At 7:08 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Boston Bruins (67) versus the Columbus Blue Jackets (68). THE SITUATION: Columbus (52-32-4) evened this series at 1-1 on Saturday with their 3-2 victory in overtime versus Boston (54-28-9). The series moves to Columbus for Games Three and Four.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MONEY-LINE ON THE BRUINS: Boston should respond with a strong effort tonight after losing home-ice advantage on Saturday. The Bruins have won 13 of their last 17 games after suffering a loss by just one goal. Boston has also won 43 of their last 60 games after scoring two goals or less in their last contest. Remember that this Bruins team was 22-7-4 in their last thirty-three games of the regular season after overcoming injuries to start the season. Their 107 points in the regular season were tied for the second most in the NHL (with Calgary and Tampa Bay now eliminated from the playoffs). The extra day off since Saturday should help their veterans retool for this contest — Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron have yet to register points in this series. Head coach Bruce Cassidy certainly used the extra day to tinker with his team’s Power Play that has only scored once in eight chances so far in this series. The Bruins have won 24 of their last 31 games when playing with two days of rest. Boston has also won 4 of their last 5 games on the road — and they have won 12 of their last 16 road games against teams with a winning record at home. They should continue to get goaltending from Tuukka Rask who has a strong 2.24 Goals-Against-Average in these playoffs. The Bruins have also won 4 of their last 5 games as the underdog. Columbus has lost 4 straight games in the playoffs when favored in the -110 to -150 price range. They also have lost 8 of their last 12 playoff games on home ice in their franchise history. The Blue Jackets are seeing great production from their Power Play as they have scored seven times in eighteen opportunities with the man advantage in these playoffs. However, that 38.9% success rate on the Power Play is simply not sustainable. This is just Columbus’ third game over the last fourteen days. Not only have the Blue Jackets lost 5 of their last 6 games when playing no more than their third game in ten days but they have also lost 9 of their last 12 home games when playing no more than their fifth game in the last fourteen days. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky played much better in the second half of the season for Columbus — but he still ended the regular season with an unappealing 2.73 Goals-Against-Average at home along with a .907 save percentage. This Blue Jackets franchise has lost 3 straight playoff games when the series is tied — and they have lost 4 of their last 5 third games of a playoff series.

FINAL TAKE: Boston has won 16 of their last 25 games when playing with revenge. The first two games of this series have seen three combined overtime periods played in addition to the 120 minutes of regulation. While the value in this close series is with the underdog tonight, I like the Bruins to bounce-back to earn the win to retake home ice advantage. 25* NHL Underdog of the Month with the money-line on the Boston Bruins (67) versus the Columbus Blue Jackets (68). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:38 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Colorado Avalanche (53) and the San Jose Sharks (54). THE SITUATION: San Jose (51-30-7) won the opening game of this series on Friday with their 5-2 victory over Colorado (42-32-14). The Sharks host Game Two of this series.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: San Jose has played 13 of their last 18 home games Over the Total after a win by at least two goals. The Sharks have also played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after allowing no more than two goals in their last game. San Jose is scoring 3.7 Goals-Per-Game on their home ice this season — and they have generated ten goals over their last two games. The Sharks have then played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total after scoring at least five goals in two straight games. But this San Jose team is also allowing 2.9 Goals-Per-Game at home this season with their tendency to have their offensive-minded defensemen, Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson, play aggressively up the ice. In the playoffs, the Sharks are allowing 3.4 Goals-Per-Game. The Sharks stay at home where they have played 10 of their last 11 games Over the Total — and they have played 8 straight home games Over the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. San Jose has also played 5 straight games Over the Total in the playoffs as the favorite. Colorado has played 31 of their last 51 games Over the Total after a loss on the road. The Avalanche had won four straight games in their series with Calgary before dropping Game One of this series — and they have played 13 of their last 20 games Over the Total after winning three of their last four games. This is Colorado’s fifth game over the last fourteen days — and they have played 11 of their last 14 games Over the Total when playing no more than five games in the last fourteen days.

FINAL TAKE: Colorado has lost their last five meetings with the Sharks — and they have played 37 of their last 57 games Over the Total when playing with at least double-revenge. The Over is also 9-1-1 in the last 11 meetings between these two teams in San Jose. 25* NHL Western Conference Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Colorado Avalanche (53) and the San Jose Sharks (54). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets (43) and the Boston Bruins (44). THE SITUATION: Boston (54-27-9) seized a 1-0 lead in this series on Thursday with their 3-2 win overtime over Columbus (51-32-4). The Bruins host Game Two of this series.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Columbus had been on a six-game winning streak before losing in Boston on Thursday. They looked rusty after having eight days off from their opening-round sweep of Tampa Bay. They entered the third period trailing by a 1-0 score before taking a 2-1 lead in a thirteen second span where they scored twice — but the Bruins scored again to force overtime where they eventually won that coin flip of a game. The Blue Jackets are still scoring 4.2 Goals-Per-Game over their last five games — and they average 3.1 Goals-Per-Game when playing on the road. This Columbus team absolutely dominated the President’s Trophy winners in the Lightning. After falling behind by a 3-0 margin in the first period of the opening game of that series, they then outscored Tampa Bay by a whopping 19 to 5 margin. They have only lost twice since March 24th — and they have played 16 of their last 20 road games Over the Total after winning at least eight games of their last ten games. The Blue Jackets have also played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total in the playoffs as a money-line underdog priced at +110 to +150 price range. And in their last 10 playoff games when trailing in the series, Columbus has played 8 of these games Over the Total. Boston has played 4 of their last 6 games Over the Total when leading in a playoff series. They also have played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total against a team that did not score more than two goals in their last game. They have now won three straight games after rallying from a 3-2 series deficit last round against Toronto. The Bruins have played 19 of their last 30 games Over the Total after winning two straight games. Boston has not allowed more than two goals in four straight games — and they have played 27 of their last 45 games Over the Total after not allowing more than two goals in their last two games. The Bruins are scoring 3.8 Goals-Per-Game over their last five games — and they are averaging 3.4 Goals-Per-Game on their home ice.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 9 of their last 11 games Over the Total. Expect another high scoring game tonight. 10* NHL Saturday Night Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets (43) and the Boston Bruins (44). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the money-line on the Columbus Blue Jackets (43) versus the Boston Bruins (44). THE SITUATION: Boston (54-27-9) seized a 1-0 lead in this series on Thursday with their 3-2 win overtime over Columbus (51-32-4). The Bruins host Game Two of this series.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BLUE JACKETS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Columbus had been on a six-game winning streak before losing in Boston on Thursday. They looked rusty after having eight days off from their opening round sweep of Tampa Bay. They entered the third period trailing by a 1-0 score before taking a 2-1 lead in a thirteen-second span where they scored twice — but the Bruins scored again to force overtime where they eventually won that coin flip of a game. The Blue Jackets have won 18 of their last 25 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. The Blue Jackets are still scoring 4.2 Goals-Per-Game over their last five games — and they average 3.1 Goals-Per-Game when playing on the road. This Columbus team absolutely dominated the President’s Trophy winners in the Lightning. After falling behind by a 3-0 margin in the first period of the opening game of that series, they then outscored Tampa Bay by a whopping 19 to 5 margin. This is a team that only lost once since March 24th as the roster moves this team made at the trade deadline proved to be the right mix for John Tortorella. Remember that this team took a 2-0 lead over Washington in the opening round of last year’s playoffs before losing four straight to the eventual Stanley Cup champions. This is a talented team. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was outstanding in Game One to keep them in that game as he stopped 34 of the 37 shots he faced. Bobrovsky enjoyed a 2.20 Goals-Against-Average along with a .924 save percentage after the All-Star Break to close out the regular season. And while Columbus has allowed six goals over their last two games, the Blue Jackets have won 10 of their last 12 on the road after allowing at least two goals in their last game. Columbus has won 7 of their last 8 games on the road. They are also dangerous underdogs as they have won 5 of their last 6 games as an underdog — and they have won 4 of their last 5 games in the playoffs as a money-line underdog. Boston may be without center David Krejci in this game after he was hit hard by Rick Nash in Game One — he is a game-time decision tonight. Krejci had moved up to the Bruins’ top-line with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak which allowed head coach Bruce Cassidy to drop center Patrice Bergeron to the second-line. While Bergeron will likely go back to form what be the best line in the NHL, it leaves the Bruins thin after those top three forwards — and that is what triggered Cassidy’s recent move. Boston had scored at least three goals in three straight games — but they have lost 11 of their last 17 games after scoring at least three goals in three straight games. Boston has still lost 4 of their last 5 games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals — and they have lost 5 of their last 7 games when leading in a playoff series.

FINAL TAKE: Look for the Blue Jackets to even this series at 1-1 before this series returns to Columbus for Games Three and Four. Remember that the Bruins lost twice at home in their opening round series against Toronto. 25* NHL NBC-TV Game of the Month with the money-line on the Columbus Blue Jackets (43) versus the Boston Bruins (44). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:08 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (41) and the St. Louis Blues (42). THE SITUATION: St. Louis (50-30-9) won the opening game of this series on Thursday with their 3-2 victory over Dallas (47-35-9). The Blues host Game Two of this series.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: St. Louis has played 11 of their last 15 games Over the Total after a win over a fellow Central Division rival — and they have also played six straight games at home Over the Total after a victory over a divisional foe. Furthermore, the Blues have played 16 of their last 24 games Over the Total after a win on their home ice. Additionally, St. Louis has played 8 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a narrow victory by just one goal. The Blues have played three straight games that concluded with 3-2 scores which makes taking the Over seem like a safe investment with a Push being the worst case scenario. St. Louis has played 6 of their last 7 games Over the Total after winning at least two straight games by just one goal. The Blues score 3.2 Goals-Per-Game on home ice this season — but they are also allowing 3.0 Goals-Per-Game at home. In defeating Winnipeg in six games last round, St, Louis converted on 5 of their 19 Power Play opportunities which translated into an impressive 26.3% success rate. Dallas has seen at least five combined goals scored in four of their last five games. While the Stars have been an Under machine for much of the season, they have quietly players 10 of their last 15 games Over the Total in the month of April. Dallas has also played 4 of their last 6 games Over the Total on the road with the Total set at 5. Over their last five games, the Stars are scoring 3.2 Goals-Per-Game. When playing on the road, Dallas allows 2.6 Goals-Per-Game. Additionally, the Over is 7-2-7 in the Stars’ last 16 playoff games as a money-line underfoot priced in the +110 to +150 range. The Over is also 3-0-4 in the Stars’ last 7 games in the Western Conference Playoff Semifinals.

FINAL TAKE: With the Total set at 5, the worst case scenario is likely another 3-2 final score — but I do think both teams find the back of the net three times (or perhaps this game ends with a 4-2 score). 25* NHL NBC-TV Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (41) and the St. Louis Blues (42). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:08 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Colorado Avalanche (5) and the San Jose Sharks (6). THE SITUATION: Colorado (42-31-14) takes the ice again after winning four straight games to dispatch of Calgary in five games with their 5-1 win on the road last Friday. San Jose (50-30-7) has won three straight games after surviving their seven-game series with Vegas on Sunday with their 5-4 victory in overtime. The Sharks host the first two games of this seven-game series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Sharks rallied from being down 3-1 in that series with the Golden Knights to eke out the last two games in that series in overtime. San Jose has played 10 of their last 16 games Under the Total after going to overtime in their last two contests — and they have also played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after winning their last two games by just one goal against a Pacific Division rival. The Sharks have also played 71 of their last 111 games Under the Total after a game where both teams scored at least four goals. Remember, that Game Seven was looking like another shutout in that series for goalie Marc-Andre Fleury before that controversial call on Vegas when Joe Pavelski was double-hit and fell to the ice where his head started bleeding. Replays strongly suggest that the second hit from Paul Stastny was an inadvertent bump — but the five-minute major that was called on the Golden Knights resulted in a five-minute power play where the Sharks scored four times with the man-advantage to jumpstart their offense. Perhaps the most important development during that series was the improved play of goalie Martin Jones. After allowing 13 goals on 80 shots for a rough .838 save percentage in the first four games of that series, he stopped 122 of the next 129 shots he faced for a sparkling .946 save percentage in those three elimination games which included over two full periods of overtime hockey. San Jose was converting on only 4 of their 29 (13.8%) of their Power Play chances in that series before that miraculous five-minute Power Play on Sunday. But the ripple effect from that game will be felt tonight with Pavelski being declared out for Game One as he recovers from that head injury. Not only will the Sharks miss his 38 goals in the regular season, but head coach Peter DeBoer moved him to the second-line help provide his team more depth. Colorado has seen the Under go 10-2-1 in their last 13 games after a win — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after winning three games in a row. The Avalanche has also scored at least three goals in four straight games — but they have then played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after scoring at least three goals in three straight games. Colorado has a dynamic first line of forwards led by Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. But what the Sharks got better at in their series with Vegas was contain their elite line of Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, and Statsny which they checked with the defensive pairing of Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Brent Burns — and DeBoer has final choice regarding what players to put on the ice as the home team so he can ensure that top pair will combat MacKinnon and company. After losing by a 5-0 score in Game Four, the Sharks allowed only seven goals in the remaining three games in that series which went around 220 minutes of ice time when accounting for overtimes. What was underappreciated about the Avalanche in the first round was their strong defensive play against the Flames as they allowed only 2.2 Goals-Per-Game in those five games while not allowing more than two goals in those last four games. They stay on the road where the Under is 8-1-1 in their last 10 games — and the Under is also 3-0-1 in Colorado’s last 4 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on home ice.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams last played on April 6th where San Jose won at home by a 5-2 margin. The Avalanche have played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total when avenging a loss by at least three goals. 25* NHL Bailout Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Colorado Avalanche (5) and the San Jose Sharks (6). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (7) and the New York Islanders (8). THE SITUATION: Carolina (50-32-7) has won four of their last five games after defeating the Capitals in Washington on Wednesday with their 4-3 win in overtime in the climactic seventh game of that series. New York (52-27-7) has won their last six games after completing their seven-game sweep of the Penguins with their 3-1 win in Pittsburgh back on April 16th. The Islanders host this game in the Barclays Center to begin this seven-game series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Hurricanes have played 4 of their last 5 road games Under the Total after winning four of their last five games. Carolina has also won 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after scoring at least four goals against a Metropolitan Division rival in their last game. Furthermore, the Hurricanes have played 16 of their last 24 road games Under the Total after playing a game on the road — and they have played 19 of their last 28 games Under the Total after a game on the road where both teams scored at least three goals. Carolina is getting outstanding goaltending from Petr Mrazek who had a 1.83 Goals-Against-Average with a .938 save percentage after the All-Star Break during the regular season. The Hurricanes held the Capitals to just 2.4 Goals-Per-Game over the last five games in that series. Carolina has also played 22 of their last 34 games Under the Total when playing Metropolitan Division rivals. And while the Hurricanes have played three straight Overs, they have then played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total. New York has only allowed one goal in each of their last three games. Goalie Robin Lehner enjoys a 2.05 Goals-Against-Average with a .929 save percentage when playing at home this season. Over their last five games, the Islanders allowed only 1.2 Goals-Per-Game. Moving forward, the Under is 34-16-2 in New York’s last 52 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. But the Isles will likely be rusty in their offensive execution after not being in a real game in ten days. They return home where they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total. New York has also played 11 of their last 13 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: The Islanders led the NHL by allowing only 196 goals this season — and the Hurricanes were not far behind as they finished tied for sixth in fewest goals allowed. While I suspect some of the games in this series to finish Over the Total, look for both these teams to be cautious in this opener. 25* NHL Metropolitan Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (7) and the New York Islanders (8). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:38 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (5) and the St. Louis Blues (6). THE SITUATION: Dallas (47-34-7) won the last three games of their opening round series to defeat Nashville in six games with their 2-1 victory in overtime on Monday. St. Louis (49-30-9) won their last two games in their series with Winnipeg to also dispatch of them in six games with their 3-2 victory last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Under is 31-13-7 in the Stars’ last 51 games after a victory — and they have played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total after a win over a Central Division rival. Dallas has also played 12 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a narrow win by just one goal — and the Under is 19-5-6 in their last 30 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. The Stars were the second best defensive team in the NHL during the regular season where they allowed just 2.44 Goals-Per-Game. Goalie Ben Bishop enjoyed a 1.15 Goals-Against-Average with a .962 save percentage in his fifteen regular season starts after the All-Star Break. Dallas allowed only 2.0 Goals-Per-Game over their last five games. But this team also scores only 2.3 Goals-Per-Game when playing on the road with only their top forward line being a reliable source of goals. The Under is 17-6-4 in the Stars’ last 27 games on the road — and the Under is 13-4-4 in their last 21 road games against teams with a winning record at home. The Under is also 10-2-2 in Dallas’ last 14 games as a money-line underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. St. Louis has played 16 of their last 19 games Under the Total after winning two straight games. They are led by a red hot goaltender that spearheaded their strong second half of the season in rookie Jordan Bennington who enjoyed a 1.90 GAA with a .928 save percentage in the twenty-three regular season starts after the All-Star Break. The Blues have played 5 of their last 7 home games Under the Total — and they have played 7 of their last 9 home games Under the Total when priced as a favorite in the -151 to -200 price range. The Under is also 20-8-2 in St. Louis’  last 30 games against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: Dallas was a perfect 15 of 15 with their Power Play kills in the opening round of the playoffs — and the Blues were solid by allowing only three goals in fourteen Power Plays for the Jets. These two teams have played 5 of their last 6 meetings Under the Total. Expect this opening game to continue this low-scoring tempo. 25* NHL Central Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (5) and the St. Louis Blues (6). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total run in the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets (3) and the Boston Bruins (4). THE SITUATION: Columbus (51-31-4) takes the ice with this first time since April 16th after they completed an improbable 4-0 sweep over Tampa Bay that concluded with a 7-3 victory back on April 16th. Boston (53-27-9) pulled out a seven-game series on Tuesday when they defeated Toronto by a 5-1 score. The Bruins host the opening two games of this series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Blue Jackets will likely be a bit rusty having not played in twelve days. Their head coach, John Tortorella, is a veteran who has led a previous team to a Stanley Cup championship and he will likely continue to rely on his team playing very physical to set the tone on defense. As it is, the Under is 25-11-4 in Columbus’ last 40 games after a victory — and they have played 12 of their last 17 games after a win at home by a test four goals. Additionally, the Under is 6-2-2 in the Blue Jackets’ last 10 games after scoring at least five goals in their last game — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total against a team that did not allow more than two goals in their last contest. The team is getting great goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky who stopped 109 of his 117 shots against the Lightning for a stellar .936 save percentage in that series. Columbus is the hottest team in the NHL right now as they have only lost once since March 24th — and the play of their goaltender has played a big role in their surge. Since the All-Star Break, Bobrovsky has a 2.20 Goals-Against-Average along with a .924 save percentage. The Blue Jackets have allowed only 2.0 Goals-Per-Game in their last five contests. Now they go on the road where they have played 12 of their last 15 games Under the Total. The Under is also 7-1-1 in their last 9 road games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Boston has played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game — and they have also played 7 straight home games Under the Total after scoring five or more goals in their last contest. Furthermore, the Bruins have played 8 of their last 9 home games Under the Total after a win over an Atlantic Division rival. Boston will be happy to grind out a heavy-hitting lower scoring game with the Blue Jackets — they finished tied for third in the regular season by allowing only 2.59 Goals-Per-Game. Their goalie, Tuukka Rask, stopped 32 of the 33 shots he faced against the Maple Leafs to lead his team to that Game Seven victory. Rask entered these playoffs with a career 2.25 GAA along with a .924 save percentage in 65 games. Additionally, the Under is 13-4-5 in Boston’s last 22 games in the playoffs as a favorite priced in the -110 to -150 price range.

FINAL TAKE: Columbus’ only loss since Match 24th was a 6-2 loss at home to the Bruins back on April 2nd as a -140 money-line favorite. The Blue Jackets have played 23 of their last 35 games Under the Total when looking to avenge an upset loss — and they have also played 12 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a loss by at least three goals. Boston has won the last two meetings between these two teams — and Columbus has played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total when motivated by double-revenge. 25* NHL Eastern Conference Total of the Month with Columbus Blue Jackets (3) and the Boston Bruins (4). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:38 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (24) versus the Carolina Hurricanes (23). THE SITUATION: Carolina (49-32-7) forced a climactic Game Seven on Monday with their 5-2 victory at home against the Capitals (51-29-8). This series returns to Washington for the final game tonight.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CAPITALS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Washington should respond with a strong effort after being outplayed on Monday. The Capitals have won 35 of their last 52 games after a loss by at least three goals. Washington has also won 29 of their last 43 games after a loss on the road — and they have won 8 of their last 10 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. And while the Capitals have lost three of their last four games in this series after winning the first two games at home, they have then won 22 of their last 27 games after losing three of their last four games. Even without the injured T.J. Oshie, the reigning Stanley Cup champions have too much star power for the Hurricanes. This team will also be playing in its twelfth playoff Game Seven in the Alex Ovechkin era — so they have a significant experience advantage over this Hurricanes team that entered this series with just 342 combined games of playoff experience (as compared to the 1282 combined playoff games of experience for the Capitals). Washington is very tough at home where they have won 40 of their last 58 games with the Total sent at 5.5. The Capitals have also won 7 of their last 8 home games when priced as the favorite in the -110 to -150 price range. Carolina has lost 10 of their last 12 road games off a victory of at least three goals. This Hurricanes team remains undermanned with Andrei Svechnikov still out after suffering a concussion at the hands of an Ovechkin's fist — and Micheal Ferland also remains out with an upper-body injury. Carolina has lost 6 of their last 8 games on the road — and they have lost 9 of their last 13 road games with the Total set at 5.5. The Hurricanes have also lost 38 of their last 52 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice. Furthermore, the Hurricanes have lost 13 of their last 16 games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range — and they have lost 6 straight playoff games as an underdog.

FINAL TAKE: Washington has won 28 of their last 40 games when avenging a loss on the road to their opponent. With their playoff experience, a significant edge at goalie between Braden Holtby versus Petr Mrazek and the best two players on the ice in Ovechkin and (albeit an underachieving) Evgeny Kuznetsov, the Capitals have too many advantages for this upstart Carolina team. 20* NHL Carolina-Washington NBC Sports Network Special with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (24) versus the Carolina Hurricanes (23). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:08 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (11) and the San Jose Sharks (12). THE SITUATION: San Jose (49-30-7) forced a climactic seventh game in this series on Sunday with their 2-1 double-overtime victory over Vegas (46-35-7). The Sharks host Game Seven.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Vegas has played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total after losing a game in overtime. They once again got great goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury who stopped 27 of the 29 shots he saw. Fleury’s has won three Game Sevens on the road with his time with Pittsburgh — and he produced a sterling 1.00 Goals-Against-Average with a .959 save percentage in these three games. The Golden Knights have seen the Under go 5-2-1 in their last 8 games in the playoffs as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Vegas has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when attempting to close out a series. San Jose has played 17 of their last 23 games when facing elimination in a playoff series. This Sharks team is a perfect 35-0 this season when they do not allow more than two goals — so it will likely be the strategy of head coach Peter DeBoer to have his team play conservatively. Goalie Martin Jones has been up-and-down in this series — but he certainly seems to have found his form as of late. He stopped 58 of the 59 shots he faced on Sunday — and he has a .967 save percentage in his last two games. Jones has been beaten at the start of new periods throughout this series — so it seems that he can get settled in, then he plays at his best. San Jose has allowed only three goals over the last two games that includes an extra period and a half from Sunday’s overtime game.

