Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-22-22 | Sharks v. Ducks UNDER 5.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose and Anaheim at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. We won with the 'under' in the Sharks most recent game - a 4-1 home loss to the Golden Knights on Sunday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Tuesday as they make the short trip to Anaheim to face the Ducks. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 with the Sharks coming off three consecutive games in which they allowed 3+ goals this season, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of just 4.2 goals. The 'under' is also a perfect 5-0 with the Sharks playing on the road off consecutive losses this season, leading to an average total of 5.0 goals. The Ducks exploded for seven goals in their most recent game but prior to that they had been held to three goals or less in five consecutive games. They've sagged defensively of late, yielding a whopping 17 goals over their last three games. A return home should help, however, noting that Anaheim allows only 2.5 goals per game on home ice this season, while the Sharks average 2.8 goals per contest on the road. Take the under (6*). |
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02-22-22 | Maple Leafs v. Blue Jackets UNDER 6.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. We missed with the 'under' in Columbus' most recent game - a 7-3 victory over the lowly Sabres on Sunday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well here, however, as the Blue Jackets face a much tougher challenge at home against a Maple Leafs squad coming off consecutive losses, including an ugly 5-2 defeat in Montreal last night. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 10-2 with the Leafs playing on the road off a road loss by 3+ goals over the last three seasons, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of only 5.1 goals in that spot. As for the Jackets, they've posted a 3-11 o/u record after winning six or seven of their last eight games over the last three seasons, which is also the situation here tonight, leading to an average total of only 4.3 goals scored. In the longer-term picture, the 'under' is 55-34 with Columbus playing at home after scoring 5+ goals in their previous game. This is certainly a contrarian play given the two teams' recent form, however it is worth noting that the 'under' is 5-3 in the last eight meetings in this series. Take the under (8*). |
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02-22-22 | Wild -240 v. Senators | 3-4 | Loss | -240 | 9 h 9 m | Show | |
My selection is on Minnesota over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Senators have faced an extremely tough schedule in recent weeks, largely due to a number of Covid-related postponements earlier in the season. Here, they'll play on one day of rest once again, hosting a Wild squad that just 'got right' with a blowout win in Edmonton on Sunday. In this spot, we'll note that Minnesota has gone 23-10 when coming off two losses in its last three games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.7 goals on average. Better still, the Wild are 22-8 after giving up 3+ goals in three straight games over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.8 goals on average in that situation. As for the Sens, they've averaged just 2.0 goals per game and have been outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals when playing at home off a one-goal loss over the last two seasons (22-game sample size), as is the case here. While Ottawa averages only 2.5 goals per game at home this season, the Wild check in averaging 3.4 goals per contest on the road and better still, averaging 4.0 goals per game when coming off a win. Take Minnesota (5*). |
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02-22-22 | Blues v. Flyers UNDER 6 | Top | 4-1 | Win | 102 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between St. Louis and Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. Despite a scoreless first period, the Flyers ultimately posted another 'over' result yesterday afternoon as they fell by a 4-3 score in overtime against Carolina. The 'over' has now cashed in their last five games overall. The Blues are coming off a high-scoring game of their own, as they skated to a 6-3 win in Toronto on Saturday. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 53-36 with the Blues coming off an 'over' result over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of 5.6 goals. When playing on the road after winning two of their last three games, the Blues have posted a 16-26 o/u mark over the last two seasons, also resulting in an average total of 5.6 goals in that situation. Better still, we'll note that St. Louis has seen the 'under' go 26-14 after scoring 5+ goals in its previous contest over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of only 5.4 goals. As for the Flyers, the 'under' has gone 10-2 when they play at home off three consecutive games that totalled 7+ goals, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of just 4.8 goals. We've seen eight of the last 16 meetings between these two teams in Philadelphia stay 'under' the total with those games rounding off to an average total of 5.0 goals. Take the under (10*). |
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02-21-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Canucks UNDER 5.5 | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Vancouver at 10:05 pm et on Monday. The Kraken are looking to salvage something from their western Canadian road trip after dropping consecutive games in Winnipeg and Calgary. Credit Seattle for holding a red hot Flames squad (no pun intended) to just a single goal on Saturday but it still fell short thanks to an offense that has really struggled away from home this season, averaging just 2.5 goals per contest. The Canucks suffered an ugly 7-4 home loss against the Ducks on Saturday. That high-scoring result was the exception rather than the rule here at home this season, where the Canucks have seen their games total an average of only 5.2 goals. Here, we'll note that Vancouver has seen the 'under' cash at an 8-2 clip when playing at home off a loss this season, resulting in an average total of 5.0 goals. The 'under' is 15-6 with the Canucks playing at home after scoring 3+ goals in consecutive games over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of only 5.4 goals. Take the under (8*). |
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02-20-22 | Wild v. Oilers UNDER 6.5 | 7-3 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Edmonton at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. We're being given a very generous total to work with for this Sunday night affair between two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions. The Wild are a terrific offensive team but they're not scoring with any consistency right now, having potted three goals or less in four of their last five games. On a positive note, they have allowed just 2.1 goals per game when playing on the road off consecutive losses over the last two seasons with that situation leading to an average total of only 5.4 goals. The Oilers have given up a grand total of only eight goals over the course of their five-game winning streak. Note that they have seen the 'under' go 14-6 when playing at home off a road victory by 2+ goals over the last two seasons, as is the case here following yesterday's 4-2 win in Winnipeg, resulting in an average total of only 5.8 goals. The first meeting between these two teams this season reached just five total goals. The 'under' has cashed in 26 of the last 42 matchups between them here in Edmonton, averaging just 5.0 total goals per contest. Take the under (7*). |
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02-20-22 | Golden Knights v. Sharks UNDER 5.5 | Top | 4-1 | Win | 115 | 10 h 17 m | Show |
NHL Pacific Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Vegas and San Jose at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams are coming off relatively high-scoring 'over' results last time out but I look for a different story to unfold when they match up on Sunday in San Jose. The Golden Knights blew an early lead in an eventual 4-3 overtime loss against the Kings on Friday. They continue to play on without a number of key contributors, including Mark Stone and Robin Lehner, but did recently welcome Jack Eichel back from injury. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 29-16 with Vegas playing on the road after a game that totalled 7+ goals over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of just 5.3 goals. The Knights have also seen the 'under' go 13-4 when coming off an overtime loss over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of only 5.0 goals. As for the Sharks, they're coming off an OT loss of their own against the Canucks. The 'under' is a terrific 31-11 after allowing 5+ goals in their previous game over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 5.7 goals. The 'under' is also 12-3 after San Jose gives up 3+ goals in consecutive games this season with an average total of 5.4 goals scored in that spot. Take the under (10*). |
