My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Anaheim Ducks (10:00 EST).

The 26-15-4-4 Oilers are in Anaheim to take on the 27-14-18-1 Ducks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Edmonton enters off a highly satisfying 7-3 destruction of rival Calgary, while Anaheim comes in off a 3-2 road win at Winnipeg.

The Oilers will send Cam Talbot to the net tonight and he’s 11-9 with a 2.50 GAA on the road (note that he’s 2-5 with a 2.28 GAA lifetime against the Ducks). 

Edmonton averages 2.88 GPG and concedes 2.59.

Anaheim averages 2.62 GPG and concedes just 2.48. 

Getting the call in net for the home side will be John Gibson, who is 13-7 with a 2.07 GAA at home and who is 4-1 with a tiny 1.19 GAA lifetime against Edmonton.

I’ll point out that the Oilers are miserable 9-42 in their last 51 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Ducks are 6-1 in their last seven when playing on one days worth of rest.

Edmonton is just 1-8 in its last nine at the Honda Center, while the Ducks are already 16-8 at home this year. Gibson is the difference maker for me and all things considered, I do indeed feel we’re getting a very fair price on the Ducks tonight. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOTAL PERFECT STORM is the under Hurricanes/Capitals (7:05 EST).

The 21-18-3-4 Carolina Hurricanes are in Washington to take on the 31-9-2-4 Capitals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has goaltenders battle written all over it.

Carolina enters off a 3-2 road loss to Columbus, while Washington comes in off a 4-3 OT win over Dallas. It’s interesting to note that the home team has won six of the last eight in this series.

Cam Ward is expected in net tonight for the Hurricanes, so far he’s 18-20 with a 2.54 GAA on the year. He’s 17-20 with a 2.59 GAA lifetime against the Capitals.

Carolina is ranked 16th in the league in scoring with an average of 2.67 GPG, while ranked 17th on the defensive end in conceding 2.76.

Washington could come in a bit complacent here, it’s now won 11 of its last 12 after taking down the Stars in the extra frame. Note that the Capitals have allowed just 25 goals over their last 12 games. 

Braden Holtby is scheduled in net for the home side and he’s 22-12 with a 1.99 GAA on the year, including going 14-6 with a 1.72 GAA here at home. Holtby has dominated the Canes throughout his career as well, going 9-4 with a 1.90 GAA. 

Washington averages 3.22 GPG and allows just 2.09.

I’ll point out that the Hurricanes have seen the total go under the number in six of their last seven on the road and in four of their last five road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Capitals have seen the total dip below the posted number in three of their last five home games against teams with a road win percentage below .400.

I think the home side dictates the tempo and this one ultimately stays under once it’s all said and done.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the New York Rangers (12:35 EST).

The 29-16-0-1 New York Rangers are in Detroit to take on the 20-19-7 Wings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

After three straight losses the Rangers got back on track with a convincing 5-2 win at Toronto in their last game. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist looked a lot better after a shaky stretch in making 23 saves. Note that he’s 5-4-2 with a 2.16 career GAA against the Wings.

So far the Rangers rank second in the league in averaging 3.50 GPG. New York isn’t quite as good defensively though in conceding 2.70. Also note that the Blueshirts have the eighth best overall power play at 22.1 percent. 

Detroit comes in off a deflating 3-2 OT loss to the league worst Sabres on Friday. Goaltender Petr Mrazek is now 10-11-5 with a 3.13 GAA. Note that the Wings average just 2.48 GPG and concede 2.93. 

I’ll point out that New York is 5-1 in its last six on the road, while Detroit is interestingly just 2-8 in its last ten against teams with a winning percentage above .600. 

New York plays with revenge after falling to Detroit 2-1 earlier in the season. It’s payback time, lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* UNDERDOG OF THE MONTH is on the New York Islanders (7:00 EST).

The 22-19-1-3 LA Kings are in New York to take on the 18-17-5-3 Islanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Isles have looked a lot better of late and come into this one having posted two straight shutouts. 

LA comes in on the other end of the spectrum, having dropped two straight.

The Kings most recently come off a loss at home to the Sharks, Peter Budaj had 24 saves in the setback. Note that he’s 1-1-1 with a 2.42 GAA lifetime against the Isles. So far LA averages 2.49 GPG while conceding 2.44. The Kings’ powerplay has been atrocious all year as well, posting a 16.4 percent success rate.

New York beat Dallas 3-0 in new coach Doug Weight’s first game. It was the Isles third win in their last four games. Note that the Islanders would go on to outshoot the Stars 36-23. Captain John Tavares led the way offensively with two goals. 

Goaltender Thomas Greiss is now 12-7-2 on the year with a 2.29 GAA. While he’s just 3-3-0 in seven career games against the Kings, he owns a very respectable 2.07 GAA. 

Note that the Isles average 2.84 GPG and concede 2.91. 

I’ll point out that LA is just 8-10 (-5.4 units) in non-conference games this year and only 8-10 (-6.7 units) against teams with losing records, while New York is 10-8 (+1.4 units) in non-conference action. 

I think the visitors are ripe for the picking, play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Detroit Red Wings (7:00 EST).

The 20-19-6-0 Red Wings are in Buffalo to take on the 17-18-4-5 Sabres and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

So far Detroit has under achieved this season, but it comes to town having won three straight. Suffice it to say, I think that momentum gets carried over here.

The Wings average 2.49 GPG and concede 2.93. But as mentioned above, Detroit has started to show some life, especially on the offensive end. 

Buffalo though has been even worse this year and enters having lost three of its last four, most recently a 4-3 seback at Toronto on Tuesday. Note that the Sabres average just 2.34 GPG and concede 2.70. 

I’ll point out that Detroit is 5-2 in its last seven when playing on one days rest, while Buffalo is just 6-13 (-6.8 units) this year against clubs with losing records. 

The Sabres own the leagues worst penalty kill, was clearly doesn’t bode well in facing the resurgent Wings’ offense right now. Play on Detroit.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the New York Rangers.

The 28-16-0-1 New York Rangers are in Toronto to take on the 21-13-3-5 Maple Leafs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

New York is going to be the “hungrier” team tonight, as it comes in having lost three straight. 

Conversely, this sets up as a natural letdown spot for the home side after winning three straight.

The Rangers have to be feeling pretty confident that they can get untracked tonight as they’ve won five of the last seven in Toronto.

New York will be especially motivated to atone for a horrible 7-6 loss at home to Dallas. The Rangers check in second in the league in scoring with 3.47 GPG, but have gotten poor goaltending over the last month. Henrik Lundqvist is 18-13 with a 2.89 GAA on the year, including 9-6 with a 2.62 GAA on the road, while vs the Maple Leafs he has gone 13-14 with a 2.82 GAA in his career. 

Despite the recent poor play on the defensive end, note that the Rangers are 17th overall in that department, conceding 2.71 GPG.

The home side turns to Frederik Andersen, who has now gone 19-16 with a 2.68 GAA on the year, including 11-8 with a 2.80 GAA here at home, while vs the Rangers in his career he has gone 2-1 with a 2.77 GAA.

Toronto is ranked fifth in scoring at 3.12 GPG and 19th on the defensive side of the rink, conceding 2.81 GPG.

I’ll point out though that the Rangers are already 14-5 (+7.8 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent and 14-4 (+5.6 units) following a non-conference contest, while Toronto is just 9-10 (-1.6 units) after scoring four goals or more in its previous outing. 

I like the Rangers to avenge the earlier loss and to shake off the poor stretch with a big winning effort against the complacent home side. Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Montreal Canadiens (7:30 EST). 

The 27-11-4-1 Pittsburgh Penguins are in Montreal to take on the 27-12-5-1 Canadiens and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

No need to overthink this one in my opinion as I believe the Pens come in “gassed” after their epic 8-7 home win over the Capitals in OT. 

Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for the Habs, who have lost three of their last five.

