8* Minnesota (8:05 ET): Even with the Blackhawks hot on their heels, the Wild remain the class of the Western Conference from where I sit. Their YTD goal differential of +58 is more than double every other team in the conference (Chicago only +19) and is second best in the entire league, trailing only Washington. Tonight, they host a likely playoff team, that being Anaheim. But to illustrate my earlier point re: goal differential, the Ducks have outscored opponent by only four goals over the course of the season. No team has more non-regulation road losses than Anaheim's 7 and the result of that is a 12-19 SU record away from home. Minnesota doesn't lose at home often and is already 2-0 vs. the Ducks this year. I'm on them. 

The Wild scored six times on 30 shots Sunday in Detroit. That wound up being a pretty easy win after playing extra time in the previous two games. No team is better at home on the power play than Minnesota, who is converting at a 30% rate here. They were 3 for 4 w/ the man advantage Sunday. Something else to note about the Wild on home ice is how they allow far fewer shots per game. The number they allow overall (30.8 per game) is a little troubling, but at home it dips down to 26.8, which is very good. In fact, that would be the fifth best number in the league. Of course, it also helps when you have the NHL's leader in save percentage and goals against average as well. Devan Dubnyk probably has a Vezina Trophy coming his way.

Anaheim is in a tough spot here. Not only are they facing the best team in the Conference, but they are doing so at the end of a six-game road trip that has had them out East since the start of the month. They've lost four of the five game so far, the one win coming at Buffalo. This game comes after facing the best team in the league, Washington, and they gave up six goals there. It was the Ducks' fifth straight loss to a team with a winning record. Meanwhile, the Wild have only four regulation losses in the last 33 games, a remarkable achievement. 8* Minnesota

9* Montreal (7:35 ET): The Canadiens are a better team than Boston and have had little difficulty winning here in Beantown the L3 seasons (5-0!), thus they look to be a great value at an underdog price. Even though they've lost five of six, the Habs continue to lead the Atlantic Division by a comfortable margin as their 70 points currently have them w/ a six-point cushion. Boston finds itself in the all-important third place position in the Division, but three points separate second from fourth and they are by no means a lock for the postseason. They also sport a YTD goal differential that's slightly "in the red" (negative). Not only is Montreal 5-0 SU its last five trips here, they've beaten the Bruins 9 of the last 12 times they've faced them including 2 of 3 this season, one of those here in Boston.

I believe the Bruins absolutely are in play to get one of the final playoff spots in the East. They surprisingly sport the league's top shot differential on a per game basis. But goaltending continues to be an issue as they have an overall save percentage below .900. In his L4 starts, Tuukka Rask has an unfathomably bad .819 save percentage. He's been curiously subpar at home (.896) and even as the B's have been winning recently, they've done so despite allowing plenty of goals. In fact, in five games since the All-Star Break, they've allowed an average of 4.0 gpg despite allowing just 25.4 shots per game. That's a horrible save percentage and something that could certainly bite them here as Montreal ranks 8th in the league in goals per game. Something else working against the Bruins here is that they played last night (beat Vancouver 4-3). They are just 1-8 SU in the second game of a back to back this season.

Montreal also played last night. They lost 4-2 at home to St. Louis. It was their fifth loss in the last six games and third straight game giving up at least four goals. But overall numbers suggest they're more likely than Boston to start improving on the goals allowed sidge of the ledger. First off, they have Carey Price between the pipes. He did not play last night in preparation for this far more important divisional contest. Price has a .933 save percentage in division games this year and is the driving force behind the Habs' sixth place ranking in both save percentage and goals allowed this year. Look for Price to be the difference here as he is 24-8-4 all-time vs. the Bruins w/ a 2.33 GAA and .924 save percentage. Boston got its expected bump from making a coaching change, but they're due to come back down to Earth. 9* Montreal

8* Nashville (2:05 ET): One should probably assume that both Minnesota (who I won with last night) and Chicago (who I won w/ Weds night) are both going to make the playoffs. That leaves one more guaranteed spot for the Central Division and right now it's looking like a dog fight between St. Louis and Nashville for third. The Blues have won three straight to take a one-point advantage, but it's the Predators w/ the better YTD goal differential. Looking to bounce back from a road loss to the Rangers, the Preds return to home ice Saturday for a game they simply have to take advantage of. They host Florida, a team that has regressed badly from LY's Atlantic Division winning campaign. The Panthers gave up six goals in their last game and have one of the worst goal differentials in the Eastern Conference. 

When handicapping NHL contests, something I always look for is how many shots is a team putting on net. After all, you can't score if you aren't getting shots! Well, Nashville has been putting plenty of shots on goal of late and doing it consistently. Over the L9 games, they've posted at least 32 shots eight times. They even outshot the Rangers 37-30 on Thursday. That game saw the Preds blow an early 2-0 lead w/ backup Juuse Saros between the pipes. Tonight, it will be back to Pekka Rinne, who checks in w/ an excellent .942 save percentage his L4 starts. Rinne also did not start when the team lost to the Panthers, in Miami, last month. I think he can be a real difference maker in today's rematch. Nashville is top 10 in goals allowed and on the penalty kill for the season. 

Florida may only be four points out of eighth place in the East, but they have not been playing playoff caliber hockey. There has been some curious organizational decisions as the GM was fired despite LY's surprise run. Coach Gerard Gallant was also shown the door and replaced w/ the new GM. While the team has gone 12-10-9 under Tom Rowe, they were beaten badly by the Kings Thursday. Things were even more lopsided than the 6-3 final score shows as the Panthers trailed 6-1 before a pair of garbage time goals. Compared to counterpart Rinne, Roberto Luongo's recent play in goal has not been good at all. His save percentage over his L4 starts is just .898, which is not good at all. This should be an easy one for the home team. 8* Nashville

8* Minnesota (8:05 ET): The Wild were in a tough spot Wednesday, which is why I played against them! They fought valiantly, but ultimately came up short against a well-rested and motivated Chicago side that's looking to catch them in the Central Division. Even after conceding those two points, the Wild still lead the Blackhawks by five points and more telling is their YTD goal differential is significantly better (+54 to +12). What made the spot so tough for Minnesota on Wednesday is they were coming off a tough four-game trip through Western Canada. After a day of rest, the task now becomes far less difficult as they host a Tampa Bay team that has dropped 8 of its last 10 visits to the Twin Cities. I'm on the Wild this time. 

The Lightning have battled injuries all season long. The most notable is knee injury that's had Steven Stamkos on the shelf for months. As a result, the club currently finds itself out of playoff position. Granted, only six points back, they're still in contention. But they'll have to jump a number of teams. Back to back wins, the latest an impressive 5-0 shutout of the Kings, have brought some optimism. But both wins were at home against West Coast teams. Believe it or not, but Tuesday was just the third time all year Tampa Bay has posted a shutout win. They are just 5-11 SU this year off a win by 2+ goals. Goalie Ben Bishop has just had an off year and in his L4 starts his save percentage is a woeful .885.

Minnesota doesn't lose at home often, so the chances of it happening twice in a row seem minimal. Their home record is 17-6-1 and most encouraging is that the number of shots they allow per game drops significantly down to 26.6. They did outshoot Chicago on Wednesday, 38-32. Even though I was obviously rooting against them, I was still impressed by the way they rallied back from an early 2-0 hole to force OT. Another big reason I played against the Wild vs. Chicago was that Devan Dubnyk was NOT in goal. He will be tonight. Dubnyk is #2 in the league in goals against average (1.99) and #1 in save percentage (.933). The team is 29-12 w/ him between the pipes this season. The Wild offense has scored 13 goals in the L3 games. 8* Minnesota

8* Montreal (9:05 ET): This shapes up to be a big-time mismatch with the top team in the Atlantic (Montreal) facing the last place team in the Pacific (Arizona). Even though they've lost four in a row, the Canadiens still have a comfortable lead in their division and a visit to the desert is probably just what the doctor ordered. Save for Colorado, there isn't a team in the league worse than the Coyotes, who are actually off a rare win. It was a 3-2 victory at San Jose Saturday. Even with the long break in between games, I feel tonight will be the inevitable letdown for the 'Yotes. The Habs just lost to Colorado Tuesday (shutout!), so they'll certainly be eager to atone for that embarrassment. This is their longest losing streak of the season and it comes to an end tonight! 

Thanks to the return of a healthy Carey Price, the Habs have enjoyed a nice bounce back after last season's disappointment. But having Price between the pipes is irrelevant when the team can't score. They've been shutout in B2B games, first by Edmonton (1-0) and then by Colorado (4-0). The loss to the Avs becomes all the more shocking when you consider the Habs beat them 10-1 earlier this season. Montreal has totaled just three goals during this four-game losing streak after scoring five times in its first game back from the Break, which was a win over Buffalo. Fortunately, Arizona comes in ranked 28th in the league in goals allowed (3.1 per game) and also allows one of the highest per game shot totals (33.5) in the league. When these teams faced off early in the season, Montreal scored five times on 43 shots and won easily.

The 'Yotes have now won four of six, but I'm still not a believer. In addition to ranking 28th in goals allowed, they are 29th in goals scored per game. They are 25th on the power play and 26th in penalty killing. Even in the win at San Jose (which came via shootout), Arizona gave up 40 shots on goal. That's too many to get away with and win consistently. Montreal is 6-2 SU this year following a loss by 2+ goals, so they have a history of bouncing back in this spot. They are also 16-9 SU against teams w/ losing records. Arizona has won only five times all year against teams w/ a winning record. 8* Montreal

10* Chicago (8:05 ET): The two top teams in the Central Division clash tonight. While I've been fairly adamant that the Wild are the better team compared to the Blackhawks this season and the game is in Minnesota, I'll be siding with the more "battle tested" team here. That's largely because this is not a great spot for the home team. The Wild are off a the always tough trek through Western Canada and are playing w/o rest tonight. They won in Winnipeg last night to cap the four-game, seven-day trip that took them through the three Western provinces (well, no Saskatchewan as there's no team there!). Chicago, meanwhile, is well-rested. They've been off since Saturday when they downed Dallas, 5-3. 

This is just the second meeting of the year between these teams. (The Wild one the first, 3-2, in the Windy City). It's a very important game from the Blackhawks' perspective. Despite B2B wins, they still trail the Wild by six points for the division lead. They also have now lost to the Wild the last six times they've played. They got swept in the season series last year, losing all five times! So revenge will certainly be on the minds of the players tonight. Again, given the situation, Chicago has to take advantage. They have been off for three days while Minnesota is playing for a second straight night. The Wild are just 4-4 SU when playing w/o rest this season.

Minnesota's only loss on the recently completed trip came to a Calgary team that strangely has had their number. They too have won B2B games, totaling 10 goals in the process. However, the number of shots they allowed during the four game trip is certainly concerning. They allowed 40 last night to Winnipeg, making it 146 in the L4 games overall. There is some uncertainly over whether or not Devan Dubnyk will be in goal tonight after his 38-save performance last night. There's a clear dropoff when backup Darcy Keumper is between the pipes. The team is just 6-5 SU in his starts this season. The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane has called this the teams "biggest game of the season" and I think they'll respond in kind. 10* Chicago

9* St. Louis (7:05 ET): Truth be told, I'm not overly ecstatic about either of these teams' prospects in the second half of the season. Back when the Metropolitan Division appeared to be a five-horse race, I was consistently making the case that Philadelphia was a bit of a fraud. Yes, they did have that 10-game win streak. But take that away and the team would be under .500 w/ an even worse goal differential than they already have (currently -18). Over in the Western Conference, St. Louis is similarly fighting to remain relevant in the playoff discussion. But like Philly, they are currently on the outside looking in and have a negative goal differential. Why then back the Blues here, on the road no less? Well, the Flyers' inability to put the puck on net lately, let alone score, is a real problem.

Over its last five games, Philly is averaging a paltry 23.4 shots per game. The result of that is just eight goals scored. If this team isn't finding the back of the net w/ any kind of regularity, then they're in real trouble. That's because they have a save percentage below .900 for the year. Steve Mason is your likely starter between the pipes tonight and while he's been a little better of late, he was the one that allowed five goals on just 24 shots in the first meeting vs. St. Louis this year. That ended up being a 6-3 win for the Blues. Things were a lot lower scoring for the Flyers on Saturday as they fell to the Kings 1-0 in overtime. That was the second time in three games they failed to put more than 17 shots on goal. That was Michael Neuvirth in goal for that one. If by some chance he's the one that goes here, know that he still has the team's worst overall save percentage. 

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, St. Louis is the team w/ the worst overall save percentage in the league right now. They lost Brian Elliott in the offseason and ironically he's been a major disappointment for Calgary. While recent results leave a lot to be desired for the Blues, note they've played a pretty challenging schedule, one that included Washington, Minnesota and Pittsburgh twice. They did shut the Penguins out (in Pittsburgh!), but then lost to them 4-1 on Saturday. One area where the Blues potentially have a big edge tonight is on special teams as they are a top 10 team on the power play and penalty kill. They are also 10th in the league in goals per game. 9* St. Louis

8* NY Rangers (2:05 ET): While they did beat Ottawa in their final game before the All-Star Break, Calgary experienced a pretty ugly end to it's first half of the season. They went into the Break as losers of six of seven while giving up a ton of goals in the process. The second half, so far, has gone a lot better. They beat the Wild 5-1 (good win!) Wednesday and then took care of the Devils on Friday. But this East Coast trip is about to get a lot tougher w/ visits to New York and Pittsburgh in the next three days. The Rangers await them this afternoon and the Blueshirts are a fourth-place team in name only. This team has one of the top five goal differentials in the sport and I believe them to be a great value on the money line tonight.

Though on a three-game win streak, the Flames have still been outscored this year. Two of the three wins came in overtime, the last one over a bad team (New Jersey). They have done a good job at outshooting opponents recently, but I still have my concerns over the goaltending. It's likely to be Chad Johnson between the pipes today. Over his L4 starts, his save percentage is an unfathomably bad .791. For much of the year though, he's actually been the "go-to guy" as Brian Elliott has been a major free agent disappointment. This is going to be a tough assignment for Johnson as the Rangers rank #2 in the league in goals per game.

The Rangers scored four times on 28 shots when they visited Calgary earlier in the year and I anticipate something similar here. Like Calgary, they are off an OT win (Buffalo). Curiously, there have been issues winning on home ice lately, but this team is too good not to get that rectified. Generally speaking, New York has cleaned up against the weaker West this year, going 15-5 in non-conference games. Over the L3 games, they've put a total of 115 shots on goal. Henrik Lundqvist has been a lot better of late (.932 save percentage L4 starts) as well. As I said earlier, this is a good value on the superior team at home. 8* NY Rangers

8* Minnesota (10:05 ET): Thanks to being the road team, the Wild are available at a pretty cheap price on Saturday night. They're off a loss too; to a Calgary team that has strangely had their number. But one loss does not change my view that this is CLEARLY the best team the Western Conference has to offer. The "proof is in the pudding" and that pudding happens to be goal differential, a metric where the Wild are +50, more than double every other team in the Conference. The opponent tonight is Vancouver. Despite a winning record in regulation, the Canucks have one of the worst goal differential in the league (-24) and I believe are no match for this superior opponent. Look for Minnesota to end its trek through Western Canada by picking up the two points.

Perhaps the most shocking thing to come out of the Wild's 5-1 loss at Calgary Wednesday night was the play of Devan Dubnyk, who allowed all five goals in a rare off-night. Minnesota was previously 12-0-2 its last 14 road games. Dubnyk, the league-leader in both save percentage and goals against average going into that game, had been between the pipes for nine of those wins. I'll chalk it up to some rust as it was his first start after the All-Star Break, so he was coming off a bit of a layoff. A pair of early power play goals were what did the Wild in there. The good news is Minnesota is 3-0 this season when coming off a loss by 2+ goals. It's pretty amazing that there have been only three games where the team has lost by two or more goals. I expect a complete return to form this evening.

Vancouver is not prolific offensively as they rank 27th in the league in goals per game and 28th on the power play. So, good luck solving Dubnyk, who has a .939 save percentage on the road still. The Canucks have played only once since the Break and it did not go well as they fell 4-1 to San Jose, here on home ice. That came after being shut out in the final game before the Break, 3-0 by sorry Arizona. The fact they have allowed 30 or more shots in six consecutive games does not bode well either. 8* Minnesota

10* NY Islanders (7:35 ET): Over the All-Star Break, I assessed each conference to deduce which teams are most likely to make the playoffs. In the East, these seven seem like safe bets: Washington, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Rangers, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. That leaves one Wild Card spot remaining. To me, it's likely to go to one of two teams - the Islanders or Boston. The Isles dug themselves a pretty sizable early hole, but they've climbed out of it by winning six of seven, the last three over Washington, Montreal and Columbus. This streak now has the YTD goal differential in the black. Tonight, they hit the road, but against a team who I feel is going "nowhere fast." That being the Detroit Red Wings, who are in last place in the Atlantic Division.

The Red Wings currently find themselves trending in the exact opposite direction of the Islanders. They've lost five in a row and have given up four goals in each of the last three. They've played just one game since the Break, Tuesday, and lost 4-3 at home to the lowly Devils. That's not a good sign to be giving up that number of goals to an offensively inept team like New Jersey. That came after being shutout in two of the previous game. Were it not for a league-best 6-0 record in shootouts, things would be even more dire in the Motor City right now and that's saying a lot considering the team has the fewest number of points in the Eastern Conference. They are ranked dead last in the league on the power play and goaltending continues to be a concern w/o Jimmy Howard.

The Islanders have also been off since Tuesday. Their last regulation loss came all the way back on January 14th. While the road generally hasn't been as kind to them, the Isles do have a hot goaltender in Thomas Greiss, whose save percentage in his L4 starts is .934. This has been a playoff team each of the previous two years, so I was really surprised at the slow start. They have averaged an impressive 34.8 shots on goal the L5 games. This is also a revenge spot as the Isles lost at home to the Red Wings back in early December (in OT). I see these teams continuing to trend in very opposite directions after tonight. 10* NY Islanders

8* Chicago (9:05 ET): This is a big mismatch here with the Blackhawks facing the Coyotes. Yes, Chicago has lost three in row. They returned from the All-Star Break by losing 3-1 at San Jose. But Arizona is a team they should certainly have little trouble with. The 'Yotes also lost their first game after the break, 3-2 to Los Angeles, but unlike the 'Hawks this season is already over for them. Only Colorado has fewer points than Arizona, who ranks both 29th in goals scored and allowed. Their -45 goal differential is double that of all but two teams. Chicago got a break last night w/ Minnesota losing and must take advantage.

With the Wild's loss Wednesday, the Blackhawks still are only six points back in the Central. Yes, I've previously made the case that Minnesota is much better than Chicago this year (look at the respective goal differentials!), but that doesn't mean the Blackhawks still can't beat up on a clearly inferior foe. Chicago is 6-1 its last seven meetings vs. Arizona, including 3-0 here in the desert. Earlier this year, at home, they shut them out 4-0. 

Arizona gave up a ton of shots to the Kings (39) Tuesday night, which has been a problem all season, regardless of opponent. As a result, goaltending has been an issue. Mike Smith figures to start again tonight. While he's been better recently, that play can only last so long given the number of shots he's likely to face here. In each of the previous four meetings, Chicago has scored a minimum of four times every time out vs. Arizona. Their own goaltender, Corey Crawford, is a good "buy low" candidate right now. 8* Chicago

10* Carolina (7:05 ET):  There was a time where you could have made the case that the Metro, which happens to be the toughest division in the sport, was a five-horse race. That was back when Philadelphia was in the midst of a 10-game win streak, however. Now, although still only seven points back of fourth place, the Flyers have gone 6-9-3 the last 18 games. They did win their final three before the break, two of them against division rivals, but I never bought into this club as a legit contender. Thus, I'll be fading them here in Carolina. To say the Hurricanes were not playing well heading into the break would be putting it mildly, but I think that will only serve to make them all the more eager to grab the two available points tonight.  

The 'Canes dropped their final five games before the Break, getting outscored 23-5. They had the unfortunate task of playing Columbus twice (both times on the road), Pittsburgh and Washington during that stretch. Those are three of the best five teams in the league right there, if not the best three. So a drop in class should behoove Carolina here. This team's lack of success mystifies me somewhat as they are among the top five in fewest shots allowed per game this year. It's been the goaltending that's burned them as  no one has been able to consistently step up between the pipes. But at least tonight's starter Cam Ward has a .917 save percentage on home ice.

The Flyers' poor goaltending has also been an issue as Steve Mason (likely starter tonight) has a .895 save percentage on the road. The Flyers not only have a losing road record, but they are being outscored by roughly a full goal per game in such contests. If there's one key advantage that either side has in this game, it's Carolina on the penalty kill. In that department, they are the #1 team in the league at 88.1 percent. They are also 7-1 SU this season on home ice when the total is 5.5.  10* Carolina

8* Washington (7:05 ET): This is a matchup of the best and worst team in the Eastern Conference. Naturally, the price is high, but even so I'm taking the Capitals in this spot. They are off a rare loss (3-0 at Ottawa Tuesday), which was actually the first time they'd gone down in regulation in 2017! They'd previously won 12 of 13. Meanwhile, New Jersey is in last place in the Metro w/ the worst goal differential in the conference (-28). They'd actually won four of five before losing here on home ice to Los Angeles Tuesday night. The fact that the Devils rank 28th in goals per game while the Caps are 1st in goals allowed clearly makes this a less than ideal matchup for the home team.