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02-20-22 | Stars v. Coyotes +1.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 36 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Puck-Line Game of the Month. My selection is on Arizona +1.5 goals over Dallas at 7:05 pm et on Sunday. The Coyotes fell again last night, blowing a 3-1 lead in an eventual 5-3 home loss to the Kings. I do think they draw the Stars in a favorable spot on Sunday, however, and will go back to the well with the 'Yotes with an insurance goal here. Note that the Stars, while coming off a 1-0 shootout win in Chicago on Friday, are still just 10-13 on the road this season where they average only 2.4 goals per game and have been outscored by an average margin of 0.8 goals per contest. Dallas checks in a woeful 1-8 when playing on the road after allowing two goals or less in consecutive games over the last two seasons, outscored by a whopping 2.2 goals on average in that spot. As for the Coyotes, they're 9-4 when coming off consecutive home losses over the last two seasons, allowing just 2.4 goals per game and outscoring opponents by 0.4 goals on average in that situation. They've allowed only 2.1 goals per game, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.1 goals when playing at home after giving up 4+ goals in consecutive games over the last two seasons, as is the case here (19-game sample size). Dallas took the most recent meeting between these two teams by a 4-1 score back in December. That was in Dallas, however. The last time they met here in Arizona in November, the Stars skated to a narrow 3-2 victory. Take Arizona +1.5 goals (10*). |
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02-20-22 | Sabres v. Blue Jackets UNDER 6.5 | 3-7 | Loss | -106 | 6 h 22 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Buffalo and Columbus at 6:05 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams are coming off high-scoring games but I'll go the other way and back the 'under' as they square off in Columbus on Sunday. Note that the Sabres average just 2.5 goals per game with an average total of 6.0 goals scored when they play on the road this season. The 'under' is a perfect 6-0 when Buffalo plays on the road in the second half of a back-to-back this season, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of only 4.5 goals. As for the Blue Jackets, they've seen the 'under' go 11-2 when coming off six or seven wins in their eight games over the last three seasons, which is the case here, leading to an average total of only 3.8 goals. Additionally, the 'under' is 12-4 when the Jackets return home following a road game where both teams scored 3+ goals, which is also the situation here following Thursday's 7-4 win in Chicago, with an average total of just 4.3 goals in that spot. Take the under (5*). |
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02-20-22 | Rangers -185 v. Senators | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
NHL Non-Division Game of the Week. My selection is on New York over Ottawa at 5:05 pm et on Sunday. We won fading the Senators last night, although it was a little closer than we would have liked as the Bruins pulled out a 3-2 overtime win. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Sunday, this time supporting the Rangers, who are off a home shootout loss against the Red Wings. After today's game, New York will enjoy three days off before taking the ice again on Thursday against Washington. Here, we'll note that the Blueshirts have allowed just 2.2 goals per game and outscored the opposition by 0.7 goals on average when playing on the road off a home loss over the last two seasons, as is the case here (18-game sample size). Meanwhile, the Sens average a woeful 1.3 goals per game and have been outscored by an average margin of 1.7 goals when playing at home off an overtime loss over the last two seasons (nine-game sample size). Ottawa has dealt with a tough schedule recently due to the NHL trying to fit all of its games in following a slew of cancellations earlier in the season. That's notable as the Sens have given up 3.7 goals per game, outscored by 1.4 goals on average, when playing at home in a 6-in-10 or worse situation over the last two seasons. Take New York (10*). |
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02-19-22 | Bruins -167 v. Senators | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Boston over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Bruins have won just once in their last five games with that victory coming against the same Senators they'll face on Saturday night. While Boston has dealt with a number of key absences recently, most notably Brad Marchand (who remains suspended) and Patrice Bergeron (who recently returned), the Senators are no strangers to that as they continue to play on without stud defenseman Thomas Chabot and one of their top offensive threats in Drake Batherson (among others). Nevertheless, the Sens are coming off a 3-1 win in Buffalo, which actually puts them in a difficult spot here, noting that they've gone 0-10 when playing at home off a win by two goals or more against a division opponent over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.8 goals on average in that spot. Also note that the Sens average a miserable 1.6 goals per game when playing at home after winning two of their last three games this season, which is also the case here, outscored by 0.5 goals on average in that situation. Meanwhile, the Bruins are 13-1 when coming off consecutive losses over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals in that spot. The B's have also outscored opponents by 0.9 goals when coming off a loss by 3+ goals this season (10-game sample size). Take Boston (10*). |
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02-18-22 | Kings +1.5 v. Golden Knights | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 14 h 29 m | Show |
NHL Division Puck-Line Game of the Year. My selection is on Los Angeles +1.5 goals over Vegas at 10:05 pm et on Friday. The Kings were sluggish following their extended layoff, returning to the ice with a 5-2 home loss to the Oilers on Tuesday. Keep in mind, that game wasn't quite as lopsided as the final score indicated as Edmonton scored a pair of late empty net goals to stretch out the eventual winning margin. The Kings have certainly held their own on the road this season, posting a .500 record while being outscored by a slight average margin of 0.2 goals. As for the Knights, they've been uneven for much of the campaign and haven't had the same strong home ice advantage as we've seen in years' past. They're just 14-13 here in Las Vegas, outscoring opponents by just 0.3 goals on average. Here, we'll note that the Kings are 9-4 when coming off a loss by 3+ goals against a division opponent over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average in that spot. They've averaged an impressive 4.3 goals per game and outscored the opposition by 1.2 goals on average after giving up 3+ goals in four consecutive games over the last two seasons (eight-game sample size), which is also the spot they're in tonight. On the flip side of that, we've seen Los Angeles give up only 2.6 goals per contest when coming off a home loss by multiple goals over the last three seasons (24-game sample size). With the Knights missing goaltender Robin Lehner, not to mention Mark Stone (among others), I'm not sure even the recent debut of Jack Eichel can help spark a comfortable win for the home side on Friday. Take Los Angeles +1.5 goals (10*). |
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02-18-22 | Predators +1.5 v. Hurricanes | 3-5 | Loss | -165 | 12 h 52 m | Show | |
My selection is on Nashville +1.5 goals over Carolina at 7:05 pm et on Friday. Both of these teams are surprisingly struggling here in mid-February. I'm expecting an ultra-competitive affair on Friday night as neither team can afford to let another two points slip away. Note that the Preds check in 13-6 when coming off four or five losses in their last six games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.5 goals on average in that situation. Better still, they're 8-1 when coming off consecutive losses by 2+ goals over the same stretch, outscoring opponents by an impressive average margin of 1.8 goals. On seven previous occasions where the Preds were held to a goal or less in their last game this season, they've responded by averaging 4.0 goals in their next contest. As for the Canes, they've stumbled trying to regain their footing when playing at home off a home loss over the last two seasons, as is the case here, only managing to score 2.3 goals per game while giving up an identical scoring average in that spot. Take Nashville +1.5 goals (8*). |