Pens goaltender Matt Murray allowed seven goals and is now 14-5 with a 2.53 GAA. If backup Marc-Andre Fleury gets the nod, then he’s 13-11 with a 3.23 GAA on the year, including 2-7 with a 4.06 GAA on the road, while vs the Habs in his career he has gone 21-15 with a 2.98 GAA. Pittsburgh is ranked No. 1 in scoring average with 3.51 GPG, but is ranked 25th in goals allowed in conceding 3.02 GPG.

Montreal has a nine point lead in its division, but will be eager to get back on track after some recent scuffling. Last time out the Habs fell 1-0 in Detroit. Goaltender Carey Price is now 21-12 with a 2.30 GAA, including 15-6 with a 2.10 GAA at home. The Canadiens average 3.04 GPG and are seventh in goals allowed, conceding 2.49.

I’ll point out that the Pens are in fact just 1-5 their last six on the road, while Montreal is 10-2 in its last 12 home games against teams with a losing road record. 

The Habs are 17-6 in their last 23 at home overall. Great value on Montreal today.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE WEEK is the over Predators/Canucks (10:05 EST).

The 20-16-4-3 Nashville Predators are in Vancouver to take on the 20-19-4-2 Canucks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Nashville comes in with a ton of momentum after winning three straight.

Vancouver enters on the other end of the spectrum, having lost four straight.

The Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne is 16-11-6 with a 2.40 GAA this year. He’s 10-8-2 with a 2.53 GAA lifetime against the Canucks. So far Nashville averages 2.74 GPG, which ranks 14th, while conceding 2.58 per contest.

After winning six straight over the holidays, the Canucks have once again fallen on hard times, most recently dropping a 2-1 OT loss to the Devils. Vancouver averages 2.38 GPG and concedes 2.84. 

I’ll point out though that Nashville has already seen the total go over the number in three of four this year after playing to three or more conseuctive “unders,” while Vancouver has seen the total eclipse the posted number in ten of 18 this season following a non-conference contest.

I think a desperate Canucks side pushes this one from start to finish, forcing the visitors to match pace. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the under Canadiens/Red Wings (3:00 EST).

The 27-11-5-1 Montreal Canadiens are in Detroit to take on the 18-19-6-0 Red Wings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has lower-scoring goaltenders battle written all over it.

Montreal’s last road game resulted in a 7-1 beatdown loss in Minnesota. The Habs would bounce back on Saturday though by scoring three goals in a matter of 62 seconds in a 3-2 victory over the Rangers. 

Goaltender Carey Price had 29 saves on the night and is now 21-7-4 with a 2.34 GAA this season. Note that he’s 10-3-1 with a 2.05 GAA lifetime against Detroit. 

So far Montreal ranks fifth overall in scoring at 3.11 GPG, while allowing the ninth lowest on the defensive end at 2.52. 

The Wings are coming off a big win at home over the Penguins as back-up goaltender Jared Coreau would go on to make 28 saves. He’s 4-1-1 with a 3.12 GAA in place of Jimmy Howard. 

Offensive consistency has plagued the team though as Detroit still ranks the seventh lowest with just 2.47 GPG. Note that the Wings also aren’t helping themselves by conceding 2.95. 

I’ll point out that Montreal has seen the total go under the number in seven of 11 this year after allowing four goals or more, while Detroit has seen the total dip below the posted number in three of four this season after playing to three consecutive “overs.” 

The Habs have already taken two off of the Wings this year, but all signs point to a much more competitive affair this time around, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the under Flyers/Capitals (12:35 EST).

The 22-16-2-4 Philadelphia Flyers are in Washington to take on the 28-9-1 Capitals and for a number of different reasons, i think this one will turn out to be a lower-scoring goaltenders battle. 

Washington enters off a 6-0 home win over the Blackhawks and has now won eight in a row. The Flyers come to town off a poor 6-3 showing in Boston yesterday afternoon.

Note that the under is 3-0-1 the last four games in this series.

Flyers goaltender Steven Mason is 9-7 with a 2.65 GAA lifetime against the Capitals, while Braden Holtby is 6-11 with a 2.71 GAA lifetime against the Flyers. Holtby though is 21-12 with a 1.85 GAA on the year, including 14-6 with a 1.72 GAA at home.

I’ll point out that Philadelphia has seen the total go under the number in four of its last six against teams with winning records, while Washington has seen the total dip below the posted number in eight of 14 this year after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest.

Play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Minnesota Wild (8:05 EST).

The 26-9-3-2 Minnesota Wild are in Dallas to take on the 18-17-8-0 Stars and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Wild have earned points in 21 of their last 23, most recently coming off a second-straight win, this time a 7-1 destruction of the visiting Montreal Canadiens. 14 players tallied at least a point in the lop-sided beatdown.

Goaltender Devan Dubnyk let in a goal with 9 seconds left. He’s now 13-1-0 over his past 14 starts and 22-7-3 with a 1.77 GAA on the year. Note that Minneosta is ranked fourth offensively in averaging 3.23 GPG, while being ranked second on the defensive end in conceding 2.10. 

The Stars are coming off a win over the Red Wings as goaltender Antti Niemi stopped 31 shots. Niemi is now 9-7-4 on the year with a 2.84 GAA. Dallas was the highest scoring team in the league last year, but is just 19th now in averaging 2.65 per contest. The Stars are also poor on the defensive end, conceding 3.00 GPG.

I’ll point out that Minnesota is 8-0 in its last eight after its opponent allows two goals or less in its previous contest and 8-1 in its last nine road games, while Dallas is 0-4 in its last four after scoring five goals or more in its prevoius outing.

These are two teams moving in opposite directions. The oddsmakers seem slow in recognizing and in my professional opinion, the red hot visitors do indeed offer fantastic value in this spot. Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the New York Rangers (7:00 EST).

The 18-13-3-5 Toronto Maple Leafs are in New York to take on the 28-13-0-1 Rangers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Toronto comes to town off a 5-3 home loss to Montreal, while New York beat Columbus 5-4 in its last outing. The Rangers come in red hot, having won five of their last six and they have to be feeling pretty confident here as they’ve also won four straight in this series.

The Leafs though have lost two of three and are sitting in 11th spot in the East. Frederik Andersen is now 17-16 with a 2.69 GAA, including only 7-8 with a 2.56 GAA on the road. Note that Andersen is 1-1 with a ballooned 3.42 GAA against Toronto lifetime. 

Henrik Lundqvist notched the win over the Blue Jackets last time out and he’s now 18-10 with a 2.55 GAA. Note that he’s 9-5 with a 2.73 GAA at home and is 13-13 with a 2.77 GAA all time against the Leafs. 

I’ll point out that Toronto is just 6-12 (-5 units) in its last 18 when playing with three or more days rest and just 6-8 (-1.8 units) this season against clubs with winning records, while New York is already a perfect 2-0 (+2 units) this year when playing with three or more days rest and 14-6 (+2.8 units) against teams with losing records.

I’m giving the home side the big nod in net and in my opinion, that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in its favor tonight. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Nashville Predators (8:05 EST).

The 22-17-4-1 Boston Bruins are in Nashville to take on the 18-16-4-3 Predators and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Boston has won two of its last three, but I think will stumble in the finale of its four-game road swing.

The Predators will look to capatalize and build off their win over the Canucks last time out.

The Bruins most recently hammered the Blues 5-3 on Tuesday. Goaltender Tuukka Rask wasn’t overly impressive though, making 14 saves on 17 shots. Note that he’s 2-1-2 with a 2.56 career GAA against the Predators. 

Boston is ranked 24th in the league with an average of just 2.45 GPG, while ranked seventh on the defensive in conceding 2.43 per contest. 

Nashville got 29 saves from Pekka Rinne versus the Canucks, he’s now 15-11-6 with a 2.42 GAA on the year and note that he’s 4-0-1 with a 1.89 career GAA against Boston. The Predators average 2.76 GPG and concede 2.63. 