FINAL TAKE: Vegas has played 16 of their last 25 games Under the Total when avenging a loss at home. Expect this to be a cautious game from both teams — much like Game Six. 10* NHL Tuesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (11) and the San Jose Sharks (12). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Boston Bruins (10) versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (9). THE SITUATION: Boston (52-27-9) extended this series to a climactic seventh game on Sunday with their 4-2 victory in Toronto against the Maple Leafs (52-27-9). The Bruins return home to host Game Seven.

REASONS TO TAKE BOSTON WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Bruins should build off their momentum from winning Game Six. Boston has won 9 of their last 11 games for a victory where they scored at least four goals. The Bruins have also won 12 of their last 16 games after allowing no more than two goals in their last game. Now this team returns home where they are 30-11-3 this season. Boston has won 20 of their last 28 home games against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have won 10 of their last 14 home games when favored in the -110 to -150 price range. The Bruins have also won 12 of their last 17 home games with the Total set at 5.5. Boston has a big edge in playoff experience going into tonight. Zdeno Chara is playing in his thirteenth Game Seven in a playoff series while veterans Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Krejci will be playing their 11th, 10th, and 8th seventh game in a playoff series. The Bruins are also the better defensive team as the 128 goals they allowed during the regular season on 5-on-5 situations was the second lowest in the NHL. Furthermore, Boston has been getting more production from their Power Play in this series as they have scored 7 times in their 16 Power Play chances (43.8%). Toronto has scored just 3 times in their 14 opportunities with a man advantage (21.4%). The Maple Leafs have had two opportunities on their home ice to either take a commanding 3-1 lead or to close the series out — but they failed in both instances. They are getting outplayed in this series — they have allowed 3.4 Goals-Per-Game in the last five games while scoring only 2.4 Goals-Per-Game over that span. Toronto has lost 4 of their last 6 games after losing at home to an Atlantic Division rival. The Maple Leafs have also lost 4 of their last 5 games after scoring two goals or less in their last contest. Additionally, Toronto has lost 5 of their last 7 games on the road. And in their last 11 playoff games as an underdog, the Leafs have lost 8 of these games.

FINAL TAKE: Toronto has lost Game Sevens in Boston both last year and 2013. Mental toughness has been an issue for this team all season — and it simply does not appear they have resolved that concern after blowing their best opportunity to win this series at home on Sunday. 25* NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Year with the money-line on the Boston Bruins (10) versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (9). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:38 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (85) and the Dallas Stars (86). THE SITUATION: Dallas (46-34-7) took a 3-2 lead in this series on Saturday with their victory at Nashville (49-32-6). The Stars have the opportunity to close out this series tonight back on their home ice.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Dallas is getting it done with their defense as they ave allowed only eleven goals in the first five games of this series. The Stars not only play a cautious style of play but they are also getting outstanding goaltending from Ben Bishop. The veteran had a 1.98 Goals-Against-Average during the regular season with a .934 save percentage — and those numbers improved to a 1.90 GAA with a .937 save percentage when playing at home. The Under is 30-14-7 in Dallas’ last 51 games after a win — and they have played 14 of their last 17 road games Under the Total after a win. Furthermore, the Stars have played 8 straight games Under the Total after a win on the road where they scored at least four goals. Additionally, Dallas has played 19 of their last 25 games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Over the Total — and they have played 5 straight games Over the Total after a game on the road where both teams scored at least three goals. Now the Stars return home where the Under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games — and the Under is 13-3-1 in their last 17 home games when priced as a favorite in the -110 to -150 range. Nashville has played 27 of their last 40 games Under the Total after a loss to a Central Division rival — and they have also played ten of their last fifteen games Under the Total after a loss at home to a divisional rival. Furthermore, the Under is 22-7-5 in the Predators’ last 34 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game — and they have played 15 of their last 20 games against opponents who scored at least five goals in their last contest. This team has to tighten things up on defense after allowing ten goals in their last two games. Nashville has played 14 of their last 21 games Under the Total after allowing at least five goals in two straight games. Now this team goes on the road where the Under is 8-1-1 in their last 10 games — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Additionally, the Preds have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total when trailing in a playoff series — and they have played 10 of their last 16 games Under the Total when facing elimination.

FINAL TAKE: Nashville has played 7 straight games Under the Total when playing on the road where are attempting to avenge two straight losses by at least two goals. 25* NHL First Round CNBC-TV Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (85) and the Dallas Stars (86). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Carolina Hurricanes (90) versus the Washington Capitals (89). THE SITUATION: Washington (51-28-8) took a 3-2 lead in this series on Saturday with their 6-0 shutout victory over the Hurricanes (48-32-7). This series returns to Carolina for Game Six.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HURRICANES WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Carolina should respond with a strong effort as they have won 4 of the last 5 games after a loss by at least three goals. The Hurricanes have also won 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. This Carolina team was tops in the NHL during the regular season in both Corsi-For percentage and Fenwick-For percentage which measures puck possession. Those sound fundamentals help explain why the Hurricanes had the third most points in the NHL with a 31-12-2 record since December 31st. Now Carolina returns home where they have won 18 of their last 24 games — and they have won 8 of their last 10 home games when priced as a -110 to -150 favorite. The Hurricanes have also won 9 of their last 10 home games with the Total set at 5.5. Washington has lost 5 of their last 7 games as a money-line underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Carolina has also lost 14 of their last 20 playoff games when priced in that +110 to +150 price range. While the reigning Stanley Cup champions stepped on home ice on Saturday, this may be the game they miss T.J. Oshie and his 25 goals in the regular season after he suffered an upper body in Game Four which will keep him out of the playoffs indefinitely.

FINAL TAKE: The Hurricanes have won 11 of their last 15 games when avenging a loss by at least three goals — and this includes them winning six of these last seven situations. 20* NHL Monday Daily Discounted Deal with the money-line on the Carolina Hurricanes (90) versus the Washington Capitals (89). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs (63) and the Boston Celtics (64). THE SITUATION: Boston (51-26-9) evened this series at 2-2 on Wednesday with their 6-4 victory over Toronto (48-30-6). The Bruins return home with the opportunity to move within one game of clinching this series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Boston has played 8 of their last 10 games at home Under the Total after a victory over an Atlantic Division rival. The Bruins have also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game — and they have played 6 straight games after scoring at least five goals when they are playing on their home ice. Furthermore, Boston has played 36 of their last 54 games Under the Total after allowing at least four goals in their last game. While it was a high scoring game in Toronto on Wednesday, look for the Bruins defense and goaltender Tuukka Rask to play better tonight. Rask had a 2.32 Goals-Against-Average at home during the regular season with a .913 save percentage. Rask entered this postseason with a 2.25 GAA along with a .924 save percentage in 65 games in the playoffs which includes a Stanley Cup championship run. Boston has played 6 of their last 8 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. The Bruins have also seen the Under go 12-4-5 in their last 21 games in the playoffs when favored and priced in the -110 to -150 price range. Toronto needs to play better with their Power Play Kill Unit as they have allowed Boston to score in 5 of their 11 (45.5%) Power Play chances. The Maple Leafs were just 17th in killing Power Plays during the regular season — but they should get closer to that 79.9% mark as this series moves on. Toronto has played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. The Maple Leafs have also played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home. And the Under is 5-2-1 in Toronto’ last 8 games as an underdog in the +110 to +150 price range.

FINAL TAKE: The Maple Leafs have played 10 of their last 13 games on the road when motivated by revenge — and they have played 16 of their last 23 games when avenging a loss where they allowed at least four goals. These two teams have played 4 of their last 5 meetings Under the Total. With this game being played in Boston, expect the Bruins’ to win the battle of styles which will result in a slower and more physical game. 25* NHL Atlantic Division Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs (63) and the Boston Celtics (64). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:05 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (58) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (57). THE SITUATION: Vegas (46-33-7) seized a commanding 3-1 lead in this series on Tuesday with their 5-0 shutout victory over the Sharks (47-30-7). This series returns to San Jose tonight for Game Five with the Sharks looking to stave off elimination.

REASONS TO TAKE SAN JOSE WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Vegas has been dominant over their last three games as they have outscored the Sharks by a 16-6 margin. They have won all three of these games by at least two goals. But the Golden Knights have then lost 6 of their last 8 games after winning their last two games at home by at least two goals. Vegas has also lost 6 of their last 8 games after scoring at least four goals in two straight games. Now the Golden Knights go back on the road where they are just 20-21-2 this season while allowing 3.2 Goals-Per-Game. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was not as effective on the road during the regular season where he had a 2.64 Goals-Against-Average along with a .908 save percentage as compared to his 2.40 GAA and .917 save percentage when playing at home. Vegas has lost 5 of their last 6 games on the road. The Golden Knights have also lost 10 of their last 12 road games when priced and an underdog in the +110 to +150 price range. Furthermore, the Golden Knights have lost 11 of their last 18 games when playing on the road with the Total set at 6. San Jose was undermanned on Tuesday with Joe Thornton suspended and defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic still injured from taking a puck to the body early in Game Two. Getting Thornton back not only re-establishes the center on their third-line back while allowing Joe Pavelski to return to right wing on the top line but it also sees the heart and soul leader of this squad back on the ice. Vlasic’s return is even more critical because it allows head coach Peter DeBoer to become flexible with his defensive pairings. The Vegas “second” line of Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, and Paul Stastny has been destroying the Sharks and both their goaltenders. Back on home ice, DeBoer gets the final choice to place his best pure defender in Vlasic on the ice to counter that outstanding line with the option of pairing him with either Erik Karlsson or Brent Burns. That, of course, frees up the third defenseman to anchor the second defensive pairing which can play more aggressively. The soft underbelly of this Vegas team is last year’s top line of William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith have regressed so significantly from last year that they are playing closer to what the original projections of what that line would be for an expansion team. San Jose remains a very good team who took the Golden Knights to six games in last year’s playoffs before acquiring Karlsson in the offseason. The Sharks have won 37 of their last 55 games after a loss by at least three goals — and this includes them winning thirteen of their last fourteen games when playing at home after a loss by at least three goals. Back home in San Jose, the Sharks are 26-12-3 this season where they are scoring 3.6 Goals-Per-Game and outscoring their guests by +0.7 Goals-Per-Game. San Jose has won 10 of their last 14 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. Martin Jones will get the start between the pipes again tonight after being pulled in two of the last three games. While Jones has a history of inconsistent play during the regular season, he did enter this postseason with a .926 career save percentage in 42 playoff games which included a run to the Stanley Cup Finals three years ago.

FINAL TAKE: The Sharks have won 8 of their last 9 games when looking to avenge an upset loss to their opponent. San Jose has also won 5 of their last 6 games when playing with revenge from a loss by at least four goals to their opponent. And in their last 16 opportunities to snap a losing streak of at least three games to their opponent, the Sharks have won 11 of those contests. 25* NHL Pacific Division Game of the Year with the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (58) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (57). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:08 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Calgary Flames (49) and the Colorado Avalanche (50). THE SITUATION: Colorado (40-31-4) seized a 2-1 lead in this series on Monday with their 6-2 victory over Calgary (51-27-7). They host Game Four of this series tonight before the Flames return home to host Game Five.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Avalanche have played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a victory — and they have played 7 straight home games Under the Total after scoring at least six goals in their last contest. Colorado has also played 11 of their last 15 home games Under the Total after a game where at least seven combined goals were scored. And in their last 10 games against an opponent that did not score more than two goals in their last game, the game finished Under the Total 7 times. Colorado will be undermanned at the forward position tonight with Derick Brassard out with an illness. Head coach Jared Bednar has limited options to replace Brassard with no additional forwards available on his roster. Despite their scoring output on Monday, the Avalanche are scoring only 2.8 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. They have played 4 of their last 5 home games Under the Total as a favorite — and they have also played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total against Western Conference opponents. Calgary has played 11 of their last 15 road games Under the Total after a game where at least eight combined goals were scored. The Flames have also played 30 of their last 43 games Under the Total after allowing at least five goals in their last game — and this includes them playing thirteen of their last eighteen games Under the Total after allowing at least five goals. Calgary stays on the road where they have played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total — and they have played 4 of their last 5 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record at home.

FINAL TAKE: The Flames were the favorite in their last games against the Avalanche in this series. Calgary has then played 19 of their last 28 road games when looking to avenge two straight upset losses to their opponent. 10* NHL Wednesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Calgary Flames (49) and the Colorado Avalanche (50). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Dallas Stars (48) versus the Nashville Predators (47). THE SITUATION: Dallas (44-34-7) looks to bounce-back from a 3-2 loss at home to Nashville (49-30-6) on Monday. The Predators are up 2-1 in this series with the prospects of getting to host Game Five of this series back in Nashville.

REASONS TO TAKE THE STARS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Dallas should respond with a strong effort in this game after dropping the last two games in this series. The Stars have won 45 of their last 65 home games after a loss — and they have also won 20 of their last 26 home games after a loss to a Central Division rival. Dallas has also won 6 of their last 8 home games after a loss by a single goal. The Stars won Game One of this series by a 3-2 score before losing Game Two in overtime by a 2-1 margin. Dallas has then won 8 of their last 10 games after losing two straight games by just one goal. Furthermore, not only have the Stars won 10 of their last 14 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game — and they have won 14 of the last 19 games after scoring two goals or less in their last two games. There is no question that this team wants to put more pressure on the Predators’ goalie Pekka Rinne — but peppering with 42 shots like they did on Monday should eventually reap more goals. Dallas has only converted once in their thirteen Power Play chances in this series — and they were a solid Power Play team during the regular season where they ranked 11th in the NHL by converting on 21% of their chances with a man-advantage. Rookie head coach Jim Montgomery abandoned the Stars’ run-and-gun philosophy over the last few seasons for a more defensive approach that is likely better suited for playoff hockey. This team is second in the NHL by allowing 2.44 Goals-Per-Game. Don’t be surprised if they get an outstanding effort from goalie Ben Bishop after he gave up three goals on Monday. Bishop had a 1.98 Goals-Against-Average during the regular season with a .934 save percentage and seven shutouts. When playing at home, Bishop improved those numbers to a 1.90 GAA with a .937 save percentage. Bishop is also battle-tested in the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 2.09 GAA along with a .927 save percentage in 36 playoff games entering this series. Dallas was also tough at home with a 24-14-3 mark this season — and they have won 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. The Stars have also won 8 of their last 11 games against Central Division foes. There is no question that Rinne was outstanding on Monday — but he struggled on the road in the playoffs at times last year which played a large role in his middling 3.07 GAA along with a .904 save percentage in last year’s playoffs. Rinne had a 2.42 GAA with a .918 save percentage during the regular season — but he saw his GAA rise to a 2.72 mark with his save percentage drop to a .915 mark when on the road. The Predators were just 22-15-4 on the road this year as compared to their 25-14-2 mark at home during the regular season. They have a questionable bottom six group of forwards. And there were simply awful on the Power Play this season ranking last with a mere 12.9% conversion rate. Too many slap shots with their players trying to be heroes explain much of the reason for their poor success on the Power Play. Their star defensemen are also beginning to regress or underachieve. Nashville has lost 3 of their last 4 games after winning two straight games against Central Division rivals. And in their last 18 games after a victory over a Central Division foe, the Predators have lost 12 of these games.

FINAL TAKE: Dallas plays lower scoring games more often than not — but look for them to expose the shaky Rinne tonight and even this series at 2-2. 25* NHL First Round Central Division Game of the Year with the money-line on the Dallas Stars (48) versus the Nashville Predators (47). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Boston Bruins (45) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (46). THE SITUATION: Toronto (48-29-6) took a 2-1 lead in this series on Monday with their 3-2 victory over Boston (50-26-9). The Maple Leafs host Game Four before this series goes back to Boston for Game Five.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Toronto is doing a great job of containing the Bruins’ top-line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak who were held without a point on Monday. Head coach Mike Babcock will be able to continue to choose his forward group last of John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Zach Hyman with the home advantage of last option. The Maple Leafs have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total on their home ice — and the Under is also 9-1-1 in their last 11 home games as an underdog priced in the -110 to -150 price range. The Toronto offense will continue to be impacted by the suspension of center Nazeem Kardic who anchors their third line — he will be out the rest of this series. The Maple Leafs are scoring only 2.8 Goals-Per-Game over their last five games. Toronto has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. The Maple Leafs have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams from the Atlantic Division. Boston has played 11 of their last 16 games Under the Total against Atlantic Division foes. They have also played 23 of their last 33 games Under the Total after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Forward depth ager their top-line is an issue for this team — so when that top group is not scoring, they can get into low scoring games. The Bruins are scoring only 2.6 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. Look for head coach Bruce Cassidy to want his team to get back to the physical bruising play that elevated to win Game Two of this series. Getting back defenseman John Moore with his 38 games of playoff experience will also help their defensive efforts after he missed Monday’s contest with an upper-body injury. The Under is 29-14-2 in Boston’s last 45 games against teams with a winning record. The Under is also 26-10-1 in the Bruins’ last 37 road games against teams with a winning record at home.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have now played 4 straight Unders — and the last 5 meetings between these two teams in Toronto has finished Under the Total. Expect another lower scoring game. 10* NHL Boston-Toronto NBC Sports Network O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Boston Bruins (45) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (46). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (37) versus the Columbus Blue Jackets (38). THE SITUATION: Columbus (50-31-4) seized a 3-0 lead in this series on Sunday with their 3-1 victory over the Lightning (62-19-14) in Game Three of this series. The Blue Jackets hope to sweep this series tonight.

REASONS TO TAKE THE LIGHTNING WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Tampa Bay played their best game in this series on Sunday but still could not overcome this Columbus team. The Lightning were undermanned in that game with their top defenseman, Victor Hedman, out with an upper-body injury and Nikita Kucherov serving a one-game suspension. While Hedman will again miss this game, Kucherov does return to the ice tonight. This team is facing plenty of adversity for this game — and I expect them to respond with a very strong effort. Tampa Bay has still won 40 of their last 55 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Going on the road may be a small blessing in disguise for this team as they can avoid all distractions and focus all of their energies on the business at hand. The Lightning are 30-10-2 on the road this season — and they have won an incredible 41 of their last 58 games away from home. Tampa Bay has also won 44 of their last 55 games against fellow Eastern Conference opponents. And in their last 51 road games when favored in the -110 to -150 price range, the Lightning have won 36 of these games. Tampa Bay needs to generate Power Play opportunities after failing to secure the man-advantage even once on Sunday. The Lightning led the NHL by converting in 28.2% of their Power Play opportunities in the regular season. They have yet to convert a Power Play in their five chances in this series. These few chances are also allowing the Blue Jackets to roll four lines and flex their muscles with their strong depth. Columbus has scored eight goals in their last two games in this series — but they have lost 8 of their last 11 home games after scoring at least three goals in two straight games. The Blue Jackets have also lost 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. And in the last 8 games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range, the Blue Jackets have lost 6 of these games. Winning three games in this series is the first time in franchise history that Columbus has accomplished that feat. They have lost 16 of their last 24 games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

FINAL TAKE: There is only one President’s Trophy team to lose the first three games in the first round of the playoffs. That was Vancouver in 2014 — and they extended that playoff series to five games by winning Game Four. Winning the final fourth game is usually the hardest thing accomplish in the Stanley Cup Playoffs — and I suspect the Blue Jackets to feel the pressure tonight. 25* NHL First Round Eastern Conference Playoffs Game of the Year with the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (37) versus the Columbus Blue Jackets (38). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Carolina Hurricanes (32) versus the Carolina Hurricanes (31). THE SITUATION: Washington (50-26-8) seized a 2-0 lead in this series on Saturday with their 4-3 win in overtime against the Hurricanes. This series goes to Carolina (46-31-7) for Games Three and Four.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HURRICANES WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Carolina should respond with a strong effort tonight in this must-win situation. The Hurricanes have won 11 of their last 16 games after a loss to a fellow Metropolitan Division rivals — and this includes them winning five of their last six games after a loss by just one goal to a divisional foe. This is a good Carolina team that generated the third most points in the NHL since December 31st by compiling a 31-12-2 record in the regular season. The Hurricanes play sound fundamental hockey who routinely controls puck possession — they led the NHL in both Corsi-For and Fenwick-For metrics this season that measure net shot differentials. Returning home should help in what should be an electric environment for the franchise’s first home game in the playoffs in ten seasons. Carolina needs to feed off the crowd and score first in this game after falling behind in both games played in Washington. Home ice advantage will also help head coach Rod Brind’Amour make the last change to help his top forward line featuring rising star Sebastian Aho have a better chance to succeed. The Aho line has been bottlenecked by the Capitals’ Evgeny Kuznetsov along with Washington’s defensive pairing of Dimitry Orlov and Matt Niskanen. The Hurricanes have won 4 of their last 5 games on their home ice. Washington has now won six straight playoff games after winning four straight games against Vegas to lift the Stanley Cup last June. But the Capitals have lost 6 of their last 9 games after a win against a divisional rival where they scored at least four goals. Washington has also lost 6 of their last 9 games after winning at home by just one goal. Furthermore, the Capitals have lost 10 of their last 15 games after a home game where both teams scored at least three goals. And in their last 19 playoff games as a money-line underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range, Washington has lost 13 of these games.

FINAL TAKE: The Capitals entered this series with a massive advantage in playoff experience over this Carolina team. Two games later, that edge has been mitigated somewhat. Washington was a middle-of-the-pack possession team that was also last in the NHL by winning just 45.7% of their face-offs. The defending champions are vulnerable — look for the Hurricanes to make this a series tonight. 25* NHL First Round Metropolitan Division Playoff Game of the Year with the money-line on the Carolina Hurricanes (32) versus the Carolina Hurricanes (31). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:08 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (27) and the Vegas Golden Knights (28). THE SITUATION: Vegas (44-33-7) evened this series at 1-1 on Friday with their 5-3 victory over the Sharks (47-28-7) in San Jose. This series moves to Las Vegas for Games Three and Four of this series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: San Jose surrendered three quick goals to the Golden Knights in the first 6:39 minutes of the first period which prompted head coach Peter DeBoer to give the hook to goaltender Martin Jones. Jones will be back between the pipes tonight and I do expect him to play better. The Under is 4-1-1 in the Sharks’ last 6 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game — and they have also played 22 of their last 33 games Under the Total on the road after allowing at least five goals. Furthermore, San Jose has played 11 of their last 16 games Under the Total after a loss to a Pacific Division rival — and they have also played 16 of their last 24 games Under the Total after a loss at home by at least two goals. Additionally, the Under is 8-3-1 in the Sharks’ last 12 games when playing with one day of rest. And while San Jose has played three straight Overs, they have then played 14 of their last 23 games Under the Total after playing at least three straight Overs. Vegas has played 7 of their last 8 home games Under the Total after a win by at least two goals against a Pacific Division rival — and they have also played 8 of their last 9 home games Under the Total after a win on the road where both teams scored at least three goals. The Golden Knights were very fortunate on offense on Friday with two of their goals being scored shorthanded with the Sharks on the Power Play. The Under is 5-2-1 in Vegas’ last 8 games after scoring at least five goals in their last game. Now the Golden Knights return home where they have played 5 straight games Under the Total as the favorite — and the Under is also 8-2-1 in Vegas’ last 11 home games as a favorite priced in the -110 to -150 price range.