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02-17-22 | Canucks v. Sharks +1.5 | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on San Jose +1.5 goals over Vancouver at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. While we're being asked to lay a steep price to grab the insurance goal with the Sharks at home on Thursday night, I believe that price is warranted. San Jose returned from a nearly two-week layoff with a rather lifeless 3-0 loss to the Oilers on Monday. I certainly anticipate we'll see the Sharks bounce back here, however, noting that they're 6-1 when coming off a home loss by 3+ goals this season, outscoring opponents by 1.1 goals on average in that situation. They're also 9-3 when coming off consecutive defeats this season, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals in that spot. The Canucks average only 2.1 goals per game when playing on the road after scoring 3+ goals in consecutive games over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 0.8 goals on the 19 previous occasions that situation came up. Take San Jose +1.5 goals (5*). |
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02-17-22 | Blue Jackets +1.5 v. Blackhawks | 7-4 | Win | 100 | 31 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on Columbus +1.5 goals over Chicago at 8:35 pm et on Thursday. The Blue Jackets are coming off a 6-2 loss in Calgary on Tuesday but are well-positioned to bounce back here, noting they've still won five of their last seven games. They'll catch the Blackhawks starting backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom, noting that he's appeared in two games this season, posting a poor .882 save precentage. Chicago posted a 3-1 win on the road against Winnipeg on Monday night, with goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stealing the show in that one. That puts Chicago in a poor spot here, noting that it has gone a woeful 3-16 when coming off a victory by two goals or more over the last two seasons, outscored by 1.7 goals on average in that situation. Meanwhile, Columbus checks in 11-5 when coming off a loss by 2+ goals this season, as is the case here, averaging 3.4 goals per game and outscoring opponents by 0.4 goals on averave in that spot. Take Columbus +1.5 goals (8*). |
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02-17-22 | Bruins v. Islanders UNDER 5.5 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and New York at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. The Bruins have scored just five goals combined over their last four games and don't figure to show much improvement on Thursday as they travel to Long Island to face the Islanders. Note that the 'under' is 7-1 with the Bruins coming off a road loss this season, as is the case here following Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Rangers, with an average total of only 4.8 goals in that situation. Better still, the 'under' is 10-2 with the Bruins checking in off a game where they were held to a goal or less over the last two seasons with that situation producing an average total of only 3.7 goals. As for the Isles, they've lost three straight games, with the 'over' cashing in each of their last two contests. Note that the 'under' is 13-3 when they play at home off consecutive 'over' results over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of just 3.8 goals. When coming off consecutive games in which 7+ total goals were scored over the last three seasons, as is the case here, the Isles have seen an average total of only 4.4 goals. Take the under (8*). |
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02-17-22 | Senators v. Sabres UNDER 6 | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Ottawa and Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. We've seen both previous meetings between these two teams total five goals or less this season and I expect more of the same on Thursday in Buffalo. The 'over' has cashed in each of the Sabres last four games but I don't see that trend continuing here. Note that the 'under' has gone 12-4 with the Sens coming off an 'over' result this season, resulting in an average total of 5.2 goals. The 'under' is also 19-9 with the Sens playing on the road after giving up 5+ goals in their previous game over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 5.6 goals scored in that spot. As for the Sabres, they've seen the 'under' go a perfect 8-0 when seeking revenge for a road loss by 4+ goals against an opponent over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with an average total of only 3.9 goals scored in that situation. Take the under (9*). |
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02-17-22 | Blues v. Canadiens UNDER 6 | 2-3 | Win | 110 | 9 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between St. Louis and Montreal at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Blues have scored 14 goals over their last three games and opened their current road trip with a 5-2 win in Ottawa on Tuesday (we won with St. Louis in that game). While this certainly looks like another layup against the lowly Habs, I prefer to go 'under' the total in a bit of a contrarian spot here. Note that the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 with St. Louis coming off consecutive games in which it scored 5+ goals over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of just 4.7 goals. The 'under' is also 25-15 with the Blues on the road after winning two of their last three contests over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of 5.6 goals. As for the Canadiens, they've seen the 'under' go 24-11 when playing at home seeking revenge for a loss by 2+ goals against an opponent over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of 5.3 goals in that spot. The 'under' is also a solid 34-22 with the Habs playing at home off an 'over' result over the last two seasons, which is the case here following Sunday's 5-3 loss to Buffalo. Take the under (6*). |
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02-17-22 | Red Wings v. Rangers UNDER 6 | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 21 m | Show |
NHL Metropolitan Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and New York at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Red Wings have seen their last four games go 'over' the total but I look for a different story to unfold on Thursday night in New York. Detroit has had a couple of days to stew over Monday's ugly 7-4 loss in Minnesota. Here, we'll note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 5-0 with the Wings coming off a game where both teams scored 4+ goals this season, resulting in an average total of just 4.0 goals. Meanwhile, the Rangers check in off a 2-1 win over the undermanned Bruins on Tuesday. They've seen the 'under' go 11-1 after allowing one goal or less in their previous game this season, with an average total of just 4.4 goals scored in that situation. The 'under' is also 14-4 with the Blueshirts playing at home after winning five or six of their last seven games over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 5.2 goals. While New York has plenty of offensive firepower it has also quietly been an extremely stingy team here at home, allowing only 2.3 goals per contest. It may not need to score a lot to secure a win here, noting that Detroit averages only 2.6 goals per game on the road. Take the under (10*). |
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02-16-22 | Wild -140 v. Jets | 3-6 | Loss | -140 | 12 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on Minnesota over Winnipeg at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Wild have undoubtedly had this one circled on their calendar since dropping an ugly 2-0 decision here in Winnipeg last week. That was as lifeless of a performance as you'll see from Minnesota as it was perhaps caught looking past a one-game trip to Winnipeg coming out of the All-Star break. Since then, we've actually cashed with the Wild in consecutive games against the Hurricanes and Red Wings. We still haven't seen a complete performance from the Wild since the break, however, noting that they were outshot in both of those victories. The Jets desperately need all the points they can get right now but were handed a disappointing 3-1 loss at home against the Blackhawks on Monday. That was precisely the type of winnable game they couldn't afford to lose and now comes a much tougher matchup against a revenge-minded Wild squad. Note that the Jets have been held to three goals or less in 13 of their last 15 games. By contrast, the Wild have scored three or more in 14 of their last 15 contests. On the flip side, the Wild have given up 2.8 goals per game on the road this season, identical to that of the Jets here at home. Note that Winnipeg is a miserable 1-5 when playing a fourth game in seven days this season, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.3 goals in that situation. Take Minnesota (8*). |