I’ll point out that Boston is already just 3-8 (-6 units) this season following a victory by two goals or more and only 3-7 (-4.6 units) after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest, while Nashville is 3-1 (+2 units) in its last four following an OT victory. 

The Predators embark on a five-game road trip starting on Saturday, so taking advantage of familiar surroundings becomes paramount. And as mentioned off the top, everything points to a mental letdown for the B’s in the final game of their extended trip. Play on Nashville.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the New York Islanders (7:05 EST).

The 18-16-3-5 Florida Panthers are in New York to take on the 15-15-5-3 Islanders in the opener of a home and home set and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Florida enters off a 3-0 road win over the Devils, while the Isles lost 2-1 in OT in Arizona in their last outing.

Despite the win, the Panthers are just 3-6 in their last nine and note that they’ve consistently been at their worst on the road, just 8-15 away from friendly confines thus far. Note that Florida ranks 26th in the league in scoring at 2.26 GPG, while ranked tenth on the defensive end in conceding 2.57. 

The Islanders have also struggled this year. Goaltender Thomas Greiss though is 6-3 with a respectable 2.68 GAA at home. Note that New York is 12th in scoring with an average of 2.76 GPG, while ranked 27th in conceding 3.00 GPG.

I’ll point out though that Florida is just 5-17 in its last 22 following a victory, while New York is 7-0 in its last seven home games following a road trip of seven or more days. 

There isn’t much separating these two clubs, but the first game of the home and home set, combined with revenge factor make the Isles the correct call in this one.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Philadelphia Flyers (7:05 EST).

The 21-5-2-4 Philadelphia Flyers are in Buffalo to take on the 15-15-4-5 Sabres and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Philadelphia comes to town off a hard-fought 2-1 OT loss at Columbus, while Buffalo enters off a 4-3 home win over Winnipeg. 

Michal Neuvirth is expected in net for the visitors and he’s 3-1 with a 3.57 GAA on the road this year. Philadelphia is ranked seventh in the league in scoring at 2.83 GPG, while ranked 24th in goals allowed, conceding 2.98. 

The home side counters with Robin Lehner, who is 4-9 with a 2.45 GAA in Buffalo this year and 1-2 with 3.35 GAA lifetime against the Flyers.

I’ll point out though that Philadelphia is 8-3 in its last 11 after allowing two goals or less in its previous game, while Buffalo is a poor 19-41 in its last 60 following a victory and just 9-21 in its last 30 when playing on two days rest.

I think the Flyers build off their last performance against the Blue Jackets and continue their domination of this series, coming in having won 14 of the last 19. Play on Philadelphia.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Washington Capitals (7:35 EST).

The 25-9-1-4 Washington Capitals are in Montreal to take on the 25-9-5-1 Canadiens and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Washington took care of business in Ottawa last time out, leaving with a 1-0 road win, while Montreal enters off a 5-3 road victory at Toronto. 

If recent history is any precedence, then the visitors have to be loving their chances, as they’ve won nine of their last ten games in Montreal.

Braden Holtby is expected in net for the visitors, he’s now posted back-to-back shutouts, making 30 stops against the Sens. He’s 6-6 with a 2.13 GAA on the road and 8-3 with a 1.64 GAA lifetime against the Canadiens. Note that Washington ranks ninth in the league in scoring at 2.82 GPG, while ranked first in goals allowed, conceding just 2.03.

Clearly this won’t be a cake-walk going up against Carey Price, who is now 20-9 with a 2.06 GAA on the year. Note though that he’s always had his hands full against the Capitals, going just 6-13 with a ballooned 2.97 GAA. 

Montreal ranks fifth in the league in scoring with 3.08 GPG and fifth in goals allowed in conceding 2.30. 

I think this is another great situational play, as it does indeed set up as a natural “letdown” spot for the Habs, who finally make their first home appearance after seven straight on the road, finishing by winning the final three.

I’m banking on Holtby continuing his incredibly hot play and look for the visitors to score the minor upset once it’s all said and done.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Philadelphia Flyes (6:00 EST).

The 20-15-4-1 Philadelphia Flyers are in Columbus to take on the 27-7-3-1 Blue Jackets and for a number of different reasons, I think the visitors have more than a “punchers chance” this evening.

I’ve played against the Blue Jackets in two straight games. First they lost in Washington mid week, a setback which snapped their 16 win streak. Then I had the Rangers as a slight dog last night.

And now the Flyers, fresh off a 4-2 win over the Lightning at home yesterday afternoon, come to town and try to kick this reeling team while it’s down. 

Philadelphia clearly won’t be content here, previous to yesterday’s victory it had lost five straight. Note that the Flyers are eighth in the league in scoring with an average of 2.85 GPG while ranked 27th in conceding 3.03. 

The Blue Jackets are in the Top 5 in both offense and defense, but once again I think this one sets up as a letdown spot for Columbus.

The way the Blue Jackets lost last night was crushing, as they held a 4-2 lead in the third period, before then succumbing 5-4 in regulation. I think the big win streak is over and Columbus starts to regress. Great value on Philadelphia today.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the New York Rangers (7:00 EST).

The 27-13-0-1 New York Rangers are in Columbus to take on the 27-6-3-1 Blue Jackets and for a couple of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

I bet against Columbus in its first loss in 16 games against Washington last time out. The Blue Jackets fell 5-0 in the nation’s capital. Now the team returns home to a classic letdown spot in its first outing back from the road trip. 

The Rangers also play with revenge here after falling 4-2 to Columbus back on November 18th. 

New York has had two whole nights off to prepare for this one and then doesn’t play again for another five days, so not only are the Rangers well rested and prepared, they also have nothing to “look forward to.” 

It’s a perfect set of situational circumstances working in favor of the visitors today.

All signs point to a slight upset, play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Colorado Avalanche (9:00 EST).

The 15-15-4-2 New York Islanders are in Colorado to take on the 12-25-0-1 Avalanche and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the hungry home side. 

New York is 4-1-0 in its last five, but is still trailing the second Wild card spot in the East by nine points. Thomas Greiss is 9-5-0 with a 2.45 GAA. 

The Isles have struggled with consistency all year and they’ve consistently been at their worst on the road, going 4-8-2 away from friendly confines thus far. Note that New York is ranked eighth in the leauge with 2.86 GPG, but is ranked second to last on the defensive side in allowing 3.37 GPG. 

The Avs are struggling in every facet of the game right now. Goaltender Calvin Pickard is 6-11-1 with a 3.19 GAA and has never faced the Islanders before. The team scores the least and concedes the most.

But desperation breeds motivation. 

This is the perfect opponent to get off the scheid against. The Isles are a shell of their former selves and the Avs will be risking life and limb today in trying to secure the victory with the knowledge that they don’t play again for another five days. And with a very winnable game tomorrow night in Arizona, it’s not too big of a stretch to think the Isles could get caught “looking ahead” to that one.

Great value on the home side tonight, play on the Avalanche.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Washington Capitals (7:05 EST).

The 27-5-3-1 Columbus Blue Jackets are in Washington to take on the 23-9-1-4 Capitals and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the home side.

Columbus has won 16 straight games. Another victory would match the all time streak set by the 1992/93 Penguins. Suffice it to say, I think the overachieving Blue Jackets finally stumble today against the revenge minded Capitals.

Columbus enters off a 3-1 home win over Edmonton, while Washington came from behind to beat the Leafs 6-5 in OT. 

The Blue Jackets have been riding the strong play of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 25-7 with a 1.92 GAA this season. Note though that Bobrovsky is just 6-8 with a 2.98 GAA lifetime against the Capitals. Columbus is ranked No. 2 on offense at 3.44 GPG and No. 1 on defense, giving up just 2.03 GPG.

