My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the New York Islanders (7:00 EST).

Chicago comes to Long Island off a disheartening 5-2 home loss to Vancouver, while New York is off a 7-6 home setback to Tampa Bay. 

The Blackhawks come into this one having gone just 13-24 on the road, averaging 2.76 GPG and conceding 3.51 in those contests. Forsberg is expected to get the start in net tonight and he’s 9-19 with a 3.06 GAA on the year, including only 5-11 with a 3.63 GAA on the road.

The Isles are 17-19 at home, averaging 3.53 GPG and conceding 3.78 in those games. Jaroslav Halak will get the call here and he’s 18-35 with a 3.27 GAA, including 11-15 with a 3.35 GAA at home.

I’ll point out though that Chicago is just 5-10 (-5.4 units) this year after three or more consecutive losses, while New York is a solid 4-1 (+3.7 units) this season after playing three consecutive home games. 

Both teams have been horrible this year, but the Blackhawks have been an unmitigated disaster on the road. All things considered, I do definitely feel this is a fair price. Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

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

The Habs enter off a 5-3 loss to the Pens on the road, while the Sabres come in off a 4-1 home loss to Arizona. Montreal starts Carey Price and Buffalo counters with either Chad Johnson or Linus Ullmark.

Note that Montreal is just 9-28 on the road, averaging 2.19 goals and conceding 3.59 in those contests. Price gave up five goals last time out and he’s now 15-29 with a 3.03 GAA on the year, including only 4-17 with a 3.45 GAA on the road. 

Buffalo is 11-27 at home, averaging 2.26 goals and conceding 3.26 in those contests. Johnson is 8-15 with a 3.30 GAA, while Uilmark is 1-1 with a 2.40 GAA. 

I think home ice is the difference here between these two cellar dwellers. Ultimately I expect Price’s road struggles to continue and I look for whoever gets the start in Buffalo to do just enough to help secure the victory.

Great price, play on the Sabres.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Edmonton Oilers (7:35 EST).

Edmonton has won three of its last five games after a victory over Carolina last time out. This is the end of a four-game trip for the Oilers and I think they’ll build off their latest 7-3 win over the Hurricanes and end it on a high-note. 

Note that all seven goals in the Oilers’ most recent victory came from seven different players. More than anything though I’m basing this selection on the suddenly improved play of Edmonton net minder CamTalbot, who has now won five of his last six games, allowing just 11 goals in that span.

The Senators won three straight, but they come into this one having lost their last two, most recently getting smoked 7-2 at home to Florida. Goaltender Craig Anderson is 21-21-6 and he’d let in all seven goals last time out. 

I’ll point out as well that Edmonton has done decently in this spot of late by going 7-3 in its last ten road games against teams with a losing home record, while Ottawa is a dismal 9-24 in its last 33 against teams with losing records. 

Ottawa is dealing with significant injury issues right now (Stone) and I look for the visitors to take advantage. All things considered, I think this is a great price.

Play on Edmonton.

Good luck…Larry 

This is a 10* Situational Stunner on the Buffalo Sabres (7:00 EST).

The Coyotes look poised for a letdown here after a 5-2 home win over the Flames, while the Sabres will be hungry for a victory after a humbling 4-0 home defeat to the Predators.

Arizona averages just 2.40 GPG and it concedes 3.13. The Coyotes are only 9-24 on the road and have averaged only 2.39 goals in those contests, while conceding 3.42. Netminder Antti Raanta is 16-22 on the year with a 2.41 GAA, including 6-8 with a 2.70 GAA on the road.

Buffalo averages 2.38 GPG and it concedes 3.25. The Sabres are just 11-26 at home, averaging 2.30 goals and conceding 3.24 in those contests. Goaltender Chad Johnson is 8-14 with a 3.27 GAA.

I’ll point out though that the Coyotes are a terrible 13-38 in their last 51 after allowing two goals or less in their previous contest, while the Sabres are 6-0 in their last six following a loss by three or more goals.

This is a tough road trip for the Coyotes. Both teams have been playing a bit better of late, but I think the conditions favor the home side. And there’s no question that the price is right as well.

Play on Buffalo.

Good luck…Larry

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

Dallas comes to the nation’s capital off a 4-2 road loss in Winnipeg, while Washington most recently fell 6-3 in Philadelphia.

Dallas is 14-22 on the road, averaging 2.50 goals and conceding 2.92 in those contests. Kari Lehtonen gave up three goals on 20 shots in the latest loss and he’s now 12-13 with a 2.46 GAA. 

Washington is 25-11 at home, averaging 3.33 goals and conceding 2.42 in those contests. Braden Holtby had the last game off, but he’s back in net here and looking to improve upon his 30-19, 3.03 GAA season record, including a solid 19-8, 2.36 GAA mark at home.

I’ll point out that Dallas is just 8-20 in its last 28 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Washington is 16-5 in its last 21 after allowing five goals or more in its previous outing. 

The Stars have struggled on the road this year and now they face perhaps the best home team in the entire league, one which has its No. 1 goaltender back in net and which is also out to atone for a lacklustre performance in its previous outing. 

All things considered, I feel this price could in fact be a lot larger, swinging the value onto the home side. 

Lay the price, play on the Capitals.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Florida Panthers (7:30 EST).

Florida comes to town angry off a 4-2 home loss to Edmonton, while Montreal enters off another humbling 4-0 defeat to Toronto. 

The Panthers have been better at home than on the road, but I think they’ll bounce back after their latest defeat. Overall Florida averages 3.00 GPG and it concedes 3.09. Goaltender Roberto Luongo is 14-11 with a  2.63 GAA, including 4-6 with a 2.52 GAA on the road. Now five points out of the eighth spot in the East, clearly Florida can ill afford to “look past” this golden opportunity this evening.

Montreal averages 2.50 GPG and it concedes 3.11. Netminder Antti Niemi is just 5-11 with a 3.26 GAA this year and only 1-5 with a 3.03 GAA lifetime against Florida.

I’ll point out as well that the Panthers are 14-3 in their last 17 against teams with losing records (also 9-2 in their last 11 against Eastern Conference opponents), while Montreal is just 20-45 in its last 65 against clubs with winning records (and only 6-21 in its last 27 against the Eastern Conference.)

Montreal has nothing to play for and I don’t think the motivation of “spoiler” comes into play here whatsoever. Florida however is desperate and I expect it to play like that tonight.

All things considered I do indeed feel this is a great price.

Play on the Panthers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the New York Islanders (5:00 EST).

Carolina is off a disheartening 4-2 loss at home to Philadelphia just last night and suffice it to say, I’m expecting another letdown here as well.

The Isles return home off a 6-3 road loss in the nation’s capital. 

Carolina is a terrible 14-21 on the road, averaging 2.74 goals in those games and conceding 3.29. Goaltender Scott Darling is 11-24 with a 3.08 GAA this year, including only 5-15 with a 3.16 GAA on the road. Note that over their last 13 games the Canes have allowed an average of 3.76 goals.

New York is 16-17 at home, averaging 3.45 goals and conceding 3.76 in those contests. Jaroslav Halak is 18-29 with a 3.26 GAA, including 11-13 with a 3.34 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out that Carolina has done terribly in this spot all year for bettors by going just 15-23 (-10.1 units) in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while New York has done decently in this position by going 13-9 (+5.2 units) this season following a divisional contest. 

The Isles will look to take advantage of a struggling and tired Carolina team. This one has blowout written all over it and in my professional opinion, it represents the very definition of “great line value.” Play on the Islanders.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NHL Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the LA Kings (4:05 EST).

New Jersey comes in off a highly satisfying 8-3 road win at Las Vegas, while LA enters off a 4-1 home victory over Detroit. The Devils are expected to send Keith Kinkaid to the net, while the home side will counter with Jonathan Quick.

New Jersey is 18-17 on the road, averaging 3.06 GPG and conceding 3.09 in those contests. Kinkaid is 18-11 with a 2.95 GAA overall and 11-8 with a 3.15 GAA on the road.

LA is 19-16 at home, averaging 2.89 goals and conceding 2.43 in those games. Quick stopped 20 of 21 shots in the win over the Wings to improve to 28-27 with a 2.41 GAA overall this season, including 14-14 with a 2.27 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out though that New Jersey is just 24-31 (-5.6 units) in its last 55 after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest, while LA is 19-14 (+6.3 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent and 14-9 (+3.7 units) after scoring four goals or more in its previous game.

I think the Devils come out flat here after they avenged an earlier loss to Vegas, while LA builds off its latest home victory and finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NHL Las Vegas Insider is on the Dallas Stars (7:35 EST).

Dallas comes in off a 6-5 shootout loss to Toronto on the road, while the Sens enter off a 7-4 road win over Tampa Bay (its second straight road victory.) Suffice it to say, I think this sets up as a classic letdown spot for Ottawa as it returns home. 

The Stars average 2.83 GPG and they concede 2.63. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen gave up five goals on 33 shots to the Leafs to fall to 12-12 with a 2.42 GAA this season, including 8-9 with a 2.13 GAA on the road. 

Dallas has been struggling offensively of late, so despite giving up five goals and losing in the shootout, the five goals it posted in defeat was still significant. 

Ottawa averages 2.77 GPG and it concedes 3.38. Craig Anderson gets the call in net and he’s 20-26 with a 3.24 GAA this year, including just 12-15 with a 3.34 GAA at home. 

I’m not reading too much into a couple of victories in a row for the Senators. Ottawa is a horrible team, especially at home. The Stars come in having lost three straight and they’ll be desperate to break the slide. Note that Dallas is already 3-0 (+3 units) this year after three or more consecutive losses. 

And that’s bad new for the Senators, who are just 7-15 (-6.4 units) this year after scoring four or more goals in their previous contest.

In my professional opinion, this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on the Stars.

Good luck…Larry

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

Columbus comes in off a 5-2 home victory over Montreal, while Philadelphia will be eager to return to form after a 3-2 loss at home to Vegas.

The Blue Jackets are just 14-20 on the road this year, averaging 2.65 goals in those contests and conceding 3.12. 

Sergei Bobrovsky earned the win over Montreal for Columbus and he’s now 30-26 with a 2.42 GAA overall and 13-15 with a 2.69 GAA on the road.

The Flyers are 17-18 at home, averaging 2.83 goals in those games and allowing 2.86. Petr Mrazek took the fall against the Golden Knights to move to 12-15 with a 2.88 GAA overall and 3-7 with a 2.98 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out though that Columbus is already just 7-9 (-2.8 units) this season after a win by two goals or more, while Philadelphia is still 17-15 (+3.5 units) against teams with winning records. 

Desperation breeds motivation (the Flyers are just 1-6 in their last seven), while winning leads to complacency (the Blue Jackets have won five straight.) 

I’m banking on the Flyers finding a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dallas Stars (7:30 EST).

Dallas will be eager to return to the winners circle after a 3-1 loss to the Pens on the road in it last game. 

And here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against, as the Habs return home off a 5-2 loss in Columbus just last night. 

Dallas is 14-18 on the road, averaging 2.47 GPG in those contests, while conceding 2.78. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen though is 12-10 with a 2.23 GAA this season, including going 8-7 with a 1.83 GAA on the road. 

Montreal is 16-18 at home, averaging 2.79 goals and conceding 2.69 in those contests. Netminder Antti Niemi is 4-8 with a 2.78 GAA on the year, including 2-5 with a 2.46 GAA at home. 

I’ll point that Dallas has rebounded well in this spot all year by going 14-7 (+5.8 units) after a loss by two goals or more in its previous contest, while Montreal has struggled in this position by going a horrible 12-30 (-19.4 units) in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. 

I’m giving Dallas the big nod in net in this particular goalie matchup and that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in favor of the visitors in my opinion. Lay the price with confidence, play on the Stars.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Carolina Hurricanes (7:05 EST).

Carolina comes to town off a momentum building 3-2 road win in Chicago, while the Rangers enter off another deflating 4-3 shootout loss in Florida. 

Carolina averages 2.62 GPG and it concedes 2.99. Goaltender Cam Ward is 19-15 with a 2.70 GAA and while he’s just 13-20 against the Rangers lifetime, he does own a solid 2.59 GAA in those contests.

The Rangers average 2.78 GPG and they concede 3.13. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is only 25-28 with a 2.92 GAA this year. 

I’ll point out though that Carolina has done well in this spot for bettors all year by going 14-9 (+1.7 units) against clubs with losing records, while New York is a poor 5-7 (-1.9 units) this season after three or more consecutive losses. 

I’m calling the goaltenders a wash, but Carolina’s momentum from its latest victory propels it to another solid victory in my opinion. New York’s spiral down the proverbial crapper continues and all things considered, this is indeed a very fair price. Play on Carolina.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Pittsburgh Penguins (6:30 EST).

