The set-up: The 7-10-2 Arizona Coyotes are currently 14th and last in the Western Conference, which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise for a franchise that hasn’t been to the playoffs in four straight seasons. Frankly, the Coyotes prospects of ending that streak this season don't appear promising, at least so far. Arizona visits Edmonton, which has been a huge surprise in the 206-17 season, to-date. The Oilers won the Stanley Cup back in 2005-06 but haven’t made the postseason since, a run of 10 consecutive playoff-less seasons. Edmonton has averaged just 28 wins per year the last three seasons, averaging just barely over 66 points per season, as well. However, at 12-8-2, the Oilers currently sit atop the Pacific Division. Arizona: Many of Arizona’s early woes can be attributed to the fact that the team's No. 1 goalie, Mike Smith, was sidelined early on with an injury. His back-up, Louis Domingue, has played in 14 games, going 4-8-1 with a 3.21 GAA. Smith is back healthy now and is 3-1-1 with a 2.96 GAA and .911 save percentage. Domingue is now the one hurt with a lower body injury, which has landed him on injured reserve. Justin Peters will serve as the backup. Smith was in goal Friday night when Arizona beat Edmonton at home, 3-2 in a shootout. Edmonton: Oilers captain Connor McDavid recorded his first NHL hat trick earlier this month to start a scoring tear. With a goal against the Coyotes on Friday, McDavid has five goals and four assists in a four-game points streak and leads the league with 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists). Also making noise lately are Leon Draisaitl (three goals, three assists) and Milan Lucic (one goal, five assists) each have six points, while Jordan Eberle (two goals, two assists), Oscar Klefbom (two goals, two assists) and rookie Jesse Puljujarvi (four assists) each have four points. The Oilers tweeted Saturday that Cam Talbot will start in goal. Talbot is 11-7-2 with a 2.47 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage and three shutouts. The pick: Edmonton is easily the better team so far this season but Friday’s win by the Coyotes over the Oilers can’t be considered a fluke. That’s an understatement. Since dropping a 4-3 decision in regulation back on Jan. 25, 2011, the Coyotes are 20-0-4 against the Oilers. Arizona's point streak is the longest by one team against a single opponent since the Oilers' 24-game run against the Vancouver Canucks from 1985-88. Edmonton is 5-4-0 at home but 0-4-0 when scoring fewer than three goals per game and faces Mike Smith, who improved to 14-1-1 lifetime against Edmonton with Friday’s triumph. Meanwhile, Talbot’s given up nine goals while going 0-2-1 over his last three starts versus Arizona. I’ll take Arizona plus the 1 1/2 goals and make it an 8* play.

The set-up:  The 6-9-1 Vancouver Canucks overcame deficits of 2-1 after the first period, 3-1 after the second and 4-3 in the third to beat the Stars 5-4 in OT on Sunday. It marked just the team’s second win in its last 12 games. The 12-4-0 NY Rangers visit Vancouver tonight, off a 3-1 victory over the Oilers in Edmonton on Sunday night. NY Rangers: Alain Vigneault was Vancouver's all-time winningest coach (guiding them within one victory of the Stanley Cup in 2010-11) before he was unceremoniously fired after the 2013-14 season and promptly hired by the Rangers. He and his team will be properly motivated, as the Canucks won 5-3 at Madison Square Garden just last Tuesday (Nov. 8). The Rangers enter tonight’s contest leading the NHL by averaging 4.1 goals per game and rank 4th in goals allowed, at 2.2 per. Vancouver: While the Rangers will be playing with revenge, the Canucks have an opportunity to show that their 5-3 victory over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden a week ago was no fluke. Markus Granlund supplied the game-winner in overtime in Sunday's win over Dallas but it was rookie defenseman Troy Stecher who tied the game with 1:40 left in regulation, scoring his first career goal. The pick: Vancouver was 15-21-5 on home ice last season but is 5-3-0 at Rogers arena so far this season. I’m taking the 1 1/2 goals and making the Canucks an 8* play.

The set-up: The 4-8-1 Vancouver Canucks  travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the 10-3-0 NY Rangers, who are 8-1-0 to open the new season on home ice. New York has scored at least five goals in six of its last seven contests and in each contest of its current five-game winning streak. The Rangers have scored a league-high 55 goals and own an NHL-best plus-26 goal differential. In contrast, Vancouver heads into its fifth contest of its six-game road trip with a winless streak that has reached back nine games (0-8-1) after Monday's 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders. Vancouver: The Canucks entered the third period tied at 2-2 on Monday but allowed two goals in a span of less than two minutes midway through the session and fell to 0-4-0 on their current road trip by the score of 4-2. Vancouver opened the season with four consecutive home games and began 4-0-0 but has now lost nine consecutive games (0-8-1). NY Rangers: New York has won eight of its first nine home contests for the third time in franchise history, also accomplishing the feat in 1972-73 and 1990-91. Henrik Lundqvist is expected to be in net and comes in 7-3-0 on the season, posting a 2.21 GAA and a .914 save percentage. The pick: Vancouver has scored fewer than three goals in 10 of its 13 games this season, while the Rangers have scored a league-high 55 goals and own an NHL-best plus-26 goal differential. Is it as simple as the Rangers can't seem to lose, while the Canucks can't seem to win? It never is. Franchise goals and points leader Daniel Sedin is heating up for the Canucks with goals in two straight contests following a seven-game drought plus goaltender Markstrom owns a better GAA (2.11) than Lundqvist, as well as a better save percentage (.920). Vancouver plus 1 1/2 goals is a 10* play.

The set-up: The 2-2-1 Philadelphia Flyers visit Montreal Monday night going up against a team which has opened 4-0-1. The Flyers rallied to win 6-3 Saturday in Carolina while finding their offensive groove, something they'll need against the Canadiens, who lead the NHL by averaging four goals per game. Philadelphia: The Flyers trailed 2-0 early in the second period on Saturday but rallied with four straight goals before skating away with the 6-3 victory. Six players have notched at least five points for the Flyers but while captain Claude Giroux has collected six assists, he has yet to put a puck behind a goaltender. Philadelphia ia averaging 3.8 GPG but are also allowing the same number. Montreal: The Canadiens extended their winning streak to three games with a 4-1 triumph over the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. Montreal’s “big names” are Max Pacioretty, Alex Radulov, Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuk but 13 different players who have scored so far this season. Goaltender Carey Price has stopped 46-of-50 shots in a pair of victories since returning from a bout with the flu after enduring an injury-plagued 2015-16 season. The pick: Led by the healthy return of Price, the Canadiens own a league-best 1.60 goals-against average while Philadelphia is allowing 3.8 goals against. Netminders Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth carry well-below average statistics into the week, with Mason's 3.35 GAA and .882 save percentage holding a slight edge over Neuvirth's 4.24 GAA and .854 save percentage. Mason is expected to be in net against Price and while the Canadiens own more than a few edges, I’m gambling a bit here (it worked Sunday when Arizona plus-1 1/2 goals got the cash in a 3-2 loss!) and will again take the 1 1/2 goals, this time with the Flyers. Make them a 5* play. 

The set-up: The Coyotes opened the season with a 4-3 OT win at home over the Flyers but they have dropped the first three of what will be a six-game road trip. Defense has been an issue, as the Coyotes have allowed 18 goals, including 15 in their three-game skid. The Rangers come into this game 3-2-0, after winning 4-2 last night in Washington. Arizona: Louis Domingue has been in net for all of Arizona’s losses, replacing injured No. 1 goalie Mike Smith (knee). He’s 0-3-0 with an .836 save percentage, having allowed eight goals on his past 70 shots. Head coach Dave Tippett was non-committal after the loss to the Islanders but Domingue is expected get his fourth straight start on Sunday. Goaltending has been an issue but so has scoring, as talented forwards Max Domi, Anthony Duclair and Martin Hanzal have combined for one goal and two assists. NY Rangers: Head coach Alain Vigneault said his club has played well enough to be undefeated this year. He’s got a point, as the Rangers' two losses have been a one-goal setback in St. Louis in which they outshot the Blues 15-0 in the third period but could not find the tying goal and a one-goal defeat at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings, who were buoyed by a brilliant performance by goaltender Jimmy Howard. Last night, the Rangers rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Capitals 4-2 at Verizon Center. The pick: The problem here for the Rangers is that this contest with the Coyotes will come less than 24 hours after that comeback win against a rested Arizona team. New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist evened his record at 2-2-0 with 26 saves in the victory over Washington but may be rested Sunday in favor of Antti Raanta. I’d love to see the Coyotes avoid Lundqvist but regardless, Arizona is 6* play on the puck line.

The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped the opener of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the New York Islanders but swept the Islanders over the next four games. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins are now between them and a back-to-back appearance in the Stanley Cup finals, and I think the Lightning are undervalued in Friday's match-up.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Recent Meetings - The Lightning swept the three-game regular season series with Pittsburgh, including a 4-2 victory at Consol Energy Center on Feb. 20.  2. Special Teams - The Pens power play unit is 11-for-40 in the first two rounds and they scored two goals on the man advantage when they eliminated Washington with a 4-3 OT win on Tuesday. The Lightning’s have however killed off a NHL-best 88.4 percent of their shorthanded situations in the playoffs.  3. X-Factor - Tampa Bay's Tyler Johnson has two goals and four assists in his last four games. He tallied two and set up another three goals in the three regular season meetings with Pittsburgh.  Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning +1.5 (5*)

The Vancouver Canucks are traveling to St. Louis hoping to end a six-game slide. The Blues are looking to continue pursuit of the Central Division title, entering Friday two points behind the Stars but with a game in hand. I think the home-team is unreasonable big favorites tonight though and would not be surprised to see the Nucks record an upset. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Vancouver's Last Game - The Nucks had been shut out in three consecutive games prior to an improved performance in last night's 3-2 shootout loss at Nashville. "It's never good to lose, but you've got to look at the way we played and I thought we played one of our best games of the year," captain Henrik Sedin said. I think it will be a positive for the Canucks to be able to ride that momentum here the next day and the Nucks are 10-4 in their last 14 games following OT on the previous day.

2. Previous Meetings - The Blues defeated the Nucks 3-0 at Vancouver on Saturday, but the Canucks have won six of the last eight in the series and four of the last five meetings at Scottrade Center.  

3. X-Factor - Vancouver's Jannik Hansen returned to the lineup last night after sitting out almost a month with a rib injury. Good news for the injury riddled Canucks. 

Selection: This is a play on the Vancouver Canucks +1.5 (10*)

*8* PUCK-LINE play on San Jose Sharks.

The Buffalo Sabres will make the second stop of a three-game California road-trip Friday night. They lost 1-0 at Anaheim Wednesday and will play the Kings tomorrow, and this looks like a bad time to face the San Jose Sharks. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Ryan O'Reilly's Absence - The Sabres' top-scorer will be out of action for three-to-four weeks with a lower-body injury. He's missed the last two games and the Sabres have mustered only two goals in three games since he went missing. 

2. Home Cookin' - The Sharks have played nine of their 11 games since the All-Star break on the road. They defeated the Coyotes 4-1 in their last home game and will be motivated to put up another show in front of the home-fans tonight.