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02-15-22 | Blues -190 v. Senators | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 51 m | Show | |
My selection is on St. Louis over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. We won with the Blues in Saturday's lopsided 5-1 victory over the Blackhawks and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with them again on Tuesday as they open a four-game road trip in Ottawa. For St. Louis, the win over the Blackhawks was its first in its last three games. It certainly won't want to cough up that positive momentum on Tuesday night. It catches Ottawa at the right time as the Sens are coming off a 4-1 win in Washington on Sunday but could be without a number of key contributors for Tuesday's game, including stud defenseman Thomas Chabot, who suffered an undisclosed injury in Sunday's contest. It's been a long haul for the banged-up Sens lately as this will be their sixth game in the last nine nights. Note that they've averaged just 2.0 goals per game and have been outscored by an average margin of 0.8 goals when playing their fourth game in seven nights this season, which is the case here. Meanwhile, the Blues have been a nice positive momentum play, allowing just 1.4 goals while outscoring the opposition by 1.2 goals on average when coming off a win by four goals or more this season (five-game sample size). Take St. Louis (8*). |
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02-14-22 | Oilers v. Sharks OVER 6 | 3-0 | Loss | -116 | 13 h 9 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Edmonton and San Jose at 10:35 pm et on Monday. The Oilers are coming off three straight low-scoring 'under' results but I look for a different story to unfold as they head to San Jose to face a Sharks squad that has been idle since February 1st. Note that Edmonton has actually been a higher-scoring team on the road compared to at home this season, averaging 3.4 goals per game. Better still, the Oilers have averaged 4.0 goals per game when coming off a home victory over the last three seasons. That is of course the situation here following Saturday's 3-1 win over the Islanders. Here, they'll face a Sharks squad that has struggled to keep the puck out of their own net all season here at home, allowing 3.3 goals per game. On the flip side, San Jose had scored just three goals over is last two contests - both losses - prior to the extended layoff. Note that the Sharks average 3.6 goals per game when coming off consecutive losses this season (11-game sample size). While San Jose has predominantly been an 'under' team this season (18-28 o/u record), the 'over' has gone 5-4 when it comes off a two-game stretch in which it managed to score three goals or less, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 6.2 goals. With regular starter Mikko Koskinen on the Covid list, we're likely to see Mike Smith between the pipes for the Oilers. The last time he faced the Sharks the result was a 6-3 San Jose victory here in California. Take the over (8*). |
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02-14-22 | Blackhawks v. Jets -155 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -155 | 12 h 5 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Winnipeg over Chicago at 9:05 pm et on Monday. The Jets have now collected at least a point in all three games since the All-Star break, with their lone loss coming by way of overtime in Dallas on Friday (we won with the Stars in that game). While a letdown could certainly be in order against the lowly Blackhawks here, it's not something the Jets can afford as they need all the points they can get to continue to gain ground in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. Winnipeg sits seven points back of the Ducks for the second Wild Card spot in the West, but does have four games in hand, with one of those coming tonight. The Blackhawks looked lifeless in Saturday's 5-1 loss in St. Louis (we won with the Blues), managing only 16 shots on goal in a lopsided 5-1 loss. Chicago is now a miserable 3-14 in division games this season, outscored by an average margin of 1.9 goals. The Blackhawks check in allowing 3.4 goals per game on the road this season where they've been outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals. While the Jets offense has taken off over the last couple of games, they also continue to receive tremendous goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck as he has posted a .940 save percentage over his last four games. Take Winnipeg (10*). |
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02-13-22 | Avalanche -150 v. Stars | 4-0 | Win | 100 | 4 h 44 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Dallas at 2:05 pm et on Sunday. The Stars handed the Avalanche one of their eight regulation time losses in their lone previous meeting this season. That came back in late November and was by no means an ideal spot for Colorado as it was on one of those difficult one-game trips to get up for on the heels of six consecutive wins by two goals or more. On the flip side, the Stars were coming off two days off and wrapping up a three-game homestand. The Stars are once again wrapping up a homestand here, but I believe they're the ones that are in for the letdown this time around. We actually won with Dallas in its 4-3 overtime win over Winnipeg on Friday. The Stars are 3-2 on their current homestand but three of those games were virtual dead heats and in another they were drilled 5-0 by the Capitals. When healthy, there's a considerable gap between the Avalanche and the rest of the league in my opinion - certainly in the Western Conference. Here, Colorado will welcome back Nathan MacKinnon and I'm convinced he's ready to return, otherwise it likely would have taken a more cautious route and brought him back for its next game, at home against these same Stars on Tuesday. Note that the Avs have allowed just 2.2 goals per game and outscored opponents by 0.7 goals on average when playing on the road seeking revenge for a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here (13-game sample size). Take Colorado (8*). |
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02-12-22 | Blackhawks v. Blues -185 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 14 h 56 m | Show | |
My selection is on St. Louis over Chicago at 8:05 pm et on Saturday. The Blues enter Saturday's game against Chicago on the heels of two straight losses - the first time they've dropped consecutive games since December 2nd and 4th. They haven't lost three in a row since a four-game losing streak back in the second week of November. I look for them to bounce back here as they host the Blackhawks on Saturday night. Chicago delivered a 4-1 win in Edmonton in its first game coming out of the All-Star break but remains just 2-7 over its last nine contests. Note that the Blackhawks are averaging just 2.6 goals per game on the road this season while St. Louis averages an impressive 3.8 goals per contest at home. Better still, the Blues average 4.7 goals per game when playing at home after losing two of their last three games this season, as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by 1.1 goals on average in that spot. Take St. Louis (7*). |
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02-11-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Ducks -145 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -145 | 14 h 1 m | Show |
NHL Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Anaheim over Seattle at 10:05 pm et on Friday. It's been a long layoff for the Ducks, having not played since January 31st when they suffered a 2-1 loss in Detroit. By contrast, Seattle will be playing its fourth game since February 1st. The Kraken have not surprisingly been highly inconsistent in their inaugural campaign. One thing that has been consistent, however, is their performance on the road, where they've gone 6-15, averaging just 2.5 goals per game while being outscored by 0.7 goals on average. They've already lost both previous meetings against the Ducks, including a 4-1 defeat here in Anaheim. While the Ducks are just 13-11 on home ice, they've generally played well here, averaging 3.1 goals per game while outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals. While Anaheim currently holds down the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, it needs to take advantage of games like this as it sits just five points ahead of the Stars, who currently have four games in hand. Picking up two points is paramount here as due to a quirky NHL schedule, the Ducks won't play again until next Wednesday, when they open a four-game western Canada road trip in Calgary. Take Anaheim (10*). |