Dallas held on for a 2-1 home win over the Ducks in its most recent action, while Pittsburgh enters off a 5-2 road loss in Toronto just last night. 

Dallas has gone 14-17 on the road this year and it’s averaged 2.52 goals in those contests, while conceding 2.77. Goaltender Kari Lehtnonen stopped 26 of 27 in the Stars’ most recent victory. Note that he’s 8-6 with a 1.81 GAA on the road thus far.

Pittsburgh is 25-9 at home, averaging 3.63 goals in those contests, while conceding 2.74. Casey DeSmith will get the call in net tonight and he’s 3-4 with a 2.73 GAA in his rookie year, including going 2-2 with a solid 2.22 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out as well that Dallas is a sub-par 6-7 (-3.9 units) in its last 13 against teams with winning records, while Pittsburgh is 11-2 (+9 units) already this season after a loss by two goals or more in its previous contest.

Yes the Penguins are playing on no rest, but I think they’re going to bounce back on home ice. Pittsburgh went down early last night and it seemed to “check out” early in anticipation of tonight’s game. I think it’ll bounce back here though and and come in focused on the task at hand.

When you add it all up, it makes Pittsburgh well worth the price of admission in this matchup.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the LA Kings (4:00 EST).

The 35-37-5 St. Louis Blues are in LA to take on the 37-25-5 Kings on Saturday and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the home side.

St. Louis enters off a 2-0 loss in San Jose on Thursday night, while LA posted a 3-1 victory over the Capitals in its latest action. So far these teams have split a pair of meetings this year.

The Blues average only 2.6 GPG, while conceding 2.7. Jake Allen has a 19-20-2, 2.79 GAA, while Carter Hutton owns a 2.02 GAA. 

The Kings average 2.9 GPG and they concede just 2.5. Goaltender Jon Quick is 26-24-2 with a 2.44 GAA.

I’ll point out as well that St. Louis is 0-9 in its last nine against clubs with winning records, while LA is 4-0 in its last four against teams with losing records. 

The Blues have in fact lost nine of their last ten, averaging only 1.4 goals in that span. And that spells doom facing the defensive minded Kings in my opinion, as they’ve been particularly stingy of late by conceding two goals or fewer in four of their last five games. 

This line could easily be a lot larger in my opinion. Great value, play on LA.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Calgary Flames (7:35 EST).

Calgary comes in off a 5-1 road win over the Sabres, while Ottawa comes in off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Bufflao just last night.

The Flames’ most recent victory snapped a three-game slide and it has the team trending in the correct direction again. 

Calgary has in fact been better on the road than at home this year, going 19-16 and averaging 2.91 goals, while conceding 2.69 in those contests. The Flames are splitting time in goal right now between David Rittich and Jon Gillies. 

The Sens average 3.16 GPG at home, but unfortunately they concede 3.50 in those contests. Mike Condon gets the call in net for the home side tonight.

I’ll point out that Calgary has performed very well in this spot for bettors for quite some time by going 11-3 in its last 14 road games against a team with a losing home record, while Ottawa is just 5-13 in its last 18 against the Western Conference.

I like a rested and focused Calgary team to take advantage of this tired and downtrodden Ottawa side. Lay the price with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Edmonton Oilers (9:05 EST).

The 29-29-9 New York Islanders are in Edmonton to take on the 28-34-4 Oilers on Thursday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the hungry home side.

The Isles come in completely discombobulated after losing seven straight, most recently falling in Vancouver. 

The Oilers could care less about New York’s issues though, as they have plenty of their own. They won’t be taking anything for granted here either after breaking a three-game skid with an OT win over Arizona on Monday.

The Islanders have to be feeling extra dejected after letting a two-goal lead evaporate in the 4-3 OT loss at Vancouver on Monday. 

Let’s face it, neither team has lived up to expectations whatsoever this year though. Each has more questions than answers right now as well.

But from a scheduling stand point, this one highly favors Edmonton. The Oilers have a tough one against the Wild up next on Saturday night, while this is the third game of a four-game road trip for the Isles, who have two nights off before their finale in Calgary on Sunday. 

In my opinion, all of the situational factors listed above make the Oilers well worth the price of admission in this matchup.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Philadelphia Flyers (8:00 EST).

The 38-25-2-2 Pittsburgh Penguins are in Philadelphia to take on the desperate 34-21-5-6 Flyers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Pittsburgh comes in content and tired after back-to-back OT victories, most recently scoring the 4-3 win over Calgary on Monday. 

The Penguins average 3.24 GPG and they concede 3.00. Goaltender Tristan Jarry is 12-5-2 with a 2.69 GAA.

Philadelphia sits just one game behind the Penguins after three straight losses. Goaltender Petr Mrazek is 11-9-4 with a 2.90 GAA. 

The Flyers come into this one averaging 2.95 GPG and conceding 2.83. 

Pittsburgh has two nights off before a prime time matchup on Saturday night in Toronto and I think it not only gets caught a little “flat footed” here after the back to back OT wins, but that it also gets caught looking ahead.

I’m banking on the home side risking life and limb today getting into shooting and passing lanes as it finally gets back into the winners circle. All things considered, I do indeed feel that this is the very definition of “great line value.” 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Winnipeg Jets (7:00 EST).

Winnipeg comes in off a gritty 3-2 road win over Carolina, while the Rangers enter off a 3-2 road victory over Edmonton. 

The Jets are 15-17 on the road, averaging 2.84 goals and conceding 2.78 in those contests. Overall Winnipeg averages 3.35 GPG and it allows 2.66. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is 34-18 with a 2.40 GAA, including 11-11 with a 2.48 GAA on the road.

The Rangers average 2.97 goals and allow 2.81 at home this season. Overall New York averages 2.82 GPG and it concedes 3.11. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is 16-11 with a 2.83 GAA on the year.

I’ll point out though that the Jets are 8-2 in their last ten against teams with losing records and 30-14 in their last 44 when playing on one days rest, while the Rangers are just 12-19 (-5.5 units) this year against clubs with winning records.

After three straight road wins, all signs point to a classic letdown for the overachieving Rangers. Winnipeg is fighting for playoff positioning and I expect it to take advantage in The Big Apple.

Lay the price, play on the Jets.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the San Jose Sharks (9:00 EST).

The 32-28-5 Columbus Blue Jackets are in San Jose to take on the 35-21-9 Sharks on Sunday and for a number of different reasons, I absolutely believe that the home side is worth the price of admission in this spot.

Columbus enters off a 4-2 road loss to the Ducks, while San Jose cruised to a 7-2 win against Chicago in its latest action. And if recent history is any precedence, then the home side has to be loving its chances here as it would take the first meeting of the season between the clubs 3-1.

The Blue Jackets’ achilles heel is on the offensive side of the puck, averaging just 2.6 GPG, ranked 29th in the league. Columbus is stout defensively by conceding 2.8 GPG, as goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is 27-21-5 with a 2.45 GAA.

San Jose averages 2.9 GPG and it concedes 2.7. Netminder Martin Jones is 21-16-6 with a 2.50 GAA thus far.

Note that Columbus is just 1-4 in its last five on the road, while San Jose is a perfect 4-0 in its last four in front of the home town crowd.

The Sharks have been particularly potent offensively of late, averaging 4.2 GPG over their last ten home games. Columbus comes in concluding its Western swing, playing for a third time in four nights. 

This line could easily be a lot higher in my opinion, great value on the Sharks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Arizona Coyotes (8:00 EST).

I base my picks on many different things and plain old “common sense” is one of them.

No need to go into great detail for this one. Ottawa is a horrible team, which has done tremendously poor on the road. The Senators though come in off a 5-4 win at Las Vegas just last night and suffice it to say, there’s no question that this one sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for the visitors this evening.

Arizona has also been a complete disaster overall this year, but the Coyotes come in playing their best hockey of the entire season with seven wins in their last ten outings, including a 5-3 victory over Minnesota in their most recent. And with an extended road trip through Canada starting on Monday, tonight’s contest takes on added importance for the home side as well.

All things considered, I feel this is indeed the very definition of “great line value.” Play on Arizona.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New York Islanders (7:05 EST).

This is the second game of a home and home set between the clubs. The Habs took Game 1 at home 3-1 on Wednesday (I actually had Montreal in that one.)

But with the shift in venue, I like the struggling Islanders to get some immediate payback tonight.

Note that Montreal is 8-21 on the road, averaging 2.17 goals and conceding 3.48 in those contests. Goaltender Antti Niemi is now 4-8 with a 3.53 GAA on the year, including just 1-6 with a 4.43 GAA on the road. 

New York is 16-15 at home, averaging 3.48 GPG and conceding 3.58 in those games. Netminder Jaroslav Halak is 18-26 with a 3.18 GAA, including 11-12 with a 3.29 GAA at home. Christopher Gibson could be in net for the home side, and he was 18-11-1 with a 2.31 GAA with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this year. 

I’ll point out though that Montreal is just 5-12 in its last 17 when playing one days worth of rest, while New York is 35-16 in its last 51 home games against a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400. 

I think New York is the much “hungrier” team in this matchup and I look for it to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

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

Pittsburgh comes to town off a 3-2 home loss to New Jersey, while Boston enters off a 4-3 OT victory at home over Carolina.

Pittsburgh’s achilles heel this year has clearly been its play on the road (just 13-19 away from friendly confines), where it’s averaged 2.81 GPG and conceded 3.13. Matt Murray is out with a concussion, meaning we’re going to see either Casey DeSmith, who gave up three goals on 38 shots in the Penguins setback to the Devils (note that he’s 1-2 with a 2.48 GAA on the road), or Tristan Jarry, who is 4-4 with a 2.35 GAA on the road.

Boston’s strength this season has been its play at home where it’s gone 20-11 while averaging 3.26 GPG and conceding just 2.39 (No. 1 in the league.) Netminder Tuukka Rask is 24-15 with a 2.23 GAA overall on the year, including 16-7 with a 1.99 GAA at home. 

I think it’s significant to note as well that Pittsburgh is 0-4 in its last four trips to Boston, while the Bruins are 13-3 in their last 16 when playing on one days rest. 

The Penguins have struggled on the road all year and they’re without their No. 1 goaltender for this one. After winning six straight, Pittsburgh has now dropped two in a row and I predict that slide to continue for at least one more game. 

In my professional opinion, this is indeed the very definition of “great line value.” Play on Boston.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Montreal Canadiens (7:00 EST).

This is the first game of a home and home set and as such, I’m expecting the struggling home side to risk life and limb to secure a much-needed victory.

New York comes to town off a 2-1 loss to New Jersey, while the Habs fell 1-0 at home in a shootout to Philadelphia in their most recent action.

The Isles are 13-19 on the road, averaging 3.00 GPG and conceding 3.50 in those contests. Jaroslav Halak is 18-25 with a 3.18 GAA, including just 7-13 with a 3.06 GAA on the road.

The Canadiens are 15-18 at home, averaging 2.79 goals and conceding 2.67 in those contests. Goaltender Antti Niemi is 3-8 with a 3.76 GAA this year. Note though that he’s 2-2 with a 2.88 GAA in front of the home town crowd.

I’ll also point out that New York is just 1-3 (-2 units) in its last four after three or more consecutive losses, while Montreal is 4-1 in its last five home games against teams with a losing road record.

The Habs are competing right now, with back-to-back extra time losses and I believe that hard work will finally translate into a win for the home side. Great price, play on Montreal.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* BLOWOUT is on the Winnipeg Jets (8:00 EST).

Nashville looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after its 4-0 home win over St. Louis.

Winnipeg returns home looking to build off its 5-3 road win over Dallas. 

The Predators enter averaging 3.13 GPG and conceding 2.46. Goaltender Pekka Rinne is 32-13 with a 2.27 GAA overall this season. 

The Jets average 3.28 GPG and they concede 2.65. Connor Hellebuyck is 32-17 with a 2.32 GAA this year and he’s 22-6 with a 2.18 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out though that Nashville is a poor 3-5 (-3.1 units) this season after shutting out its opponent in its previous game, while Winnipeg is 8-4 (+2.4 units) in its last 12 against clubs with winning records.

The Jets have been better at home than on the road this year, averaging a whopping 3.82 GPG in Winnipeg. 

I’m going to call the goaltenders a “wash” in this one, but I think the value swings to the Jets at home here.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Philadelphia Flyers (7:35 EST).

Philadelphia enters off a 5-3 road win over Ottawa and it’s now won five in a row and nine of its last ten. Montreal has struggled this season and it enters off a disheartening 4-3 home shootout loss to Tampa Bay. 

The Flyers come into this one averaging 3.02 GPG, while conceding 2.79. Goaltender Petr Mrazek, who stopped 25 of 28 in the win over the Senators, is now 10-10 with a 2.81 GAA, including 8-6 with a 2.71 GAA on the road. 