3. X-Factor - The Sharks' Joe Thornton has 15 points in his last 10 games.  

Selection: This is a play on the San Jose Sharks PL (8*)

*8* PUCK-LINE play on Anaheim Ducks.

The Anaheim Ducks carry a tied season-high six-game winning streak into Friday night's meeting with Pacific Division rival the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton has lost six straight games, and I think this will be exactly as much of a one sided affair as one would expect by lookin at those recent results.  

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Recent Meetings - The Ducks have won 23 of the last 28 meetings overall and six of the last seven at Anaheim. They defeated the Oilers 5-3 at Rexall Place on Feb. 16 in the very last match-up. 

2. Home Cookin' - The Ducks have recorded five consecutive wins on home-ice and they've covered the puckline in six of their last nine wins in front of the home-town crowd. 

3. X-Factor - The Oilers are struggling offensively and have been held to just one goal in six their last 10 games. 

Selection: This is a play on the Anaheim Ducks PL (8*)

*8* PUCK-LINE play on Washington Capitals.

The NHL-best Washington Capitals will be aiming to get back to their winning ways when hosting the Minnesota Wild Friday night. They had won 10 of 11 before losing 4-1 against the Habs Wednesday, and I think they'll rebound with a big win.

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. The Wild's Schedule - This will be the Wild's fourth game in six days and they're just 1-4 in their last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. They fell 3-2 at Philly last night so I don't see them matching the Caps tempo.

2. Home Cookin' - The Caps are 17-2-1 in their last 12 home games and they've won four of the last five meetings with the Wild at Verizon Center. 

3. X-Factor - The Caps Alexander Ovechkin was held of the scoresheet in Wednesday's loss but he had scored four goals in his last three games prior and recorded a hat-trick the last meeting with the Wild. 

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals PL (8*)

*8* PUCK-LINE play on Flames.

The LA Kings are still one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and they'll be a big gigantic favorite at home to Calgary tonight. This could be a tough spot for the Kings, playing a team that doesn't really pose a threat in the playoff race, in their first game back from a grueling seven game road trip. My money is on the visitors on the puckline. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Previous History - The Kings were 3-3-1 on their recent road trip, and four of their last five games were decided by just one goal. These teams have split the last 10 head to head meetings, and five of those games were decided by a single goal. 

2. Johnny Hockey - The Flames leading scorer has a history of lighting up the Kings, with four goals and four assists in six career games against the Kings. He has a goal and five assists over his last five games. 

3. X-Factor - The Flames starting netminder has owned the Kings, with a record of 4-1-1 with a 2.02 GAA in his last six versus LA. 

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames +1.5 (8*) 

*6* Puck-Line ANNIHILATOR on Vancouver Canucks.

The Vancouver Canucks are coming to United Center to take on the Chicago Blackhawks on the back of a pair of wins, the most recent a marquee 2-1 victory against the Rangers Wednesday. They'll be well rested while the Blackhawks were in action just two days ago when they shut out the Jets in a 2-0 win, and I like the Cancucks chances of recording an upset tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous Meetings - The Nucks defeated the Blackhawks 6-3 home at Rogers Arena on Nov.21 to make it three wins in the last four meetings.

2. The Sedins - Daniel has notched four points in his last two contests while Henrik has a total of six points in his last five and 29 overall for the season. Henrik had one goal and four assists and Daniel scored a hat-trick with an assist in the last meeting with Chicago.  

3. X-Factor - The Blackhawks' netminder Corey Crawford is just 6-7 with a 2.52 GAA in his career vs. the Canucks

Selection: This is a play on the Vancouver Canucks +1.5 (6*)

*7* Puck Line MASSACRE on Buffalo Sabres.

The Buffalo Sabres are 5-2-1 in their last eight overall, and they are a big underdog on the road at St. Louis tonight. The Blues have lost three of their last four, and have been involved in a lot of close games. My money is on the visitors on the puckline.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Goaltending - Chad Johnson has really been solid in his last two starts for the Sabres, stopping 60-of-63 shots. He picked up a win over Tampa Bay, and an overtime loss against San Jose.

2. Evander Kane - The former 30-goal scorer is expected to return to the lineup for the Sabres tonight. "I think you'll probably have a good chance of seeing me in the lineup," said Kane. "Things went well as I expected and like I said, I thought I had a chance to play on the trip and it looks like that's going to be the case."

3. X-Factor - Four of the Blues last six wins have come by a margin of just one goal.

Selection: This is a play on the Buffalo Sabres +1.5 (7*)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are still in search of their first point of the season after suffering seven consecutive regulation-losses. They were shut out by the Islanders in a 4-0 defeat their last game but won the shots 37-29, and I like their chances of breaking their luck when visiting the Minnesota Wild who they've dominated in recent seasons. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Fresh Start For The Blue Jackets - Columbus fired coach Todd Richards Wednesday and has appointed John Tortorella to turn things around for the club. The appointment seem to have given the morale a boost already: "He's proven he's a good coach," said center Brandon Dubinsky, who played for Tortorella with the Rangers from 2008-12. "He's going to help our group."
2. Situational - The Wild have not exactly impressed in recent games with back-to-back losses to Los Angeles and Anaheim. The Blue Jackets have won five straight in the series and four of the last five meetings at Xcel Energy Center. 
3. X-Factor - Sergei Bobrovsky owns a 5-1-0 career mark with a 1.46 GAA versus the Wild.
Selection: This is a play on the Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (6*)

The Arizona Coyotes opened the season with three consecutive wins but have picked up just one point over their last three. They've kept each game close though and I like them to cover the puckline when visiting the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Thursday evening. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Special Teams - Arizona's undoing in recent games have been a sub-par penalty kill unit that has allowed three goals on 14 chances. The Rangers are hardly much of a threath on the power play though with just two goals for the season and a 11.8% conversion rate. The Coyotes lead the league in power play chances with 4.8 per game and they have a goal on the man advantage in each of their last two games.
2. The Hosts Offensive Slump - The Rangers had scored just two goals over three losses defeating the Sharks 4-0 Monday. I wouldn't be that quick to say that they've turned a corner though and Arizona has displayed a rather stingy defense this season. 
3. X-Factor - The Coyotes are 5-1 against the puckline this season. 
Selection: This is a play on the Arizona Coyotes +1.5 (7*)

The Arizona Coyotes have pulled off two upsets to open their 2015/2016 campaign. They'll visit Pacific Division rivals the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday, and I like the Coyotes to at the very minimum cover the puckline if not snatching the win outright. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Previous History - The Coyotes have impressed in back-to-back wins against the Kings and the Penguins. They outshot Pittsburgh 39-28 Saturday and have killed off each of the eight shorthanded situations they've faced. The Anaheim Ducks meanwhile are still looking for their first win of the season after two sub-par performances against two other division foes in San Jose and Vancouver. They've managed just one goal over the two losses and goals won't come easy here against a Mike Smith on fire. 
2. The Rejuvenated Mike Smith - There were big question-marks surrounding the 33 year old coming into the season after he recorded a an NHL-high 42 losses and a career-worst 3.16 GAA in 2014-15. He's answered all critics with only two goals allowed on the season while posting a .971 SV%. 
3. X-Factor - Arizona's 20 year old rookie Max Domi left the 2-1 win against Pittsburgh without a point but had recorded a goal and an assist in his NHL debut at Los Angeles the night before. He'll be pumped up to add to that tally. 
Selection: This is a play on the Arizona Coyotes +1.5 (7*)

The Lightning face a must win situation here in Chicago tonight, looking to force a Game 7. They've been in this situation before in these playoffs, and I wouldn't write them off just yet.  All five games in this series have been close, and it would be only fitting if this series went to seven games. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Goaltending - Ben Bishop made a surprise return in Game 5, stopping 27-of-29 shots. He's been at least as good as Corey Crawford in this series, and it would be no surprise to see him come up with a big game here in Game 6.

2. Tyler Johnson - The Lightning's second line center leads all scorers with 23 points this post-season, and the line of Johnson, Kucherov and Palat has been dominant through the first three rounds. 

3. X-Factor - Tampa has won eight of it's last 12 meetings with Chicago, and the Blackhawks have seen eight of their last 12 games decided by just one goal. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Lightning +1.5 (5*)

The Blackhawks got a little of their own medicine in Game 3, as they appeared to take control of the game with a go-ahead goal midway through the third period. The Lightning equalized just 13 seconds later, and scored a late winner. This was roughly the opposite scenario to what we saw in Game 1, when Chicago stole the game with a pair of late goals. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Goaltending - While the status of Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop was in doubt prior to Game 3, he stopped 36-of-38 shots in overall brilliant performance. Corey Crawford on the other hand has not been sharp in the series, and appears to be the Blackhawks weakest link. 

2. Tyler Johnson - The Lightning's second line center leads all scorers with 23 points this post-season, and the line of Johnson, Kucherov and Palat has been dominant through the first three rounds. 

3. X-Factor - Tampa has won eight of it's last 10 meetings with Chicago, and eight of the last 11 games in this series were decided by just one goal. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Lightning +1.5 (5*)

The Lightning bounced back with a win in Game 2 on home ice to even this series at 1-1, and now they need to steal a game in Chicago. The Blackhawks are a heavy favorite in Game 3, and given that the Lightning won three straight on the road, I think they look good as a dog in Chicago tonight. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Goaltending - While the status of Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop is in some doubt, backup Andrei Vasilevsky has been very solid when called upon. Corey Crawford on the other hand was not sharp in Game 2, and appears to be the Blackhawks weakest link. 

2. Tyler Johnson - The Lightning's second line center leads all scorers with 21 points this post-season, and the line of Johnson, Kucherov and Palat has been dominant through the first three rounds. Johnson scored in Game 2, and Kucherov had a goal and an assist. 

3. X-Factor - Tampa has won seven of it's last nine meetings with Chicago, and seven of the last 10 games in this series were decided by just one goal. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Lightning +1.5 (5*)

The New York Rangers managed to force a deciding Game 7 of this Eastern Conference finals series with a 7-3 win at Tampa Bay Tuesday. Picking a winner in this ain't easy, but I'm taking the Lightning as a dog in a game that very well might go past regulation. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. The Lightning's Surging Offense - The Triplets (Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov) have combined for 27 of Tampa Bay's 47 post-season goals, and Tyler Johnson tallied two in Tuesday's defeat catapulting him to the lead for both points (20) and goals (20) in the post-season. The youngsters are wreaking havoc in the Rangers zone with their speed an tenacity whenever taking the ice, and odds are one of them will come up with something spectacular to win tonight's game. If they were to fail Tampa can always rely on its captain and notorious game-winner Steven Stamkos who has four goals and three assists in his last five games. 

2. Previous Meetings - Tampa Bay has won five of the last six meetings in New York, including two of three in this series. It is 7-3  in the last 10 meetings overall.

3. X-Factor - The Lightning are 8-0 this post-season when scoring the first goal and we can expect them to be extra careful not to fall behind here at MSG.   