Braden Holtby is expected in net for the home side and he’s 16-12 with a 2.06 GAA on the year, including 11-6 with a 1.90 GAA in Washington. The Capitals enter ranked 11th in the league in scoring with an average of 2.81 GPG, while ranked third on the defensive end in conceding 2.14 GPG.

Washington plays with revenge and it will be out to end the Blue Jackets impressive streak. Columbus could hardly be faulted for a letdown here. All things considered, I do indeed feel we’re getting a very fair price in this one. Play on Washington.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Florida Panthers (7:00 EST).

The 17-19-2-1 WInnipeg Jets are in Florida to take on the 16-14-3-5 Panthers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

No need to overthink this one, as Winnipeg comes to town off an extremely satisfying 6-4 win in Tampa Bay just last night. 

Florida comes in off a 3-1 road win over the Stars and looks to keep the momentum rolling. Note that the home team has won seven of the last eight in this series as well.

Michael Hutchinson is expected to get the start in net for the visitors, he’s 4-9 with a 3.18 GAA this year, including 3-6 with a 2.88 GAA on the road. The Jets are ranked 17th in the league in scoring at 2.59 GPG and 27th defensively in conceding 2.97. 

Roberto Luongo is expected in net for the home side and he’s 8-6 with a 2.17 GAA at home. The Panthers rank only 25th in the league in scoring at 2.34 GPG, but have been very solid defensively, conceding 2.61 GPG, which is ranked 11th. 

I’ll point out that the Jets are just 20-51 in their last 71 in the second game of the back-to-back scenario, while Florida is 16-5 in its last 21 when playing on three or more days rest.

Both teams have struggled with consistency this year, but this one sets up beautifully for the well rested home side. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Nashville Predators (8:05 EST).

The 22-9-5-1 Montreal Canadiens are in Nashville to take on the 16-14-3-3 Predators and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Nashville closed out 2016 with a big 4-0 win over the Blues, while Montreal started its seven-game road trip with three defeats in four outings.

The Habs had a 3-2 lead over Pittsburgh on Saturday and then let in a goal with just 55 seconds left in regulation, eventually falling in the extra frame. Goaltender Carey Price is 2-3-1 with a 2.29 GAA lifetime against the Predators. 

The Preds snapped their three-game slide with the shutout over St. Louis, backup goaltender Juuse Saros made his seventh NHL career start and posted his first ever scorless effort. Pekka Rinne is expected to get the call here though and he’s 6-1-1 with a tiny 1.23 GAA in his lifetime against the Habs. 

I’ll point out that Montreal is just 3-4 (-2 units) this year when playing with two days rest, while Nashville is 8-5 (+2.5 units) against teams with winning records this season.

PK Subban may be on injured reserved, but I think Rinne will be a difference maker today. All things considered, I do indeed feel we’re getting great line value on the home side. Play on Nashville.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SUPER TOTAL is the under Flyers/Ducks (8:05 EST).

The 20-14-1-3 Philadelphia Flyers are in Anaheim to take on the 18-12-7-1 Ducks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has defensive battle written all over it!

Philadelphia opened the season as one of the best offensive clubs in the league, but the team has regressed mightily ever since, most recently having been shutout in two of its last three games and having scored a total of seven goals over its last six games. Goaltender Steve Mason is just 14-16 with a 2.78 GAA and he left the 2-0 loss to the Sharks last time out with a hand injury. If he’s unable to go, then backup Anthony Stolarz, who is 2-0 with a 1.79 GAA will get the call. 

The Ducks can empathize with Philadelphia’s offensive struggles as they’ve scored just nine goals in losing four of their last five games. Goaltender John Gibson is 12-16 with a 2.58 GAA this year, and 7-5 with a 2.55 GAA at home. Gibson has to be feeling pretty confident in this spot as he’s 2-0 with a 2.00 GAA lifetime against the Flyers. 

I’ll point out that Philadelphia has seen the total go under in four of its last five against teams with losing records and in four of its last five when its opponent scores two goals or less in its previous contest, while Anaheim has seen the total dip below the posted number in six of its last eight in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days scenario.

Neither team has been getting great goaltending, but each starter catches a break today in facing these struggling offensive units. This one sneaks under the number in the end.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Winnipeg Jets (7:05 EST).

The 14-15-4-2 New York Islanders are in Winnipeg to take on the 17-18-2-1 Jets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

New York comes in off a disheartening 6-4 road loss at Minnesota, while Winnipeg enters off a 5-3 home loss to Columbus. 

The Isles are in last place in the Metropolitan and have gotten poor goaltending all year. Jaroslav Halak is expected to be in net and he’s 6-13 with a 3.23 GAA this season, including only 1-6 with a 3.93 GAA on the road. New York is 12th in the league in scoring at 2.77 GPG, while on the defensive end it ranks 28th in goals allowed at 3.11.

The Jets have won four of their last six and are 10-8 at home. Connor Hellebuyck is expected in net and he’s 13-12 with a 2.62 GAA on the year, including going 9-5 with a 2.30 GAA at home. 

Winnipeg ranks 17th in the league in scoring at 2.61 GPG, while ranked 22nd in goals allowed at 2.89. 

I’ll point out that New York is a poor 2-7 (-4.9 units) after a loss by two goals or more, while Winnipeg is 8-6 (+1.4 units) in its last 14 after allowing four goals or more in its previous game.

I’m giving Hellebuyck the big nod in net and that’s going to be more than enough in my opinion to tip the scales in favor of the home side. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (8:00 EST).

Columbus enters on a 13-game win streak and I’m expecting the red hot Blue Jackets to notch another one in the victory column tonight as they make their only visit of the season to Winnipeg.

The Jackets rank first in power-play percentage (27.1), second in scoring (3.4 GPG) and second in defense (2.0 GPG allowed). Note that Columubs has scored fewer than three goals just once during the streak.

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has a 22-5-2 record to go along with a 1.91 GAA and .934 save percentage this year. 

Winnipeg comes in off a satisfying 3-1 win in Chicgo on Tuesday. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is 13-11-1 with a 2.62 GAA and .913 save percentage. 

I’ll point out that Columbus is already 3-0 (+4.2 units) this year after playing three consecutive home games, while Winnipeg is just 5-10 (-5.9 units) in non-conference games this season. 

The Blue Jackets play with revenge today as the Jets have taken four straight in this series. All things considered, I think we’re getting a great price on the best team in the league. Play on Columbus.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the St. Louis Blues (8:05 EST).

The 20-12-1-3 Philadelphia Flyers are in St. Louis to take on the 18-12-4-1 Blues and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Philadelphia plays its first game back after the X-Mas break, most recently losing 4-0 to New Jersey last week, while the Blues enter off a 5-2 loss to Tampa Bay last Thursday. 

In the loss to the Devils, the Flyers mustered just 16 shots on net. Philadelphia has now lost three of its last four and is ranked sixth in the league in scoring at 2.9 GPG. The Flyers though struggle on the defensive side of the ice, conceding an average of 2.9 GPG, which ranks them 24th overall. Goaltender Steve Mason is 14-10-4 with a pedestrian 2.69 GAA and .908 save percentage.

St. Louis looks to get things turned around at home after losing three of its last four as well. A little “home cooking” is just what the doctor ordered to get untracked though as the Blues are 13-2-4 at the Scottrade Center thus far. So far the Blues average 2.8 GPG, ranked 12th overall. St. Louis concedes 2.9 GPG, tied with Philadelphia.

I’ll point out though that the Flyers are just 3-5 (-2.4 units) this year afer allowing four goals or more, while the Blues are 3-1 (+1.8 units) in their last four against clubs with winning records.

I like St. Louis to take care of business in its own barn and all things considered, do definitely feel we’re getting good line value in this matchup. Play on the Blues.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 EST).

The 18-14-3-1 Boston Bruins are in Columbus to take on the 23-5-3-1 Blue Jackets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Boston comes out of the Christmas break with zero momentum, most recently losing 3-2 in OT to Caroilna, while the Blue Jackets enter off a 2-1 home win over Montreal, the latest victory in a current 12-game win streak.