Not only is Washington 1st in goals allowed, but they are 5th in goals scored. As a result, they have the best goal differential in the sport at +51. Remember that this team - easily - claimed the President's Trophy (most points in reg season) last year as well. Before getting shutout on Tuesday, this was a team that had scored 6+ goals in three of its previous four games. They'd scored at least four times in eight consecutive contests. Also worth noting is that Tuesday was the second game of a back to back, so Braden Holtby was not in goal. Holtby is the driving force behind the team ranking #1 in goals allowed and carries a .929 save percentage. He is 10-3-2 lifetime vs. the Devils.

Making matters more difficult for New Jersey here is that Washington has not lost B2B games in regulation since the end of November. Predictably, they've dominated the Devils, grabbing at least point in each of the L9 H2H matchups (8-0-1). They've won five straight here in East Rutherford. New Jersey did win in D.C. earlier in the year, 2-1, but did so in spite of a 44-27 deficit in shots on goal. Two days later, here on New Year's Eve, Washington won 6-2. The Devils are last in the league in shots per game (27.1). They also have the second worst power play in the league. Between the pipes, Corey Schneider has really fallen off a cliff this year and was pulled from the last game after giving up three goals. The only other option is Keith Kincaid, whose save percentage at home is .874.  8* Washington

10* Toronto (7:05 ET): Like a lot of people, I see these franchises trending in very opposite directions. The Red Wings have made the Stanley Cup Finals in every non-lockout season since 1989-90. But that streak is in grave danger this year as they currently find themselves in a three-way tie at the bottom of the Atlantic w/ just 49 points. They're by no means "out of it," although their -17 goal differential and three-game losing streak entering Wednesday hardly inspire much confidence. Meanwhile, despite being just four points ahead in the standings, the Maple Leafs are poised to have their best season in years. Led by rookie sensation Auston Matthews, they are 6-2-2 L10 and have the second best goal differential in the division. Is it eye opening to see Toronto priced this way in Detroit. Perhaps, but it's more than justified.

Maybe the Leafs still give up too many shots per game for my liking, but most other areas of the team have improved dramatically. They are off a shutout win Monday night, 4-0 over Calgary. It was the third time in the L4 games that they kept the opponents' number of shots. It also marked the seventh time in the L10 games that they scored at least four goals. That's really impressive. The team now ranks sixth in the league in goals per game. They also have very impressive special teams, ranking 2nd on the power play and 4th in penalty killing. It also appears as if the goaltending situation has been addressed w/ the acquisition of Frederik Andersen, who in his L7 road games has posted both a 1.98 goals against average and .943 save percentage. The Leafs have gone 6-0-1 in those seven starts.

Detroit has lost three straight, all in overtime. But they were due for a downturn in luck in extra time, given their league-best 6-0 record in shootouts. If not for that mark, things would be looking even more dire here. The team ranks 24th in the league in both goals scored and allowed. They also have the league's worst power play at 11.3 percent. Tonight marks the second game of a back to back and in last night's 4-3 loss to Boston, they allowed 49 shots. That, coupled w/ the woeful .895 save percentage of Petr Mrazek (likely starter in goal here), means trouble going against the Leafs' offense. 10* Toronto

8* Chicago (8:35 ET): The Blackhawks are NOT the top team in the Central this year (that would be the Wild), but they have won three in a row and are in a lot better shape than the Lightning currently are. Tampa Bay, still w/o Steven Stamkos, now has to deal with a "bug" making its way through the locker room. Numerous players, including two key defensemen, have been out due to illness and as a result the team has dropped three straight. The "Madhouse on Madison" seems like one of the least likely places the Bolts could turn things around as they have lost 17 of 26 road games to begin with while Chicago has lost only five times in regulation on home ice, which is second fewest in the league. 

The Lightning actually come into tonight in last place in the Atlantic. They are 2-7-1 L10 games and just lost to lowly Arizona, 5-3. That game saw the usually reliable Ben Bishop get yanked after he allowed five goals on just 17 shots. Despite outshooting the 'Yotes 48-23, Tampa Bay actually found itself down 5-1 after just two periods of play. The Coyotes are not good (2nd worst team in the league) and its a huge jump in class facing Chicago. Needless to say, this matchup doesn't look anything like the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals between these two teams. This will also be the Lightning's fifth straight road game. Bishop has a shockingly poor .873 save percentage against Western Conference opponents.

Chicago has lost only twice over its last nine games and both setbacks came at the hands of top tier teams (Minnesota and Washington). Though I actually view the Wild as being vastly superior right now, the Blackhawks are tied for the Central Division lead. They beat Vancouver Sunday night, 4-2, scoring the first and last two goals of the game. Their 35 shots on goals matched a game high over the L5 contests. Key here is the team ranks 5th in goals allowed and gives up only 2.2 per game here on home ice. Corey Crawford likely gets the nod here and he has a superb .930 save percentage on home ice. 8* Chicago

10* Florida (9:05 ET): Unlike the top-heavy Metropolitan, playoff spots in the Atlantic are still pretty much up for grabs, save for Montreal at the top. At least two other teams from the division have to make it and the Panthers currently find themselves in the middle of the group. The gap between Montreal and the rest of the pack is eight points. That's the same size gap that separates second place from last place. If Florida is to hang around, matchups like tonight are ones where they "must" get the two points. The team has lost three in a row and actually has the worst goal differential (-21) in the division as a result. But Monday they face off w/ Arizona, clearly the second worst team in the entire league.

While it's not even February, it's already safe to write off two teams' playoff chances. Both reside in the Western Conference. Colorado is clearly the worst team in the league (28 pts), but not too far ahead of them is Arizona. The Coyotes have only 34 points, which puts them at least 13 back of every other team in the league. They did win last time out, 5-3 over Tampa Bay, but that came after losing 12 of their previous 14 games. Due to ranking 29th in both goals scored and allowed (ahead of only Colorado in both categories), the 'Yotes' YTD goal differential of -48 is easily the league's second worst. It's double everyone else's with the exception of New Jersey. Special teams aren't very good here either as the club ranks 25th on the power play and 27th in penalty killing. Because they give up such a high volume of shots (league high 33.8 per game), goaltender Mike Smith rarely has a chance. His .898 save percentage the L4 starts doesn't help matters either.

For Florida, this game wraps up a four-game West Coast swing. They have yet to win on the trip as the annual trek through Western Canada did not go well as they lost at Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. They are 8-3 SU after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game and lost to the Canucks 2-1 on Friday. Meanwhile, Arizona is 1-6 SU after scoring 4+ times in their last game. With a .921 save percentage for the year, I give Roberto Luongo the edge in goal for this matchup. Also, the Panthers rank 6th in the league in penalty killing. 10* Florida

10* Buffalo (7:05 ET): The Red Wings pulled the proverbial "rabbit out of the hat" Wednesday night, coming from behind to defeat Boston. They trailed 4-1 after the first period and despite being outshot for the game (33-25) were eventually able to prevail in a shootout. They never led until the game was over. Despite the come from behind theatrics, Detroit still isn't a very good team. Yes, they've won three straight, but they still are second from the bottom in the Atlantic. Wednesday included obviously, they've also still had some good fortune go their way as their six shootout wins are a league-high. Their power play is a league worst and they are just 23rd in both goals scored and allowed. Fade them here.

The Sabres are the one team below the Red Wings in the Atlantic standings. They are off a 4-3 loss at Toronto Tuesday. Their albatross is a 30th ranked penalty kill, but that shouldn't be a problem here facing the league's worst power play. The Sabres' own power play ranks sixth, so perhaps that will be the difference here. While Detroit is a perfect 6-0 in shootouts this season, Buffalo has had the opposite luck, going 1-5 in them. Their nine so called "loser points" (OT/shootout losses) are tied for a league high. If only a few of those games had gone their way, then they'd likely be ahead of Detroit in the division.

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner had a bad night against the Maple Leafs, but overall has had a solid season w/ a 2.54 goals against average and .920 save percentage. Detroit appears to be going w/ Petr Mrazek, whose numbers are spotty at best, particularly an .880 save percentage his L4 games. These teams have exchange road victories so far this season, so it's probably about time that home ice advantage came into play. Note that all three victories during Detroit's current win streak came at home. Again, this is a great time to "sell high" on this club. 10* Buffalo

10* Boston (8:05 ET): Though the Bruins lost their last time out (shutout!), they remain in the coveted second place position in the Atlantic, a division that beyond Montreal is wide open right now. Second place guarantees a team home ice advantage in a first round playoff series, even though whomever winds up 2nd in the Atlantic likely will be no better than the sixth best team in the conference! (Metropolitan Division is much stronger). There's obviously a ton of hockey still to be played, but the Bruins are in a good spot. Meanwhile, I can't say the same for the Red Wings, whose long string of playoff appearances is in serious jeopardy. Even after B2B wins, they are second from the bottom in the Atlantic. Boston has dominated them in the past (won 8 of past 10 H2H meetings) and I'm on the Bruins here.

While Boston was shutout by the Islanders on Monday, note they had just scored six times in their previous game, which was an easy win at the Flyers' expense. The B's have alternated losses and wins over their last seven games, so if the current pattern holds, they'll be a winner tonight. While record and goal differential have the Bruins as the definition of average, they are 6th in goals allowed and have the second best penalty killing unit in the league. That PK isn't likely to get challenge here by the league's worst power play (11.5%). Boston goalie Tuukka Rask has struggled somewhat of late, but still has a .923 save percentage for the year and has typically been at his best on the road. Over the L5 games, Boston is outshooting its opponents on average of 36.2 to 23.4, so you'd figure they'd have more wins during that time.

Detroit is off B2B wins over Pittsburgh and Montreal here on home ice, the latter of the shutout variety. But goaltending has typically been an issue for this club this season w/ a collective save percentage of only .905. They are bottom 10 in the league in both goals scored and allowed. They have a losing record on home ice that was even worse before the wins over the Pens and Habs obviously. It was a kind of ugly game vs. Montreal Monday w/ only 38 total shots on goal (20-18 Red Wings). Provided the Bruins continue to get the puck on net at a high rate, winning here should not prove difficult. 10* Boston

8* Los Angeles (4:05 ET): The sense of urgency for the Kings has in no way lessened since I last played them (and won!). In Friday's analysis, I went through their current standing in the Western Conference pecking order (5th in the Pacific, 8th overall). Despite beating the Jets (again, as I said they would) two nights ago, four teams remain within two points of LA for that coveted last playoff spot. Tonight, it's a non-conference opponent that they'll host. Tampa Bay, like Los Angeles, has largely been a disappointment this year due to injuries. Still w/o Steven Stamkos, the Lightning have dropped five of six. Given TB's season-long struggles on the road (8-12-2), I don't like their chances here. If you've been following me for any length of time, you know the respect I have for the Kings' puck possession numbers.

What specific puck possession numbers am I speaking of? Well, in addition, to their usual strong standing in both Fenwick and Corsi, the Kings are allowing an average of just 23.8 shots per game on home ice. That's a big reason why they've won 67% of their games at Staples Center this season. No team in the league gives up fewer shots per game. When you're limiting the number of opponents' shots, you're also obviously limiting the number of times they can score. In the case of the Kings, it's also a nice way to alleviate the loss of goaltender Jonathan Quick. Peter Budaj has proven himself to be an adequate fill-in between the pipes. Really, it's pretty remarkable that w/o Quick, the team is still 6th in goals allowed. On the offensive end, the team has produced 34+ shots in four of six January games. 

Meanwhile, goaltending has been an issue for Tampa Bay even with the presence of Ben Bishop. The team is a shocking 24th in goals allowed and has allowed six in three different games during its current slide. The offense also failed to show up Friday at home vs. Columbus, scoring just one time. The Lightning last won a road game all the way back on December 14th in Calgary. Going all the way back to November 21st, they've lost 10 of 11 away from home. In five of the losses, they've been held to 0 or 1 goal. Games against the Western Conference haven't gone well either; they're just 2-9 in them. 8* Los Angeles

7* Los Angeles (10:05 ET): The margin for error continues to grow slimmer for the Kings in the Western Conference. Being w/o goaltender Jonathan Quick for all but the first game this season, the perennial power currently finds itself fifth in the Pacific. Were the playoffs to start today (and they most certainly do not!), LA would be the 8th and final entrant. But four teams are withing three points of them and their coveted spot entering play Saturday. One of them is Winnipeg, who will be the team paying a visit to Staples Center tonight. The Kings certainly appear to be catching the Jets at the right time as not only did their visitors lose last night (4-3 at lowly Arizona), but they also fell 7-4 at home to Montreal on Wednesday.

This will be the end of a busy Saturday at Staples Center. The Lakers and Clippers will take the court against each other in the afternoon. The Kings certainly gave the home folk something worth cheering for on Thursday when they whipped the Blues, winning 5-1. That was a much needed bounce back after suffering two bad losses here to Minnesota and Dallas. Offense has not been an issue for LA as they've scored a total of 13 goals in the last three games. But prior to beating St. Louis, they'd also allowed 13 the previous three. But as long as they continue to allow a league-low 23.6 shots per game on home ice, you have to think the goaltending will be fine. For most of time, Peter Budaj has proven to be an adequate fill-in for Quick.

Winnipeg has lost 15 of 24 road games this season and consistently gives up a lot of shots per game. Goaltending has been a real sore spot this season.While the Kings are sixth in goals allowed, the Jets are 26th. That large discrepancy can be attributed to the disparate save percentages of the two clubs. Winnipeg is one of just five teams at .900 or lower and the L2 games have seen Connor Hellebuyck get yanked. Last night, he gave up four goals in the first period. The only other option here is Michael Hutchinson and his save percentage in his L4 starts is .867. That's slightly lower than Hellebuyck. 7* Los Angeles

8* Carolina (7:35 ET): The Hurricanes are drawing the Sabres in the second of back to back games. Last night saw Buffalo go down at the hands of Tampa Bay, 4-2. That actually snapped a two-game win streak, but as we saw last night, this team still has its share of issues. Namely goal scoring as only two other teams - Colorado and Arizona - have scored fewer times this season. Also, on the goals allowed front, they are giving up an average of 3.0 per game their last four. Having the league's worst penalty kill certainly doesn't help matters there. The number of shots allowed (32.9 per game, 3rd most) also continues to be an issue. Meanwhile, if there's one thing that the 'Canes do especially well, it's limit the number of shots from their opponents. They're fourth best in that department, giving up just 27.2 per game. As indicated by the ML, this should be an easy one for the home team. 

Playing in the loaded Metro does Carolina no favors. At this point, you have to figure the top four teams in the division will all make the playoffs. That leaves just one spot available for the Hurricanes and that's only if they can finish better than the fourth place team in the Atlantic. However, consider that despite the long win streak the Flyers (5th in the Metro) had earlier this year, the 'Canes are just five points behind them and actually own a better YTD goal differential! Here on home ice, they've gone a strong 13-4-1 this year. That's after B2B strong performances against Boston and Columbus where the offense tallied a total of nine goals. 

Making this potentially a huge mismatch is the respective penalty killing units. I already mentioned that Buffalo is dead last in that department (73.4%). Well, Carolina happens to be 1st (88.5%). The Hurricanes are also well rested having last played Tuesday. That's when they beat the previously red-hot Blue Jackets. With the good job they do at limiting shots, you may wonder why the 'Canes aren't higher in the standings. Well, goaltending has been their primary issue. But Cam Ward at least has a .925 save percentage at home and, again, Buffalo ranks very low in terms of goals scored. 8* Carolina

10* Washington (8:05 ET): Is it me, or is there seemingly a big game every night in the Metro? Right now, we have four of the best teams in the league - Columbus, Pittsburgh, Washington and the Rangers - separated by just three points. It's a damn shame that (at least) one of these four is guaranteed of not making it past the first round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. By virtue of that 16-game win streak, the Blue Jackets are still on top of the division w/ the other three all tied at 57 points. Two of those three teams trying to catch the Jackets meet tonight in the Nation's capital as Penguins at Capitals gives us the always much appreciated individual battle of Crosby vs. Ovechkin. But I believe it will be the Caps' edge in goal that decides this one.

With Columbus having lost a few games recently, these are the two hottest teams in the league right now. Pittsburgh has won five straight, but Washington has done them one better w/ a six-game streak. Those six games have seen the Caps outscore opponents 24-9 w/ five of those goals allowed coming in the one game where Braden Holtby did not start. I look for Holtby to be the deciding factor tonight. He is the driving force behind the fact that the Caps give up the fewest number of goals per game in the league. His last four starts have seen him turn in a sick .956 save percentage w/ two shutouts. One of those was the game where Washington ended Columbus' 16-game win streak.

Not only did the Caps shut Columbus out (5-0!) here at home last Thursday, but they also just went to Montreal and prevailed 4-1 over the Atlantic leading Habs w/ a 39-23 edge in shots. I hope that I've driven home what an impressive win streak this is. Of course, so is Pittsburgh's five game run which has seen them average 4.4 goals per game. But all but one of those wins came on home ice. They have a losing road record for the year. Meanwhile, Washington is 15-5-1 SU here at the Verizon Center, allowing just 1.9 goals and 25.5 shots per game. While Pens' netminder Marc-Andre Fleury has won seven of his last eight starts, his save percentage on the road is just .886 and I'd be concerned about the fact the team is allowing the fourth most shots per game (32.6) in the league. 10* Washington

10* St. Louis (8:05 ET): Something just seems off in the Gateway City this season as they typically mighty Blues are, well, rather pedestrian. They are currently third in the Central Division, a position that would guarantee them a playoff berth come April. But they are already falling off the pace set by the top two teams in the division, Chicago and Minnesota. But if there's one interesting thing worth noting about this team it's the somewhat dramatic home vs. road split. Here at the Scottrade Center, they've been beaten only four times in regulation all season and hold a 16-4-4 overall record. Contrast that to a very poor 5-10-1 road record. Fortunately for tonight, they host Boston and I think home ice will be the difference in this one.

Boston is second in its division, the Atlantic, but it's a weak group and a tenuous place. They too have fallen off the pace of their division leader (Montreal). The Bruins have actually lost more games than they've won this year and are the definition of mediocre w/ a YTD goal differential of 0. They come into this game having lost 4-3 at Carolina on Sunday (in OT), their third loss in the last four games. In all three losses, they've given up at least three goals. Tuukka Rask was not in goal against the 'Canes, but was the one to blame for a 4-2 home loss to the Blues back in November. That game saw the B's lose despite a 41-28 edge in shots that likely will not be present here. Furthermore, they've lost 19 of their past 26 visits to St. Louis.

After losing to Carolina themselves (at home!) on January 5th, the Blues responded by beating Dallas their last time out, 4-3. Note that they won the game despite only 22 shots. They're not likely to shoot that well again, so a burden is placed on goaltender Jake Allen here. Allen hasn't been at his best of late, but does have a .918 save percentage here at home, at least. If his team can continue to limit the number of shot opportunities from opponents (just 24.6 L5 games), then he'll be just fine. I do give a big edge here to the Blues offensively as they rank 9th in goals per game while the Bruins are just 24th. 10* St. Louis

6* Calgary (10:05 ET): These two Western Canadian rivals just met last night w/ Vancouver coming out ahead, 4-2. It was the Canucks' sixth straight victory, a streak that comes as a real surprise given how they started the season and what the projections were prior the season even beginning. But one could really make the argument that the Canucks probably should have lost last night. I'm about to. They were outshot 46-13, a stunning margin for a victorious team. That was a season-high in shots allowed, so goalie Ryan Miller definitely bailed them out. Meanwhile, scoring four times on just 13 shots is something that probably won't happen again for the remainder of the season. The Flames get revenge tonight at home.

Not only were those 46 shots a season-high for the number allowed by Vancouver, it was also a season-high for Calgary on the offensive end. You can tell the Flames' players knew they really let one get away last night. "We played a good game," said Calgary captain Mark Giordano, "We can definitely pinpoint some mistakes." Despite the loss, the Flames remain ahead of the Canucks (by a point) in the Pacific Division standings, though both currently occupy Wild Card positions in the Western Conference. Regardless if it's Brian Elliott again or Chad Johnson (preferable), expect better play between the pipes from the Flames tonight.

It will be interesting to see if Miller goes again for the Canucks. If so, can he bail them out again the same way he did last night? Not likely. Jakob Markstrom isn't much of a downgrade, but I keep coming back to how surprising this six-game win streak is. Vancouver was projected for one of the lowest point totals in the entire league coming into the year and prior to the streak starting, had pretty much been true to the projections. It should also be noted that five of the six wins came on home ice w/ the two prior to last night at the expense of Colorado and Arizona (two worst teams in the league). They have lost 7 of their last 9 trips to the Saddledome. Also, they are 2-7 SU this year following a game where they scored 4+ times. Advanced metrics suggest the way this team has been winning is NOT sustainable. 6* Calgary

8* NY Islanders (9:05 ET): This is a battle of last place teams. Coming into the year, one would not have thought that. But despite sharing the dubious distinction, "one is not like the other" here. Colorado is absolutely terrible, ranking last in the league in points, goals scored and goals allowed. There can be no denying that the Avalanche are the worst team in the league right now. A last place finish was to be expected from them though. However, the Islanders have been one of the big disappointments in the league thus far. But despite having only 36 points at the present time, they've actually been a pretty mediocre club. They are 15-15-6 overall and having played the fewest games in the league (36), there's still time to play catch up. The road team comes in and takes care of business tonight. 