Philadelphia is in a dog fight with Pittsburgh and Washington for top spot in the East, with just a single game separating the teams.

The Habs average 2.54 GPG and they concede 3.10. Goaltender Antti Niemi fell to 3-8 with a 3.76 GAA. 

Montreal is arguably the worst team in the league right now and after throwing everything it had against the Lightning in its latest setback, I think a predictable letdown is on deck here as well.

Philadelphia though won’t be taking anything for granted as it tries to make up ground among the leaders in the East.

All things considered, I feel this is a great price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Minnesota Wild (8:05 EST).

San Jose enters off a 3-1 road loss in Chicago, while Minnesota comes in off a 4-1 road win at New York. 

So far the Sharks average just 2.55 GPG, while allowing 2.62 on the road this season (just a 16-17 record away from friendly confines.) Goaltender Martin Jones is 19-21 with a 2.52 GAA this year, including 8-13 with a 2.56 GAA on the road. Note that he’s 2-5 with a 2.49 GAA lifetime against Minnesota. 

The Wild have gone 20-11 at home and have averaged 3.13 GPG there, while conceding just 2.16. Netminder Devan Dubnyk is 25-16 with a 2.57 GAA overall this year, including 15-8 with a 2.17 GAA at home. 

Additionally I’ll point out that San Jose is just 2-10 in its last 12 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Minnesota is 8-3 in its last 11 against a team with a winning record. 

The Sharks offense has stalled of late, scoring just two goals over its last two games. And that doesn’t bode well in my opinion facing a Wild team which has conceded just 2.16 GPG at home this season. 

Also note that the home team is 20-8 the last 28 in this series.

This line could easily be a lot larger in my opinion. Great value, play on the Wild.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WEST-CONF GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Anaheim Ducks (8:00 EST).

The 31-20 Anaheim Ducks are at Arizona to take on the 17-33 Coyotes on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visiting side.

Anaheim comes in on top form as it’s won four straight, most recently getting the better of Dallas 2-0 on Wednesday. Goaltender Ryan Miller stopped 41 shots in the impressive performance:

“We recognize where the season is at,” Miller assessed. “Our game has been pretty good. We had a couple tough outings on the road and then we kind of got it together. It’s been consistent for the last two weeks.”

After winning four straight, the Coyotes came back down to Earth in a 5-2 setback to Calgary on Thursday. Derek Stepan was a bright in the losing cause with his 11th goal of the year. 

I’ll point out though that Anaheim is 11-5 in its last 16 against teams with losing records, while Arizona is only 9-22 at home this season and just 11-27 in its last 38 against the Pacific division. 

The Ducks come in firing on all cylinders across the board right now (note that they’ve killed off 19 of their last 20 penalties) and they’ve taken eight of the last nine in this series.

No letdown here, as I fully expect Anaheim to take advantage of this favorable matchup. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Chicago Blackhawks (8:35 EST).

I base my picks on many different things and “scheduling” and “common sense” are two factors which I always take into account.

No need to overthink this one in my opinion, as I believe the Sharks come in “gassed” here after their humbling 7-1 defeat in Nashville last night. 

Struggling Chicago will look to take advantage of this opportunity and to build off its 3-2 shootout win at home over the Senators. 

So far the Sharks average 2.90 GPG, while conceding 2.67. Martin Jones is expected between the pipes tonight and he’s so far 19-20 with a 2.53 GAA this season.

Chicago averages 2.82 GPG and it concedes 2.85. Netminder Anton Forsberg stopped 32 of 34 shots in the win over Ottawa to improve to 7-15 with a 2.90 GAA this year. 

The Blackhawks have in fact won two of their last three and I don’t think we have to question their focus or motivation levels this evening. Last night’s loss for San Jose snapped a three-game slide and in my opinion, this sets up as a classic let-down/trap for the visitors.

Great value, play on Chicago.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Edmonton Oilers (9:00 EST).

The 32-23-4 Colorado Avalanche are in Edmonton to take on the 24-31-4 Oilers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Edmonton will be desperate here as it’s lost seven of its last eight games (all in regulation). The Oilers beat the Avs in Colorado last Thursday, but then promptly came back and lost to Boston on Tuesday.

Colorado comes to town off an OT win over Vancouver earlier in the week. 

The Avs are trying to adjust playing without top defenseman Erik Johnson, who was lost in the loss to Edmonton last week. Colorado managed the 5-4 OT win over Vancouver, but I think it’s going to stumble here in this tough environment against this hungry team. 

Edmonton looks to take advantage and bounce back from a 3-2 loss to the Bruins. Keep your eyes on Oilers’ star Connor McDavid, who has six goals and 13 points in seven career match ups against Colorado.

I look for the “hungrier” team to find a way to get the job done once it’s all said and done. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

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

Columbus enters off a 2-1 road win over New Jersey, while the Flyers scored in the final minute of third period against the Habs to force the OT frame and they’d then go on to score the 3-2 victory in their latest action. 

Columbus averages 2.55 GPG and it concedes 2.73. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 30 of 31 shots in this team’s latest win, to improve to 25-24 with a 2.46 GAA on the year. Note that Bobrovsky has routinely been at his best as well whenever he’s faced the Flyers throughout his career, going 9-3 with a 1.81 GAA. 

Philadelphia averages 3.00 GPG and it concedes 2.82. Alex Lyon was in net for the latest victory, stopping 25 of 27 shots to move to 2-1 with a 2.88 GAA. Petr Mrazek could get the start in net tonight though and he’s gone 1-4 with a 2.79 GAA against the Blue Jackets lifetime.

I give Bobrovsky the big nod in net in this matchup and for me, that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in favor of the underdogs tonight. Great value, play on Columbus.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 EST).

The 29-25-1-4 Columbus Blue Jackets are in New Jersey to take on the 31-20-4-4 Devils on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Columbus comes in motivated after dropping its third straight, most recently a listless 5-2 setback at home to the Penguins on Sunday.

Columbus actually outshot Pittsburgh 37-23, but goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was uncharacteristically shaky in that one, making 18 saves in the sub-par performance. Bobrovsky is now 24-19-5 with a 2.49 GAA (note that he’s 12-5-1 lifetime against the Devils as well.)

The Blue Jackets average 2.56 GPG and allow 2.80.

The Devils average 2.98 GPG and they concede 3.00. Goaltender Keith Kinkaid had 40 saves in his team’s most recent win over the Hurricanes. Note that Kincaid is 0-2-0 with a 4.27 GAA against Columbus though, while Eddie Lack is 2-3-0 on the year with a 3.24 GAA, while going 1-3-0 with a 3.68 GAA for his career against the Blue Jackets.

Additionally I’ll point out that Columbus is 13-6 (+4.9 units) already this season after a loss by two goals or more in its previous outing, while New Jersey is already a poor 3-5 (-2.7 units) this year after a three-game unbeaten streak.

I think the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on the Blue Jackets.

Good luck…Larry

(MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Minnesota Wild (1:05 EST).

Minnesota enters off a 3-2 shootout loss at home to Anaheim, while New York is off a 3-0 road win over Carolina.

The Wild come into this one averaging 2.91 GPG, while conceding 2.83. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 23-15 with a 2.62 GAA this season.

The Islanders average 3.28 GPG and they concede 3.55. Netminder Jaroslav Halak is 18-33 with a 3.17 GAA so far this year.

The Isles come in off consecutive 3-0 shutout wins over the Rangers and Carolina, but with two nights off before an extended road trip, I believe that the home side suffers a classic letdown in this trap situation.

Minnesota though won’t be leaving anything to chance after closing a five game home stand by going 2-3, including dropping the final two. This is the opener of a tough three-game Eastern swing and I believe the Wild catch the Isles at the right place and the right time.

I like Dubnyk to get the better of Halak and all things considered, I do indeed feel this is a very fair price.

Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE YEAR is on the San Jose Sharks (8:05 EST).

The 34-20-4 Dallas Stars are in San Jose to take on the 31-19-8 Sharks on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Dallas looks poised for a letdown here as it’s won six of its last seven, most recently getting the better of St. Louis on Friday. 

San Jose also comes in on a streak having won three of its last four, most recently beating the Canucks on Thursday. 

After getting smashed 6-0 by Vancouver, the Stars would hold on for dear life in the 2-1 victory over the Blues. 

Dallas has 173 goals so far on the year and it’s allowed 150 thus far. Goaltenders Kari Lehtonen and Ben Bishop have both played well so far this year. 

Martin Jones made 43 saves for the Sharks in their 4-1 win over Vancouver. So far San Jose has posted 166 goals and allowed 156. I think it’s important to note that San Jose is fourth on the power-play this year (22.9 percent) and it’s No. 1 on the penalty kill with an 84.5 percent success rate.

This is a revenge game for the Sharks, who fell 6-0 to the Stars on December 31st. In fact, Dallas has won four of the last five meetings overall. 

However note that the home team has won the last four meetings between the clubs.

This is an important game of San Jose, which embarks on a tough five game road swing on Tuesday. Dallas has played three straight at home and gone 2-1 in that span, but with tough games upcoming in Anaheim and LA, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors in some small way getting caught looking ahead to those difficult contests on the horizon.

All things considered, I do indeed feel that this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on San Jose.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Minnesota Wild (8:05 EST).

The 32-17-7 Washington Capitals are in Minnesota to take on the 31-19-6 Wild and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Washington comes to town with zero momentum, loser of two straight.

Conversely Minnesota comes in on top form with two straight wins, over Chicago and the Rangers respectively.

Washington may be hungry to break its slide, but it comes to town “gassed,” after consecutive OT losses. The Capitals have been terrible on the defensive end of the ice of late, allowing 20 goals over their last four losses.

And that doesn’t bode well facing a Minnesota team which has gone 10-0-3 in its last 13 in front of the home town crowd. 

The Wild are also ninth in the league in power play conversion, while the Capitals are 18th in goals allowed per game. 

If this was any other team, Minnesota could be poised for a classic letdown, but I don’t foresee the home side getting caught complacent here with the dangerous Capitals in town.

Great price, play on the Wild.

Good luck…Larry

(MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

My 10* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK is on the New Jersey Devils (7:05 EST).

Carolina comes in off a very satisfying 7-3 home win over LA, while the Devils also enter off a victory, managing a tough 5-4 shootout result on the road over Philadelphia.

The Hurricanes average 2.72 GPG and they concedes 2.91. Goaltender Cam Ward stopped 27 of 30 shots in Carolina’s latest win and he’s now 17-10 with a 2.60 GAA. 

New Jersey averages 2.93 GPG and it concedes 3.04. Netminder Keith Kinkaid stopped 31 of 35 shots in the victory over the Flyers to move him to 11-9 with a 3.31 GAA (note that Kinkaid is 4-2 with a 2.80 GAA at home.) 

Additionally I’ll point out that this is a spot in which Carolina has been terrible in for a long time, going 14-38 in its last 52 road games against a team with a winning home record, while New Jersey has excelled in this spot for bettors by going 7-3 in its last 11 home games against a team with a losing road record and 7-3 in its last ten following a victory. 

Note as well that Ward is 12-19 with a 2.60 GAA lifetime against New Jersey, while Kinkaid is 4-1 with a 1.55 GAA in his career against Carolina. 

I think we’re getting fantastic value on the hungry home side in this matchup.

Good luck…Larry

(MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

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

Both teams come into this one having split their last four games.

St. Louis comes to town off a 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh. Backup goaltender Carter Hutton is expected in net tonight for the visitors. He’s 15-5-1 overall and he’s won five of his last six coming in.

It’s true that the Predators had to play to OT in all four of their contests during their recent road swing, but I think they’ll build off their latest 3-2 shootout win over the Habs. 

Pekka Rinne will get the nod in net for the home side. Rinne had a sizeable win streak snapped in Toronto, before he then got back into the win column in Montreal. 

I have been a professional handicapper for over 34 years now and I use many different techniques and/or systems when making my selections. 

Neither team has an advantage from a “scheduling” stand point in my opinion, but there’s no question that this one favors the Preds as far as the “trends” are concerned. As note that St. Louis is 0-7 in its last seven in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation, while Nashville is a near perfect 5-1 (+3.5 units) this year after playing three or more consecutive road games.

St. Louis is also 0-6 in its last six trips to Nashville. I give the nod to the Predators in net as well. 

All of these factors combine to make this a price in which I have no issues at all in laying.

Play on Nashville.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the New York Islanders (7:05 EST).

The 28-19-9 Calgary Flames are in Long Island to take on the 27-23-6 Islanders on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Calgary comes in off a 4-3 loss to the Rangers, while New York enters off a 7-6 OT win over Detroit on Friday. 