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02-11-22 | Jets v. Stars -150 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 13 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on Dallas over Winnipeg at 8:35 pm et on Friday. The Jets returned from the break with a stunning 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild on home ice on Tuesday. That victory had more to do with a sluggish effort from the Wild than anything else. Things should be much tougher for the Jets on Friday as they head to Dallas to face a healthy Stars squad that is well positioned to go on a second half run. Dallas posted a 4-3 win over Nashville two nights ago, improving to 16-7 on home ice this season. The Stars have averaged an impressive 3.6 goals per game here in Dallas, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals. The Jets on the other hand, are without a number of key contributors, most notably Pierre-Luc Dubois, who was added to the Covid list coming out of the break. Keep in mind, this is a Jets squad that averages a woeful 2.5 goals per game on the road, where it has been outscored by 0.7 goals on average. We actually won with Winnipeg in the first meeting between these two teams this season, but that was on home ice. The Jets haven't tasted victory here in Dallas since way back in February of 2018. Take Dallas (8*). |
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02-10-22 | Penguins v. Senators UNDER 6 | Top | 2-0 | Win | 112 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Pittsburgh and Ottawa at 7 pm et on Thursday. The Penguins have seen their last three games go 'over' the total while the Sens have come out of the break with back-to-back 'over' results, winning both games against the Devilsi and Hurricanes. Ottawa scored four goals in each of those contests but I'm not convinced their recent offensive surge is sustainable. Keep in mind, the Sens still average just 2.8 goals per game on home ice this season. Interestingly, the 'under' has gone a perfect 5-0 with the Sens coming off a home game in which both teams scored 3+ goals this season, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of just 4.6 goals. The 'under' is also 11-2 with Ottawa following up a game that totalled seven goals or more this season, leading to an average total of just 5.0 goals in that spot. Finally, I'll point out that the 'under' is 21-11 when the Sens play at home seeking revenge for a loss by two goals or more against an opponent, which is the case here after dropping a 6-4 decision in Pittsburgh on January 20th (we won with the 'over' in that game). The Penguins have been producing plenty of goals but it's worth noting that they allow only 2.4 goals per game on the road this season. They'll be off the next two days before playing again on Sunday and that should certainly help with their focus against a very manageable opponent here. Take the under (10*). |
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02-09-22 | Golden Knights v. Flames -130 | Top | 0-6 | Win | 100 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Calgary over Vegas at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Flames have dropped four straight meetings with the Golden Knights, including a 3-2 loss in Las Vegas earlier this season. I look for them to snap that series skid on Wednesday night. The Flames come out of the break riding a three-game winning streak. Of course, the Knights have also won three games in a row following last night's 4-0 drubbing of the Oilers in Edmonton. I'm high on Calgary heading down the stretch, noting that it sits seven points back of the first-place Knights in the Pacific Division but has five games in hand. There's certainly a path for Calgary to move up at least a spot or two in the division pecking order and it starts with taking two points against the division-leading Knights on Wednesday. Calgary is just 7-8 on home ice this season yet has managed to outscore opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals, allowing just 2.2 goals per contest here at the Saddledome. Here, we'll note that the Knights have allowed 3.7 goals per game when coming off consecutive wins this season (14-game sample size), as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Flames have been at their best when well-rested in recent years, averaging 4.1 goals per game and outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average when playing for the third time (or less) in a 10-day span over the last three seasons, which is also the situation here. Take Calgary (10*). |
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02-08-22 | Wild v. Jets OVER 6 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -118 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Winnipeg at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. We're generally much more interested in playing 'overs' rather than 'unders' in games involving the Minnesota Wild and that's the case on Tuesday as well. Minnesota headed into the All-Star break off an 'under' result, securing a 5-0 win in Chicago last week. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 26-14 with the Wild coming off an 'under' result over the last two seasons with that situation producing an average total of 6.6 goals. There are a number of key trends supporting the 'over' when it comes to the Wild - not surprisingly - perhaps most notable is the fact that the 'over' is 10-2 when they face a division opponent this season, with those contests totalling an average of 7.7 goals. That includes a pair of matchups against the Jets that reached 11 and eight goals, with the Wild prevailing in both contests. The Jets have been scuffling along and will be without one of their best players up front in Pierre-Luc Dubois, who has landed on the Covid list. Perhaps more concerning is the fact that the Jets continue to play without 3-4 regulars on the blue line. That certainly opens the door for an explosive Wild offense that averages 4.5 goals per game after scoring three or more goals in four consecutive games this season, as is the case here. The question becomes whether the Jets can contribute enough offensively to help this one 'over' the total. I'm confident they can. Note that Winnipeg averages 3.3 goals per game at home this season. Guys like Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are obviously going to need to step up and produce in Dubois' absence but they're all capable. I like the fact that the Wild are turning to Kaapo Kahkonen in goal for this one. He performed admirably in place of an injured Cam Talbot (who took part in the All-Star Game over the weekend) in early January but has struggled of late, allowing six goals in his last two starts (both of those games totalled seven goals) while also giving up one goal on six shots in the third period in relief of Talbot against the lowly Canadiens on January 24th. The Jets are in desperate need of wins if they are to have any hope of rallying to earn a playoff berth in the crowded Western Conference. In order to take anything away from this one, they'll likely have to score 3-4 goals. Note that the 'over' is 17-7 with the Jets coming off a game that totalled four goals or less over the last two seasons, which is the case here, resulting in an average total of 6.6 goals. Take the over (10*). |
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02-07-22 | Hurricanes v. Maple Leafs OVER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Carolina and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The Hurricanes were struggling offensively heading into the All-Star break but that might have had something to do with a tough schedule that saw them play six games in 10 days. I expect them to come out re-energized out of the break, noting that the 'over' is a perfect 7-0 when they play five or less games in a 14-day span over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 9.0 goals. The Leafs come out of the break on the heels of five straight wins. That's notable as they've gone 1-5 when coming off five or more consecutive victories over the last two seasons, allowing an average of 3.8 goals in that situation. Tonight, the Leafs will give the start to backup goaltender Petr Mrazek. Note that Mrazek has made just two home starts this season, with both of those games totalling nine goals against the Red Wings and Blackhawks. The last two meetings between these two teams in Toronto have totalled nine and 14 goals. Expect another relatively high-scoring affair on Monday. Take the over (10*). |