What's plagued the Isles this season is giving games away late. Consider this; they've actually held a third period lead in all but FOUR games! Given that info, clearly, you'd expect their overall record to be better. Late game failures + ranking 28th in goals allowed somewhat go hand in hand, but as mentioned earlier, they'll be facing the lowest scoring team in the league here. Thomas Greiss is expected to get the starting nod tonight and he's been the team's most reliable option between the pipes. Greiss comes in w/ a .938 save percentage on the road, which is really impressive when you think about it. The team is more than well-rested, having last played on Saturday when they crushed Winnipeg 6-2. Over the L3 seasons, the Isles are 12-6 SU when taking the ice w/ at least three days rest.

While the Islanders' poor season to date can be written off as mostly "unlucky," the Avalanche are just plain awful. They have just one win in the L11 games (ironically it came at Chicago) and they've been outscored 23-10 over the course of the current five-game losing streak. A meaningless, late goal helped them avoid what would have been a shutout two nights ago in Calgary. But what really has to have you concerned if you're an Avs fan is the fact the team has given up 4.6 goals per game its last five while the Isles have averaged that same number offensively in their L5. Yes, the Isles have turned it around somewhat of late by winning four of five before the New Year and they've scored at least four goals in five straight games. They are 8th in the league in gpg and that's big time trouble for an Avs team that doesn't have a reliable option in goal right now. 8* NY Islanders

10* San Jose (10:35 ET): The Sharks have dropped B2B games, but they may be catching the Wild at a most opportune time. The Wild just had their 12-game win streak snapped Saturday night in Columbus and moving forward are probably likely to start "giving some back." Granted, I still - clearly - have them rated as the top team in the Western Conference (yes, even ahead of Chicago), but they had definitely been playing "out of their minds" recently. San Jose has not lost three in a row in over two months and following a tough overtime loss here at home (to the rival Kings) Tuesday, they should be eager to get back on the ice. By the way, I have the Sharks rated as the second best team in the West right now.

There definitely is a lot to like about Minnesota right now. Led by Devan Dubnyk, the team is #1 in the league in save percentage (.932) and #2 in goals allowed (trailing only Columbus). Perhaps the only reason they lost Saturday is that they ran into the one team hotter than they were (Blue Jackets' win streak has now reached 16 games). But Dubnyk also hasn't been as solid of late w/ an .897 save percentage his L4 outings. This is another strong opponent that they'll be facing here (San Jose leads the Pacific) and on the road, the Wild are only a pedestrian 10-5-4 and giving up 33.8 shots per game. That latter number could prove to be trouble moving forward. 

San Jose, meanwhile, is only giving up 25.1 shots per game at home this year. After being swept in a home and home by the rival Kings, I expect an angry group of Sharks to be taking the ice tonight. I just can't see them dropping B2B home games. San Jose also doesn't give up many goals, in fact, they allow just 1.8 per game for the year. Martin Jones has a .932 save percentage on home ice and the team's shot per game differential at home is best in the league. Only one team is giving up fewer gpg at home and that's Minnesota. But this game is taking place at The Shark Tank and that's the difference here as the Sharks hand the Wild a second straight defeat. 10* San Jose

8* Florida (7:05 ET): While the Jets were able to prevail last night in the Sunshine State (6-4 over Tampa Bay), I cannot envision such a prolific offensive display taking place for a second straight night. The Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak (all at home) w/ a 3-1 road win over Dallas on New Year's Eve and have been waiting in the wings to take the ice ever since. They have goaltender Roberto Luongo, who carries a .925 save percentage his L4 starts into this contest. Winnipeg may have been able to subvert its season-long issue between the pipes (team save percentage is .900) last night, but they won't be able to pull it off again here.

Winnipeg is currently in a three-way tie for fourth in a Central Division where the race for third (behind Chicago and Minnesota) looks to be wide open. They are six points back of St. Louis for that coveted place (guarantees you a playoff berth), but have been outscored by 12 goals over the course of the season. As mentioned earlier, goaltending has been a real sore spot for this team as they rank 27th in the league in save percentage. Michael Hutchinson is your likely starter tonight and his save percentage in his L4 starts is just .875. The team is also 27th in goals allowed this season and 28th on the penalty kill. The Jets do a good job at getting the puck on net, but give up a ton of shots as well. Over the L3 games, they've allowed a total of 15 goals.

Florida is also -12 in goal differential for the year and their style of play has been similar of late w/ a ton of shots on both sides. So why does a matchup that projects fairly evenly on paper see one team such a decided favorite on the money line? Well, there's the goaltending issue I already talked about. The Panthers are a respectable 11th in goals allowed and seventh in penalty killing. They're also well-rested and on home ice. This had been a pretty safe bet at home before losing their last four, a streak that I'm sure is not lost on the players and coaches. Playing w/ three or more days rest, the Panthers are 15-6 SU the L3 seasons. There's also a revenge angle at work here as Florida lost in Winnipeg last month, 4-3 (in a shootout), despite a 44-32 edge in shots on goal. 8* Florida

8* Vancouver (10:05 ET): This is a real dog matchup on the Monday card with two of the worst teams in the league facing off in British Columbia. As for who is worse though, there is no debate. Colorado is clearly the worst team in this league at this point as they are dead last in goals scored and dead last in goals allowed. That's an ugly combination that's resulted in them being outscored by nearly 50 goals in 36 games. By the way, they rank 29th (out of 30) on the power play. The "strength" of the team appears to be the penalty killing unit, which is a "lofty" 25th! The Avs have dropped eight of nine (lone win at Chicago!) and they've allowed six goals in three of their last four defeats! So, yeah, this club is terrible.

Coming into the year, Vancouver was projected for the bottom of the league, so their lack of success is by no means a surprise. But recently they've played better w/ three consecutive wins coming into tonight. All were one goal victories against higher ranked teams in their own division (Pacific): Los Angeles, Anaheim and Edmonton. Going on the road and beating the Oilers Saturday was fairly impressive considering they were +195 on the money line. Believe it or not, but the Canucks are actually just a few games within .500 now and only three points back of the coveted eight spot in the Western Conference. That's definitely better than was expected.

This play boils down to the simple fact that the Avalanche are simply a 'must fade' at every turn right now. Other than Arizona, there isn't a single team they project to even be competitive against. I'd still like to see more shots per game from the Vancouver side, but at least they registered 32 in the shootout win over the Oilers. They'll benefit here from the fact that Avs rank 29th in the league in save percentage, one of just three teams below .900. Missing #1 netminder Semyon Varlamov has really hurt them. The Canucks have already beaten the Avs once this year, in Denver, and did so despite a slight shot disadvantage 35-31. Canucks goalie Ryan Miller has stopped 60 of 63 shots in his L2 starts. 8* Vancouver

8* Toronto (3:05 ET): It's an "Original Six" matchup on New Year's Day (outdoors!) w/ the Maple Leafs hosting the Red Wings. Sadly, for both, there's now 30 teams in the league and neither would be among the top eight in the East. That means no playoffs, but fortunately there's a long way to go and in the case of Toronto there are signs of a potential late season surge. They have a positive goal differential over the course of the year, typically a strong indicator of future results. While it's only +4, the team has won four straight and is doing a heck of a lot better than Detroit right now. The once proud Red Wings are in danger in seeing their historic playoff streak snapped as they are ahead of only Buffalo in the Atlantic. I'll be on the "home team" in this one.

This game will be played at BMO Field (home of the CFL's Argonauts). While past outdoor games have shown to minimize "home ice" advantage, Toronto enters w/ confidence here having won four straight - all on the road. They've totaled 16 goals during the win streak and now rank 6th in the league in goals per game (2.9). This is a team that puts plenty of shots on goal as in 34.0 per game, which ranks second in the league (only trailing Pittsburgh). For years, the issue here was LIMITING shots and while it still persists, at least they can now lean on Frederik Andersen between the pipes. He has a .925 save percentage for the year and has been even hotter of late at .959 his L4 starts!

What's interesting about the Red Wings is that they are 7-10-3 at home, but 9-6-1 on the road. Yet, that road record is a bit deceiving. They're actually being outscored (by about 0.5 goals per game) away from the Motor City. They did win at Ottawa on Thursday, but that game went to overtime. The power play here is the worst in the league (12 percent) and overall the team is 26th in goals per game. Goaltending has been a major sore spot all year as the collective save percentage of Red Wings' goaltenders is just .907. Jared Coreau has come on strong late for them, but it's still a limited sample size w/ him (only three starts). This is the first meeting of this season between these two and also the first time in forever that you can say the Leafs are clearly the better side. 8* Toronto

9* San Jose (10:05 ET): If you've been following my NHL selections on any kind of consistent basis, then you know I've been pretty adamant about how top-heavy the Metropolitan Division is. Four of my top six teams in the league reside in the Metro. But what's interesting is that there are actually five teams in the race. So, who's the odd one out? That would be Philadelphia, who despite 44 points, has actually been outscored over the course of the year. A 10-game win streak is what's responsible for the Flyers' current positioning. Take that win streak away and they're a sub-.500 team. Clearly, I feel that they are overrated and that 10-game win streak is no longer as impressive when you consider what both Columbus and Minnesota are currently doing.

Tonight, the Flyers will hit the West Coast to play a San Jose team that is a division leader. Granted, the Pacific is not the Metro, but the Sharks still have one more point than the Flyers and a better YTD goal differential. San Jose is a top 10 team in the league and top three in the Western Conference. In a neutral setting you'd favor the Sharks here, but them being on home ice makes the advantage even more pronounced. Your Pacific Division leaders are 12-4 at "The Tank" this year and holding opponents below 2.0 goals per game. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has a losing road record due to the fact they give up 3.4 gpg.

Shot suppression is so key to winning in this league and the Sharks do an excellent job in this department. They allow only 26.5 shots per game, second best in the league. Only the rival Kings, perennially the league leaders, are better. At home, San Jose allows only 24.7 shots per game. Those numbers certainly make life easier on their goaltenders and Martin Jones (who has gotten the bulk of the starts this year) comes in w/ a .930 save percentage here at home. Meanwhile, the Flyers are one of only three teams in the league w/ a collective save percentage below .900. They've allowed 10 goals in B2B losses to New Jersey and St. Louis to start this trip. Steve Mason likely is the one between the pipes tonight and his .887 save percentage on the road does not inspire any confidence in what I feel is the most overrated team in the league. 9* San Jose

8* NY Rangers (9:05 ET): Given the current state of the Metro, this is a game that the Rangers cannot afford to drop. While the Blueshirts have arguably been among the most consistently great teams in the league this year, right now they're only third in their own division, trailing both scorching hot Columbus and defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh. The opponent for this evening is lowly Arizona, who resides at the opposite end of the NHL spectrum. The Coyotes are probably the second worst team in the league, ahead of only Colorado, and considering they've lost 20 of the last 27 times they've faced off w/ New York, well, this one does not shape up well for the home team at all.

By the way, the 'Yotes have also lost five in a row coming into tonight, the last four all coming here on home ice! This team is second worst in the league in goals scored and second worst in goals allowed. That's an ugly combination right there (Colorado is 30th in both categories) and special teams are also no help w/ a 25th place ranking on the power play and 27th place ranking on the penalty kill. Goaltender Mike Smith is doing his damnedest to keep this sinking ship afloat, but the problem is the team is allowing - on average - the most shots per game in the entire league (34.7). That is starting to wear on Smith, who has a lousy .882 save percentage his L4 starts.

The Rangers were outshot at home by Ottawa on Tuesday, but still came away w/ a 4-3 victory. It was a much needed victory after B2B disasters where they allowed seven goals each to Pittsburgh and Minnesota. But despite being on the road the next two games, it should be an easy four points w/ Arizona and Colorado providing the competition. The Rangers have dominated the West this year, going 12-4, and that includes a win over Arizona back in October. 8* NY Rangers

10* Florida (7:05 ET): The Atlantic Division will likely have no more than four, and probably only three, playoff spots available this year. That's because the top five in the Metro are so strong. The good news for both Florida (LY's division winner) and Toronto (perennial cellar dweller) is that besides Montreal, it's wide open in the Atlantic right now. Still, both really need to get in gear as they are currently four and five points off the pace respectively and that's not counting Ottawa, who has surged into second. You also have to figure Tampa Bay will get things going at some point. So, what I'm basically saying is, the Panthers desperately need to take advantage of this opportunity on home ice against a team w/ a losing record. Though the Leafs have the better YTD goal differential, I think the Panthers get it done.

The Leafs have gotten themselves "into the black" in terms of YTD goal differential (only two other Atlantic teams can claim they are in the black) thanks to their last two wins, each of them coming on the road. But note while it was a combined 10-1 margin of victory, they beat Colorado and Arizona, who are the league's two worst clubs. Winning three straight on the road is hard to do in this league, especially w/ a four-day break in between games when you're a young team like this one. BTW, the Maple Leafs are 0-2 this season when taking the ice w/ at least three days rest. Florida is 2-0 in the same situation.

While the Leafs have won B2B road games, the Panthers have dropped B2B games at home. The last one came in a shootout to Detroit on Friday. The team still has a winning record in Miami though (9-6-1) while Toronto has dropped 11 of its 16 road games (five in OT/shootout). Florida should also be motivated here by the fact this is a double revenge spot as twice they've lost up in Toronto this year. These teams are pretty even, thus it seems illogical that one would dominate the season series. Home ice is again the difference maker. 10* Florida

7* Chicago (8:35 ET): The Blackhawks are right where you'd expect to find them at this juncture of the season, that is in first place in the Central Division w/ 49 points. However, the hard-charging Wild are hot on their heels, just three points back due to a current 10-game win streak. So what I'm saying is that Chicago can't really afford to drop another game to a lowly opponent like Winnipeg, who is the team that comes to the Madhouse on Madison on Tuesday. The Jets, expected to be contenders in the Central this season, are having a rough time w/ only 35 points. They are, however, 2-0 vs. the 'Hawks this season. But in this instance, the third time will be the charm for Chicago.

In two losses to Winnipeg so far, Chicago has managed only one goal. That's unusual considering the Jets rank in the bottom third of the league in goals allowed per game. Earlier this month, they did win here in the Windy City, but overall road games have not gone well. They are just 6-11-2 outside of Manitoba and the last time they played a road game, they lost 4-1 at Vancouver. (Canucks are one of the worst teams in the league). In fact, I pretty much disregard the fact the Jets are 3-1 their last four games as the wins have come over Florida, Colorado and Vancouver, all at home. On the road, this team is averaging just 25.2 shots per game this year!

Perhaps just as shocking as the Blackhawks being 0-2 against the Jets this year is the fact they've also dropped B2B home games, to Ottawa and Colorado no less. Once again, I see the "third time being the charm" here. Chicago is 8-2 SU seeking revenge for a home loss. They actually had 39 shots on goal in the loss to the Avs on Friday, which came in a shootout by the way. Prior to the B2B losses, Chicago had won five straight. They are simply the much better team, and given the revenge angle and sense of urgency, should show that tonight. March was the last time this team lost three straight games. They have Corey Crawford in goal and he has not lost a home game in regulation in over two months, posting a 1.77 GAA and two shutouts in 10 games. In seven career home games vs. the Jets, Crawford's GAA is also 1.77. 7* Chicago

8* NY Islanders (7:05 ET): This battle of Eastern Conference bottom feeders is unlikely to attract much attention, but there is value on the home side, at least in my opinion. The Islanders snapped a long losing skid (five games) the last time they hit the ice, winning at Boston 4-2. Goal scoring has not really been a problem, however, it's goal prevention that has given this team fits. Fortunately for tonight, they'll be hosting the team that has scored the second fewest number of goals in the entire league. 

It's easy to forget that the Isles were a playoff team each of the L2 seasons. This year, little has gone right, but their woes haven't really extended to home ice. While sporting an awful 3-7-2 road record, they are also 9-7-4 here in Brooklyn. There have been a number of games where they've blown leads in the third period, so really the overall record should be better. One of those came last week in Buffalo where they led by one goal at the end of both the first and second periods, only to lose in OT. So this is a revenge spot to boot. 

The Sabres have not won since beating the Islanders. It's three straight losses and counting following last night's 3-1 home loss to Carolina. Playing w/o rest doesn't seem like a good spot for a team that has fallen behind in each of its last six games. Both of these teams typically allow a ton of shots. That would seem to favor the one that tends to score more (funny how that works!) as the Isles were even able to win at Boston despite allowing 50 shots on goal. 8* NY Islanders

10* Nashville (8:05 ET): If this game were being played late in the season, it would carry great importance. That's because entering today, the Kings and Predators are tied for the "coveted" eighth spot in the Western Conference w/ 35 games apiece. Both have played 32 games. But the Preds are the ones trending in the more positive direction right now as they've won B2B games while LA has lost two straight. The Preds are also typically a reliable team to take on home ice and while they're "only" 10-3-3 this year, note they are averaging 3.4 goals per game and outscoring opponents by more than a full goal per game. Los Angeles, still obviously missing goaltender Jonathan Quick, is just 6-9-2 on the road.

The Kings, as per usual, are doing a stupendous job of limiting the number of shot opportunities by the opponent. They come into tonight's game ranked #1 in that department, allowing just 25.8 per game. The problem is that w/o Quick, they're allowing too many in. The team's overall save percentage of .905 is in the bottom third of the league and obviously well below what Quick would post. Again, this is problematic when facing a team that's averaging 3.4 gpg at home. Peter Budaj has played better of late, but the team still lost to red hot Columbus on Tuesday (in a shootout) despite a 46-27 edge in shots. The Kings offense, ranked just 21st in goals per game, has scored only four times in the L3 games.

Nashville has also been doing a great job at limiting shots lately. Juuse Saros stepped in between the pipes and turned in another strong effort Tuesday in New Jersey, but it was Pekka Rinne that led the 2-1 victory at Philadelphia the previous night. That win now looks more impressive in retrospect given that the Flyers have now won 11 of 13 overall. Rinne is looking like the more likely starter tonight, but regardless, the Preds have allowed all of four goals the L3 games. This is a revenge spot for them as well as very early in the year, they lost 3-2 out in LA due to a massive discrepancy in shots on goal. I do not believe such a discrepancy will exist this time around, at least not for the Kings. 10* Nashville

10* Washington (8:05 ET): As stated here before many times, the Metropolitan is shaping up to be one of the fiercest division battles we have seen in some time. Five teams are separated by only six points, but not only that; those five teams are among the top 10 point totals in the entire league. Surprisingly, Washington (last year's President's Trophy winner) is the team that finds itself in fifth. Two of the teams ahead of them, Pittsburgh and Columbus, haven't been beaten in regulation in their L10 games apiece. The Rangers have been arguably the most consistently good team all year. Then, you have Philadelphia, who at one point was riding a 10-game win streak of its own, but has since dropped two straight. The difference between the Caps and Flyers is just a point and I'm predicting after tonight it will be the former ahead in the standings.

Not to be outdone, Washington had won six straight before losing at home to Montreal on Saturday, 2-1. There is no denying, however, that this remains one of the top teams in the league. They have a better YTD goal differential than does Philly and the primary reason they currently have one fewer points is that they've played four fewer games. Goaltending is solid here w/ Braden Holtby checking in w/ a .930 save percentage this season on the road. So too is the power play, which has registered a goal in 11 of the past 15 games w/ at least nine different players scoring. At the same time, we've seen a decline in the Flyers' power play, which has gone 0 for its last 11.

Holtby is a major reason why the Caps rank 3rd in the league in goals allowed. Meanwhile, the Flyers are just 23rd in that department despite not allowing a ton of shots on a per game basis. Likely starter Steve Mason has an .864 save percentage in three division contests so far, not a good sign. This will be the first meeting of these two teams since LY's playoffs when Washington ousted Philly in six games. They are still the better team and will show it tonight. They come in on extended rest and the Flyers have scored just one goal in three of their last four games. 10* Washington

8* Florida (7:35 ET): Last year, the Panthers won the Atlantic Division w/ 103 points. It was just their second playoff appearance since 2000. Yet for some ungodly reason, a decision was made to shake up the organization as both the coach and GM from last season are no longer around. Since Tom Rowe took over behind the bench on 11.27, it's hard to say things have gotten much better. The team has lost 8 of 11 overall, though they are off a win at Colorado all the way back on Friday. There are reasons for the Panthers' struggles thus far, namely injuries and the fact they've played a league-high 19 road games. Tonight, they're back at home and facing another lowly foe, that being Buffalo, who is lower in the Atlantic Division standings than Florida.

