides, every other team, in every other sport that's been hit by COVID has struggled to start with, or for the entire rest of the season. Will Montreal miraculously be the one team that bucks this trend? In a contest which I see being decided late or in extra time

This is an 8* BIG-CHALK PUCKLINE DESTRUCTION on the Oilers.

The set-up: Using a "situational" approach to this strange NHL season can be effective. Team's are having to play double and triple headers against each other on a regular basis, so there are many scheduling, revenge factors, injuries and other external factors to consider, other than just offensive and defensive averages. That's the case every season, but not playing out of their respective divisions is certainly something that's never occured before.

The pick: Here's a great spot to pull the trigger on Toronto to win big. The Senators are coming off a satisfying come-from-behind 3-1 win at home over Calgary, sweeping the Flames in two straight. Can anyone say "letdown" spot here? Toronto just broke a three-game slide with a 2-0 win over Calgary and it's had four whole nights off to prepare for this one. Toronto also plays with revenge here after falling 4-3 in these team's most recent matchup against each other in early March. I look for the visiting side to not only win, but to win by a decisive margin.

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION on the Leafs.

The set-up: Buffalo is going to win a game at some point. It enters this one having lost 14 in a row. The Sabres came up short in New York last time out, falling 5-3. The last time Buffalo faced the Pens, the Sabres fell 3-0 in early March. This is a big game for the Sabres, as they look to avenge that shutout, while also break this miserable 14-game losing streak. 

The pick: This is the first game of a back-to-back. Buffalo is looking a 16-game losing streak right in the face here if it can't finally break through. We don't have to question the visiting side's effort in this one, but the Penguins have been in poor form of late, losing three of their last four, and I absolutely think they're overpriced here. In a contest which I see being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm laying the short price for the exrtra 1.5 goals of insurance. 

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Sabres PUCK LINE.

The set-up: The Coyotes play with revenge here, as they've dropped four of five in this season series. I think that matters here. The Avalanche now suddenly resemble the team that everyone thought they'd be before the season started. Colorado waffled with consistency for most of the first portion of the campaign, but it enters on a seven-game win streak. 

The pick: Arizona has lost six of seven. That includes a 5-1 setback here just last night. But I do now absolutely feel that this sets up as a classic "letdown/look-ahead" spot for the red hot visiting side, which will have one night off, before an important two-game home set against the division leading Golden Knights. The Coyotes have two whole nights off after this, before a home set with the Sharks, so it's time to "put up, or shut-up" for the home side here. I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Coyotes.

The set-up: The Devils had a 2-0 lead over New York in the second period yesterday, but it stubmled and ended up losing 3-2. Enough is enough here for New Jersey, which is clearly a team that has plenty of issues, but which won't be lacking motivation today after losing three in a row and eight of its last ten. Note that four of the Devils last five games have been decided by a single goals, which proves that NJ is in fact trying its hardest. 

The pick: Would anyone fault the Isles for a bit of a mental letdown here after eight straight victories? And with a much more high-profile game in the Nation's Capital on Tuesday, this is also a "look-ahead" spot the visiting side. The home side does not have that luxury though, as we can expect it to risk life and limb here to get into shooting and passing lanes to try and earn an elusive victory. Lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

This is a 6* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Devils.

The set-up: After back-to-back defeats to end a five-game Western swing in Vancouver, I expect Toronto to not only win this game, but to win big. The Leafs still by far have the best numbers in the league, posting 3.46 GPG, while allowing only 2.42.  

The pick: Winnipeg enters off a humbling 7-1 loss at Montreal, and note that it's just 2-6 in its last eight after a five goals or greater loss in its previous outing. The Jets have also conceded three goals or more in seven of their last ten games. Look for Toronto to pull away late for a big win on home ice!

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Leafs.

The set-up: Ottawa comes in off a tough 4-3 shootout win in Calgary just last night and suffice it to say, I expect a predictable letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back. The Senators have been playing a lot better than at the start of the season, but they're still pretty bad in every department. And now throw on the fact that they're coming off a satisfying victory (in a shootout no less), just 24 hours previous, and there's no question that this one has "letdown" written all over it for the visiting side. 

The pick: Edmonton has looked shaky this year, but here's a big opportunity to build off its 3-2 win over Calgary in its previous outing, a victory which snapped a three-game slide. With a favorable upcoming schedule, the Oilers have nothing to look past to here either. It's a perfect situation for Edmonton to not only win here at home on Monday night, but to win in a big blowout fashion. As such, I'm pulling the trigger on the home side on the puck-line.

This is an 8* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Oilers.

The set-up: I think this is a good spot to pull the trigger on the home side on the puck line here. The price of admission is worth it, as I expect the Sharks to throw everything they have at the Blues tonight. St. Louis just had its four-game win streak snapped in a 4-3 OT loss at LA last time out, and with four whole days off after this, I believe it'll struggle to find energy here in San Jose. 

The pick: The Sharks not only play with revenge after a 7-6 loss to the Blues back on February 27th, but they are also desperate to break a three-game slide, including a 4-0 shutout loss at home to Vegas in their most recent. In a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

This is an 8* PUCK-LINE PLAY-BOOK on the Sharks.

The set-up:

The pick:

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Hawks.

The set-up: In a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurnace. Both teams have plenty of issues. For Buffalo though, it's not a talent issues, it's a chemistry issue. The Sabres were also hit hard by the COVID at the start of the season. 

The pick: New York on the other hand has struggled all season with offensive consistency, and now it's having to deal with the loss of top offensive talent Panarin to personal reasons. I think Buffalo is the "hungrier" and better team on paper here and while the outright win is obviously not out of the question, in the end I'll recommend to play this one on the PUCK LINE.

This is an 8* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Buffalo Sabres.

The set-up: I'm going to lay the steeper price for the extra goal and a half of insurance. Is Vancouver the "hungrier" team in this fight? Without question in my opinion. The Canucks offense has been decent, but inconsistencies in net and in the backend have seen Vancouver take a major step back this season. That said, the Canucks are for sure the "hungrier" team in this fight after losing three in a row including a 4-3 OT loss at home to Winnipeg, before the 4-3 loss to these very Oilers two nights ago. It's an extended break after this as well for the Canucks, as they don't play again till March 1st in Winnipeg. Suffice it to say, I expect them to come out extremely prepared here. 

The pick: Edmonton is going to finally get caught a little complacent here my estimation. The Oilers have won four in a row, and with a much more high-profile series against the Leafs at home on Saturday, this is definitely a "look ahead" spot as well for the visiting side. In a contest which I see being decided late or in extra time, let's lay the chalk for the 1.5 goals.

This is a 6* BIG-CHALK PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Vancouver Canucks.

The set-up: The Panthers have been good, they're coming off a 6-4 win over Tampa and then a 4-3 OT win over Carolina. The Wings have struggled all year, but they won't be lacking for motivation here as they try to break a two-game slide. I like betting on motivated teams and I like going against teams that I view as possibly being complacent. Would anyone fault the Panthers for having a bit of a letdown here after back-to-back epic wins and facing the worst team in the NHL?

The pick: Detroit has lost nine of the last ten in this series as well, so the big time revenge factor comes into play here as well. In a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm going to recommend laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. 

This is an 8* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Red Wings.

The set-up: I think Vancouver will be much more competitive in the third game of this mini-series with Toronto, after losing the first game 7-3 and the second by a score of 5-1. The Leafs have a night off before a home and home set against rival Montreal as well after this, so the possibility of finally getting caught "looking ahead" is there as well. 

The pick: But for the now desperate Canucks, clearly there isn't any "looking past" anyone at this point. Vancouver has major issues on both ends of the ice, but the talent is in place across the board to make a marked improvement and I do expect to finally see the Canucks' best effort tonight. Toronto looks good in every respect, but I'll point out that Vancouver is 7-2 in its last nine after back-to-back road losses of four or more goals. In a game which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm going to recommend to lay the reasonable price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE GAME OF THE WEEK on the Canucks.

The set-up: I'm going to lay this reasonable mid-sized price for the extra goal and a half of insurance. Vancouver is coming off two straight losses, so it won't be lacking for motivation here. The Leafs are off a tough 4-3 OT loss to the Oilers. In the early going, Toronto's numbers have been better, as Vancouver did go through some massive off-season changes to its goaltending and defense. 

The pick: Vancouver though is averaging 3.69 GPG, while Toronto is averaging 3.60. Finally I'll point out as well that Vancouver is 7-2 in its last nine road games after a two-games or longer losing streak. However, while we do think the outright win is possible, we're simply looking for a solid "cover" in this particular wager. In a game which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm grabbing the visiting side on the puck line.

This is an 8* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Canucks.

The set-up: The panic button has been hit in Ottawa. The Senators have lost eight straight. They lost 8-5 to the Oilers in their last game. Ottawa is obviously a really bad team, but I expect its best effort here. The Oilers have been "hit or miss" this season, as before winning two in a row here, they had lost three straight. 

The pick: Of course Edmonton is the better team, but I think it gets caught looking ahead to four whole nights off after this before a game at Calgary. And for the Senators, I look for them to risk life and limb today getting into shooting and passing lanes to try and secure a victory. At this price, I think this is a fantastic value play on the PUCK LINE.

This is a 10* SITUATIONAL PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Ottawa Senators.

The set-up: Boston enters off a 4-3 OT loss here on the 30th, but I like it to win handily in this revenge scenario. The Bruins only have one regulation loss in their eight games this year. The Bruins only allow 22.9 shots per game, while averaging 32.5 of their own. Boston is also first in the NHL with a 9.63 shot-differential. 

The pick: Washington has been good late as well. The Capitals though have struggled in this spot for bettors by going just 1-4 in their last five after scoring four or more goals in an OT victory in their last outing. Boston on the other hand is 7-1 in its last eight in trying to revenge an OT loss to an opponent in which it allowed four or more goals in. I look for Boston to not only win this one, but to win by a big margin. 

The is a 10* PUCK-LINE GAME OF THE WEEK on the Boston Bruins.

The set-up: St. Louis comes in fresh here after its latest game was postponed with the Knights for COVID reasons. St. Louis is 4-2-1 so far. The Ducks are 3-3-2 so far, most recently coming off a 3-2 loss to Arizona. Early numbers are something that must always be considered, but drawing any concrete conclusions on any team to this point isn't possible yet in my opinion. 

The pick: That said, Anaheim is averaging just 1.75 GPG, while the Blues are averaging 2.67. St. Louis has a couple of blowout lop-sided losses, so it's GAA is skewed. The Ducks have been good defensively, but note that they're just 12-29 in their last 41 when playing on one days rest. The Blues are 9-4 in their last 13 on the road and I expect them to not only win, but to win big. Let's lay the 1.5 goals for the big plus-money return. Go St. Louis go!

This is an 8* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Blues (-1.5).

The set-up: San Jose has split its first three series. It enters at 3-3, tied with the Avs for fourth spot in the division. Colorado hasn't gotten out to the start it's hoped for either, but it'll be pumped to return home after two straight series on the road and a 3-1 loss to the lowly Ducks. 

The pick: Both teams have struggled with consistency in the early going, but the Avalanche are the much more motivated team here. Colorado comes in off a humiliating effort to Anaheim, while the Sharks enter off a satisfying 5-3 road win at Minnesota. The Avs are just 1-5 "against the spread" this year (+1.5/-1.5), but I expect that lop-sided trend to start correcting itself immediately. I look for Colorado to not only, but to win BIG. Lay the 1.5 goals for the small plus-moeny return.

The is a 10* PUCK-LINE GAME OF THE MONTH on the Colorado Avalanche.

The set-up: Is Tampa the better team in this matchup? For sure. Is Columbus the "hungrier" team in this matchup though? I'd say yes for sure as well. Tampa plays its first game in almost a week, its first true road game of the season and I think it'll be a bit flat after easily handling the Blackhawks at home in two straight to open the season.

The pick: Columbus is just 1-3 after falling 3-2 in OT at Detroit in its latest action. Note that the Blue Jackets are interestingly 8-2 in their last ten after scoring two or less goals in an OT loss in their previous outing. I think the situational factors working in favor of Columbus make it the correct call here, but in this case, I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance (just in case we see another OT period.)

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on the Blue Jackets.

The set-up: The Coyotes are 1-1-1 and the Knights are 2-0. Arizona has a great mix of veterans and younger players. Arizona also has a great goaltending duo in Darcy Kemper and Antti Raanta. 