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning (5*)

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks are coming into Game 5 of the series tied at 2-2. Three of the four games have been decided by just one goal, and the Hawks have already prevailed once here at the Duck Pond. I like their chances of recording an upset on the road tonight as well.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. The Blackhawks Routine - The Blackhawks current core players are the same as when they won the Stanley Cup in 2010 and 2013. With this now being effectively a best-of-three series, I like the team that's been there and done that before.  

2. Situational - The Hawks have won four of the last five match-ups at Anaheim and six of their last seven playing on one days rest.  

3. X-Factor - Four of the Blackhawks 14 games in the post-season have gone past regulation with the Hawks coming out ahead each time.  

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (5*)

The Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers are comin into Sunday's clash tied at 2-2 in this Eastern Conference finals series. The Rangers equalized the series with a 5-1 win Friday, the first time in this post-season they won a game by more than one goal. I expect another close contest tonight and would not be surprised to see the Lightning prevail at MSG as they did in Game 2 in the series. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. The Lightning's Surging Offense - Tampa Bay has scored 14 goals in this series and Tyler Johnson is on fire with four goals and two assists over the first four games in the series as Tampa Bay's Triplets (Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov) have combined for 25 of Tampa Bay's 48 postseason goals. Henrik Lundqvist in the Rangers net made 38 saves Friday but has a mere .891 SV% in the series.  

2. Situational - The Lightning have won six of the last eight meetings and are 6-2 in their last eight games playing on one days rest. 

3. X-Factor - The Rangers have been unable to contain the Lightning's high-octane power play unit who is 5-for-16 so far in the series.  

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning +1.5 (5*)

The Anaheim Ducks have reclaimed home-ice advantage after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 at United Center Thursday. They're now holding a 2-1 lead in the series and I like the Ducks chances of recording an upset tonight.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. The Ducks Winning Mentality - Anaheim has shown some amazing never-say-die attitude throughout the season and came from behind in each game in the first round when they swept the Jets 4-0. The Ducks players sacrifices themselves for each-other in a fashion unmatched by any other team in the playoffs proved by the fact that they've blocked 84 shots so far in this series which can be compared to the Blackhawks 47. 

2. Road Warriors - The Ducks are a mighty 9-1 in their last 10 road-games and have won five of the last six meetings at United Center.  

3. X-Factor - Anaheim has lost just two of its 12 games in the post-season, both in overtime.  

Selection: This is a play on the Anaheim Ducks +1.5 (8*)

The Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks are tied at 1-1 in this Western Conference finals series as they'll take the ice at United Center tonight. Chicago won a marathon-match in the third overtime period 3-2 Tuesday, and I expect another tight contest here where the visitors may very well record an upset.

 Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Goaltending - Fredrik Andersen stopped 53 of 56 shots Tuesday and has been rock-solid throughout the playoffs, holding opponents to two goals or less in all but three of his 11 starts. While Corey Crawford outshone him in the most recent match-up with 60 saves, he's not been as reliable in the post-season and conceded nine goals in the first two games at Nashville alone. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf will keep crashing the net, and I have a feeling Crawford might be due for a stinker sooner rather than later. 

2. Road Warriors - Chicago is the only team who is undefeated on home-ice in the playoffs after the win at the Duck Pond Tuesday, but how long will that last? Anaheim has won seven of its last eight away from home and four of the last five meetings at United Center.  

3. X-Factor - Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are both among the top six for points in the playoffs and Getzlaf is post-season best with his 12 assists. 

Selection: This is a play on the Anaheim Ducks +1.5 (5*)

The New York Rangers opened this Eastern Conference finals with a narrow 2-1 win Saturday as Dominic Moore scored the winner with just 2.35 to go of the third period. I expect another tight contest tonight and would not be surprised to see the Lightning record and upset here before the series switch to Tampa Bay for Game 3 and 4.  

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. The Triplets - Tyler Johnson, 24, centering Nikita Kucherov, 21, and Ondrej Palat, 24 has combined for 18 of the Lightning's 35 post-season goals and Palat scored the lone goal in Saturday's 2-1 loss. 

2. Special Teams - Tampa Bay killed off both of its penalties Saturday successfully while converting on one of its four opportunities on the power play and is now 4-for-9 in its last four games.

 3. X-Factor - Each of the Rangers 13 games in the playoffs so far have been decided by a single goal. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning +1.5 (5*)

The Anaheim Ducks will host the Chicago Blackhawks for the opener of 2015's Western Conference finals. Both teams have impressed so far in the playoffs with the Ducks winning all but one game and the Blackhawks suffering just two defeats. This is a contest to close to call and I like the visitors on the puck-line in a game very likely to go past regulation. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Chicago's Routine - The Blackhawks are in their fifth conference finals in seven seasons and will be looking for their third Stanley Cup title in six years. The core is still the same as when they won the cup in 2013 and if anyone knows what it takes to navigate through tough playoff games it's this Chicago team. 

2. Road Warriors - The Blackhawks defeated the Ducks in both meetings at the Duck Pond during the regular season. 

3. X-Factor - Corey Crawford started the playoffs in questionable form to say the least but stepped up big time in the semifinals against the Wild. 

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (5*)

The New York Rangers are hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning for the opener of the 2015 Eastern Conference finals. The hosts needed seven games to get past Washington in their semifinal and each of their 12 playoff games on the year have been decided by just one goal. The Lightning should at the very least be able to keep this a close game that is very likely to go past regulation. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Steven Stamkos - The 25 year old started the post-season slow but has been back to his usual self over recent games. He has one point or more in each of his last five games and had two goals and five assists over three regular season meetings with the Rangers.  

2. Road Warriors - The Lightning won all three meetings during the regular season and defeated the Rangers 5-1 and 6-3 here at MSG. They've won four of their six road games in the playoffs so far. 

3. X-Factor - Ben Bishop has a 1.81 goals-against average in 13 playoff games and has not lost to the Rangers in eight games. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning +1.5 (5*)

The Washington Capitals looked like they had this Eastern Conference series wrapped up but the New York Rangers have won each of the previous two meetings to equalize the series 3-3. We'll have a real nail-biter on our hands at MSG tonight, and I would not be surprised to see the Caps record an upset.  

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Alexander Ovechkin - The Russian superstar has been rather quiet of late, but this is the kind of situations he lives for. He had more game-winning goals (11) than any other player during the regular season and he won the league with his 53 goals, 10 more than Steven Stamkos in second. 

2. Previous Meetings - Each game in this series have been decided by one goal.  

3. X-Factor - Braden Holty has the best save percentage (.944) of goaltenders with more than five games in this year's post-season.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals +1.5 (5*)

The Calgary Flames are facing elimination tonight as they'll battle the Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 of this Western Conference semifinals series. I don't expect them to roll over and we're getting a fair price on them on the puckline in a game that is very likely to go past regulation.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Never Underestimate The Flames - Calgary has been coming from behind all season long punishing teams when they least expect it. I've been impressed with this teams attitude throughout the season and I think this do or die situation will bring out the best of the players.  

2. The Flames to Bounce Back - Calgary was held to two goals in Friday's 4-2 defeat but is 4-1 in its last 5 games playing on one days rest and 8-2 in its last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. 

3. X-Factor - Corey Perry leads the league in playoff scoring with 14 points but was held off the scoresheet Friday. If the Flames can slow him down once again then they have a real shot at winning this game outright. 

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames +1.5 (8*)

The Calgary Flames came off back-to-back losses at Anaheim but managed to defend the Saddledome as they made a trademark comeback winning Tuesday's meeting 4-3 in overtime. They're once again coming in as a home-dog here and I think the Ducks might be in for a tougher game than the books seem to expect.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Shift In Momentum - The Ducks suffered their first loss in the 2015 playoffs Tuesday and one must wonder how they'll react to that. Particularly as they looked destined to go up 3-0 in the series before Johnny Gaudreau scored with just 19.5 seconds left in the third period to tie the game. The following overtime win must be a huge morale-boost for the Flames and we should all have learned by now not to underestimate this feisty Calgary team.

2. Home Cookin' - The Flames have won each of their four games home at the Saddledome in the playoffs and is on a six-game undefeated run home in Calgary with the regular-season included. The Ducks are no strangers to the Flames home-ice advantage as they've left the ice as losers on five of the last seven visits.

3. X-Factor - Calgary converted on one of its six chances on the man advantage Tuesday and if the Ducks are to give them as many opportunities tonight as well they're only likely get more and more efficient.

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames +1.5 (5*)

The New York Rangers are facing elimination tonight as they host the Washington Capitals for Game 5 of this Eastern Conference semifinals series. This has been an incredible even series and considering the circumstances I would not be surprised to see this one go past regulation which would see Washington cover the puck-line.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational - The Caps have not put themselves in this favorable position only to give it up easy. They know they can't afford to throw the Rangers who finished the regular season with the best road-record in the league a bone here despite playing a hypothetical Game 6 at home and will be looking to close out the series as quickly as possible.

2. Previous Meetings - Each of the previous four games in the series have been decided by a single goal.

3. X-Factor - Alexander Ovechkin has totaled six goals while scoring in five straight visits to MSG.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals +1.5 (5*)

The Calgary Flames are back on home ice after a rather successful road trip which saw them win three of the last four games, and I like their chances of building on that momentum against the Western Conference worst Arizona Coyotes tonight. The Yotes are off a 5-3 victory against the Sharks but they're a lowly 2-8 in their last 10 following a win, and now then they've made themselves worthy of this month's salary I expect them to get back to their losing ways again. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. The Flames Goaltending Situation - The Flames have divided their goaltending responsibilities equal between Karri Ramo and Jonas Hiller since the All Star break with both making 16 starts each. I'm not sure that would be an ideal solution for the upcoming playoffs, and as Ramo came off the ice with a lower body injury after only 58 seconds in Saturday's 4-0 win at Edmonton this could be Hiller's chance to prove he should be the #1 goaltender going into the post-season. A strong performance tonight would go a long way, and I like his chances as he's a perfect 7-0 with a 1.97 GAA over his last seven starts against the Yotes. 
2. Road Woes - The Coyotes have dropped sevens straight meetings in Calgary and have won only one of their last seven on the road when facing a team with a winning home record. The Flames fits the bill there as they're a respectable 21-13-5 at the Saddledome on the season.
3. X-Factor - Sean Monohan  has four goals and three assists over a six game point streak against the Coyotes and has three goals and six assists over his last nine overall. 

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames -1.5

(10*)

The New York Islanders have struggled of late winning only two of their last 10 match-ups. With nothing but four games left of the regular season it's imperative that they start improving their play for the upcoming playoffs, and the hosts are presented with a golden opportunity to break their luck here against the league-worst Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo gave the Blackhawks a run for their money in a 4-3 loss last night, but it must have taken its toll to keep that a close game and I expect the Islanders to run over an exhausted Sabres team at Nassau tonight. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. The Islanders Tough Schedule - We've already been over how the Islanders have struggled to get the results of late, but if we look at their schedule it's not all that surprising. They've been matched up against teams fighting tooth and nail to make it to the playoffs while the Islanders themselves have had it all but wrapped up for a while now. Tonight will be a whole different situation as they'll be up against a Sabres team who's own fans don't even want it to win. 
2. Goaltending - Anders Lindback tended the goal last night and has made three straight starts for the Sabres, but we can expect Matt Hackett to get the nod tonight to wrap up the back-to-back set. He's 0-4-1 with a 4.32 GAA over five appearances on the season and will be matched up against Jaroslav Halak who has owned the Sabres over recent seasons, winning four straight meetings behind a 1.25 GAA. 
3. X-Factor - John Tavares has one goal and four assists over his last two outings and has scored twice while assisting one over the first two meetings with the Sabres on the season. 