FINAL TAKE: With the first two games of this series seven and eight combined goals, the Total has been moved to 6.5. Expect this to be the lowest scoring game so far in this series. 10* NHL Sunday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (27) and the Vegas Golden Knights (28). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (23) versus the Columbus Blue Jackets (24). THE SITUATION: Columbus (49-31-4) seized a 2-0 lead in this series on Friday with their 5-1 victory over the Lightning (62-18-14) in Tampa Bay. This series moves to Columbus for the next two games.

REASONS TO TAKE THE LIGHTNING WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Tampa Bay finds themselves in a must-win situation just two games after earning the President’s Trophy for having the best record during the regular season in the NHL. And this team will be undermanned with Nikita Kucherov suspended for a boarding hit in Game Two and their Norris Trophy defenseman Victor Hedman a game-time decision with an upper-body injury. This team is facing plenty of adversity for this game — and I expect them to respond with a very strong effort. The Lightning have won 8 straight games after losing at home by at least three goals. Tampa Bay has also won 40 of their last 54 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Going on the road may be a small blessing in disguise for this team as they can avoid all distractions and focus all of their energies on the business at hand. The Lightning were 30-9-2 on the road this season — and they have won an incredible 41 of their last 57 games away from home. Tampa Bay has also won 44 of their last 54 games against fellow Eastern Conference opponents. And in their last 54 games when favored in the -110 to -150 price range, the Lightning have won 44 of these games. Columbus underachieved during the regular season but have played very well without the pressure of high expectations. That now changes with their 2-0 lead in the series with the next two games at home. The Blue Jackets play at home for the first time since April 2nd — and they have lost 10 of their last 13 home games after being on the road for at least seven days. Columbus has also lost 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. And in the last 7 games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range, the Blue Jackets have lost 6 of these games. Columbus has also lost 16 of their last 23 games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

FINAL TAKE: Tampa Bay has won 6 of their last 7 games in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. They need to amp up their intensity for playoff hockey which they should do now down 0-2 in this series. The loss of Kucherov and, potentially, Hedman, hurts — but they remain a deep and talented team. 20* NHL Tampa Bay-Columbus NBC Sports Network Special with the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (23) versus the Columbus Blue Jackets (24). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the money-line on the Boston Bruins (66) versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (65). THE SITUATION: Toronto (47-28-6) took the opening game of this series on Thursday with their 4-1 victory over the Bruins. Boston (49-25-9) looks to even this series at 1-1 before the Maple Leafs host the third and fourth games.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BRUINS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Toronto certainly boasts one of the best rosters in the NHL on paper — but consistency has been an issue for head coach Mike Babcock’s team. The Maple Leafs have lost 6 straight games after a win — and they have lost 20 of their last 30 games on the road after a loss by at least two goals. Toronto has also lost 7 straight games when facing an opponent that did not score more than two goals in their last contest. The Maple Leafs limped into the postseason with just a 4-7-3 mark in their last fourteen games. While they have a dynamic group of scorers, their defense remains a question after finishing 12th in the league by allowing 3.04 Goals-Per-Game. Goalie Frederick Andersen was outstanding between the pipes on Thursday by stopping 37 of the 38 shots he faced. But AndersonThis team lacks the players to successfully engage in the physical style of play that often characterizes success in the playoffs. Mental toughness is also a concern with this team. Toronto has lost 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record. The Maple Leafs have also lost 5 of their last 7 games on the road. Furthermore, Toronto has lost 7 of their last 10 games in the playoffs as an underdog — and they have lost 7 of their last 10 games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Boston has won 40 of their last 57 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last 57 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. After overcoming injuries to begin the season, the Bruins closed out the regular season on a 22-7-4 hot streak. They were 29-9-3 at home this season — and they have won a decisive 51 of their last 72 games on home ice. This is Boston’s third game in a row at home — and they have won 22 of their last 26 home games after playing their last two games at home. And in their last 13 home games against teams with a winning record on the road, the Bruins have won 9 of these home games. They still have one of the best goaltenders in the NHL in Tuukka Rask who has entered this series with a 2.25 Goals-Against-Average along with a .924 save percentage in 65 career playoff games.

FINAL TAKE: The Bruins should bounce-back with a strong effort as they have won 5 of their last 7 games when avenging a loss of at least two goals — and they have won 7 of their last 10 games when avenging a loss that was by at least three goals. Boston defeated the Leafs in seven games in the opening round of last year’s playoffs — so this looks destined to be another long series. 25* NHL First Round Playoff NBC-TV Game of the Year with the money-line on the Boston Bruins (66) versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (65). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:38 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (56) versus the St. Louis Blues (55). THE SITUATION: St. Louis (46-28-9) won the opening game of this series on Wednesday with their 2-1 victory. Winnipeg (47-31-5) hosts the second game of this series as they look to even things at 1-1 before traveling to St. Louis for Games Three and Four.

REASONS TO TAKE THE JETS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Winnipeg should bounce-back with a strong effort as they have won 14 of their last 16 home games after a loss by one goal. The Jets have also won 21 of their last 28 games after a loss to a fellow Central Division rival. Winnipeg has also won 9 of their last 13 games when avenging a loss by just one goal. The Jets did take their foot off the accelerator in the second half of the regular season as they went just 13-14-3 in their last thirty-one regular season games. Winnipeg has lost six of their last eight games — but they have then won 6 straight games after losing six or seven of their last eight contests. Furthermore, the Jets have won 15 of their last 20 games in the month of April going back to last season where they reached the Western Conference Finals. Winnipeg remains a dominant 25-13-4 on home ice this season — and they have won 28 of their last 36 home games with the Total set at 5.5. St. Louis may be due for a letdown after seizing home-ice advantage in this series. The Blues have then lost 4 of their last 6 games after a win by just one goal against a fellow Central Division rival. Their comeback from a 1-0 deficit in the third period was out of character for this team when considering that they were just 2-23-6 this season when trailing after two periods. Rookie Jordan Bennington has been spectacular between the pipes for this team this season — but he remains untested in the playoffs even after Wednesday’s success. St. Louis has lost 5 of their last 7 road games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. The Blues have also lost 4 of their last 5 playoff games as an underdog in the +110 to +150 price range.

FINAL TAKE: Even after Wednesday’s victory, St. Louis has lost 11 of their last 15 games against the Jets. Look for Winnipeg to even this series at 1-1. 25* NHL CNBC-TV Game of the Year with the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (56) versus the St. Louis Blues (55). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:38 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the money-line on the Pittsburgh Penguins (53) versus the New York Islanders (54). THE SITUATION: New York (49-27-7) won the opening game of this series on Wednesday with their 4-3 victory in overtime. Pittsburgh (44-26-12) looks to even this series tonight before returning home to host the third and fourth games of this series.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PENGUINS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Pittsburgh has bounced-back to win 7 of their last 11 games after a loss on the road by just one goal. Losing the first game of a new series in hostile territory in the playoffs is nothing new for this veteran team as they have now lost seven of their last nine games on the road to begin a new playoff series in the Sidney Crosby-Evgeny Malkin era. This team will be very happy to return to Pittsburgh with this series tied. The Penguins have lost two straight games after closing out the regular season with a 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers. Pittsburgh has then won 24 of their last 33 games after allowing at least four straight goals in their last two games — and they have also won 30 of their last 44 games after losing two straight contests. The Pens have been tough road warriors this season as they are 21-12-8 when playing on the road. Goalie Matt Murray has been more effective away from home this season where he has a 2.27 Goals-Against-Average with a .931 save percentage as compared to his 3.13 GAA and .906 save percentage when playing at home. Pittsburgh has won 16 of their last 21 games in the playoffs when favored in the -110 to -150 price range. New York is happy to escape Game One with a victory — but head coach Barry Trotz has to be concerned that the game was played at an up-tempo pace preferred by the Penguins. The 44 shots that Pittsburgh put on goalie Robin Lehner were the most that any team has peppered the Islanders with since October 4th early in the season. New York closed out their regular season with a 3-0 win over Washington — but they have then lost 8 of their last 10 home games after scoring at least three goals in two straight games. The Islanders have also lost 4 of their last 5 home games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Moving forward, New York is a franchise that has lost 6 of their last 7 games when leading in a playoff series.

FINAL TAKE: The Penguins have won 14 of their last 17 games when playing with revenge from a loss by just one goal. 10* NHL Friday Daily Discounted Deal with the money-line on the Pittsburgh Penguins (53) versus the New York Islanders (54). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (13) and the Washington Capitals (14). THE SITUATION: Carolina (46-29-5) enters their first postseason in a decade on a three-game winning streak after their 4-3 win in Philadelphia last Saturday. Washington (48-26-7) begins their defense of their Stanley Cup championship having lost two of three with their 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders. Washington hosts the opening two games of this seven-game series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Hurricanes have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a victory. Carolina is going to be a tough out for the Capitals because they do such a good job of controlling possession of the puck. The Hurricanes lead the NHL in both Corsi-For-Percentage and Fenwick-For-Percentage which measures their net differential in shot attempts versus their opponents. First-year head coach, Rob Brind'Amour, has overseen a style of play that emphasizes speed and constant pressure to keep the puck bottled up on their offensive end of the ice. This approach has helped Carolina to surrender only 28.6 shots per game which is the 3rd lowest in the NHL. This approach has done wonders for journeyman goaltender Petr Mrazek who has responded with an outstanding 1.83 Goals-Against-Average with a .938 save percentage since the All-Star Break. Over his last thirteen games, Mrazek enjoys a 1.68 GAA along with a .944 save percentage with two shutouts. Mrazek flashed plenty of potential when playing for the Red Wings. He has a career 1.98 GAA in 11 games (10 starts) in the playoffs along with a .927 save percentage which includes three shutouts. The Hurricanes have played 5 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning record at home. Furthermore, Carolina has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total — and the Under is 46-21-3 in their last 70 games when playing with at least three days of rest. Washington has played 6 straight home games after scoring one goal or less in their last game. The Capitals have also played 11 of their last 12 games Under the Total where no more than three combined goals were scored — and the Under is 23-9-2 in their last 34 games after scoring two goals or less in their last game. Washington enters the playoffs with a cold Power Play that has converted on only 3 of their last 25 opportunities (12.1%). But the Caps have a hot goalie right now with Braden Holtby boasting a .947 save percentage over his last five starts. Holtby will be a confident goaltender after finally leading his team to hoist the Cup last year. Holtby had a 2.16 GAA in last year’s playoffs with a .922 save percentage and two shutouts. In his career 82 playoff starts, Holtby has an outstanding .929 save percentage. The Under is 9-2-1 in Washington’s last 12 home games against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have played 7 straight home games Under the Total as the favorite. The Caps have also played 5 straight games Under the Total against fellow Metropolitan Division opponents.

FINAL TAKE: Carolina will be looking to avenge a 3-2 loss at home to the Capitals back on March 28th in the last meeting between these two teams. The Hurricanes have played 13 of their last 16 games Under the Total when avenging a one-goal loss to their opponent. And in the last 5 encounters between these two teams in Washington, the Under is 4-0-1. 25* NHL USA-TV Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (13) and the Washington Capitals (14). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:30 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (009) and the San Jose Sharks (010). THE SITUATION: Vegas (43-25-5) has lost two straight games as well as seven of their last eight contests after closing out the regular season with a 5-2 loss in Los Angeles to the Kings on Saturday. San Jose (46-27-6) won their last two games of the regular season after they defeated Colorado on Saturday by a 5-2 score.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Golden Knights have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after allowing at least five goals in their last game. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury played in those final two games of the regular season after getting a bunch of time off in March with the birth of his child coinciding with Vegas being pretty much locked-in to the third seed in the Pacific Division standings. Fleury's first game back was a 4-1 loss at home to Arizona last Thursday — but the Golden Knights have then played 11 of their last 14 games on the road Under the Total after allowing at least four goals in two straight games. Fleury needed to knock some rust off after taking time off — but I expect the veteran to be ready to go after being simply outstanding in his last two playoff experiences. In Vegas’ victory over the Sharks in six games in last year’s Western Conference Semifinals, Fleury had a 2.14 Goals-Against-Average with a .935 save percentage with two shutouts. The Golden Knights have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total when playing with at least three days of rest. Furthermore, the Under is 20-9-2 in Vegas’ last 31 road games as an underdog — and the Under is 5-1-1 in their last 7 games as an underdog in the playoffs. San Jose has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game. The Sharks scored 3.52 Goals-Per-Game during the regular season which was tied for third best in the league. But playoff hockey might see their offense take a step back. For starters, it remains unclear if this team has a consistently reliable top-line. Second, the health of their offensive-minded defenseman, Erik Karlsson, remains an issue as he returns to the ice after a nasty groin injury. Another concern for the Sharks is the play of their goaltender, Martin Jones, who had a 2.94 Goals-Against-Average with a .896 save percentage during the regular season. Jones has a career .926 save percentage in 42 games in the playoffs so he is more than capable and experienced. San Jose may choose to play a bit more cautiously to help build his confidence with the clean slate of the playoffs. San Jose has played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total when favored. The Under is also 3-1-1 in the last 5 games for the Sharks in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

FINAL TAKE: The last two games played in San Jose in last year’s Western Conference Semifinals saw each team register a shutout win. The biggest problem the Sharks had last year in that series was being too loose with the puck which played right into the Knights’ transition game from forcing turnovers — after blanking them in the opening game of that series by a 7-0 score, Vegas scored four and five goals in their next two victories in that series before then winning by a 6-0 score in the first meeting between these two teams in the regular season back in November. Head coach Peter DeBoer cannot let his team surrender another barrage of goals to this Knights team. Expect this opening game to be a hard-hitting and tightly played affair which makes the Under very enticing with the Total set at 6. 25* NHL 1st Round Pacific Division Playoff Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (009) and the San Jose Sharks (010). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:08 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (21) and the Vancouver Canucks (22). THE SITUATION: Dallas (41-31-5) has won three straight games with their 3-2 win over Edmonton on Tuesday. Vancouver (33-35-2) snapped a three-game losing streak on Thursday with their 3-2 win over Los Angeles in a shootout.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Under is a decisive 23-3-4 in the Stars’ last 30 games after a victory — and the Under is also 20-4-5 in their last 29 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. Dallas is allowing only 2.2 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. They will turn to Anton Khudobin in between the pipes tonight with Ben Bishop nursing a lower-body injury. Khudobin has a strong .923 save percentage on the road this season — and he enjoys a 2.14 Goals-Against-Average with a .937 save percentage in five starts (seven games) this month. He will need to be good tonight since the Stars score only 2.3 Goals-Per-Game when playing on the road. The Under is 19-6-5 in Dallas’ last 30 games on the road — and they have played 20 of their last 22 games Under the Total on the road with the Total set at 5.5. Furthermore, the Under is 7-1-2 in the Stars’ last 10 road games as a favorite priced in the -110 to -150 price range. The Under is also 18-6-3 in Dallas’ last 27 games against fellow Western Conference foes. Vancouver has played 13 of their last 16 games Under the Total after a victory. The Canucks have also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after allowing no more than two goals in their last game. Jacob Markstrom will be in goal tonight — he has a solid 2.68 GAA along with a .918 save percentage since the All-Star Break. Vancouver stays at home where they have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total. The Canucks have also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total at home as an underdog. Additionally, Vancouver has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against fellow Western Conference foes.

FINAL TAKE: Expect a lower scoring game between these two teams. 25* NHL Bailout Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (21) and the Vancouver Canucks (22). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:08 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vancouver Canucks (63) and the Dallas Stars (64). THE SITUATION: Vancouver (29-32-5) has lost three of their last four games after their 3-2 loss in overtime to New Jersey on Friday. Dallas (37-29-5) saw their two-game snapped on Friday with their 2-1 loss at home to Vegas.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Canucks have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after scoring two goals or less in their last game. Vancouver is scoring only 2.6 Goals-Per-Game in their last five games. They go on the road where they are scoring just 2.5 Goals-Per-Game. The Canucks have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total as an underdog priced in the +151 to +200 price range. They will turn to Jakob Markstrom between the pipes tonight who has a 2.48 Goals-Against-Average along with a .925 save percentage since the All-Star break. Vancouver has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total against Western Conference opponents — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. Dallas has seen the Under go 17-4-6 in their last 27 games after allowing two goals or less in their last game. The Stars are allowing just 1.0 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. Anton Khudobin will be in goal tonight after Ben Bishop suffered a lower-body injury. Khudobin has a 2.33 GAA on home ice this season with a .931 save percentage. But this Dallas team is scoring just 2.4 Goals-Per-Game over their last five games. The Stars return home where they are scoring just 2.8 Goals-Per-Game — but they are holding their opponents to only 2.3 Goals-Per-Game. The Under is 18-7-1 in Dallas’ last 26 games on their home ice — and they have also played 6 of their last 8 home games Under the Total as a money-line favorite priced at -201 or higher.

FINAL TAKE: Vancouver will be looking to avenge a 2-1 loss at home to the Stars back on December 1st. The Canucks have played 15 of their last 19 games Under the Total when avenging a loss that was by just one goal. The Under is also 18-8-3 in the last 29 games between these two teams. 10* NHL Sunday Night Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Vancouver Canucks (63) and the Dallas Stars (64). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Dallas Stars (60) versus the Colorado Avalanche (59). THE SITUATION: Dallas (34-27-5) has won three straight games after their 1-0 win over New York Rangers on Tuesday. Colorado (29-26-11) snapped a two-game losing streak with their 4-3 win in overtime over Detroit.

REASONS TO TAKE THE STARS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Dallas has won 6 of their last 8 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. This team has surrendered only 2.2 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. Getting goalie Ben Bishop healthy and back on the ice has been a jolt of adrenaline for this team that would make the Western Conference playoffs if they started today. Bishop has a red hot 1.43 Goals-Against-Average in his seven starts since the All-Star Break with a .956 save percentage. Bishop has been outstanding when playing at home all season where he enjoys a 2.06 GAA with a .933 save percentage in 22 starts. The Stars stay at home where they are 20-10-2 this season while scoring 2.9 Goals-Per-Game while allowing only 2.4 Goals-Per-Game. Dallas has won 6 of their last 8 games at home — and they have also won 9 of their last 12 home games against teams with a losing record. Colorado finds themselves on the outside-looking-in the Western Conference playoffs as they are 2 points behind Minnesota for the eighth and final slot. But the Avalanche have lost 11 of their last 14 games after a win — and they have lost 9 of their last 13 games after a victory at home. Furthermore, Colorado has lost 18 of their last 27 games after scoring at least four goals in their last game — and they have lost 7 of their last 9 games after scoring at least four goals on home ice. Now they go back on the road where they are 15-14-5 this season. But they have lost 46 of their last 68 road games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Most recently, the Avalanche have lost 19 of their last 26 games as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Goalie Sergei Varlamov struggles on the road where he has a 2.99 GAA with a .909 save percentage in 22 starts. Colorado has also lost 12 of their last 17 games against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: Dallas has lost the first two meetings between these teams this season with the last meeting being back on December 15th in Colorado where the Avalanche won by a 6-4 score. The Stars have won 13 of their last 19 games when playing with revenge — and they have also won 5 of their last 6 opportunities to host Colorado on home ice. I am surprised this situation is priced below -150 — so, let’s attack. 25* NHL Central Division Game of the Year with the money-line on the Dallas Stars (60) versus the Colorado Avalanche (59). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:05 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the St. Louis Blues (45) and the Anaheim Ducks (46). THE SITUATION: St. Louis (34-25-5) has lost four of their last six games with their 4-1 loss to Dallas on Saturday. Anaheim (26-32-7) has won their last two games after they upset Arizona on the road by a 3-1 score last night.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Blues have played 6 straight games Under the Total after a loss by at least three goals — and they have played 6 straight games Under the Total on the road after losing two straight games. Furthermore, the Under is 7-3-3 in St. Louis’ last 13 games when playing with at least three days of rest. And the Under is 36-17-2 in their last 55 games after a game where they did not score more than two goals. The Blues’ offense has slumped without Brayden Schenn in the lineup as they have only scored nine goals over their last six games while netting only three goals in their last two contests. This team does hope to get Schenn back onto the ice tonight — but thus remains a team that has seen the Under go 18-8-2 in their last 28 games on the road. St. Louis has also played 8 of their last 10 road games Under the Total when favored in the -151 to -200 price range. It remains unclear which goaltender interim head coach Craig Berube will choose between the Jordan Pennington and Jake Allen. After allowing nine goals in their last two games, the Blues’ blue-line needs to play better. Either goalie should play well tonight. Pennington has a 1.68 Goals-Against-Average with a .933 save percentage in 21 games (19 starts) in his red-hot rookie season while the veteran Allen enjoys a 2.37 GAA with a .921 save percentage when playing on the road. St. Louis has played 21 of their last 30 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage in the 25% to 40% range. The Under is 47-16-2 in Anaheim’s last 65 games after a win — and this includes them playing thirteen of their last fifteen home games Under the Total after a win on the road by at least two goals. The Under is also 40-18-1 in the Ducks’ last 59 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. This has been a nightmare season for this Anaheim team — but don’t blame goalie John Gibson who has a 2.72 GAA at home with a .914 save percentage despite disappointing play from their blue line. In his two stars so far this month, the star goalie has a 1.53 GAA with a .949 save percentage. Gibson will be between the pipes tonight after getting last night off — and the Under is 18-6-2 in the Ducks’ last 26 games when playing without a day of rest. They are still only scoring 1.5 Goals-Per-Game over their last five games — and their 144 combined goals this season is the lowest number in the NHL. They return home where they have played 11 of their last 14 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have played 15 of the last 21 games Under the Total as a home underdog. Furthermore, Anaheim has played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total against fellow Western Conference opponents.