The pick: The Golden Knights biggest issue is on the defensive end of the ice. The Knights offense is great, and the goaltenders are solid as well. I expect Arizona to bring its best effort here. This is another one which I foresee being decided late or in extra time.

The is a 10* PUCK LINE play on the Arizona Coyotes.

The set-up: The Sharks are the much more motivated side here after losing this game 5-4 on Monday night. San Jose is now 1-2, while St. Louis is 2-1. To say this is a "revenge" game would be a bit of an understatement, as San Jose has now lost six straight in this series. 

The pick: Both team's defense and goaltending looked poor on Monday night and the Sharks had a golden opportunity to actually win that one outright. Regardless, this one has all the makings of another highly competitive affair that's once again decided late and as such, I'll recommend to lay the reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

The is an 8* PUCK LINE play on the Sharks.

The set-up: Are the Leafs the better team here? Probably. They have the better record in the early going and they had slightly better odds to win the Stanley Cup before the season started. But Edmonton comes in for sure as the "hungrier" team after scoring 1-3. The Leafs have won three of four and I think they'll be a tiny bit complacent here. 

The pick: Edmonton hasn't had much luck playing in Toronto the last few year's, but this season is unlike any other for everyone. I'm not going to overreact to the Oilers' early season issues, and expect a much better showing here after their 3-1 home loss to the Habs in their last game. Lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance in a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time.

The is a 6* PUCK LINE play on the Oilers.

The set-up: I had a play on the Islanders in Game 3 and that big underdog pick cashed for us. In Game 4 I'm going to recommend to lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. If you haven't had a chance to read my analysis on that Game 3 victory, I believe it's worth doing so now, as the logic behind that selection for the most part also directly applies to this one: The set-up: New York threw in the "white towel" in its Game 1 loss, in which it was humbled 8-2. The Islanders came out fying in Game 2 and posted an early goal, which held late into the third period. The Lightning then scored with only eight seconds remaining in regulation to win the game. Do I think that the Islanders are going to get swept in this series? I absolutely do not. New York is well coached, it's disciplined, it's deep and it's blessed with World class goaltending. Tampa is the better team on paper and on the ice, but I think it has a mental letdown here vs. this determined and now very desperate Islanders team.

The pick: Finally note as well that the Islanders are 8-3 in their last 11 after back-to-back losses. This is essentially "do or die" for the Islanders, as a 3-0 hole would clearly be too much for it to climb out of. I look for New York to get back into this one with a resounding victory!

The pick: In a contest which I think'll come down to the wire (or even be decided in extra time!), I'm laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance!

This is an 8* PLAY-BOOK on the Islanders PUCK LINE.

The set-up: I had a play on the Lightning in Game 1 and while I obviously didn't predict such a massive beatdown, obviously I'm going to take it! That said, the playoffs are all about making adjustments and I think that the Isles will calmly turn the page on that awful effort and return to their recent dominant form. Tampa is poised for a mental letdown here and I think the Isles can take advantage. 

The pick: Note as well that the Islanders are 8-3 in their last 11 after allowing eight or more goals in a loss to an opponent in their last outing. Outright win?! Of course. But in a game which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

The is an 8* COACH'S CORNER on the ISLANDERS on the PUCK LINE.

The set-up: The Canucks won Game 5 by a score of 3-1 and while I do think they have a very legitimate shot at taking Game 6 outright as well, in a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm going to lay the very reasonable price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. The Canucks have been committed to the defensive end in each of their two victories in this series and I expect a duplicate game-plan here. 

The pick: Other than experience, Las Vegas and Vancouver matchup extremely well on paper. I think the value is on this hungry underdog side. All signs point to this one being a nail-biter, so grab the 1.5 goals.

The is an 8* DESTRUCTION on the Canucks PUCK LINE.

The set-up: Yes the Flyers looked great over their three-game round robin, they annihilated Tampa, Washington and Dallas. The Flyers look "for real," but I think they'll have all they can handle from the Canadiens in this first game. 

The pick: The Habs were fantastic in dispatching the Penguins as they continue to get a high level of play from star goaltender Carey Price. Montreal is deep and it benefited from the extra time off. In a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals.

This is an 6* play on the Habs PUCK LINE.

The set-up: This series is all tied up at one-game a piece after the Penguins won 3-1 in Game 2. I believe we'll see a similar type of ending here, with Pittsburgh's depth, offensive skill and superior defensive play proving to be too much for Montreal to handle as this series wares on. Not only do I expect the Penguins' offense to finally "wake up" here (note, their potent power play is just 1 for 12 so far in this series and I don't expect that trend of futility to continue) and win this game, but I believe they're going to win by a significant margin.

The pick: And that makes laying this goal and a half for the signficant return the sharp wager in my opinion. Additionally note that the Pens are 7-3 in their last ten after a playoff win by two or more goals. 

This is a 10* PUCK-LINE BEST OF THE BEST on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The set-up: The Leafs took two of three in the regular season series, but I like Columbus to at the very least, take this one into extra time and push Toronto to the brink (in Game 1 anyways!) Elvis Merzlikins is a difference maker for Columbus here in my opinion, as he enters the playoffs sporting a 2.35 GAA for the season (ranked third overall in the East and sixth in the league). 

The pick: Frederick Anderson has a 2.85 GAA, which ranks him 18th in the Eastern Conference. Note that Columbus lost 419 man games when the league stopped on March 12th, by far the most in the NHL. Now it's healthy and I expect that to pay dividends to open up the Playoffs. 

8* PUCK-LINE DESTROYER on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The set-up: I fancy the Oilers to find a way to win this game, but only win, but to find a way to win by a wide margin. Most recently Connor McDavid returned to Edmonton's line-up and he scored a goal and had two assists in his team's 4-2 win at LA. The Ducks have lost four in a row and I think they'll have a hard time keeping pace tonight after they fell 6-5 to Las Vegas last time out. Overall Edmonton averages 3.16 GPG and it allows 3.06, while Anaheim averages 2.52 GPG and it allows 3.16. 

The pick: Additionally note that the Ducks are 0-5 in their last five at home, while Edmonton is 7-3 in its last ten on the road. I don't think it'll be necessary to rely on an "empty netter" to cash this one. Look for Edmonton to go up early and to keep the foot on the gas until the final horn.

10* PUCK-LINE DESTROYER on the Edmonton Oilers.

The set-up: The Sharks led the Rangers for most of their game in The Big Apple yesterday, but in the end they came up short in the 3-2 setback. Now I think that San Jose simply "goes through motions" in the second game of the back to back. The Islanders are in a dog fight for positioning right now, but they are among the league leaders in giving up just 2.82 GPG overall (just 2.52 at home).

The pick: And that's bad news for a Sharks team which only averages 2.57 GPG overall. Expect the home side to grind this one down to a snails pace and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable PUCK LINE cover.

10* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the New York Islanders.

The set-up: Off a 4-1 win at home over Detroit, I execpt the Devils to predictably stumble here in the second game of the back-to-back. Also note that Carolina plays with revenge after falling 5-3 in New Jersey back in early November. Carolina is very much in the playoff hunt, but after dropping five of its last ten, it's now or never to make its push in my estimation. Most recently the Hurricanes lost 4-1 in Dallas. 

The pick: It's interesting to note as well that the Devils are a terrible 1-9 (-9.1 units) on "Friday nights" for some reason this season, while the Hurricanes are 10-6 (+2.9 units) when playing with two days rest. Not only do I expect Carolina to win, but I look for it to win big here.

10* PUCK-LINE BEST OF THE BEST on the Carolina Hurricanes.

The set-up: I think this game is going to be decided late or even in extra time, so in that case I feel it's worth the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. Florida has won three in a row in this series, including a 5-2 victory in November. That said, the Panthers enter desperate here to break a three-game slide. Philly enters on the other end of the spectrum, having won five of its last seven and three in a row at home. The Panthers though are on the cusp, as despite falling to Pittsburgh last time out, they outshot it by 13 in the unfortunate setback. Philly though looks poised for a classic letdown here after its big 7-2 road win in the Nation's capital last time out. 

The pick: Note as well that Florida is 3-0 (+3 units) already this season after three or more straight losses, while Philly is just 6-10 (-4.2 unit) this year following a divisional contest. 

6* PLAY on the PANTHERS PUCK-LINE.

The set-up: I'm going to suggest laying the larger price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. This is a game which I believe will be decided late, or even in extra time. The Sens are 1-5-4 in their last ten games, while the Devils are 4-5-1. 

The pick: The edge tonight really comes in the numbers/stats/trends though, as note that the Sens are just 1-5 in their last six as a home favorite vs. an Eastern Conference opponent, while the Devils are a solid 5-2 in their last seven when playing with three or more days rest.

6* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the New Jersey Devils

The set-up: The Golden Knights made a controversial coaching change which hasn't sat well with players, fans and the media. Expectations are so unreal in Las Vegas after its improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural season. Sometimes coaching changes have a positive effect right out of the gate for a team (just look at the Leafs this year as a prime example), but in this case I believe it's going to back fire. The Knights have lost four in a row and I think the Sens are going to pour it on here to try and pull off the upset and to kick this team while its down. Besides, the Sens could care less about a four-game win streak, as they enter desperate to break an eight-game slide. Situationally, this sets up great for the home side in my opinion. 

The pick: NOte as well that Las Vegas is a horrible 7-11 (-10.3 units) this year in all non-conference games. These are two poor teams. But in a contest which I envision being decided late or even in extra time, I'm going to recommend to lay the reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

10* ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION on the Senators on the PUCK LINE.

The set-up: In a game which I see being decided late or in extra time, I'm going to lay the very reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. I think Brian Elliot and Jordan Binnington are a "wash" here. The Flyers come in off a hard-fought 6-5 shootout win over the Bruins and I think they carry that offensive momentum over here (outshot Boston 39-31.) I think St. Louis, which enters having won four in a row, takes the foot off the gas here in this non-conference matchup. Note that the Blues have two whole nights off after this before an extended Western road trip which games at Colorado, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton all on the horizon. This is definitely a letdown/look-ahead spot for the home side. 

The pick: Note as well that Philly is 10-5 (+5 units) in its last 15 after scoring four or more goals in its previous contest, while St. Louis is a money-burning 9-9 (-1.9 units) this season in non-conference games.

10* PUCK-LINE DESTRUCTION on the Philadelphia Flyers.

The set-up: After winning nine of their last ten, the Leafs come in razor focussed after three straight losses. The Devils are still in last place in the Metropolitan, but they've been playing a lot better of late, including a highly satisfying 3-1 win over the Lightning last time out. Previous to that they beat the Pens. Can anyone say "letdown" spot here? 

The pick: Toronto is 10-5 (+4.3 units) in its last 15 after three or more consecutive losses, while New Jersey is just 12-19 (-2 units) this year in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent and only 3-4 (-1.1 units) this season after a win by two goals or more. I expect Toronto to win. And win big! Lay the 1.5 goals for the plus money return in this one.

10* BLOWOUT GAME OF THE YEAR on the Toronto Maple Leafs PUCK-LINE.

The set-up: I lay chalk when I think the situation calls for it. I believe that the Flyers are worth laying the chalk here for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. Philly comes in off a 5-3 loss to LA, so it'll be hungry and focussed here after that hiccup. The Knights come in off a 5-2 win over the Ducks, but I think they'll get caught looking past their non-conference opponent today. 

The pick: The Flyers are 7-3 (+3.7 units) in their last ten after allowing four goals or more in their previous contest, while the Golden Knights are just 6-8 (-5.8 units) this season in non-conference contests. I think Las Vegas is set up for the letdown here, but as mentioned above, in a contest which I envision being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals.

10* NON-CONF PUCK-LINE GAME OF THE YEAR on the Philadelphia Flyers.

The set-up: No need to overthink this one. I expect the hungry home side to go up early and to maintain throughout vs. a Kings team which enters off a hard-fought 2-1 loss in Edmonton just last night. Calgary lost six in a row, but it's since won five of its last six, including three in a row. The Flames also play with revenge here after falling 4-1 to the Kings earlier in the season. From a situational stand point, this one sets up fantastically for a lop-sided destruction in my opinoin. 

The pick: Note as well that LA is a terrible 4-10 (-4.2 units) vs. the division this year, while Calgary is 45-31 (+8.3 units) in its last 76 following a non-conference game. For all the reasons listed above, lay the 1.5 goals for the small return.