The Flames have been “road warriors” all season long, but they looked “gassed” in the third period against the Rangers. Entering that frame with a 3-2 lead they’d end up giving up two goals and eventually succumbed 4-3 in the end. Mike Smith is expected between the pipes tonight and he’s 22-16-6 with a 2.54 GAA thus far. 

Calgary enters averaging 2.8 GPG and conceding 2.8 as well.

New York averages 3.4 GPG, while conceding 3.7. Jaroslav Halak is 17-16-4 with a 3.23 GAA thus far. Of note, rookie Mathew Barzal had five assists in the Isles most recent victory.

Additionally I’ll point out that the Flames are already a poor 2-4 (-2.4 units) this season after playing three consecutive home games, while the Islanders are 42-35 (+8.6 units) in their last 77 after allowing four goals or more in their previous contest. 

This is Calgary’s third game in four nights on the road and suffice it to say, I think this absolutely sets up as a letdown spot after its disappointing setback to the Rangers. Conversely, the struggling Isles won’t be taking anything for granted after their recent stretch of shoddy play. That said, they’ll be encouraged after their latest victory.

All things considered, I do indeed feel that this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on the Islanders.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Carolina Hurricanes (8:00 EST).

The 29-20 Colorado Avalanche are in Carolina to take on the Hurricanes on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Carolina comes in off a 2-1 OT loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday, while Colorado was smashed 6-1 by St. Louis in its latest action. 

The Avs average 3.2 GPG and concede 2.9. Goaltender Semyon Varlamov  owns a 2.89 GAA, while Jon Bernier owns a 2.69 GAA. 

Carolina plays with revenge here after falling 5-3 to Colorado earlier in the year. The Avs haven’t been playing very well lately though, dropping five of their last seven, still playing without leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon. 

Carolina averages 2.6 GPG and it concedes 3.00. Carolina is in action against Vancouver on Friday night, but regardless of the outcome in that one, I think the home side is going to find a way to get the job done against this very inconsistent Avs team. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Colorado is interestingly just 3-10 in its last 13 road games against a team with a losing home record, while Carolina is 5-0 in its last five against a team with a road winning percentage below .400. 

Colorado has managed only 2.0 GPG over its last seven games without McKinnon in the line-up, which clearly doesn’t bode well facing this Hurricanes team which going into Friday night has given up just ten goals over its last five games. 

All things considered, a great price, play on Carolina.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dallas Stars (8:30 EST).

The 30-22 Pittsburgh Penguins are in Dallas to take on the 31-19 Stars and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Pittsburgh rallied for a 5-4 win over Vegas on Tuesday, while Dallas comes in off a 4-2 win at Chicago last night. 

The Penguins enter this one averaging 3.00 GPG and conceding 3.00 GPG as well. Matt Murray owns an 18-12-1 record to go along with a 2.97 GAA. Phil Kessel had a goal and an assist in his teams victory over Vegas.

Dallas averages 3.00 GPG and it concedes 2.6. Whoever the Stars decide to go with tonight, I’m giving the home side the big nod in net. Note that Kari Lehtonen owns a 2.22 GAA this year, while Ben Bishop has a 2.44 GAA. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Pittsburgh is just 7-15 in its last 22 on the road, wile Dallas is 19-8 in its last 27 at home.

Dallas is averaging 3.4 GPG over its last ten, which doesn’t bode well for a Pittsburgh team which has allowed 11 goals over its last three. 

Finally note that the Stars have been particularly sharp on the defensive side of late, allowing only five goals over their last four games.

Great price, play on Dallas.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Philadelphia Flyers (7:00 EST).

The Habs come into this one off a 4-1 home win over Ottawa, while the Flyers enter off a 2-1 road victory in Carolina. 

Montreal comes into this one averaging 2.58 GPG, while conceding 3.06. Goaltender Carey Price stopped 25 of 26 shots in the victory over the Senators. Price is 15-23 with a 2.92 GAA this season, including just 4-12 with a 3.23 GAA on the road.

Philadelphia averages 2.87 GPG and it concedes 2.85. Netminder Brian Elliot stopped 27 of 28 shots in the win over Carolina to move to 20-18 with a 2.71 GAA this year. Note that Elliot is 6-4 with a 2.89 GAA lifetime against the Canadiens as well.

Montreal has struggled in many facets of the game this year, but note that it’s had a hell of a time whenever it’s played in Philadelphia the last few seasons, going just 5-16 in its last 21 trips there.

The Flyers look to take advantage of that lop-sided trend and to also improve upon their 10-4 record over their last 14 games when playing on just one days rest.

Philadelphia remains in a dog-fight for the seventh seed in the East and it absolutely won’t be taking anything for granted here. I’m banking on Elliot outplaying Price as well and all things considered, I do indeed feel this is a very fair price.

Play on the Flyers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the LA Kings (10:30 EST).

Edmonton looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after its 6-2 home win over Tampa Bay. 

LA will look to take advantage and to build off its 6-0 home victory over the lowly Coyotes.

Edmonton averages 2.78 GPG and it concedes 3.18. Cam Talbot is 19-19 with a 3.18 GAA, including 7-9 with a 3.06 GAA on the road. Note that he’s just 4-7 with a 3.00 GAA lifetime against the Kings as well.

LA averages 2.81 GPG and it concedes 2.42. Goaltender Jon Quick is 20-20 with a 2.51 GAA, including 9-10 with a 2.36 GAA at home. Note that Quick is 21-8 with a 1.77 GAA lifetime against the Oilers.

Additionally I’ll point out that the Oilers are just 7-17 in their last 24 following a victory, while LA is 7-3 in its last ten home against against a team with a losing road record.

The Kings are the No. 2 defensive team in the league and they’ve been particularly tough at home. Edmonton is playing better, but its Achilles Heel all year has been its play on the road.

All things considered, I believe this line could in fact be a lot larger. Great value, play on LA.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 28-19-5 Minnesota Wild are in St. Louis to take on the 32-19-3 Blues and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Minnesota enters off a 6-1 loss to Dallas on Saturday, while St. Louis comes in off a 1-0 victory over Buffalo in its most recent action.

So far these teams have split a pair of games this year, with the Wild winning the most recent, 2-1 in OT.

The Wild average 2.9 GPG and they concede 2.9 as well. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 20-10-3 with a 2.66 GAA. Despite the blowout loss in its last outing, Minnesota has been playing better of late by going 6-2-2 in its last ten.

But I still don’t think it’ll be enough here against the Blues at home.

St. Louis averages 2.8 GPG and it concedes 2.5. Carter Allen has been fantastic in net, going 14-4-1 with a 1.61 GAA this season, while Jake Allen is 18-15-2 with a 2.72 GAA.

I’ll point out as well that Minnesota is just 33-71 in its last 104 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Blues are 5-1 in their last six after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous outing. 

St. Louis has been particularly tough on the defensive end of the ice of late, allowing just 12 goals over its last eight games. And that doesn’t bode well for Minnesota, which has conceded 16 goals over its last four.

Finally note that the Wild are just 10-15 on the road this year, while the Blues have won five of the last six in this series in front of the home town crowd.

This line could easily be a lot larger in my professional opinion. Great value, play on St. Louis.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Tampa Bay Lightning (9:00 EST).

Tampa comes in off a 4-2 road win over Vancouver and it’ll look to close out its eight-game road trip with one last victory.

Edmonton comes into this one off a 4-3 home loss to Colorado in OT and I think it’ll struggle against this determined Lighting team.

The Lightning have won five of their last six and are now 19-11 on the road. Tampa averages 3.56 GPG and it concedes 2.54. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskly is 15-7 with a 1.96 GAA on the road. 

Edmonton averages 2.72 GPG and it concedes 3.20. Cam Talbot is 18-19 with a 3.14 GAA on the year, including only 11-10 with a 3.19 GAA at home. 

So far the Oilers are just 11-15 in Edmonton, averaging 2.65 goals and allowing 3.54 in those contests.

Additionally I’ll point out that Tampa is 23-7 in its last 30 when playing on one days rest, while the Oilers are just 20-45 in their last 65 when playing on three or more days rest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Tampa Bay.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Calgary Flames (10:00 EST).

The 24-20 Chicago Blackhawks are in Calgary to take on the 25-18 Flames and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

It’s all hands on deck for the Flames tonight as they look to break a six-game slide. Calgary has taken points in four of those contests, but it comes in hungry after back-to-back regulation setbacks, most recently to Tampa Bay.

The Hawks earned points in three straight contests before falling to the Canucks in their most recent action. 

The Hawks have looked a bit better of late, but Calgary is clearly the “hungrier” team. 

Calgary has had leads in each of its last six games (0-4-2), but the bounces simply haven’t gone its way:

“We’re going through a tough patch right now; there’s no doubt about it,” forward Matt Stajan assessed yesterday. “Adversity has hit. We have to stick together in these walls and get through this.”

The Hawks lost 4-3 in OT to Calgary already this year, but note that Chicago is a poor 8-15 (-8.6 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Calgary is already 8-4 (+3.7 units) this year following a loss by two goals or more.

Home ice advantage can’t be overlooked as a very real factor working in favor of the Flames today either. Great value on the desperate home side, play on Calgary.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Pittsburgh Penguins (7:00 EST).

Both teams come in off victories, with the Capitals beating the Flyers 5-3, while the Pens got the better of the Sharks 5-2 in their latest action. 

Washington averages 3.04 GPG and it concedes 2.80. Braden Holtby is 26-11 with a 2.67 GAA on the year. For his career Holtby is 8-10 with a 2.69 GAA against Pittsburgh.

The Capitals have struggled on the road this season though, going 11-12 away from friendly confines, to go along with averaging 2.91 GPG and conceding 3.39 in those contests.

Pittsburgh averages 2.96 GPG and it concedes 2.96 as well. The Pens though are 18-8 at home, averaging 3.38 GPG and conceding just 2.69. Goaltender Matt Murray saved 40 of 42 shots he faced to move to 16-13- with a 2.90 GAA in the victory over San Jose. Note that Murray is a strong 10-5 with a 2.61 GAA at home this season. 

Additionally I’ll point out that the Capitals are just 2-5 in their last seven road games agains a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Penguins are 41-13 in their last 54 home games against a team with a losing road record. 

Washington is just 2-7 in its last nine trips to Pittsburgh and it faces an uphill battle here as well. I like the Pens to continue their hot play at home and I expect the Capitals’ “road woes” to continue. Lay the price, play on the Penguins.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR is on the Ottawa Senators (7:05 EST).

Anaheim comes in off a very satisfying 3-1 road in over Boston in its first game back from the All Star game, while the Sens fell 2-1 to the Canes in their first outing of the second half. 

The Ducks average just 2.76 GPG, while they concede 2.79. John Gibson is questionable for this game and if he does play, he brings his pedestrian 18-19, 2.63 GAA record to the table. If Ryan Miller gets the nod, note that he’s 3-3 with a 2.44 GAA on the road this season. 

Overall Anaheim is just 11-14 on the road, averaging 2.67 GPG and conceding 2.64 away from friendly confines.

The Senators average 2.50 GPG and concede 3.40. Goaltender Craig Anderson gave up two goals on 39 shots in the loss to Carolina, dropping him to 12-22 with a 3.17 GAA. 

The Ducks have three more tough road match ups ahead of them, including at Montreal on Saturday night, followed by an outing in Toronto on Monday. There’s no question that in some small way this sets up as a let down/look ahead spot for the surging Ducks.

But the Senators don’t have the same luxury, as the come in desperate here after losing five of their last six. 

Ottawa is desperate and this has essentially become a “must win” for it. Now throw in the fact that the Sens also play with revenge after falling 3-0 in Anaheim in early December and all signs do indeed point to a win for the hungry home side.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Detroit Red Wings (8:05 EST).

I base my picks on many different things, and “scheduling” is one of them.

San Jose played and lost 5-2 in Pittsburgh just last night. Surely the Sharks would love to get back into the win column right away, but they come in flat and tired against a Red Wings team looking to make some noise as it looks to get off on “the right foot” to open the second half.

Detroit’s latest action saw it fall 5-1 at home to Chicago just before the All Star Game. 

San Jose is now 12-13 on the road, averaging 2.79 GPG away from friendly confines and conceding 2.83. Martin Jones is expected between the pipes for the visitors tonight and he’s 5-9 with a 2.65 GAA on the road this season.

Detroit has gone a poor 10-17 at home this year, averaging 2.63 GPG and conceding 3.07. Jimmy Howard is in net tonight for the home side and he’s 10-14 with a 2.85 GAA in Detroit this year. 

But San Jose is dealing with injury issues and it come in “dog tired” after falling at the defending champs last night. It’s a great spot for the Wings to take advantage of and all things considered, I do indeed feel that this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on the Sharks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Colorado Avalanche (10:00 EST).