While they've lost 13 of those 19 road games so far, the Panthers are a solid 8-5 SU on home ice. The last time here, they beat Vancouver, 4-2. So, a pattern is emerging in that we find Florida routinely beating the "bad" teams on the schedule. I also like the amount of rest that the Panthers have gotten to enjoy coming into this game. This will be just the second time all season that they've had at least three days off between games. They won the first, beating a very good Columbus team (here at home) in a shootout. Having all that time off was necessary after completing a three-game trip out West. In fact, 9 of the Panthers' last 11 games have been on the road.

Buffalo, on the other hand, has played the majority of its games at home this month. In fact this will be just the third road game in December. They've lost the previous two, including 2-1 at Carolina on Saturday. This is a team that ranks 28th in goals scored per game and 30th (i.e. last) in penalty killing. So they definitely have their issues. Furthermore, they are giving up the fifth highest number of shots per game in the league. Florida comes in averaging 33.5 shots per game at home and ironically had outshot their previous three opponents before the Colorado game, twice putting 40+ on net. I'll still put my faith in Panthers' goalie Roberto Luongo, who has a .928 save percentage at home this year. 8* Florida

8* Calgary (9:05 ET): No Canadian teams made the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year, which was quite the embarrassment "North of the Border." Other than Montreal, I cannot guarantee any other will be in the 16-team tournament this year, but Calgary is a team that would like to be in that discussion. It wasn't that long ago that the Flames were actually on top of the Pacific, in fact they were in first place on 12.10 after beating Winnipeg 6-2, a game they got my endorsement (played them). But B2B losses now have them fifth in a division that's all of a sudden pretty tough. Fortunately tonight, they'll play an Arizona team that is in consideration to be called the league's worst.

Whether you call them "Phoenix" or "Arizona," the Coyotes simply are not very good. They fell 4-1 at Minnesota on Saturday afternoon, a game the oddsmakers had them priced as nearly as a 2:1 dog. Interestingly, they came into that game off B2B wins, over Detroit and Toronto. But let's give a proper lay of the land in the desert, shall we? The 'Yotes are dead last in the league in goals per game and 28th (out of 30) in goals allowed. Their power play is 27th and penalty killing is 20th. So there's really nothing this club does well. A big problem here is that no team is allowing more shots per game. After allowing a frightening average of 38.6 the L5 games, they are giving up 35.6 per game for the year!

Calgary has earned a pair of 2-1 victories over Arizona so far this year, one at home and one on the road. Overall, they've taken 8 of the past 12 head to head meetings including four of six here at Gila River Arena. Note that prior to those B2B wins, Arizona had lost seven of eight. Meanwhile, the Flames had won six in a row prior to these B2B losses, which came at the hands of Tampa Bay and Columbus (two good teams), mind you. I expect that the road team will be the one to bounce back Monday night. 8* Calgary

6* NY Rangers (7:35 ET): The Metro is absolutely stacked right now with five teams separated by just four points at the top. One of those five is NOT the Devils, however, as they instead reside next to the basement w/ only 30 points. It figures to be some tough sledding tonight in MSG as they face the Rangers, who happen to be my top ranked team in the league. Making matters worse for New Jersey is they arrive in poor form w/ five straight losses. Only four teams have fewer points and there's a definite reason why the ML is so high here. Don't be afraid to lay the juice.

The Devils are just 26th in the league in scoring and figure to have their hands full w/ whomever they face in goal tonight. Obviously, from our perspective, it would be ideal to have Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes. He turned in another patented performance last night w/ 30 saves in a victory over Nashville that went to a shootout. The game before that, it was a 27 save shutout against the Dallas Stars. But the three games before that, it was backup Antti Raanta allowing just two goals total w/ a pair of shutouts. So with only four goals allowed in the last six games and ranking third for the year in goals allowed, the Rangers figure to be quite stingy again here.

The Devils also played last night, only they lost, 3-1 at Ottawa. It was their fifth consecutive defeat and they've been outscored 22-6. Even the usually reliable Corey Schnieder has not been immune from poor play. His save percentage over the L4 starts is just .881 and he's in danger of dropping below .900 for the year. He's at .897 for the year on the road. On the road this season, the team is being outscored by 1.7 goals per game and has lost 15 of 19. By the way, the Rangers are a perfect 5-0 SU in the second game of a back to back this year and just beat the Devils here last Sunday, 5-0 w/ a 31-19 edge in shots on goal. This is a complete mismatch. 6* NY Rangers

8* Washington (7:05 ET): This is a battle of two of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference. Montreal leads the Atlantic w/ 42 points, but has dropped B2B games and is playing on the road, in the second game of a back to back. Washington may only be fourth in the stacked Metropolitan, but they have 41 points and have won six straight. Incredibly, the Metro is home to three teams currently on win streaks of at least six games. Yes, the Caps also played last night, but things (obviously) went better for them as they prevailed in a shootout against Carolina. They've got the home ice advantage here and I'm going to ride the proverbial "hot hand." 

With both teams in the top six in goals allowed, goaltending could very well decide this game. Montreal of course has Carey Price, but he was actually pulled from last night's game after allowing four goals on just 18 shots. It marked the first time that Price had been pulled from a game in over two years! So, he'll probably get the nod again here, but last night's performance is concerning. So too are his career marks vs. the Capitals, which include a 5-9-4 record, 3.08 goals against average and .898 save percentage. Meanwhile, I have little concern here w/ Washington's Braden Holtby, who was given last night off. Holtby's career record vs. the Habs is 8-0-2 w/ an outstanding save percentage of .944 and GAA of 1.60.

One player always worth keeping an eye on is Alex Ovechkin, who has certainly had the Habs number through the years w/ 22 goals and 18 assists in 39 career matchups. Ovechkin scored on the power play last night in Carolina, marking the 13th time in the last 14 games that Washington has scored when having the man advantage. As an aside, the Canadiens' penalty kill only ranks 18th overall and they gave up two PP goals last night. It's tough to score on the Caps here in D.C. (they allow just 1.9 gpg here), primarily b/c they allow only 25.5 shots per game. Montreal gives up a surprising 3.1 gpg on the road where they have a losing record. 8* Washington

10* Tampa Bay (10:05 ET): In the Atlantic Division, there's somewhat of a void behind first place Montreal. I expect Tampa Bay to be the team to fill it. Remember three teams from the division will make the playoffs. Through three points back of both Ottawa and Boston currently and still getting over the loss of Steven Stamkos, the Lightning are the only team in the Atlantic besides Montreal to be sporting a positive goal differential (+3). That because they won Wednesday in Calgary (over a red-hot Flames team, pun intended), 6-3. Meanwhile, a positive scoring differential is not a realistic achievement right now for Vancouver, who I rate among the worst teams in the entire league. This is a mismatch.

The Canucks have lost three in a row to fall into last place in the Pacific. This is not all that shocking; prior to the start of the season, most had this pegged to be one of the very worst teams in the league. Only Colorado has fewer points right now and in the last game, the Canucks gave up EIGHT goals to Carolina. That was one of the easiest winning Over bets in recent NHL history as the final score was 8-6. While Vancouver is unlikely to be that leaky defensively again, the likelihood is just as strong (if not stronger) that they'll decline offensively as well. Consider that in the previous loss, they had been shutout 3-0 by Washington. For the year, the Canucks are 28th in the league in goals allowed. 

Consider that Vancouver actually led Carolina 5-2 in the third period before completely melting down. The prospect of them now facing a team that just scored six times in its last game should be pretty frightening if you're a Canucks fan. Obviously, Tampa Bay is going to enjoy a massive edge between the pipes here due to Ben Bishop, whose 9-10-1 record is totally misleading as he's still among the league's best w/ a .924 save percentage and 2.87 goals against average. If the Lightning can be anywhere close to as strong offensive as they were in Calgary, this one - a revenge spot to boot - should be in the bag. Yes, Vancouver's last win (Dec 8) did come at Tampa Bay. But including that result, home ice advantage has meant little when these two teams hook up. The road team has won four straight times. Make it five. 10* Tampa Bay

8* Pittsburgh (7:35 ET): There isn't a more competitive division in the sport than the Metro right now where we find the Penguins sitting atop the heap. Four of my top six teams in my power rankings call the Metro home and a fifth (Philadelphia) happens to be the hottest team in the league. So, kudos must be extended to the Pens for leading this group as they've won six straight entering play tonight. They'll host Boston and are 12-2-1 on home ice so far. The Bruins, tied for second in the much weaker Atlantic Division, snapped a three-goal losing skid w/ an OT win at 1st place Montreal on Monday. But I simply do not like their chances of beating both Eastern Conference division leaders, on the road, in three days' time.

I won't run or hide. Rather, I'll come out an say that I played against the Bruins Monday night. They had simply not had much success in recent years playing at Montreal and goaltending had been an issue during the losing streak. For the year, the team is also just 25th in goals scored and 27th on the power play. Going 5 for 5 on the penalty kill was huge vs. the Habs, who outshot them, 31-29. Goaltender Tuukka Rask came up big as well after struggling his recent outings. His save percentage over his L4 games is still only .890 though and you have to wonder how he'll hold up facing the top goal scoring team in the entire league. During the six-game win streak, the Pens have scored an amazing 35 times.

The last time we saw the Pens hit the ice, they won 7-0 over lowly Arizona. That was the third time scoring at least six goals during the current win streak. They'll be out for revenge here as they were swept by the Bruins (0-3) in the season series last year and are just 1-5 L6 head to head overall, including 0-3 at home. But, that's the past and right now all of Pittsburgh's big names are playing well. That includes goaltender Matt Murray, who has a .951 save percentage his L4 games! This is nothing new from Murray either, his save percentage for the year is .936 and at home it's .944. By the way, the Pens have allowed only 14 goals during this win streak. They are averaging 36.6 shots the L5 games. This is a terrible spot for Boston as who would want to step in front of this Pittsburgh team right now? Not I! 8* Pittsburgh

10* Edmonton (9:05 ET): Two of the league's most pleasant surprises tango in Alberta on Tuesday. Stepping in front on this Columbus team might seem dangerous seeing as they've won six in a row, but I just won w/ Edmonton here on home ice Sunday and will come back with them again tonight. Typically, I will lean heavily on goal differential as a means for determining a team's chances at future success and while the Blue Jackets are #2 in the league (trailing only the Rangers) in that department, I see them slipping up in this spot. They've played a bevy of weak opponents recently and while the goal differential may be vastly inferior to C-Bus, the Oilers are in the same neighborhood as far as points are concerned.

Prior to beating the Jets Sunday night, Edmonton had lost four in a row and seven of its last nine. However, in my analysis for that matchup, I cited a return home as justification for a play on the Oilers. Sure enough, it worked out and while we needed an "own goal" from Winnipeg, I thought Edmonton largely was in control of that game. Also, it should be pointed out that it wasn't like the Oilers were being blown out in that four-game losing streak. Every loss had been by one goal and three came in extra time. This team is top seven in both areas of special teams (power play, penalty kill) and is also sixth in goals per game. Likely starter Cam Talbot has been performing a lot better in goal of late as well.

Columbus has been dominating teams during its win streak, but again, some of those opponents happen to rank at the very bottom of the league. We're talking Colorado, Arizona (twice!), Detroit and the Islanders. Three of those teams are currently in last place in their respective divisions and none have more than 30 points. So truth be told, the Blue Jackets SHOULD be on a six-game win streak right now. They are not the money line favorite here, however, and are just 6-20 SU all-time at Edmonton. 10* Edmonton

8* Montreal (7:35 ET): The Habs continue to stake their claim as one of the top teams in the league. They have started the current four-game homestand by absolutely taking it to both New Jersey and Colorado. The latter they just beat 10-1 on Saturday. Yes, you read that score correctly: 10-1. Ironically, in addition to matching the league-high for goals scored in a game w/ 10, the Habs also allowed 10 goals in a loss earlier this year (to Columbus). Funny how that evens out. Regardless, there is no debate that this team looks to be running away w/ the Atlantic, a division which includes rival Boston, a team the Canadiens have beaten 9 of the last 11 times they've faced off. That includes a 3-2 win here at the Molson Centre last month and a 4-2 win in Beantown to start the season. Make it another.

While the Habs are flying high right now, the Bruins are not displaying top form. They've lost three in a row coming into tonight, giving up four goals in each loss. At the same time, they've seen their own goal total decrease from 3 to 2 to 1 during the course of the losing streak. Such a pattern does not look good for tonight when they have to go up against Carey Price, who is number four in the league in save percentage (.940) and goals against average (1.79). Boston did put forth 43 shots on goal the last time they faced Price, but it wasn't enough to win. While they've posted 30+ shots in the L9 games overall, they've only managed to score 3+ goals twice in the L7 games.The power play is 1 for 15 in December and for the year, this team ranks 26th w/ the man advantage. They are also just 24th in goals per game. None of these numbers figure to improve when facing Price.

Meanwhile, not only does Montreal rank 4th in goals allowed, they are 4th in goals scored. Their last three wins have all seen them score at least five times. They scored six times in the first period alone Saturday. Granted, that was against a somewhat hideous Avalanche club, but for the year the team is averaging almost 4.0 gpg here at the Molson Centre where they're outscoring the opposition by over 2.0 gpg! Boston's Tuukka Rask isn't far behind Price in terms of save percentage and GAA, but he's definitely been slipping of late w/ a .895 save percentage the L4 games. 8* Montreal

7* Edmonton (9:35 ET): Considering the success I had going against Winnipeg last night, I might as well do it again as it's a two-night stop in Alberta for the team from two provinces over. In the analysis for yday's game, I cited the fact that Calgary was a hot team looking to earn its way into first place in the Pacific as rationale to play. Lo and behold, the Flames are now atop the division. But, truth be told, Edmonton is a better team than Calgary, at least using goal differential as a metric. But the difference is that the Oilers have been trending in an opposite direction of late w/ four consecutive losses. However, the last three losses have all come on the road. Back at home and facing a wounded opponent, I like Edmonton to bounce back here and reclaim at least a share of the Pacific Division lead.

It wound up being a pretty ugly loss for the Jets last night as they had their doors blown off in the second period and eventually fell by a score of 6-2. Things were scoreless until nearly halfway through the second period, but then the dam broke and Calgary scored a total of four times over a 10-minute stretch. In my analysis, I had mentioned that goaltending has been a real concern for Winnipeg this season. They rank near the bottom of the league in save percentage and once again it looks as if we'll get to go against the struggling Connor Hellebuyck (.868 L4 games). He only came on in relief last night after Michael Hutchinson had the disastrous second period. Hellebuyck allowed two of the six shots he saw in the third period to find the back of the net. As a reminder, Winnipeg's special teams are lousy as they rank 24th and 26th on the power play and penalty kill, respectively.

Edmonton, on the other hand, has excellent special teams as they are top 10 in both areas. Led by Connor McDavid, the team is also 7th in goals per game, so look for them to exploit the Jets' goaltending problems. This is a team that does a good job at getting the puck on goal as they average 32.2 shots per game at home. All we need is a decent night in goal from Cam Talbot and things should be just fine. Talbot and the Oilers should be aided by the fact Winnipeg averages only 24.2 shots per game on the road. 7* Edmonton

10* Calgary (10:05 ET): Last year, not one Canadian team qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, an all-time first. Two teams trying their best to ensure history does not repeat itself this year meet here in Calgary Saturday night. Both the Flames and Jets have been outscored by nine goals this season, but the deciding factor here is that the former is hotter, pun intended. Calgary has won five straight to move into third place in the Pacific and they're actually only one point behind the co-division leaders, Anaheim and Edmonton. Both of those teams are idle tonight, so there's a chance when we wake up in the morning the Flames will be by themselves in first place. On Sunday morning, I see expect to see them atop the Pacific Division heap.

Winnipeg has dropped B2B games, both at home. Ironically, last weekend saw them go on the road and beat the top two teams in their own division, Chicago and St. Louis. But that's not par for the course as the team is just 5-10 SU away from home this year and averaging only 24.1 shots per game in those contests. That kind of average simply will not get it done. The team's previous road trip saw them lose all five games and score only six goals in the process. At home, they managed only 18 shots against the Rangers on Thursday and gave up the GW goal w/ just one a minute to go in regulation. That GW goal saw the Rangers on the power play, which brings up the fact that the Jets' special teams have been quite lousy. They rank just 23rd on the power play and 25th on the penalty kill.

Calgary has had a lot of success in the past when hosting Winnipeg. They've taken 9 of 11 from them at the Saddledome including three straight. It was a pair of 4-1 wins here last season. Their own special teams aren't much better than Winnipeg's, but they have scored at least one time in each of the last four games when on the man advantage. The PK is 13 of 14 during the five-game win streak. They've also given up just seven goals total. Free agent acquisition Brian Elliott has been a bust, but fortunately Chad Johnson has emerged w/ a .932 save percentage. Meanwhile, the Jets are bottom five in the league in save percentage and the likely starter for tonight (Connor Hellebuyck) is at .889 on the road. 10* Calgary

9* Washington (7:05 ET): The Capitals won the President's Trophy last season (120 points) by a comfortable margin. But this year, they currently rank only fifth in their own division as the Metro is proving to be quite competitive. It is home to my top two ranked teams in the league, the Rangers and Columbus, not to mention LY's Stanley Cup Champions (Pittsburgh) plus the current hottest team in the league (Philadelphia). So, what I'm saying here is that the Caps can't afford to be dropping games, especially ones like tonight when they are facing a lowly foe like the Sabres. Buffalo, for all its supposed improvement, still is ranked last by me in the Eastern Conference pecking order. With them off a win, it's a good time to fade.

This will actually be the second meeting this week between these two. The first took place on Monday in the Nation's Capital w/ the Caps prevailing 3-2. It was an overtime game that saw the home team tie things up late in regulation. It was their second win over Buffalo this season as the Caps are now 6-2 SU head to head over the L3 seasons. Both teams followed that game up w/ 4-3 wins, Washington over Boston and Buffalo over Edmonton. The Caps actually led the Bruins 3-0, but needed extra time to get the two points. The Sabres also needed OT to get by the Oilers in what was a much hyped affair w/ Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel grabbing the headlines. Already just 1-3 SU after scoring 4+ goals in their previous game, I'd worry about how the Sabres are likely to perform coming off such a high-profile win.

I give Washington a big edge between the pipes here. They rank 5th in goals against in the league w/ Braden Holtby owning a .923 save percentage and 2.18 goals against average. He made 31 saves in the win Monday over the Sabres. Holtby has actually been a little sharper on the road (.930) this year. Buffalo, keep in mind is dead last in the league in scoring (2.1 goals per game) and having the 29th ranked penalty kill (75.6%) certainly won't help their cause. I'm banking on the Caps' power play breaking through here. 9* Washington

10* Pittsburgh (7:35 ET): The Penguins have surged into first place in the very competitive Metro thanks to three consecutive victories, the last one being an 8-5 destruction of Ottawa. Currently #2 in goals scored per game, the Pens have had no issue finding the back of the net during the win streak, tallying 19 goals total. Tonight, they face a wounded Florida team that has lost three in a row and five of its last six. All six of those games took place on the road, but I don't think a return home will do the Panthers much good against this caliber of opponent. Over its last five games, Pittsburgh is averaging an incredible 41 shots per game. Regardless of whom is in goal, this shapes up as another win for the Pens.

This will be the first home game for new Panthers HC Tom Rowe. Since taking over, the team has won only once in five tries, though they have grabbed the ol "loser's point" in three of the four losses. That includes Tuesday's painful setback where the Flyers got the GW goal w/ just 8.6 seconds remaining in regulation. Honestly, I'm a little unclear on what this organization is doing. Last year, the Panthers set a franchise record for wins and points. But they've changed both the GM and coach from that team. The result has been a pretty pedestrian start that has the team outside the top eight. They are 26th in goals scored per game and 29th on the power play, so it's going to be difficult here to keep up w/ the high-flying Penguins. Right winger Jonanthan Marchessault is also out.

The Pens already beat the Panthers once this year, at home, 3-2. They did so w/ both teams managing only 22 shots. I expect Florida goaltender Roberto Luongo to be under siege a lot more here considering the frequency with which we've seen Pittsburgh put the puck on net lately. They had 46 shots on goal in the 8-5 win over Ottawa on Monday, the second time in the L3 games that they topped 40. In fact, they've registered 40+ shots on goal seven different times this year, six of those coming in the last month. There have been only two times all season that the Pens have taken the ice w/ more than two days rest and they won both times. 10* Pittsburgh

8* Philadelphia (7:05 ET): While the season is still relatively young, the Oilers have undoubtedly been one of the real "positive" stories. A franchise that hasn't done anything in decades finds itself atop the admittedly pretty pedestrian Pacific Division w/ 32 points. But just to illustrate how weak the Pacific is, tonight's opponent (Philadelphia) has 33 points and that has them only tied for fourth in the far more competitive Metro. Since starting the season 7-1, the Oilers are just 7-9-4 since and that includes B2B OT losses to Minnesota and Buffalo coming into tonight. Meanwhile, the Flyers happen to be the hottest team in the league right now w/ six straight victories. They're on home ice tonight and I like them to keep it going.

The Flyers are known for offense, but during this six-game win streak we've seen some pretty outstanding goaltending. Almost all the credit goes to Steve Mason, who has been in goal each of the L5 games and allowed an average of just 1.8 gpg. His save percentage in the last four outings is .944. He made 42 saves in Tuesday's OT win over Florida. This is a pretty remarkable turnaround for a team that ranks 26th in goals allowed for the year, but truth be told, much of that blame can be placed on Michael Neuvirth, who hasn't seen the ice in over a month. Offensively, the Flyers are 4th in goals per game and 2nd on the power play. So no issues there. This is also a double revenge spot as they lost to the Oilers in both meetings last year. 