10* PUCK-lINE ULTRA DESTRUCTION on the Calgary Flames.

The set-up: I think this is a good spot to lay a mid sized price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. The Bruins just destroyed the Habs in Montreal 8-1 last night and I think that a predictable letdown is very possible in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. 

The pick: The Sens have looked a lot better of late too, as their three-game streak came to an end in a 1-0 loss to the Jackets on Monday. Note as well that they're 7-4-0 on their own ice. Also note that Boston is just 4-5 (-3.5 units) vs. the division this season. The Bruins clearly have the better numbers, but I think the situation favors an upset. That said, the reasonable mid sized price for the extra 1.5 goals is the correct call in my opinoin. 

10* PUCK-LINE GAME OF THE WEEK on the Ottawa Senators.

The set-up: In a game which I think will be decided late or in extra time, I'm going to suggest laying the larger price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. Calgary comes in desperate after losing six straight. We don't have to question the Flames' focus or resolve here and I believe that's important in our selection on the PUCK-LINE today. The Flyers on the other hand look poised for a classic letdown here in my opinion after they broke a five-game slide vs. a win over the Canes on the road in their last outing. 

The pick: Additionally note that Calgary is a solid 5-3 (+1.8 units) this season in non-conference games and 6-3 (+2.7 units) after allowing four or more goals, while Philadelphia is a poor 5-6 (-1.2 units) in revenging a loss vs. an opponent. For all the reasons listed above, play on Calgary with the spread.

6* DESTRUCTION on the Flames on the PUCK LINE.

The set-up: Philadelphia comes in off a hard-fought and high-scorign 4-3 win in Toronto just last night and I think it'll predictably struggle here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. Philadelphia has looked a lot better of late after a terrible start to the 2019/20 campaign, but they're definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time here. 

The pick: And that's because Boston enters having lost two in a row, falling 5-4 in Montreal on Tuesday, before then suffering an upset loss to the Wings. The Bruins come in focussed and I believe they'll lay the hammer down here from start to finish. Note as well that the Flyers are 0-5 on the second night of their last five in the second game of the back-to-back, while Boston is 5-0 in its last five at home. Expect a lop-sided destruction in this one and lay the 1.5 goals for the small plus money return.

10* PUCK-LINE PLAY-BOOK on the Boston Bruins.

The set-up: The Pens come in off a 4-3 win over the Islanders, but I think they get caught looking past their lowly non-conference opponent today. The Blackhawks are just 5-10 this year, but they've won two of their past three and I think their momentum builds again here. Most recently Chicago destroyed the Canucks 5-2. Also note that Chicago goaltender Robin Lehner is a solid 3-3-2 with a 2.33 GAA this year. 

The pick: The Pens have Matt Murray in net and for the most part he's been solid, but he did allow three goals on 23 shots to New York before winning in OT. But with two whole nights off before a game at New York and then New Jersey, I do definitely think this sets up as a classic "trap/letdown/look-ahead" spot for Pittsburgh. I'm laying the very reasonable price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

10* PUCK-LINE BEST OF THE BEST on the Chicago Blackhawks.

The set-up: I base my picks on many different things. This one is primarily based around scheduling. Montreal comes in off a highly satisfying 4-1 victory in Arizona just last night and I think it's going to suffer a predictable letdown here. Las Vegas most recently hammered the Ducks 5-2 and I expect a similar lop-sided blowout here as well. Also note the visitors will turn to back-up goalkeeper Keith Kincaid in this one and he's 0-1-1 with a 4.53 GAA this year. 

The pick: The home side counters with Mark Andre Fleurty, who is 8-3-0 on the year with a 2.36 GAA. Note as well that LV is 6-1 in its last seven as a favorite of -200 or higher, while Montreal is a poor 0-5 in its last five when playing on back-to-back. Lay the 1.5 goals for the plus money return and expect a decisive home victory.

10* COACH'S CORNER on the Las Vegas Golden Knights. 

ts. 

The set-up: Did the Red Wings get caught "looking ahead" to this game after their 5-1 loss in Calgary just last night? Probably. But that still doesn't make tonight's task any easier as the now weary Wings head to Edmonton to play the second game of the back to back vs. a red hot Oilers team. The Wings are allowing 3.75 GPG on the road, while only netting an average of 2.75. Wings' netminder Jonathan Bernier has been a bright spot in the early going with a 2-1, 3.33 GAA record, but I think he'll struggle in this difficult venue. 

The pick: The Oilers average the second highest amount of goals this year (4.00) and they concede the 11th lowest (2.71.) Edmonton goalie Mike Smith is 3-1 with a 2.50 GAA thus far. Edmonton is also 4-0 in its last four vs. the Eastern Conference, while Detroit is just 26-38 in non-conference games the last two years. I'm laying the 1.5 goals.

10* ULTIMATE OF THE ULTIMATE on the Edmonton Oilers PUCK-LINE.

The set-up: I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance here as I expect this game to be decided late, or even in extra time or the shootout. Philip Grubauer is 3-0-0 with a 2.34 GAA for the Avs, while Braden Holtby is 1-1-2 with a 3.67 GAA for the Capitals. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Colorado is 7-1 in its last nine non-conference road games following a three games or more unbeaten streak. For all the reasons listed above, lay the price and grab the visitors with the spread.

6* play on the Avs PUCK-LINE.

The set-up: The Leafs are the heavy favorite here, but on Opening night, anything can happen. I don’t think Ottawa will go down without a fight and in a contest which I envision being decided late or even in extra time, I think playing the visitors on the PUCK-LINE is the savvy call.

The pick: Both teams had “successful” preseasons, with the Sens finishing 3-2-1 and the Leafs going 5-3. I think that veteran goaltenders Craig Anderson and Frederick Anderson are a “wash” here as well. Ottawa is the younger team, but both clubs have plenty of new faces to work in. For all the reasons listed above, I’m grabbing the insurance in this one.

8* play on the Sens PUCK-LINE.

The set-up: This has been a difficult series to get a grasp on. With three games remaining, both teams are going to be laying everything on the line. St. Louis has allowed 2.42 goals per game on the road, while Boston has allowed just 2.40 GPG at home. I said before this series started that I thought that the team that would win this series would whichever sides’ goaltender “stepped up.” These goalies (Jordan Binnington for the Blues and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins) are obviously very evenly matched and I think they’re going to be the focal point in this contest as well. Neither team is going to give an inch in Game 5, so in a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I definitely feel that the value lies with laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but St. Louis is 4-1 in its last five when tied in a playoff series, while Boston is just 9-10 (-4.6 units) this season after a loss by two goals or more in its previous outing.

8* Blues PL

The set-up: The Sharks are on the brink of elimination and in a game which I think is going to be decided late or even in extra time, I have no issues at all in laying the steeper price for the extra 1.5 goals. San Jose has only one goal over its last two games, but overall the Sharks come in averaging 3.67 goals this year. Jordan Binnington has been exceptional in net for St. Louis, but one has to wonder when the rookie will have a letdown? I have a hard time seeing this talented Sharks offense being held down for a third straight game and in this elimination scenario. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but San Jose is 8-2 (+5.2 units) this year after scoring one goals or less i its previous contest, while St. Louis is only 4-5 (-1.7 units) this season after shutting out its opponent in its previous game. 

San Jose Sharks (+1.5)

5* play

The set-up: This is a big game. The Lightning are out to prove their the best team in the league this year and they can prove that with a resounding victory over the defending champs. But clearly Washington won’t be going down without a fight. The Capitals have been great since the All Star break. Washington averages 3.39 goals and it allows 3.07. The Lightning average 3.82 goals and they allow 2.62. 

The pick: Washington is 15-9 (+3.4 units) this year after a win by two goals or more and in a game which I expect to be decided late or even in extra time, I’m going to lay the very reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. Play on the Capitals on the puck line.

10* play

The set-up: Both teams come in desperate for a win. Dallas comes in off a much-needed 4-3 win over Chicago, while the Knights enter having lost three straight. Dallas also plays with revenge here after a 4-2 loss in the only other meeting between the clubs. The Knights obtained Mark Stone from the Senators, but he’s not expected to suit up here. Las Vegas is struggling with offensive consistency and I think that trend continues here. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Dallas is 16-10 (+5.3 units) in its last 26 in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent, while Las Vegas is just 2-4 in its last six home games following a three games or more losing streak. I’m laying the very reasonable mid sized price for the extra insurance. Play on the Stars on the puck line.

8* play

The set-up: The Oilers come in off a 3-1 road loss in Carolina just last night. Edmonton has now lost nine of its last ten. Clearly the Oilers have many issues this year, but I think the visitors play with extreme desperation in the second game of the back-to-back. The Islanders have been rolling and are one of the surprise teams in the NHL this year, but with three whole nights off before a Western road swing, I think the home side get caught in a “trap” this evening. 

The pick: Take it for why you will as well, but the Oilers are 6-3 (+2.1 units) in their last nine after scoring one goal or less in their previous outing, while New York is just 2-3 (-1.4 units) this season after shutting out its opponent in its previous outing. Lay the price, play on Edmonton the “puck line.” 

10* play

The set-up: Both teams come in off losses. The Kings fell 5-4 in OT to the Bruins on the road, while the Capitals lost 5-4 in OT to the Panthers at home. Previous to their loss in Boston though, the Kings had won three straight. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick is an astounding 9-2 with a 2.23 GAA lifetime vs. the Capitals. The defending champs come in on the other end of the spectrum as they’ve lost nine of their last 12. Caps’ net minder Braden Holtby is just 1-3 with a 2.51 ERA lifetime vs. the Kings.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but LA is 6-1 in its last seven after allowing five goals or more in its previous contest, while Washington is just 1-5 in its last six after allowing five or more goals. This is a great price for the extra goal-and-a-half of insurance. Play on the Kings on the puck line.

10* play

The set-up: The Sharks come in with a ton of momentum and I look for them to carry that over here. San Jose is now 7-1-0 in its past eight outings. The Senators come in off back-to-back wins over the Ducks and Kings, but I think a return to mediocrity is definitely in the cards for Ottawa in this difficult arena. The Senators have won back-to-back road games for the first time all year and in my opinion, I believe this sets up as a classic “trap” for the over-achieving visitors.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but San Jose is 4-1 in its last five when playing one days rest, while the Sens are still 0-4 in their last four vs. teams with winning records. I’m laying the 1.5 goals for the near pick-em price. 

SJ -1.5 10*

The set-up: In a contest which I envision being decided late or in extra time, I believe the prudent move is to lay the reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 goals. Ottawa enters off a 4-0 home loss to Washington, while the Isles return home after a 3-1 road win over the Stars. Overall the Sens average 3.19 GPG and they allow 3.89. Note that Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson has a very respectable 2.52 lifetime GAA vs. the Isles in 18 match ups. The Isles are averaging 2.83 GPG and they’re allowing 2.71. NY net minder Tomas Greiss is 3-1 with a 3.48 GAA lifetime vs. Ottawa.

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but Ottawa is 3-1 (+2 units) in its last four when playing with three or more days rest, while New York is already 0-3 (-3.1 units) this season in the same position. Lay the price, grab the 1.5 goals.

10* play

The set-up: I think the home side has a legitimate shot at winning this one outright. That said, I’ll recommend laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance in the end. Could you fault the Jets for looking past their lowly opponent today after winning six of their last seven? The Canucks though have quietly been dominating themselves of late by going 3-1 on their current home stand. In a contest which I envision being decided late or even in extra time, the hot/hungry home side is the correct call here in my opinion. 

The pick: The Canucks have actually going 6-1-1 in their last eight behind an improved defense which has allowed two goals only twice in its past seven games. Play on the Canucks puck line.

8*

The set-up: While the outright win isn’t out of the question here, I’m going to lay this very reasonable price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance. Both teams come in off victories. St. Louis enters off a satisfying 1-0 road win over the Jets, while Vancouver comes in off a 5-3 home win over Nashville. The Canucks average 2.84 GPG and they allow 3.42. St. Louis is averaging 2.85 GPG and it’s allowing 3.22. 

The pick: These two horrible teams are pretty evenly matched, but note that Vancouver is 3-1 (+2.9 units) in its last four after a win by two goals or more, while St. Louis is just 3-4 (-2 units) this season after scoring one goal or less in its previous outing. Play on the Canucks on the puck line.