The 27-18-3 Colorado Avalanche are in Vancouver to take on the 19-24-6 Canucks and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Avs fell 3-1 to St. Louis in their latest action. Vancouver also lost in its final game before the break, a listless 4-0 setback to lowly Buffalo. 

Colorado has in fact now lost two straight (after winning ten straight.) Jonathan Bernier made 31 saves in the latest losing effort. On the year the Avs average 3.3 GPG, while conceding 2.9. 

Vancouver averages 2.6 GPG and it concedes 3.2. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom is 13-16-15 with a 2.74 GAA this year. 

I think it’s important to note though that this is a spot in which the Avs have done quite well in of late, going 6-2 in their last eight when playing with three or more days rest, while Vancouver is just 2-5 in its last seven in the same position.

The Canucks have won just eight of their last 36 in front of the home town crowd and lack the scoring depth to keep pace with the rested Avs in my opinion. All things considered, I feel this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on Colorado.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WEEKLY WIPEOUT WINNER is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (9:05 EST).

Columbus looks to rebound here after falling 6-3 in Vegas on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets average just 2.6 GPG this year, but they make up for it on the defensive end of the ice, anchored by spectacular goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 21-15-3 overall to go along with a 2.50 GAA. 

After a couple of shaky outings, Bobrovsky will be eager to return to form against the Coyotes, who look poised for a letdown here in my opinion after their 3-2 OT win over the Isles on Monday (their second straight victory.)

Antti Raanta stopped 32 of 34 shots in that one and he’s now 8-12-5 with a 2.58 GAA on the season. 

I’ll point out though that Columbus is already 11-4 (+5.4 units) this season after a loss by two goals or more in its previous contest, while Arizona is a horrible 1-8 (-6.9 units) this year when playing with two days rest.

I give the Blue Jackets the big nod in net in this one and in my opinion, that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in their favor tonight. Great price here, play on Columbus.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Pittsburgh Penguins (7:00 EST).

Carolina enters off a 5-1 home loss to Las Vegas and I think it’s primed for another letdown here.

Pittsburgh also enters off a loss, a tough 2-1 road setback in San Jose. 

The Hurricanes are just 11-15 on the road now, averaging 2.73 GPG away from friendly confines, while conceding 3.08. Overall Carolina averages 2.70 GPG and it concedes 3.04. Goaltender Cam Ward is 12-7 with a 2.75 GAA overall this season.

Pittsburgh is 15-8 at home this year, averaging 3.22 GPG in front of the one town crowd, while conceding 2.78. Goaltender Casey DeSmith gave up two goals on 36 shots in his team’s latest setback.

I’ll point out though that Carolina is interestingly just 5-14 in its last 19 following a loss of three goals or more, while Pittsburgh is 39-13 in its last 52 home games against clubs with losing road records.

Note that this is a revenge game for the Pens after they fell 4-0 to Carolina just two weeks ago. 

In my professional opinion, this number could easily be a lot larger. Play on Pittsburgh.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the New York Islanders (9:00 EST).

The 24-20-4 New York Islanders are in Arizona to take on the 11-28-9 Coyotes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the high-scoring visiting side.

The Coyotes look poised for a letdown here after a rare road win over St. Louis. a victory which snapped a five-game slide. 

The Isles come in with a ton of momentum though after they smashed the Hawks 7-3 in Chicago on Saturday. Anthony Beauvillier had two power-play goals in that one and he now has seven goals in his last nine games. 

The Coyotes got two goals from Christian Dvorak to beat the Blues 5-2 this weekend. Arizona though is tied with Buffalo for last in the league with only 31 points overall.

Additionally I’ll point out that Arizona is just 6-20 in its last 26 following a victory, while New York is 5-2 in its last seven against the Pacific Division. 

I think this is a great price as I believe the Coyotes return to mediocrity here against this high-powered Isles’ offense. Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Anaheim Ducks (9:05 EST).

San Jose held on for a very satisfying 2-1 win at home over Pittsburgh just last night and suffice it to say, I believe all signs point to a classic letdown for the Sharks here.

Anaheim comes in with momentum after its most recent 2-1 win over the Kings. 

San Jose averages 2.80 GPG and it concedes 2.66. Goaltender Martin Jones will not be starting tonight, instead it’s backup Aaron Dell, who is 10-5 with a 2.26 GAA. 

Anaheim averages 2.70 GPG and it concedes 2.64. Goaltender John Gibson is 16-18 with a 2.59 GAA and would go on to make 23 of 24 saves against LA. Note that he’s 2-2 with a tiny 1.61 GAA lifetime against San jose.

I’ll point out as well that San Jose is just 6-9 (-5.2 units) this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Anaheim is 3-1 (+1.9 units) in its last four against teams with winning records.

Anaheim has been playing a lot better of late, anchored by some great play in net by Gibson.

I believe Gibson will easily out duel his counterpart tonight and in my opinion, that’ll be more than enough to secure the victory for the home side. Lay the price with confidence, play on the Ducks.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Minnesota Wild (9:05 EST).

The 31-11-3 Tampa Bay Lightning are in Minnesota to take on the 24-17 Wild and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Tampa Bay comes in off a humbling 4-1 loss at home to Vegas on Thursday, while Minnesota enters off a 3-2 OT setback to Vancouver in its most recent action.

Note that this is definitely a revenge scenario for the home side after it fell 3-0 in Tampa earlier in the year. 

The Lightning average 3.6 GPG, while conceding 2.5. Netminder Andrei Vasilevskly owns a 27-8-2, 2.23 GAA record overall. 

The Lightning have indeed been struggling of late though, losing four of their last six. 

Minnesota averages 2.8 GPG and it concedes 2.61. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 17-9-3 with a 2.61 GAA. 

I’ll point out though that TB is just 2-4 (-1.7 units) in its last six after scoring one goal or less in its previous outing, while Minnesota is 2-1 (+1.2 units) in its last three in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent in which it was shutout in.

I think these goaltenders are a “wash,” but I’m giving the big nod to the Wild, both for the home ice advantage and the revenge factor. Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ottawa Senators (7:30 EST).

St. Louis enters off a 2-1 OT win over Toronto, while Ottawa is off a 4-3 road victory over the Leafs as well. 

The Blues average 2.83 GPG and concede 2.62. Goaltender Jake Allen is 18-16 with a 2.75 GAA, including going just 8-9 with a 2.90 GAA on the road.

The Senators average 2.76 GPG and concede 3.43. Netminder Craig Anderson stopped 45 of 48 shots against Toronto in his teams latest victory to move him to 12-18 with a 3.22 GAA.

I’ll point out though that St. Louis is just 1-2 in its last three after an OT victory in which it held its opponent to 1 or less goals, while Ottawa is 2-1 in its last three after scoring four goals or more in tis previous outing.

The Sens went into their break having won three of their previous four with their offense leading the way with 18 goals over its last four games. Also note that Ottawa has averaged 3.14 GPG at home this year. 

St. Louis has been struggling a bit on the defensive side of the ice lately (despite the OT win last time out), allowing a total of 18 goals over its last four games.

With two whole nights off before a “cream puff” at home against Arizona, I think the Blues come out flat footed as they caught looking ahead.

It’s a PERFECT STORM of factors working in favor of the hungry home side. Play on the Senators.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Nashville Predators (8:05 EST).

No need to overthink this one in my opinion. The Las Vegas Golden Knights are 29-10-1 this year, including 11-8 on the road. 

But Nashville comes out of its bye week off back-to-back victories rested and focused and looking to avenge a 3-0 loss to Vegas in early January.

Vegas enter this one in a natural letdown spot; after losing 3-2 in OT at home to Edmonton, it’s had two nights off. And with a tough game on Friday night in Tampa Bay, its not too hard to imagine the visitors in some small way getting caught “looking ahead” to that one (conversely, the Predators have nothing to look past here with lowly Arizona coming to town on Thursday.) 

It’s hard to find any negative stats for the Knights yet, they’ve completely exceeded everyone’s expectations to this point. I will point out though that Nashville is 3-1 (+2 units) already this year when playing with three or more days rest and 3-1 (+2 units) in is last four trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

This line could easily be a lot higher in my opinion. Play on the Predators.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Boston Bruins (7:05 EST).

The 23-10-5-2 Boston Bruins are in Montreal to take on the 18-20-3-1 Canadiens and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the visitors.

Boston averages 3.23 GPG and it concedes 2.50. Goaltender Tuukka Rask is 14-8-5 with a 2.23 GAA overall this year. The Bruins come out of their bye week off a 6-5 OT defeat to the Pens, but they still have not suffered a regulation loss in 11 straight outings. 

Note that the Bruins have won eight of their last 11 away from friendly confines.

The Habs comes in off back-to-back wins, a 2-1 shoot-out victory over Tampa Bay to snap a five-game slide, before a 5-2 victory over Vancouver. 

Montreal averages just 2.52 GPG and it concedes 3.05. Netminder Carey Price is 13-14-2 with a 2.89 GAA.

I’ll point out that the Bruins are 4-0 in their last four when playing on three or more days rest, while the Canadiens are just 1-4 in their last five against the Eastern Conference.

I give the Bruins the nod in net and that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in their favor this evening. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Chicago Blackhawks (8:30 EST).

Winnipeg looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after its 7-4 road win over Buffalo, while it’s going to be “all hands on deck” for the Hawks after their 2-1 home loss to Minnesota. 

The Jets average 3.4 GPG, while conceding 2.73. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is 24-10 with a 2.36 GAA on the year, including 7-8 with a 2.59 GAA on the road. But as mentioned above, after three straight wins and victories in six of their last seven, I think the visitors are going to have bit of a mental lapse this evening.

The Hawks average 3.12 GPG and concede 2.72. Netminder Anton Forsberg is 1-3 with a 1.60 GAA at home this season. 

I’ll point out as well that Winnipeg has in fact struggled in this spot, despite the win against the Sabres it’s still only 3-9 in its last 12 on the road (also just 1-8 in its last nine road games against a team with a winning home record), while Chicago is 100-45 in its last 145 home games against a team with a losing road record.

I think the hungry Hawks find a way to get the job done at the end of the night and all things considered, I believe this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on Chicago.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Winnipeg Jets (3:05 EST).

I think the Sharks have a predictable letdown here after their 6-5 OT loss in Ottawa in their latest action. 

Conversely, I look for the Jets to build off their 4-3 home win over Buffalo.

San Jose comes into this one averaging 2.74 GPG, while ranked fifth in goals allowed by conceding just 2.56 per contest. Goaltender Martin Jones is 13-13 with a 2.54 GAA and just 4-7 with a 2.79 GAA on the road.

Winnipeg averages 4.11 GPG and concedes just 2.58 in front of the home town crowd this season. Connor Hellebuyck is 24-10 with a 2.40 GAA, including 15-2 with a 2.24 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out as well that San Jose is just 1-4 in its last five against teams with winning records, while Winnipeg is 40-19 in its last 59 home games against teams with a losing road record.

The Sharks are just 9-10 on the road this year, which doesn’t bode well for Jones facing this high-scoring home side. When you add it all up, I think this is fantastic “line value.”

Play on the Jets.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* UNDERDOG SHOCKER OF THE MONTH is on the Colorado Avalanche (9:00 EST).

The 22-16-3 Minnesota Wild are in Colorado to take on the 21-16-3 Avalanche and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Minnesota comes in off a 6-2 win over Buffalo on Thursday, while Colorado comes in off a 2-0 win over Columbus in its latest action. 

Note that this is a revenge game for Colorado after it fell 3-2 to the Wild in a shootout in the only other meeting this year. 

Minnesota averages 2.9 GPG and it concedes 2.8. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 15-8-2 with a 2.57 GAA. 

The Avs average 3.2 GPG and concede 3.00. Jonathan Bernier is 8-7-1 with a 2.94 GAA. Gabriel Landeskog has 12 points in his last nine games.

I’ll point out that Minnesota is just 6-7 (-1.8 units) this year against division opponents and only 6-7 (-2.2 units) following a win by two goals or more, while Colorado is 4-1 (+3.5 units) in its last five in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

I think the Avs offer great value in this spot. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Chicago Blackhawks (8:30 EST).

This is a “common sense” play for me. The Vegas Golden Knights come in off a hard-fought 2-1 loss in St. Louis just last night and suffice it to say, I think they’ll have a predictable letdown here in the second game of the back to back.

Chicago comes in off an impressive 5-2 win over New York and it will be looking to take advantage of this situation after some recent shoddy play. 

Clearly Las Vegas has been a big surprise this year, almost unbeatable at home and still decent on the road with a 10-8-0-1 record.

The Hawks play with revenge today as well though after falling 4-2 to Vegas in late October. 

Chicago has won four straight at home and I believe the stars have aligned for it in this particular matchup. All things considered, this is the very definition of “great line value” in my opinion. Play on the Blackhawks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Edmonton Oilers (9:05 EST).