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02-02-22 | Oilers v. Capitals OVER 6 | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 31 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Edmonton and Washington at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. We won with the 'under' in the Oilers most recent game as they got bogged down by a Senators squad that has been playing a frustrating, stingy style of hockey lately in a 3-2 overtime loss in Ottawa on Monday. Here, I won't hesitate to go the other way as Edmonton looks to bounce back before the All-Star break in Washington on Wednesday. The Capitals rallied for a 4-3 overtime win in Pittsburgh last night and have now scored nine goals in their last two games after being held to a grand total of seven goals over their previous four contests. It may seem a little counter-intuitive, but the return of John Carlson and Dmitry Orlov on the blue line has actually bolstered their offense considerably with Orlov chipping in with two goals last night. At the back-end, the Caps remain in tough. Vitek Vanecek had been their more consistent goaltender recently but he was lost to an injury in last night's game. Ilya Samsonov filled in admirably the rest of the way but that doesn't change the fact that's he's been shaky at best lately, posting an .876 save percentage over his last four games and his aggressive style isn't likely to serve him well against the Oilers explosive offensive attack that has been further bolstered by the addition of Evander Kane. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 12-5 with the Oilers coming off an 'under' result this season, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 7.1 goals. Meanwhile, the Caps have posted an 8-2 o/u record when coming off two or more consecutive wins this season, resulting in an average total of 6.7 goals. Interestingly, the 'over' is also 10-2 with the Caps coming off an overtime win over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of 6.7 goals. Take the over (9*). |
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02-01-22 | Flames -115 v. Stars | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 37 m | Show | |
My selection is on Calgary over Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday. The Stars waxed the Bruins by a 6-1 score on Sunday, catching Boston in a favorable situation as the B's were in the second of back-to-backs while Dallas was playing just its second game in five days - both at home. Here, I expect the Stars to face a much stiffer challenge as the Flames come in winners of four of their last six games. Calgary has arguably been a better team on the road than at home this season, even if it hasn't showed it in its last couple of road tilts. The Flames are 14-11 away afrom home this season where they've outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.8 goals. Dallas checks in sporting a terrific 15-6 home record but is just one game removed from a 5-0 loss here at home against the Capitals. Note that Dallas has averaged just 2.1 goals and been outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals after winning five or six of its last seven games this season (eight-game sample size). The Stars did take the first meeting in this series by a 4-3 score in Calgary back in early November. The Flames may have been caught looking past Dallas in that spot as the Stars had dropped four games in a row heading in while Calgary had reeled off six wins in its last seven contests. Home ice has meant little in this series with the road team winning each of the lat five meetings (excluding their playoff series in the 'bubble' in Edmonton in 2020). Take Calgary (8*). |
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02-01-22 | Canucks v. Predators -190 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Nashville over Vancouver at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. This will be the second meeting between these two teams in the last two weeks with the Canucks skating to a 3-1 win here in Nashville back on January 18th. The Preds were in a tough spot on that night, playing the second of back-to-backs off a loss in St. Louis the previous night - their third straight loss at the time. Here, the Preds are well-rested and playing better hockey, winners of three of their last four despite falling by a 3-2 score in Edmonton last time out. Nashville checks in 13-7 on home ice this season, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average. Vancouver is coming off a 3-1 win in Chicago last night but is still just 12-14 on the road, where it averages only 2.7 goals per contest. The Canucks average just 2.1 goals per game when playing on the road after winning two of their last three games over the last two seasons (24-game sample size) and worse still, average 1.9 goals per game off a win by two goals or more this season (nine-game sample size). Nashville has averaged 3.6 goals while outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.8 goals when coming off a loss this season (17-game sample size). Take Nashville (5*). |
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01-31-22 | Oilers v. Senators UNDER 6.5 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Edmonton and Ottawa at 7:35 pm et on Monday. The Oilers are coming off a wild 7-2 victory over the reeling Canadiens in Montreal on Saturday. That high-scoring result actually sets us up well with a play on the 'under' as their road trip continues in Ottawa on Monday, noting that the 'under' has gone 8-2 in the Oilers last 10 games following a contest in which eight or more total goals were scored, with that situation producing an average total of only 5.7 goals. The Sens would be wise to avoid a free-flowing affair here as they continue to play without a number of key contributors up front, including Drake Batherson and Josh Norris. They employed a 'muck it up' type of gameplan in a similar matchup against a stacked Hurricanes offense last week and managed to salvage a point in a 3-2 overtime loss. All told, the 'under' is a perfect 5-0 in the Sens last five home games. It's certainly worth noting that the 'under' is 23-11 with the Sens playing at home with a total of 6.0 or higher over the last two seasons, with that spot resulting in an average total of 5.8 goals. Better still, the 'under' is 13-5 the last 18 times Ottawa has played at home after losing four or five of its last six games, as is the case here, leading to an average total of only 5.2 goals. Take the under (10*). |
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01-30-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Rangers -182 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over Seattle at 1:05 pm et on Sunday. The Rangers could easily overlook the Kraken but I don't see that happening here as they come off consecutive discouraging losses on Thursday and Friday. They blew 2-0 leads in both of those games, failing to pick up a single point along the way. They'll need to make the most of this winnable game as they face a tough stretch with three games against the Panthers and Capitals at home and the Penguins on the road. Note that New York is still 13-6 on home ice this season, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average. The Kraken on the other hand, despite posting an overtime win at Pittsburgh last time out, are still just 5-13 on the road, where they've been outscored by an average margin of 0.9 goals. Keep in mind, the Rangers already skated to a 3-1 win in Seattle earlier this season. Also note that New York is 9-1 after giving up three goals or more in consecutive games this season, outscoring opponents by 1.1 goals on average in that situation. Take New York (6*). |
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01-29-22 | Canucks v. Flames -180 | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 13 m | Show | |
My selection is on Calgary over Vancouver at 10:05 pm et on Saturday. The Flames enjoyed tremendous success earlier this week, scoring 13 goals and firing over 100 shots on goal over a two-game stretch against St. Louis and Columbus, winning those two games by a combined 13-1 score. Their success was short-lived, however, as they fell by a 5-1 score in St. Louis on Thursday. Those wins earlier in the week are all for not if they can't quickly right the ship here against Vancouver on Saturday. I'm confident they'll do just that. While Calgary is just 6-8 at home this season, it has actually outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals. I like the setup here as the Flames host a Canucks squad coming off a blowout win over the reeling Jets in Winnipeg on Thursday. Note that the Canucks average just 2.1 goals when coming off a win by two goals or more this season (eight-game sample size). You would have to go back three meetings here in Calgary to find the last time the Canucks defeated the Flames, with the latter taking five of the last seven matchups at the Saddledome. Take Calgary (5*). |