10* play

The set-up: I’m expecting a very competitive battle. This is the end of a six-game road trip for the Canucks and they’ll be determined to end strong. Overall Vancouver is averaging 3.1 GPG and allowing 3.5. Minnesota enters off a 5-2 home loss to Washington and it’s so far averaging 3.1 GPG and allowing 2.7.

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but Vancouver is already 4-2 (+5.7 units) this year after a loss by two goals or more in its previous outing. In a contest that’s going to be decided late or in extra time, lay the price for the 1.5 goals.

The set-up: Has there been any bigger surprise than the Vancouver Canucks this season? No team has done more with less. Buffalo enters off a 6-5 OT win over the Habs, but with a game against Tampa Bay on Monday, it’s not too hard to imagine the home side looking past its lowly non-conference opponent this afternoon. The Canucks are off an 8-5 win at Boston and are 5-2 on the overall. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Buffalo is just 2-7 in its last nine after scoring six goals or more in an OT victory in its previous outing. Lay the price for the 1.5 goals “puck line.” 10*

The set-up: This game is being played in Finland. The Jets took the first game yesterday by a score of 4-2, but I think that 2-7 Florida will bounce back here and find a way to score the minor upset. Previous to come to Helsinki Winnipeg had lost three of four. 

The pick: This game features two back up goaltenders, so that department is a “wash.” Interesting to note though that Florida is 6-2 in its last eight after allowing four goals or more in its previous contest and playing the second game of a back-to-back. I’m banking on the desperate Panthers to find a way to get the job done. Lay the bigger price for the extra 1.5 goals.

The set-up: I believe the overall situation favors the Knights so much in this one, that I do indeed have no issues at all in laying this larger price. After three straight wins the Senators have now lost two straight. But with much more “winnable” games upcoming at Arizona and then a home and home set with Buffalo, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught “looking ahead.” Vegas has struggled as well this season after its Cinderella run last year, but after back-to-back losses to Vancouver and TB and with a tough road game starting in Nashville on Tuesday, I expect the home side to leave everything it has on the ice this evening.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but the Knights are 7-2 in their last nine home games following a two games or more losing streak. Lay the -1.5.

The set-up: Both teams have been decent to open the season, but I think the Avs are worth the price of admission here. Colorado comes in off a tough 1-0 home loss to the Lightning, so they’ll be looking to make the most of this opportunity before embarking on a tough road trip starting tomorrow night in Minnesota. Ottawa on the other hand saw its three game unbeaten streak come to an end in a 4-1 setback to Boston in its last outing (the end of a six-game home stretch) and everything points to a letdown here in the opener of this extended road trip as well.

The pick: And take it for what you will, but Colorado is 7-2 in its last nine home games after being shutout in its previous contest. Lay the -1.5.

The set-up: This sets up great for a home side blowout. The Rangers are in action on Tuesday night at home in a tough match-up with the Avs. I believe the visitors come in “dog tired” here. Washington on the other hand has been off for four nights and it’ll be eager to get back on track here after back-to-back losses, most recently a 4-2 home loss to the Leafs.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but the Capitals are 11-4 in their last 15 home games in which they are a favorite in the -250 to -400 range. Lay the 1.5 goals and expect a rout!

The set-up: This one sets up great from a situational stand-point. The Golden Knights are in Washington to take on the Capitals in re-match of last year’s Stanley Cup Final and will clearly be “gassed” here. The Knights will be using their back-up goaltender and they’ve not looked nearly as explosive this year, clearly suffering from a “hang-over” after last season’s epic debut season. Pittsburgh on the other hand can’t be too happy at 1-2. It beat Washington 7-6 in OT in its Opener, before then falling 5-1 to Montreal two nights later. But the Pens have had four whole nights off to absorb that set-back and prepare for this one.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Pittsburgh is 8-3 in its last 11 home games as a favorite in the -150 to -300 range. This one has “blowout” written all over it. Play on the Pens on the “puck line.”

The set-up: Edmonton’s played one game and it lost 5-2 in New Jersey. The Oilers got off to a terrible start last season and they’ll be risking life and limb today to try and get back to .500. Boston opened with a 7-0 loss to the Capitals, but it’s since reeled off back-to-back victories. With a game at home against rival Detroit on Saturday, I think the home side could be caught “looking past” its lowly non-conference opponent.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Edmonton is 7-2 in its last nine when playing a road game after having two or more nights off. Play on the Oilers on the “puck line.”

The set-up: The Maple Leafs survived a scare on Opening Night with a 3-2 OT victory over Montreal and it’s had two whole nights off to prepare for this one. The Leafs will be leaving everything on the line tonight, because tomorrow they embark on a tough five-game road trip starting in Chicago. Ottawa on the other hand comes in off a disheartening 4-3 OT loss to the Blackhawks at home and with a tough game in Boston on Monday, I think the visitors also get caught looking ahead here.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Toronto is 7-2 in its last nine home games as a favorite in the -200 to -300 range. Lay the 1.5 goals and expect a rout.

analysis coming

The set-up: The Bruins shocked the Lightning in Game 1 of their semifinal series, 6-2. However, Tampa Bay has won three straight since, putting Boston on the verge of elimination as the teams take the ice this Sunday afternoon at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos tied the contest in the third period of Game 4 and defenseman Dan Girardi tipped home the game-winner in overtime, as the Lightning rallied for a 4-3 victory Friday to give themselves a chance to finish their second series in five games. The Bruins have not recorded an even-strength goal since Game 2, after scoring twice with the man advantage and once short-handed during the rally that gave them a 3-2 lead in the third period Friday, before folding.

Boston: Not only is Boston down 3-1 in the series but defenseman Torey Krug, who has 12 points in 11 playoff games, suffered a left ankle injury after crashing into the boards feet first on Friday. He has been ruled out for the rest of the series, perhaps giving veteran blue liner Nick Holden a spot in the lineup. Left wing Brad Marchand had a pair of assists Friday and boasts eight points in the series (17 in the postseason), but has managed only seven shots on goal overall in the four games. Left wing Rick Nash, who has five goals and four assists in his last four playoff games at Tampa Bay, scored twice in Game 1 but has been held to one assist since.

Tampa Bay: The Lightning's top line is beginning to produce after a slow start to the series, as Nikita Kucherov scored on the power play and Stamkos had a goal for the second straight contest. “Our line has been talking a lot about wanting to have a better game,” Stamkos said of his unit that includes J.T. Miller. “Obviously, it’s not a matter of will. We knew eventually it was going to come.” Defenseman Victor Hedman did not have a point in the first playoff series, but has recorded five assists in the last four games against Boston to become the franchise’s postseason leader in that category (36).

The pick: Here's some really good news for Lightning fans. They return home for Game 5 on Sunday afternoon at Amalie Arena with history on their side, as no Lightning team has ever blown a 3-1 lead in the playoffs and the Bruins are 0-23 in series they trailed 3-1. What's more, Boston will have to stay alive without arguably their best defenseman in Torey Krug (see above). The Lightning's quick dismissal of New Jersey in the opening round gave them a full week of rest before this series and if they can dispatch the Bruins on Sunday, they can rest again, with all the other series going at least six games. It all sounds juts "too good" for me. “Desperate hockey,” explained Boston center Patrice Bergeron of the mindset for Sunday. “You know we’ve shown character all year. You know I’ve spoken about the resilience in this room, so it’s time to show it.” Take the 1 1/2 goals and make Boston a 6* play.

The set-up: The Nashville Predators were an 8-seed in the West last season but made an impressive Stanley Cup run that didn't end until Game 6 of the Finals! Nashville built off last year's playoff success and entered this year's playoffs as the team with the most points (117) of any NHL club during the regular season. The Winnipeg Jets entered the Stanley Cup playoffs as a legitimate championship contender, after putting together the greatest regular season in franchise history by going 52-20-10. The team's 114 points did fall three shy of that of the Central Division-winning Nashville Predators but the Jets accumulated more points than any other NHL team save the Preds! The two Central Division rivals combined for 231 points during fantastic regular seasons, setting up what is expected to be an entertaining Western Conference semifinal. The Nashville Predators will host the Winnipeg Jets in the series opener tonight, after finishing 3-1-1 against them in the regular season. Each team owns one victory on road ice and the two combined for 41 goals in those five games, a testament to the offensive firepower on both rosters considering both teams have Vezina Trophy finalists in Pekka Rinne of the Predators and Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck.

Winnipeg: The Jets had four players finish with 60-plus points, including the NHL co-leader in assists (Blake Wheeler had 68) and the second-highest goal scorer in the league (Patrik Laine had 44). Winnipeg smothered Minnesota in the opening round with waves of offense, getting three points or more from seven players in the five games, led by four goals and an assist from center Mark Scheifele and a pair of goals from Laine along with defenseman Tyler Myers. Hellebuyck did not face tremendous pressure for large stretches of the series but even though he was pulled from Game 3 he still finished with a .924 save percentage and a 1.93 goals against average. After the Wild won Game 3 by a 6-2 score, Hellebuyck posted back-to-back shutout victories, 2-0 and 5-0.

Nashville: The Predators finished the regular season with eight players recording 40 or more points, including a pair of defensemen (Roman Josi and P.K. Subban). Forsberg lead the team with 64 points and Arvidsson led with 26 goals. Nashville had to go six games before eliminating Colorado, doing so emphatically Sunday with a 5-0 decision that included Pekka Rinne's fourth career playoff shutout and three points for the first time in 81 postseason games for center Nick Bonino. One aspect Nashville hopes to improve on from its first-round victory over Colorado is its second line, as Fiala, center Kyle Turris and forward Craig Smith combined for just five points. Forward Austin Watson and center Colton Sissons were fantastic in the first round, combining for seven goals and 14 points, while Rinne shook off a rough performance in Game 3 to stop 140-of-154 shots on goal (.909 SP).

The pick: As befits a matchup of the teams with the league's top point totals, there simply isn't much difference across the board. The Jets were second in the NHL in goals and the Predators were seventh. Nashville was second in the league in fewest goals allowed and Winnipeg was fifth. I'm taking the 1 1/2 goals and making Winnipeg a 6* play.

The set-up:The Toronto Maple Leafs have faced series' deficits of 2-0 and 3-1 against the Boston Bruins but the Maple Leafs staved off elimination with a 4-3 win at Boston in Game 5, before prevailing 3-1 on Monday night. Toronto has not won a postseason series since 2004 but the Maple Leafs can end that a streak tonight when they visit the Boston Bruins in a winner-take-all Game 7 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. It appeared the Bruins would make it a short series after winning the opening two games by a combined 12-4 but the Bruins now find themselves in a Game 7.

Toronto: Frederik Andersen entered the series with a 10-1-0 record against Boston, but he was pierced early and often before turning in superb performances in the past two outings, making 42 saves in Game 5 and turning aside 32 of 33 shots in Game 6. Mitch Marner is riding the momentum of a stellar series, delivering the tie-breaking score Monday to give him two goals and six assists during a five-game point streak. Leo Komarov is ready to return after sitting out four games but coach Mike Babcock will wait until Wednesday to make a decision on him.

Boston: The Bruins insist they remain confident. “If anybody would have told us at the start of the year that we’d be going into a Game 7 in the first round at home, we would have taken it," Boston forward Brad Marchand said. "Whatever has happened in the last six games doesn’t mean anything. ... It’s going to be a challenge. They’re a great team and they’ve played really well in this series. It’s gonna be fun and we’re looking forward to it.” Boston's top line of Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak amassed a staggering 20 points in the first two games of the series, but the unit has been held off the scoresheet in each of the three losses while posting a minus-16 in those games.

The pick: The last time Original Six rivals Boston and Toronto met in the postseason, the Bruins needed a miraculous comeback in the final minutes of Game 7 before ousting the Maple Leafs in OT. Now, five years later, Toronto was in position of needing a miracle comeback of its own, trailing this best-of-seven series 3-1 heading into Saturday's Game 5 at Boston's TD Garden. However, the Maple Leafs needed to only look to the past for inspiration, as they also trailed the series 3-1 in 2013, before winning Games 5 and 6 only to become the first team in history to cough up a three-goal third-period lead in Game 7 ( blew a two-goal lead in the final 90 seconds!). This series has been eerily reminiscent of that 2013 meeting. Why should it end differently than five years ago? After converting on 5 of 10 power plays in the first two games, Boston is 1-for-9 on the power play over the past four games. What's more, while Toronto's Andersen has been 'lights out' the last two games, note that Boston goalie ruins G Tuukka Rask is 5-12 in elimination games.I took the Maple Leafs in Game 5 and in Game 6, saying " this series is headed back to Boston for a Game 7." Why should I back off here? I will slightly though, by taking the 1 1/2 goals and making Toronto a 6* play.