I don’t think Columbus has a letdown here, as Boston has taken four of the last five in the series. I firmly believe the home side will be out to make a statement tonight. 

The Bruins turn to Tuukka Rask and he’s 17-9 with a 1.87 GAA. The home side counters with Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 21-7 with a 1.87 GAA.

Boston though is ranked 25th in the league in scoring at 2.31 GPG, while Columbus is ranked second at 3.38.

I’ll point out that the Bruins are just 4-14 (-15.9 units) in their last 18 when playing with three or more days rest, while the Blue Jackets are 11-6 (+6.3 units) their last 17 in the same position. 

All things considered, I think we’re getting fantastic value on the still under appreciated Blue Jackets. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Dallas Stars (8:35 EST).

LA starting goaltender Jon Quick was injured on opening night and the Kings have struggled with consistency ever since. This is the second game of a back-to-back for LA and I think it’s primed for a letdown here after its satisfying 4-0 win over Nashville on Thursday.

So far LA is 7-9-2 on the road this year. 

Dallas is 13-14-7 overall, but is 9-5-3 in front of the home town crowd. The Stars now look to close strong before the Christmas break and after falling 3-2 in OT to St. Louis on Tuesday. Goaltender Antti Niemi is 7-4-4 with a 2.85 GAA. 

I’ll point out that LA is just 2-5 in its last seven in the third game of a “three-in-four” situation, while Dallas is 27-16 (+8.2 units) in its last 43 when playing with two days of rest. 

It’s a great spot for the revenge minded home side, which I think finds a way to get the job done against a Kings team which comes in contented after its big road win last night. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Buffalo Sabres (7:05 EST).

The 13-11-3-4 Carolina Hurricanes are in Buffalo to take on the 12-11-3-5 Sabres and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

This is an immediate revenge game for the Sabres, who fell 2-1 in a shootout to Carolina in the Hurricanes’ last game. Buffalo played the Panthers in between and lost in a 4-3 shootout on the road.

Note though that the home team has taken five of the last six games in this series. 

Carolina has played well at home, but has been an absolute train-wreck on the road in going just 4-14 thus far. Goaltender Cam Ward is an unremarkable 10-14 with a 2.30 GAA, including only 3-11 with a 2.60 GAA on the road.

He’s also struggled against the Sabres, going just 12-15 with a pedestrian 2.80 GAA. Carolina is ranked 17th in the league in scoring and 14th in goals allowed.

The Sabres are only 5-10 on the road, but have played much better in front of the home town crowd. Goaltender Robin Lehner is 7-14 with a 2.47 GAA this year and while he’s struggled against the Hurricanes in the past, take note that Carolina is a poor 45-47 (-4.4 units) against teams with losing records, while Buffalo is 8-5 (+3.1 units) in its last 13 after allowing four goals or more.

Buffalo is 3-1 in its last four in front of the home town crowd and I think it offers tremendous value in this revenge scenario. Play on the Sabres.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* PERFECT STORM on the Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 EST).

The 16-13-0-2 LA Kings are in Columbus to take on the 20-5-3-1 Blue Jackets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Columbus has won nine in a row and I don’t think it’s going to go have a letdown here in this favorable matchup. 

LA enters having split its first four games on this current road trip. 

The Kings however are ocming off a 1-0 loss in Boston on Sunday in which they posted just 18 total shots. That simply won’t get the job done against this high-powered Blue Jackets team. Peter Budaj took the loss and he’s now 4-7 with a 2.09 GAA on the road this year. 

LA is ranked 19th in the league in scoring at 2.52 GPG, while ranked ninth in goals allowed in conceding 2.45 GPG.

Columbus is 10-2 in its last 12 at Nationwide Arena. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is 10-1 with a 2.03 GAA in front of the home town crowd. 

The Blue Jackets are ranked No. 1 on offense at 3.34 GPG and second on the defensive end in conceding just 2.07 GPG. 

I’ll point out that LA is just 4-12 in its last 16 after scoring two goals or less in its previous contest, while Columbus is 10-1 in its last 11 when its opponent allows two goals or less in its previous game.

All signs point to a rout from start to finish and in my opinion, I think we’re getting great value on the home side. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Washignton Capitals (7:35 EST).

The 18-7-1-2 Washington Capitals are in Carolina to take on the 12-11-3-3 Hurricanes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Carolina has won seven straight at home, but Washington has won five straight overall. 

Most recently the Capitals come off a 4-2 win over the Islanders on Tuesday, led by Matt Niskanen’s two goals. Goaltender Braden Holtby made 26 saves and is now 14-6-2 on the year with a 2.08 GAA. He’s also 9-4-0 with a tiny 1.90 GAA lifetime against Carolina. 

So far the Capitals are 12th in the league in scoring with an average of 2.71 GPG. Washington excels on the defensive end though, conceding just 2.11 per contest, ranked third overall. 

Carolina scored six goals in the third period to best the Vancouver Canucks 8-6 last time out. Suffice it to say, I’m absolutely expecting a letdown here after that improbable comeback. Cam Ward is 9-8-4 with a 2.34 GAA, but Eddie Lack could get the start tonight, and he’s 1-2-1 with a 3.78 GAA.

The Hurricanes are 14th in the league in scoring, averaging 2.62, while being ranked 16th on the defensive end, conceding 2.72 per contest.

I’ll point out that Washington is already 8-4 (+2.1 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Carolina is just 2-6 (-4.5 units) against the division already this year.

Because of all of the reasons listed above, I’m laying the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Nashville Predators (8:00 EST).

The 16-8-4 Minnesota Wild are in Nashville to take on the 13-11-4 Predators and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Minnesota is primed for a big letdown here after winning five straight in my opinion. Conversely, after losing three straight, the Predators got back on track with a 6-3 thumping of St. Louis on Tuesday and I’m fully expecting the team to build off that effort. 

The Wild have been getting strong goaltending from Devan Dubnyk, who is 14-6-3 with a 1.60 GAA this year. Note though that Minnesota is already 0-2 (-2.1 units) this season after playing three consecutive home games.

The Predators welcomed back defenseman Colton Sissons and Ryan Ellis in the win over the Blues and the results were obvious. 

I’ll point out that Minnesota is just 24-58 in its last 82 road games against teams with a home winning percentage over .600, while Nashville is 35-16 in its last 51 home games against teams with losing road records.

The Wild are 9-3-0 at home, but are a modest 6-5-2 on the road. The Predators on the other hand have been practically unbeatable at home, going 10-2-2 at the Bridgestone Arena thus far. 

I’m expecting the home side to take make the most of this situation and build off its last victory. Play on Nashville.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (9:00 EST).

The 17-5-3-1 Columbus Blue Jackets are in Edmonton to take on the 15-11-3-2 Oilers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Columbus has won six straight, while Edmonton just broke a four-game losing slide with a tough 3-2 home win over the Jets. 

The Blue Jackets are 7-5 on the road already this year, while Edmonton is just 7-7 in front of the home town crowd.

Columbus most recently destroyed the Islanders 6-2 on Saturday. Sergei Bobrovsky is 16-7 with a 1.98 GAA on the year, including 6-4 with a 1.94 GAA on the road. The Blue Jackets rank 3rd in the league in scoring at 3.31 GPG and ranked 3rd on the defensive end, conceding 2.12 GPG. 

The Oilers have lost four of their last five, despite the win last time out. Cam Talbot is 14-13 on the year with a 2.55 GAA, including 7-6 with a 2.50 GAA in front of the home town crowd. Edmonton is ranked sixth in the league in scoring, but is in the middle of the pack on the defensive end, conceding 2.68 GPG. 

I’ll point out that Columbus is 4-1 (+3.5 units) this year when playing on two days rest, while Edmonton is just 4-9 (-6.4 units) this season in non-conference games.