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01-29-22 | Devils v. Hurricanes OVER 6 | 1-2 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between New Jersey and Carolina at 7 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the 'over' in the Devils most recent game - a 3-2 loss in Tampa on Thursday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here, however. Note that the 'over' is 15-6 with the Devils having scored two goals or less in consecutive games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 7.2 goals. Despite being down to third and fourth-string goaltenders, New Jersey has held up ok, allowing 'only' 11 goals over its last three contests. I believe the floogates could open here, however, with the Canes looking to avenge a 7-4 loss on the road against the Devils earlier this month. Note that Carolina averages 3.8 goals per game at home this season and better still, has scored an average of 4.1 goals per game against division opponents, with those games totalling an average of 7.8 goals. Take the over (7*). |
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01-29-22 | Sharks v. Panthers -1.5 | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 38 m | Show |
NHL Puck-Line Game of the Month. My selection is on Florida -1.5 goals over San Jose at 6:05 pm et on Saturday. The Panthers are enjoying a level of success on home ice that we simply haven't seen in a number of years. With Thursday's 4-1 win over Vegas, they're now 22-3, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 2.2 goals, here in Sunrise. While we missed the mark fading the Sharks on Wednesday in Washington, as the Caps quite simply turned in a lifeless performance, I won't hesitate to go back to the well here. Note that the Sharks are averaging a miserable 1.5 goals per game when coming off a win by three goals or more this season, as is the case here (six-game sample size). Meanwhile, Florida checks in averaging a ridiculous 5.5 goals and outscoring opponents by an average margin of 3.4 goals when playing at home following a home win this season, and we're not talking about a minuscule sample size either, that situation has come up 13 times previously. You would have to go back five meetings to find the last time the Sharks managed to stay within a single goal against the Panthers, outscored by a 20-8 margin over the last four meetings. Take Florida -1.5 goals (10*). |
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01-29-22 | Jets v. Blues -170 | 4-1 | Loss | -170 | 8 h 50 m | Show | |
My selection is on St. Louis over Winnipeg at 3:05 pm et on Saturday. Defensive warts notwithstanding, the Blues continue to roll along, winners of seven of their last nine games and this serves as a key game on Saturday as they won't play again until February 10th. They're certainly catching the Jets at the right time as Winnipeg has lost six games in a row and doesn't appear poised to turn things around anytime soon, severely missing Nik Ehlers and Josh Morrissey, among others. The Jets did take the most recent meeting between these two teams by a 4-2 score in Winnipeg back on December 19th. That serves the Blues well here, noting that they've gone an exceptional 8-1 when seeking revenge for a loss in which their opponent scored four or more goals this season, outscoring opponents by a wide average margin of 2.1 goals in that situation. We'll keep our fingers crossed that St. Louis goes with the red hot Ville Husso in goal for this one but even if Jordan Binnington gets the nod, I'm not convinced the Jets can take full advantage. Take St. Louis (6*). |
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01-28-22 | Capitals v. Stars OVER 5.5 | Top | 5-0 | Loss | -116 | 14 h 43 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Dallas at 9:05 pm et on Friday. I like the way this one sets up as a high-scoring affair on Friday night in Dallas. Washington got bogged down at home on Wednesday night, managing just one goal in a lopsided loss to the Sharks. The Caps have managed to score just a single goal over their last two games combined. They know they'll need to pick up the pace against a Stars squad that has found its groove offensively, scoring 18 goals over their last four games. Dallas checks in averaging an impressive 3.6 goals per game on home ice this season. Better still, when playing at home off a win this season, the Stars average 4.2 goals per game (10-game sample size). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 9-1 the last 10 times the Caps have come off three or more consecutive 'under' results, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 6.6 goals. Take the over (10*). |
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01-28-22 | Wild v. Rangers UNDER 6 | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and New York at 8:05 pm et on Friday. Both of these teams have been involved in their share of high-scoring games lately. The Wild are coming off an eight-goal outburst on Monday but that came at the expense of the lowly Canadiens, who are down to their fourth or fifth-string goaltender right now. The Rangers took it on the chin in Columbus last night, jumping ahead 2-0 before falling by a 5-3 score. That was with backup goaltender Alex Georgiev in goal. We should see standout netminder Igor Shesterkin back between the pipes for the Blueshirts on Friday. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 13-4 in the Wild's last 17 road games when coming off consecutive contests totalling seven goals or more, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of just 5.1 goals. As for the Rangers, the 'under' is 16-5 in their last 21 home games after a loss by two goals or more, as is the situation here, leading to an average total of only 5.3 goals. Finally, I'll point out that you would have to go back four meetings here in New York to find the last time these two teams posted a total north of five goals at MSG. Take the under (8*). |
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01-27-22 | Hurricanes -245 v. Senators | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on Carolina over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. We're being asked to lay a steep price with the Hurricanes in this one but I believe the price should be considerably higher. The Senators are fresh off a 5-0 shutout win over the Sabres two nights ago. That victory had more to do with Buffalo's short-comings than anything else. Here, we'll note that the Sens are 0-9 in their last nine home games following a win by two goals or more against a division opponent, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.9 goals. The Hurricanes posted a 4-3 overtime win over the Golden Knights two nights ago. They've won four of their last five games, scoring at least four goals in all five contests. Note that the Canes are an incredible 14-2 in their last 16 games following a one-goal victory on home ice. Keep in mind, while the Sens are just 6-10 on home ice, the Canes are 14-6 on the road, allowing just 2.4 goals per game and outscoring opponents by 1.0 goal on average. Somewhat surprisingly, this is a revenge spot for the Canes after they dominated the first meeting between these two teams this season (they outshot the Sens 49-20) but ended up dropping a 3-2 decision. Take Carolina (5*). |
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01-26-22 | Sharks v. Capitals OVER 5.5 | 4-1 | Loss | -117 | 7 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between San Jose and Washington at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. We've got the goaltending matchup we wanted with James Reimer expected between the pipes for the Sharks and Ilya Samsonov likely to get the nod for the Caps. Reimer checks in having allowed 25 goals over his last six games. Meanwhile, Samsonov will be making his first start since a week ago Sunday against Vancouver. He gave up three goals in that game and has given up 20 goals over his last six contests. There's more to this play than just the goaltenders, however. The Sharks average 3.8 goals per game on nine previous occasions coming off consecutive losses this season, as is the case here. The Caps on the other hand have allowed 3.2 goals on average when coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last three seasons (35-game sample size). Washington has also posted a 17-7 o/u record when coming off a game where four total goals or fewer were scored over the last two seasons, resulting in 6.6 total goals on average. When these two teams met back in mid-November in San Jose, the Caps skated to a 4-0 win in a game that cruised 'under' the closing total of 6.0. We're dealing with a more favorable total here and I'm anticipating a higher-scoring affair. Take the over (8*). |