The set-up: The Boston Bruins blew a chance at capturing the East's No. 1 seed when they lost a home contest to the Panthers in the team's final game of the regular season. However, The Bruins regrouped quickly and won the first two games of their series with the Maple Leafs, 5-1 and 7-3. The series shifted to Toronto for Game 3, where the Maple Leafs were able to reverse the momentum of the series with a 4-2 home win on Monday night. Toronto had a chance to level the best-of-seven series in Game 4 on Thursday night but come to Boston for Saturday's Game 5 lamenting a missed opportunity in Thursday's 3-1 setback, despite the Bruins playing without the team's top-line center, Patrice Bergeron (he was a late-scratch with an upper body injury).

Toronto: The Maple Leafs will receive a boost with the return of center Nazem Kadri, a 32-goal scorer during the regular season who received a three-game suspension for a dangerous hit on Boston's Tommy Wingels in the series opener. Kadri's return will mean a demotion for Tomas Plekanec, who scored the team's only goal Thursday (but it was his first since he was acquired from Montreal). Auston Matthews had 63 points in 62 regular season games this year but has just one goal in teh series, being held off the scoresheet in three of the four games. The team's leading goal score, van Riensdyk (36), has a modest two goals in the series, his only points.

Boston: Bergeron, who is up for his fifth Selke Trophy as the game's best defensive forward, collected five assists in the first two games but with Riley Nash taking his place, Brad Marchand scored a goal and David Pastrnak continued his brilliant play with two assists to bump his series point total up to 11. Bergeron skated on his own Friday, which was called a "positive" by head coach Bruce Cassidy, who said he will make a decision on the four-time Selke Trophy winner's status at Saturday's morning skate. Goaltender Tuukka Rask has been overshadowed by the offensive exploits through much of the series but he answered the call in Game 4 by turning aside 31 of 32 shots in what Marchand termed a "phenomenal game. He’s one of the best goalies in the world and he gives us an opportunity to win every night.”

The pick: The last time Original Six rivals Boston and Toronto met in the postseason, the Bruins needed a miraculous comeback in the final minutes of Game 7 before ousting the Maple Leafs in overtime. Five years later, Toronto is in position of needing a miracle comeback of its own, trailing this best-of-seven series 3-1 heading into Saturday's Game 5 at Boston's TD Garden. The Maple Leafs can look to the past for inspiration, as they also trailed the series 3-1 in 2013, before blowing a two-goal lead in the final 90 seconds of Game 7! Take the 1 1/2 goals and make Toronto an 8* play.

The set-up: The Boston Bruins were the best team in hockey for a long stretch of the season but with the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference there for the taking at home last Sunday against the Panthers, Boston lost 4-2. In fact, the Bruins lost four of their final five games, including that season-ending loss to Florida. However, they showed no carry-over effects from their late-season slump in their playoff opener. The Bruins turned in a dominating performance (40 shots on goal) in a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. Toronto's chances of earning a split in Boston and climbing back into the series received a jarring setback when 32-goal scorer Nazem Kadri was handed a three-game suspension Friday for a dangerous hit on Bruins forward Tommy Wingels in the third period. The 49-26-7 Toronto Maple Leafs finished 3rd in Atlantic, led by an offense which averaged 3.29 GPG (4th).

Toronto: Head coach Mike Babcock shuffled three of his four lines at Friday's practice, anticipating the suspension of Kadri. Former overall No. 1 pick Auston Matthews missed 20 games to injury in his second season but still finished second on the team with 34 goals (points) and showed no rust in his return from a month-long absence, collecting at least one point in his final nine games. However, he, along with his teammates, were quiet in Game 1. Kadri was expected to be a big key for Toronto and his absence will hurt. Frederik Andersen is a quality goalie and went 38-21-5 during the regular season (2.81 GAA & .918 SP). However, he was peppered with 40 shots and allowed five goals in Game 1 (.875 SP).

Boston: The Bruins were clearly slumping at the wrong time but they were superb in Game 1. After all, they still finished with 112 points, won at least four straight on five different occasions and amassed an 18-game point streak. Boston's No. 1 line has set the tone all season and little changed in Game 1 as David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron combined for six points, with Pastrnak scoring once and setting up a pair of goals. Bergeron, Brad Marchand (team-high 85 points) and David Pastrnak (team-high 35 goals) each scored at least 30 goals aduring the regular season. Former Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask put together point streaks of 21 (19-0-2) and 11 games (10-0-1) but entered the playoffs having lost his last three starts, including that very important game last Sunday to Florida on home ice. He was sure fine in Game 1, stopping 26 of 27 shots (.963 SP).

The pick: I'm not ready to bury the Maple Leafs just yet. Frederick Andersen entered the season a perfect 9-0-0 against Boston and won two of three matchups this season, surrendering a combined eight goals.He was far from at his best in Game 1 but it was hardly all his fault. I'm going to again take the 1 1/2 goals (I did in Game 1, as well) with Toronto and make them an 8* play.

The set-up: The 49-26-7 Toronto Maple Leafs (3rd in Atlantic) will open their seven-game first round series with the 50-20-12 Boston Bruins (2nd in the Atlantic) Thursday night at the TD Garden. The high-scoring Maple Leafs (3.29 GPG ranks 4th), will present a tough test for Boston, as they won three of four against Bruins this season and pushed top-seeded Washington to six games a year ago. "We're just not happy to be here," Toronto coach Mike Babcock said. "The guys got a real belief in the room. They've earned the right, because of the way the season's gone, to feel like that. So, I think that's a little bit different feeling than we had at this time (last year)." Boston was the best team in hockey for a long stretch of the season but with the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference there for the taking at home last Sunday against the Panthers, Boston lost 4-2. In fact, the Bruins lost four of their final five games, including that season-ending loss to Florida.

Toronto: Former overall No. 1 pick Auston Matthews missed 20 games to injury in his second season but still finished second on the team with 34 goals (points) and showed no rust in his return from a month-long absence, collecting at least one point in his final nine games. A big key for Toronto could be the No. 2 line centered by Nazem Kadri, who matched a career best with 32 goals and is joined by veteran Patrick Marleau (27 goals) and second-year forward Mitch Marner, the team's leading scorer with 69 points. Frederik Andersen is a quality goalie and went 38-21-5 during the regular season (2.81 GAA & .918 SP).

Boston: The Bruins clearly slumped at the wrong time in the season's final five games but they still finished with 112 points, won at least four straight on five different occasions and amassed an 18-game point streak. The Bruins have been one of the NHL's better defensive teams (2.57 GPG allowed ranks 4th) but they alos own more than enough offensive firepower. The No. 1 line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand (team-high 85 points) and David Pastrnak (team-high 35 goals) saw each score at least 30 goals and were the team's top three point producers. Forward Rick Nash, acquired in a blockbuster trade with the New York Rangers, practiced for the last two days after missing the final 12 games due to a concussion and is expected back in the lineup. Former Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask put together point streaks of 21 (19-0-2) and 11 games (10-0-1) but enters having lost his last three starts, including that very important game last Sunday to Florida on home ice.

The pick: Speaking of home ice, the Bruins went an impressive 28-8-5 at home this season, averaging 3.59 GPG. However, Frederik Toronto's Frederik Andersen entered the season a perfect 9-0-0 against Boston and won two of three matchups this season, surrendering a combined eight goals. Meanwhile, not only has Rask stumbled in his last three starts (allowing 11 goals) but he has just one win in his last six starts against the Maple Leafs the last two seasons. Take the 1 1/2 goals and make Toronto a 6* play.

The set-up: The Sedin twins - Daniel and Henrik - play their final game when the Vancouver Canucks visit the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. The Sedins provided the Vancouver faithful with a lasting memory when Daniel scored twice, including the winner in overtime, and Henrik assisted on both as the Canucks defeated Arizona 4-3 on Thursday at an emotion-filled Rogers Arena. The Sedins, who played with dignity, style and grace for 17 seasons - all with the Canucks, announced their retirement Monday before providing a storybook ending to the home portion of their careers. The question to be answered here is, can they deliver an encore performance tonight in Edmonton, against the Oilers? Edmonton, like Vancouver, will miss the playoffs in a season in which many believed it could contend for the Stanley Cup. The Oilers finished with 103 points last season but will play their final game of the current season at 35-40-6, giving them only 76 points.

Vancouver: Daniel Sedin shares the team lead in points (55) with rookie Brock Boeser (team-high 29 goals), who has been out since March 5 because of a back injury. Henrik is third with 50 points and his 830 career assists - including a club-high 47 this season - are good for 26th on the NHL's all-time list. Both Sedins have bedeviled Edmonton for nearly 20 years. Henrik has 17 goals and 67 assists in 95 games, while Daniel has 37 goals and 47 assists in 92 games.

Edmonton: The lone highlight for the Oilers this season will be Connor McDavid winning his second straight Art Ross Trophy as the league's top point-getter. His 106 points (41 goals) give him a sizable lead in the Art Ross race. "I don't think anybody is missing the fact that he's been a dominant player, night in and night out,'' Edmonton head coach Todd McLellan told reporters about McDavid. "The odd, tough game when you have to really fight through that checking line or that checking pair, but man, he's been a tremendous spark plug for our team and most of our offense runs through him." McDavid had three assists in Thursday's 4-3 victory over Vegas, giving him 14 goals and 21 assists in his last 20 games.

The pick: Vancouver has won two of the first three meetings this season with the Sedins combining for a goal (Daniel) and two assists. Daniel's 37 regular-season goals versus Edmonton are his most against any team. Let's stick with the "storybook ending" and take the 1 1/2 goals and make Vancouver an 8* play.

The set-up: The St. Louis Blues have lost four straight and at 43-31-6 on the season, find themselves against the ropes in a bid to secure the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The Blues have 92 points, one point behind the Avalanche for the final wild-card spot. St. Louis' most recent loss saw Chicago storm back from a two-goal deficit for a 4-3 victory. Defenseman Duncan Keith scored in the final seconds to complete the comeback and weaken the Blues' playoff chances. St. Louis goaltender Jake Allen took the blame for the loss (more later). The Blues play tonight in Chicago and then finish the season with a Saturday road game in Colorado. The 33-37-10 Blackhawks have just three wins in their last 10 outings (3-5-2), as they head toward their first spring without a playoff appearance since 2007-08. However, the team did address its future on Thursday by announcing that senior vice president/general manager Stan Bowman and head coach Joel Quenneville will remain in their current positions next season.

St. Louis: Vladimir Tarasenko joined Brayden Schenn by scoring and setting up a goal on Wednesday in the loss to the Blackhawks. Tarasenko has a team-high 33 goals but his 66 points are one behind team leader, Schenn. Schenn continued his career season with 10 points in his last 12 games, boosting his personal-best totals in goals (27), assists (40) and points (67). Getting back to Allen taking the blame for the loss, other Blues players said nerves might have played a role. "If you're going to play nervous, then you better play smart," St. Louis coach Mike Yeo said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It (stinks), but at the end of the day, we have to stay positive," Blues center Brayden Schenn said. "Two-game winning streak here to get into the postseason." Allen is expected to get another chance in net Friday for St. Louis. The 27-year-old is 27-24-3 with a 2.74 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 58 games (55 starts) on the season

Chicago: Tonight's contest at the United Center is the finale of the home-and-home series. Rookie Alex DeBrincat, who had a hat trick in a 5-4 overtime loss to St. Louis on March 18, scored and set up a goal on Wednesday to boost his point total to 10 (six goals, four assists) in his past nine games. DeBrincat's owns a team-leading 28 goals are one more than former Hart Trophy recipient Patrick Kane, who has a team-leading 74 points. Jonathan Toews has 52 points (as does DeBrincat), while Nick Schmaltz has 51 points (21 goals).

The pick: St. Louis has won five of its last seven trips to the United Center (including the postseason) but knowing it can make the playoffs by winning tomorrow night in Colorado, make teh Blues a shaky investment in this contest. Allen is expected to be in net for the Blues and he is 8-5-1 with a 2.53 GAA and .915 save percentage. However, he also comes in winless in his last four contests. The Blackhawks have been eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in a decade but it is safe to assume that a pride-filled Chicago roster will energized (as will be the crowd) at the possibility of crushing the postseason hopes of its longtime division rival. "It'd be nice to see them miss the playoffs," Blackhawks right winger Patrick Kane said to the Chicago Sun-Times this week. "So it'd be nice to have a hand in that." Take the 1 1/2 goals and make Chicago a 6* play.