Edmonton lost the much-hyped battle of McDavid vs. Eichel on Tuesday, falling 4-3 in Buffalo. They gave up the lead late in regulation and then lost in OT short-handed. As stated earlier, it was their second straight loss, not to mention fifth in the last seven games. Cam Talbot is your likely starter in goal tonight and he's been a disaster recently w/ an .867 save percentage his L4 games. Not only that, but he's struggled against Eastern Conference competition all year w/ only an .885 save percentage. Generally speaking, the few road wins that the Oilers have over the last few weeks have all been against some of the worst teams in the league. That's not Philly. 8* Philadelphia

8* Anaheim (10:35 ET): Carolina managed to win its last time out, 1-0 over Tampa Bay, but that was on home ice. They hit the West Coast tonight having dropped five of seven overall and are tied for the fewest number of points in the Metro (25). The Canes have hardly been "road warriors" this year; they've dropped 12 of 15 away games overall and while five of those losses have occurred in extra time, the fact remains this team has won just once on the road (at Toronto) in the last month. Meanwhile, playing in the far weaker Pacific Division, Anaheim is in far better standing as they are tied for fourth and just three points back of first place. They've already beaten Carolina once this year, on the road, and will do so again tonight.

The Ducks should obviously be eager to atone for their awful performance the last time we saw them. Sunday in Calgary, they lost 8-3, in what will undoubtedly go down as their worst effort of the season. Note that it was the second game of a back to back as they had dropped a tough one in Edmonton (in OT) the night prior. Backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier had a disastrous night vs. the Flames, allowing all eight goals on just 25 shots. Fortunately for us, John Gibson is expected back between the pipes tonight. Gibson sports a .936 save percentage his L4 starts and only missed Sunday's game due to the flu. If for some reason he doesn't go tonight, note that Bernier had been playing quite well this year, prior to Sunday. Bottom line is that with two days off, I expect a very strong effort from the Ducks here.

Carolina is still without Jordan Staal (concussion) and this is an offense that is really struggling. The 'Canes have scored a total of just seven goals in their last five road games and are second from the bottom in goals per game in the entire Eastern Conference. That has to music to the ears of the Anaheim goaltenders. Furthermore, Carolina is 0 for 9 this season in road games when the total is 5.0. Speaking of goaltending, the 'Canes still rank pretty low in save percentage, despite the surprising shutout of Tampa Bay on Sunday. Cam Ward is their best option, but even he allowed three goals on just 26 shots in the season's first meeting. 8* Anaheim

8* New Jersey (7:05 ET): The Devils snapped a four-game losing streak on Saturday w/ a 5-4 OT win at Nashville. That result was well overdue considering three of the Devils' losses in the losing streak had come in extra time. This is a team that's gone beyond regulation quite a bit already this season as in 8 of the last 13 games. You'd actually have to go all the way back to November 12th (vs. Buffalo) to find the last time they won a game in regulation, but fortunately for tonight they are drawing a bad Vancouver club here at home. Even better is that the Canucks are off a win here and they have posted B2B wins just once since a surprising 4-0 start.

Since that 4-0-0 start (all one-goal victories), Vancouver has gone 7-12-2 and been outscored by 21 goals. I feel this is clearly one of the worst teams in the league as they rank 28th in goals scored, 25th in goals allowed and 26th on the power play. They have a 3-7-1 road record while being outscored by 0.8 goals per game. Even worse is the fact the Canucks are giving up a ton of shots lately as in 33.8 per game over their last five. Twice in the last three games they've allowed 40+ shots and somehow managed to win both times. I don't believe that tonight's likely starter, Ryan Miller, will be able to stay as sharp. His save percentage is just .899 vs. Eastern Conference opponents this year.

Ironically, New Jersey has been scoring plenty of late, but it hasn't translated into wins. They've needed five in each of the last two wins. This is a team accustomed to getting strong play between the pipes for Cory Schneider, but the netminder has struggled of late. I expect Schneider to turn things around, however. For the season, his save percentage at home is still .920. The Devils have also won 7 of their 9 home games thus far, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals per game. The price here is more than justifiable. 8* New Jersey

10* Ottawa (7:05 ET): This is the third consecutive home game for the Senators and thus far they are w/o a win. It's been B2B one-goal losses, first to Buffalo (5-4) and then to Philadelphia (3-2). Yet they remain in second place in a very competitive Atlantic Division, four points ahead of tonight's opponent, Florida. Looking at this line, I see a ton of value on Ottawa at 'plus money' on home ice. While two weeks ago, they did drop a game here to the Panthers, 4-1, they did so in spite of a rather massive 40-23 edge in shots. Thus, I'm calling for the Sens to gain a measure of revenge here. This is Florida's fourth consecutive road game.

Coaching changes are fairly commonplace in this league and the Panthers have already made one, firing Gerard Gallant and replacing him w/ Tom Rowe. Since beating Ottawa on 11.19, Florida has gained seven points in six games, five of which have been decided by one goal. On the road, the team has dropped 8 of 13 and is giving up an average of 30.6 shots per game. To me, the two teams here are rated fairly even, thus there's no real justification for the Panthers being favored on the road. Goaltender Roberto Luongo has been hot of late, but I do not see him maintaining that level of play.

Ottawa will likely have to go w/ Mike Condon again as Craig Anderson is still tending to his wife, who is undergoing cancer treatment. With Condon between the pipes, it appeared as if the Sens were going to win Thursday vs. the Flyers, but they blew a 2-0 lead and lost in overtime. Over the L5 games, the Sens haven't been putting many shots on goal (25.2). But for the year, they average 30.0 per game. I already mentioned the 40 they put on goal the first time they faced Florida. Again, given then relatively similar numbers we've seen from these two sides this year, I feel this matchup is mispriced. 10* Ottawa

10* Minnesota (9:05 ET): Though 10 points back, I believe the Wild to be the most serious threat to the first place Blackhawks in the Central Division. Minnesota comes into tonight sporting the best goal differential in the Western Conference (+15). I love the fact that they rank #2 in goals allowed and are tied w/ Montreal for the best overall save percentage at .933. Simply put, the Wild should have more points to their name. Tonight looks like an easy opportunity to add two as they play a Calgary team that I have rated among the worst in the sport. Because the better team is on the road, we are able to get substantial value and I'm "all over it."

The Flames are coming off a 3-0 shutout over Toronto, but we can use that to our advantage as it's contributed to the undervaluing of the Wild in this situation. When I say Calgary doesn't do much right, it's not an overstatement. They come into tonight ranked 26th in goals per game and 22nd in goals allowed. Their special teams are really lousy as they are dead last (30th) on the power play and 27th in penalty killing. It was a bit flukish how they beat the Maple Leafs on Wednesday as they were outshot 39-29, but scored twice in the game's first minute. Over the L5 games, they've given up an average of 35.8 shots per game and while Minnesota is tied for the best overall save percentage in the league, Calgary is 25th.

The Wild have dropped B2B games, uncharacteristically giving up nine goals in the process. They lost 5-4 at Vancouver on Tuesday, which is embarrassing given the current state of the Canucks. But I can't see a team this talented dumping two in a row against the worst teams in the league.  They led the Canucks, but for a third time in six games, gave up their advantage and lost. The result was a 70-minute practice on Wednesday and to say this team is "ready to go" would be probably be an understatement. Devan Dubnyk still has a very impressive .946 save percentage and will start between the pipes here. (It was Darcy Keumper vs. Vancouver). Remember that Calgary is also w/o Johnny Gaudreau. 10* Minnesota

8* Boston (7:05 ET): The Bruins have been fairly suspect at home thus far (just 5-5), but this is still a good price range for them to be in against a clearly inferior opponent. Sure, the B's just dropped a 3-2 decision in Philadelphia Tuesday night (shootout), their fourth loss in the last five games. But Carolina has dropped three of four overall and has won just three of its 13 road games to this point. Plus, like I said earlier, the 'Canes happen to be one of the weakest teams in the Eastern Conference. I'm a little surprised to see that the road team has enjoyed so much success in past head to head meetings between these two (3-0 last year), including Carolina's 27-17 record in Beantown. But, again, tonight will be a different story.

Boston may have lost four of its last five, but several key metrics indicate that they've outplayed their opponents during this time. One is that they've outshot those five foes by nearly eight per game. At home this season, the team is giving up just 26.4 shots per game. Sure, they are currently w/o two top defensemen - Zdeno Chara and John-Michael Liles. But they still have goaltender Tuukka Rask to lean on. Not only has Rask posted an overall save percentage of .938 this season (#5 in the league), but his career numbers vs. Carolina - 1.89 goals against average and .939 save percentage - are also quite good. I expect Rask to play well here and lead his team to the two points.

  Carolina's overall team save percentage is really low (24th), due to it being dragged down by Eddie Lack. It will more than likely be Cam Ward between the pipes tonight. But that's okay b/c Ward has a losing record vs. the Bruins in his career w/ a save percentage of just .918. The Hurricanes, like Boston, have done a good job at limiting shots recently and I will tip my cap to their top ranked penalty killing unit. But I have to go back to their road woes as they are 18-48 L66 away from home if the game total is 5.0. That includes 0 for 7 so far this year. Boston has the better YTD goal differential and enters this game knowing that they thoroughly outplayed Philadelphia Tuesday night (had 47-21 edge in shots). 8* Boston

10* Los Angeles (10:35 ET): Right off the bat, the Kings' 2016-17 fortunes took a sizable hit when superstar goaltender Jonathan Quick was injured in the very first game of the season. The groin injury will continue to keep him out for 3-4 more months, but thus far the team has been able to stay afloat due to its usual combo of limiting shots and possessing the puck. It also helps that Peter Budaj has filled in nicely between the pipes w/ a respectable .917 save percentage. The team comes into tonight having won five straight and is incredibly just two points back of rival San Jose in the Pacific. The fact that the Kings are still in contention has to be considered terrifying to the rest of the division and I'll take them tonight.

The Kings have already beaten the other two contenders in the Pacific during this win streak of theirs (Edmonton, Anaheim) and now have their sights set on the main rival and team in first place. Surprisingly, San Jose has won six of the last eight meetings here in Los Angeles. They also beat the Kings earlier this year, 2-1 in the opener, which is the game Quick got hurt. But the Kings have been a strong team on home ice so far, going 9-2 thanks in large part to allowing only 24.2 shots per game! They're outscoring visitors by almost a full goal per game here.

This is San Jose's first road game since ending a six-game trip earlier this month w/ three consecutive losses. Los Angeles, who hasn't played since Saturday, has won six in a row on home ice. That win Saturday was against another first place team, the Blackhawks, so LA has already proven it can beat the best. Meanwhile, while the Kings are rested, San Jose just played last night. Like the Kings' last win, it was a game that went to OT w/ the GW goal scored on the power play. I actually went against the Sharks last night, taking Arizona +1.5, so I was a winner. While the Sharks did dominate in terms of shots on goal (42-19!), I think it's going to be tough for goaltender Martin Jones to maintain his recent level of play if he's called on to start in B2B games. If it's not Jones, then it will be Aaron Dell and there's a significant drop off there. Kings stay red hot. 10* Los Angeles

8* NY Islanders (7:05 ET): Yes, I'm well aware that the Isles are languishing in last place in the Metro and that their 16 points are currently the fewest in all of the league. But this is a short price facing who I believe is the worst team in the league, at home no less. I went through many of Calgary's shortcomings in yday's analysis for a play where I successfully played the Over. The Flames lost 5-3, a score that didn't surprise me in the least given both teams' goaltending issues. Speaking of goaltending, it appears as if it will be Thomas Greiss starting between the pipes for New York. Either way, if it's him or Jaroslav Halak, the Isles have the edge in that department and are still the better team overall.

To rehash from yday, the Flames have the second worst save percentage in the league currently (.884), ahead of only the team they lost to last night. It looks like free agent bust Brian Elliott will be the starting goalie tonight after Chad Johnson didn't perform well Sunday in Philadelphia. Elliott has an awful .882 save percentage in all games thus far. But save percentage and goals allowed aren't Calgary's only issues. This team does little well as they also rank 26th in the league in goals per game. Their special teams are the worst in the league as they rank dead last on the power play (10.5%) and 29th in penalty killing (75.8%). They've been outshot badly in each of the L3 games (113-81 total) and don't have Johnson to bail them out here. Last night, they gave up a season-high 43 shots to the Flyers. What's somewhat remarkable about last night is the Flames scored twice while short-handed and still lost comfortably. Not a good sign.

The only reason that the Islanders have fewer points than the Flames right now is due to the fact they've played four less games. The road has been unkind to the Isles (1-6-1), but they're a more respectable 5-4-3 at home. This is a team that's suffered eight one-goal losses thus far, so it's case of being more unlucky than bad. Five times already, they have allowed a GW goal in the final three minutes of regulation. That includes Friday's improbable result where they tied the game vs. San Jose w/ only 57 seconds remaining, only to give up the GW 35 seconds later. Over the previous two seasons, New York has swept all four meetings w/ Calgary. I like this matchup a lot from their perspective. 8* NY Islanders

10* Montreal (7:05 ET): Yesterday, I won with the Rangers. Today, I turn to the Habs. I see no issue whatsoever playing the best teams in the league at these relatively short prices. While some may still want to stump for Tampa Bay as the team to beat in the Atlantic, the fact is the Canadiens right now sit on top of the division and it's no secret as to why. The return of Carey Price (missed most of LY due to injury) has been every bit of the difference maker Habs' fans had hoped for as he's turned in a sick .945 save percentage so far, third best in the entire league. He made 31 saves in a 2-1 win over Carolina Thursday night and earlier this year turned in a 25-save shutout of the Red Wings (5-0 Montreal win). Great value on the superior team here.

Not only is Montreal 4th in goals per game allowed, they are fourth in goals scored per game. Hence, only the Rangers have a better YTD goal differential right now. While a home-heavy schedule has definitely helped the Habs thus far (12-1-1 at home), I wouldn't be too worried about this road date. That's because the situation is incredibly favorable due to Detroit having played last night and being w/o goaltender Jimmy Howard.

With Howard between the pipes here, the Red Wings would have had a chance. Howard boasts numbers similar to Price w/ a .940 save percentage and 1.82 goals against average. But Howard got hurt last night (groin) and is expected to be out for a week. This is a brutal blow for Detroit, who now must turn to backup Petr Mrazek, who has a 3.18 GAA and .897 save percentage. That's a serious downgrade from Howard and Mrazek will be no match for Price. Furthermore, last night's game in New Jersey, while a win, went into overtime. It was a 5-4 Wings win, but they are just 1-6 SU this season after allowing 4+ goals the previous game. Over the L3 seasons, the Habs have won seven of the nine head to head meetings w/ the Red Wings. Both losses occurred last year w/ Price out of the lineup. Price is the difference maker here against an unrested, inferior foe playing w/o rest. 10* Montreal

9* NY Rangers (1:05 ET): I don't know about you, but I've got the Rangers rated as the best team in the entire NHL - by a pretty wide margin. Their YTD scoring differential of +29 is double that of all but two teams (Montreal, Tampa Bay) and that comes after them taking a 6-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday in the back end of a home and home. The opponent tonight is divsion rival Philadelphia, who (as I've said in the past) has major goaltending issues that will prevent the team from being any kind of serious contender in the Eastern Conference this year. Given that the Rangers lead the league in goals scored, this shapes up to be a pretty bad matchup for the hosts on Friday afternoon. 

The Flyers have given up the most goals in the entire Eastern Conference and their collective .880 save percentage is easily a league worst. The goaltending issues reared their ugly head in Wednesday's 4-2 loss at Tampa Bay. Steve Mason allowed two goals within 12 seconds of each other, in the third period, to lose the game. While Mason was strong against Florida on Tuesday, his overall save percentage remains at .893. Might a third start in four nights be too much for him? Philly's only other option here would be to give rookie Anthony Stolarz his first career start. I'm not sure you want to do that against a team like the Rangers, however. Already, the Flyers are just 3-6 SU this season when facing a team with a winning record.

No matter who ends up between the pipes for Flyers, look for the Rangers to take advantage. This team is 25-12 SU the L3 seasons after being held to one goal or less the previous game. The Rangers actually come in having dropped three of four, but as I said earlier they're season-long form has been quite impressive. They are also top 7 in the league on the power play and the penalty kill. Then, of course, we have Henrik Lundqvist who may be the ultimate difference maker in this one. The New York netminder currently sports a .915 save percentage on the road and while he was pulled in Pittsburgh, I can't see B2B bad performances from him. A team averaging nearly 4.0 gpg facing an opponent w/ the worst save percentage in the league is a good matchup. 9* NY Rangers

8* Minnesota (7:00 ET): I went against the Wild the last time they hit the ice, the result of which was a 3-2 loss for them (at Dallas). But if you recall my analysis for that game, a big point of emphasis was the fact that goaltender Devan Dubnyk would not be between the pipes. The Wild certainly missed him as backup Darcy Keumper gave up three goals, including the game winner in overtime. Despite the loss, Minnesota still owns the best goal differential (+11) in the Western Conference currently. Dubnyk is slated to start tonight and as a result, I'm on the Wild at home against a Winnipeg side that comes in riding a three-game losing streak. The Jets have already lost here in the Twin Cities earlier this year.

Dubnyk has been the driving force for Minnesota leading the league in both goals allowed per game (1.9) and save percentage (.938). Those are two good categories to lead the league in. Dubnyk has been somewhat ridiculous so far w/ a .948 save percentage and three shutouts. He'd given up just nine goals total in nine games before allowing in three in Saturday's home loss to Colorado (still made 34 saves). Assuming the Wild can do a better job at limiting the number of shot attempts here, they should be just fine w/ their ace in goal. In other good news, it appears as if the Wild are getting healthier. Zach Parise returned Monday after being scratched the previous game due to a sore throat. Defenseman Marco Scandella may be set to join him on the ice tonight as he's been activated of IR (ankle sprain).

These teams are currently tied w/ 20 points each, but Minnesota has played three fewer games and has - by far - the better goal differential at +11 to -4. Again, scoring differential is something I find to be a very useful predictor of future outcome, regardless of sport. Here, Winnipeg has lost three in a row, all on the road, and totaled just four goals in the process. They managed only 17 shots on goal the last time they faced Minnesota, which simply won't get it done here. This is a team that's dropped 8 of 11 on the road overall while averaging only 24.5 shots per game. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has a woeful .881 save percentage away from home. 8* Minnesota

8* Florida (7:35 ET): Philadelphia has a major problem and it is in goal as they have - by far - the worst overall save percentage in the league at .873. Not surprisingly, that has translated into the highest number of goals allowed per game (3.42) as well. They also failed to score their last time out, losing 3-0 to Tampa Bay. Even w/ two days off, I don't see them turning things around here in the Sunshine State against LY's Atlantic Division winners. Florida has won B2B games and four of five overall. The home team won all three head to head meetings last season w/ the Panthers scoring a total of 12 goals in their two home wins. I expect more of the same Tuesday night.

The Flyers are likely to start Steve Mason in this spot. While he's been slightly better of late, his overall save percentage this year remains a poor .886. It's not like the team gives up a ton of shots per game; the goaltending has just been that bad. Especially on the road where they give up 4.0 goals per game. There's even a chance rookie Anthony Stolarz could get called into duty here. Regardless of whom is between the pipes tonight, the play stands. By the way, Philly's penalty killing unit is hardly any help either; they rank just 27th in the league at 78.2%. The power play has struggled of late as well (0 for last 10) and a number of injuries have left this to be a pretty young team all-around. The Flyers have lost three straight in Miami.

Goaltending has not been an issue for Florida, at least when Roberto Luongo is between the pipes. He has a .947 save percentage his L4 games, all wins, and got a reprieve Sunday w/ James Reimer actually leading the team to a 3-2 victory over the Rangers. There's plenty of reason to be excited about the Panthers right now. They are ahead of LY's pace when they won the division. They just complete a 3-1 road trip where they beat both Eastern Conference division leaders, Montreal and the Rangers. This does not look like a good spot for the Flyers, who are 10-38 in road games when the total is 5.5 plus they are 13-26 SU when taking the ice w/ exactly two days rest. 8* Florida

10* Dallas (8:35 ET): Given Minnesota has outscored its opponents by 12 goals this year (2nd best differential in the Western Conference!), they are probably a bit better than their overall record of 9-7-1 shows. They, in fact, have the same point total (19) as tonight's opponent, Dallas, who has a -14 goal differential for the year. But despite what that key metric may seem to indicate, I'm backing the Stars on home ice tonight as they too are looking to bounce back from a home loss Saturday night. While the Wild lost to Colorado, 3-2, last year's Central Division leaders fell 5-2 to Edmonton. It hasn't been a great start for the Stars, but I see them getting the job done tonight. 