FINAL TAKE: The Ducks will be looking to avenge a 5-1 loss at home to the Blues back on January 23rd — and they have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total when looking to avenge a loss at home to their opponents. 25* NHL Western Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the St. Louis Blues (45) and the Anaheim Ducks (46). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (79) and the St. Louis Blues (80). THE SITUATION: Dallas (32-27-5) has won two of their last three games after their 4-3 win in Los Angeles against the Kings on Thursday. St. Louis (34-24-5) has lost two of their last three games with their 5-2 loss at Carolina yesterday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Under is 17-6-4 in the Stars’ last 27 games after a victory. Dallas has also played 15 of their last 19 games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Over the Total. Despite their four goals against the hapless Kings, the Stars are scoring just 2.1 Goals-Per-Game over their last seven contests. They stay on the road where the Under us 21-7-5 in their last 33 games — and the Under is 8-1-3 in their last 12 road games against teams with a winning record on their home ice. Furthermore, Dallas played 17 of their last 18 road games Under the Total with the number set at 5.5. The Under is also 13-4-4 in the Stars’ last 21 road games as an underdog — and the Under is 6-0-1 in their last 7 games when priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Ben Bishop should be between the pipes tonight. He has been outstanding since returning from an injury as he owns a 1.81 Goals-Against-Average with a .947 save percentage in his five starts since the All-Star Break. St. Louis has played 5 straight games Under the Total after a loss by at least three goals — and they have played 5 straight games Under the Total after allowing at least five goals in their last game. The Under is also 35-17-2 in the Blues’ last 54 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Furthermore, St. Louis has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when playing without a day of rest. The Blues are scoring only 1.8 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. But they return home where they have won seven straight contests while giving up just 11 goals in those games. St. Louis will turn to their rookie phenom, Jordan Binnington, in goal tonight. Binnington is 15-2 this season with a 1.61 GAA along with a .936 save percentage in 19 games which includes 17 starts. Additionally, the Under is 12-4-1 in the Blues’ last 17 home games as a favorite priced in the -151 to -200 range.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 4 of their last 5 meetings Under the Total. Expect another lower scoring game between these two teams. 25* NHL Central Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Stars (79) and the St. Louis Blues (80). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the St. Louis Blues (16) versus the Nashville Predators (15). THE SITUATION: St. Louis (33-23-5) has lost two of their last three games after their 2-1 loss at Minnesota on Sunday. Nashville (37-23-4) has won three of their last four contests with their 3-2 win in overtime over Edmonton yesterday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BLUES WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Predators look due for a letdown tonight as they travel to St. Louis to play this game. They have lost 5 of their last 6 games after winning a game in overtime in their last game. Nashville has also lost 4 of their last 5 games after allowing no more than two goals in their last game. Furthermore, the Predators have lost 5 of their last 7 games when playing without a day of rest — and they have also lost 8 of their last 10 games when playing their third game in four days. With Pekka Rinne playing last night, it will likely be backup Juuse Saros between the pipes tonight. Saros has struggled this month with a 3.24 Goals-Against-Average in four starts with a .904 save percentage. He has also allowed five goals in his last two starts against the Blues. Nashville did make two nice trades yesterday as they acquired Wayne Simmonds and Mikael Granlund at the trade deadline — but only Simmonds look like he will take the ice tonight. The Preds remain a team that is last in the NHL with a Power Play that is converting only 12.3% of the time. And in their last 15 road games with the Total set at 5.5, Nashville has lost 10 of these games. St. Louis has completely turned their season around — and they have still won 11 of their last 13 games in the month of February despite their recent woes. The Blues have won 8 of their last 11 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game — and they have won 8 of their last 10 games after allowing no more than two goals in their last contest. They return home where they have won 6 straight games as the favorite — they have also won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. St. Louis has also won 4 of their last 5 games when priced as the favorite in the -110 to -150 price range. They will likely turn to their rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington who has been spectacular with a 14-2 record along with a 1.70 GAA and a .934 save percentage. Binnington is 9-1 this month with a 1.58 GAA and a .941 save percentage. The Blues have won 6 straight games against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: The Predators have struggled against this St. Louis team as they are just 0-2-1 in their last three meetings against them this season after a 5-4 loss at home to them on February 10th. The Blues have won 8 of their last 11 games against fellow Central Division rivals. 25* NHL Central Division Game of the Month with the money-line on the St. Louis Blues (16) versus the Nashville Predators (15). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Calgary Flames (61) and the Ottawa Senators (62). THE SITUATION: Calgary (38-16-3) has won four games in a row with their 2-1 win at home versus Anaheim on Friday. Ottawa (22-34-5) has lost three straight games after their loss at home to Columbus by a 3-0 score on Friday.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Over is 11-2-1 in the Flames’ last 14 games after a win — and they have also played 11 of the last 13 games after a win by just one goal. Furthermore, the Over is 8-1-1 in Calgary’s last 10 games after scoring no more than two goals — and the Over is also 13-6-1 in their last 20 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last contest. The Flames offense is clicking right now as they have averaged 3.6 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests — and they have scored 16 combined goals over their last four games. Now they go back on the road where they are scoring 3.2 Goals-Per-Game. Calgary has played 7 of their last 8 road games Over the Total — and they have played 5 of their last 6 road games Over the Total as the favorite. Furthermore, the Flames have played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total when a big favored priced at least at -201. I am getting conflicting reports on the goalies for this game — for both teams — but I don’t care. Goaltending is a weakness for the Flames. Mike Smith has a 2.93 Goals-Against-Average with a subpar .903 save percentage on the road. David Rittich has been a disaster since the All-Star break with a 4.24 GAA and a .853 save percentage in four starts. Ottawa’s Craig Anderson has a 3.81 GAA with a .884 save percentage in four games (three starts) since the All-Star Break while Anders Nilsson has a 3.46 GAA with a .906 save percentage in eight starts since the break. Over their last five games, they are allowing 4.2 Goals-Per-Game. The Senators have played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total after a loss by at least two goals. Furthermore, Ottawa has played 8 of their last 12 games Over the Total after being shutout in their previous two games. They also have been just what the doctor ordered for teams coming off less than stellar offensive efforts as they have seen the Over go 34-15-2 against opponents that did not score more than two goals in their last game. The Senators are scoring a healthy 3.2 Goals-Per-Game at home this season — but they are allowing 3.1 Goals-Per-Game as well. Lastly, the Over is 20-5-1 in Ottawa’s last 26 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%.

FINAL TAKE: Ottawa is undermanned after trading Matt Duchene and with Mark Stone sitting out since he might be dealt by the trade deadline tomorrow. But I do see the Senators breaking the scoring drought while Calgary should not at least four goals. 10* NHL Sunday Night Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Calgary Flames (61) and the Ottawa Senators (62). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 5:05 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (39) and the Dallas Stars (40). THE SITUATION: Carolina (32-23-4) has won four of their last five games with their 4-3 win at Florida on Thursday. Dallas (30-25-5) snapped their three-game losing streak on Thursday with their 5-2 win over St. Louis.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Hurricanes have played 5 straight games Under the Total after a victory. They have also played 16 of their last 22 games on the road where both teams scored at least three goals. Now they stay on the road where they have played 7 of their last 8 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice. Carolina is playing outstanding defense as of late for first-year head coach Rod Brind’Amour as they are allowing only 1.4 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. Brind’Amour will likely tap Curtis McElhinney to be between the pipes tonight after Petr Mrazek played on Thursday. McElhinney has been outstanding since the All-Star Game as he owns a 1.80 Goals-Against-Average over his last five starts with a .942 save percentage in those contests. The Hurricanes opened as small money-line underdog but now have bet down to a mutual -110 money-line favorite with the Stars — and they have played 13 of their last 18 games Under the Total when favored in the -110 to 1-50 price range. Dallas has seen the Under go 13-3-3 in their last 19 games after a victory — and the Under is 15-5-1 in their last 21 games after scoring at least five goals in their last contest. Additionally, the Stars have played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a game where at least seven combined goals were scored. That offensive came out of nowhere as they have scored only ten combined goals in their previous six contests. Dallas is averaging only 2.2 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. They stay at home where they at home where they have played 10 of their last 11 home games Under the Total when favored in the -110 to -150 price range — and the Under is 5-2-1 in their last 8  home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Ben Bishop returns to action tonight after he missed a couple weeks with an injury. He had been playing great as he owned a 1.67 GAA along with a .947 save percentage in his previous three starts since the All-Star break. Bishop also enjoys a 2.17 GAA in his twenty starts at home this year with a strong .929 save percentage in those contests.

FINAL TAKE: Look for this to be a lower-scoring contest. 25* NHL Non-Conference Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (39) and the Dallas Stars (40). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (63) and the Dallas Stars (64). THE SITUATION: Nashville (34-22-4) has lost four of their last five contests after their 5-1 loss in Vegas on Saturday. Dallas (29-24-5) has lost two straight as well as four of their last five contests after their 3-0 loss at Carolina on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Predators have played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total after losing two of their last three games. Nashville has also seen the Under go 17-5-2 in their last 24 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. The Preds stay on the road where they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total. Nashville has also played 15 of their last 20 games on the road Under the Total after allowing at least five goals in their last contest. Pekka Rinne will be between the pipes for the first time since February 14th after getting the night off against the Golden Knights. Rinne has been tough when playing with extended rest as he owns a 2.49 Goals-Against-Average with a nice .921 save percentage when playing with at least three days between starts. He will need to be on his game with the Predators’ offense slumping as of late. Nashville is scoring only 2.4 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. The Under is also 4-1-1 in their last 6 games against Central Division opponents. Dallas has played 18 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a loss — and they have played 14 of their last 17 games Under the Total after a loss by at least three goals. The Stars return home for the first time since February 4th — and the Under is 5-1-1 in their last 7 home games after being on the road for at least seven days. The Under is 6-1-1 in Dallas’ last 8 games on their home ice. They turn to Anton Khudobin between the pipes tonight who has a 2.22 GAA along with a .925 save percentage in eight starts/nine games at home this season. He has not played since February 16th as well — and he owns a strong 1.80 GAA along with a .940 save percentage in thirteen starts/fourteen games when playing with at least three days of rest. Dallas has been shutout in two straight games — and they earned a shutout win in their previous game which means one team has been held scoreless in three straight matches. The Stars are scoring only 1.4 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests.

FINAL TAKE: Nashville won the last meeting between these two teams back on February 7th where they won in Nash-vegas by a 3-2 score. These two teams have seen 4 of their last 5 meetings finish Under the Total. 25* NHL Central Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (63) and the Dallas Stars (64). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Colorado Avalanche (61) and the Winnipeg Jets (62). THE SITUATION: Colorado (22-23-10) has lost eight straight games after their 5-2 loss at home to Toronto on Tuesday. Winnipeg (36-18-20 has won two straight games with their 4-3 win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Avalanche have played 6 of their last 7 games Over the Total after a loss by at least three goals. They also have played 6 of their last 7 games Over the Total after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. The Colorado blue line has leaked like a sieve as of late — they have allowed least four goals in seven of their last eight games which has translated into 4.38 Goals-Per-Game allowed during that span. Goalie Sergei Varlamov has struggled this month with an ugly 4.10 Goals-Against-Average along with a save percentage of just .882. Varlamov has not been very effective on the road all season where he has a 3.04 GAA along with a .902 save percentage. The Avalanche allow 3.5 Goals-Per-Game on the road — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total on the road while also played 8 of their last 11 games on the road Over the Total as an underdog. But this team also scores a healthy 3.4 Goals-Per-Game when away from home. And they have played 4 straight games Over the Total as an underdog priced in the +110 to +150 price range. Winnipeg has seen the Over go 3-1-2 in their last 6 games after a victory. They stay at home where they are scoring a robust 3.9 Goals-Per-Game. But the dog days of February have impacted their play on defense as they have allowed 3.4 Goals-Per-Game over their last five contests. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck has been average this season with a 2.87 GAA along with a .912 save percentage. The Over is 33-16-2 in the Jets’ last 51 games against teams with a winning percentage below 40%. Winnipeg has also seen the Over go 4-0-1 in their last 5 games when priced in the -151 to -200 price range.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total when playing in Winnipeg. While I am not usually enthralled with taking Overs when the number is at 6.5 (hence, I have passed on more NHL Totals plays in the regular season than in past years), I follow the evidence — and that warrants an Over investment in this situation. 10* NHL Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Colorado Avalanche (61) and the Winnipeg Jets (62). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (71) versus the Philadelphia Flyers (72). THE SITUATION: Winnipeg (31-15-1) takes the ice again after the All-Star break by looking to bounce-back from a 4-2 loss in Dallas back on January 19th. Philadelphia (19-23-6) entered the break on a three-game winning streak after their 5-2 win at Montreal two Saturdays ago on January 19th.

REASONS TO TAKE THE JETS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Winnipeg had been on a four-game winning streak so they should be eager to get the bad taste out of their mouths with that disappointing loss to the Stars. The Jets have won 14 of their last 16 games after a loss — and they have won 13 of their last 14 road games after a loss to a Central Division rival. Furthermore, Winnipeg has won 8 of their last 10 games when playing with at least three days of rest. The Jets stay on the road where they are 13-9 this season while scoring 3.1 Goals-Per-Game in those contests. Winnipeg has won 9 of their last 13 games on the road. They have announced that backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit will be between the pipes tonight — but that is fine news. Brossoit has a 5-1 record in six starts on the road this year with a 2.22 Goals-Against-Average and a .930 save percentage. Brossoit is also 8-1 this year with a 1.71 GAA and a save percentage of .952 when playing with at least three days between starts. Furthermore, the Jets have won 25 of their last 34 games against Eastern Conference opponents. Philadelphia has lost 7 of their last 10 games against Western Conference foes. They are playing better hockey as of late — but they have still lost 7 of their last 10 games after a victory. Additionally, the Flyers have lost 13 of their last 16 games after scoring at least five goals in their last game. This team is 10-13 on home ice this season but they have an average losing margin of -0.4 Goals-Per-Game. Philadelphia has lost 5 straight home games against teams with a winning record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: The Flyers will have revenge on their minds after losing in Winnipeg back on December 9th by a 7-1 score in the last meeting between these two teams. But Philadelphia has lost 11 of their last 16 games at home when attempting to avenge a loss where they allowed at least five goals. 25* NHL Monday NBC Sports Network Game of the Month with the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (71) versus the Philadelphia Flyers (72). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:05 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (36) versus the Nashville Predators (35). THE SITUATION: Vegas (29-18-3) has lost three of their last five games after their 4-2 loss at home to Minnesota on Monday. Nashville (29-18-3) had lost four of their last five games before rebounding to defeat the reeling Avalanche team (that just fired the general manager) in Colorado on Monday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Head coach Gerard Gallant has been very good in getting his team to respond with a strong effort after a loss. Vegas has bounced-back to won 38 of their last 58 games after a loss — and they have won 9 of their last 12 games after a loss by at least two goals. The Golden Knights’ success in their 1 1/2 years of existence has been predicated on having an outstanding home ice advantage. Vegas does not lose often when playing at T-Mobile Arena — and when they do, they have then won 5 of their last 7 games while also winning 6 of their last 9 games after a loss by at least two goals on home ice. Furthermore, the Golden Knights have won 10 of their last 15 games after allowing at least four goals in their last game. With the All-Star Break beginning tomorrow and a challenging four-game trip to the east coast on deck next week, Vegas needs this victory. Gallant was very disappointed with his team’s effort on Monday: "I don't think we played good (against the Wild). I don't think we showed up ready to play a team that was aggressive for points. I don't think we played hard enough. ... I don't think we played good. That's not everybody, but it's a fair amount." Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been steady once again this season with a 2.50 Goals-Against-Average along with a .911 save percentage — but he has been much better with a 2.17 GAA along with a .923 save percentage when playing at home. Furthermore, in eight starts this month, Fleury has a 2.28 GAA with a .913 save percentage. Vegas is 16-5-3 at home this season while scoring 3.3 Goals-Per-Game and holding their visitors to just 2.2 Goals-Per-Game. The Golden Knights started slow with an early scheduled front-loaded with road games — and early season injuries did not help. But this team cemented their spot in the upper tier of the Western Conference once again this season once newcomers Max Pacioretty and Paul Stastny starting playing together to provide this team a powerful second line. Nashville has lost 13 of their last 21 games after a win on the road by at least three goals. The Predators have also lost 6 of their last 8 games after allowing no more than two goals in their last game. Furthermore, Nashville has lost 10 of their last 14 games after a win on the road against a fellow Central Division rival. Despite their good defensive effort on Monday, they have allowed their last five opponents to score 3.6 Goals-Per-Game. Goalie Pekka Rinne thrives at home where he has a 2.19 GAA along with a .917 save percentage — but those numbers are much worse on the road with his 2.75 GAA along with a .913 save percentage. Rinne has not had a great January as he holds a 3.33 GAA with a .896 save percentage in seven starts. The Predators have lost 13 of their last 18 games on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Nashville ranks 4th in the NHL in both Corsi and Fenwick ratings that attempt to evaluate puck possession numbers — but Vegas ranks 3rd in both those metrics (which is why I was bullish on them in December despite their slow start). The Golden Knights will be looking to avenge a 4-1 loss in Nash-Vegas back on October 30th — and they have won 8 of their last 11 opportunities to avenge a same-season loss. 25* NHL Pre-All Star Break Game of the Month with the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (36) versus the Nashville Predators (35). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:05 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (22) with the money-line versus the Colorado Avalanche (21). THE SITUATION: Vegas (21-15-3) takes the ice again after losing three of their last four games with their 4-3 in overtime on Sunday. Colorado (19-12-5) has lost three of their last four games as well with their 6-4 loss at Arizona on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Vegas has been snake-bit with two straight losses in overtime by a 4-3 score. This team should show the resolve necessary to bounce-back with a victory tonight. Vegas has bounced-back to win 4 of their last 5 games after losing two games in a row — and they have won 15 of their last 21 games after losing three of their last four contests. Additionally, the Golden Knights have won 8 of their last 12 games when playing with at least three days of rest. Vegas stays at home where they are 11-3-2 this season and they have won a decisive 21 of their last 26 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. This is the Knights’ fourth straight game at home — and they have won 12 of their last 14 games when playing at least their fourth game in a row at home. Marc-Andre Fleury gets the start between the pipes tonight. Fleury has a strong 2.22 Goals-Against-Average at home this season with a .922 save percentage in seventeen starts. Vegas has won 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning record — and they have also won 7 of their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents. Colorado has lost 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least six goals in their last game. The Avalanche have also lost 4 of their last 5 games when playing with at least three days of rest. Now this team stays on the road after the holiday break where they have lost 26 of their last 36 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice. They likely with stay with their backup goaltender Phillip Grubauer tonight with Semyon Varlamov dealing with an illness from the weekend while struggling mightily as of late. But Grubauer has just a 3.38 Goals-Against-Average with a .900 save percentage on the road this season. He also has a 3.33 GAA in the month of December with an .892 save percentage. Lastly, the Avalanche have lost 5 of their last 6 games against Western Conference opponents.

FINAL TAKE: I have been waiting on an update to Varlamov’s status for tonight — I am still only seeing that he is questionable. After being called away for some holiday family obligations, let's commit to this one and hope everyone can still catch it (especially with the price under -150 for a Vegas team that will be very motivated to end their home losing streak). 25* NHL Western Conference Game of the Month with money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (22) with the money-line versus the Colorado Avalanche (21). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:05 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the St. Louis Blues (9) and the Colorado Avalanche (10). THE SITUATION: St. Louis (8-12-3) has lost two straight games — as well as five of their last six contests — with their 4-3 loss in Detroit on Wednesday. Colorado (15-6-3) has won six straight games with their 6-3 win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Blues have played three straight Overs where at least seven combined goals were scored. But St. Louis has played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total after playing at least three straight Overs — and they have also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after playing at least three straight games where at least seven combined goals were scored. The Under is also 7-2-1 in their last 10 games when facing a team who scored at least five goals in their last game. The Blues stay on the road where they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total — and they have also played 4 of their last 5 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record at home. Furthermore, St. Louis has played 12 of their last 16 road games Under the Total after losing at least two straight games. The team is rumored to be interested in trading for goaltender Jimmy Howard of the Red Wings with their goalie Jake Allen struggling. Allen has been a disaster at home where he has been saddled with a 3.86 Goals-Against-Average along with an .879 save percentage — but those numbers do drop to respectable a 2.74 GAA with a .911 save percentage at home. Allen has also recovered from a bad opening month to post a 2.65 GAA with a .915 save percentage for November. Additionally, St. Louis has played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total against fellow Western Conference opponents. Colorado has played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total against Central Division opponents. They have scored at least three goals in six straight games — but they have then played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after scoring at least three goals in two straight games. The Avalanche have also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game. This is Colorado’s third game since Monday — and they have played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total when playing their third game in five days. They are getting goaltending from Semyon Varlamov who has a 2.15 GAA with a .928 save percentage when playing at home.  The Under is 4-1-1 in the Avalanche’s last 6 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have seen the Under go 15-7-1 in their last 23 meetings. Expect another lower scoring game between these two teams. 25* NHL Central Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the St. Louis Blues (9) and the Colorado Avalanche (10). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (65) and the Chicago Blackhawks (66). THE SITUATION: Vegas (12-12-0) has won three straight games with their 6-0 win over San Jose on Saturday. Chicago (9-10-4) looks to build off their 5-4 win in overtime at Florida on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is heating up after a slow start in the first month of the season. Fleury pulled off the rare feat of registering two straight shutout victories on successive nights as his win over the Sharks was preceded by a 2-0 shutout win against Calgary. Fleury has a sparkling 2.19 Goals-Against-Average with a .924 save percentage in eleven starts this month. The Golden Knights have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after not allowing more than two goals in their last game — and they have also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a win. Now they go on the road where they are scoring only 2.5 Goals-Per-Game as compared to their meager 2.8 Goals-Per-Game scoring average for the season. Additionally, the Golden Knights have played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total when playing their fourth game in seven days. Furthermore, Vegas has played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total against teams from the Western Conference. Chicago has played 6 straight home games Under the Total when playing their fourth game in seven days — and the Under is 5-1-1 in their last 7 games against Western Conference foes. They have also played a decisive 47 of their 71 home games Under the Total after a win in overtime. The Blackhawks return home where goalie Corey Crawford has been outstanding this season with a 1.57 GAA along with a .947 save percentage in seven starts this year. The Under is 27-11-2 in Chicago’s last 40 games at home — and they have played 20 of their last 26 home games Under the Total with the number set at 5.5.

FINAL TAKE: In this game between two Stanley Cup-winning goaltenders playing very well right now, expect a lower scoring game. 25* NHL Western Conference Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (65) and the Chicago Blackhawks (66). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:05 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (64) versus the Calgary Flames (63). THE SITUATION: Vegas (10-12-0) has won two of their last three games with their 3-2 win in overtime at Arizona on Wednesday. Calgary (13-8-0) has won three straight games after they defeated Winnipeg on Wednesday by a 6-3 score.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Vegas was a prime candidate to take a step or two back this season after their miraculous inaugural season last year where they reached the Stanley Cup Finals as the representative of the Western Conference. But the Golden Knights made two very acquisitions in the offseason when they picked up left winger Max Pacioretty and center Paul Stastny in the offseason to profile the team some real star power. Stastny has not played much this season as he deals with a lower-body injury and Pacioretty has struggled in the transition to his new team after playing for years in Montreal. But Pacioretty has is beginning to heat up as he has scored four goals in his last three games. Vegas find themselves near the bottom of the Western Conference standings but it would be a mistake to count them out of the playoff race. For starters, they have played thirteen of their first twenty-two games on the road — so more games back at home in T-Mobile Stadium will help this team. While they host a Flames team that is 6-5-0 on the road, the Golden Knights have won a decisive 18 of their last 22 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Vegas has also won 6 straight home games after a game that went into overtime. The deeper metrics also suggest this team is underachieving. The Golden Knights rank 3rd in the NHL in Fenwick-For percentage while rising to 2nd best in the league in Corsi-For percentage — these are metrics that dissect puck possession advantages. Vegas has also been perhaps the most unlucky team in the NHL with the third lowest shot percentage on offense and the highest opponent’s shooting percentage in the league. The Golden Knights were definitely the beneficiaries of puck-luck last year — William Karlsson saw an incredible 23.4% of his shots going into the back of the net last season. But the Regression Gods are over-correcting now with this team only seeing 6.8% of their shots score goals. Furthermore, Vegas thrives when facing fellow Pacific Division opponents — yet this will be just their seventh game against a divisional rival this season. With their win over the Coyotes, the Golden Knights have won 30 of their last 42 games against Pacific opponents. Vegas now gets the opportunity to avenge an ugly 7-2 loss to the Flames back on Monday of this week where backup goalie Malcolm Subban struggled by allowing five goals in the first period. It will be Marc-Andre Fleury between the pipes for this one. The emotional leader of this team has a 2.22 Goals-Against-Average along with a .917 save percentage at home this season — and he also enjoys a 1.56 GAA along with a .937 save percentage against Pacific Division teams so far this year. Vegas should play well in this one as they have won 10 of their last 12 games after a victory by one goal over a divisional rival. Calgary built on the momentum of their win at home against the Golden Knights on Monday with their win over the Jets on Wednesday — but they have then lost 5 of their last 7 games after winning their last two games by at least three goals. The Flames have also lost 9 of their last 14 games after scoring at least four goals in their last two contests. Now after playing their last four games at home, Calgary goes back on the road where they have lost 10 of their last 12 games against teams with a winning record on home ice. The Flames have also lost 5 of their last 8 games after playing their last four games at home. They have been having goaltending problems with the aging veteran Mike Smith. David Rittich has played more in goal and has a strong 2.04 GAA along with a .930 save percentage this season. But those numbers are not likely sustainable especially considering he had a 2.92 GAA with a .901 save percentage last year. Calgary has won four of their last six games but they have then lost 5 of their last 7 games after winning four or five of their last six games.