The set-up: The New Jersey Devils completed a 3-0-1 homestand with Saturday's 4-3 triumph over the New York Islanders. The victory moved the 41-28-9 Devils five points ahead of Florida for the second wild card and pulled it within one of Philadelphia for the first spot with four games remaining. New Jersey hopes to tighten its hold on a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference when they Devils visit the 28-38-12 Montreal Canadiens on Sunday. The Canadiens won the Atlantic Division with 103 points last season but the team's 68 points this season, are better than only two other clubs in the 16-team Eastern Conference.

New Jersey: Taylor Hall, a candidate for the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, continued his torrid pace Saturday as he scored twice to increase his career-high totals to 36 goals and 88 points while helping the Devils climb within three points of Columbus for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Will Butcher notched a pair of assists against the Islanders to set the franchise record for most by a rookie defenseman (39). Kyle Palmieri had his three-game goal-scoring streak snapped Saturday but registered an assist to extend his point run to four contests before leaving midway through the third period after being clipped under his eye by the stick of captain Andy Greene. Blake Coleman scored the team's 11th short-handed goal of the season Saturday, tying it with Edmonton for the league lead.

Montreal: The Canadiens are kicking off a two-game homestand, before ending the season with a pair of contests on the road. Montreal dropped a 5-2 decision at Pittsburgh on Saturday, marking its third loss to the Penguins in 17 days.Brendan Gallagher recorded two assists against Pittsburgh to extend his point streak to five games (he's reached the 50-point plateau for the first time in his career with 51). Defenseman David Schlemko returned to the lineup Saturday after missing 12 games with an upper-body injury and blocked two shots while posting a minus-2 rating in 17 minutes, 17 seconds of ice time.
Goaltender Carey Price is expected to start for the Canadiens and he comes in 16-24-6 with a 3.07 GAA and .902 SP..

The pick: Both the Devils and the Canadiens will be playing the second of back-to-back games but only the Devils have something to play for. What's more, the Devils are 20-14-5 on the road this season, tied for the third-most victories away from home in the Eastern Conference behind only the Tampa Bay Lighting (25) and the Boston Bruins (22). That said, the Devils are allowing 3.10 GPG on the road this season, while the Cnadiens have been OK on home ice, going 18-13-8. I'm taking the 1 1/2 goals and will make Montreal a 6* play.

The set-up: The surging Washington Capitals are the two-time reigning Presidents' Trophy winners. The Caps won't earn that distinction in 2018 but they are closing in on their third consecutive Metropolitan Division title. The 46-24-7 Capitals are five points ahead of the two-time defending champion Penguins (99-to-94 points), as they look to extend their winning streak to a season-high six games tonight, when they host the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina's playoff hopes unraveled after the Hurricanes lost 11 of 14 starting in mid-February and now, even if they win their final five games, they will be mathematically eliminated from contention if New Jersey earns one point over its last five games (Good night, nurse!).

Carolina: The Hurricanes saw their three-game winning streak end Tuesday night in a 4-3 loss at New Jersey. Noah Hanifin, Phillip Di Giuseppe and Warren Foegele scored for the Hurricanes, and Scott Darling made 41 saves. Forward Phillip Di Giuseppe has come alive by netting three goals and setting up three others in the past four contests, after managing just one goal and one assist in an 18-game span. He owns just five goals and five assists in 44 games. The team's top-two scorers are Aho (27 goals and 63 points) and Teravainen (23 goals and 61 points). Rookie Warren Foegele has scored in each of his first two NHL games but he was sent back to Charlotte of the American Hockey League on Thursday.

Washington: The Caps completed a home-and-home sweep of the New York Rangers on Wednesday night (3-2 OT win) to improve to 9-1-0 over their last 10 games With Philipp Grubauer ailing, Washington needed Braden Holtby to come up with a solid effort and he delivered with 35 saves against New York. However, it marked only the second time in 11 starts that Holtby has yielded fewer than three goals. Alex Ovechkin leads with 45 goals and 83 points plus Nicklas Backstrom has eight assists during a three-game point streak and is four shy of reaching 50 for the fifth straight season (19 goals and 46 assists).

The pick: Carolian will certainly fall short of the playoffs but the Hurricanes did skate to a 3-1 victory in their last visit to Washington on Jan. 11.As noted above, Holtby has been far from great in goal as of late for Washington, while veteran Cam Ward has won his last three starst for Caroina. I'll take teh 1 1/2 goals and make the Hurricanes an 8* play.

The set-up: The Anaheim Ducks have dropped outside of the playoff picture in the Western Conference in the wake of a three-game losing streak. The 34-24-12 Ducks have 80 points and were on a nine-game point streak at home prior to Monday's 4-2 loss to St. Louis, which dropped them below the top eight teams in the West and behind third-place Los Angeles in the Pacific Division. The Ducks hope to get back on track tonight when they welcome the 25-36-9 Vancouver Canucks to the Honda Center. Vancouver limps in having lost all four games since rookie sensation Brock Boeser suffered a back injury. The Canucks have been shut out in back-to-back contests and have managed only three goals during the four-game slide since Boeser and his 29 goals were lost for at least a month.

Vancouver: The Canucks' 59 points are better than only Arizona (57) and Buffalo (56) in the entire league. Clearly, the absence of Boeser has stalled the offense and head coach Travis Green acknowledged the team's psyche has been dented by the lack of scoring. "It's going to weigh on them," Green said. Daniel Sedin is second on the team with 47 points (Boeser leads with 55) but has cooled off with one assist in the last five games. His brother Henrik has 43 points, although just two goals.

Anaheim: The Ducks are also struggling to put the puck in the net, having scored just five times during the team's three-game slide. Forward Ondrej Kase (17 goals & 31 points) is in a 'deep freeze,' having been held off the scoresheet in 10 straight contests, following a stretch in which he pumped in six goals in seven games. Center Ryan Getzlaf (10 goals & 51 points) registered an assist in the loss to St. Louis and is riding a six-game point streak, collecting a pair of goals and 11 assists in that span. The Ducks' leading goal scorer is Rickard Rakel (31 goals).

The pick: Anaheim has won its last three meetings over Vancouver by a combined 13-2 margin but entering this game, neither team is scoring. With leading scorer Brock Boeser sidelined for the rest of the season with a back injury, the Canucks lack the offensive depth to threaten playoff contenders. Anaheim is clearly a playoff contender but I'm far from confident after the team's latest efforts. Take the 1 1/2 goals and make Vancouver an 8* play.

The set-up: The 30-32-6 NY Rangers have 66 points and find themselves last in the Metropolitan Division, 10 points out of the East's final wild card spot. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are 14-3-1 over their last 18 games and at 33-25-7, the team's 73 points now have them just three points shy of that final wild card spot. The Panthers will host the Rangers on Saturday, looking to record a franchise-record eighth straight home win .

NY Rangers: After earning 102 points last season, New York's fortunes have been far from very positive this season. The Rangers have made the playoffs in each of the past seven seasons but appear destined to miss out at this year. They have lost nine of their past 12 games and raised the white flag of surrender last month when they traded many of their stars in exchange for draft picks, young players and hope for the future. Among the players traded away were star defenseman Ryan McDonagh and top-six forwards J.T. Miller, Michael Grabner and Rick Nash. However, Ryan Spooner is making quite the impression as he continued his torrid stretch on Thursday with a goal and two assists. He has 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in six games since being acquired from Boston on Feb. 25. Fellow forward Kevin Hayes scored and set up a goal versus the Lightning in a 5-3 Thursday loss, boosting his career-high goal total to 19 this season and his point total to 14 (eight goals, six assists) in his past 14 games.

Florida: The Panthers have sizzled since the All-Star break. Roberto Luongo turned aside all 40 shots he faced in Thursday's 5-0 romp over Montreal to improve his save percentage to .938 in his last 19 games. Evgenii Dadonov and fellow forward Vincent Trocheck each scored and set up a goal, giving the former 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in his past 13 games while the latter has 12 (eight goals, four assists) in that stretch. Frank Vatrano has been sidelined since Feb. 6 with a high-ankle sprain but is expected to make his debut with his new team on Saturday. Vatrano was acquired from the Bruins on Feb. 22 for a third-round pick. Vatrano is expected to be paired on the team's second line with Jonathan Huberdeau (career-best 21 goals) and Trocheck (team-leading 26 goals).

The pick: No doubt that the Panthers are the better (hotter) team right now but the Rangers own a 10-2-2 mark against the Panthers since the start of the 2013-14 season. Also, Henrik Lundqvist (the 2012 Vezina Trophy recipient), sports a 17-5-1 mark with two shutouts in his last 24 appearances versus Florida. Take the 1 1/2 goals and make the Rangers an 8* play.

The set-up: The Edmonton Oilers were expected to be among the top contenders for the Pacific Division title, coming off a 103-point season last year. In contrast, the expansion Vegas Golden Knights were a great unknown, with little expected of them. However, lo and behold, when the teams square off Thursday night in Las Vegas, the 23-28-4 Oilers find themselves a staggering 28 points behind the division-leading 37-15-4 Golden Knights. The fortunes of each team were on display in their respective most recent games. Vegas scored four unanswered goals in the third period of a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to improve to an NHL-best 20-4-2 at home. Conversely, Edmonton surrendered four third-period goals to visiting Florida in a 7-5 loss on Monday. As the saying goes, "Go figure!"

Edmonton: The loss to Florida was Edmonton's fourth consecutive defeat. "It's frustrating for everyone in this room and the coaching staff," Oilers forward Patrick Maroon said after the game. "Everyone is not happy with our results of late." Cam Talbot, who has lost three starts in a row and saw his goals-against average rise to a career-worst 3.17 after he was beaten six times in Monday's loss to Florida, pointed the finger squarely at himself. "I'd say about four of them I'd like to have back," Talbot said. "Any time you go out and score five goals, you should win a game every night. I didn't give us a chance to win tonight." Connor McDavid has eight tallies and four assists in the last six games, and is having another outstanding season (23 goals and 66 points) but his play has mattered little.

Vegas: David Perron scored one goal and set up another in Tuesday's victory to reach 50 points for the third time in his career (14 goals & 37 assists). Perron has been on a scoring spree over the past month, notching five goals and 12 assists over the past 13 games dating to Jan. 18. The Knights are also receiving scoring from an unexpected source in Ryan Carpenter, a waiver-wire pickup from San Jose, has all three of his goals in the last five games. William Karlsson owns a team-high 29 goals and Jonathan Marchessault owns a team-best 54 points. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is 17-6-2 (2.07 GAA & .932 SP) on the season.

The pick: Vegas is 13-1-1 against Pacific Division teams during its remarkable inaugural season but the fly in the ointment has been Edmonton. The Oilers who are 2-0 against the Golden Knights, winning 8-2 at Rogers Place on Nov. 14 (the worst loss in Vegas' short history) and 3-2 in overtime at T-Mobile Arena on Jan. 13. Take the 1 1/2 goals and make the Oilers an 8* play.

The set-up: The 25-17-5 Minnesota Wild will conclude a four-game homestand Monday with hopes of extending their point streak to six contests when they host the 15-20-9 Ottawa Senators. Minnesota is 2-0-1 on its current stretch at Xcel Energy Center, after improving to 3-0-2 in its last five overall with Saturday's 5-2 triumph over Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Ottawa looks to avoid a third straight loss after dropping a 4-3 home decision to Toronto on Saturday. Neither team is currently inside the playoff cut line, although the Wild's 55 points have them tied with the Avs and Kings for the West's final spot, with Colorado currently owning the tiebreaker. As for the Senators, their 39 points leave them 15th of 16 teams in the East, 14 points out of playoff consideration.

Ottawa: The Senators have lost three of four and have drifting out of the playoff picture. Reports surfaced this week that general manager Pierre Dorion is meeting privately with players in anticipation that the Senators will be sellers at the trade deadline, although head coach Guy Boucher would not elaborate on those conversations. "What we do inside is not something I talk about outside," Boucher said after Saturday's 4-3 home loss to Toronto. "Whether we talk to a few guys or whether we decide to ... that's internal stuff."
Boucher gave his players a day off practice on Sunday before the trip to Minnesota, not because he wanted to but because the Senators are such a mess of injuries that he wanted them to have as much rest as possible. Mark Stone notched a pair of assists in the 4-3 set backon Saturday to increase his team-leading total to 44 points, with 10 (three goals) coming in his last six contests.