This is a revenge spot for Dallas as early in the year, they fell 4-0 at Minnesota despite allowing just 15 shots for the game! Devan Dubnyk turned in a 29-save shutout for the Wild, but it appears as if he won't be the one between the pipes Monday as Darcy Keumper is your likely starter instead. While Dubnyk has turned in a somewhat otherworldly .948 save percentage to this point, Keumper is at a more pedestrian .908. That's a significant drop and a major reason why I'm fading the Wild in this spot. They are also just 9-25 their past 34 trips to Dallas.

The Stars, meanwhile, will have their better option in goal tonight. That's Antii Niemi, who has posted a .932 save percentage at home this season. This is a rare spot where Dallas is likely to have the goaltending edge over Minnesota. I also can't see the Stars dropping B2B home games. This is their fourth straight game in Dallas and while they're just 1-2 SU so far, the team is 16-7 SU the L3 seasons when coming off three consecutive home games. 10* Dallas

6* Washington (12:35 ET): Both teams are 7-2-1 their L10 games and Columbus has the better YTD goal differential. Yet the Capitals come in as decided favorites for Sunday, which should tell you all you need to know about where the marketplace values these Metro teams. That valuation comes in the face of the Blue Jackets even beating the Caps, 2-1, in Columbus earlier this week. But Washington has since won B2B games at home in very impressive fashion and these early start times typically favor the home side. I'll lay the juice. 

The night after losing to Columbus, Washington returned home and destroyed Pittsburgh, 7-1. They followed that w/ a shutout of Detroit (1-0) on Friday. Obviously, a win like the one they had over the Penguins will greatly skew the numbers this early in the season, but the fact remains the Caps have been really impressive on home ice. They're 6-2 SU here in the Nation's Capital and the most impressive part of that is them holding opponents to an average of just 23.9 shots per game. Throw in the fact that Braden Holtby has a .930 save percentage both overall and at home and you can expect the Caps not to concede many goals here. 

Columbus isn't averaging many shots per game, particularly on the road (24.5). Of late, those shot numbers have declined even further (23.2). That simply won't get it done. For the year, this team ranks DEAD LAST in the league in shots per game. Opposing goaltenders will not continue to post a woeful an .873 save percentage against the Blue Jackets. Also, over the last five games, opposing goaltenders have posted an almost unheard of .837 save percentage! That number is all but assured to go up w/ Holtby between the pipes here. Columbus actually outshot Washington 27-22 Tuesday, but as we've established, the Caps will put more pressure on goalie Sergei Bobrovsky here in D.C.. Bobrovsky only has an .884 save percentage his L4 starts. Washington is 3-1 this season after being held to one goal or less their previous game. 6* Washington

8* Montreal (7:05 ET): By any objective measure, the Habs have been one of the best teams in the league thus far. The return of a healthy Carey Price has obviously been pivotal. He has a .948 save percentage and the team is 10-1 in his starts. But with backup Al Montoya between the pipes in two of the last three games, we find the team entering Saturday on a three-game losing streak. The game Price lost was an overtime affair to Florida where they outshot the Panthers 37-24. The game winner was a bizarre shot off a shattered stick. It was also Montreal's first home loss of the season. Yesterday, they lost again by one goal (3-2 at Carolina) despite another massive edge in shots (33-18). Tonight, I'm calling for a bounce back against a Toronto team they've beaten nine straight times. 

The Maple Leafs have won six of eight and scored six goals in each of the last four wins. But, as any regular of mine can attest, I view teams as stocks and this is a clear case of "sell high" (w/ Toronto) and "buy low" (w/ Montreal). Earlier in the season, Montreal beat Toronto 2-1. While the Habs have the league's second best goal differential, the Maple Leafs have still been outscored by two goals this season (despite the recent scoring surge). Not only are the Canadiens 10-1 at home so far, they're outscoring teams by two goals per game here.

Earlier I mentioned that Montreal has outshot its previous two opponents, despite losing both times. Well, Toronto has been consistently outshot despite recently winning. This seems like an unsustainable practice. They'd actually been outshot in four straight games before the 6-1 win over Florida Thursday. Over the L5 games, they're giving up an average of 37.2 shots per game. Four times in November, they've given up at least 43 shots in a game. For the season, the Leafs are giving up 33.9 shots per game, the highest average in the league. They are also 1-7 SU on the road, allowing 3.7 gpg. While this may be the second game of a back to back, Montreal has Price in goal and I repeat; this is a tremendous buy low/sell high spot w/ these two Atlantic Division rivals. 8* Montreal

8* Chicago (9:05 ET): On Tuesday, the Blackhawks were shut out for the first time this season. The loss, while their second in the last three games, was also just the second in the last 10 games. They've had two days off to stew over it and I can see the rest of this Western Canada trek going quite well. Particularly tonight's date w/ the Flames, who they'll be meeting for a third time already this season. Though Calgary has gotten surprisingly good goaltending each of the L2 games, wins over Minnesota and Arizona, their overall save percentage still ranks 29th (out of 30) at .884. This has been their best two-game stretch in goal all year. I expect Chicago to break out offensively here. They're moderately priced, so I'll take 'em.

In all due respect, the Flames aren't very good at anything. They rank 26th in both goals scored and allowed. Their power play is dead last in the league (9.7%) and their penalty kill is 28th (75.0%). Thus, it shouldn't surprise you to learn that I, personally, have them rated among the worst teams in the entire NHL (only Vancouver worse right now). They have a -18 goal differential on the year and are only 3-6 SU in home games. While goaltending has been the primary concern this year, the Flames have also only scored seven times in the last six games. They've been fortunate that Chad Johnson has turned in B2B solid efforts between the pipes, but again one was against fellow bottom-feeder Arizona. Also, it looks like it will be Brian Elliott starting tonight. Calgary's big FA acquisition in the offseason, Elliott has been a disaster thus far, turning in a .853 save percentage his L4 starts. Oh, by the way, the Flames' best player Johnny Gaudreau is also out w/ a broken finger. The team managed to beat Arizona w/o him, but Chicago is on a whole different level.

The 'Hawks check in on top of the Central Division w/ 24 points. That's the most points of any team in the Western Conference. Only the Rangers and Habs have more. So this shapes up as a real mismatch (I have Chicago 6th in my own power rankings). The Flames give up 3.6 goals per game at home. Look for the Blackhawks to take advantage of that. 8* Chicago

8* Anaheim (10:05 ET): The Ducks, while probably not at where they'd like to be, have certainly been kind to me over the past week or so. Most recently, they delivered a 4-1 win for me over Edmonton on Tuesday. The Oilers are a team that I said might possibly have peaked and the same holds true for tonight's opponent, New Jersey. The Devils come in riding a five-game winning streak. They won in overtime Tuesday, 2-1 over the Dallas Stars. Not to take anything away from the team's win streak, one of their longest in recent years, but it is a little misleading. Consider they swept a pair of home and home's with Carolina and Buffalo, who are two of the worst teams in the league. A key absence will hurt the Devils here too. I'm on Anaheim again.

The Devils have actually played seven overtime games already, which is pretty crazy. Through strong defensively, particularly between the pipes w/ Corey Schneider, you have to wonder how long they can keep it up. Especially now that they are going to be w/o Taylor Hall, who was tied for the team lead in goals (5) and points (12). Hall's absence could be felt most on a power play that is already 0 for its last 21. As good as Schneider has been, it seems unlikely that he can keep bailing the team out to this degree.

For Anaheim, this is a revenge spot as they dropped an early season game in East Rutherford, 2-1. That was not an OT win, but it should be pointed out that three of the past four Devils wins have been in games that went past regulation. So NJ has definitely had some luck go their way. Anaheim I believe will battle all season long w/ San Jose for the top spot in the Pacific. Here at home, they've been pretty dominant, outscoring opponents by 1.3 goals per game. They also give up fewer shots per game than do the Devils. John Gibson is likely to get the starting nod in goal and he has a better save percentage at home than on the road. The Ducks also have a massive edge on "special teams" (power play and penalty killing) in this matchup.  8* Anaheim

9* Pittsburgh (7:05 ET): This is always one of the marquee matchups in the NHL due to the Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin factor. Tonight should be no different as both teams have looked good in the early part of the season, though the Capitals have dropped B2B games. Though they're on home ice, I'll call for that streak to reach three straight. Those were "bad losses" they suffered to Carolina and Columbus and to think they'll simply be able to "turn it on" here against a superior opponent seems like "fool's gold." The Pens not only eliminated the Caps from LY's postseason, they beat them earlier this year (3-2) despite being -11 in shots. Good value on the road team here.

Pittsburgh is 10-3-2 w/ nine of those wins coming in regulation. Last time out, they dominated Toronto 4-1, putting an incredible 49 shots on goal. It was their second straight game w/ 40+ and now they have 90 total in B2B games. As expected, the offense is humming along. It ranks 8th in the league in goals per game and 3rd on the power play. Crosby has played in only nine games, but scored seven goals! The goaltending situation is also good w/ both Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray turning in solid performances on a consistent basis. It's more likely to be Fleury tonight. The Pens have had three full days to prepare for this game. The only other time they've had that much time to prepare for an opponent this year resulted in a 5-1 win (at Anaheim).

Washington has scored only five goals in its last four games and none of those have come from Ovechkin. Yes, they did win at Chicago in the last week, but immediately after they lost to a bad Carolina team. The team probably deserves better given how few shots they tend to give up, especially here at home, but if they couldn't beat Pittsburgh with 41 shots on goal (how many they had last time), then there may be no hope. With the Pens having so much rest and the Caps playing in the second game of a back to back, that's a major advantage for the road team, especially seeing as what a heartbreaker it was last night in Columbus for the Caps (potential GW goal was disallowed).  9* Pittsburgh

8* Anaheim (10:05 ET): To say that the "vultures are circling" in Edmonton would be grossly unfair. But there can be no doubt that the young team is coming back down to Earth following a surprise start. This will be the second straight game that I go against them. Sunday, I backed the Rangers, who in retrospect were ridiculously priced. At almost plus money, I was able to grab the best team in the sport right now (my opinion) and they rewarded me with a relatively easy 3-1 victory. The Oilers have now dropped six of eight and as I mentioned in my analysis for Sunday, their hot start was a byproduct of playing a lot of bad teams. Anaheim is not a bad team, despite what may have happened to them last time out.

The Pacific Division is the weakest in the sport. With the injury to Kings' goalie Jonathan Quick, things are really wide open right now and credit Edmonton for taking advantage early on. But I expect this race to come down to the Sharks and the Ducks. On the road, Anaheim has had some tough luck, losing three games in extra time. Last time out, they were straight blanked by Nashville, but I'll write that one off. Since starting 0-3-1 (all road games), the Ducks have gone 7-3-2 overall. Though John Gibson struggled against the Preds on Saturday, I still believe him to be a fine option between the pipes and Jonathan Bernier is proving himself to be a quality backup. Over the L5 games, Anaheim is allowing only 24.6 shots per game.

Oilers' netminder Cam Talbot is trending in a bad direction right now w/ a .893 save percentage his L4 starts. His team is also giving up plenty of shots per game (30.5).  The Ducks have really had the Oilers number the last few seasons, winning eight of the past nine matchups, including the final four of last year. 8* Anaheim

8* NY Rangers (9:35 ET): This is a tremendous price on the better team. The Rangers are tied for the most points in the league right (22) and I, in fact, have them rated as the best team the NHL has to offer right now. That's reflected in a +27 goal differential, which is easily a league best. There's only one other team better than +14 and it's Montreal. Meanwhile, Edmonton is showing signs of slipping w/ B2B losses to Pittsburgh and Dallas. The Oilers may be in first place, but that's the weak Pacific Division and they've outscored their opponents by only seven goals this year.

All of the Rangers' 11 wins this year have come in regulation and they are averaging a league best 4.1 goals per game. At the same time, they are #4 in goals allowed, giving up just 2.4 per game. Critics may want to point to a home heavy schedule to this point (10 of 15 games played at MSG), but they have zero difficult winning at Calgary last night, 4-1. Though they were outshot for the game, 36-28, it was 4-0 in the Rangers' favor entering the third period last night. They have scored an incredible 33 goals the last seven games. With this being the second game of a back to back, we won't have Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes, but Antti Raanta has been just as effective. Raanta sports a .926 save percentage in his four outings.

Cam Talbot is the goalie for Edmonton and of course he used to back up Lundqvist until being dealt here before last season. It was a strong start to the season for Talbot, but he's regressed of late w/ an .887 save percentage his L4 starts. That includes him allowing four goals on 30 shots in a loss to the Rangers back on November 3rd. Since starting 7-1, the Oilers have dropped five of seven. It should be pointed out that the list of opponents early one were really weak as the list includes Calgary (twice), Buffalo, Carolina and Vancouver. I just don't see Connor McDavid and company ready for this giant step up in class. 8* NY Rangers

10* Chicago (8:35 ET): This is most certainly a marquee matchup on the Friday slate. The Blackhawks, thanks to seven straight wins, are back on top of not just the Central Division, but the entire Western Conference w/ 21 points. A lot of that has to do w/ a 7-1-1 record on home ice (just 3-2 on the road). "The Madhouse of Madison" is where they'll be tonight as Washington comes calling. The Caps, LY's President's Trophy winner, had won five in a row before being shutout Tuesday at home by San Jose. Save for one game, they've been -135 or higher on the money line every time out this year. So this might look like a good value on them, but it is not as the 'Hawks are the better team

Over their L5 games, Chicago is dominating teams to the tune of an average margin of victory of 2.2 goals per game. Make no mistake about it, this is a very explosive offense that comes in averaging the second most goals per game in the league (3.5) right now. At home, that average jumps to an incredible 4.1 and during the seven-game win streak, they've scored at least three times in every game but one - the last time out when they beat St. Louis, 2-1 in overtime. Of course, it also helps to have superb goaltending. Corey Crawford comes in rocking a superb .939 save percentage in all games this year and the number is even higher at home where he's allowed just 10 goals on 194 shot attempts!

Washington, as I said earlier, was shut out in the last game. Typically, they bounce back from such a performance, but rarely are they facing an opponent as tough as this one. They rank only 13th in goals per game this year and the power play is just 24th. That's way down from last year. In fact, they are just 1 for the last 15 w/ the man advantage. Shockingly, the Blackhawks rank last in the league on the penalty kill, but the numbers have gone up significantly during this win streak. With a goals against average of 1.91, Crawford should be the difference maker here. 10* Chicago

8* Pittsburgh (7:05 ET): As good as the Rangers have looked so far this year, the Penguins are currently tied w/ them for first place in the Metro (20 pts each). The Pens have not only won B2B games, but also 7 of the last 8 and have been beaten in regulation only twice all year. Meanwhile, we have the visiting Wild, who have just 13 points but also one of the better goal differentials in the league right now (+11). However, they've dropped B2B games (to Colorado and Buffalo) and come in as sizable underdogs on the ML here. Minny certainly hasn't had much luck here in the Steel City, losing each of their last four visits. Make it five.

Pittsburgh is sixth in the league in goals per game (3.1) and has scored a total of nine times the last two games. In each of their last five wins, the team has scored at least four goals. They are both 6-0-1 at home this year and the last seven games overall. Sidney Crosby has been downright incredible so far as he'd registered a point in every single game prior to being held pointless in the last one. Between the pipes, both Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray have proven to be reliable options. It appears as if it will be the former in goal tonight after a two-game absence. That's just fine by me as Fleury has a .930 save percentage in six home games this year.

The Wild had been rolling as in three consecutive shutout wins to end October and w/ Devan Dubnyk in goal, they've continued to be stingy here in November. The problem has been the offense drying up. Perhaps that should have been anticipated when you look at the fact they managed only 37 total shots against in wins over Buffalo and Dallas. I seriously doubt that moving forward, Dubnyk or whomever is in goal will be able to maintain the extraordinary .980 save percentage we've seen the L5 games. This will be the strongest opponent that the Wild will have faced in a while, possibly all season, on the offensive end. Having not played since Saturday, Minnesota is well rested, but that's a long time off between road games and they are just 9-14 SU L3 seasons when taking the ice w/ at least three days' rest. 8* Pittsburgh

10* New Jersey (7:05 ET): These two both finished outside the playoff picture last year. In fact, only Columbus finished below them in the Metro. So far this year, things have improved slightly for the Devils, who have a respectable 13 points. They are unbeaten at home (4-0-1) and that's where they are tonight, hosting Carolina. Meanwhile, things have not gotten much better for the Hurricanes, whose nine points are currently an Eastern Conference low. This is the second game of a home and home that's already seen NJ win in Raleigh, 4-1. I expect them to win just as easily in East Rutherford.

Sunday's win at Carolina was the Devils' first road win in regulation all year. They were led by Michael Cammalleri's hat trick and backup goalie Keith Kincaid made 33 saves. Yes, New Jersey was outshot badly in the game, 34-21. But if the 'Canes can't win under such circumstances, then it's exceedingly difficult to like them here on the road. It's highly unlikely that they'll enjoy such a pronounced edge in shots on goal again. Also, they likely will face Corey Schneider, who has a .927 save percentage in all games, not to mention .949 at home (stopped 111 of 117 shots faced). 

Carolina's goaltending situation has been a disaster thus far w/ a cumulative save percentage of .874. That's 29th in the league, ahead of only Philadelphia. Whether it's Eddie Lack (.856) or Cam Ward (.888) between the pipes here, they likely won't have top defensemen Justin Faulk in front of them. That's because Faulk left Sunday's game with an undisclosed injury. With four power play opportunities in the last game (didn't convert on any) and a sizable edge in shots, the 'Canes really wasted a winnable opportunity. I don't see the elements being as favorable tonight, thus it should be a home and home sweep for the Devils. 10* New Jersey

6* NY Islanders (7:05 ET): Coming into this season, four of the five Metro teams that made the playoffs LY - Rangers, Penguins, Caps, Islanders - were favored to get back there. However, the Isles are currently struggling (three straight losses) and only Carolina is keeping them out of the division basement. But a visit from lowly Vancouver should be "just what the doctor ordered" on Monday. Losers of eight straight, the Canucks are just awful and it wouldn't surprise me if they finished w/ the fewest number of points in the league this year.

Vancouver has played 12 games. They have scored only 20 goals. That's just heinous. Obviously, that average (1.6 per game) is last in the league and correspondingly they are 30th (last) on the power play as well (7.7 percent). They are off a 6-3 loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday. The good news is that after being shutout four times in the previous five games, they scored three goals. The bad news is they allowed six on 42 shot attempts. The loss dropped them to 0-5 on the road this season and they're being outscored by two goals per game in such affairs.

Most disappointing for the Isles is that the entirety of their three-game losing streak has occurred here on home ice. But note that the last two games, against Philadelphia and Edmonton, both went to shootouts. They did outshoot the Oilers Saturday, 33-23, but it still wasn't enough. Still, I really like this team's chances of turning things around tonight. The previous two seasons have seen them go 8-3 SU when on a losing streak of three or more games.  6* NY Islanders

8* Montreal (7:05 ET): Wait. What happened last night? The Canadiens lost 10-0 to Columbus? I had to hit refresh on my internet browser a few times when I saw that score, because I simply could not believe it. But it's true. But there is one major caveat that needs to be pointed out from last night. Carey Price did not play for the Habs. Rather, it was Al Montoya turning in one of the most disastrous performances between the pipes in recent memory. It should be pointed out that four of the eight goals allowed in the first two periods, the Habs were short-handed. That's no excuse for the final score, mind you. But w/ Price back tonight, I look for this team to be very angry and eager to bounce back. Roll w/ them here.

Consider that even after last night Montreal still ranks #1 in the league in goals allowed per game! That's how dominant they'd been. Yesterday marked their first loss in regulation following a 9-0-1 start. They were on an eight-game win streak heading into Columbus. It certainly didn't take a "brain surgeon" to predict improvement out of the Habs this year w/ the return of a healthy Price. Last year, this team got off to a great start, but once Price was lost the team went in the tank. It is troubling to see something like last night after LY's awful finish. But the bottom line is we have Price, at home, tonight. In six games this year, Price has a .964 save percentage as he's allowed just seven goals on 193 shots! The team has not lost a game that Price has started this year. In their first 10 games, this team had allowed just 14 goals total.

Considering the way the word "embarrassing" is being thrown around the Habs' locker room (in reference to last night's loss), it may be a case of "wrong place, wrong time" for Philadelphia here. Yes, the Flyers come in riding a three-game win streak, but the last two came beyond regulation, so those could have gone either way. These teams have already met once this year at the Bell Centre w/ the Canadiens prevailing 3-1 thanks to 31 saves from Price. It was the Flyers' fourth straight loss here in the province of Quebec. Over the L3 seasons, Philly is 3-10 SU when riding a three-game win streak. 8* Montreal

6* Anaheim (10:05 ET): Only one team has fewer points than Arizona (8) right now, but the 'Yotes do enter in tonight off B2B wins. But both were at home. They are currently giving up the most goals per game in the league right now (3.7) and their special teams are lousy (28th ranked power play, 24th on the penalty kill). Despite winning those last two games, the team was outshot severely in both, including 37-28 by Nashville last night, which went to a shootout.