I think the Blue Jackets offer tremendous value in this spot and think Bobrovsky will outduel his inconsistent counterpart. Play on Columbus.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Minnesota Wild (6:05 EST).

The 15-8-3-1 St. Louis Blues are in Minnesota to take on the 14-8-2-2 Wild and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

St. Louis enters off a 4-1 win at New Jersey, while Minnesota comes into this one off a 3-2 home win over Edmonton. 

Note that the home team has won six of the last eight games in this series and suffice it to say, I’m fully expecting that strong trend to continue tonight.

St. Louis has won nine of its last 12. Goaltender Jake Allen is now 14-7 with a 2.24 GAA on the year. If he’s had one weakness though, it’s clearly been his performance on the road where he’s struggled to a 4-5, 3.25 GAA mark. The Blues are ninth in the league in scoring (2.75 GPG) and 15th overall on the defensive end, conceding 2.68.

Wild goaltender Devan Dubnky improved to 12-9 with a 1.66 GAA on the year after the win over the Oilers in OT last time out. He’s 7-3 with a 1.60 GAA at home. Minnesota is ranked tenth in scoring at 2.75 GPG. Defensively though Minnesota is a power house, ranked No. 2 in the league in allowing just 2.04 GPG. 

I’ll point out that St. Louis is just 1-5 in its last six road games against a team with a home winning percentage greater than .600, while Minnesota is interestingly 4-1 in its last five after allowing two goals or less in its previous game.

The Blues are just 4-8 on the road, while the Wild are 8-3 at home. All things considered, I think we’re getting a very fair price on this one. Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Calgary Flames (10:05 EST).

The 13-14-2-1 Winnipeg Jets are in Calgary to take on the 15-13-1-1 Flames and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Winnipeg has lost two straight, which doesn’t bode well in facing the red hot Flames, as Calgary enters this one having won five-straight.

Jets’ goaltender Michael Hutchinson is 3-5-2 on the year with a 2.95 GAA. He’s a pedestrian 2-2-0 against Calgary with a 2.90 GAA. Winnipeg has struggled on the road all year, going just 5-8-2 away from friendly confines. It averges 2.57 GPG, but concedes 2.87 on the defensive end. Note that Jets’ powerplay has just four goals on the road in 36 opportunities.

Calgary has gone 8-2-1 in its last 11, with netminder Chad Johnson now 10-2-0 over his past 12 starts. Note that Johnson is 12-4-1 with a 1.98 GAA on the season and owns a 1.26 GAA lifetime against the Jets.

The Flames come in on top form and momentum is often a factor in which the bookmakers have a hard time properly quantifying into a line. And that’s the case in this matchup in my professional opinion. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Chicago Blackhawks (8:35 EST).

No need to overthink this one in my opinion.

The Rangers played and won 2-1 in Winnipeg just last night and I think will come into this one predictably “gassed.” 

New York didn’t have the services of Rick Nash last night and he won’t be in the lineup this evening either after hurting his groin in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Islanders. Henrik Lundqvist is expected to start tonight after back up Antii Raanta got the call last night.

Chicago leads the Western Conference and it ended a two-game slide by easily handling Arizona 4-0 on Tuesday. Marian Hossa had two goals, while Scott Darling had 22 saves. 

The Hawks are dealing with a few injuries, but note that Chicago is 4-1 (+2.6 units) this year following a win by two goals or more and 4-1 (+3 units) when playing with two days rest.

Despite being down a few pieces, I think the situation favors the home side. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Nashville Predators (8:30 EST).

The 12-9-2-2 Nashville Predators are in Dallas to take on the 10-11-6-0 Stars and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Nashville lost the first two of its three-game home stand but bounced back with a 4-3 win over the Avs and I think it will carry that momentum over into this one.

Preds’ goaltender Pekka Rinne is 11-5-4 on the year with a 2.23 GAA. He’s 12-8-2 with a 2.72 GAA lifetime against the Stars. Note that Nashville is also the sixth highest scoring team in the league with an average of 3.00 GPG (also owns the sixth best power play unit with a 22 percent success rate). 

Dallas enters off a 2-1 loss at home to the Flames and is just 1-3-1 in its last five. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen is 5-8-3 with a 3.00 GAA. Note that the stars have the third worst goal difference in the league with -20. They also have the fourth worst penalty kill unit with just a 77.7 percent efficiency rating, as well as the worst goal allowance per game with 3.22 conceded on average.

I’ll point out that Nashville is already 7-4 (+2.4 units) agaist the division this year, while Dallas is just 6-8 (-1.9 units) in the same position.

The Predators have actually averaged 3.57 goals per game over their last seven, which clearly doesn’t bode well for the Stars and their horrendous defense. All things considered, I think this is a great price, play on Nashville.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PLAY OF THE MONTH is on the Washington Capitals (8:00 EST).

The 15–10-0-1 Boston Bruins are in the nation’s capital to take on the 14-7-1-2 Capitals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Boston is poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning three straight, most recently a 4-3 effort over Florida.

The Capitals finally got off the schneid after a three-game losing streak to earn a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Buffalo in OT and I’m expecting the team to build off that performance. 

Bruins’ goaltender Tuukka Rask is 14-5 with a 1.68 GAA this year and he’s had to be sharp, as his team ranks just 23rd in the league in scoring with 2.35 GPG. 

Capitals’ netminder Braden Holtby is 11-8 with a 2.14 GAA, including 7-4 with a 2.10 GAA at home. Note that Holtby is 9-2 with a 1.57 GAA lifetime against the Bruins. Washington is ranked just 18th in scoring with 2.55 GPG.

I’ll point out that Boston is just 2-5 (-3.6 units) this season after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest, while Washington is 6-4 (+1.5 units) in its last ten against clubs with winning records.

Rask is just 1-12 in his career against Washington and I think he’ll once again have his hands full tonight against this hungry home side. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the St. Louis Blues (8:00 EST).

The 17-6-1-1 Montreal Canadiens are in St. Louis to take on the 14-7-3-1 Blues and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Montreal is 2-2 on its current road trip after a hard-fought 5-4 win over LA, while the Blues enter off a 3-2 home loss to Winnipeg. 

St. Louis though has still won seven of its last nine and note that the home side has won four of the last five in this series.

Despite the win over the Kings, Montreal is just 5-6 on the road this year, compared to 12-2 at home. And note that the four goals the Habs posted were the most they’d put up in their last ten games. 

Goaltender Carey Price has been a bright spot this season, so far he’s 14-4 with a 1.82 GAA. During his career against St. Louis he’s 4-5 with a 2.39 GAA. 

Note that the Canadiens come into this one averaging 2.92 GPG, ranked eighth in the league, while conceding just 2.20 GPG, ranked fourth. 

St Louis will star Jake Allen between the pipes tonight and he’s 12-6 with a 2.33 GAA on the season, including 9-2 with a 1.78 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out that Montreal is interestingly just 3-14 in its last 17 against the Central, while St. Louis is 48-21 in its last 69 against the Atlantic.

This is the final game of a five-game road trip for a tired Montreal team and I’m expecting the home side to make the most of this opportunity. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE WEEK is on the over Florida/Boston (7:00 EST).

The 12-11-0-2 Florida Panthers are in Boston to take on the 14-10-0-1 Bruins and for a number of different reasons, I think this one just screams “shootout!”

Florida enters off a 2-0 shutout loss in Ottawa on Saturday. Goaltender Roberto Luongo is having a decent year, but note that he’s just 15-16-4 with a 2.45 GAA in 37 games against the Bruins, including only 1-3-1 in his last five. 

Boston has three wins and seven points in its last four games, most recently holding on for a 2-1 win over the Sabres on Saturday. David Krejci had his fourth goal and 15th point in the victory.