Selection: This is a play on the New York Islanders -1.5

 (10*)

The San Jose Sharks are sitting 10th in the West, five points back of the Kings for the final wild card in the conference as they're hosting bottom dwelling Arizona Coyotes for the first of two back-to-back meetings tonight. San Jose is not ready to give up on the season just yet and has won three of its last four games while Arizona is off a 4-1 loss to the league-worst Sabres. I think the visitors are in for another big loss here in the Shark Tank. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Arizona's Scoring Woes - Only the Sabres has a worse goals per game average than this Arizona team who is barely scoring more than twice per game, averaging 2.03 on the season. It is likely to be up against a red hot Alex Stalock who out-duelled Semyon Varlamov his last time out leading the Sharks to a 5-1 win against the Avs. He's made three consecutive starts as Antti Niemi has been out with illness, allowing only five goals over those games.
2. Special Teams - The Sharks power play unit ranks among the best in the league having converted on 21.5% of its opportunities on the season. Arizona's penalty kill meanwhile has one of the worst marks in the NHL killing off just north of 77% of its penalties. It has been particularly poor of late, going a lowly 15-for-23 in short-handed situations over its last six games.
3. X-Factor - Joe Pavelski has nine goals over the last six meetings with the Yotes with five of them coming over the previous three match-ups this season. 

Selection: This is a play on the San Jose Sharks -1.5

.(10*)

The Tampa Bay Lightning snapped a two game skid as they won 5-3 at Montreal last night. They're coming to Air Canada Centre to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, a venue where they've already suffered a defeat once this season losing 5-2 back in November. While Tampa Bay undoubtedly is the superior team, I think Toronto will be able to keep this a close game.  
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Situational/Motivational - Last night's win meant that the Lightning are guaranteed a spot in the post-season. As they did it against an Atlantic Division rival they swept the season series against will only make their sense of accomplishment even greater, and I don't think they'll come in fully focused here. Meanwhile, those who thought Toronto had given up on the season after seven straight defeats better think again. It defeated a Senators team clawing for a spot in the playoffs 4-3 in OT Saturday, and I'm sure they'll be eager to not lose the momentum that win carries with it. 
2. Home Cookin' - The Maple Leafs may be sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but they've been able to stay competitive on home ice more often than not where they've picked up 20 of their 28 wins on the season. The Lightning are also a much stronger at home than on the road and they've won only eight of the last 30 meetings in Toronto. 
3. X-Factor - Tyler Bozak was the name on everyone's lips Saturday as he recorded his first career hat-trick and added one assist in the win against the Sens. He may be scoreless over the three meetings with Tampa Bay so far this season but has assisted three and we can expect him to come in hungry for more goals tonight. 

Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Maple Leafs +1.5

 (8*)

The Colorado Avalanche closed out a five game road trip with a 4-1 win at Vancouver after losing three consecutive prior. Tonight they're back home in the Rocky Mountains, and I think they're looking good to book a second consecutive win hosting the league-worst Buffalo Sabres, a team they blew away in Buffalo earlier in the season. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Goaltending - The Sabres have confirmed that Anders Lindback will make his ninth start for the club tonight, going 1-5-2 behind a 2.67 GAA over his first eight. He allowed four goals at Dallas his last time out, and gave up five his last outing against Colorado, by then still with the Stars. Semyon Varlamov is likely to tend the net for the hosts, and he's 15-8-1 with a 2.19 GAA over 24 outings at home on the season. His job just got a little bit easier as Buffalo's top-scorer Tyler Ennis is confirmed out with an upper-body injury. 
2. Previous Meetings - The Avs have claimed eight straight in the series while averaging 3.9 goals per game. They embarrassed Buffalo in front of its own fans back in Decemeber with a 5-1 road victory. Alex Tanguy tallied two goals and one assist in that contest and is coming in red hot with three goals and two assists over his last three games.
3. X-Factor - The Avs Ryan O'Reilly is on a six-game point streak over which he has notched four goals and seven assists.

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche -1.5

(10*)

The Arizona Coyotes are in shambles, coming into this contest on the back of eight consecutive losses and have failed to cover the puck-line in five of those setbacks. They've averaged only one goal per game over those eight losses, and goals will come at a premium tonight as they'll be up against Jimmy Howard in the Detroit net who is coming off a strong performance holding the St. Louis Blues to one goal in a 2-1 OT win Sunday. Detroit need this win while Arizona has more or less given up on the season, and we're getting a fair price on the hosts on the puck-line here.
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Situational/Motivational - The Detroit Red Wings have admittedly not been at their very best of late, winning only two of their last six games. They need to pick up pace to avoid getting dragged into the battle for playoff spots, with both the Sens and the Bruins coming from behind in the Atlantic Division. Hosting the Western Conference worst Arizona Coyotes could be just what they need to get back on track, and I think we'll see Detroit go for a big win here to build up some momentum.
2. Road Woes - The Yotes are 11-21-3 away from home on the season and have lost five consecutive when visiting teams with a winning home record and they're a measly 1-6 in the last seven meetings in Detroit. 
3. X-Factor - Arizona's penalty kill unit ranks among the worst in the NHL and Detroit has tallied a goal on the man advantage in 11 of its last 12 games.

Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Red Wings -1.5.

 (10*)

The Vancouver Canucks coming into tonight's game with double revenge on their minds. First of all they'll be looking to bounce back from a 4-0 setback at home against the Kings Thursday, but also to get back at  the Maple Leafs who beat them 5-2 at Toronto earlier in the season. With the visitors coming straight off a 6-3 loss at Calgary last night I expect the hosts to take advantage of a tired team here in Vancouver. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Situational/Motivational - There's little wonder why Toronto has lost four of its last five games as it has given up 22 goals over that span. And why would its players care to play defense with the season all but over already? The Nucks are in a different situation as it's still third in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the Kings despite the loss to them Thursday. They'll be boosted by the return of defensemen Kevin Bieksa and Yannick Weber  plus forwards Brad Richardson and Chris Higgins for this contest, and a win is a must to keep up in the super tight Western Conference.
2. Home Cookin' - The Nucks have won six straight meetings in Vancouver against the Leafs and have claimed five of their last seven overall at Rogers Arena. Toronto is a measly 8-22-5 on the road on the season and have won only one of its last 19 away from home. 
3. X-Factor - Toronto has given up a goal on the penalty kill in six of its last seven games. 
Selection: This is a play on the Vancouver Canucks -1.5. (9*)

The Penguins are back in Pittsburgh after splitting a four game road trip they wrapped up with a 2-1 loss in a shoot out at San Jose. They should be well motivated to get back on track with a big win here facing one of the worst teams in the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers are coming off five straight losses, and I think they're in for more pain tonight against a Penguins team that have dominated them over recent seasons. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. The Oilers Defense - Only the Buffalo Sabres have a worse goals against per game average than the Oilers and their 3.31. They've been particularly poor of late, conceding 12 goals over their last two games. Ben Scrivens is likely to tend the net, and he is a pathetic 2-8-6 with a 2.94 GAA over 19 outings outside of Edmonton. He'll have his work cut out for him here, facing a Penguins team that averages 3.03 goals per game on home ice and has scored10 goals over its last two at CONSOL Energy Center.
2. Special Teams - Edmonton has scored six goals over its last two games, with three of those coming on the man advantage. I doubt they'll have much success on the power play tonight though as Pittsburgh's penalty kill ranks among the best in the league and has killed off eight straight penalties. Conversely the Oilers have given up a goal on four of their last eight shorthanded situations and the Pens are converting on a respectable 20.1% of their power play opportunities on the season.
3. X-Factor - Evegni Malkin has been held without a point over his last two games after averaging one goal and one assist per game over a seven game point-streak prior. He scored one of the goals when the Pens won 2-0 at Edmonton earlier in the season, and this is as good of an opportunity as any for him to get back on the scoresheet. 

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5

 (9*)

It's a huge game for both teams when the Philadelphia Flyers travel to Boston to take on the Bruins at TD Garden Saturday. The hosts are currently holding down the last wild card spot in the East, while the Flyers are in a pack of three teams trying to hunt them down. A Philly win would take them within two points of the Bruins, but Boston has won the first two meetings of the season and I like it's chances of completing the season sweep tonight. 
Here are my keys to the game: 
1. Road Woes - Philly has won only nine of its 32 games away from home this season losing four of its last five. Its star netminder Steve Mason has recorded one single win over 17 appearances away from home for the season, allowing 2.61 goals per game on average. Trips to Boston have not been a pleasant experience over recent seasons either for Philly as it has left as losers in four consecutive visits. 
2. Boston's Dominance - Not only has Boston won both meetings this season, it has won all of the last five overall. It is 16-3-1 in this series since blowing a 3-0 series lead against Philly in the play off 2010. 
3. X-Factor - Tuukka Rask has won five straight meetings with the Flyers and done so behind a miniscule GAA of 1.57. 

Selection: This is a play on the Boston Bruins

(8*)

The Tampa Bay Lightning are off a disappointing 4-3 loss to their local rival the Panthers. I like their chances of bouncing back with a big win tonight though as they're hosting the worst team in the NHL. The Buffalo Sabres have already given up on the season looking to rebuild for the next. Tampa meanwhile needs to get going in time for the playoffs and should prove to be the better team tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Goaltending - Buffalo traded their top netminder Jonas Enroth to Dallas a couple of weeks ago and now when Michal Neuvirth started to heat up he was sent to the Islanders in exchange for Chad Johnson. Johnson conceded five goals to the offensively challenged Carolina Hurricanes his last time out and is posting a 3.08 GAA for the season but is expected to get the nod for his new club right away. The other option is giving Anders Lindback his debut, he was 0-7-0 with a 3.95 GAA for the Stars before coming over in the Enroth trade. Tampa Bay on the other hand can turn to Ben Bishop who is 6-0-1 behind a 1.81 GAA over his career against the Sabres.
2. Home Cookin' - The Lightning have won five of their last seven on home ice, covering the puckline in each win. They defeated the Blackhawks 4-0 their last time out at Amalie Arena and have won four of the last five meetings with the Sabres in Tampa.
3. X-Factor - Steven Stamkos is leading the Lightning with his 35 goals and has three goals over his last two games. He has tallied two goals and two assists over the previous four meetings with the Sabres this season. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (10*)

The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadians is one of the oldest in sports. These teams will meet again at the Bell Center tonight, and the hosts are heavily favored. While Montreal has proven to be by far the better team in recent seasons, it hasn't prevented these two teams from playing close games in recent meetings.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Habs have won three straight in this series, but all three of those victories came in games decided by the exact same score (4-3). Toronto has won twice in it's last four trips to the Bell Center, and one of those two losses came in a game decided by just one goal.