Playing in the second game of a back to back, on the road, I don't like Arizona's chances here. Not w/ the Ducks looking to rebound from a 5-1 loss here the other night (to Pittsburgh). Though the difference on the scoreboard was pretty sizable vs. the Pens, the difference in shots (-1) was not. Note that off their previous home loss, which was a 4-0 shutout vs. Columbus, the Ducks bounced back to shutout Los Angeles (also 4-0) and that was on the road. That win improved this team to 27-16 after scoring 1 goal or less the previous game.

Remember how I mentioned Arizona is giving up the most goals per game in the league right now? Well, on the road, the numbers are disastrous. They allow 4.5 per game. That helps explain why they've lost five of six away from home. Also, no team is allowing more shots per game (35.1) than this one. Those are some scary numbers and I really like Anaheim to bounce back here given that this is only their fifth home game of the season. While these two teams might be next to each other in the alphabet, they are miles apart on the ice. 6* Anaheim.

8* Chicago (8:35 ET): The city of Chicago has to be on "cloud nine" right now after the Cubs won the World Series last night. But let us not be quick to forget the number of championships the Blackhawks have given the city in recent times. Three times Stanley Cup Winners since 2010 (last won in '15), the 'Hawks are flying pretty high right now as three straight wins have them tied for 1st place in the always tough Central Division. They and Minnesota both have 13 points, which is five more than today's opponent, Colorado. I expect the home team to dominate at the "Madhouse on Madison."

The Avs come in having dropped three of four. In eight games, they've scored only 20 goals, which is tied for the third fewest in the league right now. That lack of offensive production will sting you when visiting the "Madhouse on Madison" where the home team happens to be averaging a whopping 4.1 goals per game this year. In fact, only two teams have scored more goals this season than has Chicago. Making matters worse for Colorado is that they come in averaging only 25.4 shots per game on the road, a very low number.

Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford has played very well of late w/ a .961 save percentage his L4 starts. He was dominant Wednesday night vs. Calgary, stopping 32 of 33 shots in a 5-1 win. Meanwhile, Colorado was on the wrong side of that exact same score at home against Nashville. It's likely to be Semyon Varlamov back between the pipes tonight and his save percentage is dipping close to below .900 for the season. That's not good. Nor is the fact Chicago took three of four against Colorado last year, putting a ton of shots on goal in this process. This is a very good matchup for the home side. 8* Chicago

9* NY Rangers (7:05 ET): The Rangers dominated an early season showdown w/ Tampa Bay on Sunday, winning 6-1. It was their fourth win in the past five games and they now trail Pittsburgh by just one point in the Metro. The team's +13 goal differential is also second best in the Eastern Conference, behind only Montreal. With all six wins this year coming in regulation, this is a club clearly in good form and I like their chances tonight against a St. Louis side that has scored a total of only three goals in its last three games. Go w/ the Blueshirts here.

The Blues' offensive woes actually extend past just these last three games. They've scored exactly one goal in five of the last six games overall. The exception was a 6-4 win over Calgary, who has one of the worst save percentages in the entire league right now. Thanks to an outstanding effort between the pipes from Jake Allen on Saturday, they were able to beat a struggling Los Angeles team, 1-0. But the other four times they've scored just one time have all been losses. While 5-2-2 this year (just two regulation losses), the Blues have a goal differential of just +1, so they haven't been nearly as dominant as the Rangers despite the similar point totals. They did beat the Rangers 3-2, at home, earlier this year. But not the Rangers owned a rather decisive 35-18 edge in shots in that one.

That edge in shots came about due to the Rangers outshooting the Blues 15-0 in the third period. New York had to be kicking itself for its failure to get the 'W' in that one as St. Louis was down three key players, yet Carter Hutton played one of his best games ever in goal. The Rangers come in leading the league in goals per game (3.9) and have seven different players that have scored at least three times this season. Contrast that w/ the Blues, who have only four players w/ three goals. I look for the Rangers' speed to be a big difference maker in this rematch. Jake Allen is likely to again get the nod for St. Louis in goal and he's been shaky on the road thus far (.894 save percentage). Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist has been his normal solid self (.913 at home) for the Rangers. 9* NY Rangers

8* San Jose (10:35 ET): Seven games into the season, Nashville has to be fairly road weary. The Preds are 0-4 SU away from home to this point, all but one of those losses coming in regulation. Only a few teams have given up more goals to this point than have the Preds. The current West Coast swing began Wednesday w/ a 6-1 loss to Anaheim. The following night brought a 3-2 loss to the Kings in overtime. Really, the only positive to speak of here is the fact Nashville is #1 in the league on the power play at 37%. But they are 29th in penalty killing (68%) and scored only eight even strength goals. That's certainly an ominous sign moving forward.

San Jose enters this game off B2B wins and in the Pacific is only looking up at surprising Edmonton. While Nashville is winless on the road, the Sharks are unbeaten on home ice at 3-0 SU.  They are 6-1 SU the L2 seasons hosting the Preds, including winning all four home games in LY's playoff series. Goaltender Martin Jones posted a 1.25 GAA and a .957 save percentage in those four home wins. Similarly, he's been very sharp at home so far this year w/ a .955 save percentage having started all three games. In these three home wins, the Sharks are allowing only 1.0 gpg and 22.3 shots per game. You won't lose many w/ those averages.

While this is Nashville's third straight road game, it is San Jose's third straight home game. The spot completely favors the Sharks, the better team to begin with. Take away one ugly loss to the Rangers and San Jose has allowed three goals or fewer in every game. They've won all four games this year against teams with a losing record. While San Jose has done a great shot at limiting opponents' shots, Nashville has been terrible in that department, giving up 33.9 per game, including 37.2 the L5 games. 8* San Jose

10* NY Rangers (7:35 ET): Two weeks into the season and we find these two teams pretty much where we expected. The Rangers are 5-2 and have a +9 goal differential after three straight wins, the last one coming by a 5-2 margin at home vs. Boston Wednesday. On the other side of the ledger, we have Carolina at 1-3-2 and in last place in the Metro. Certainly, the schedule makers did the 'Canes no favors in this early part of the season as this is actually their home opener! Yes, they actually opened w/ six straight road games, four of them taking place in Western Canada. A return to the Eastern Time Zone has done them little favor as they've fallen to Philadelphia and Detroit this week, giving up 10 goals in the process. The road team is way undervalued here.

What is a little surprising is that the Rangers come into this game leading the league in scoring. They are averaging 3.9 goals per game, a really impressive number. Now they've only had to play two road games and one of them was a 3-2 loss at St. Louis. But they have won at Washington (hard to do!), 4-2. Wednesday saw them come from behind and score five straight goals to beat Boston.  In goal will be Henrik Lundqvist. He's 23-10-1 in 34 all-time starts vs. the Hurricanes, thus is obviously instrumental in the team being 8-1 SU the L9 head to head matchups (only loss was final meeting of LY). Lundqvist got off to a bit of a slow start this year, but has rebounded w/ a .923 save percentage his L4 starts. A huge key for the Rangers thus far is that they're allowing only 25.9 shots per game.

Carolina has actually outshot all but one opponent this season. But their goaltending - whether it's Eddie Lack or Cam Ward - has been downright atrocious. The team's collective save percentage is .853, worst in the league. The gap is pretty significant between them and the 29th place team (Philadelphia) as well. Tonight, it's expected to be Lack between the pipes and he's allowed eight goals on 82 shots thus far. Coming off the long road trip does not bode well for the Hurricanes as they are 8-17 SU the L3 seasons after playing 3+ road games. Also, they are just 24-52 SU when facing a team w/ a winning record during that time. 10* NY Rangers

10* Winnipeg (8:05 ET): The Jets were somewhat of a "chic" pick to ascend the Central Division pecking order in 2016-17. But the early returns have not been all that encouraging as the club is off to a 2-4 SU start (all losses in regulation, both wins in OT) and currently finds itself in last place. That includes a 3-2 loss in the front end of a home and home to tonight's opponent, Dallas, two nights ago. However, one positive sign is that the Jets did finish w/ the edge in shots on goal in that game (30-26). Also encouraging is that both victories this season have come at home. Hopefully, the goaltending issues can get cleaned up. If so, I see the Jets getting the two points here. 

Not to "pile on" here, but Winnipeg really should have been able to pull out a win Tuesday considering Dallas was playing w/o six key contributors. However, that same list of players, which includes Jason Spezza, Jiri Hudler, Patrick Sharp, Jamie Benn, Bryan Little and Drew Stafford, are all expected to be out again tonight. So this is a "make good" of sorts for the Jets, who desperately need this game. It's not like the Stars have been sharp on the defensive end either; they're allowing 3.0 goals per game. It appears as if Antii Niemi will again be between the pipes tonight. While he stopped 28 of 30 shots Tuesday night, he also gave up five goals on just 20 shots in his only previous road start. 

Special teams are also hurting Winnipeg right now. They rank just 25th on the power play at 2 for 20. Penalty killing ranks 29th at a woeful 68.8 percent. I would expect those numbers to improve moving forward. Dallas is below average in both areas as well. While both Jets' goals came in the final seconds of the period Tuesday night, I look for them to be a bit sharper here on home ice.  10* Winnipeg

8* Washington (9:35 ET): I think we may have reached a proverbial "tipping point" with Edmonton. I rode the Oilers to a win Sunday as they played outdoors in Winnipeg and dominated the Jets, 3-0. Those two points have the team alone atop the Pacific at 5-1 and they're actually the only team in the division w/ a positive goal differential right now! It's certainly strange to see Edmonton in first place as this is a team that has perennially finished at or near the bottom of the league the last several years. The accumulation of young talent is definitely starting to pay off, but tonight they face their stiffest team in the form of Washington, the team that won the President's Trophy a year ago. I'm on the Capitals here.

The Caps are off to a 3-1-1 start themselves. They've had three full days off to recover from their first regulation loss of the season, which came Saturday in MSG, 4-2 to the Rangers. Despite losing there, they still finished w/ a slight edge in shots in goal (28-26), which is always a positive sign. They, in fact, have had the edge in shots in all five games this year. Coming off a loss by 2+ goals, the Caps are 20-7 SU the L3 seasons. Due to winning the shots on goal battle, Washington actually comes in #1 in the league in shots per game allowed (24.2) and is #2 in goals allowed (1.8). Braden Holtby will be ready to go tonight between the pipes and he checks in w/ a .924 save percentage thus far. On the other end of the ice, the team has already had two games w/ 40 or more shots.

Edmonton is giving up more shots than they are forcing, which makes their fast start to the season seem rather unsustainable. Certainly unsustainable is the team's current 13.3 shooting percentage. The schedule has been pretty friendly to the Oilers thus far w/ only two road games and one of them was the outdoor event where home ice advantage is always lessened. I was absolutely shocked to learn that Washington is only 3-9 SU its L12 visits here, but they did post a 7-4 victory here last season. Of course, it's a new building and perhaps new Oilers team this year, but I'm not exactly ready to go "all in" on them just yet. Sunday was just their SIXTH shutout win in the L3 seasons and they are 1-4 SU off the previous five. 8* Washington

8* Philadelphia (7:35 ET): Situationally, one might try and make the case that Buffalo has an edge here. They've been off for the last four days. However, tonight still marks the end of a four-game trek for them and the first three games were all out in Western Canada, against Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. That makes this stop in the City of Brotherly Love a bit problematic, even w/ the time off. Over the previous two seasons, the Sabres are just 2-12 SU after playing their previous three games all on the road. So this spot is not as great as some may make it out to be. Plus, Buffalo has won only once so far, that being a 6-2 win over Edmonton on 10.16.

The other side of the equation is that the Flyers played last night. They lost, 3-1 at Montreal, but played the Habs to basically a stalemate most of the way. It was a 1-1 tie entering the third period and shots on goal were basically even for the game. The Canadiens didn't take the lead until a power play goal scored at the 13:08 mark of the third and then an empty netter was added at 18:57. That was Philly's sixth game of the season (Buffalo has played only four) and they have lost four of the last five after beating LA on Opening Night (game where Jonathan Quick got hurt). But they did win their last home game, 6-3 over Carolina. This team is 27-15 its L42 home games if the total is 5.5.

It is expected that we'll be seeing Anders Nilsson between the pipes for the Sabres for the first time this season. That's because #1 goaltender Robin Lehner is battling an illness. Lehner is not the only one out for Buffalo though. Of course, we know that Jack Eichel and Evander Kane are both relegated to the bench for the next several weeks w/ an ankle sprain and fractured ribs, respectively. There will have to be some major reshuffling in the team's top two lines, not to mention on the blue line as well w/ the top two pairs of defensemen. Having four days off can't cure what ills Buffalo right now and I'll call for a solid outing from Flyers' backup Michael Neuvirth here as well.  8* Philadelphia

7* Chicago (8:35 ET): The respective pedigrees here probably couldn't be further apart. The Blackhawks, perennial Cup contenders, have won three of four and scored five or more goals in each win. Calgary, who hasn't been in Cup conversation for decades, is off to a rather dreadful 1-5 start. Flames' goaltending has been a major problem thus far. They gave up seven goals in the season opener, a loss in Edmonton, and then six more in Saturday's home loss to St. Louis. Their collective save percentage of .856 ranks 29th in the league and the primary culprit has been prized free agent acquisition Brian Elliott (.839). Having the league's worst power play attack does Calgary no favors here either. Look for Chicago to take advantage.

The Blackhawks beat a rapidly improving Toronto team Saturday night, 5-4, in a shootout. It was a come from behind effort as they were down two goals in the third period. For the third game in a row, they outshot their opponent, doing so by the slimmest of margins, 35-34. In Chicago's first three games, they were outshot every time. Penalty killing has been the primary concern thus far as they are last in the league in that department (woeful 42.9 percent!), but as mentioned previously, that should not be an issue facing the league's worst power play. Again, the key should be exploiting the Flames' poor defense. In two of the three meetings last year, the 'Hawks scored four times at Calgary's expense.

Given the Blackhawks are getting contributions from the likes of Richard Panik, they have to be frothing at the mouth here. The Flames have yet to win a game in regulation w/ their lone win coming in overtime at Buffalo's expense. Meanwhile, they've given up at least four goals in four of their five losses. Chicago is 31-17 SU after giving up 4+ goals their last game. 7* Chicago

9* Edmonton (3:05 ET): Might this finally be the year that the Oilers become relevant again? They are off to a 4-1 start, having already swept their provincial rival (Calgary) in a home and home. After then losing 6-2 to Buffalo, they've come back to win B2B games at home over Carolina and St. Louis by respective scores of 3-2 and 3-1. This afternoon sees them leaving Alberta for the first time, but it's not a far trip (just the province over) to Manitoba as they take on prime breakout candidate Winnipeg in an outdoor game. Weather could be a factor here w/ a 70 percent chance of showers in the morning. More often than not, we've seen the road team come out on top in these outdoor games (this one is being played at the home of the CFL's Blue Bombers.  The better team (right now) is getting plus money.

The Jets are 2-2 and have been off the last three days after beating Toronto, 5-4, here at home. They've only had to leave home once (lost at Minnesota 4-3), but one issue I see w/ the Jets thus far is they've given up four goals in every game! An .870 save percentage won't get you very far in this league. This afternoon, it will be Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes. He's been guilty of allowing seven goals on just 51 shots so far. He started against Edmonton just once last year and it did not go well. He allowed all three goals in a 3-1 loss, on just 14 shots, and was pulled early. Special teams have hardly been inspiring for the Jets to this point either; they're 21st on the power play and an awful 29th on the PK (woeful 64.3%). 

Winnipeg's issues giving up goals are not likely to end today as Edmonton is the top scoring team in the league right now (4.0 gpg)! In goal, Cam Talbot has started all five games thus far and will again be in net here. At least his save percentage is north of .900, which you can't say about Hellebuyck right now. As a much worse team, the Oilers took two of three from the Jets last season. In fact, the Jets scored just four goals - total - in those three games. Talbot was the one in goal for both wins as he stopped 83 of 85 shots, which is very strong. Don't be surprised if the Oilers' power play, which is 0 for 6 the L3 games, breaks out here against the suspect Jets' penalty killing unit. 9* Edmonton

9* Los Angeles (8:05 ET): The Kings have been shell-shocked to start the season as goaltender Jonathan Quick is out for an indefinite period of time w/ a serious groin injury. As a result, they've dropped their first two games, losing 2-1 at San Jose and then 4-2 at home to Philadelphia. One thing that the Kings have going for them is they play in the weakest division in the sport. All they need is a top three finish in the Pacific and they're a playoff team. So, if they can stay afloat w/o Quick, then I see them being just fine when he does return. As for tonight's game in Minnesota, I see them getting the two points as they're well rested and motivated.

The Wild lost their first game, 3-2 at St. Louis, but then bounced back w/ a 4-3 home win against Winnipeg. They dominated the number of shots (31-17) in that win, but such an advantage is often tough to come by when facing a Kings team that often dominates possession of the puck. Minnesota did take two of three from LA last season, but in every game the Kings had the decisive edge in shots on goal. In fact, they averaged nearly 33 shots per game! Somehow though, they managed only three goals on 98 shots against the combo of Darcy Keumper and Devan Dubnyk. Dubnyk has been the one between the pipes in both games so far this season and his .875 save percentage doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Allowing three goals when facing only 17 shots like he did vs. Winnipeg isn't a "good look."

The goaltending duties in LA now fall at the pads of Jeff Zatkoff. He was sharp in relief of Quick in the first game (stopped 15 of 16 shots), but then found himself under siege against Philadelphia where he faced 40 shots! That's a very high number for the Kings to allow. Look for them to be much better here. I'll point to the fact that Minnesota fell behind Winnipeg 2-0 its last time out after an uninspired performance in the opener. Two strong periods aren't enough for me to think they can beat the Kings, even w/o Quick. This is an outstanding price on the road team (plus money!) as they are 10-5 the L2 seasons when taking the ice w/ at least three days rest. 9* Los Angeles

8* Pittsburgh (7:05 ET): The Avs may have treated me kindly Saturday night (6-5 win over Dallas in their season opener) and the Pens may be w/o Sidney Crosby, but I'm still solidly on the home team here. The defending Stanley Cup Champs have won their first two games - over Washington and Anaheim - by identical 3-2 margins, both here at home. They've allowed more shots on goal than you'd like to see (76!), but I'd look for that number to drop significantly tonight as Colorado is highly unlikely to match its offensive output from the Stars game. Pittsburgh took both head to head meetings last year, scoring four goals in each win.

The Crosby injury has obviously kept the money line within reason and I feel there's actually plenty of value here w/ the Pens. Even w/o Crosby, this remains a very talented team, top to bottom. Note that he wasn't on the ice for either win thus far and they still beat two playoff teams from a year ago. Colorado represents a drop in class in terms of quality of opponent. This team rang up 45 shots vs. Anaheim, a very impressive number to say the least. Marc-Andre Fleury, back in net due to the injury to Matt Murray, looked very good vs. the Ducks in making 36 saves. Bottom line is that this is one of the most talented teams in the sport.

Colorado, meanwhile, is a team in transition. They have a new HC - Jared Bednar - and he only took over on August 25th due to the surprising resignation of Patrick Roy. The six goals vs. Dallas was nice, but goaltending is usually an issue for the Stars. Giving up five goals like the Avs did there could be a sign of problems moving forward, especially when faced w/ a talented offensive foe such as this one. Ask around and almost everyone has the Avs finishing in last place in the Central Division. This is a game I just cannot see them winning. Calvin Pickard makes his season debut tonight. In 13 starts last year, his GAA was 2.56. With more usage on tap for 2016-17, I expect that number to go up. 8* Pittsburgh

10* NY Islanders (6:05 ET): It's been an ugly start to the season for both of these teams at 0-2. Neither has played a home game to this point. So, at least that's an edge to Isles, who had to go to MSG (Rangers) and then Washington to open the campaign. Meanwhile, Anaheim had to play at Dallas and Pittsburgh, so the schedule makers were similarly unkind. I'm simply going to lean on the home ice advantage in this one and the fact that the Isles swept the Ducks in LY's season series. Note that both teams are playing w/o rest here as well.

This is the first time in a decade that the Isles have opened pointless in their first two games. There was a bit of an exodus of talent here in the offseason, but I still believe this group to be a legit playoff contender in the East (may have to settle for a Wild Card again). Though Thomas Greiss played well and stopped 26 of 28 shots vs. the Caps, it will be Jaroslav Halak between the pipes here. He has a winning record (7-5) all-time when facing Anaheim. Note that over the past two seasons, New York is 23-17 when coming off a game where they scored 1 goal or less.

This is a brutal start to the season for the Ducks as their first five games are all on the road. After this, they play New Jersey and Philadelphia. Anaheim is a team set to decline this year, so I'm not stunned over them being winless in the first two games. They gave up a ton of shots last night to Pittsburgh (45), which is never a good sign. John Gibson, now the #1 in goal for the team, had a shaky first game this year as he allowed four goals on just 20 shots.  10* NY Islanders

10* Colorado (9:05 ET): The Avalanche are one of the few teams in the league yet to have played a game. Thus, I'll grab them in tonight's season opener as they draw a Dallas that is likely to regress in 2016. Granted, we saw the Stars win their first game, 4-2 over Anaheim. But that was on home ice. The Avs are 7-2 in head to head meeting the L3 years and that includes splitting last year's four when Dallas was clearly the better team. Overall, the Avs are 28-18-4 all-time hosting the Stars. Given the rest, I give a sizable edge to the home team in this one.