These are two of the better defensive clubs in the league, but I’ll point out that Florida has in fact seen the total go over the number in four of its last six in trying to revenge loss against an opponent and in six of nine this year following a divisional contest, while Boston has seen the total eclipse the posted number in 14 of its last 22 after playing to three or more consecutive “unders.”

The value has now swung the other way, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 33-Club Play is on the New York Islanders (6:05 EST).

The 11-10-3-0 Detroit Red Wings are in New York to take on the 9-10-2-2 Islanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Detroit played and lost 5-3 in Pittsburgh just last night and I think will be predictably “gassed” in this one.

And that’s music to the Islanders’ ears, who will look to build off their 3-0 shutout win over the Capitals on the road.

Note that the home team has won four of the last five in this series.

The Wings are struggling offensively, ranked 25th overall at just 2.29 GPG. The defense is 15th overall, conceding 2.54 GPG. Detroit goaltender Petr Mrazek is now 6-8 on the year with a 2.83 GAA, including just 2-3 with a 3.03 GAA on the road.

The Isles though have been getting improved defensive play and goaltending, as Jaroslav Halak posted the shutout against the the high-powered Capitals. Halak has struggled this year, but has to be feeling much better after his latest performance. 

New York led the league in most offensive categories last year, but this season sees it ranked 17th in scoring at 2.52 GPG. The Isles concede 2.83 GPG, ranked 21st overall.

I’ll point out though that Detroit is just 3-13 in its last 16 when playing on back-to-back days, while New York is 6-3 (+3 units) against clubs with losing records. 

New York can ill afford to take the foot off the gas after the horrible start to the year. Detroit is struggling in all phases of the game right now and will come in dog-tired after last night’s disheartening setback in Pittsburgh.

I’m lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (8:00 EST).

The 13-5-3-1 Columbus Blue Jackets are in Arizona to take on the 8-11-3-0 Coyotes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Blue Jackes have earned points in their last four outings and they’ll look to keep the momentum rolling against the 7th ranked Coyotes, who have dropped two in a row.

Most recently the Jackets beat the Avs 3-2 on Thursday, led by Brandon Saad and Nick Foligno, each who tallied a goal. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been spectacular this year, going 13-5-2 with a 2.08 GAA, giving up two goals or fewer in 11 of his past 14 games.

Note that Columbus is 5-2-3 on the road this season and 7-1-2 in its last ten overall. Also note that the Blue Jackets are the NHL leaders on the power play, converting 26 percent of their chances.

Arizona comes in off losses to San Jose and LA. In their 4-3 loss to the Kings, the Yotes committed 5 giveaways. Arizona is now just 3-2-3 in its last eight against the Pacific. 

Coyotes’ netminder Mike Smith is 4-2-2 on the year with a 2.74 GAA. Overall though Arizona is the third worst defensive team in the league, giving up an average of 3.14 goals per game. 

It also has the fourth worst power play with an efficiency rate of just 13.6.

I’ll point out that Columbus is 5-1 in its last six after allowing two goals or less in its previous game and 4-1 in its last five on one days rest.

I like the Blue Jackets to keep those strong trends rolling here, they have the better goaltending and the power play is on fire. All things considered, I do indeed feel this is a great price, play on Columbus.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the St. Louis Blues (8:00 EST).

The 13-10-0-1 Tampa Bay Lightning are in St. Louis to take on the 13-7-2-1 Blues and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Bolts are reeling, they’ve lost four of their last five, which doesn’t bode well in facing this surging Blues team which is even better at home.

During the slide Tampa has allowed 14 goals, while the offense has posted just two in its last two home games and just one marker in each of its last seven road losses. 

The Blues have won five straight in this series (note that Tampa hasn’t even won in St. Louis in over seven years!).

The Blues are 6-1-0 in their last seven overall and have earned a point in all of their ten home games. Goaltender Jake Allen is 11-3-3 this season with a very respectable 2.39 GAA. When Allen faced Tampa Bay last year, he came away with the 2-0 victory.

Note that St. Louis owns the third most effective penalty killing unit, with an 87.6 percent success rate.

And I’ll point out that the Lightning are just 1-4 in their last five when plaing with one day’s rest, while St. Louis is 4-1 in its last five following a victory. 

Tampa Bay is clearly rudderless now without the services of captin Steven Stamkos and I think the Blues take advantage tonight. Note that Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop is 1-4 in his career against St. Louis.

Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Pittsburgh Penguins (8:00 EST).

The 13-6-2-1 Pittsburgh Penguins are in New York to take on the 7-10-2-2 Islanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Pens most recently knocked off the Devils 4-3 in a shootout at home, while the Isles scored a 2-1 home victory over the Flames.

Pittsburgh goaltender Matt Murray posted the win last time out, he’s now 7-1 with a 1.75 GAA this year. Marc-Andre Fleury though is expected to get the call tonight, and while he’s struggled for the most part this season, the veteran has a big opportunity to “right the ship” in facing this inconsistent Islanders offense. Note that he’s 23-15 with a 2.50 GAA lifetime against the Isles.

The Penguins are eighth in the NHL in scoring at 2.91 GPG, while also ranking first in shots taken at 33.9.

And that doesn’t bode well for the last place Isles. Goaltender Thomas Greiss notched the win over Calgary, he’s now 4-4 with a 2.41 GAA this season. But Jaroslav Halak will get the call in this one and he’s just 3-10 with a 3.08 GAA this season. 

The Islanders are 22nd in the league in scoring with an average of 2.68 GPG.

I’ll point out that the Penguins are 22-6 in their last 28 against teams with losing records, while New York is just 3-13 in its last 16 against clubs with winning records.

The Isles have struggled against good teams this year and I think that trend continues. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Detroit Red Wings (7:30 EST).

The 9-8-5-0 Dallas Stars are in Detroit to take on the 10-10-2-0 Red Wings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Dallas played and lost 4-3 in St. Louis just last night. Now it has to transition across the country to play a hungry Red Wings team which has lost seven of 12 in front of the home town crowd this year.

The Stars own the second worst GAA record in the league with 3.27 conceded goals per game. 

Like Dallas, Detroit has been plagued by injury this year. The Wings have looked a bit better of late though, picking up five points from their last three contests. 

Backup goaltender Petr Mrazek looked good in his team’s 2-1 OT loss to the Habs last time out, allowing just one regulation goal.

I’ll point out that Dallas is just 2-7 in its last nine on the road, while Detroit is 4-1 in its last five against clubs with losing records.

Despite all of their injuries, the Red Wings are the correct call here, they’re rested and have an opportunity to move to 3-0-1 in their last four. I’m laying the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK is the over Stars/Blues (8:00 EST).

Both teams comes in off victories and I’m expecting each to carry that positive momentum over in this one. In my opinion, all signs point to a higher-scoring shootout.

Note that the “over” is 4-0-3 the last seven in this series.

Dallas is just 3-8 on the year and a struggling offense is the main reason why. The Stars have had to deal with a ton of injuries early though and as they get healthier, clearly the offense will pick up. Remember, Dallas finished among the league leaders in almost every single offensive category last season. 

The Stars have also been getting “hit-or-miss” goaltending this year, as Antti Niemi is 0-2 with a 5.55 GAA on the road. Note that Dalas is 29th in goals allowed, giving up 3.27 GPG.

The Blues are 9-2 at home and have been riding red hot goaltender Jake Allen, who is 10-6 overall and 7-2 with a 1.42 GAA at home. Overall though St. Louis is in the bottom third defensively, allowing 2.68 GPG, which ranks 20th.

I’ll point out that Dallas has seen the total go over in 22 of its last 40 when playing with two days rest, while St. Louis has seen the total sail above the posted number in five of eight against the division already this season.

I’m expecting these rivals to push the pace from start to finish. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONF TOP TOTAL is the on the OVER Flames/Flyers (7:30 EST).

Calgary comes into this one with a ton of confidence after winning three of its last four, most recently posting a 2-1 victory over the Bruins on Friday. 