Edmonton will be desperate here as it’s so far gone 0-2-1 during a four-game home stand. The Oilers sit nine points out of a playoff spot, which is being held by Anaheim. 

The Ducks look poised for a letdown here in my opinion though as they’ve won three straight, most recently getting the better of the Canucks 5-0 on Tuesday. Anaheim averages 2.7 GPG, while it concedes 2.7 as well. 

Edmonton has in fact lost four straight, most recently a 5-0 setback at home to the Kings. Connor McDavid remains a bright spot on the team with 45 points overall.

Additionally I’ll point out that Anaheim has in fact struggled in this spot for bettors already this season, going 0-2 (-2.4 units) after shutting out its opponents in its previous game and just 4-5 (-1.7 units) after a win by two goals or more, while Edmonton is 5-2 (+2.4 units) against division opponents this season and 6-4 (+1.9 units) after scoring one goal or less in its previous outing.

I think the Ducks have a letdown here after their big 5-0 win and I look for the Oilers to risk life and limb today after back-to-back 5-0 losses. All things considered a great price, play on Edmonton.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New York Rangers (8:05 EST).

Chicago comes in off a 4-3 OT loss in Calgary, while the Rangers are off a 3-2 OT win over Buffalo in the Winter Classic.

The Blackhawks sit in tenth in the West, averaging only 2.95 GPG. On the defensive end they’ve been decent, allowing 2.76. Goaltender Jeff Glass gave up four goals on 39 shots in his last outing and he’s now 1-1 with a 3.46 GAA. 

New York averages 3.10 GPG and concedes 2.69. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is 13-6 with a 2.38 GAA at home this year.

I’ll point out that Chicago is just 3-9 in its last 12 against teams with winning records, while New York is a solid 35-17 in its last 52 against the Western Conference. 

Both teams come in scuffling, but I don’t think that the home ice advantage can be overlooked as a very real factor in this matchup. I also believe that New York has a significant advantage in net tonight and that makes this a price that I have no issues at all in laying.

Play on the Rangers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Nashville Predators (10:00 EST).

Vegas enters 2018 having gone 16-2-1 at the T-Mobile Arena. Nashville though looks to score an upset here, coming into this contest averaging 3.2 GPG, fuelled by a No. 2 ranked power play that converts on 25.0 percent of its chances. 

Vegas most recently beat the Leafs 6-3 on Sunday. It was the Knights seventh win in a row. The Golden Knights have been getting exceptional goaltending, but the Predators can match pace with Pekka Rinne in that department.

Nashville plays with revenge here as well after falling to Vegas earlier in the year and note that the Predators are already a solid 9-7 (+1.2 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. 

I think that the Knights stumble here against this equally as powerful Western Conference foe. Great value, play on the Predators.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Calgary Flames (9:00 EST).

The 18-14-5 Chicago Blackhawks are in Calgary to take on the 18-16-4 Flames on New Years Eve and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the hungry home side.

Chicago enters off a 4-3 OT road win over Edmonton, while Calgary lost 2-1 in Anaheim in its latest action.

The Hawks average 2.9 GPG and concede 2.7. Goaltender Corey Crawford owns a 16-9-2 record and a 2.27 GAA thus far.

The Flames average 2.7 GPG and concede 2.8. Netminder Mike Smith has a 14-13-3 record to go along with a 2.56 GAA. 

I’ll point out though that Chicago is just 4-5 (-2.5 units) in its last nine after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest, while Calgary is 6-3 (+2.6 units) this season after scoring one goal or less in its previous outing and 2-0 (+2.5 units) after three or more consecutive losses. 

The Flames are the much “hungrier” team and home ice can’t be overlooked as a very real factor either in this situation. In my opinion, this is the very definition of “great line value.” 

Play on the Flames.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR is on the Winnipeg Jets (8:00 EST).

The 20-13-4 New York Islanders are in Winnipeg to take on the 21-11-6 Jets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Note that Winnipeg plays with revenge here after falling 5-2 in Long Island last weekend.

New York got the better of Buffalo 3-2 in OT on Wednesday. The Isles rank among the league leaders in all offensive categories, but they’ve gotten inconsistent goaltending from Jaroslav Halak.

Winnipeg enters off a 4-3 win over Edmonton. Note that the Jets are 21-7 in their last 28 home games and 21-6 in their last 27 home games against clubs with losing road records.

Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is 19-4-5 on the season. 

I’ll also point out that the Islanders are a poor 1-4 in their last five following a victory. 

This line could easily be a lot larger in my opinion as I believe the Isles stumble in this non-conference Western road swing opener.

Play on the Jets.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the San Jose Sharks (10:30 EST).

The 18-15-3 Calgary Flames are in San Jose to take on the 19-11-4 Sharks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Calgary comes in off a 3-2 home loss to the Habs, while San Jose enters off a 2-0 win over the Kings.

And if recent history is any precedence, then the Sharks have to be liking their chances today, because when these teams met earlier in the season, it was San Jose that skated away with the 3-2 win.

The Flames are just 4-4-2 in their last ten games and have averaged just 2.8 GPG this year, ranking them 21st overall. Goaltender Mike Smith has been a bright spot, posing a 14-12-2, 2.58 GAA record thus far.

San Jose averages 2.8 GPG as well, and it concedes just 2.40, ranked second overall. Goaltender Martin Jones is 12-8-3 with a 2.51 GAA. 

I’ll point out that Calgary is just 1-4 in its last five road games against a team with a winning home record, while San Jose is 4-0 in its last four home games against a team with a winning road record. 

The Flames’ offense has been horrible of late, averaging just 2.3 GPG over its last ten, which clearly doesn’t bode well going up against San Jose’s elite defense. In my opinion, this line could easily be a lot higher.

Lay the price, play on the Sharks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Anaheim Ducks (10:05 EST).

Anaheim enters off a 4-0 road win over Pittsburgh. Rickard Rakell had two points, while goaltender John Gibson posted the shutout. 

Keep your eyes on Rakell, he now leads the team with 24 points, including ten goals. 

The difference maker today for me though is Ducks’ netminder Gibson, who is just 11-11-4 on the year, but who owns an elite .922 save percentage and 2.77 GAA. 

Vegas is 15-2-1 at home this season, but just 8-7-1 on the road. The Golden Knights have been great, but clearly their weakness is their performance away from friendly confines. 

Vegas looks primed for a letdown here too in my opinion after knocking off the Capitals at home in their latest action. 

I’ll point out as well that Vegas is just 1-2 in its last three when playing on two or more days rest, while the Ducks are 4-0 in their last four when playing on three or more days rest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Anaheim.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the St. Louis Blues (9:35 EST).

St. Louis comes in off a 4-0 loss at Winnipeg and with a game tomorrow night in Edmonton, tonight’s contest takes on added importance.

The Flames broke a three-game slide with a big 6-1 road win over Vancouver and I think they look primed for a letdown here. 

St. Louis is still ranked 13th in the league in scoring with an average of 3.00 GPG, while ranked fourth on the defensive side by conceding just 2.51. Goaltender Jake Allen looks to bounce back off a rare shaky effort, he’s still 17-11 with a 2.59 GAA on the year, including 7-5 with a 2.82 GAA on the road. 

Calgary averages 2.79 GPG, while it allows 2.94. Goaltender Mike Smith is 13-14 with a 2.61 GAA on the year, including 7-9 with a 3.05 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out that St. Louis is 38-17 in its last 55 when playing on two days of rest, while Calgary is still just 27-58 in its last 85 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. 

I like Allen to outplay Smith and in my opinion, that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in favor of the Blues tonight. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Las Vegas Golden Knights (10:05 EST).

I think Tampa has a letdown here in the finale of its four-game Western swing.

Both teams come in hot, with Tampa leading the NHL with 50 points, while the Knights have won six of their last seven. 

Tampa ranks first in the league in goals with 3.8 per game, while goaltender Andrei Vasileskly is 21-4-1 with a 2.11 GAA.

Speaking of hot goaltenders though, Knights’ starter Marc Andre Fleury is back from injury and he comes in with an 8-2 record after winning his last four starts. Note that Vegas has six players with over 20 points so far this year. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Tampa is just 29-65 in its last 94 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Vegas is still 13-3 in its last 16 in front of the home town crowd.

The Knights are third in the NHL in scoring with 3.4 GPG and I think they’ll catch the Lightning a little “flat footed” in their final game of their road trip. Great value, play on the Golden Knights.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the New Jersey Devils (7:05 EST).

The Ducks come into this one off a 3-2 OT loss in Washington, while New Jersey enters off a 5-2 home win over Dallas. 

Anaheim is just 3-5 in its last eight after its latest setback. The Ducks average only 2.61 GPG, while conceding 2.76. Goaltender John Gibson is 10-14 with a 2.84 GAA this year, including only 4-5 with a 3.05 GAA on the road. 

New Jersey has been inconsistent of late as well, but does come in off the momentum building 5-2 beatdown of the Stars. It’s now in second place in the Metro behind the Blue Jackets. On the year the Devils average 3.06 GPG, while they concede 2.94 GPG. Goaltender Cory Schneider is 13-10 with a 2.58 GAA and is 7-6 with a 2.58 GAA at home.

I’ll point out as well that Anaheim is just 1-6 in its last seven when playing on two days rest, while New Jersey is 5-1 in its last six against the Western Conference.

I give the nod to Schneider over Gibson in this matchup and that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in favor of the home side. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Calgary Flames (10:05 EST).

Calgary has struggled over its last ten games, winning just four of them. The Flames come in having lost two straight, most recently a tough 3-2 setback to the Sharks.

With a game tomorrow night on the road in Vancouver, the Flames look to break their string of shoddy play with a big victory in front of the home town crowd.

Nashville comes in on the other end of the spectrum, having won seven of its last ten, including back-to-back games, most recently a 4-0 win in Edmonton on Thursday (after hammering the Canucks 7-2.) 

With two whole nights off before a home game against the Jets, I think the visitors finally come in a bit complacent here and get caught looking ahead.

Additionally I’ll point out that the Predators are already 0-2 (-2.1 units) after shutting out their opponent in their previous game, while Calgary is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in its last four after losing in OT and failing to register three or more goals in its previous outing.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Flames.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the St. Louis Blues (8:05 EST).

St. Louis comes in off a 3-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday, snapping a four-game win streak, while the Ducks come in having won two of their last three.

Note that a number of Anaheim players are questionable for this game, with LW Nick Ritchie and defenseman Hampus Lindholm both questionable. Anaheim got the job done 3-2 over Carolina in its latest action, but was outshot 30-23.

The Blues’ Jake Allen looks to get back on track, he’s now 17-7-2. Note that Allen hasn’t seen more than 30 shots on goal in six straight games. 

Anaheim is a decent 5-4 on the road, but the Blues are 11-6 at home. 

I given Allen the big nod in net in this matchup and that alone will be more than enough for me to pull the trigger on the home side. Lay the price, play on the Blues.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the New York Islanders (7:05 EST).

Dallas comes to town off a highly satisfying 2-1 road win over the Rangers, while the Isles also come in off a 3-1 home victory over the Capitals. 

So far the Stars average 2.87 GPG, while ranked 13th in goals allowed with 2.87. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen is 4-5 with a 2.49 GAA. Ben Bishop will be in net tonight though and he’s 13-9 with a 2.75 GAA, including jsut 4-6 with a 3.55 GAA on the road.

New York averages 3.53 GPG and concedes 3.30. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak is 9-8 with a 2.82 GAA and 5-1 with a 2.39 GAA at home. 

I’ll point out that Dallas is just 17-35 in its last 52 after allowing two goals or less in its previous game, while New York is 8-2 in its last ten at home.

New York has struggled on the road, but is 9-3 at home. Dallas has struggled on the road as well, going just 7-10 thus far. 

The home team is 6-1 the last seven in this series and I expect that strong trend to continue here. All things considered, this is a very fair price. Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the LA Kings (7:05 EST).

LA comes in off a 3-2 OT win at home over Carolina, while New Jersey enters off a 5-2 road loss at the Rangers.

The Kings are rolling, winners of eight straight and averaging 3.08 GPG. LA is No. 1 defensively, conceding just 2.19 GPG. Goaltender Jonathan Quick is 15-9 with a 2.18 GAA, including 8-3 with a 2.14 GAA on the road.

The Devils average 3.00 GPG and concede 3.06. Goaltender Cory Schneider is 11-9 with a 2.72 GAA, including 5-6 with a 2.77 GAA at home. New Jersey is just 6-7 at home this season.

Additionally I’ll point out that LA is 8-1 in its last nine road games against a team with a losing home record, while New Jersey is just 15-36 in its last 51 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. 