Minnesota: Marcus Foligno ended a lengthy goal-scoring drought for the Wild in the win over the Lightning, tallying for the first time since Nov. 2, which halted a 33-game string of futility. Zach Parise recorded his first goal since returning from offseason back surgery on Saturday, giving him two points in eight contests this campaign. Veteran center Matt Cullen notched an assist versus the Lightning to end his six-game point drought and reach 700 for his career.

The pick: The Wild are unbeaten in regulation in their last eight at home (6-0-2) and have earned at least one point in 16 of their last 17 home games (13-1-3). However, I'm taking a shot with the Senators in this one, taking the 1 1/2 goals and making Ottawa an 8* play.

The set-up: Both the NY Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning failed to make the playoffs last season. However, both teams' strong starts make it look as if that won't be an issue here in the 2017-18 season. The Islanders have earned at least one point in five of their last six games (4-1-1) after grinding out a 5-4 shootout victory at Florida on Monday. New York sits at 16-8-2 and the team's 34 points has them in second-place in the Metropolitan Division, one point behind first-place Columbus. Things have not gone a smoothly lately for the Lightning, although they snapped out of a 2-4-0 mini-slump Saturday in a 5-2 victory over San Jose. Tampa Bay is 18-6-2 and its 38 point not only has them in first in the Atlantic Division but the Lightning are tied with Winnipeg for the most points in the NHL.

NY Islanders: Anders Lee extended his goal-scoring streak to four games in Monday's win with his fifth tally in that span and captain John Tavares netted his team-leading 17th, as New York won for the fifth time in its last six on the road. Josh Bailey notched an assist in Monday’s victory and leads the team with 31 points, including 13 in his last nine games, and Tavares is just one behind his linemate. Lee’s goal against Florida was his 100th in the NHL and defenseman Nick Leddy notched an assist to give him 12 points in his last 10 contests. Goalie Thomas Greiss (8-2-2, 3.61 GAA & .896 SP) sat out Monday’s win but will likely get the start after making 36 saves against Tampa Bay in mid-November to improve to 4-2-0 lifetime versus the Lightning.

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov moved onto the line with center Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat and tallied twice while Tyler Johnson was switched from third-line center to right wing with captain Steven Stamkos and Vladislav Namestnikov and scored a pair of goals Johnson’s two tallies snapped a 15-game goal-scoring drought during which he posted a minus-5 rating and registered 24 shots. “That’s how hockey goes,” Johnson told reporters. “Sometimes you get the chances and the bounces don’t go your way, and other times you kind of get those garbage goals that find a way to go in."

The pick: Andrei Vasilevskiy (17-4-1, 2.22 GAA & .932 SP) is expected to be in goal for Tamp Bay and as you can see, his numbers are significantly better than Greiss'. However, the Lightning were 15-2-2 the last time the Islanders visited Amalie Arena (Nov. 18), with New York skating away with a 5-3 victory. The Islanders have overtaken the Lightning as the league's top scoring team (New York averages 3.73 GPG and Tampa Bay, 3.62) and I'm taking the 1 1/2-goals. Make the Islanders a 6* play.

The set-up: The Arizona Coyotes are 2-13-2. giving them not only the worst record among all Western Conference teams but also the worst record in the entire NHL. They travel to St. Louis tonight to take on the Blues, owners of the West's best record at 12-3-1. The Blues' 25 points are just one shy of Atlantic Division leader Tampa Bay, which owns the NHL's best record at 12-2-2 (26 points). The Coyotes limp in 1-8-1 on the road so far, while the Blues are 6-1-0 at home plus come in 8-1-1 in their last 10 overall contests.

Ariziona: First-year Arizona head coach Rick Tocchet is trying to take a patient approach to the Coyotes' performance, looking for small ways that the team can improve. Does he have another option? "Been here a couple months and one thing I noticed, I don't want us to be a perimeter team," Tocchet told NHL.com after the Coyotes' most recent loss, 3-1 to the Penguins on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh. "You have to go to the net. You have to be good along the walls. That's something that we as an organization, we have to get better at. I have to teach it better because you can't win in this league unless you have people that go to the net or you win battles along the wall." Surely a bright spot has been the play of 19-year-old rookie Clayton Keller, who has scored 11 goals and contributed six assists. Only one other player on the team has scored more than three goals. No. 1 goaltender Antti Raanta has his work cut out for himself, as with Arizona's 2.4 goals per game ranking 29th in the league and its 28th-ranked penalty kill (only 75.0 percent), he rarely has any margin of error.

St. Louis: The Blues have won 12 of their first 16 games of a season for the first time in franchise history while the team's 25 points after that stretch ties a club record. Goalie Jake Allen has stepped up his game with a 5-1-0 mark, 1.84 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in his last six starts. Brayden Schenn, who will play in his 450th career game on Thursday, followed up a four-assist performance in St. Louis' 6-4 win over Toronto on Saturday by joining Vladimir Tarasenko with a three-point effort in a 3-1 triumph at New Jersey three nights later. "It's been fun, two guys with tons of skill," Schenn said of Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz, a line that has accounted for 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in the last two games.

The pick: The Blues outscored the Coyotes 10-2 en route to winning all three meetings last season, making the results of their head-to-head games in recent yearstotally one-sided. also have been one-sided. St. Louis has won 10 of its past 11 meetings with Arizona plus goalie Jake Allen has turned aside a staggering 174 of 181 shots (.961 SP) to record two shutouts and win all seven career encounters with teh Coyotes, Any chance here for Arizona? Antti Raanta stumbled out of the blocks in his 100th career game on Tuesday, yielding two goals in the first 3:07 of the contest before settling in for the night against the Penguins, in a 3-1 loss. However, he's faced 37 shots in each of his last two games, allowing a modest four goals, for .946 SP. I'm taking the 1 1/2 goals and making Arizona an 8* play.

The set-up: The expansion Vegas Golden Knights are 8-3-0, a record made more remarkable by the goaltender 'carousel' they've had to deal with. The Golden Knights will visit the TD Garden on Thursday night to play the 4-3-3 Boston Bruins, who have their own health issues of late. Both teams will be looking to snap two-game losing skids in tonight's contest. The Bruins wil be playing with revenge, as they lost in Las Vegas 3-1 back on Oct. 15.

Vegas: The Golden Knights left Nevada with an 8-1-0 overall mark, after finishing a 6-1-0 homestand. However, they were 0-2 in New York, losing 6-3 to the Islanders in Brooklyn on Monday after leading 2-1 late in the second period and then squandered a two-goal third-period lead and fell 6-4 to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Maxime Lagace became the fourth goaltender to start for the Golden Knights this season after turning aside 32 shots in a 6-4 loss at the New York Rangers on Tuesday. "I'm taking the experience in and I'm having fun with all of that. I wish we won (Tuesday) but it's going to be refocus for next game," said the 24-year-old Lagace, who made his second appearance and first NHL start after Marc-Andre Fleury (concussion), Malcolm Subban (lower body) and Oscar Dansk (lower body) were placed on injured reserve.

Boston: The Bruins are 1-0-3 over their last four games. Goalie Tuukka Rask has lost five straight, after falling in a shootout on Monday after his team rallied from three goals down to force overtime. The loss came two nights after Rask and the Bruins were stunned by a last-second overtime defeat that saw the Los Angeles Kings score off a faceoff in the Boston zone with nine-tenths of a second remaining. The Bruins have also been dealing with all kinds of injury and illness. It was announced on Wednesday that veteran David Backes is having surgery to remove part of his colon after his bout with diverticulitis. With David Krejci (back) still not on the ice for practice Wednesday, Jordan Szwarz was recalled from Providence of the American Hockey League. Zane McIntyre was recalled on an emergency basis because backup goalie Anton Khudobin is battling a lower-body injury.

The pick: Boston may actually have more issues than the Vegas and Rask, after winning his first start of the season, has gone 0-3-2 since. He has a 2.93 goals-against average and .898 save percentage. I'll take the 1 1/2 goals and make Vegas an 8* play.

The set-up: Connor McDavid was made the league's highest-paid player in the off-season (signed eight-year, $100 million contract) and wasted no time looking to prove he's worth every penny. He had seven shots on goal in the Oilers' season-opener Wednesday vs. Calgary, scoring all of the team's goals in a 3-0 win. Goalie Cam Talbot 'pitched' a 26-save shutout. The Oilers play their first road game of the season tonight in Vancouver, as the Canucks play their season-opener. Vancouver was 30-43-9 (7th in the Pacific Division), finishing with the second-fewest goals in the league. The Canucks produced just 11 goals in a season-ending eight-game losing streak.

Edmonton: The Oilers are a 'sexy' pick to win the West Conference this coming season and we saw nothing Wednesday to dull those expectations. Cam Talbot tied for the league lead with 42 wins last season and looked sharp in his 19th career shutout. "I would start the season with a win any day of the week -- the shutout is just an added bonus," Talbot said. "To play the way we did tonight defensively and to start out with a shutout is pretty special." Edmonton is predominantly a young team but the Oilers are setting their sights on a Stanley Cup after rebuilding largely through four first-overall draft picks that resulted from six mediocre seasons.

Vancouver: The Canucks opened last season with four straight victories (all at home) but it was all downhill from there. They followed that hot start by losing their next nine, en route to a last-place finish in the Pacific Division. Henrik and Daniel Sedin have enjoyed long and illustrious careers with Vancouver but the fact that the 37-year-old twins comprise the team's top line speaks volumes of the challenges awaiting the Canucks and new coach Travis Green. Bo Horvat was the only player to score 20 goals and joined Daniel Sedin as the only ones to eclipse 50 points. The Canucks will be looking for Markus Granlund and Sven Baertschi to continue their rise after notching career highs of 19 and 18 goals, respectively. Veterans Thomas Vanek and Sam Gagner were brought in to bolster the attack while the hope is that Loui Eriksson can rebound after dipping from 30 goals in 2015-16 to 11 last season. There is talent on the blue line, headed by Alexander Edler and youngsters Ben Hutton and Troy Stecher, but neither Jakob Markstrom nor Anders Nilsson has been proven to be a full-time starter in net.

The pick: OK, Edmonton is the far superior team but let's not forget, Vancouver opened last season with four straight wins. Deja vu here in October 2017? Take the 1 1/2 goals and make the Canucks a 6* play.

The set-up: The New York Rangers are coming off a third straight 100-point season but hope to do better than only reaching the second round of the playoffs, where they were upset by the Ottawa Senators in six games last spring. As for the Colorado Avalanche, they were so bad last season (22-56-4) that it's almost impossible for this season to be worse. The Avalanche managed just 48 points last season, the lowest total since the expansion Atlanta Thrashers totaled 39 points in the 1999-2000 season. The Avalanche finished last in the league in goals per game (2.01), goals allowed (3.37), power-play efficiency (12.6) and second to last on the penalty kill (77.3). The two teams will open their respective seasons against each other at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night in New York City.

Colorado: Clearly, there is nowhere for Colorado to go but up. Potential trade pieces Matt Duchene and captain Gabriel Landeskog remained with the club during last year's dismal campaign but let's see how they fare, this time around at the trade deadline. Mikko Rantanen's 20 goals led the way for Colorado, which needs more on the offensive front from former top overall picks Nathan MacKinnon (team-best 37 assists, 53 points) and Nail Yakupov (three goals) as well as second-overall selection Landeskog (18 goals). Colorado's former Vezina Trophy finalist Semyon Varlamov, who is returning from a hip surgery, will be put to the test in short order behind a leaky defense that yielded a league-worst 276 goals.