FINAL TAKE: Vegas is better than their record indicates — and they will be very motivated to avenge their loss of earlier this week. This is exactly one of the situations I have been looking for in the first-half of the season. With the Golden Knights being priced below my -150 money-line threshold, let’s attack. 25* NHL Game of the Month with the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (64) versus the Calgary Flames (63). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:35 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Toronto Maple Leafs (15) versus the Los Angeles Kings (16). THE SITUATION: Toronto (11-6-0) saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with their 5-1 loss at Boston. Los Angeles (5-10-1) has lost two games in a row with their 1-0 loss to Calgary on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAPLE LEAFS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Toronto is playing without their star player Auston Matthews but there is still plenty of talent still on this team. The loss to the Bruins was their first loss on the road this season — they have won 6 of their last 7 games away from home. The Maple Leafs should bounce-back to play well tonight as they have won 4 straight games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. Toronto has also won 12 of their last 17 games after failing to score at least two goals in their last game. Additionally, this team has won 16 of their last 23 games against teams with a losing record. They will have Frederik Andersen between the pipes tonight who has been outstanding this season with a 2.20 Goals-Against-Average along with a .932 save percentage when playing on the road. Los Angeles is a mess with an aging roster of physical players that have become outdated in a league where speed has become the calling card for the best teams. The Kings fired their head coach John Stevens two weeks ago but new coach Willie Desjardins cannot make his team faster. Los Angeles has lost 16 of their last 24 games after a loss by at least two goals. The Kings have also lost 6 of their last 8 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game — and they have lost 5 of their last 7 games after not allowing more than one goal in their last contest. Los Angeles is also dealing with injuries with their goaltenders with Jonathan Quick and Jack Campbell both on the shelf. Peter Budaj will be in goal tonight after he posted a subpar 3.76 GAA along with an .876 save percentage in seven starts (eight games) last season. As it is, the Kings have lost 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. This is LA’s seventh straight game at home — but they have lost 9 of their last 13 home games at the Staples Center. The Kings have also lost 12 of their last 17 games after playing at least four straight games at home. Lastly, Los Angeles will be looking to avenge a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs back on October 15th — but they have lost 8 of their last 11 home games when looking to avenge a loss by at least two goals against their opponent.

FINAL TAKE: Toronto should be motivated to get back to their winning ways tonight after losing in Boston in their last game. The Maple Leafs speed should be too much once again for the plodding Kings. 10* NHL Tuesday Late Show Bailout with the money-line on the Toronto Maple Leafs (15) versus the Los Angeles Kings (16). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:35 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (9) versus the Buffalo Sabres (10). THE SITUATION: Tampa Bay (12-4-1) saw their four-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with their 6-4 loss to Ottawa. Buffalo (9-6-2) has won two straight games as well as three of their last four contests with their 4-3 win over Vancouver on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE LIGHTING WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Tampa Bay has rebounded to win 27 of their last 34 games after a loss. The Lightning have also won 5 straight games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. This team begins a four-game road trip with tough visits to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Nashville following this opening contest — so the Lightning will want to get a win to put in their pocket before those challenges. Tampa Bay has is 5-2 on the road this season — and they have won 6 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice. The Lightning have also won 25 of their last 32 games when playing with two days of rest. Backup goalie Louis Dominique will get the start between the pipes with head coach John Cooper giving his top goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy, the night off. Dominique does little to inspire confidence — but Tampa Bay should still outscore the Sabres. The Lightning have scored at least four goals in five straight games — and they have won 10 of their last 11 road games after scoring at least three goals in four straight games. Buffalo has lost a decisive 40 of their last 58 games after a victory — and they have also lost 8 straight games after winning three of their last four games. This young Sabres team is improving — but they are not quite ready to stay competitive with the elite teams in the league who are playing at full attention (like Tampa Bay should be tonight). Buffalo has lost 19 of their last 27 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. The Sabres will be relying on Carter Hutton in goal tonight — but he has been mediocre at best this year with a 2.78 Goals-Against-Average along with a .912 save percentage this season. Buffalo has lost 4 straight games when playing with two days of rest.

FINAL TAKE: Dominique’s playing for Vasilevskiy may scare some bettors off — but goaltending often gets overvalued relative to the play of a team’s blue line. Tampa Bay should overwhelm the Sabres tonight. 25* NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Month with the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (9) versus the Buffalo Sabres (10). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:05 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (55) and the Arizona Coyotes (56). THE SITUATION: Carolina (6-5-1) has lost two straight games with their 3-2 loss to Boston on Tuesday. Arizona (6-5-0) has won four straight games with their 5-1 win over Ottawa on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Coyotes have scored 27 goals over their last six games which is the most in the NHL during that span — but this scoring brigade includes five goals scored short-handed over their last three games which is not likely to keep going. Arizona’s six short-handed goals this season lead the NHL. The Coyotes have played 14 of their last 17 games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game — and this includes them playing nine of their last eleven games on their home ice Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last contest. Additionally, Arizona has also played 13 of their last 19 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. This is also a team that leads the NHL by allowing only 1.91 Goals-Per-Game — and they are even stingier at home where their visitors are allowing only 1.40 Goals-Per-Game. In their four-game winning streak, the Coyotes have allowed only four combined goals. This team is getting outstanding goaltending from Antti Raanta. Last year, Raanta boasted a .930 save percentage along with a 2.24 Goals-Against-Average in forty-four starts in a season cut short by injuries. This year, Raanta has continued this torrid level of play by posting a 1.99 GAA along with a .926 save percentage — and he has been even nastier at home where he owns a 1.51 GAA along with a .940 save percentage. Carolina has failed to score more than two goals five times this season. They are scoring only 2.2 Goals-Per-Game in their last five contests — but they are allowing only 2.4 Goals-Per-Game over that span. They have played 5 straight games Under the Total after a loss — and they have played 5 straight games Under the Total after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Now after playing their last three games at home, the Hurricanes go back on the road where they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total. Carolina has also played 16 of their last 22 games Under the Total after playing three straight games at home. They will likely turn to Petr Mrazek between the pipes who has a good 2.05 GAA in his three starts on the road this year with a solid .917 save percentage. Moving forward, the Hurricanes have played 9 straight games Under the Total against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 4 of their last 5 encounters Under the Total when playing in Phoenix. Expect the Coyotes’ stinginess to continue in this game in what should be a low-scoring game. 25* NHL Non-Conference Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Carolina Hurricanes (55) and the Arizona Coyotes (56). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:05 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Arizona Coyotes (55) and the Anaheim Ducks (56). THE SITUATION: Arizona (0-2-0) takes the ice again after their 1-0 loss at home to the Ducks on Saturday. Anaheim (3-0-0) followed that victory up with a 3-2 win over Detroit in overtime on Monday to keep their perfect start to the season going.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Coyotes have played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after being shutout — and they have played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total after a loss by just one goal to one of their Pacific Division rivals. Arizona was second-to-last in the NHL last year by scoring only 2.51 Goals-Per-Game. The team hoped they jumpstarted their offensive production in the offseason when they gave up on the underachieving Max Domi by trading him to Montreal for another young forward in Alex Galchenyuk. The plan was to put the winger at center to let the 24-year old anchor their second-line. The former 30-goal scorer found the back of the net 19 times last year in the Canadiens lost season. But these plans have been delayed with Galchenyuk with a lower body injury. The Coyotes have yet to score this season — but they have allowed only four goals in their two games this year. Arizona has played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total after playing their last two games Under the Total. This team can still rely on their underrated goaltender Antti Raanta who had an outstanding .930 save percentage last year with a 2.24 Goals-Against-Average last year. Raanta registered a Quality Start (either by stopping at least .917 of the shots he faced or not allowing more than two goals while posting a save percentage of at least .885) percentage of .696 last year so he offers us a very good chance to see another low-scoring game tonight. The Coyotes have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. Anaheim has played 14 of their last 18 home games Under the Total after a victory by just one goal — and they have played 13 of their last 15 home games after a win in overtime. Led by goalie John Gibson, the Coyotes are playing outstanding defense as they have allowed only four goals in their three games so far this season. The Ducks have played 14 of their last 19 home games Under the Total after not allowing more than two goals in two straight games. Gibson is 2nd in the NHL with a .924 save percentage for all qualifying goals over the last three seasons — and he boasted a 1.95 Goals-Against-Average with a .937 save percentage after the All-Star Break with both numbers being the best in the league during that stretch. Anaheim struggled to score last year by averaging only 2.52 Goals-Per-Game which was in the league and the worst of all sixteen teams that made the playoffs. They are missing their aging veteran forwards in Ryan Kesler, Patrick Eaves and Corey Perry for an extended period of time while banking on a trio of rookie forwards to fill in the gaps. This Anaheim team has seen the Under go 21-8-2 in their last 31 games against fellow Pacific Division opponents.

FINAL TAKE: The Under is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings between these two teams. Head coach Rick Toccet has had plenty of time to game plan against the new crop of rookies contributing at forward for the Ducks. Expect another low-scoring game. 25* NHL Pacific Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Arizona Coyotes (55) and the Anaheim Ducks (56). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (54) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (53). THE SITUATION: Vegas (1-2-0) looks to bounce-back from their 4-2 loss in Buffalo on Monday. Washington (1-0-1) has had six days of rest and preparation for this rematch of the Stanley Cup Finals after they lost in overtime in Pittsburgh last Thursday by a 7-6 score.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CAPITALS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Golden Knights began this season as prime candidates for a big letdown after their miraculous run the Stanley Cup Finals as an expansion team last year. Vegas saw twelve of their players experience career-highs in points scored — and that is simply not something that can be replicated. Their leading scorer was William Karlsson who enjoyed a sensational — but unsustainable — 23.4% shooting percentage last year which goes a long way to explain how he scored his career-high 43 goals. But those critics who are quick to dismiss the Golden Knights do so at their own peril given the significant upgrades the team made in the offseason by acquiring Max Pacioretty from Montreal while signing Paul Stastny as a free agent. The addition of these two star forwards gives Vegas a potentially prolific offense attack that is as impressive as any team in the league. Unfortunately, Stastny will not be available for this game with an injury which will not help Pacioretty who has struggled so far wearing a Golden Knights’ jersey. There are issues on the defense for this team that probably lacks a true number one defender with their top player from last year in Nate Schmidt being suspended for the first twenty games of this season for PEP use. The Regression Gods seemed to have already paid a visit to goalie Marc-Andre Fleury who has endured a 3.93 Goals-Against-Average with an .841 save percentage after enjoying his career-year in his fourteenth season in the league last year. Vegas cannot get their offense clicking as they have failed to score on the Power Play in their first eight chances this year — and they have lost 4 of their last 5 games after scoring at least two goals in their last game. The Golden Knights have also lost their last 6 games against Eastern Conference opponents. Washington may suffer a Stanley Cup hangover — but facing the team they defeated to lift the cup should motivate them for this contest. The defensive lapses from their loss to their arch-rival Penguins should also ensure that this team is at full attention for rookie head coach Todd Reirden. While the circumstances for the team not resigning last year’s head coach Barry Trotz were unusual, this team respects Reirden as their leader after he served as the group’s associate head coach who specialized in their blue line players. The Capitals have won 19 of their last 26 games after allowing at least five goals in their last contest — and they have won 8 of their last 11 games after allowing at least six goals in their last game. Washington has also won 14 of their last 18 home games after a narrow loss by one goal against a Metropolitan Division rival. The Capitals are tough at home where they were 28-11-2 during the regular season — and this included them winning 14 of their last 18 home games in the first-half of the regular season.

FINAL TAKE: Vegas snuck up on the league last year with their fast style of play that emphasized forechecking to create scoring opportunities. But this Capitals team is now well-versed in this style — and they have defeated them four times in a row from that Stanley Cup Finals. Their advantage on their home ice against this now slumping Vegas team is greater than what these odds indicate. 10* NHL Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (54) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (53). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (10) versus the Washington Capitals (9). THE SITUATION: Washington (65-32-7) took a commanding 3-1 lead in this series on Monday with their 6-2 victory over the Golden Knights. This series goes back to Las Vegas for Game Five.

REASONS TO TAKE VEGAS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: It might seem tough to talk up how well the Golden Knights played in a 6-2 loss in what was a critical game for them — but that is precisely what their head coach Gerard Gallant did in proclaiming that Game Four was probably their “best game” of the series. Vegas started very strong in the opening ten minutes of that game — but they hit two posts and missed an empty net before committing a penalty that the Capitals took advantage of to score the first goal. If the Knights had found the back of the net first in just one of those golden opportunities, the tone of Game Four changes as they are 11-2 when scoring first in the playoffs. Vegas outshot Washington in that game by a 30 to 23 margin — and they have outshot the Capitals in three of the four games in this series. The Golden Knights needed to be more aggressive with their forecheck on Monday which they succeeded in doing. They simply were on the bad side of the Hockey Gods which does happen from time-to-time. Expect Vegas to play a very good game in this one as they have won 6 of their last 8 games after a loss by at least three goals — and they have won 5 of the last 6 games after losing their last two games on the road. Furthermore, the Knights have won 9 of their last 12 games after losing three of their last four games — and they have won 9 of their last 13 games when avenging a loss by at least four goals. Additionally, Vegas has won 6 of their last 7 games after allowing at least five goals — and they have won 20 of their last 27 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. They do return to the Vegas strip for this game where they are 7-2 in these playoffs — and they have won a decisive 16 of their last 18 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. If they can score first, they should extend this series. Washington has lost 8 of their last 11 games after scoring at least five goals in their last game. The Capitals have also lost 4 of their last 6 games after a win by at least four goals. Furthermore, Washington has lost 7 of their last 11 games after winning their last two games by at least two goals. And while the Golden Knights have scored only five goals in their last three games, the Capitals have lost 3 straight games after not allowing more than two goals in their last three games.

FINAL TAKE: With the Stanley Cup in the building for this game with the Washington players entertaining the vision of hoisting the prized trophy in victory, they might not be able to help from being overconfident after winning three straight games in this series against what remains an expansion team. But bettors should have abandoned the “expansion team” meme months ago. It takes an elite team to only lose three times en route to the Stanley Cup Finals — so this Golden Knights team should not be discounted even after a clunker like what they experienced on Monday. 10* NHL Thursday Night Discounted Deal with the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (10) versus the Washington Capitals (9). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (9) and the Vegas Golden Knights (10). THE SITUATION: Washington (65-32-7) took a commanding 3-1 lead in this series on Monday with their 6-2 victory over the Golden Knights. This series goes back to Las Vegas for Game Five.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Capitals once again scored first in that game which allowed them to deploy their 1-3-1 trapping zone defense that clogs the neutral zone which has frustrated the speed of the Vegas skaters. Washington has allowed only five goals in the last three games after that opening game where they gave up six goals. Now the Caps go back on the road where the Under is 5-2-1 in their last 8 games away from home. Additionally, Washington has played 16 of their last 22 Game Fives in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Under the Total — and this includes them playing seven straight Unders when leading by a 3-1 margin in the series. Furthermore, the Capitals have played 23 of their last 38 games Under the Total when attempting to close-out a playoff series. Vegas (64-30-7) is cold with their scoring with their top three lines — especially their top line. For the Golden Knights to extend this series, they need to tighten things up on defense and offer help to goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Head coach Gerard Gallant made it clear that he did not think Fleury could do much to stop five of the six goals he allowed. Vegas has played 17 of their last 25 home games Under the Total after a game that finished Over the Total. Additionally, the Golden Knights have played 14 of their last 19 home games Under the Total after a game where at least seven combined goals were scored — and they have played 15 of their last 23 home games Under the Total after a game where at least eight combined goals were scored. Furthermore, the Under is 3-1-1 in Vegas’ last 5 games when facing an opponent that scored at least five goals in their last game. Lastly, the Golden Knights have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total when avenging a loss where they allowed at least five goals.

FINAL TAKE: Winning the fourth game in a playoff series is considered the most difficult — and the Capitals have a bad history of blowing 3-1 series leads. Expect both teams to be tight in this game. 25* NHL NBC-TV Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (9) and the Vegas Golden Knights (10). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (7) and the Washington Capitals (8). THE SITUATION: Washington (64-32-7) took a 2-1 lead in this series on Saturday with their 3-1 victory over the Golden Knights. Game Four of this series stays on Washington.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: These two teams have played two straight Unders in this series. Vegas (64-29-7) has played 17 of their last 24 road games Under the Total — and they have played 17 of their last 24 road games after playing twos straight Unders. The Golden Knights have allowed at least three goals in three straight games — but they have then played 15 of their last 24 games Under the Total after allowing at least three goals in two straight games while also playing 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after playing at least three straight Unders. Vegas has only scored three goals in the last two games — but they have seen the Under go 9-4-1 in their last 14 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Furthermore, the Golden Knights have played 14 of their last 23 road games Under the Total with the number set at 5.5. Vegas has also played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total when avenging a loss by at least two goals. Moving forward, the Golden Knights have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total when playing with one day of rest. Washington has seen the Under go 4-0-2 in their last 6 games when playing with one day of rest. The Capitals defense has tightened up by allowing only nine goals over their last five games for a stingy 1.80 Goals-Against-Average. Washington has played 16 of their last 23 home games Under the Total after not allowing more than one goal in their last game.

FINAL TAKE: Vegas has played all 3 of their previous Game Fours this postseason Under the Total while the Capitals have played 4 of their last 5 Game Fours Under the Total. Expect another low-scoring game for this Game Four. 10* NHL Monday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (7) and the Washington Capitals (8). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (7) versus the Washington Capitals (8). THE SITUATION: Washington (64-32-7) took a 2-1 lead in this series on Saturday with their 3-1 victory over the Golden Knights. Game Four of this series stays on Washington.

REASONS TO TAKE VEGAS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Golden Knights have lost two straight games for the first time in these playoffs — and this is the first time they have trailed in a playoff series this postseason. Vegas responded to losing the first game in the Western Conference Finals against Winnipeg by going out to win the next four games. Expect the Golden Knights to work very hard in this game as they focus on getting all five of their skaters to push their forechecking game to create scoring opportunities. After outshooting the Capitals by a 73 to 54 margin in the first two games in this series, Vegas only managed 22 shots on net on Saturday. The Golden Knights have won 14 of their last 21 games after a loss on the road — and they have won 7 of their last 10 games after a loss by at least two goals on the road. Vegas has also won 8 of their last 11 games after suffering at least two straight losses. Furthermore, the Golden Knights have won 20 of their last 26 games after scoring no more than two goals in their last game — and they have won 12 of their last 15 games after not scoring more than one goal in their last game. Vegas has also won 21 of their last 26 games after a low-scoring game where no more than four combined goals were scored. The Golden Knights have been very reliable on the road in the playoffs where they have a 6-3 record — and they have won 15 of their last 23 road games with the Total set at 5.5. Additionally, Vegas has been very good when motivated by revenge as they have won 16 of their last 22 games when avenging a loss — and this includes them winning seven straight games when avenging a loss by just one goal. The Capitals have been at their shakiest in these playoffs when they give themselves some breathing room. Remember that they lost three straight games in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Lightning after winning the first two games of that series in Tampa Bay. Washington has lost 15 of their last 23 home games when leading in a playoff series.

FINAL TAKE: The Capitals are likely to exhale just a little for the first time since they took a 2-0 lead last round against the Lightning — and it took them three games to get their edge back. Vegas has yet to play as well in these Finals as they have during the first three rounds of the playoffs — but expect the urgency of the situation to produce their best game in this series. 25* NHL Game of the Year with the money-line on the Vegas Golden Knights (7) versus the Washington Capitals (8). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (6) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (5). THE SITUATION: Washington (63-32-7) evened this series at a game apiece on Wednesday with their 3-2 victory over Vegas (64-28-7). The Capitals see this series return to DC where they will be hosting Games Three and Four.

REASONS TO TAKE WASHINGTON WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Capitals should build off the momentum of their triumphant victory on Wednesday which had them seize home-ice advantage in this series. Washington has won 6 of their last 8 games after allowing two goals or less in their last game — and they have won 33 of their last 46 games after a game that finished Under the Total. The Capitals return home where they may have lost five of nine playoffs games this postseason — but they have still won 21 of their last 31 home games with the Total set at 5.5. This veteran team has also won 20 of their last 28 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. They return home for the first time since May 21st after playing their last three games on the road — and they are 35-16-5 in their last 56 home games after being on the road for at least seven days. Washington has also won 15 of their last 22 games after playing their last three games on the road. Furthermore, the Caps have won 17 of their last 25 games when playing with at least two days of rest. Vegas has lost 4 of their last 5 games when playing with two days of rest. While goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been resilient in these playoffs after subpar games, the fact that he has looked shaky in the first two games of this series while allowing seven goals (three less than the ten goals that he allowed in five games last round against Winnipeg) may be cause for concern. Scoring depth is a growing issue for this team. While their top two lines have scored 27 goals in the playoffs, they have only received 12 goals from the forwards on their third and fourth lines. The Golden Knights entered this series scoring 2.87 Goals-Per-Game with a 17.6% success rate on Power Plays which were both below the 2.92 Goals-Per-Game and 22.6% Power Play averages for all teams in the playoffs.