2. Situational/Motivational - With the playoffs out of reach, and management already publicly announcing that they will clean house in the off-season, there aren't a lot of spots on the remaining schedule that are of importance to Toronto. This is one of those games though, and it should mean more to the visitors than it does to the hosts, who are battling for first place in the Eastern Conference.

3. X-Factor - The Leafs own a far more dangerous power-play, with 36 goals on the man advantage (compared to 27 for Montreal).

Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Maple Leafs (+1.5 Puck-Line)(8*)

The Edmonton Oilers have picked up some momentum of late winning three of their last four games. Each game has been decided by one goal and I think they'll keep it close tonight as well as they're staying in Alberta to do battle with the Calgary Flames. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Situational/Motivational - Sitting bottom of the Western Conference with only 35 points this season is already all but over for the Oilers. They do have two games against their Alberta foe left on the schedule though, and I expect them to give it their all in these rivalry games.  

2. Home Woes - The Flames have lost four of their last five at home, with the lone win coming against the lowly Buffalo Sabres. The Oilers have won two straight on the road and must be poised to keep that momentum going.  

3. X-Factor - Both teams rank near them bottom of the league for shots per game. This speaks for a close low-scoring contest. 

Selection: This is a play on the Edmonton Oilers +1.5. (8*)

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers are sitting right next to each-other in the standings with both sides a good 9-10 points off a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers are without a doubt the hotter of the the two teams as the Leafs have won only one of their last 12 games, dropping eight consecutive. I think we'll see a close game at Wells Fargo Center though and I like the Leafs on the puckline.  

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Idling Maple Leafs Offense - Toronto had some decent offensive success earlier in the season so the quality is undoubtedly there. This could be a good spot to start finding the net again facing Steve Mason who is showing a 3.64 GAA in seven starts against the Leafs lifetime. 

2. Special Teams - Philadelphia has won four of its last five, much thanks to a strong power play that has gone 6-for-16. Toronto has a penalty that ranks among the top 10 in the league and has yielded only one goal over its last 17 penalties though. Philly on the other hand has one of the worst penalty kill units in the NHL allowing a goal on close to 75% of its penalties. 

3. X-Factor - Phil Kessel is leading Toronto with 45 points and had two assists in the first meeting with the Flyers this season.  

Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Maple Leafs +1.5 (6*)

Two slumping teams will face off at Air Canada Centre tonight as the Toronto Maple Leafs are hosting the Arizona Coyotes. Both teams look to avoid an eighth straight loss, but remember that all but one of the Leafs losses during that span have come on the road. I think they'll wipe the floor with the Coyotes tonight back on home ice. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Home Cookin' - The Leafs have produced only six goals over their seven game slide but I expect an offensive outburst tonight. They're averaging 3.5 goals in their own building compared to 2.2 goals per game on the road and have covered the puckline in 10 of their last 11 home wins.   

2. The Coyotes Defense - Arizona's "star" netminder Mike Smith has had a rough season. He's posting a league worst 3.49 GAA, is leading the NHL with his 20 losses for the season and has allowed 12 goals over his last three games. To be fair Smith he's not had much help from his D, facing no less than 123 shots over that three game span. 

3. X-Factor - Phil Kessel leads the Leafs with his 44 points for the season but has been quiet of late producing only one point over his last seven games. He had good success earlier this season against Phoenix though, setting up both of Toronto's goals in a 3-2 loss. 

Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (8*)

The Buffalo Sabres came into the All Star break ranked dead last in the NHL, and I can't find anything that says we won't find them there come the end of the season as well. They're currently on an extended losing streak, while the Flames will play their first game on home-ice after a very successful five game road swing which saw them go 4-1-0. The Sabres won the first meeting of the season 4-3 in Buffalo despite getting out-shot 45-19. Tonight order will be restored and we can expect a blow-out win for the home-team.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. The Buffalo Sabres Struggles - The Sabres are struggling at both ends of the ice, getting outscored 49-16 over 11 consecutive losses covering the spread only twice. Their struggles are particularly obvious away from home where they're conceding 4.18 goals per game for the season while scoring only 1.68 themselves.  They have the worst special team unit in the NHL for both power play and penalty kill, and have given up a goal on 13 of their last 36 penalties.  

2. Home Cookin - The Flames are posting a losing home record for the season but have not disappointed when hosting lesser competition going 9-0 in their last nine facing a team with a road winning % of less than .400. The Sabres are 4-17-1 outside of their own building for the season and are a notoriously poor road team having won only nine of their last 55 outside of Buffalo.  

3. X-Factor - No defensman in the NHL has contributed with more points than the Flames Mark Giordano and his 40 this season which rewarded him with a spot in the All Star game. He did not disappoint, recording one assist and had one goal and four points over the four games leading up to the exhibition game. 

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames -1.5 (8*)

The Anaheim Ducks will enter the All Star break leading the league no matter the outcome in this game. They're off four consecutive wins, but needed a shootout to get the decision against the Kings their last time out. The Calgary Flames are off four straight wins as well, and have split the season series with the Ducks so far with both games decided by one goal. I don't think this contest will be any different.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Flames D - Injuries to Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo gave Joni Ortio a chance to prove himself in goal. And he has certainly made the most of it, going a perfect 4-0-0 with a 1.23 GAA over his four starts, and is likely to tend the net tonight again. He's had good support from his skaters as well, and if they can show the same resilience tonight as they have over recent games they'll certainly give the Ducks a run for their money.

2. Road Warriors - The Flames are 14-9-1 on the road for the season, coming off five consecutive wins away from home. It's almost now or never for them to end a 0-14-5 stretch at Honda Center.

3. X-Factor - Sean Monahan is red hot, scoring in three straight contests.

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames +1.5 (8*)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming to Winnipeg tonight on the back of two consecutive 3-1 road wins (at Boston and Minnesota). The home team will be looking to record a fifth consecutive win before entering the All Star break, but needed a shootout to overcome the lowly Arizona Coyotes its last time out. Winnipeg has been better on the road than at home ice this season, and I think they'll be in for a tough, close game home at MTS Centre tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Columbus Power Play - They have the league's third best power play unit at their disposal, taking advantage on exactly a quarter of their opportunities on the man advantage so far. The power play has been particularly efficient of late, with Columbus notching a goal on the power play in 10 of their last 12 games.

2. Road Warriors - The Blue Jackets have won four straight meetings in Winnipeg and eight of their last 10 on the road overall. They're 11-9-1 away from home for the season, and the Jets have lost 14 of their last 17 at home against a team with a winning road record.

3. X-Factor - Ryan Johansen had a 13 game point streak snapped Monday. He'll be looking to start another one tonight, and I like his chances as he has tallied three goals and two assists over four meetings with the Jets.

Selection: This is a play on the Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (5*)

The Detroit Red Wings have been hot of late, winning six of their last seven games coming off four victories in a row. Hosting the slumping Minnesota Wild may seem like a mismatch, but I think the Wild will give the Wings a run for their money. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Return From Injury - Devan Dubnyk has had a positive impact in net since coming over from Coyotes, but the Wild could have their star netminder Darcy Kuemper available for this contest. He was activated from injured reserve yesterday, and as Dubnyk started in Columbus last night we could see Kuemper in goal tonight.  Mikael Granlund is another key player that could be available, to the delight of coach Mike Yeo: "(Granlund) is a guy that's a huge part of our lineup and a huge part of our team, and certainly we've missed him".  

2. Previous Meetings - The Wild have won three of the last four meetings overall and both of the last two match-ups in Detroit.  

3. X-Factor - Minnesota won its last game on the road 7-0, a game where team leading Jason Pominville had three assists. 

Selection: This is a play on the Minnesota Wild +1.5. (8*)

The Calgary Flames are hot, coming off three consecutive wins as they'll enter Staples Center to battle it out with Pacific Division rivals the Los Angeles Kings tonight. I don't think hot and the Kings are words anyone would use in the same sentence at the moment, with the hosts dropping seven of their last nine. An outright win for the Flames is not out of the question, but I prefer a one goal cushion with a play on the puckline.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Defensive Woes - The Kings have allowed 21 goals over their last six games, going 10-for-17 on the penalty kill. Their top netminder Jonathan Quick is ice-cold, going win-less over five appearances since New Years Day.  

2. Home Woes - Los Angeles is 1-2-3 over a seven game home-stand it will conclude tonight. It has dropped five of the last seven meeting in L.A, and another loss could be imminent as the Flames have won four straight away from home.   

3. X-Factor - The Kings have lost seven straight shootouts, going 1-for-7 for the season.  

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames +1.5 (8*)

The Colorado Avalanche and the St. Louis Blues will close out the season series as they face off for the fifth and final time tonight. St. Louis has taken three of the previous four, but two of games were decided by one goal. I expect another close contest at Scottrade Center here. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Keeping It Close - The Avs have lost three of their last four, but each loss came by one goal with two of those games going past regulation. They out-shot the Lightning 42-31 at Tampa Bay their last time out, something not many teams can boast about. If they can run with the Lightning, why not the Blues? 

2. Semyon Varlamov - The 26 year old Russian is likely to tend the net and has been dominant of late, going 4-1-1 allowing only 11 goals over his last six starts. He's faced the Blues three times this season, going 1-1-1 behind a 1.67 GAA.  

3. X-Factor - Alex Tanguay is leading the Avs with 31 points and has one goal and three assists over his last four on the road. 

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche +1.5 (8*)

The Minnesota Wild ended a six game skid Thursday as they finished a three game road trip winning 7-0 at Buffalo. The Coyotes are coming off three consecutive losses on home ice as they'll open a road trip tonight that will take them to eight different cities. The Wild have dominated the Coyotes over recent meetings, and I don't see why tonight's match-up would be any different.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Dylan Dubnyk - Dubnyk got a perfect start to his career with the Wild, stopping each of the 18 shots he faced at Buffalo. He is likely to tend the net when his former team is coming to town tonight as Darcy Kuemper is still recovering from injury and Niklas Backstrom is colder than the ice he skates on. Expect Dubnyk to give his all against his former team-mates.

2. Recent Meetings - The Wild have won four consecutive match-ups, already defeating the Coyotes twice this season. They can complete the season sweep tonight, I expect them to be pumped up about that opportunity.

3. X-Factor - Jason Pominville is leading the Wild with 27 assists and 36 points. Three of those assists came against the Sabres earlier this week.

Selection: This is a play on the Minnesota Wild -1.5 (8*)

The Washington Capitals have been hot of late, winning four of their last five overall and five consecutive on home ice. Tonight they'll host a team that has been almost equally hot though, as the Colorado Avalanche are coming to town. The Avs have won five of their last six, including a shutout win at the United Center against the Blackhawks. The Caps won the first game of this series 3-2 in Colorado, and I expect another close contest tonight.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Semyon Varlamov - The 26 year old has started seven consecutive games and is 6-2-0 with a 1.97 GAA and two shutouts since returning from a groin injury. He has allowed 10 goals over five games in January, posting a .947 saving percentage. He was a Washington player for three seasons prior to joining the Avs, and has fared well in recent meetings with his former club allowing only two goals while winning both meetings last season.  