LA is 10-4 on the road and Quick gets the big nod over Schneider here. I don’t expect LA to “look past” its opponent and all things considered, I do indeed feel this number could in fact be a lot larger. Play on the red hot Kings.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Caroilna Hurricanes (10:05 EST).

The 11-10-7 Carolina Hurricanes are in Anaheim to take on the 12-11-7 Ducks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Carolina comes to town having lost five of its last six. The Hurricanes are struggling, but so too are the Ducks, who can completely empathize with their counterparts today as they’ve lost six straight after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous outing. Anaheim is struggling with several injuries to its offense as well.

I’m calling Scott Darling and John Gibson a “wash” in net in this one, but note that Carolina is 5-2 (+2.7 units) in its last three after three or more consecutive losses, while Anaheim is already just 1-4 (-3 units) this year when playing with two days rest.

I like Carolina to finally get off the schneid in this favorable machup. Great value, play on the Hurricanes.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Boston Bruins (7:05 EST).

New York comes in off a disheartening 4-3 OT loss to Pittsburgh, while the Bruins enter off an easy 6-1 home win over the Coyotes. 

After a great streak, the Isles have come crashing down to Earth of late, having dropped three of their last four. New York averages 3.64 GPG and concedes 3.39. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak is 8-7 with a 2.99 GAA, including 4-6 with a 3.12 GAA on the road.

The Bruins average 2.84 GPG and concede 2.80. Tuukka Rask is 6-10 with a 2.52 GAA on the year, including 5-5 with a 2.40 GAA at home. Rask has dominated the Isles throughout his career though, going 10-5 with a 2.39 GAA. 

New York is just 2-6 in its last eight in this series, while Boston is 16-5 in its last 21 home games against teams with a losing road record. 

The Isles are just 8-9 on the road this year and I think their sloppy play carries over in Bean-town. Lay the price, play on the Bruins.

Good luck…Larry

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

Minnesota looks to get back on track after a 5-2 loss to the Kings, while the Ducks look poised for a letdown here in my opinion after prevailing 3-0 over the hapless Senators in their latest action.

Minnesota averages 2.92 GPG, while allowing 3.00. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 11-10 with a 2.78 GAA and owns an elite 2.12 GAA in 14 career matchups with Anaheim.

Anaheim averages 2.62 GPG and allows 3.00. Goaltender John Gibson is 8-12 with a 2.97 GAA.

Gibson has had success against the Wild in the past (3-1, 1.19 GAA), but note that the Ducks are a horrible 8-9 (-4.3 units) in their last 17 after shutting out their opponent in their previous game.

Conversely, this is a spot in which the Wild have excelled in this season, going 4-2 (+1.6 units) against clubs with losing records and 7-5 (+2.4 units) after allowing four goals or more. 

I’m calling the goaltenders a “wash” in this one, but the numbers do indeed point to the visitors as the correct call in my opinion. Play on the Wild.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Vancouver Canucks (10:05 EST).

No need to overthink this one.

Philadelphia ended a ten-game losing streak with a win over Calgary and then followed it up with a 4-2 victory in Edmonton just last night.

Vancouver comes in rested and focused and on top form, having won three straight.

The Canucks have outscored their opponents 10-4 during their win streak, scoring the 3-0 shutout over Carolina in their most recent action.

I’ll point out that Philadelphia is just 1-3 in its last four in the second game of a back to back after scoring four goals or more in a victory in the first contest, while the Canucks are 2-1 in their last three after three or more consecutive victories.

This line could easily be a lot bigger in my opinion as the oddsmaker’s are giving the red hot Canucks little respect in this great situational matchup. Play on Vancouver.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Nashville Predators (8:05 EST).

Boston comes to town off a 3-0 win over the hapless Flyers, while Nashville enters off a 3-2 shootout win over the lowly Ducks. 

The Bruins average 2.71 GPG, while conceding 2.79. Netminder Tuukka Rask comes off the strong outing against Philadelphia, but overall he’s been terrible, going just 5-10 with a 2.65 GAA, including only 1-5 with a 2.80 GAA on the road.

Nashville averages 3.04 GPG and concedes 2.81. Goaltender Pekka Rinne is 15-6 with a 2.35 GAA, including 10-2 with a 2.52 GAA at home (note that he’s 4-2 with a 2.07 GAA lifetime against Boston.)

Additionally I’ll point out that Boston is just 1-6 in its last seven trips to Nashville, while the Predators are 4-1 in their last five against the Eastern Conference. 

I like Rinne to outduel his currently inconsistent counterpart and all things considered, I do indeed feel that this is the very definition of “great line value.” Lay the price, play on the Predators.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Calgary Flames (10:05 EST).

The Flames come in off a convincing 3-0 home win over Arizona and I expect the team to carry that momentum over here. 

The Oilers continue to struggle as they come in off a 6-4 home loss to Toronto. With four nights off after this contest, it’s not too hard to imagine Edmonton getting caught looking ahead here as well.

Note only does Calgary play with revenge after a 3-0 setback to Edmonton on October 4th, but note that it’s done extremely well in this spot for bettors all year, going 4-2 (+1.5 units) against division opponents and 6-4 (+2.2 units) trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

Conversely, this is a spot in which the Oilers have really struggled in, going just 3-7 (-5.8 units) this year after allowing four goals or more in their previous contest.

This line could easily be a lot larger in my estimation. Great value, play on the Flames.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM on the New York Islanders (7:05 EST).

These two teams are moving in opposite directions. The Senators are going to be desperate here, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have the advantage.

In fact, Ottawa is struggling in all facets of the game, having lost seven straight, most recently a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Montreal. 

New York though is surging in the other direction (most recently a 5-2 spanking of Vancouver) and I think it could easily be a much larger fav than what it is in this situation.

The Sens average 2.91 GPG and concede 3.13. Goaltender Craig Anderson has struggled so far this season, he’s 7-11 with a 2.95 GAA, including 3-3 with a 2.49 GAA on the road.

The Isles own the league’s No. 1 offense at 3.67 GPG. At home they average 4.60 GPG. Overall on the year New York concedes 3.13 GPG. 

Goaltender Thomas Greiss is 8-4 with a 3.34 GAA and he’s always done well against the Senators, sporting a 3-1, 2.71 GAA lifetime record vs. them.

I’ll point out that Ottawa is 0-6 in its last six after scoring two goals or less in its previous contest, while New York is 19-7 in its last 26 against teams with a winning percentage below .400. 

Greiss is the correct call here. Anderson is struggling and that doesn’t bode well facing the league’s No. 1 offense that comes into this one on top form. As stated off the top, this line could/should easily be a lot larger. Play on the Islanders.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Edmonton Oilers (9:05 EST).

Toronto has been better than Edmonton this year. The Leafs though have lost three of their last five.

The Oilers have been a big disappoinment overall this season, but they’ve looked a lot better of late, wining three of their last four. 

The Leafs are in Vancouver on Saturday night, while the Oilers travel to Calgary on Saturday.

Clearly these teams are very evenly matched. Edmonton has under-performed big time to this point, while Toronto has likely exceeded expectations. 

The Leafs are now stumbling, while the Oilers seem to be on the rise. Despite Edmonton starting its backup goaltender tonight, I’m still calling the netminders a “wash” in this one.

I simply feel that the Oilers are the much “hungrier” team. Expectations were sky high coming into the season and there’s no way the team can be satisfied with a couple of recent wins under its belt. 

I like Edmonton to risk life and limb tonight as it sends a message to Eastern Canada. 

Play on the Oilers.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Montreal Canadiens (7:35 EST).

Ottawa enters off a 2-1 home loss to the Islanders, while the Canadiens come in off a 3-1 home victory over the Blue Jackets.

The Sens will be desperate here, they’ve lost six straight. So far Ottawa averages 3.00 GPG and concedes 3.18. Goaltender Craig Anderson has had an uncharacteristically difficult time to open the season, he’s now 7-11 with a 2.95 GAA (note that he’s 10-14 with a 3.28 GAA.)

In most cases, I’d likely even back the desperate visiting side today, but the Canadiens could care less about the Senators problems. 

No team in the NHL struggled more than Montreal over the first month and a half. The Habs though come in off back-to-back victories, beating Buffalo 3-0 before then slowing down a red hot Blue Jackets team with a 3-1 win. 

Goaltender Carey Price returned from injury in the victory over the Sabres and continued that momentum against Columbus. I expect the all star to once again carry that dominance over into this one against the struggling Senators. 

I’ll point out that as well that Ottawa is just 1-5 in its last six when its opponent allows two goals or less in its previous game, while Montreal is now 6-2 ATS in its last eight against the Eastern Conference. 

I think Price turns out to be the difference today (note that he’s 20-12 with a 2.37 GAA lifetime against Ottawa). Lay the price on Price!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ODDSMAKERS ERROR is on the Dallas Stars (10:00 EST).

The 12-10-1 Dallas Stars are in Vegas to take on the 15-6-1 Golden Knights on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Dallas allows 2.9 GPG and scores 2.9 as well, placing it in the middle of the pack on both ends of the ice. The Stars come in off a 6-4 home win over the Flames and have now won three of their last four games. 

Vegas concedes 3.00 GPG and averages 3.7. The Golden Knights have won four in a row and five of their last six, but note that Vegas is already just 1-2 in its last three after three-game or longer unbeaten streak. 

I like Dallas in this spot as it looks to avenge a 2-1 setback to the Knights back on October 6th. Play on the Stars.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 EST).

Columbus comes in off an OT win over Calgary and it’s now won five straight. Suffice it to say, I’m fully expecting the home side to carry that mometum over here. 

The Senators on the other hand are in “free fall” mode, having dropped four straight. Note that Columbus plays with revenge here as well as Ottawa took three of four in the season series a year ago. 

During their slide the Sens have posted just five goals, most recently getting shutout at New York, followed up by a 5-2 loss to Washington on Wednesday. Goaltender Craig Anderson gave up four of those five goals to the Capitals before being pulled. 

A cold offense is not what the doctor ordered when facing red hot Blue Jackets’ netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, who has given up four goals during his team’s five game win streak (that includes two shuouts.) 

Note that Ottawa is just 1-5 in its last six against the Eastern Conference, while Columbus is 4-0 in its last four in the same position. 

I’m banking on Bobrovsky to continue his stellar play. Great value, play on the Blue Jackets.

Good luck…Larry

10* Las Vegas Insider on the San Jose Sharks (9:05 EST).

San Jose comes to town on the heels of a three-game losing streak, with only one hope to snap the slide. And that hope arrives in the form of the Arizona Coyotes, who I believe are primed for a letdown here after three straight victories.

The Sharks offense has gone cold of late. Defense and goaltending are both fine. Note that while they’ve allowed eight goals in their last three home games, they’ve only managed to pot three themselves. 

San Jose No. 1 netminder Martin Jones (8-5-1) is expected between the pipes after giving up two goals on 30 shot attempts to Anaheim in his latest action. I think he’ll be a difference maker today.

This sets up as a classic letdown spot for the Coyotes as well. Arizona won three straight on the road in Eastern Canada and then returns home for its first game against a desperate team. The Coyotes most recently beat the Leafs 4-1 in Toronto. 

I believe the situation favors the desperate Sharks. I expect San Jose to finally find the back of the net tonight.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the St. Louis Blues (8:05 EST).

Edmonton enters off a 6-3 loss at Dallas, while St. Louis fell 4-3 in OT to the Canucks on the road.

The Oilers rank just 27th in the league in scoring with 2.50 GPG, while ranked 23rd on the defensive end by conceding 3.15. Goaltender Cam Talbot is 7-11 with a 3.10 GAA this season, including only 3-5 with a 2.67 GAA on the road. 

The Blues rank seventh in the league in scoring with 3.24 GPG, while ranked fifth on the defensive side by conceding just 2.62. Goaltender Jake Allen is 11-6 with a 2.72 GAA on the year and 6-2 with a 2.45 GAA at home.

I’ll point out as well that Edmonton is just 19-39 in its last 58 following a loss by three or more goals, while St. Louis is an amazing 42-12 in its last 54 against clubs with a winning percentage below .400.

The Blues are top in the West right now with 31 points and they’re 7-2 at home. They have the better goaltender and much better overall offense. St. Louis is also the more skilled and deeper team.

How is this line not a lot larger? We’ll make the books pay, lay the price with confidence on the Blues in this one.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Pittsburgh Penguins (7:05 EST).

No need to overthink this one. Chicago annihilated the Penguins 10-1 on October 5th. It was the second game in as many nights for the Pens and it was the Hawks home opener. The night before Pittsburgh won in OT against the Blues in its opener. 

The Pens come in on top form, winning two in a row and going 3-1-1 in their last five. 

Since Oct. 29th Pittsburgh has allowed 23 goals over eight games, which works out to just 2.9 per contest. 