FINAL TAKE: Evgeny Kuznetsov practiced on Friday and he did not exhibit any difficulties in taking shots despite his injured left wrist from Game Two. Look for the Capitals to take a 2-1 lead in this series. 10* NHL Saturday Night Discounted Deal with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (6) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (5). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (5) and the Washington Capitals (6). THE SITUATION: Washington (63-32-7) evened this series at a game apiece on Wednesday with their 3-2 victory over Vegas (64-28-7). The Capitals see this series return to DC where they will be hosting Games Three and Four.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: After the scoring fest in Game One that the Golden Knights won by a 6-4 score, Game Two settled down with just five combined goals. Braden Holtby was the hero for Washington as he stopped 37 of 39 Vegas’ shots including an epic save that robbed Alex Tuch of a goal with just 1:50 left in the third period. While Holtby was fantastic in Game Two, he was helped by a committed team that combined to block 18 shots before they reached him. The Capitals return home where they scored averaged only 2.3 Goals-Per-Game in their three home contests in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Under is 3-1-2 in Washington’s last 6 home games. The Capitals have also played 12 of their last 19 games Under the Total after playing their last two games on the road. Furthermore, Washington has played 18 of their last 29 playoff games Under the Total when tied in the series. Vegas has played 14 of their last 23 games Under the Total after allowing at least three goals in two straight games. Marc-Andre Fleury should play better tonight as he has allowed only seven goals while posting a .932 save percentage in games following up the three previous Golden Knights’ losses in the playoffs. Remember that Fleury posted a 1.68 Goals-Against-Average with a .947 save percentage in the first three series of this postseason. Vegas is scoring only 2.25 Goals-Per-Game on the road in the playoffs while allowing only 1.88 Goals-Per-Game on these eight contests. The Under is 4-0-1 in their last 5 road games — and the Golden Knights have played 16 of their last 23 road games Under the Total after a game that finished Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: Washington hopes to have Evgeny Kuznetsov after he missed most of Game Two with a nasty left wrist injury — but his effectiveness remains in question which will contribute to the Caps’ playing cautiously. Expect another low-scoring game. 25* NHL Non-Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (5) and the Washington Capitals (6). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (3) and the Vegas Golden Knights (4). THE SITUATION: THE SITUATION: Vegas (64-26-5) won the opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday with their 6-4 victory. This series stays in Las Vegas for Game Two tonight.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: While Game One of this series was a high-scoring game, that should set up tonight’s contest to be a low-scoring affair. The Golden Knights have played 13 of their last 18 home games Under the Total after a game where at least seven combined goals were scored — and they have played 10 of their last 12 home games after a game where at least eight combined goals were scored. Furthermore, Vegas has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game — and they have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against an opponent that allowed at least five goals in their last contest. Marc-Andre Fleury should play better tonight after allowing four goals on Monday which matched the most goals he allowed in these playoffs. Fleury has a 2.23 Goals-Against-Average with a .932 save percentage in his three playoff games this postseason after allowing four goals in his last game. Additionally, the Golden Knights have played 6 of their last 7 playoff games Under the Total when leading in a playoff series. Washington (61-32-8) has played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total when avenging a loss where they allowed at least five goals. Goalie Braden Holtby had been on a 159:27 minute streak where he had not allowed a goal entering the Stanley Cup Finals before allowing a goal at the 7:15 mark of the first period. The five goals that Vegas scored on Holtby (their final goal was an empty netter) were the most goals that he has allowed since February 17th. But the Under is 3-0-1 in the Capitals last 4 games against an opponent that scored at least five goals in their last game. Lastly, Washington has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when trailing in a playoff series.

FINAL TAKE: After an unusually high-scoring Game One, expect an Under to zag off the Game one zig. 10* NHL Wednesday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (3) and the Vegas Golden Knights (4). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (3) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (4). THE SITUATION: Vegas (64-26-5) won the opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday with their 6-4 victory. This series stays in Las Vegas for Game Two tonight.

REASONS TO TAKE WASHINGTON WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Capitals (61-32-8) are no strangers to facing adversity in these playoffs. Washington lost the opening games in their first two playoff series against Columbus and Pittsburgh. They later lost three straight games to Tampa Bay to fall behind a by a 3-2 margin in the Eastern Conference Finals before rallying to win that series. Goalie Braden Holtby entered this series on a 159:27 minute streak without giving up a goal after pitching two shutouts against a Lightning team that was the highest-scoring team in the NHL during the regular season. The five goals Holtby allowed on Monday (the final goal was an empty-netter) were the most he has allowed since February 17th — so he should play better tonight. Washington has won 19 of their last 24 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. They also have won 20 of their last 31 games on the road after a loss by at least three goals — and this includes them winning ten of these last fifteen situations. Additionally, the Capitals have won 9 of their last 11 road games when avenging a loss by at least two goals. Washington has been very reliable road warriors who have still won 13 of their last 16 games away from home. The Capitals have also won 4 of their last 5 playoff games when trailing in the series. Vegas has lost 5 of their last 7 games after scoring at least six goals in their last game. They were fortunate to get three goals in the third period from their fourth line to pull out Game One — but getting production from their second and third lines remains an issue for this team. The Golden Knights entered this series with only ten goals from forwards outside their top-line — and their second and third line forwards accounted for only two assists with those six goals on Monday. Furthermore, Vegas only had to defend one Power Play in Game One despite their aggressive style that resulted in them leading all playoff teams in hits-per-game along with the most forced turnovers per games. The Capitals entered the Stanley Cup Finals second in the playoffs with a Power Play Unit that scored on 28.8% of their opportunities. The Golden Knights entered the Finals being outscored by 10-9 goal margin with special teams in these playoffs.

FINAL TAKE: Both teams were rusty on Monday — with the results being disappointing play from their defenses and goaltenders. The Capitals proven resiliency should serve them well in Game Two. 25* NHL Game of the Month with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (3) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (4). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (1) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (2). THE SITUATION: Washington (61-31-8) reached the Stanley Cup Playoff Finals with a 4-0 win in Tampa Bay in the seventh game of that series last Wednesday. Vegas (63-26-5 ) had earned their spot in the Finals last Saturday with their 2-1 win in Winnipeg that ended that series on five games.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CAPITALS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: There is a case to be made that Washington has been the second-best team in the entire NHL over the last three seasons while having the misfortune of playing in the same Metropolitan Division as the two-time reigning Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. They might have the best player in the world in Alex Ovechkin who is playing with a passion and sense of team spirit that has never been greater in his career. The Capitals have been outstanding road warriors in these playoffs as they have won 15 of their last 18 games away from home. Washington has also won 4 of their last 5 games when playing with three or more days of rest. Additionally, the Capitals have won 16 of their last 20 games after a shutout — and they have won 16 of their last 21 games after a game where no more than four combined goals were scored. Washington also shutout Tampa Bay by a 3-0 score in Game Six of that series — and they have won 5 straight games after playing two straight games where no more than four goals were scored. These two teams last played on February 4th where the Golden Knights won by a 4-3 score in Washington. The Capitals have then won 21 of their last 30 games when playing with same-season revenge — and they have won 13 of their last 16 games when avenging a loss by just one goal. This is a very long layoff for this Vegas team that was rusty in the opening game of the Western Conference Finals in what was their lone loss to the Jets.

FINAL TAKE: The biggest advantage Washington has in this series is their proven history in facing adversity over the years that this Golden Knights team has simply not had to endure. I think the Capitals will appreciate the sense of urgency of this moment a bit more than Vegas. 10* NHL Washington-Vegas NBC-TV Special with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (1) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (2). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (1) and the Vegas Golden Knights (2). THE SITUATION: Washington (61-31-8) reached the Stanley Cup Playoff Finals with a 4-0 win in Tampa Bay in the seventh game of that series last Wednesday. Vegas (63-26-5) had earned their spot in the Finals last Saturday with their 2-1 win in Winnipeg that ended that series on five games. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE UNDER: The Capitals defense along with goaltender Braden Holtby is clicking on all cylinders right now after shutting out a potent Lightning attack in the final two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. Washington has then seen the Under go 3-1-2 in their last 6 games after a win — and they have also played 16 of their last 24 road games Under the Total after a win by at least three goals. The Capitals stay on the road where the Under is 4-1-1 in their last 6 games. And in their last 24 opening games to a new playoff series, the game finished Under the Total 17 times. Vegas has seen the Under go 4-1-1 in their last 6 games after a victory. The Under is also 8-3-1 in their last 12 games after a game where they did not score more than two goals. And in their last 19 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last contest, the Under is 12-5-2 for the Golden Knights.

FINAL TAKE: With Washington and Vegas having five days and nine days off since last taking the ice, expect both offensive attacks to be shaking off some rust. 25* NHL NBC-TV Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (1) and the Vegas Golden Knights (2). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (54) versus the Washington Capitals (53). THE SITUATION: Washington (61-32-7) forced a climactic Game Seven on Monday with their 3-0 shutout victory over the Lightning. This series returns to Tampa Bay (64-29-7) for Game Seven to determine the Eastern Conference champion.

REASONS TO TAKE THE LIGHTNING WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Tampa Bay should respond with a very strong effort tonight with their proverbial “Get Out of Jail Free” card after blowing their chance to end this series on Monday. The Lightning have won 8 of their last 9 games after a loss on the road by at least two goals — and they have won 4 straight games after a loss by at least three goals. They also have won 6 of their last 7 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Being at home will certainly help this team as they have won 37 of their last 52 home games — and they have won all 3 of their opportunities to host a Game Seven in the playoffs. Furthermore, Tampa Bay has won 17 of their last 22 games when avenging a loss by at least two goals — and they have won 9 of their last 11 games when avenging a loss by at least three goals. The Lightning have also won 14 of their last 22 potential closeout games in the playoffs including winning two of these three opportunities this season. The Tampa Bay roster has an experience edge tonight with 15 of their likely 19 players that will get ice time tonight having played in at least one prior Game Seven in the Conference Final. This is new territory for most of this Washington team that was stymied by Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the previous two seasons. I like the Capitals — but I just don’t like these circumstances for them to maintain their intensity after surviving Game Six with that shutout. The biggest flaw for this team remains their lack of a killer instinct which continued to display itself in this series after they took the first two games in this series on the road. Washington has lost 18 of their last 29 opportunities to closeout a playoff series. The Capitals have also lost 7 of their 10 franchise Game Sevens — and this includes losing three of their four when on the road.

FINAL TAKE: The home team is 100-71 (.585) in Game Sevens which is often not a high enough clip relative to their money-line price — but home teams success rate rises to a 21-11 mark in Game Sevens in the Conference Finals of the NHL Playoffs. I would never use that stat to guide my pick (especially since it does not take into account the money-line price) — but it is a nice closer for this argument. I suspect that if Washington had it in them to win this Game Seven, this series would not have reached this Game Seven given that they won the first two games of this series. 10* NHL Washington-Tampa Bay Game Seven Special with the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (54) versus the Washington Capitals (53). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (53) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (54). THE SITUATION: Washington (61-32-7) forced a climactic Game Seven on Monday with their 3-0 shutout victory over the Lightning. This series returns to Tampa Bay (64-29-7) for Game Seven to determine the Eastern Conference champion.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: There are historical angles that provide evidence how teams respond to situations similar to the circumstances facing the two teams in question but there are also team trends that offer specific support regarding how those particular teams have responded in the past. With Washington and Tampa Bay, we have a good sample size of recent evidence suggesting a team personality regarding how they should respond tonight. The Lightning have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total after getting shutout — and they have also played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total when avenging an upset loss to their opponent. Furthermore, Tampa Bay has played 4 straight games Under the Total after suffering a loss by at least three goals. Additionally, the Lightning have played 20 of their last 28 playoff games Under the Total when tied in a playoff series. And in their last 7 Game Sevens in the NHL Playoffs, Tampa Bay has played all 7 games Under the Total. Washington has played 8 of their last 9 Game Sevens Under the Total. Furthermore, the Capitals have played 22 of their last 27 games Under the Total when attempting to closeout a playoff series — and this includes them playing six of their last seven closeout games Under the Total. Lastly, the Under is 3-1-1 in Washington’s last 5 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice.

FINAL TAKE: The oddsmakers have finally moved the Total off of 6 down to 5.5 for this contest. Despite that move, the Under remains a strong play. 25* NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Seven O/U Special Feature with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (53) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (54). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (10) versus the Tampa Bay Lightning (9). THE SITUATION: Tampa Bay (64-28-3) has won the last three games in this series on Saturday with their 3-2 victory. Washington (60-32-7) returns home looking to stave off elimination.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CAPITALS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Capitals should respond with an outstanding effort tonight. They have won 6 of their last 7 games after losing three straight contests — and they have also won 12 of their last 15 games after losing three of their last four games. They have scored only two goals in each of their last three games — but they have won 8 of their last 10 games after failing to score more than two goals in two straight contests. They were 28-9-4 on their home ice during the regular season so I am not giving any credence that they are not strong at home despite their 3-5 home record in the playoffs. Washington has won 27 of their last 40 games when playing with revenge — and this includes them winning twelve of their last fifteen games when avenging a one-goal loss. The Lightning are winning these games despite being outshot by the Capitals in all five games in this series. Overall, Tampa Bay has been outshot by a decisive 175-121 margin in this series — and they have also been outshot by a 106-65 gap in the last three games. That is not a good look for a team that won only 48.2% of their face-offs in the regular season while ranking 28th in the NHL with a Penalty Kill Unit that allowed their opponents to score 23.9% of the time. Washington is a battle-tested playoff team that has won 3 of their 4 games this postseason when trailing in the series. The Capitals have also won 5 of their last 6 Game Sixes in the playoffs including both in the previous two rounds in the playoffs.

FINAL TAKE: I see this as a close series that will require seven games to resolve. Washington might have been the second-best team in the NHL in the previous two seasons and will play well with their backs against the wall. 10* NHL Monday Daily Discounted Deal with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (10) versus the Tampa Bay Lightning (9). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning (9) and the Washington Nationals (10). THE SITUATION: Tampa Bay (64-28-3) has won the last three games in this series on Saturday with their 3-2 victory. Washington (60-32-7) returns home looking to stave off elimination.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Capitals have played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total when facing playoff elimination — they have plenty of experience in this situation. Washington has only scored two goals in each of their last three games — and they have seen the Under go 7-2-2 in their last 11 games after scoring two goals or less in their last game. The Capitals have been frustrated by Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy who has a .943 save percentage in these last three games. Washington returns home where the Under is 9-3-4 in their last 16 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. The Capitals have also played 10 of their last 12 home games Under the Total with the Total set at 6. Tampa Bay has scored at least three goals in each of these last three games — but they have then played 31 of their last 47 games Under the Total after scoring at least three goals in three straight games. The Lightning have also played 25 of their last 39 road games Under the Total after scoring at least three goals in three straight games. Additionally, the Under is 2-0-2 in Tampa Bay’s last 4 games after a victory. Lastly, the Lightning have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total when attempting to close out a playoff series.

FINAL TAKE: The Lightning are committing themselves to block shots to help protect a confident Vasilevskiy who has definitely found the form he enjoyed in the first-half of this season. The Caps have become a defensive-first team this year who should play tight but controlled in this potential elimination game. 25* NHL Eastern Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning (9) and the Washington Nationals (10). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (8) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (7). THE SITUATION: Vegas (54-30-7) seized a 3-1 lead in this series on Friday with their 3-2 victory over the Jets. This series returns to Winnipeg (61-26-11) for Game Five. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE JETS WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Winnipeg may have lost the last three games in this series by they have outshot the Golden Knights in each of these last three games totaling at least 30 shots on net in each of these contests. Overall, the Jets have outshot Vegas by a 103-87 margin which is a good sign that they can turn things around. Despite that edge, the Golden Knights have scored the first goal in each of these games. Look for that to change with Winnipeg returning home where they led the NHL with 32 wins in the regular season and where they have won 43 of their last 55 games. Additionally, the Jets have won 10 straight home games after a loss on the road — and they have also won 13 of their last 16 home games after losing three straight games. Furthermore, Winnipeg has won 23 of their last 32 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. The Jets have also won 10 of their last 11 home games when playing with double revenge — and they have won 12 of their last 16 games when looking to avenge at least three straight losses to their opponents. Almost everything has gone right for Vegas in these last three games. But goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has allowed at least three goals in three of his last five games on the road in these playoffs. The Golden Knights are only scoring 2.29 Goals-Per-Game away from home in their seven playoff games.

CONCLUSION: Winnipeg has won eight of their last nine games when they score first. Look for the Jets to get on the board first in this contest with them playing with desperation to stay alive in this series — and that momentum at home should lead them to victory. 10* NHL Sunday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (8) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (7). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (7) and the Winnipeg Jets (8). THE SITUATION: Vegas (54-30-7) seized a 3-1 lead in this series on Friday with their 3-2 victory over the Jets. This series returns to Winnipeg (61-26-11) for Game Five.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Both these teams are 8-1 if their score first in these playoffs — so not surrendering the first goal will be a priority for both teams. The Jets have only scored five goals in their last three games as goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has stymied them with a 1.67 Goals-Against-Average and a .951 save percentage in the last three games of this series which the Golden Knights have won. Winnipeg has played 13 of their last 19 games Under the Total after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. And while the Jets lost Game Three of this series by a 4-3 score, they have then played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total when attempting to avenge two straight loss to their opponent who scored at least three goals in both those victories. Winnipeg returns home where they are allowing only 2.25 Goals-Per-Game in eight postseason games — and the Under is 3-1-1 in their last 5 games at home against teams with a winning record on the road. Vegas has seen the Under go 3-1-1 in their last 5 games following a win — and they have played 15 of their last 22 road games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Under the Total. The Golden Knights are allowing only 2.0 Goals-Per-Game in their seven playoff games away from home. The Under is 3-0-1 in their last 4 games on the road. And in their last 6 playoff games when leading in the series, Vegas has played 5 of these games Under the Total.

CONCLUSION: Winnipeg has made too many mistakes which have created scoring opportunities for Vegas. The Golden Knights should remain patient this afternoon while the Jets play cautiously to stop their miscues. 25* NHL Conference Finals NBC-TV Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (7) and the Winnipeg Jets (8). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:15 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (5) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (6). THE SITUATION: Tampa Bay (60-31-7) evened this series at 2-2 on Thursday with their 4-2 victory over the Capitals. This series moves to Washington (60-31-7) for this critical fifth game.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Lightning won both their gams in Washington by 4-2 scores — but they have then played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after winning two straight games on the road by at least two goals. The Under is also now 4-1-2 in Tampa Bay’s last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 27 games when leading in a playoff series, the Lightning have played 19 of these games Under the Total. The Capitals have played 16 of their last 27 games Under the Total when a playoff series is tied. Washington has also played 15 of their last 21 games Under the Total in Game Five of a playoff series. And in their last 10 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game, the Under is 6-2-2.

CONCLUSION: Expect this to be a lower scoring game at this critical juncture with the series tied 2-2. 10* NHL Washington-Tampa Bay O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (5) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (6). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Winnipeg Jets (61) and the Vegas Golden Knights (62). THE SITUATION: Vegas (53-20-7) seized a 2-1 lead in this series with their 4-2 win over the Jets on Wednesday. They host Game Four.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Winnipeg (61-25-11) has only scored four goals over the last 112:25 minutes of this series after racing out to a 3-0 lead in the opening 7:35 minutes at home in the first game of this series. The Jets have now played 4 straight games Under the Total on the road — and they have also played 16 of their last 23 road games Under the Total off a loss on the road. Furthermore, Winnipeg has played 12 of their last 15 road games Under the Total when looking to avenge a loss by at least two goals. And in their last 9 road games when playing with at least double-revenge on their minds, they have played 8 of these games Under the Total. Vegas (53-30-7) has only allowed ten goals in their six home playoff games this postseason. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has a .949 save percentage at even strength in this series against Winnipeg while posting a .955 save percentage by stopping 63 of the 66 shots he has faced over the last two games. The Golden Knights won Game Two of this series by a 3-1 score — and they have then played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after winning their last two games by at least two goals. Vegas has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when leading in a playoff series.

CONCLUSION: This should be a tight, low-scoring contest. 10* NHL Winnipeg-Vegas O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Winnipeg Jets (61) and the Vegas Golden Knights (62). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (61) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (62). THE SITUATION: Vegas (53-20-7) seized a 2-1 lead in this series with their 4-2 win over the Jets on Wednesday. They host Game Four.

REASONS TO TAKE WINNIPEG WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Jets have lost two straight games in the playoffs for the first time this postseason. The last time they lost more than one game in a row was back on March 10th-13th. But a victory on Friday has them return home with home ice advantage once again with this series tied at two games apiece. They started slowly on Wednesday perhaps being uncomfortable with the rowdy Vegas crowd — but they outplayed the Golden Knights for most of the 2nd and 3rd periods where they peppered goalie Marc-Andre Fleury with 30 of their 35 shots on they put on net overall. Expect Winnipeg to play their best game in this series tonight as they have won 10 of their last 12 games after a loss on the road by at least two goals. The Jets have also won 8 of their last 10 games after losing their last two games. Winnipeg had won four of their last five games on the road in these playoffs before that loss on Wednesday while averaging 4.2 Goals-Per-Game in those contests. Overall, the Jets have won 7 of their last 10 games on the road going back to the regular season. They have also won 23 of their last 31 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last contest — including winning ten of those last eleven situations. Furthermore, Winnipeg has won 27 of their last 32 games when playing with same-season revenge which includes them winning fourteen of their last fifteen games when avenging a loss of at least two goals. And in their last 20 opportunities to play with revenge from two straight losses, the Jets have won 15 of these games. Vegas won Game Two of this series by a 3-1 score — but they have then lost 7 of their last 11 games after winning two straight games by at least two goals. And while it was the Golden Knights’ depth combined with head coach Gerard Gallant’s commitment to rolling four forward lines with three defensive pairs in the first rounds in the playoffs, this Winnipeg team matches their roster depth. Lastly, while Fleury was spectacular on Wednesday, he has been inconsistent as of late as he has allowed at least three goals in five of his last eight starts this postseason since posting a shutout in the opening game of the San Jose series.

CONCLUSION: This shapes up to be a long series. Look for the Jets to even this series at 2-2. 25* NHL Western Conference Playoff Game of the Year with the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (61) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (62). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning (59) and the Washington Capitals (60). THE SITUATION: Tampa Bay (63-27-3) won their first game of this series on Tuesday with their 4-2 victory over the Capitals in Washington. They look to even this series at 2-2 tonight in Game Four of this series again in the nation’s capital.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Lightning have seen the Over go 23-9-1 in their last 33 games after a victory. The Over is also 11-3-1 in Tampa Bay’s last 15 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. The Lightning are feeling very confident with their Power Play after scoring two more goals with the man advantage on Tuesday — they are 5 of 12 (40%) on the Power Play in this series. They are also averaging 3.4 Goals-Per-Game on the road in the playoffs while scoring four goals in each of their last three playoff road games. The Over is 17-6-3 in Tampa Bay’s last 26 games on the road. They should once again to play very aggressively tonight needing to win this game to even the series as they have 20 of their last 26 games Over the Total when trailing in a playoff series. Washington (59-31-7) has seen the Over go 5-2-1 in their last 8 games when playing with one day of rest. They are scoring 3.57 Goals-Per-Game in their seven playoff games on their home ice— but they are also allowing 3.29 Goals-Per-Game in these seven home game. The Over is 6-2-1 in their last 9 games at home. Lastly, the Over is 20-7-3 in the last 30 meetings between these two teams.

CONCLUSION: With the Capitals looking to bounce-back from their fourth loss at home in these playoffs while the Lightning need to once again win on the road to even this series at 2-2, this should be a high scoring contest. 20* NHL Tampa Bay-Washington O/U Special with Over the Total in the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning (59) and the Washington Capitals (60). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning (1) and the Washington Capitals (2). THE SITUATION: Washington (62-27-3) returns home with a commanding 2-0 lead in this series after their 6-2 win over the Lightning on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Capitals have won four straight games this postseason — and they have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after being unbeaten by four straight games. Now this team returns home where the Under is 9-3-2 in their last 14 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. Washington has been stifling with their 1-1-3 zone defense that has frustrated this Lightning team. The Capitals have surrendered one goal in this series when playing at even strength against Tampa Bay. Furthermore, Washington has played 10 of their last 12 home games Under the Total with the Total set at 6 or higher. Tampa Bay (62-27-3) have seen the Under go 4-0-2 in their last 6 games after a loss by at least three goals. The Lightning have also played 12 of their last 17 games Under the Total after allowing at least five goals in their last game. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Tampa Bay defense should play better tonight as they have allowed only five combined goals over their last three road games in these playoffs. And in their last 13 games when avenging a loss by at least four goals, the Lightning have played 8 of these games Under the Total.