FWIW, Colorado did go 6-0 in the preseason. Perhaps a sign of things to come? There was an abrupt coaching change back in August as Patrick Roy surprisingly stepped down, paving the way for Jared Bednar to behind the bench. Bednar has won titles in both the AHL and ECHL, so he should have the players' respect. I know that most are projecting the Avs to miss the playoffs for a sixth time in seven seasons and they are the team most likely to finish in last in the always tough Central Division. But look for an inspired effort tonight in the home opener. Truth be told, Roy's style and strategy was outdated, so I like the change. Nathan MacKinnon looked great in the World Cup. I think Semyon Varlamov will be better in goal w/ better puck possession numbers by the team.

Dallas did win its opener, but they were outshot badly, 35-20. Antii Niemi stepped up huge between the pipes, but it's difficult to disregard his poor performance last postseason where he turned in a well below average 3.29 GAA. It was nice that the Stars led the league in goals scored last season, but they were also a very pedestrian 20th in goals allowed. Like I said earlier, regression is in the cards for this season as they jumped from 92 points in 2014-15 to 109 last year. They should finish somewhere in between this year. The fact they were outshot so badly in the opener does not bode well and I can't see Niemi repeating that performance from Thursday. 10* Colorado

8* New Jersey (7:35 ET): Florida was one of the breakout teams in 2015-16 as they were the surprise winner of the Atlantic Division. But the season did not end well as they were bounced in the Opening Round of the playoffs by the Islanders. I think it's safe to say a little regression may be in the cards on South Beach as you don't often make a jump from three straight non-playoff years to a franchise record 103 points and hold on. It would really surprise me if goaltender Roberto Luongo duplicated the kind of season he had last year (.923 save percentage). Furthermore, at age 44, can Jaromir Jagr (led team w/ 66 pts LY) really continue to carry such a heavy load? I think not. There were some significant changes up and down this roster in the offseason and I see those taking time to gel. I look for the Panthers to be "upset" here on Opening Night.

The Devils are quite the interesting team to evaluate. They only allowed 28.6 shots per game LY and Corey Schneider remains one of the best between the pipes in the entire league. His .933 save percentage on the road is especially impressive. Thus, it's not hard to determine what the problem is here in East Rutherford and that's on the other side of the ledger w/ goal scoring. No team attempted fewer shots per game LY than the Devils (only 24.4!) and that's a problem. But it's a correctable problem. An effort was made to improve the offense  in the form of a trade for Taylor Hall, a former #1 overall pick (2010), who scored 132 goals during his time w/ the Oilers. Though most are projecting another finish towards the bottom of the Metro, I think an improved offense and Schneider keep them in most games this year.

New Jersey ranked eighth in goals allowed last season and ninth in power play efficiency. So, again, there is something to build off here and roster construction has begun to take shape under the still relatively new regime. I'm fairly confident that this will be an improved team in 2016-17. Meanwhile, I'm almost certain that the Panthers regress. It certainly doesn't help Florida's cause that they are already dealing w/ injuries to three significant contributors - forwards Nick Bjugstad, Jonathan Huberdeau and defenseman Aaron Ekblad. 8* New Jersey

10* Montreal (7:05 ET): 2015-16 was something of a "lost" season for the Habs as they went in the tank when goaltender Carey Price got injured and never recovered. Remember, this was a team that opened last season 9-0 w/ Price between the pipes. They stood at 17-4-2 overall when a right knee injury ended his season. From that point on, it was a precipitous fall as the team finished w/ only 82 points (went 21-34-4 the rest of the way) and thus out of the playoffs. But before we go saying "il est une nouvelle année" (it's a new year), note that Price is going to miss tonight's season opener due to the flu. Given all I just said, that seems like a big blow. But Buffalo must deal w/ a key absence of its own. Thus, I'm sticking w/ the Habs here.

The Sabres have been quite terrible for some time now. Their last playoff appearance came back in 2010-11 and there have been some real "lean years" since. They were the worst team in the league in both 2013-14 and 2014-15, but did make the jump to 81 points and out of the Atlantic Division cellar last season. But I'm not ready to go labeling this as a playoff contender by any means. A big blow was struck yday when Jack Eichel suffered a high ankle sprain in practice. He's now out indefinitely. This is a bitter pill to swallow in Buffalo as undoubtedly the fans saw what Auston Matthews did for Toronto last night. Eichel, the #2 pick in last year's Draft, had 24 goals and 36 assists in his rookie season. The loss of him so close to the start of the regular season figures to have an effect on the rest of the team.

Al Montoya will get the starting nod in goal for Montreal here. Last year w/ Florida, he posted respectable numbers in 25 starts (.919 save percentage). It's certainly not a bad matchup for Montoya as Buffalo was one of the lowest scoring teams in the league last season (only five teams scored fewer goals) and now is w/o its best player. The Sabres will turn Robin Lehner in net. Here at home, he posted only a .907 save percentage last season. He started three times against the Canadiens, losing twice, and giving up eight goals on 91 total shot attempts. Even w/o Price, I still rate the Habs as the much better team here. 10* Montreal

8* Ottawa (7:05 ET): This is a good spot to take advantage of an early season, "vanilla" line. These teams are actually projected to finish "neck and neck" in the standings, but in both instances, I think the number is off and thus there will be a pretty significant gap between the two by season's end. Ottawa is only two seasons removed from finishing w/ 99 points. They dipped down to 85 last year, but I sense a bounce back here in 2016-17. As for the perennially bad Maple Leafs, I don't see how they get to the linesmakers' projection of 80.5 points. They again finished at the bottom of the Atlantic last year w/ only 69. That made it B2B seasons under 70. Here on Opening Night, I look for the Sens to win the battle of Ontario.

Ottawa enters this season as a team again expected to be on the fringes of playoff contention. Besides the two Florida teams that are expected to finish at the top, the Atlantic is relatively wide open. This probably "should" have been a playoff team last season, but they wound up eight points back despite winning more games than they lost. Erik Karlsson will again anchor an outstanding blue line. In goal, it figures to be Craig Anderson doing most of the "heavy lifting" this year. What I like about Anderson in this matchup is that he posted a .931 save percentage on home ice last year. There's a new coach/GM running this ship, thus I expect a fast start to be priority #1 for the Sens coming into the year.

As for Toronto, well, another last place finish is likely in the cards this season. Last year's -48 goal differential was easily the worst in the Eastern Conference. Only Vancouver out West was outscored more over the course of the season. The team's puck possession did improve some, yet only three teams conceded more goals. At the same time, only one team scored fewer. That's a bad combo! There is much hoopla surrounding #1 overall DC Austin Matthews, but let us not forget that he is 19 years old and thus unlikely to carry a team at this level, at this stage of the game. In goal, the Leafs went out and got Frederik Andersen, but the issue there is he's going to be called into duty far more than he was in Anaheim.  8* Ottawa

10* San Jose (8:05 ET):  The Sharks kept their season alive w/ an impressive 4-2 win in Game 5 as +150 underdogs on the money line, which ended up being a nice payday for myself and my clients. The fact they were outshot, 44-26, was irrelevant as they jumped on the Penguins early, taking a 2-0 lead in the first few minutes of the game. I called for goalie Martin Jones to come through w/ a tremendous game and that's what he did, finishing the game w/ a series-high 44 saves. I know that throughout the season and especially in the playoffs, I've harped on the importance of winning the battle of shots on goal and the Penguins have done that in 13 of their last 14 games. But San Jose definitely seized momentum w/ the Game 5 victory and the home ice advantage here is going to be big.

Something else I've been harping on in my analysis of past Sharks' games is how odd their home-road dichotomy has been all year. Yes, they have a better record on the road, the best in the league in fact during the regular season. But one key stat actually indicate they play "better" at home. Visiting teams have been held to an average of just 25.6 shots per game this year here in San Jose. In Game 4, Pittsburgh finished w/ only 20 shots on goal. Given the shot discrepancy we've seen throughout the series, this could be huge. I'm not shocked at all that the Sharks have turned it around on home ice during the playoffs, winning eight of their last 10. Also, even after winning Game 4, the Pens have won just 4 of their last 16 visits here to San Jose. California home teams are 12-2 in the Stanley Cup Finals since '03.

I really want to reiterate how impressed I was w/ Jones in Game 5.  His 44 saves were the most in regulation in any Stanley Cup Final game in history. This time of year, a hot goaltender trumps all and Jones now has a .935 save percentage his L4 games.  Remember that his counterpart, Matt Murray, is still a rookie. Defensemen Brent Burns was outstanding in Game 5 as well. He clearly set the tone early and also got under Sidney Crosby's skin. If Tomas Hertl returns Sunday, that would be even bigger. This series is going seven games. 10* San Jose

10* San Jose (8:05 ET):  Like the Cavaliers in the NBA yday, everyone seems to be writing off the Sharks, who are down the 3-1 in the series here.  But that's created a situation where there is now a ton of value on the underdog in what is a "must-win" game. Much is being made of the fact that Pittsburgh has never clinched a Stanley Cup Finals on home ice. That's a trivial fact to our breakdown here. Yes, the Pens have not trailed in regulation in this series, but for the first time in 13 games, they were outshot on Monday (24-20) and I think that will carry over here as I expect San Jose goalie Martin Jones to be better when it matters most. I'll call for the Sharks to stay alive and win Game 5.

Remember that each of the first three games were decided by one goal, so San Jose has been competitive. Before winning Game 4, eight of the Penguins victories had come by exactly one goal, so they haven't been nearly as dominant as the shot totals might indicate. For whatever reason, the Sharks have simply been better on the road than at home (in terms of results) as they're 33-19 overall, outscoring opponents by 0.6 goals per game. 

While the Sharks definitely face a "tall order" in coming back to win this series, as I said at the outset, they are drastically being undervalued here in Game 5.  NHL teams down 3-1 in a playoff series actually have a winning record in Game 5's (32-25) the last eight years. Considering most of those teams have been a dog, that's quite the return on investment.  They are also 17-9 playing w/ revenge for a home loss this season.  Coming off a loss by 2+ goals, they are 16-8.  Great value on the underdog here.  10* San Jose

9* San Jose (8:05 ET):  While Pittsburgh's incredible run of outshooting its opponents is still in tact (now 12 straight games!), San Jose finally "got on the board" in the Stanley Cup Finals, winning Game 3 in overtime. All three games of this series have been decided by one goal, so despite the big shot disadvantage, the Sharks are hardly being dominated. I spoke of the importance of home ice advantage in my Game 3 analysis and not only is this the Penguins' first trip to the West Coast during HC Mike Sullivan's tenure, Saturday marked their first game outside of the Eastern Time Zone since January 18th! They are now just 3-12 their L15 games in San Jose.

I do expect the discrepancy in shots to start tilting the Sharks' way. At home this season, they are allowing just 25.7 per game.  Based on that, a clear case can be made that they underachieved in terms of won-loss record, which is now just one game over .500. Typically, the team does a great job at controlling the puck here on home ice. That's key.  Something else to consider is that San Jose had 38 shots blocked in Game 3. That's a lot. For the season, they average 31.9 shots per game at home. I've been making the case throughout the playoffs that this team's home record was bound to improve, so I'm not surprised that they've won seven of their last eight here at The Tank. Also, an interesting note has Eastern Conference teams at just 1-12 in the state of California during the Stanley Cup Finals, dating back to '03.  

Considering the number of actual shots on both sides, Martin Jones is outplaying Matt Murray in goal during this series. Jones has stopped 107 of 114 shots while Murray has stopped only 68 of 74.  That's a much better save percentage for the former.   Something else to consider is that Pittsburgh is still only 16-15 SU vs. the Western Conference this season.  San Jose, meanwhile, is 21-14 vs. the Eastern Conference.  9* San Jose

8* San Jose (8:05 ET):  This is must-win territory for the Sharks, who are down 0-2. But the series now shifts back home where they've won six of seven.  It's not like they've been dominated by the Penguins as both games were decided by one goal w/ the game winners scored in the final minutes of regulation and in overtime respectively. It is pretty crazy that Pittsburgh has outshot its opponent in 11 consecutive contests.  But here on home ice, San Jose is holding opponents to an average of just 25.4 shots per game for the season. I look for the Pens to be outshot here and for the Sharks to notch their first ever win in a Stanley Cup Finals. 

The Sharks' home vs. road dichotomy was always pretty interesting to me throughout the course of the season.  Though they actually finished below .500 at home and had the league's best road record, the numbers suggested they actually played better at home. At least they were better at controlling the puck on home ice as they are outshooting visitors on average, 32.0 to 25.4, which would lead one to believe they should have a better record here than just .500.  So I'm not surprised at all that they've been a lot better on home ice in the playoffs than they were in the regular season.   Pittsburgh hasn't been held below 30 shots since Game 3 of the Washington series, but I'm calling for that to happen here.

Something that has to be mentioned here is that Pittsburgh has not played a game outside of the Eastern Time Zone since January 18th - when they visited St. Louis!  They haven't been out to the West Coast since early December, which predates HC Mike Sullivan's tenure.   They did win their lone visit here to San Jose on 12.1, 5-1, but were actually outshot that game 34-29.  With this being the first time that San Jose has ever hosted a Stanley Cup Finals game, expect the home ice advantage to play a deciding factor here and for Martin Jones to outplay Matt Murray in goal.  8* San Jose

9* San Jose (8:05 ET):  Though the Sharks failed to come through for me in Game 1, I'm back on them again in Game 2 as I don't envision them falling into an early two-goal hole again, nor do I see the shot discrepancy being so one-sided (was 41-26 in Pittsburgh' favor in Gm 1). Yes, throughout these playoffs, I have harped on the fact that winning the edge in shots is typically a solid predictor of future results. But San Jose is the best road team in the league (33-18) and is allowing just 27.8 shots per game in the postseason.  Look for them to even the Stanley Cup Finals up at a game apiece.

Going back to the Washington series, the Penguins have actually finished w/ the edge in shots for 10 consecutive games. That's very impressive. But do not be surprised if that streak comes to a halt tonight against the physical, hard-checking Sharks.  For all their dominance in terms of number of shots on goal, the Pens have been a little bit lucky this postseason to go 7-3 straight up in one-goal games. So, there hasn't necessarily been a translation from the edge in shots to the actual scoreboard.  They are only 4-3 in the playoffs when leading the series.

Game 1 was tied with under three minutes to go in regulation, remember.  Early on, the Penguins speed definitely gave the Sharks some trouble, but they adjusted and I think will be ready for it tonight.  The 41 shots Martin Jones faced in Game 1 were the most he's seen in regulation the entire postseason. So that number should come down.  Following a loss, San Jose is 5-1 in the playoffs this year.  Their last four times in that situation, they have outscored opponents by a commanding 20-4 margin.   9* San Jose

10* San Jose (8:05 ET): I'm going with the dog in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. To me, the Sharks come out of the tougher conference, thus their 12-6 record is more impressive than the Penguins same mark.  Pittsburgh did outshoot Tampa Bay in every game of the last series, but they caught the Lightning severely outmanned as not only was Steven Stamkos unavailable, goaltender Ben Bishop went down with a series-ending injury in Game 1. The Sharks have been a great road team all year, going 33-17. 

San Jose also allowed an average of only 24.2 shots the last five games vs. St. Louis.  In terms of both Fenwick and Corsi, this was a strong team all year, thus it's going to be more of a challenge for Pittsburgh to outshoot them.  The road team did win both regular season matchups, though both were played before the Penguins got red hot. One other big key for the Sharks is their power play, which has gone 17 of 63 (27 percent) for the best mark among playoff teams.  They are 9-2 this postseason when scoring at least one PP goal.

The goaltending situation is obviously a big deal. Rookie Matt Murray has obviously come on big for the Pens, but remember he hadn't been playing all that well prior to being benched in the Lightning series.  Will this stage be too big for him?  I've really been impressed w/ the way Martin Jones has looked for San Jose as his .919 save percentage somewhat undersells the job he has done here as at one point he turned in three shutouts in four games.  The Sharks went 20-12 vs. the East this year, the Penguins were only 14-14 vs. the West.  10* San Jose

9* St. Louis (9:05 ET):  Obviously, the Sharks have a golden opportunity to close things out here on home ice. But I feel it is a huge mistake to write off the Blues.  Yes, they are having goaltending issues at the worst possible time, but remember this team is just two games removed from scoring six times here at "The Tank."  Now they gave up six themselves in a crushing Game 5 loss Monday, but note that was a 3-3 game entering the third period, which is when Jake Allen totally fell apart.  It's looking like it will be back to Brian Elliott between the pipes tonight and I feel that's the right move for HC Ken Hitchcock. Look for St. Louis to avoid elimination and force a deciding Game 7. 

The Blues have actually been better on the road than at home in the playoffs.  Monday's loss dropped them to 4-6 at the Scottrade Center, but they're 6-3 on the road including the aforementioned Game 4 win.  Something I've gone through several times this year is San Jose's unusual home-road dichotomy.  We know they were the best road team in the league during the regular season, but they were shockingly subpar on home ice (below .500). That's changed in the playoffs and I can't say it's a surprise considering the regular season numbers actually suggested they were outplaying opponents here at "The Tank."   But the fact remains they are just 24-25 in all home games this year w/ a save percentage below .900. 

St. Louis needs to start getting more shots on goal. They've averaged just 23.8 per game in the series, but at least they're doing a good job limiting San Jose's number of opportunities (26.6).  Despite the rather small difference in the # of shots on goal per team, the Sharks are somehow averaging a full goal more per game compared to the Blues. Look for Elliott to rectify that discrepancy, however, as he checks in w/ a .934 save percentage on the road.  He was the league leader in GAA during the regular season, after all.  Having played a pair of elimination games (Game 7s) in the first two rounds, Elliott was outstanding, stopping 62 of 65 shots.  This is a great price on the team that opened as the series favorite. The BLues are 2-0 this postseason when down in the series. 9* St. Louis

8* Tampa Bay (8:05 ET):  The Lightning have yet to outshoot the Penguins in a single game this year and quite frankly the discrepancy is getting a little frightening as Game 3 was a 48-28 disadvantage in that department. That was on the heels on getting outshot 41-21 in Game 2. It certainly seems as if all the "momentum" (dreaded word) and public sentiment is with the Pens here, but I can't shake the feeling that Tampa Bay really is an outstanding value here on home ice.  Prior to this series commencing, they had not been an underdog in any playoff game. Now the injury to goalie Ben Bishop is certainly a big deal, but I still have faith in backup Andrei Vasilevskiy, who won Game 1. Look for the Lightning to even this series up.

Remember that not only did Tampa Bay win Game 1 w/ Vasilevskiy in net, but they also took all three regular season matchups from the Penguins. Again, the shot discrepancies are typically not a good sign, but I look for them to start doing a better job in front of Vasilevskiy moving forward. Offensively, I'm not sure why HC Jon Cooper stopped playing Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat on the same line as that trio has always been very successful together.  Perhaps sensing that he had to do something to match Pittsburgh's red hot "HBK" line, Cooper reunited them in Game 3 and while it was "too little, too late" there, the fact they combined for two goals when on the ice together in the third period is a positive sign moving forward.

Tonight marks the first time that Tampa Bay is off B2B losses in the playoffs and it's just the second time they've been down in a series (lost Gm 1 to the Islanders).  They are 16-7 after a loss by 2+ goals in their previous game this season. Pittsburgh has not been nearly as dominant as it might seem as prior to winning Game 3, their last five victories had all been by just one goal w/ three of them coming in overtime.  In terms of value, the Lightning have never been this big an underdog on the money all season here at home.  8* Tampa Bay

full analysis soon

9* Tampa Bay (8:05 ET):  Though I played Pittsburgh in Game 2 and they delivered (41-21 edge in shots), it was by no means easy as they needed OT to defeat the Lightning for the first time in 2015-16.  Sure, Tampa Bay has not finished with the edge in shots in any of the five meetings this season and that typically would be something I'd cite as an indicator that future results will not go well. But there is no disputing what a good value the Lightning have become in this series due to the Ben Bishop injury.  Consider that coming into this series, they had been ML favorites in every playoff game, so the fact that they are now at 'plus money' on home ice is too good to pass up.

As we saw in Game 2, the dropoff from Bishop to Andrei Vasilevskiy is not as severe as some might believe. Vasilevskiy has stopped 63 of 67 shots in this series and remember he has playoff experience from LY's run to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Game 2 seemed "tailor-made" for a Pittsburgh beatdown (that's what I expected), but as we saw, Vasilevskiy kept his team in the game. Note that the Lightning have not dropped consecutive games this postseason.  For all the attention that the Penguins have gotten for their late-season run, the Lightning have virtually been just as good, winning 37 of their last 56 games (Pens have won 39 of last 58). 

Rookie Matt Murray seems to be regressing a bit as the Penguins goaltender's save percentage is only .889 the last four games. That's definitely a troubling sign. Remember that Vasilevskiy outdueled Murray in Game 1 and despite losing, was probably the better netminder in Game 2 as well.  Again, the Pens have yet to beat the Lightning this season in regulation despite a huge edge in shots. Provided Tampa Bay does a better job at possessing the puck tonight, they should have no problem "stealing" this game.  9* Tampa Bay