Note that Chicago is just 2-4 (-3.3 units) this year after a win by two goals or more, while Pittsburgh is already 7-2 (+4.8 units) this season against clubs with losing records.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Penguins.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Winnipeg Jets (8:05 EST).

Philadelphia looks primed for another letdown here in my opinion after dropping a 3-0 decision at Minnesota last time out, while I expect Winnipeg to build off its 4-1 home win over Arizona. 

After a huge start to the season, the Flyers predictably have come crashing back down to Earth. After leading the league in scoring in the early going, Philadelphia is now ranked 21st by averaging 2.76 GPG. The Flyers have remained solid defensively though, conceding 2.61. Goaltneder Brian Elliot is now 6-6 with a 2.59 GAA. 

The Jets are ranked tenth in the league in scoring, averaging 3.29 GPG, while ranked 11th on the defensive end in conceding 2.76 per contest. Goaltender Steve Mason has struggled to open the year, but he won’t be lacking in motivation in facing his former team. 

I’ll point out as well that Philadelphia is just 5-9 (-5.6 units) in non-conference games this season, while Winnipeg is 5-3 (+1.9 units) after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest. 

Winnipeg has allowed two goals or less in six of its last eight, while Philadelpia has been shutout in three of its last six outings.

This is great value, play on the Jets.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Anaheim Ducks (10:05 EST).

Both teams come in on losing streaks. Boston has lost three straight, including a home and home set with Toronto most recently. After three days off, the Bruins now embark on a tough Western swing, also in LA tomorrow night, followed by contests at San Jose and then back over to the East Coast for a difficult matchup with the Devils.

Anaheim has lost five of its last six, most recently a 2-1 setback at home to Tampa Bay.

But with three whole nights off after this contest, before a game at home against the Panthers, it’s now or never for the Ducks to get off the schneid.

These teams are in fact pretty evenly matched right now. They’re getting inconsistent play across the board.

In a situation like this, I always tend to side with the home team. But I’ll point out, Boston is in fact just 21-23 (-8 units) in its last 44 after a loss by two goals or more in its previous contest, while Anaheim is 23-15 (+4.9 units) in its last 38 after playing three consecutive home games.

All things considered, I think this is a great price. Play on the Ducks.

Good luck…Larry

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

Both teams come in off extra frames victories, as Washignton won 2-1 in a shootout over Edmonton, while Nashville enters off a 5-4 OT victory over Pittsburgh.

Washington has won five of its last six games, but is still ranked 19th in scoring by averaging 2.83 GPG. The Capitals have also been below average defensively in conceding 2.94 GPG. Goatlender Braden Holtby is 10-3 with a 2.35 GAA on the year. 

Nashville averages 2.75 GPG and concdeds 2.81. Goaltender Pekka Rinne is 8-4 with a 2.23 GAA. 

I’ll point out though that Washington is just 2-4 (-2.6 units) in its last six following a shootout victory in which it held its opponent to one goal or less in the win, while Nashville is already 4-1 (+3.4 units) this season after scoring four goals or more in its previous game.

Both teams have been on a roll of late, but I don’t think that the home ice advantage can be overlooked in this particular matchup. 

I also like Rinne to outduel Holtby and for Nashville to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Dallas Stars (7:00 EST).

Dallas comes in off a 5-0 home win over the Islanders and I look for it to keep that momentum roling here. 

Carolina enters off a crushing 4-3 OT loss at home to Chicago and I think it will stumble again.

So far Dallas averages 2.94 GPG, while ranked first on the power play by converting 31.2 percent of it chances. The Stars have been decent defensively so far, allowing 2.69 GPG. Ben Bishop is now 7-4 with a 2.48 GAA on the year.

Carolina averages 2.67 GPG, while allowing 2.73. Goaltender Scott Darling is 4-7 with a 2.49 GAA on the season (is 2-2 with a 2.93 GAA lifetime against Dallas.)

I’ll point out as well that Dallas is 5-1 in its last six road games against a team with a home winning percentage of less than .400, while Carolina is a poor 1-4 in it last five in the third game of a 3-in-4 scenario.

After a slow start, the Stars have turned things around, coming into this one having won four of their last six. The Hurricanes are struggling across the board and enter off a disheartening setback. 

I look for Bishop (who is 8-2 with a 1.89 ERA lifetime against Carolina) to outplay his counterpart and for the Stars to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Tampa Bay Lightning (8:05 EST).

The Lightning come in on fire, they’ve won three in a row, most recently a 5-2 win at LA. Anaheim enters off a 4-1 home victory over Vancouver.

Tampa opened its Western trip with a victroy at San Jose. So far the Lightning own the No. 1 offense in the league, averaging 4.00 GPG, while ranked sixth on the defensive end in conceding just 2.59. 

Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskly is 12-2 with a 2.41 GAA, including 5-1 with a 2.35 GAA on the road. 

The Ducks average only 2.88 GPG, while conceding 2.94. Starting goaltender Ryan Miller was injured in the win over Vanvouver and he’s quesitonable for this one. John Gibson is already out with concussion. If Miller can’t go, it’ll be Reto Berra, who is 2-2 with a 2.00 GAA against Tampa lifetime.

I’ll point out though that the Lightning are 8-2 in their last ten against clubs with losing records, while Anaheim is 2-8 in its last ten following a victory.

I like Tampa to continue its hot play and to take advantage of Anaheim’s issue in the crease. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Winnipeg Jets (10:05 EST).

The 8-3-3-0 Winnipeg Jets are in Arizona to takeon the 2-13-2-1 Coyotes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Winnipeg enters off a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, but has gotten solid play both on the road and at home this seaosn. 

Coming into Friday the team ranks 10th in scoring with 3.29 GPG, while ranked 11th on the defensive side in conceding just 2.86. 

The Coyotes return home off a dismal 0-1-2 road trip, ending with a disheartening 3-2 shootout loss to the Blues on Thursday. 

Arizona goaltender Antti Raanta is 1-3-2 with a 2.87 GAA this year. 

Jets’ backup Steve Mason is expected to get the start here and he’s sruggled so far this season. He’s also had his hands full with the Coyotes in the past.

For arguments sake, I’m going to call the goaltenders a wash. However, Winnipeg’s vastly superior offense is the difference maker here for me.

All things considered a great price, play on Winnipeg.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the San Jose Sharks (10:35 EST).

The 11-4 Tampa Bay Lightning are in San Jose to take on the 8-5 Sharks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Both teams enter off victories, with the Lightning winning 5-4 in a shootout at home over Columbus, while the Sharks won 3-1 at home in a shotout over the Ducks in their latest action.

Tampa averages 3.87 GPG and concedes 2.83. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskly is 11-2 with a 2.52 GAA on the year for the Bolts.

The Sharks average 2.69 GPG and concede 2.31. Goaltender Martin Jones stopped 25 of 26 shots in his team’s latest victory to move to 7-3 with a 1.98 GAA on the year. 

I’ll point out that Tampa is just 26-63 in its last 89 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while San Jose is 10-4 in its last 14 against the Eastern Conference.

As good as Vasilevskly has been this year, he’s still just 3-6 with a 2.77 GA lifetime against the Pacific. Jones is 2-0 with a 1.50 GAA lifetime against the Lightning.

I look for Jones to continues his hot play and I like the Sharks to do just enough offensively to eek out the vicotry here.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Carolina Hurricanes (7:05 EST).

The 4-7-1-1 Florida Panthers are in Carolina to take on the 4-5-2-1 Hurricanes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Florida has lost four straight, most recently a 5-4 OT setback to the Rangers on Saturday. Roberto Luongo let in five goals on 44 shots. So far Luongo is 1-2-1 with a 3.83 GAA. 

Florida averages 3.62 GPG, while allosing 4.23 (the worst in the league.)

Carolina averages 2.58 GPG and allows 2.92. Cam Ward is 1-2-0 with a 3.39 GAA. 

The Hurricanes will be especially motivated here after a 2-1 shootout loss to lowly Arizona in their last outing.

Note as well that Florida is a poor 24-28 (-7.9 units) in its last 52 after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest (including just 1-4, -3.7 units this year), while Carolina is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in its last four after scoring one goal or less and losing in a shootout in its previous contest.

Carolina takes advantage of familiar surroundings and finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the price, play on the Hurricanes.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Dallas Stars (8:30 EST).

The 7-3-3 Winnipeg Jets are in Dallas to take the 8-6 Stars and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Winnipeg comes in off a 5-4 OT loss to the Habs on Saturday, while Dallas enters off a big 5-1 win at home over Bufallo. 

Note that this is an immediate “revenge” game for the home side after it fell 5-2 in Winnipeg just last week.

The Jets had their three game win streak snapped last time out and I think they’re going to have a letdown here as well. So far the Jets average 3.2 GPG. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck owns a 7-0-2 record with a 2.24 GAA.

Dallas averages just 2.9 GPG, but it looked a lot better in the offensive explosion against the Sabres. 

Ben Bishop will get the nod for the visitors, so far he owns a solid 2.66 GAA and .913 save percentage over 11 games played. Also note that Dallas has been above average defensively overall this year conceding 2.8 GPG, ranked ninth in the league.

Additionally I’ll point out that WInninpeg is interestingly just 1-4 in its last five after its opponent nets five or more goals in its previous contest, while Dallas is 4-1 in its last five when playing on one days rest.

This is a great spot to pull the trigger on the revenge-minded and in my opinion, undervalued home side. Play on the Stars.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Minnesota Wild (8:05 EST).

The 4-7-1 Montreal Canadiens are in Minnesota to take on the 4-4-2 Wild and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Montreal comes in off wins over the Rangers and Sens and looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion.

Conversely, the Wild just had their two game win skein snapped with a loss to Winnipeg on Tuesday.

Clearly the Habs weren’t as bad as their early struggles indicated. That said, after two straight victories, everything points to a letdown spot for Montreal, as note that it’s a poor 22-39 (-23.2 units) in its last 61 non-conference games, including 0-5 (-5.8 units) this year.

The Wild on the other hand are 4-2 (+2 units) in their last six after playing three consecutive home games. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Montreal is just 1-5 in its last six on the road, while Minnesota is 11-4 in its last 15 home games against teams with a road winning percentage under .400.

Minnesota is tied for the fewest goals allowed in the Central and I think the Habs are going to find it difficult to muster much of an offensive attack this evening. All things considered, I feel this is a great price. Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Chicago Blackhawks (8:05 EST).

The Philadelphia Flyers are in Chicago to take on the Blackhawks on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the hungry home side.

Chicago has lost five of six, while the Flyers fell 4-3 in OT at Arizona on Monday. 

So far the Flyers rank eighth in scoring with 3.42 GPG, while ranked 13th on the defensive end in condeding 2.92. 

The Hawks average 3.17 GPG and concede 2.83. 

In Chicago’s lastest two losses, it’s actually outshot its competition 86-58. The bounces haven’t gone the Hawks way yet this year, but I think that changes tonight.

As note that the Flyers are just 9-24 in their last 33 on the road and just 1-4 in their last five against the Western Conference, while Chicago is 5-2 in its last seven against the Eastern Conference. 

I’ll also point out that the home side has won eight of the last nine in this series. 

I’m banking on the hungry Hawks taking advantage of familiar surroundings and to find a way to get back into the winners circle once it’s all said and done. Play on the Blackhawks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Toronto Maple Leafs (10:35 EST).

I had a play on the Flyers in their 4-2 upset win in Toronto on Saturday. After a blistering and unsustainable start to the season, the Leafs now look to get back on track and a date on the road away from the spot light in Toronto is just what the doctor ordered in my opinion.

San Jose was 3-2 on its Eastern road swing, most recently getting the better of Buffalo 3-2 on Saturday. 

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement as well as the Sharks have taken nine straight in the series, including a 3-1 victory in the most recent matchup in San Jose back on February 28th.

Despite their recent struggles, the Leafs are still ranked as the No. 1 offense with 4.1 GPG this year. The defense is conceding 3.6 GPG. 

A big part of the Toronto’s early success has been on special teams, as the Leafs are ranked 6th in the league on the power play, and ninth on the penalty kill. Goaltender Frederik Andersen had 26 saves in the loss to Philadelphia on the weekend.

San Jose is ranked 22nd in the league with 2.7 GPG, while ranked seventh on the defensive end in conceding 2.6. The Sharks have also been sharp with special teams play, ranking in the Top 10 on both the power play and the penalty kill. Aaron Dell had 31 saves for San Jose in the win over Buffalo. 

The Sharks though have struggled in this spot for a whle now, going just 1-6 in their last seven following a victory. Additionally I’ll point out that Toronto is 4-0 its last four against the Western Conference. 

I think San Jose has a letdown here in its first game back from the road, while Toronto gets back on track with a much more solid defensive effort. All things considered, this is great overall value.

Good luck…Larry