CONCLUSION: In this crucial contest for the Lightning, expect them to tighten things up on defense in what should be a low-scoring game. 10* NHL Tampa Bay-Washington O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning (1) and the Washington Capitals (2). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (1) versus the Washington Capitals (2). THE SITUATION: Washington (62-27-3) returns home with a commanding 2-0 lead in this series after their 6-2 win over the Lightning on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE TAMPA BAY WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Capitals have played much better on the road in these playoffs away from their home fans who quickly turn on their team if things don’t go swimmingly after years of being burned with playoff disappointments after winning the President’s Trophy for the best record in the regular season. Washington is just 3-3 on their home ice in this postseason. The Caps have lost 7 of their last 10 games after scoring at least five goals in their last game. They have also lost 5 of their last 8 games after a win on the road by at least three goals. And while Washington have won their last four games, they have then lost 6 of their last 8 games after being unbeaten in at least four straight games. This Capitals team may return home a bit overconfident with two wins on the road after confronting their demons in the Pittsburgh Penguins last round. Scoring first has been critical in these first two games as it allows the Caps to sit back and play their 1-1-3 zone defense that has found success in forcing turnovers to trigger odd-man rushes. Tampa Bay (62-27-3) remains a very good team that has won 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice. The Lightning may have struggled in these first two games after slaying their proverbial dragon in Atlantic Division rival Boston last round. They should be scared straight now — and they have won 4 of their last 5 games are a loss by at least thee goals. They also have won 37 of their last 50 hames after a game where at least seven combined goals were scored. They should get better goaltending play from Andrei Vasilevskiy who has an .839 save percentage in the first two games after entering the Eastern Conference Finals with a 2.20 Goals-Against-Average and a .927 save percentage in the playoffs. Not making him try to stop odd-man rushes will certainly help. It will also help for the Lightning to score more goals — and they have won 5 of their last 6 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Tampa Bay has won 23 of their last 34 games when trailing in the playoffs. They also have won 12 of their last 17 games when avenging a loss where their opponent scored at least five goals. Lastly, the Lightning have won 8 straight games when looking to avenge two straight losses to their opponents by at least two goals.

CONCLUSION: This Tampa Bay team is more experienced than the Capitals with most of the core players remaining on this roster from the group that reached the Stanley Cup Finals two years ago. 25* NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Year with the money-line on the Tampa Bay Lightning (1) versus the Washington Capitals (2). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (55) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (56). THE S|TUATION: Washington (58-30-7) raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first 26:42 minutes of this game and held on to win the opening game of this series by a 4-2 score. Tampa Bay (62-26-3) hosts Game Two desperate to win this game to even this series at 1-1 before the Capitals host Games Three and Four.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Washington has played 20 of their last 32 games Over the Total after a win by at least two goals. This win came after they defeated the Penguins by a 2-1 score to win that series in six games. The Capitals have played 20 of their last 29 games Over the Total after winning two straight. The Over is also 21-7-2 in Washington’s last 30 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game — and they have played 10 of their last 14 games Over the Total after allowing two goals or less in two straight games. Washington is clicking on the road in these playoffs where they are 6-1 this postseason while averaging 3.4 Goals-Per-Game. The Capitals are executing with their Power Play opportunities — they are tops in the Playoffs with 15 Power Play goals and enjoy a strong 32.5% success rate in this postseason. They have also scored a Power Play goal in eleven of their last thirteen games. The Lightning are struggling with their Power Play Kill Unit as they have allowed 10 Power Play goals this postseason on 35 short-handed situations — that 71.4% kill rate is worst of all Playoff teams that advanced past the first round. Even worse, Tampa Bay has allowed seven Power Plays in 16 kill situations for an ugly 56.3% success rate. The Lightning should come out fast and aggressive after their slow start on Friday. Tampa Bay has played 22 of their last 32 games Over the Total when playing just their second game in five days. The Lightning have also seen the Over is 14-5-3 in their last 22 games against opponents that did not allow more than two goals in their last game. Furthermore, Tampa Bay has played 10 of their last 12 home games Over the Total when playing with revenge from a loss at home. Lastly, the Over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 encounters between these two teams when playing in Tampa Bay.

CONCLUSION: This second game shapes up to be a scoring fest between these two teams with potent offenses. 20* NHL Sunday Night Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (55) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (56). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (21) and the Winnipeg Jets (22). THE SITUATION: Winnipeg (60-23-11) advanced to the Western Conference Finals by defeating the Predators in Nashville on Thursday by a 5-1 score in the seventh game of that series. Vegas (51-29-7) takes the ice again after disposing of San Jose in six games with their 3-0 win last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Vegas has played 9 of their last 11 road games Under the Total after allowing one goal or less in their last game. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been spectacular in these playoffs with a 1.53 Goals-Against-Average with a .951 save percentage with four shutouts — and he has a .958 save percentage at even strength which is the top mark in the NHL Playoffs since 1998. The Under is 12-5-1 in the Golden Knights’ last 18 games after a win — and the Under is 10-4-1 in their last 15 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. The Vegas skaters may be a bit rusty after not playing since last Sunday — they have played 5 of their last 8 games Under the Total when playing with at least three days of rest. The Golden Knights have also played 4 of their last 5 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home. Winnipeg has played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a win — they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game. The Jets have also played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total on their home ice.

CONCLUSION: Expect a low-scoring game between these two teams as they play cautiously in this opening game of this series. 10* NHL Saturday Night Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (21) and the Winnipeg Jets (22). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (22) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (21). THE SITUATION: Winnipeg (60-23-11) advanced to the Western Conference Finals by defeating the Predators in Nashville on Thursday by a 5-1 score in the seventh game of that series. Vegas (51-29-7) takes the ice again after disposing of San Jose in six games with their 3-0 win last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE WINNIPEG WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Jets should benefit from still being in the rhythm in their intense series with the Predators. Winnipeg has won 16 of their last 22 games after a win. The Jets have also won 5 of their last 7 games after scoring at least five goals in their last contest — and they have won 11 of their last 14 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. Winnipeg entered these playoffs with a roster generally lacking in playoff experience — but that has quickly been rectified over the last month. Years of high draft choices has loaded this team with elite young talent that is superior to the albeit scrappy castaways that make of the Golden Knights’ team. And while Vegas has enjoyed a depth advantage all season with head coach Gerard Gallant committed to rolling with four forward lines and three defensive pairs, this Jets team can match their depth. Winnipeg’s physical play was able to neutralize the speed edge of Nashville last round — and that spells trouble for Vegas now. The Golden Knights are likely to be rusty tonight after being off for six days. Vegas has also lost 4 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice. The Jets have won 42 of their last 53 games at home. And while they lost to the Golden Knights by a 3-2 score in the last meeting between these two teams on February 1st, they have won 26 of their last 30 games when looking to avenge a same-season loss.

CONCLUSION: Winnipeg has two situational advantages with them still in the zone from their grueling series with the Predators and Vegas having almost a week off with rest that may help them as the series moves along. 25* NHL Western Conference NBC-TV Game of the Year with the money-line on the Winnipeg Jets (22) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (21). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (23) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (24). THE SITUATION: Washington (57-30-7) overcame their demons by finally defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games with their 2-1 win in overtime in Pittsburgh on Monday. Tampa Bay (62-25-3) reached the Eastern Conference Finals by disposing of the Boston Bruins in five games with a 3-1 win last Sunday. The Lightning host Game One.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Tampa Bay enters this series having won eight of their last ten games — and they have played 13 of their last 21 games Under the Total after winning at least eight of their last ten games. And while the Lightning have scored at least three goals in their last four games, they have then played 31 of their last 47 home games Under the Total after scoring at least three goals in three straight games. They are getting good play from their blue line and from goaltender Andrei Vasilevkiy. Tampa Bay has allowed only seven combined goals over their last four games and the Russian goalie has overcome his second-half slump by posting a 2.24 Goals-Against-Average so far in these playoffs. The Under is 4-1-2 in the Lightning’s last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. Tampa Bay has also played 12 of their 20 opening games to a new series Under the Total. Washington has played 17 of their last 24 opening games to a new playoff series Under the Total. They have also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after allowing two goals or less in their last game — and they have played 17 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a one-goal victory over a Metropolitan Division rival in their last game. This team may have to play this game undermanned with their second-line center Nicklas Backstrom a game-time decision with his injured right hand. Lastly, the Capitals have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total on the road with the number set at 6 or higher.

CONCLUSION: Expect both teams to feel each other out tonight with a bit of caution. 10* NHL Friday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (23) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (24). Best of luck for us — Frank.

Take the Tampa Bay Lightning with the money-line versus the Washington Capitals. Washington (57-30-7) overcame their White Whale by finally defeating Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL Playoffs after losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions in each of the last two seasons. But don’t be surprised if the Capitals suffer a big emotional letdown tonight after overcoming that hurdle. As it is, Washington has lost 12 of their last 18 games when playing with at least three days rest as they take the ice again for the first time since Monday. Tampa Bay (62-25-3) has won eight of their last ten games — and they have won 26 of their last 35 home games in expect higher scoring games with the Total set at 6 or higher. They take the ice again after disposing of Boston in five games with their 3-1 win last Sunday. The Lightning have won 15 of their last 22 games after allowing one goal or less in their last game. Take Tampa Bay with the money-line (or even better: lower the investment price on the Lightning by taking Tampa Bay with my Over/Under play in a two-team parlay). Best of luck — Frank.

Frank Sawyer’s Hollywood Sports had a bad night in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last night (losing the Total with another empty-net goal) — but Frank remains on a SIZZLING 7 of 11 (64%) NHL Playoff run! Frank BOUNCES-BACK TONIGHT with the Washington-Tampa Bay O/U winner on the NBC Sports Network at 8:10 PM ET for their Game One showdown! CA$H-IN Frank’s Friday Discounted Deal — IT’S A STEAL!

At 8:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Winnipeg Jets (53) and the Nashville Predators (54). THE SITUATION: Nashville (60-22-4) forced a climactic Game Seven in this series with their 4-0 win over the Jets in Winnipeg on Monday. They host Game Seven back at Bridgestone Arena.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: This should be a low-scoring game with both teams playing cautiously to avoid letting the first goal scored. The team that allows the first goal in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are just 44-126 for a rough .259 winning percentage. Furthermore, the team that allowed the first goal in this series has lost five of these six games. Winnipeg (59-23-11) has played 4 straight games Under the Total after a loss by at least three goals — and they have played 6 straight games Under the Total after a loss by at least four goals to a division rival. Additionally, the Jets have played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total when avenging a loss by at least four goals — and they have also played 25 of their last 37 games on the road when playing with revenge from a same-season loss. Winnipeg has also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after scoring two goals or less in their last game. Nashville has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a win over a divisional rival. The Predators have also played 11 of their last 13 home games Under the Total after a win on the road by at least three goals. And in Nashville’s last 6 opportunities to close out a playoff series, they have played 5 of these games Under the Total.

CONCLUSION: With both teams playing cautiously to not make a mistake to allow the first goal, expect a tight, low-scoring game. 10* NHL Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Winnipeg Jets (53) and the Nashville Predators (54). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Nashville Predators (54) versus the Winnipeg Jets (53). THE SITUATION: Nashville (60-22-4) forced a climactic Game Seven in this series with their 4-0 win over the Jets in Winnipeg on Monday. They host Game Seven back at Bridgestone Arena.

REASONS TO TAKE NASHVILLE WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Nashville has a significant edge in playoff experience with the core of the group that reached the Stanley Cup Finals last year. Predator players have combined to play 44 Game Sevens with their head coach Peter Laviolette having overseen victories in five of the seven Game Sevens he has coached. This is the first Game Seven for this Winnipeg franchise (59-23-11) that languished in its first ten years in Atlanta as the Thrashers. This young Jets team entered the season with a roster that played just 282 combined games in the playoffs. Nashville should build off the momentum of their key win on Monday as they have then won 5 of their last 7 games after a win by four goals or more — and they have won 11 of their last 16 games after a win on the road where they scored at least four goals. The Predators have also won 22 of their last 30 games after allowing two goals or less in their last contest. Additionally, Nashville has won 4 of their last 5 games when playing with two days of rest. Home ice advantage should finally pay off for this Predators team that has lost two of their three games at home in this series. Nashville was 9-2 at home in the playoffs last season while enjoying a 28-9-4 at home during the regular season. If they can score first at home, they should be in command as they can then deploy the trapping zone schemes that helped them win Games Four and Games Six by a combined 6-1 score. The Jets have struggled when facing adversity as they have lost 5 of their last 6 games after a loss at home by at least three goals — and they have lost 4 straight games after being shutout at home. Winnipeg has also lost 6 of their last 8 games when attempting to avenge a loss at home by at least three goals — and they have lost 6 of their last 9 games when playing with revenge from a shutout loss to their opponent. The Predators have won 5 of their last 8 opportunities to close out a playoff game.

CONCLUSION: Playoff and Game Seven experience combining with the home-ice advantage should help see the Predators through tonight. 25* NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Seven A-List Special with the money-line on the Nashville Predators (54) versus the Winnipeg Jets (53). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (3) and the Winnipeg Jets (4). THE SITUATION: Winnipeg (59-23-11) has the opportunity to close this series out in six games after they defeated the Predators in Nashville on Saturday with their 6-2 victory. The Jets host Game Six in Winnipeg.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Nashville (59-22-4) will replicate their game plan in Game Four of this series in which they won by a 2-1 score in Winnipeg. The Predators were successful in focusing on defense in that contest. The Under is 11-1-1 in Nashville’s last 13 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against an opponent that scored at least five goals in their last game. Additionally, the Predators have played 19 of their last 26 games Under the Total on the road after a loss to a Central Division rival. Moving forward, Nashville has played 11 of their last 17 road games Under the Total with the number installed at 6 or higher. And in their last 14 games in the playoffs facing elimination, the Predators have played 9 of these games Under the Total — including three of these last four situations. Winnipeg has played 19 of their last 26 games Under the Total after scoring at least six goals in their last game. The Jets have also played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total after a win on the road by at least three goals. And in their last 7 games on their home ice, the Jets have played 6 of these games Under the Total.

CONCLUSION: Expect a lower-scoring game similar in style to the fourth game in this series that the Predators won by a 2-1 score. 20* NHL Monday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (3) and the Winnipeg Jets (4). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (1) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (2). THE SITUATION: Washington (56-30-7) has the opportunity to finally defeat the Penguins in the playoffs after seizing a 3-2 lead in this series on Saturday with their 6-3 victory. The two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions return home to Pittsburgh where to stave off elimination.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Pittsburgh (54-33-6) has lost three of their last four games — but they have won their last four games when facing the possibility of playoff elimination. Expect goalie Matt Murray and this entire Penguins team to play very tough — particularly on defense. Pittsburgh has played 3 of their last 4 games Under the Total when trailing in the playoffs. Additionally, the Under is 6-1-1 in the Penguins’ last 8 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. Pittsburgh has also played 5 straight games Under the Total after allowing at least six goals in their last contest. Washington has played a decisive 21 of their last 26 games Under the Total when having the possibility to close out a playoff series — and this includes playing five of these last six situations Under the Total. The Capitals have also played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total when leading in a playoffs series. The team may be without Nicklas Backstrom who is a game-time decision tonight as he deals with an upper-body injury. Backstrom is tied for second on the team with 13 points in these playoffs with three goals and ten assists playing mostly with Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin has already lost Tom Wilson on his line due to his three-game suspension that concludes tonight — so more disruption to that chemistry will not help the Capitals offensive designs. Furthermore, Washington has allowed three goals in the last three games of this series — and they have then played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after allowing at least three goals in three straight games.

CONCLUSION: Expect a tight, low-scoring game. 25* NHL 2nd Round Playoff Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Capitals (1) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (2). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (66) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (65). THE SITUATION: Vegas (58-29-7) took a 3-2 lead in this series on Friday with their 5-3 victory over the Sharks. This series returns to San Jose (51-30-10) for Game Six.

REASONS TO TAKE SAN JOSE WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Sharks were dominant in their last game in San Jose in this series where they won by a 4-0 score. Expect a strong effort from this veteran group — they have won a decisive 43 of their last 65 games after a loss by at least two goals. San Jose has also won 21 of their last 30 games after allowing four goals in their last game. Goalie Martin Jones was pulled in that game but he has shown resiliency to bounce-back with strong efforts after a bad game. Returning home will help as the Sharks have won 9 of their last 11 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. San Jose is doing a good job of generating offense — they have tallied at least 33 shots on net in each game of this series while scoring at least three goals in each of their last four games. The Sharks have won 11 of their last 13 games after generating at least 30 shots on net in five straight games. San Jose has also won 7 straight home games after scoring at least three goals in three straight games. Vegas (58-29-7) has lost 7 of their last 9 games after a contest where both teams scored at least three goals. And while the Golden Knights raced to a 4-0 lead in the 3rd period on Friday, they showed some cracks in their armor by allowing three goals over a 6:09 span before scoring an empty netter to clinch that game. Vegas has then lost 10 of their last 16 games after allowing two or more goals in the 3rd period of their last game. And in their last 5 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home, the Golden Knights have lost 4 of these games.

CONCLUSION: Expect this to be a seven-game series to be decided on Tuesday. 25* NHL Sunday Night Special Feature with the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (66) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (65). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Boston Bruins (63) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (64). THE SITUATION: Tampa Bay (61-25-3) has won three straight games in this series to seize a commanding 3-1 lead with their 4-3 victory over the Bruins on Friday. They return home with the opportunity to close out this series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Expect the Bruins (58-26-9) to tighten things up on defense as they look to grind out a low-scoring victory and extend this series back to Boston. Boston has played 10 of the lsat 15 games Under the Total after a loss by just one goal. Boston has also played 19 of their last 28 games Under the Total after allowing at least four goals in their last game. Additionally, the Bruins have played 14 of their last 17 road gams Under the Total after a loss to an Atlantic Division rival. Now Boston goes back on the road where they have played 10 of their last 14 games with the Total set at 6 or higher. The Under is also 8-3-1 in the Bruins’ last 12 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on home ice. Boston has also played 14 of their last 18 road games Under the Total against Atlantic Division foes. Tampa Bay (61-25-3) has played 12 of their last 17 Game Fives in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Under the Total — and this includes them playing four of their last five games Under the Total when up 3-1 in the series. The Lightning have also played 13 of their last 20 games Under the Total when playing with the opportunity to close out a playoff series. Lastly, while Tampa Bay has scored four goals in three straight games, they have then played 24 of their last 38 games Under the Total after scoring at least three goals in three straight games.

CONCLUSION: I lean strongly to the Bruins as a big underdog today — but this is an ideal situation to translate that play into a two-team parlay with the Under. 25* NHL 2nd Round ABC-TV Playoff Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Boston Bruins (63) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (64). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:45 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the money-line on the Nashville Predators (62) versus the Winnipeg Jets (61). THE SITUATION: Nashville (59-21-4) evened this series at 2-2 on Thursday with their 2-1 win in Winnipeg. The Predators return home to Bridgestone Arena to host this decisive fifth game of this series. Nashville opened as a money-line favorite at -160 but Jets’ money has pushed that price down to the -150 (or lower range) in most locations.

REASONS TO TAKE NASHVILLE WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Winnipeg (58-23-11) may have blown their chance to win this series with that loss on Thursday. The Jets are very talented — but they also lack playoff experience. Ten of their players are taking part in their first postseason while they began these playoffs with a roster with just 282 combined playoff games under their belt. This is now a very difficult test to bounce-back in the very hostile environment in Nashville. Winnipeg has lost 11 of their last 16 games after facing a Central Division rival at home. The Jets have also lost 10 of their last 15 games when avenging an upset loss on their home ice — they were favorites in the -145 range on Thursday. The tone of this series seems to have changed in Game Four as the Predators they committed only three penalties after playing too loose and undisciplined in Game Three of this series which saw them blow a 3-0 first-period lead in a 7-4 loss. Goalie Pekka Rinne stopped 32 of 33 shots in playing his best game of this series. Nashville found success by committing to focusing more of their energies playing defense to stifle this potent Jets offense. This is the Predators formal for success. They have won 13 of their last 16 games after scoring two goals or less in their last game. Nashville has also won 9 of their last 14 games after a win on the road by one goal or less. Additionally, they have won 18 of their last 24 games after playing their last two games on the road. And in their last 36 home games with the Total set at 5.5, the Predators have won 23 of these games. This team has the best blue line in the NHL with the Ryan Ellis-Mattias Ekholm and P.K. Subban-Roman Josi pairings. This is a battle-tested playoff team after they made their run to the Stanley Cup Finals last year. Winnipeg’s blue line is not nearly as experienced in the playoffs while supporting a goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck who is playing his first postseason.

CONCLUSION: With the price on Nashville dropping to the -150 range which is my ceiling for endorsing money-line favorites, let's pounce on this talented Predators team with a huge edge in playoff experience and a strong home-ice advantage. 25* NHL Central Division Playoff Game of the Year with the money-line on the Nashville Predators (62) versus the Winnipeg Jets (61). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:15 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (60) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (59). THE SITUATION: Pittsburgh (53-33-6) evened this series at two games apiece on Thursday with their 3-1 victory. The decisive fifth game of this series returns to Washington.

REASONS TO TAKE WASHINGTON WITH THE MONEY-LINE: I think this is an undervalued Washington team (55-30-7) that has a case to be made that they have been the second best team in the NHL in each of the last two seasons but have had the misfortune of being in the same division as the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions in these Penguins. The Capitals should respond with a very strong effort after losing Game Four. They have won 24 of their last 37 games after a loss — and they have won 14 of their last 17 games after a loss by just one goal. Furthermore, Washington has won 28 of their last 40 games after a game that finished Under the Total. And in their last 25 opportunities to avenge a loss, the Capitals have won 18 of these contests. Pittsburgh may feel just a bit too comfortable tonight with the knowledge that they won the previous two Game Fives against Washington in their last two meetings in the postseason these last two years. The Penguins have lost 7 of their last 10 games after a win at home over a Metropolitan Division opponent. Pittsburgh has also lost 6 of their last 8 games after allowing two goals or less in their last game. And in their last 19 road games after a game that finished Under the Total, the Penguins have lost 13 of these games.

CONCLUSION: Look for Washington to take a 3-2 lead in this series on their home ice. 20* NHL Pittsburgh-Washington NBC-TV Special with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (60) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (59). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (25) and the Vegas Golden Knights (26). THE SITUATION: San Jose (51-29-10) evened this series at two games apiece on Wednesday with their 4-0 shutout victory over the Golden Knights. This series returns to Las Vegas for this crucial fifth game.

REASONS TO TAKE THE UNDER: The Sharks have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total registering a shutout win at home. San Jose peppered the Knights’ goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury with 34 shots after putting 47 and 42 shots on him in the previous two games in this series. But San Jose has then played 10 of their last 11 games Under the Total after generating at least 33 shots on target in at least three straight games. The Sharks have won two of the last three games in this series — and they have then played 25 of their last 40 games Under the Total after winning two of their last three. Furthermore, San Jose has also played 35 of their last 54 road games Under the Total with the number set at 5.5. Vegas (57-29-7) suffered their first loss in regulation in the playoffs. They have allowed eleven goals over these last three games after winning Game Three of this series by a 4-3 score in overtime. The Golden Knights have played 13 of their last 21 games Under the Total after allowing at least three goals in two straight games — and they have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after allowing at least three goals in three straight games. The Under is also 7-2-1 in Vegas’ last 10 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. And in their last 8 opportunities to avenge a blowout loss by at least three goals, the Golden Knights have played 6 of these games Under the Total.