2. Colorado's Penalty Kill - The Avs have one of the very best penalty killing units in the NHL at their disposal, giving up a goal on less than 15% of their penalties. The have killed off 15 straight penalties over five games. 

3. X-Factor - The Caps have dropped three straight meetings with the Avs in Washington. 

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche +1.5 (8*)

The Anaheim Ducks are coming off a 4-1 loss against the Rangers as they host the Winnipeg Jets at the Duckpond tonight. The Jets have the third best road record in the league and I think they'll keep this a close game.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. The Duck's Style - They may be second in the NHL with their 58 points, but it is more down to winning close games than blowing opponents away. More than half of the Ducks 26 game have been decided by one goal which also is true for all of their last five Ws. 

2. Road Warriors - The Jets have picked up 12 of their 21 wins on the road this season and are off a marquee 5-4 SO win at Los Angeles. They're 3-1 over their last four away from home, also defeating the Blackhawks and the Wild in their buildings. 

3. X-Factor - The Jets have scored on the power play in five of their last six games, going 7-for-24 on the man advantage. 

Selection: This is a play on the Winnipeg Jets +1.5. (8*)

The Detroit Red Wings opened a six game road trip in worst possible way losing 4-1 at Vancouver Saturday. They might find it tougher than anticipated tonight coming up against the Edmonton Oilers who are undefeated in regulation in their last four games. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Ben Scrivens - He's had a poor first half of the season but has looked better over recent games, going undefeated during regulation conceding only nine goals over his last four starts.  

2. Home Cookin' - The Oilers have picked up seven of their nine wins this season on home ice and have taken two in a row. That may not sound all that impressive, but wins against the surging New York Islanders and the reigning Stanley Cup Champs the L.A. Kings are nothing to sneeze at.  

3. X-Factor - The Oilers are 2-0-2 in four games since interim head coach Todd Nelson took charge. 

Selection: This is a play on the Edmonton Oilers +1.5 (8*) 

The Colorado Avalanche had won back-to-back games prior to coming up short against the Blue Jackets Sunday. Each of those games were decided by one goal, and the same is true for the tonight's hosts, the Chicago Blackhawks, last three. I think the Avs will be able to keep this a close contest as well.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Slow Starters - The Blackhawks have allowed the first goal in each of their last five games. They've come back to win three of them, but covered the spread only once with the other two wins coming post regulation.  

2. Corey Crawford - 30 year old Canadian has yielded 11 goals over his last three starts and 18 over his last six since returning from an injury that held him out for three weeks.  

3. X-Factor - The Blackhawks may have won both meetings this season, but Sergei Varlamov and the Avs knows how to beat them as they were 4-0-0 with a 1.59 GAA against Chicago in 2013-14.  

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche +1.5 (8*)

The Carolina Hurricanes are off back-to-back wins for the mere second time this season as they're coming to Nashville to face off with the Predators tonight. Nashville is back at Bridgestone Arena after splitting games against the Kings and the Ducks in California, and I think the Preds will be in for a close battle tonight as well.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Close Games - The Canes have won four of their last 13 games on the road. Of the nine losses have only three been come by more than one goal. The Predators have won 14 of their 17 at home this season, but covered the spread only once.  

2. Special Teams - The Hurricanes are not known for their prolific power play, but matter of fact is that the Predators are even worse converting on just above 15% of their opportunities. They might struggle to improve on those numbers tonight coming up against a Canes team that have yielded only one goal over their last 30 short-handed situations and killed of 20 consecutive penalties. 

3. X-Factor - The first meeting of the season took place in Carolina on December 2. The hosts won 2-1, and a similar scoreline for either team is more than likely again. 

Selection: This is a play on the Carolina Hurricanes (8*)

The Dallas Stsrs will be taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in what should be a heavyweight-meeting in the Central Division tonight. As it stands right now the Stars are still three points out of a playoff spot, but they've won eight of their last nine.

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. The Rising Stars - Dallas is looking for a fifth consecutive win and has outscored opponents 20-5 over the previous four and is coming off a 7-1 win against the Wild last night. One reason to its recent surge is an improved power play unit that has gone 5-for-16 over its last four games.

2. Corey Crawford - Albeit one of the best netminders in the NHL, he has not looked like himself since returning from an injury that held him off the ice for eight games. He is 2-2-1 with a 3.17 GAA since his comeback, and allowed a couple of soft goals in the Winter Classic against the Capitals.

3. X-Factor - Tyler Seguin tallied on goal and assisted one in last night's demolition of the Wild. He is now only two points off Jakub Voracek for the league lead and we should expect to see a goal or two from his lumber tonight.

Selection: This is a play on the Dallas Stars (8*)

The Edmonton Oilers looked like they would close out 2014 with two consecutive victories after defeating the Kings 3-2 in a shootout, but they blew a two goal lead at Calgary the next day. I think their woes away from home will continue tonight against the Colorado Avalanche that have put up good performances as of late.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Edmonton's Goaltending - The Oilers No. 1 netminder Ben Scrivens has yet to win a game away from home this season, going 0-4-4 with a 3.49 GAA over 11 appearances. Their back-up Viktor Fasth is 2-6-2 over 10 road starts, but it is also behind a rather swollen GAA of 3.30 and no other goalie has a higher overall GAA than Fasth's 3.50 for the season. The Avs have averaged 33 shots on goal over their last three at home, so whoever is tending the Oilers net will likely have plenty to do.  

2. Road Woes - The Oilers have dropped 11 straight away from home, winning only two of 18 match-ups outside of Edmonton all season.  

3. X-Factor - The Avs are 6-2 in their last eight versus a team with a winning % below .400. 

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (10*)

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Carolina Hurricanes to get the season going again after the Christmas break. The visitors are coming off a 2-1 shootout win at New Jersey, only their second win in their last 10 games. The Lightning won the first meeting between these two sides 2-1, but we could see a more one-sided affair in Tampa tonight.

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Scoring Woes - There's little wonder why we're finding the Hurricanes at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference. The team is averaging a lowly 2.03 goals per game, with only the Sabres showing a worse goal-production. They've been even more miserable over recent games, scoring 13 goals in regulation over their last 10 games. To make matters worse, we can expect to see Tampa's top netminder Ben Bishop back for this contest. He has dominated the Canes, winning four career meetings behind a 1.24 GAA.

2. Road Woes - The Hurricanes have the third worst road record in the NHL this season and have only won one of their last five away from home. 

3. X-Factor - Nikita Kucherov has been productive lately, scoring five goals and adding five assists over his last seven games. He had a goal and a pair of assists against the Penguins before the Christmas break. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (8*)

The Detroit Red Wings are coming into this contest off the back of five consecutive losses, four of them on home ice. They'll be hosting the Colorado Avalanche who are coming off a dominant 5-1 win at Buffalo, playing three straight games past regulation prior. The visitors have a good chance of piling on the home teams misery here, but I'm playing it safe with a play on the puckline.  

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. The Wings Slumping Offense - You don't have to dig very deep to find the reason why Detroit is reeling. They've managed to average only one goal per game over their five game skid, with only two of those coming 5-versus-5. They tested the Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak only 18 times in the 2-1 loss two days ago.  

2. Goaltending - Both teams will have to do without their star netminders as we will see Calvin Pickard tend the net for the visitors and Petr Mrazek for the home team. Pickard has been great, going 2-1-2 with a 1.76 GAA since Sergei Varlamov got injured and made 47 saves in the 1-0 OT loss at Pittsburgh Thursday while Mrazek has gone a respectable 1-2-0 with a 1.90 GAA over three December starts.  

3. X-Factor - Henrik Zetterberg has three points over his last eight games and if he's struggling, it doesn't bode well for the Wings offense. 

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche +1.5 (8*)

The Buffalo Sabres four game winning streak was abruptly ended in a 5-1 loss at Winnipeg Tuesday. Tonight they'll be hosting the Colorado Avalanche, a side that has played well below expectations lately. I like it's chances of winning big tonight against a Sabres side it's dominated over recent meetings. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Defense - The Sabres may have started picking up wins with some frequency lately, but it has not been thanks to a rock solid D. They've allowed 15 goals over their last four games and ranks near the bottom of the league allowing 3.09 per game. Colorado may sit one spot behind the Sabres for goals conceded per game, but that number will drop drastically if Calvin Pickard can put up similar performances as against the Pens two days ago. He stopped 47 shots from Crosby and company, allowing only one goal in OT.  

2. Recent Meetings - The Avs have won all of the last seven match-ups against the Sabres and outscored Buffalo 11-3 over two meetings last season.  

3. X-Factor - Form is temporary, class is permanent. The Sabres recent hot streak has been nothing but that and I'm sure their play will regress sooner rather than later. The Avs are the better team and need to start making up ground in the Western Conference.  

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (8*)

The Los Angeles Kings have not looked much like the reigning Stanley Cup Champs they are lately with Thursday's 6-4 win against St. Louis being only their second over their last seven games. I like their chances of keeping that momentum going though as they'll host a struggling Arizona Coyotes team this afternoon. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Goaltending - Jonathan Quick has one of the best home records of all goalies in the NHL this season going 11-3-1 behind a 1.69 GAA at Staples Center. He may have allowed four against the Blues a couple of days ago, but the Coyotes have nowhere near the same firepower. Quick had only conceded five goals over his three home starts leading up to the Blues game. The Coyotes are having massive goaltending issues. Mike Smith is posting a 3.35 GAA for the season and has been benched two games in a row and backup Devan Dubnyk isn't any better.  

2. Home Cookin' - The Kings have picked up 12 of their 16 wins this season on home ice. They've dominated the Coyotes over recent meetings in L.A, winning four of the last five match-ups.  

3. X-Factor - Marian Gaborik was 100% with his shots Tuesday, going 2-for-2, and topped it of with an assist as well. He has five goals over his last three games and will be looking to stay hot.   

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings -1.5 (8*)

The Detroit Red Wings are coming off a season-high three consecutive losses as they'll host a surging Columbus Blue Jackets team tonight. The visitors have started the month with six straight wins, defeating teams like the Penguins and the Lightning. The Wings blew the Blue Jackets away in a 5-0 victory in Columbus earlier in the season, but I expect a much closer contest here.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Sergei Bobrovsky - To say that he's a big reason to the Blue Jackets recent success would be an understatement. The 26 year old Russian has started each of the last six games coming out with a 1.91 GAA. He might be in for quiet evening tonight, the Red Wings have scored only 10 goals over their last five games and mustered only 28 shots on goal in the 4-1 loss against Toronto Saturday. 

2. Injuries/Illness - Tomas Tatar and Johan Franzen missed the Red Wings practice Monday due to the flu and Justin Abdelkader and Danny DeKeyser are still questionable to be back in the team after injuries. 

3. X-Factor - Don't expect to see the visitors try to play a fancy game. They are among the NHL leaders for hits with 30.6 per game while the Red Wings average only 18.7 for one of the league's lowest averages. 