The Flyers high-flying offense will be looking to solve Flames’ red hot netminder Chad Johnson, who is 5-1 with a 1.17 GAA in his last six games.

And Philadelphia will surely be hungry here as it’s lost three of four. Goaltender Steve Mason is 5-8-3 with an .892 save percentage after a 3-2 loss to the Rangers on Friday. That ranks third-worst among NHL goalies with 12 or more starts. 

Note though that Philadelphia has had 40 or more shots in a game five times this season. 

I’ll point out that Calgary has seen the total go over the number in 18 of its last 26 road games where the total is five or less, while Philadelphia has seen the total go over in all five non-conference contests this season.

I’m expecting a wide-open affair and for this total to eclipse the posted number sooner, rather than later. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Montreal Canadiens (7:00 EST).

No need to overthink this one.

Detroit comes in off an exhausting 5-4 OT win at New Jersey just last night and would go on to lose starting goaltender Jimmy Howard to injury in the process. Despite a 5-5-0 record, Howard has a 1.82 GAA and .940 save percentage. Petr Mrazek got the win in relief and has started only one of the past nine games. Note that he’s given up four goals in each of his past four starts, going 0-3-1. 

Montreal enters off a 2-1 win over the Hurricanes at home on Thursday and will be looking to start its five-game road trip with a big win on Saturday night: "It's a trip that's coming at just the right time for us," Montreal coach Michel Therrien told the Canadiens website. "It's going to be tough. We'll face good teams, and I'm eager to see how we respond. We've been playing with confidence, but we'll take things one game at a time,"

I’ll point out that Montreal is 7-3 (+2.3 units) in its last ten against the division and 5-2 (+2.6 units) against teams with losing records, while Detroit is interestingly, just 1-6 (-6.4 units) this season after allowing four goals or more in its previous contest.

Lay the price with confidence, play on the Canadiens.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Nashville Predators (8:05 EST).

Dallas is 8-7-5 this year and just finished a four-game homestand on Monday with a satisfying 3-2 OT win over the Wild. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. Antti Niemi stopped 27 shots and it was his first win since November 3rd. Note that he owns a poor 3.17 GAA thus far. 

Nashville started slowly, but has started to turn things around, most recently coming off a 3-1 win over Tampa Bay on Monday. Defensemen PK Subban scored twice and goaltender Pekka Rinne made 24 saves. Rinne is 7-5-3 on the year with a tiny 2.04 GAA and .933 save percentage. 

I’ll point out that Dallas is just 2-6 its last eight on the road, just 2-11 in its last 13 after allowing two goals or less in its previous game and just 1-6 in its last seven following a victory, while Nashville is 4-1 in its last five when playing on one days rest. 

This is a revenge game for Nashville after falling 2-1 to the visiting Stars back on October 18th. 

It’s payback time, lay the price with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK in on the Nashville Predators (8:05 EST).

The Lightning have won the first four games of their road trip, which is amazing considering the significant injuries they’ve sustained, most notably to captain Steven Stamkos, who lead the team in most offensive categories. 

Suffice it to say, I think this one sets up perfectly as a “letdown” spot for Tampa Bay this evening though and I’m expecting the hungry home side to take full advantage.

The Predators are coming off a 3-1 loss in St. Louis on Saturday night to drop the team to 2-6-2 away from friendly confines.

Their play at Bridgestone Arena though has been nothing short of spectacular, as Nashville is 5-1-1 in front of the home town crowd to date.

This is a favorable part of the schedule for the Predators, who also welcome Dallas and Winnipeg at the end of the week. Keep your eyes on forward James Neal, who has seven goals in his last seven games.

I’ll also point out that Tampa Bay is already just 2-3 (-1.7 units) this year after playing three consecutive road games, while Nashville is 4-1 (+3 units) against clubs with winning records.

Great value, play on the Predators.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the LA Kings.

The 9-4-3-0 New Jersey Devils are in LA to take on the 8-9-0-1 Kings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

This sets up as a classic letdown spot for New Jersey after it had its five-game win streak snapped in a 3-2 loss at Anaheim last time out. 

Conversely, the Kings come in with momentum after bouncing the Oilers in a 4-2 home win which would break a four-game slide. 

Devils’ goaltender Corey Schneider is 7-6 with a 2.21 GAA. He’s just 1-6 with a 2.70 GAA on the road though. 

New Jersey is just 23rd in the league in scoring at 2.38 PG. The Devils get the job done on the defensive end, where they concede just 2.13 GPG, ranked second overall. 

The Kings have struggled this year, but have looked better of late. And LA has been great at home, going 6-2 so far. Goaltender Peter Budaj is 8-7 with a 2.12 GAA and is 6-1 with a 2.18 GAA at home. LA is ranked 22nd in scoring and 14th in goals allowed.

I’ll point out that New Jersey is just 6-16 in its last 22 when playing with one days rest, while LA is 40-17 in its last 57 home games against a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.

All things considered, I think we’re getting an awesome price on the home side in this one. Play on LA.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the over Blackhawks/Flames (9:05 EST).

Calgary will be looking for someone to step up and take on a leadership role over the coming weeks with star Johnny Gaudreau now sidelined with injury.

Calgary beat Minnesota 1-0 on Tuesday and then followed it up with a 2-1 OT win over Arizona on Wednesday.

The Flames are just 3-6 at home, but now have something to build off and they’ll have to be ready to push the pace with the high-flying Blackhawks coming to town. 

Chicago is third overall and began a seven-game road trip with a 4-0 loss in Winnipeg on Tuesday. Clearly the Blackhawks will be out to atone for that pathetic performance, note that it ended their seven-game win streak and was the first time that they failed to gain at least a point in 11 outings: “It's not how you want to start (the trip) at all," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said afterwards. "We have tougher games as we keep going. They keep getting tougher and tougher and tougher. There's no easy games on the road anymore. We've had a favorable schedule here, and we know we have to play much better."

So while neither team has played to many high-scoring affairs of late, I think the conditions are now right for these two hungry sides to finally put some pucks in the net. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Anaheim Ducks (10:00 EST).

The Ducks are rolling, most recently coming off a convincing 4-1 win over the Oilers on Tuesday night. Goaltender John Gibson made a season-high 33 saves.

Anaheim is now tied with Edmonton for the Pacific Division Lead and will look to slow down the Devils, who have also been on a tear of late.

The Ducks have posted an 8-3-2 record over their past 13 games with right winer Corey Perry leading the charge with ten points, while Ryan Kesler has scored five goals in five games and six goals this month.

New Jersey is poised for a letdown here after five-straight wins. The Devils have been getting the job done with a suffocating defense which ranks second in fewest goals allowed with 31. Most recently New Jersey beat the Stars 2-1 in OT on Tuesday. 

Of injury concern for the visitors though is Taylor Hall, who shares the team lead with five goals and 12 points. Hall underwent knee surgery yesterday and will be out at least three weeks. 

And that’s bad news for a power play which has failed to score in its last 21 opportunities spanning six games.

I think the Ducks’ continue to build momentum and find a way to get the job done against this now wounded Devils team. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Anaheim Ducks (10:05 EST).

Edmonton holds first place in the Pacific Division by two points over the third-place Ducks, who will look to assert themselves on home ice.

The Oilers are led by 19 year old Connor McDavid, who leads the league with 14 assists and ranks third with 19 points.

But Edmonton has already started to regress after the unrealistic hot start to the season, coming to Anaheim on a three-game losing streak. 

The Ducks will be in a foul mood too after falling to Columbus 3-2 in OT on Wednesday. Anaheim is getting great goaltending right now, as Jonathan Bernier owns a tiny 2.08 GAA and .934 save percentage. 

I’ll point out that Edmonton is already 0-1 (-1 unit) this year after scoring 1 goal or less in its previous contest, while Anaheim is 4-0 (+4.2 units) this season in the same position.

Lay the price, play on the Ducks.

Good luck…Larry