CONCLUSION: Expect this important fifth game in this tied series to be played very close to the vest similar to how Vegas played all their games against Los Angeles in the first-round of the playoffs. 25* NHL 2nd Round Playoff Bailout Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (25) and the Vegas Golden Knights (26). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (21) and the Winnipeg Jets (22). THE SITUATION: Nashville (58-21-4) scored three goals in the first period but preceded to blow that lead on Tuesday in a 7-4 loss to the Jets. The Predators find themselves down 2-1 in this series while having to play once again in Winnipeg.

REASONS TO TAKE THE UNDER: Nashville has to tighten things up regarding their discipline and play on defense after committing four penalties in the third period with three of them occurring after tying the game at 4-4. The Predators should get better play from goalie Pekka Rinne who has a 1.35 Goals-Against-Average with a .957 save percentage in the last three games in their first-round series with Colorado. The Under is 10-1-1 in Nashville’s last 12 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. The final two goals by Winnipeg (58-22-11) in Game Three were empty netters. The Predators have also played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total on the road after a game where both teams scored at least three goals. Nashville has also played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total on the road after a loss on the road to a Central Division rival. The Jets have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a win — and they have played 20 of their last 31 games Under the Total after winning six or seven of their last eight games as they have after winning their opening round series against Minnesota in six games. Winnipeg has played 18 of their last 25 games Under the Total after a game where they scored at least six goals. They should get better play from their goaltender Connor Hellebuyck who had a 0.33 GAA along with a .991 save percentage with two shutouts in his last three games of that series with the Wild. And in their last 6 games on their home ice, the Jets have played 5 of these games Under the Total.

CONCLUSION: After high-scoring games in Games Two and Three of this series, expect this fourth game to be a low scoring affair. 25* NHL Central Division Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (21) and the Winnipeg Jets (22). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (17) and the San Jose Sharks (18). THE SITUATION: Vegas (57-28-7) seized a 2-1 lead in this series with their 2-1 win in overtime in the third game of this series on Monday. This series stays in San Jose (50-29-10) for tonight’s Game Four.

REASONS TO TAKE THE UNDER: Vegas is simply getting outstanding goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury who may be playing the best hockey of his career. So far in these playoffs, Fleury has a 1.23 Goals-Against-Average with a .960 save percentage with three shutouts. Expect a lower scoring game tonight as they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a game where at least seven combined goals were scored. Additionally, the Under is 13-7-1 in the Golden Knights’ last 21 games played with one day of rest. And in their last 14 games on the road, the Under is 9-4-1 for Vegas. San Jose has played 27 of their last 42 home games Under the Total after a game where they allowed at least four goals in their last game. The Sharks have also played 8 of their last 9 home games Under the Total when playing no more than their fifth game in fourteen days. Furthermore, while San Jose is averaging over 40 shots per game in this series (with the fewest being 33 shots in Game One of this series), they have played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total after generating at least 33 shots in three straight games. The Sharks have also played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total when trailing in a playoff series.

CONCLUSION: After Vegas played four straight Unders in the first round of the playoffs, the first three games Over the Total in this series. Expect that trend to end at least for tonight. 10* NHL Wednesday Late Show O/U bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights (17) and the San Jose Sharks (18). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (18) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (17). THE SITUATION: Vegas (57-28-7) seized a 2-1 lead in this series with their 2-1 win in overtime in the third game of this series on Monday. This series stays in San Jose (50-29-10) for tonight’s Game Four.

REASONS TO TAKE SAN JOSE WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Sharks showed grit and resolve by rallying from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime on Monday. They could have easily won that game in overtime if not for a fantastic save by Marc-Andre Fleury who robbed Logan Couture of his roaring slap shot over the goaltender’s shoulder. Just over five minutes later, the Golden Knights’ William Karlsson scored on a spectacular slap shot of his own (that should eliminate all doubt that Vegas has superstars of their own despite being an expansion team) to win that game. But look for San Jose to rebound with a strong effort — they have won 20 of their last 29 games after allowing at least four goals in their last contest. The Sharks have also won 7 of their last 9 games after a loss to a Pacific Division rival — and they have also won 4 straight games when that loss was on their home ice. San Jose has still won 8 of their last 10 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. And while the first three games in this series have been Overs, the Sharks have won 6 of their last 8 games after playing three straight Overs. Vegas has lost 6 of their last 8 games after playing a game where both teams scored at least three goals — and they have also lost 9 of their last 14 road games after a game where both teams scored at least three goals. And in their last 6 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice, the Golden Knights have lost 4 of these games.

CONCLUSION: Vegas has won five of their six games in these playoffs decided by one goal — and that is a very tough trend to keep up. 25* NHL Pacific Division Game of the Year with the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (18) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (17). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (53) and the Winnipeg Jets (54). THE SITUATION: Nashville (58-20-4) evened this series at one game apiece on Sunday with their 5-4 win in double-overtime. Winnipeg (57-22-11) returns home to host the next two games in this series with home-ice advantage.

REASONS TO TAKE THE UNDER: The Jets have played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a loss to a fellow Central Division rival. Winnipeg has also played 17 of their last 26 games Under the Total when playing with revenge from a same-season loss. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck should play better tonight as he has a 1.47 Goals-Against-Average with a .955 save percentage in his eight starts after a game where he allowed at least five goals. The Predators have played 17 of their 26 games Under the Total after allowing at least four goals in their last game. Additionally, not only has Nashville played 22 of their last 33 road games Under the Total after playing at least two straight games against a Central Division foe but they have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after playing at least three straight games against a Central Division opponent. They allowed two goals to the Jets in the third period — but they have then played 15 of their last 23 games Under the Total after allowing at least two goals in the third period of their last game. And in their last 15 road games with the Total set at 6 or higher, the Predators have played 10 of these games Under the Total.

CONCLUSION: With the Total being pushed up to 6 for this Game Three, expect a lower scoring game. 10* NHL Nashville-Winnipeg CNBC O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (53) and the Winnipeg Jets (54). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (18) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (17). THE SITUATION: San Jose (50-28-10) evened this series at one game apiece on Saturday with their 4-3 win in double-overtime in Las Vegas. The Sharks return home with this series tied at one game apiece.

REASONS TO TAKE SAN JOSE WITH THE MONEY-LINE: The Sharks should build off the momentum of their climactic win as they have won 10 of their last 13 games off a win. They get Evander Kane back in this game after he was suspended for Game Two with an illegal cross-check to the face in Game One. Going from almost down 0-2 in this series to tied at 1-1 with Kane back on the ice. He scored three times in the first round of the playoffs after registering 14 points in seventeen games since being acquired from Buffalo at the trade deadline. The Sharks are tough at home where they have won 7 of their last 9 games along with winning 8 of their last 9 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. And while San Jose has allowed ten goals in their last two games, they have then won 10 of their last 11 home games after allowing at least three goals in two straight games. Vegas will be facing adversity for the first time perhaps all season after committing eleven penalties including two in that second overtime period to put the Sharks in a position to win that game. The Golden Knights have lost 4 of their last 5 games after a loss to a Pacific Division rival in their last game. Vegas has also lost 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice.

CONCLUSION: 25* NHL Western Conference Game of the Month with the money-line on the San Jose Sharks (18) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (17). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Winnipeg Jets (13) and the Nashville Predators (14). THE SITUATION: Winnipeg (57-21-11) seized home ice advantage in this series by stealing Game One of this series by a 4-1 score. Game Two will played again in Nashville.

THE REASONS TO TAKE THE OVER: Nashville (57-20-4) will be desperate to even this series at 1-1 to avoid traveling to Winnipeg trailing by two games. The Predators have played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total when avenging a loss by at least three goals to their opponent. Nashville has also played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Additionally, while the Predators have played four straight games Under the Total, they have then played 7 of their last 9 games Over the Total after playing at least four straight Unders. And in their last 7 games at home, Nashville has played 5 of these games Over the Total. Winnipeg (57-21-11) has played 8 of their last 11 games Over the Total after a win by at least three goals over a Central Division rival — and they have played 4 of their last 6 games Over the Total when scoring at least four goals in a win over a divisional rival. The Jets have only allowed one goal in their last three games — but they have then played 24 of their last 38 games Under the Total after allowing two goals or less in three straight games while also playing 4 straight games Over the Total after not allowing more than one goal in three straight contests.

CONCLUSION: Nashville had 48 shots on net on Friday — maintaining that pressure again should ensure their share of goals. 25* NHL Central Division Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Winnipeg Jets (13) and the Nashville Predators (14). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (12) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (11). THE SITUATION: Pittsburgh (52-31-6) rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the 3rd period by scoring three times in a 4:49 minute span to steal Game One of this series by a 3-2 score on Thursday. The Penguins have the opportunity to return home up 2-0 in this series this afternoon. Evgeni Malkin has missed the last two games in this series and remains a game-time decision.

REASONS TO TAKE WASHINGTON WITH THE MONEY-LINE: Pittsburgh was outplayed for most of Game One as they were outshot by a 34 to 25 margin. The Penguins will be playing their third straight game on the road after they closed out their six-game series with the Flyers in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh has lost 13 of their last 17 games when playing their third straight game on the road — and they have also lost 3 straight games after winning their last two games away from home. Additionally, the Penguins have lost 5 of their last 7 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. And in their last 5 games when playing with two days of rest, Pittsburgh has lost 4 of these games. Washington (53-29-7) is, if anything, proving themselves resilient this postseason after losing the first two games in their previous series with Columbus at home and in overtime before winning the next four games to close out that series. The Capitals have won 10 of their last 15 games after a loss at home. Washington has also won 17 of their last 24 games when avenging a same-season loss — and they have won 11 of their last 14 games when playing with revenge from a one-goal loss. The Caps have also won 22 of their last 30 games after winning three of their last four games.

CONCLUSION: Washington has lost to the Penguins in each of the last two postseasons in two long series — and they do have a case that they might have been the second-best team in the NHL to Pittsburgh in both season. 25* NHL Metropolitan Division Game of the Month with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (12) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (11). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (89) and the Vegas Golden Knights (90). THE SITUATION: Vegas (56-27-7) blew out the Sharks in the opening game of this series by a 7-0 score on Thursday. San Jose will be without Evander Kane tonight after he was suspended for a cross-check to the face of Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.

THE REASONS TO TAKE THE UNDER: The Sharks will tighten things up on defense after their embarrassing effort on Thursday where they were caught by surprise by the speed of the Golden Knights. San Jose has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after allowing at least five goals in their last game. Goalie Martin Jones was pulled after allowing five goals on just 13 shots in that game. However, Jones had a 0.99 Goals-Against-Average along with a .966 save percentage during the regular season in games following a contest where he was pulled — so he should play very well tonight. The Sharks have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a loss by at least three goals — and they have played 8 straight games Under the Total on the road after a loss by at least two goals. They will miss Kane who registered 14 points in the 17 games he played with the team since being acquired from Buffalo — and he scored three goals with one assist in the first-round of the playoffs. San Jose has also played 14 of their last 19 road games Under the Total when playing no more than their 5th game in fourteen days. Vegas (56-27-7) might be without Bellemare tonight given that injury which will hurt their Power Play Unit. The Golden Knights have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after scoring at least five goals in their last game — and they have played 13 of their last 17 home games Under the Total after a game where at least seven combined goals were scored. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is playing as well as he has any time in his career with two straight shutouts. He has a .982 save percentage in the playoffs. The Under is 7-2-1 in Vegas’ last 10 games after not allowing more than two goals in their last game. The Knights have also played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total at home.

CONCLUSION: The Total has moved to 5.5 for this game after Vegas played their first five games in these playoffs with the Total just at 5. The Golden Knights scored only seven total goals in their four games against Los Angeles while surrendering only three goals. 25* NHL NBC-TV Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (89) and the Vegas Golden Knights (90). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (81) and the Vegas Golden Knights (82). THE SITUATION: Both these teams come off 4-0 sweeps in the first-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. San Jose (49-27-10) swept the Ducks after closing out that series last Wednesday with their 2-1 win in Anaheim. Vegas (55-27-7) proved that their regular season was no fluke by sweeping the Kings after defeating them last Tuesday by a 1-0 score.

THE REASONS FOR TAKING THE UNDER: Both these teams may be rusty since they are playing with seven days and eight days off since their last game. The risk of rust will likely compel both teams to play cautiously in this opening game. The Sharks have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total when playing with at least three days of rest between contests while the Golden Knights have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when playing with at least three days of rest. Both these teams have hot goalies with Marc-Andre Fleury posting a 0.65 Goals-Against-Average with a .977 save percentage in the LA series for Vegas while Martin Jones allowed only four goals in four games against the Ducks while registering a .970 save percentage for San Jose. The Under is 4-1-1 in the Sharks’ last 6 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home. Vegas has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total on their home ice. The Under is also 7-1-1 in their last 9 games after failing to score more than two goals in their last game. Furthermore, the Under is 7-1-1 in the Golden Knights’ last 9 games after allowing no more than two goals in their last game — and they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after shutting out their opponent in their last game.

CONCLUSION: These are two teams very comfortable in playing low-scoring games. 25* NHL Bailout Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the San Jose Sharks (81) and the Vegas Golden Knights (82). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Capitals (88) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (87). THE SITUATION: Pittsburgh (51-31-6) advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs by knocking off the Flyers in six games culminating in an 8-5 win in Philadelphia on Sunday. Washington (53-28-7) rallied from an 0-2 deficit by winning four straight games against the Blue Jackets by closing that series out in Columbus on Monday with a 6-3 win. These two teams have faced off in each of the last two postseasons with the Penguins winning both times en route to winning the Stanley Cup.

REASONS WHY TO TAKE WASHINGTON WITH THE MONEY-LINE: I think Pittsburgh risks overconfidence in this game after defeating Washington in the playoffs in nine of their last ten encounters in the postseason — including in the last two playoffs. As it is, the Penguins are primed for a letdown as they have lost 9 of their last 11 games after scoring at least five goals in their last game and they have lost 8 of their last 11 games after a win by at least three goals. And while Pittsburgh has won six of their last eight games, they have then lost 17 of their last 25 road games after winning six or seven of their last eight games. The Penguins will also be undermanned at the forward position with both Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin out for this contest with injuries which decimates their second line. Washington won a decisive 16 of their last 18 home games after scoring at least five goals in their last game — and they have 18 of their last 19 home games after a win by at least three goals. They also have won 16 of their last 23 games when playing with two days of rest.

CONCLUSION: Washington should be very resolved to get a small measure of payback from their playoff frustrations against the Pens. Remember, there is a compelling case to be made that the Capitals have been the second-best team in the NHL in these last two seasons but they have the misfortune of playing in the same division as the best team in hockey. 20* NHL Pittsburgh-Washington NBC Sports Network Special with the money-line on the Washington Capitals (88) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (87). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins (87) and the Washington Capitals (88). THE SITUATION: Pittsburgh (51-31-6) advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs by knocking off the Flyers in six games culminating in an 8-5 win in Philadelphia on Sunday. Washington (53-28-7) rallied from an 0-2 deficit by winning four straight games against the Blue Jackets by closing that series out in Columbus on Monday with a 6-3 win. These two teams have faced off in each of the last two postseasons with the Penguins winning both times en route to winning the Stanley Cup.

REASONS WHY TO TAKE THE UNDER: Both these veteran playoff teams tend to play cautiously in the opening games of a new playoff series. Pittsburgh has played 11 of their last 14 opening games to a new series Under the Total while Washington has played 16 of their last 23 opening games to a new series Under the Total. The Penguins look due for an Under after that high-scoring closeout game against the Flyers as the Under is 3-0-2 in their last 5 games after scoring at least five goals in their last game while the Under is also 5-1-1 in their last 7 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. Pittsburgh will also be undermanned at the forward position with both Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin out for this contest with injuries which decimates their second line. Washington has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after winning at least four in a row — and they have also played 15 of their last 23 games Under the Total after a win on the road by at least three goals. The Capitals have also played 8 of their last 10 home games Under the Total with the Total set at 6 or higher. CONCLUSION: These two teams have played 4 of their last 5 meetings Under the Total. With the Total set at 6 for this opening game, expect a lower scoring game to contrast the high scoring game both teams closed out their previous series with. 25* NHL Metropolitan Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins (87) and the Washington Capitals (88). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:40 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs (25) and the Boston Bruins (26). Toronto (52-29-5) forced a decisive seventh game in this series on Monday with their 3-1 victory at home over the Bruins. Expect Mike Babcock to instruct his team to play disciplined and controlled hockey in this climactic game since surrendering a goal or two to the Bruins on their home ice could be the recipe for this game quickly spiraling out of hand. As it is, the Under is 4-0-1 in the Maple Leafs last 5 games after a victory. The Under is also 2-0-2 in Toronto’s last 4 games after allowing two goals or less in their last contest. And in their last 8 games after a win by at least two goals against an Atlantic Division rival, they have then played 5 of their last 8 games Under the Total. The Maple Leafs are getting great goaltending from their veteran Frederick Andersen who has stopped 74 of the 78 shots he has faced in the last two games of this series. But Andersen has been helped by his teammates blocking 45 shots in these last two games as they begin to appreciation the need for defense in desperation elimination game situations in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.



Boston (56-23-9) has seen the Under go 3-1-1 in their last 5 games against an opponent that allowed no more than two goals in their last game. Additionally, the Bruins have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total when avenging a loss by at least two goals against their opponent. And while Boston has lost two of their last three games, they have then played 15 of their last 22 games Under the Total after losing two of their last three games. And in their last 30 games against Atlantic Division foes, the Bruins have played 20 of these games Under the Total. Their top line has been slowed down to an injury to Patrice Bergeron over these last two games yet — that top forward group of Bergeron along with Brad Marchand and David Patrnak have not registered a point in the last two games of this series. Lastly, in their last 8 Game Sevens in the NHL Playoffs, Boston has played 5 of these games Under the Total. 25* NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Seven O/U Special Feature with Under the Total in the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs (25) and the Boston Bruins (26). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:35 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Columbus Blue Jackets (20) versus the Washington Capitals (19). Columbus (47-33-7) looks to stave off elimination in this series after losing Game Five of this series on Saturday by a 4-3 loss in a game that required overtime for the fourth time in this tightly contested series. Now the Blue Jackets return home to Nationwide Arena where they have only won twice in nine playoff games in franchise history. But remember the two games they lost at home in this series is when they had a lead in this playoff series. Now having lost the last three games in this series (two which were overtime losses), this Columbus team is desperate. They have won 10 of their last 16 games after losing three of their last four contests. The Blue Jackets have also won 14 of their last 22 games when playing with revenge from a loss on the road. Additionally, Columbus has bounced-back to win 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least four goals in a loss to a divisional rival. And in their last 3 games after losing three straight to a Metropolitan Division rival, the Blue Jackets have won all 3 of these games.

Washington (52-28-7) has won three straight games in this series after losing the first two games in overtime on their home ice.

At 7:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Boston Bruins (17) versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (18). Boston (56-22-9) blew an opportunity to close this series out on Saturday in a 4-3 loss to the Maple Leafs on their home ice. Now the Bruins travel to Toronto with a 3-2 lead in this series with a second chance to win this series and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Boston almost rallied to tie the game and force overtime as they were ferocious in the 3rd period by putting 20 shots on the Maple Leafs’ goalie Frederick Andersen who stopped 19 of them to preserve his team’s lead. The Bruins outshot the Maple Leafs by a 20-5 margin in that 3rd period and I look for that momentum to carry over into this game. Boston has bounced-back to win 23 of their last 33 games after a loss. They also have won 10 of their last 15 games when avenging a one goal loss on the road — and they have also won 20 of their last 26 games after a one goal loss on their home ice. Additionally, the Bruins have won 16 of their last 26 games after allowing at least four goals in their last game. And in their last 33 games played with one day of rest, Boston has won 24 of these games. Goalie Tukka Rask struggled on Saturday as he was pulled after allowing four goals on thirteen shots. But Rask is a veteran with plenty of playoff experience including winning a Stanley Cup — so I expect him to rebound with a strong effort tonight.

Toronto (51-29-5) has lost 4 straight games after a win in their last game. While they showed spirit to avoid being eliminated on the road on Saturday, this Maple Leafs team lacks the grit of more established playoff teams. Games like tonight will likely expose the need this team had to acquire another solid blue-line player at the trade deadline instead of holding pat. This team also commits too many turnovers — they were 4th in the NHL in most turnovers led by their best defenseman Jake Gardiner who had the 3rd most turnovers in the NHL. This is a bad characteristic to have in pressure situations. Auston Matthews is a great young talent but he still lacks experience in the playoffs. He is matched by the Bruins’ top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak with those first two players have led the Bruins to a previous Stanley Cup. That trio have combined for 23 points in this series but have not registered a point in both their losses in this series. I do not see that happening twice in a row. Those three players likely form the best forward line in hockey right now. Lastly, it is telling that the Maple Leafs have lost 42 of their last 61 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. 25* NHL 1st Round Atlantic Division Playoff Game of the Year with the money-line on the Boston Bruins (17) versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (18). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (75) and the Colorado Avalanche (76). Nashville (55-20-4) scored in the third period on Friday to take a 1-0 lead over the Flyers with the opportunity to close out that series in five games — but they then allowed two goals to lose Game Five of this series by a 2-1 score. Expect another low-scoring game in Game Six. While the Predators have much more balance and depth on offense this season versus their team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals last year, this is a team that is very comfortable playing low-scoring games behind the best blue-line in the NHL along with a goaltender in Pekka Rinne who will likely win the Vezina Trophy this season. Nashville has played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a loss at home. The Predators have also played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a loss by just one goal — and they have played 8 of their last 9 games on the road Under the Total after a loss by just one goal to a Central Division rival. Furthermore, the Under is 8-2-1 in Nashville’s last 11 games against an opponent that did not score more than two goals in their last game.

Colorado (47-33-8) got an outstanding effort from third-string goaltender Andrew Hammond who was pressed into service with an injury to Jonathan Bernier in Game Four of this series. The Hamburglar has certainly enjoyed hot streaks in his NHL career (most notably with Ottawa a few seasons ago) so he there should be a positive carry over from his stopping 44 of the 45 shots he faced on Friday. Good goaltending is also a product of good defense — and the Avalanche will likely continue to play less aggressively than they would if their first-stringer Semyon Varlamov was between the pipes. That is a recipe for another low-scoring game. As it is, Colorado has played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a win over a Central Division rival. Furthermore, the Avalanche have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a narrow win by just one goal. Colorado has also played 15 of their last 23 games Under the Total after a win on the road by just one goal — and this includes them playing four of these last situations Under the Total. Additionally, in games with the Total set at 6 or higher, when the home team comes off a win on the road against a divisional rival, these games finished Under the Total in 209 of these last 341 situations (61%) where these conditions applied. Lastly, in games with the Total set at 6 or higher, when the road team comes off a loss against a division rival now faces a team that comes off win on the road against a division foe, these games finished Under the Total in 60 of these last 88 situations. 25* NHL NBC-Sports Network 1st Round Playoff Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Nashville Predators (75) and the Colorado Avalanche (76). Best of luck for us — Frank.