Selection: This is a play on the Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (7*)

The Carolina Hurricanes started the season by losing their first eight games and are now on yet another extended losing streak. They're coming into this contest on the back off five consecutive losses, unable to produce more than one goal in any of those games. This is not an ideal time for a visit to Montreal and a Canadiens team that has opened a five game home-stand by defeating the Canucks 3-1 and the Kings 6-2. I expect a comfortable home win and I really like the price on the puck-line.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Carey Price - The 27 year old had a really poor start to the season, allowing 14 goals over his first four games despite winning three of them. He's been much better as of late posting a 1.94 GAA over his last 14 starts. He's shut out the Hurricanes twice over the last four match-ups at home and is 6-2-1 with a 1.75 GAA over the last nine meetings at Bell Centre.  

2. Road Woes - Only the Oilers have less wins on the road than the Hurricanes this season. They've managed to pick up two points only three times on 16 attempts and have lost six of the last seven meetings in Montreal. 

3. X-Factor - The Canes will most likely be without their leading goalscorer Jiri Tlusty. He did not play Saturday's game against the Flyers and was not practising yesterday. 

Selection: This is a play on the Montreal Canadiens -1.5 (10*).

Two of the highest scoring teams in the NHL will clash in Pittsburgh tonight as they Penguins are entertaining the Flames. The visitors are in the midst of a four game road trip, dropping the first two allowing four goals to both Buffalo and Toronto. The Pens have dominated them over recent season's and this match-up should be no different. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Goaltending - The Pens last game was at Madison Square Garden Monday so there's no reason they won't go with their No. 1 netminder Marc Andre Fleury here. He allowed four goals against the Rangers, but has owned the Flames winning five straight behind a 1.60 GAA. Karri Ramo tended the net for the visitors last night so we are likely to see Jonas Hiller between the pipes for Calgary. Hiller has lost his last three starts and has a 3.30 GAA over his last seven, of which he's won only two.  

2. Special Teams - No other team has a better effiency on the power play than the Penguins. They're leading the league with their 25 goals on the man advantage, and will be up against one of the worst penalty killing units in the NHL tonight. 

3. X-Factor - The Flames have won only one of the last eight meetings in Pittsburgh. 

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Penguins (7*)

The Edmonton Oilers snapped an 11 game losing streak versus San Jose Sunday but were back to their losing ways last night as the Sharks got revenge in a 5-2 win. The Oilers are going from the Shark Tank to the Duck Pond tonight as they're staying in California to take on the Anaheim Ducks. The hosts are coming off four consecutive wins, and anything but an annihilation of their opposition tonight would surprise me.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Edmonton's Slumping Offense - Only three teams have a worse average than the Oilers 2.21 goals per game this season and they are equally poor on the power play converting on less than 13% of their opportunities. They've managed only 24 goals over their last 13 games and have not scored more than two in any of their five most recent match-ups in Anaheim. 

2. Home Cookin' - The Ducks have won four of their last five at home, denying teams like Boston and the hot Flames a single point. They've dominated the Oilers over recent meetings at home, winning all of the last four outscoring the visitors 13-7. 

3. X-Factor - Ryan Getzlaf has 10 points over his last five games and assisted three of the Ducks four goals against the Jets Sunday.  

Selection: This is a play on the Anaheim Ducks PL (10*)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are on a roll, winning three of their last four while the New Jersey Devils are in a slump coming off four consecutive losses, losing six of their last seven. I think the the home teams offense will prove too much to handle for the visitors here.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. The Penguins Offense - Only the Lightning have a better goal per game average than the Penguins this season, as they're scored close to 3.5 goals per game. The Devils are conceding more than 2.80 goals per game with Cory Schneider allowing eight over his last three.   

2. Recent Meetings - The Pens defeated the Devils 8-3 at CONSOL Energy Center on Oct 28th. They've now won five of the last six meetings in Pittsburgh.  

3. X-Factor - The Pens forward Evegni Malkin is tied with the Red Wings Gustav Nyquist for most power play goals for the season at seven goals on the man advantage. He has had five goals over his last five games and is likely to get on the scoresheet tonight as well.  

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (10*)

The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to stay hot and make this three game home stand a perfect one by bagging yet another win tonight. The Senators will play their fourth game on the road in six days, coming straight from a 3-2 loss at Florida last night. The home team should be able to cover the spread at a good price and win this one comfortably. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Tampa Bay's Offensive Firepower - No other team in the NHL can show a better goal per game ratio than the Lightning and their 3.48 goals per game. They're extremely effective with their shots, ranking in the bottom half regarding shots per game. That number might go up after tonight's contest though as the visitors are giving up more than 35 shots per game, and we will see plenty of Tampa goals if only they can keep their efficiency up. 

2. Home Cookin' - The hosts have been favored over recent meetings between these two teams with the home team winning 17 of the last 25 meetings. Good news for Tampa who is 7-1 over its last eight at home. 

3. X-Factor - Steven Stamkos is coming off a three-point game against the Rangers and is on a three game scoring streak. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning (8*)

One of the stronger home teams in the NHL will host the very worst road team tonight as the Carolina Hurricanes are coming to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins. The Pens have dominated tonight's opponent over recent meetings, and I think they'll dismiss the Canes easily in this contest as well. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. The Penguins Offense - The Penguins don't just win games, they blow opponents away. 10 of their 15 wins this season have come by a margin of two goals or more and they have the best goal per game average in the league scoring just over 3.5 goals per game. Pittsburgh is particularly prolific on the power play, scoring on a third of its opportunities with Evegni Malkin leading the league with his seven power play goals. 

2. Road Woes - The Hurricanes started the season with eight consecutive losses, six of them coming on the road. They started a five game road trip on Nov 18 with a win at Dallas, but have since lost three straight away from home. Breaking this slide in Pittsburgh won't be easy, with the Pens winning six of the last seven meetings at CONSOL Energy Center.  

3. X-Factor - This game could be decided before the players even skate off the ice for the first intermission. Carolina is showing a minus-seven first-period goal differential while Pittsburgh is plus-15 over its first periods. 

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (10*)

The San Jose Sharks are returning home after a seven game road trip that have kept them away from California since Nov 8. They will host the Florida Panthers who have struggled away from home recently, and I think their road woes will continue tonight.  

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Special Teams - The Sharks power play was really sharp in the beginning of the season but they've not been as prolific as of late. They're still among the better teams though, and things could turn around again tonight as they'll face the Panthers penalty kill that is ranking near the bottom of the league, giving up a goal on close to a quarter of their penalties. 

2. Road Woes - The Panthers have lost four of their last five on the road and was the second worst road team last season winning only 13 games outside of Florida. San Jose on the other hand was the second best home team in the league last season and are looking forward to a six game homestand. 

3. X-factor - Joe Thornton is leading the Sharks with 19 points and has four goals and four assists over his last seven games. 

Selection: This is a play on the San Jose Sharks -1.5 (6*)

Both the Winnipeg Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks will be playing back to back games as they meet at United Center tonight. The Jets are concluding a four game road trip coming off a 1-0 shootout victory against the Rangers while the Blackhawks lost 3-2 at Toronto last night. Chicago has a good record against the Jets though, winning seven of the last eight meetings and I think they will win big tonight. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Special Teams - The Blackhawks have scored nine power play goals this season, tied for a league fifth best. They've been very effective killing of their own penalties as well conceding only three goals with a man down for a 91.4% success rate. The Jets on the other hand have managed to find the net only three times over 37 opportunities on the man advantage. 

2. Shooting - The Blackhawks are testing their opponents goalie more than any other team in the league, averaging almost 39 shots per game. The Jets are averaging almost nine shots less per game and it's hard to score unless you shoot, which their 1.82 goals per game average clearly shows. 

3. X-factor - Chicago is 7-1 in it's last eight vs Winnipeg, and it out-scored the Jets 33-20 in those contests.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks -1.5 (5*)

The Buffalo Sabres finished the 2013-2014 season at the bottom of the standings only managing 52 points over their 82 games. They've had a miserable start to this season as well, and I don't expect them to be turning things around tonight as they'll be up against a red hot Pittsburgh Penguins who are riding a three game winning streak. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Special Teams - The two teams are on two different side of the scale when it comes to power play. The Sabres have the second worst power play units in the league scoring one goal on 34 chances, while the Penguins have the very best finding the net 15 times for a 39.5% conversion rate. 

2. Road Woes - The Sabres picked up only eight wins on the road over the whole last season and have dropped 10 of the last 14 meetings in Pittsburgh. 

3. X-factor - Evegni Malkin has scored four power-play goals so far, tied for the most in the league. 

Selection: This is a play on the Pittsbugh Penguins -1.5 (8*)

The Ottawa Senators are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the Devils in New Jersey last night. The Chicago Blackhawks are also comng off a loss but they return to the United Center, where they are 3-0-1 this season, and I expect them to win big versus an inferior opponent tonight.

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Special Teams - Both teams have been rather effective on the power play, scoring on nearly 20% of their opportunities. We can see a big difference when it comes to killing of penalties though. The Blackhawks have conceded only two goals, for a 91% success rate while the Senators have conceded five goals over six games, only seeing 77% of their penalties out. 

2. The percentage game - You have to shot to score, and the Blackhawks 37 shots on goal per game is by far the highest in the NHL this season. We find Ottwawa ranking 21st, testing their opponents goalie with almost eight fewer shots per game.  

3. X-factor - The Senators are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Chicago.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks -1.5 (10*)  

The Sabres are coming off two consecutive shutout losses on home ice, but are hoping to turn things around on a four game road trip starting in Anaheim tonight. They might struggle to see a positive result in California though. The Ducks have won five straight games since suffering a loss at Pittsburgh in their season opener.

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Buffalo's (lack of) Offense - They have only mustered seven goals over their first six games, with left-winger Tyler Ennis' two goals being enough to be their top scorer. Their offensive woes are nothing new, the Sabres scored the fewest goals of any NHL club last season, averaging only 1.83 goals per game. 

2. Fredrik Andersen - The 25 year old Dane is off to a phenomenal start so far this season. He has allowed only seven goals in his five starts for a 1.38 GAA and is showing a .950 SV%. Andersen was between the pipes in Sunday's 3-0 win against the Blues, and I like his chances of earning a another victory tonight. 

3. X-factor - Corey Perry has five goals and seven points total so far this season. Expect him to get on the scoresheet tonight as he has seven goals and three assists in 10 career games against the Sabres.  

Selection: This is a play on the Anaheim Ducks -1.5 (10*) 

The Arizona Coyotes will host the Edmonton Oilers at Gila River Arena tonight. Neither team has impressed defensively so far, and I give the Oilers good chances at keeping up with the Coyotes in tonight's game. 

Here are my keys to the game:  

1. Leaking defenses - Edmonton has conceded 15 goals so far, ranking dead last in the NHL with their five goals against per game. Perhaps not that surprising considering they finished last in that category last year as well. The Coyotes have not exactly been defensively sound either, ranking 27th as they've conceded eight goals over their first two games.  

2. Mike Smith - The 32 year old Canadian struggled big time in the season opener, conceding six goals on 27 shots against the Jets. He was a slow starter the last season as well, allowing eight goals in his first three games.  

3. X-factor - The Oilers may still be looking for their first win, but at least they have a functioning power play. They are averaging one power play goal per game so far, scoring on 33% of their opportunities with a man advantage. 