NY Rangers: New York (48-28-6, 4th in Metropolitan Division) boasts substantial depth as opposed to individual stars on offense, with Chris Kreider (club-high 28 goals), Mats Zuccarello (team-leading 44 assists, 59 points), Kevin Hayes (49 points) and Mika Zibanejad (37 points). The 33-year-old Rick Nash (23 goals) enters the final season of a four-year deal that pays the him $7.8 million. The biggest off-season changes for New York occurred with one trade designed to create cap space, dealing top center Derek Stepan and backup goaltender Antti Raanta to the Arizona Coyotes. The Rangers filled the hole left by Stepan from within the organization but had to sign former Winnipeg Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec to back up Lundqvist.The Rangers also signed smooth-skating free agent Kevin Shattenkirk to a four-year, $26.6 million contract to calm the waters following the off-season departure of respected defenseman Dan Girardi. Shattenkirk will make his official debut on Broadway, tonight. Speaking of Lundqvist, he endured his worst season last year since entering the NHL in 2005-06, so the Rangers are hoping Shattenkirk's presence helps fortify the defense and takes pressure off the veteran goaltender.

The pick: While it's easy to say "it can't get worse than last year for the Avalanche," we don't know that. However, I believe it will be better and as for the Rangers, a 100-point season may be beyond the team' reach in the top-heavy Metropolitan Division.. I'll take the 1 1/2 goals and make Colorado an 8* play.

The set-up: Were the defending Stanley Cup champs a little flat in Game 1 against Ottawa, after taking out the Presidents' Trophy-winning Caps in seven games? Flat or not, Pittsburgh fell to Ottawa in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals by the score of 2-1 in OT. Bobby Ryan set up Jean-Gabriel Pageau for the series-opening goal and then Pageau returned the favor on the Ryans overtime game-winner at 4:59 of OT. Ottawa is now 5-2 on the road this postseason. While Pittsburgh saw Evgeni Malkin register his league-leading 19th playoff point with his third-period goal, head coach Mike Sullivan insisted his team needs to generate more shots after mustering only 17 at even strength in the series opener.

Ottawa: Ryan had been taken to task for a career-worst regular-season point total of 25 (13 goals, 12 assists) but has erupted for 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the playoffs, with nine of them (four goals, five assists and three game-winning tallies) coming in seven road games. Pageau scored only 12 goals while playing in all 82 regular-season games but has a team-leading eight postseason goals, with seven coming in the last six contests! Craig Anderson stopped 27 of 28 shots in Saturday's Game 1 and is now 9-4 witha 2.37 GAA and .917 SP this postseason.

Pittsburgh: Captain Sidney Crosby ia as about as even keel as they come and commented bout the Game 1 loss saying, "There were some good looks there. They're not going to give you anything but we worked hard to get our chances and we've got to bury them whean we get them." The Penguins won 17-of-23 faceoffs in the third period of the series opener but was only able to tie the score. More troubling is the fact that Pittsburgh came up empty on five chances on the power play, extending its rut to 0-for-10 in the last three contests. Crosby only had two shots in 23:32 of ice time.

The pick: Yes, Pittsburgh is 5-0 in Game 2 of a series dating back to last season's playoff run but as I noted in taking the Senators in Game 1, this team just keeps playing one-goal games. Ottawa's 2-1 OT win in Game 1 makes it 10 one-goal games in the Senators' 13 playoff games, so far. Ottawa has six wins in the extra session, pushing the club one shy of matching the 2002 Carolina Hurricanes and 2003 Anaheim Ducks and four behind the 1993 Montreal Canadiens for most during a playoff season.Take the 1 1/2 goals and make the Senators a 10* play.

The set-up: Two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson guided the Senators to six-game series victories over Boston and the New York Rangers despite playing with two hairline fractures in his left heel. He raised his team-high point total to 13 (two goals, 11 assists) by recording game-winning goals in the series opener and clincher against New York. The Senators are making their first trip to the conference finals since 2007 and just their third trip in franchise history. Awaiting them for Game 1 of this series in Pittsburgh are the Penguins. Pittsburgh is the defending champs and the Penguins are looking to become the first team since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997-98 to repeat as champions. Pittsburgh needed just five games to dispatch Columbus in the first round but after taking a 3-1 lead over Washington, the Penguins were extended to a seventh game before taking out the Presidents' Trophy-winning Caps (again!) with a 2-0 Game 7 victory. Evgeni Malkin (NHL-leading 18 points in the playoffs) and rookie Jake Guentzel (league-best nine goals), have led the way.

Ottawa: Head coach Guy Boucher has 'played the underdog card' in each of his team's first two series and while that assessment could have been debated against the Bruins and Rangers, Boucher's Senators are clearly the underdog in this series. Karlsson is the team leader in points, as well as being the 'heart' of this team, but note that Jean-Gabriel Pageau recorded six of his team-leading seven goals versus the Rangers on the heels of being limited to only 12 goals on the season and one in the first-round series against the Bruins. Craig Anderson has been publicly shredded for his questionable puck-handling decisions in these playoffs but he owns a respectable 2.49 GAA and .914 save percentage.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins were out-played and out-shot by the Caps for most of the series but in the end, came out as the winner. A big reason was the play of Marc-Andre Fleury, who saved his best for Game 7 at Washington, recording a 29-save shutout. He's hasn't put up Rinne-like numbers this postseason but he's got a 2.55 goals-against average and .927 save percentage (.927). Head coach Mike Sullivan has stated that Fleury "deserves the opportunity to play" even though regular-season starter Matt Murray has returned to health. "If we traded (Fleury), we wouldn't be in this room right now," Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford said of the veteran, who was the subject of trade rumors throughout the season. "You'd be in another city. If not for our goalie, we wouldn't have won that series (against Washington)."

The pick: The Penguins have won three of four postseason meetings with the Senators but note that this season, Ottawa captured two of the three meetings against Pittsburgh, with Karlsson erupting for seven points (one goal, six assists) in those three games. Yes, Pittsburgh has enjoyed comfortable wins by two or more goals on five occasions this postseason but Ottawa has seen nine of its 12 playoff games decided by just one goal, including the first eight the Senators played. Take the 1 1/2 goals and make the Senators an 8* play.

The set-up: The Minnesota Wild avoided a sweep of their Western Conference first-round series against the Blues by winning 2-0 in Game 4. The teams are back in Minnesota for Game 5 on Saturday afternoon. The Wild had only managed three goals in losing the first three games of the series but their two goals on Wednesday were good enough, as Devan Dubnyk turned aside all 28 shots he faced.

St Louis: The Blues appeared to take their foot off the gas in Game 4 and the Wild limited their quality chances. Some good news may be on the way, though. Paul Stastny (foot) skated with the top line at practice on Friday and could be in the lineup for the first time since March 21. St. Louis also needs leading scorer Vladimir Tarasenko to get things going. He leads the team with 16 shots in the series but has yet to score, managing only two assists in four games. Minnesota: “We just said coming into the game, we need to win one game and this is the only thing that matters,” Dubnyk told reporters. “This was our Stanley Cup. And it’s gonna be the same thing on Saturday, because if not, it’s over, and we’re not gonna think any further ahead than that.” Charlie Coyle has stepped up with a goal in each of the last two games and Martin Hanzal netted his first of the postseason in the Game 4 victory. Zach Parise leads the team with three points while Jason Zucker, who scored a career-best 22 goals in the regular season, has yet to notch a point despite pacing the Wild with 18 shots.  

The pick: After going 27-11-3 on home ice during the regular season, the Wild lost the first two of this series in OT. Can (will?) Minnesota win here at home and send the series back to St. Louis? I Maybe so but St. Louis goalie Jake Allen has stopped 140 of the 145 shots he has faced in the series. Take the 1 1/2 goals and make the Blues an 8* play

The set-up: The Caps delivered a four-goal first period in Game 4 and hung on for a 5-4 win to even this first round series at one apiece. It's now the always pivotal Game 5, when a seven-game series is tied at two-all. The Capitals had an NHL-high 118 points in the regular season, while the Maple Leafs' 95 points made them the "last team into the playoff field."

Toronto: Head coach Mike Babcock feels his team should be optimistic heading into Friday's Game 5. "If you'd told our guys at the start of the series it would be 2-2, they'd all do a cartwheel if they knew how. I couldn't do it, I'd hurt my back," Babcock said on Thursday. Toronto was not ready to play at the start of both Games 3 and 4. The Maple leafs were able to overcome Game 3's sluggish start (won 4-3 in OT) but that four-goal first period in Game 4 proved too much of an obstacle to overcome. Youth is being served by the Maple Leafs, as Toronto has five rookie goal-scorers thi series to join the 2007-08 New York Rangers as the only teams over the last 25 years of the playoffs to accomplish that feat.

Washington: The Caps, the President's Trophy winners, have had their hands full with the upstart Leafs, in part because the Capitals feel Toronto has gotten most of the favorable bounces in the series, leaving them feeling helpless at times. "We're becoming really mentally tough in this series," Washington coach Barry Trotz said Thursday. "They've got some strange goals, and that sometimes can play on your mind a little bit." T.J. Oshie has been 'killing' Toronto, highlighted by him recording his third career postseason multi-goal performance on Wednesday. Oshie is riding a six-game playoff point streak (four goals, five assists) dating to last year while fellow forwards Nicklas Backstrom (two goals, three assists) and captain Alex Ovechkin are enjoying three-game point and goal streaks, respectively.

The pick: Here's the rub. Washington is best-known for its past playoff failures and now it's a best-of-three series. It sure doesn't help that Braden Holtby is hardly playing like a reigning Vezina Trophy winner, having allowed 12 goals allowed, a 3.37 goals-against average and an .897 save percentage, in the last three contests. Washington's two wins in the series have each come by just one goal, a 3-2 OT win in Game 1 and Game 4's 5-4 win. Take the 1 1/2 goals with Toronto and make teh Maple Leafs an 8* play.

The set-up: The 31-27-8 Philadelphia Flyers have lost nine of 14 (5-7-2) to fall five points behind the New York Islanders for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the 35-26-6 Boston Bruins now occupy third place in the Atlantic Division (76 points) on the heels of a 9-3-0 surge since Bruce Cassidy replaced the fired Claude Julien on Feb. 7 behind the bench. The two long-time rivals meet in an early Saturday afternoon game in Boston.

Philadelphia: The Flyers have been riding a roller coaster all season and Thursday's 4-2 loss in Toronto is just another nail in the team's coffin. A  5-7-2 record in their last 14 games is not the kind of second-half run that leads to the playoffs. They open play Saturday not only five points behind the Islanders for the second wild card but they would also have to climb over Toronto and Tampa Bay before reaching the Islanders.

Boston: The Bruins' LW Brad Marchand has 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) in his last 17 games and is being mentioned among the NHL's elite players these (he has team-leading totals of 32 goals and 70 points). The team's top two centers, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, have been on fire under Cassidy, and LW David Pastrnak has a seven-game points streak (his 57 points are second to Marchand). Goalie Tuukka Rask has 31 wins in goal and the defense has started scoring under the team's new coach.

The pick: Still, Boston remains squarely on the playoff bubble for a team yearning to end a two-year run of failing to make the playoffs. Philadelphia's Steve Mason was passed over for Thursday's game in Toronto but starts in goal on Saturday against Boston. He is 6-2-3 with a .226 GAA and .933 save percentage against Boston in his career. Take the 1 1/2 goals and make the Flyers an 8* play.

Arizona: The Coyotes are beginning a three-game road trip after being denied a third consecutive victory by visiting Anaheim on Saturday. The Coyotes were shut out for the fourth time this season (3-0) and the second time this month, as they failed to complete a sweep of their three-game homestand. Scoring has been a major issue this season, as Arizona ranks ahead of only Colorado (82) with 86 goals (2.05 per). The team has yet to have a player reach double digits in tallies, with Radim Vrbata and Martin Hanzal sharing the lead with nine apiece.

Edmonton: The Oilers opened their homestand with a loss to the Sharks but have posted back-to-back victories over New Jersey (in overtime) and Calgary (in a shootout) to improve to 4-1-1 in their last six at home.Patrick Maroon continues to enjoy a career season as he enters Monday's contest with seven goals in his last six games and a team-leading - and personal-best - 18 overall this campaign.

The pick: Edmonton'sir three remaining games on this homestand are all against teams that are below them in the standings. It's vital for the Oilers to take advantage of the favorable January schedule, because things will get awfully tough after this stretch, with the Oilers playing 12 of their next 16 on the road after this homestand. Arizona should play the perfect foil here, coming in 1-12-4 on the road, averaging just 1.95 GPG, while allowing 3.52. Make Edmonton an 8* play.

The pick: Washington isn't quite sure why it has had trouble with its Metro foes but the results speak for themselves. The Caps have suffered eight losses in 12 contests versus thir division rivals. I'm taking the 1 1/2 goals and making New Jersey an 8* play.