Selection: This is a play on Edmonton Oilers (8*)

I'm still hopeful that Montreal can win here and force a deciding Game 7 at home, but just to be careful I'll take them +1.5 on the puck line for Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.  To recap, I played the Habs to win the series.  But that was before they lost goaltender Carey Price to an injury, which occurred in Game One and has dramatically altered this series.  The Canadiens did explode for seven goals in their Game 5 victory though to get their confidence back and the Rangers have a poor record when leading in a playoff series.

Here are my keys to the game:

1.  Game 5 -  Scoring seven goals in the last game should do wonders for the Habs confidence here.  They knocked Henrik Lundqvist out of the game early.  Once again, the Rangers power play, which has been an issue all postseason, stunk.  They were 1 for 7 with the man advantage, dropping them to 11 for 77 overall in the playoffs.   Three of those goals came in Game 1 of this series which is when Montreal lost Price to injury.  Since then, they are 2 for 15 and in the 12 games previous, they were 3 for 43!

2.   Puck Line - Don't forget that the two previous games in New York were both decided by one goal and went to overtime.  That makes the puck line look more attractive in this instance.  

3.  X-Factor -  The Rangers are just 2-6 when leading a playoff series.  That's just this year.  They are 2-13 in that situation the last three years.

Selection:  This is a puck line play on Montreal (6*)

Things admittedly look pretty bleak right now for the Habs, who I took to win this series.  But that was before goaltender Carey Price was presumably lost for the series due to an injury sustained in a collision in Game 1.  The wheels have come off every since that point in time, but don't look for them to go down without a fight.  In fact, I like Montreal on the puck line tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Dustin Tokarski -  With Price out, it looks like it will be Tokarski in net from here on out.  I thought that all things considered he did a nice job in his first career playoff start.  He allowed three goals, but he wasn't really to blame for any of them, maybe save for the one by Rick Nash.  He's definitely a better option that Peter Budaj at this point.

2.  Puck Line -  Montreal scored first in Game 2 and outshot the Rangers 41-30 for the game.  I don't expect to see them lose this game by more than one goal.

3.  X-Factor -  Game 2 was the first time in their last 12 chances that the Rangers won a playoff game when holding the series lead.

Selection:  This is a puck line play on the Montreal Canadiens (8*)

I've been riding the Habs most of the way in this series and will continue to do so in Game Seven as I take them on the puck line (+1.5) in Boston.  I had Montreal in Game 6 as they shut the Bruins out 4-0 to force this deciding, winner-take-all contest.  I also feel that they have been the better team in the series all along.  They enjoyed a two-goal in each of the first three games and Game 4 was a 1-0 loss in overtime.  Really, they only played poorly in Game 5.  Carey Price has been better than Tuukka Rask in this series.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. PK Subban - When they're not squirting him with water (do a google search if you don't get the reference), the Bruins have largely been unable to contain the Canadiens defensemen. Subban leads all defensemen in scoring in the playoffs with 11 points including at least one in every game but two.  He scored the game winning goal in double overtime in Game One and scored again in Game Five.  He has four goals and three assists in six games. In addition to scoring, he's been solid at the defensive end as well.

2.  Penalty Kill - With the exception of Game 5, Boston has not scored a single power play goal in this series.  They scored two in Game Five, less than a minute apart, to snap an 0 for 8 stretch.  Those two goals were the difference.  Montreal was 4th in penalty killing in the regular season.  The Bruins failed on all three power plays in Game Six.

3. X-Factor -  Montreal is 7-1 this season immediately following a shutout victory.

Selection:   This is a puck line play on the Montreal Canadiens (8*)

Pittsburgh has blown a three games to one series lead here against the Rangers and now themselves face elimination as we are down to a Game 7.  Fortunately though, this deciding game takes place in Pittsburgh.  You might say to yourself "fortunately?" as the Penguins have lost 2 of the 3 home games in this series so far.   But considering the Rangers have NEVER erased a 3-1 series deficit in their franchise's long and storied history, the odds are against them tonight.  In fact, I'll take Pittsburgh -1.5 on the puck line in Game 7 tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1.  Rangers' Power Play - Though it won them one game (Game 5), New York has been just horrible in the playoffs when having the man advantage.  We're talking 5 for 53 overall and three of those goals were scored in the first two games of the series with the Flyers.  Since then, they are 2 for 45 in 12 games.   They were 0 for 6 in Game 6, the fourth time in this series alone that they had at least four power play opportunities to score and didn't.  That also happened three times versus Philadelphia.

2.  When Tied in a Playoff Series - It's happened to the Penguins five times in the last three years.  All five times they have won the next game.  They are 3-0 this season alone in that spot.  

3.  X-Factor -  An empty net goal can always be the difference when deciding to lay the 1.5 on the puck line.  I'm anticipating that might be the difference in this one.

Selection:  Play the Pittsburgh Penguins (-1.5) on the Puck Line (8*)

Though the price is high, I like the idea of Anaheim on the puck line for Game 4 against the Kings.   The road team has won all three games in this series.  That is nothing new with these division rivals as they have played eight times this year and the visiting team has won seven times!  Including a win at Dodgers Stadium, Anaheim is 4 for 4 as the designated road team.   One goal games have also been the norm when these teams meet.

Here are my keys to the game:

1.  Road Warriors -  In addition to the win at Dodgers Stadium in January, the Ducks are 3-0 this season at Staples Center.  Consider that the Kings lost only 19 home games all year.  That's almost 20 percent of those losses coming from one team.

2.  One Goal Games -  In addition to the success the road team has had this year, another identifiable trait of these games has been their close nature.  Six of the eight have been one goal games.   Two of the three games in this series have been one goal games.

3. X-Factor -   Anaheim is going to have to make a move in goal as Frederik Andersen is injured.  Look out if they give the starting nod to John Gibson, who went 3-0-0 at the end of the regular season and stopped 83 of the 87 shots he faced in those games. He is considered the top goaltending prospect in all of hockey.   He was ridiculous in the AHL playoffs with a .955 save percentage and 1.45 GAA.  If he doesn't get the nod, then no worries as Jonas Hiller has a better goals against average in the playoffs compared to Andersen anyway.

Selection:  This is a puck line play on Anaheim (5*)

full analysis soon

This will be a puck line selection on the Montreal Canadiens for Game 1 of this best of seven series with the Boston Bruins.  Both teams have had significant time off, Montreal especially, as they last played April 22nd when they finished off a four-game sweep of Tampa Bay.   Boston needed five games to oust Detroit, winning four in a row after dropping Game One, but has "only" had four days off in between series as opposed to more than a week for the Habs.  Expect the road team to come out strong tonight and they will either a) win or b) lose by only a goal.

Here are my keys to the game:

1.  Regular Season - Montreal was 3-1 against Boston in the regular season and won both road games.  The Bruins scored just seven total goals in those four games and four of those came in their only win.  They have lost five of the last seven times they have hosted the Canadiens.

2.   Puck Line - Montreal has lost only four games total since March 15th and two of those losses were by a one goal margin.

3.  X-Factor:  Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask is 3-10-3 his last 16 starts vs. Montreal.  Meanwhile, Canadiens goalie Carey Price is 17-8-3 all-time vs. Boston and his save percentage is .919 in those games.  

Selection:  This is a puck line play on the Montreal Canadiens (6*)

I think this would be the most surprising series result so far with Montreal up three games to none and a chance to sweep the Lightning right out of the playoffs tonight.   The Habs won the first two games in Tampa and then returned to home ice Sunday delivering a 3-2 win.   They have been able to take advantage of the Lightning being without their top goalie Ben Bishop, whose absence will be blamed if Tampa Bay is to make an early exit here.  Bishop isn't playing again tonight and not only do I feel it's series over, but I look for the Canadiens to cruise.  Take them -1.5 on the puck line for Game 4.

Here are my keys to the game:

1.  No Bishop - Anders Linback played well in the final few games of the regular season for Tampa Bay, but not in this series as he has a 3.50 ERA and .888 save percentage.  The fact that he hadn't won back to back starts all year until the end of the season run was concerning for the Lightning.  Montreal has taken advantage by averaging four goals/game through the first three games.

2.  Momentum - Montreal clearly has all of it.  Tampa Bay does not.  The fact that the Canadiens have been able to dominate in this fashion without a competent power play shows just how far of a gap the Lightning are trying to close.

3.  X-Factor -  After taking a hit to the head, Steven Stamkos had to leave the ice in Game 3.  He returned in the third period, but having their star player at anything less than 100 percent is another huge blow to the Lightning.  

Selection:  This is a puck line play on the Montreal Canadiens (8*).

I caught a break when the Stars rallied back from a 4-0 deficit in Game 1 to lose only 4-3.  As a reminder, I had them on the puck line (+1.5), so that's a win, and that's the way I'll be playing Game 2 as well.   This time I'm expecting a more "complete" effort from Dallas that won't necessitate such a furious come back.  I cannot see goaltender Kari Lehtonen being as bad in net as he was in the first period Wednesday.   Momentum is on the Stars side.

Here are my keys to the game:

1.  Lehtonen - Down the stretch, the Stars goaltender was superb, which makes Wednesday's first period performance all the more strange.  Lehtonen was in net for six of the team's final eight regular season games and had a 1.81 goals against average as well as a .935 save percentage.   Last Friday, he shut out St. Louis.  

2.   Injuries - Not only did the team's leading scorer Ryan Getzlaf take a puck off the face in Game 1 (he'll play), but Matt Beleskey left the ice in the third period with what's being called a lower-body injury.  His status is not as certain for Game 2.  

3. X-Factor - While Anaheim has now won five in a row and eight of its last ten, their last three victories and five of the eight have come by exactly one goal.  There lies the power of the puck line!

Selection:  This is a puck line play (+1.5) on the Dallas Stars (8*)

I really like the Stars on the puck line in Game 1 of this best of seven series and even given them a very good shot at "stealing" the game outright.   Though they finished the regular season with 116 points, the Ducks are a pretty vulnerable top seed, if you ask me.   They did win their final four regular season games, but lost 2 of 3 during the year to Dallas, one them coming here at home.  Last year saw Anaheim get eliminated in the first round as a #2 seed.  The NHL playoffs are not like the NBA.  The higher seeds lose early all the time.  The last two years alone, there have been four teams seeded 7th or lower to win a 1st round series.

Here are my keys to the game:

1.  Special Teams -  Anaheim is very good at even strength, but when the power play comes into play, things get dicey.   They rank just 22nd on the power play and are 13th in penalty killing.  Those are unusually low ranks for a team seeded this high.

2.  Kari Lehtonen -  Down the stretch, the Stars goaltender was superb.  He was in net for six of the team's eight games in April and had a 1.81 goals against average as well as a .935 save percentage.   Last Friday, he shut out St. Louis.   Anaheim has good goaltending depth, but that could be a headache for coach Bruce Boudreau to juggle the situation.  Jonas Hiller's save percentage of .911 should be a cause for concern.

3.  X-Factor - Tyler Seguin.  While the second year player did not have a good postseason last year with Boston, I'm expecting bigger things this year.  Along with captain Jamie Benn, the Stars high-powered duo combined for 71 goals during the regular season.

Selection:  This is a puck line (+1.5) play on the Dallas Stars (8*)