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01-26-22 | Sharks v. Capitals -200 | 4-1 | Loss | -200 | 7 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on Washington over San Jose at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. I like the spot for the Capitals here, noting that they're 11-1 in their last 12 home games following a home loss, outscoring opponents by 1.3 goals on average in that situation. They'll likely catch James Reimer in goal for the Sharks in this one with backup Adin Hill sidelined due to injury. To say that Reimer has been struggling would be an understatement. He has posted a .832 save percentage over his last four games and will be up against a Caps squad that should be in a foul mood after getting shut out in a 1-0 loss to the Knights on Monday. The Caps took the first meeting between these two teams by a 4-0 score in San Jose back in November. You would have to go back five matchups in this series to find the last time the Sharks prevailed, all the way to January of 2019. Take Washington (5*). |
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01-25-22 | Sabres v. Senators OVER 6 | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
NHL Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Buffalo and Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Senators enter this game off consecutive low-scoring affairs, collecting three of a possible four points in splitting two games in Washington and Columbus over the weekend. They just faced these same Sabres here at home one week ago tonight, with that game totalling just four goals in a Sabres 3-1 victory. Since then, Buffalo has lit it up offensively, scoring a whopping 10 goals over its last two games. Alex Tuch's debut has certainly fueled the Sabres mini-resurgence and I expect that to continue on Tuesday. Note that Ottawa allows 3.6 goals per game on home ice this season. Interestingly, the Sens are averaging 3.9 goals per game with an average total of 7.1 goals when coming off a game in which they allowed one goal or less over the last two seasons (13-game sample size), as is the case here. As for Buffalo, it has allowed 3.8 goals per game the last 17 times it has come off two wins over its last three games. It's worth noting that Ottawa fired 44 shots on Sabres goaltender Michael Houser in his season debut last Tuesday. I'm confident they can improve considerably on their one goal scored in that contest, regardless whether we see Houser or Aaron Dell in goal for the Sabres in this one. Finally, I'll note that the 'over' is a long-term 205-166 with the Sens coming off consecutive games scoring two goals or less, as is the case here. Take the over (10*). |
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01-24-22 | Blues v. Flames OVER 5.5 | Top | 1-7 | Win | 100 | 12 h 26 m | Show |
NHL Western Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between St. Louis and Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Monday. We cashed a free play on the 'under' in the Blues 3-1 win in Vancouver last night. St. Louis jumped ahead early in the second period and was able to cruise the rest of the way with the Canucks missing plenty of offensive firepower due to Covid protocols. Tonight, I suspect St. Louis will need to keep its foot on the gas for three full periods as the Flames come in having scored eight goals in their last two games, and fired a whopping 47 shots on the Oilers net in a disappointing 5-3 loss on Saturday. Since December 30th, the Flames have scored 6, 5, 2, 1, 3, 1, 5 and 3 goals - good, but not great. Here, they'll catch a Blues squad in a back-to-back spot, and likely with currently the weaker of their two goaltenders in the crease in Jordan Binnington. Six of Binnington's last seven starts have totalled at least six goals. The last time he faced the Flames was right here in Calgary in January of 2020 when the Blues skated to a 5-4 victory. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 52-36 with the Blues coming off an 'under' result, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 6.5 goals. The 'over' is also 24-13 in the Blues last 37 games following a contest that totalled four goals or less with that spot producing an average total of 6.6 goals. As for the Flames, the last 23 times they've played at home after scoring three goals or more in consecutive games, they've seen an average total of 6.6 goals scored. Also working in our favor is the fact that the Blues are expected to have Pavel Buchnevich back in the lineup after he was forced to remain in Seattle due to Canada's Covid rules. Take the over (10*). |
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01-23-22 | Senators v. Blue Jackets -135 | 2-1 | Loss | -135 | 9 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on Columbus over Ottawa at 6:05 pm et on Sunday. The Senators battled hard but ultimately lost their third game in a row, dropping a 3-2 overtime decision (after leading 2-0) in Washington last night. Here, I look for the Blue Jackets to bounce back from Friday's 5-2 loss to the Penguins and add to the Sens misery. Ottawa is now 6-13 on the road this season where it is giving up 3.7 goals per game. The Jackets figure to be able to take advantage, noting that they average 3.4 goals per contest on home ice. You would have to go back six meetings here in Columbus to find the last time the Sens skated to a win over the Jackets in enemy territory, all the way back in 2017. Here, we'll note that Ottawa is a miserable 1-16 the last 17 times it has played its third game in four days, outscored by an average margin of 2.4 goals in that spot. When on the road playing their third game in five days, the Sens have gone 9-36 over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.8 goals on average. Take Columbus (8*). |
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01-22-22 | Blackhawks v. Wild OVER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 21 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Minnesota at 9:05 pm et on Saturday. Wild home games are averaging a whopping 7.5 goals this season and I expect that high-scoring trend to continue in this quick rematch between the Blackhawks and Wild on Saturday night. Minnesota skated to a 5-1 win in Chicago in the front half of this home-and-home series last night. The Wild have now scored a whopping 15 goals over their last three games. Tonight they'll likely get to face Blackhawks backup goaltender Kevin Lankinen, who has posted a sub .890 save percentage this season, after Marc-Andre Fleury performed admirably, starting each of their last eight games. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 33-19 with the Blackhawks coming off a loss against a division opponent over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of 6.5 goals. The 'over' is also 12-4 with the Hawks playing on the road after scoring one goal or less in their previous game, leading to an average total of 6.8 goals in that spot. As for the Wild, they've posted an 8-1 o/u record when playing at home in the second of back-to-backs over the last three seasons, with an average total of 6.9 goals scored in that situation. Better still, the 'over' is 11-3 with the Wild coming off a win by four goals or more over the last three seasons, with an average total of 7.1 goals scored in that spot. Take the over (10*). |
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01-22-22 | Maple Leafs v. Islanders UNDER 5.5 | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 36 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and New York at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Leafs are coming off consecutive wild, high-scoring games against the Blues and Rangers, splitting those two contests. Despite their potent offense, they don't want to make a habit of getting involved in those type of affairs. They'll turn to backup Petr Mrazek in goal for this one but that's not necessarily a bad thing as Jack Campbell, who has performed well a a whole this season, has struggled lately, posting a miserable .866 save percentage over his last four games. The Islanders are coming off a 4-0 home win over the lowly Coyotes last night. They've scored exactly four goals in three consecutive games but that's not a sustainable trend, noting that they average just 2.3 goals per game on home ice this season, with those games totalling an average of only 4.6 goals. The 'under' is a long-term 20-9 with the Isles playing at home off a game in which they scored four goals or more, as is the case here, producing an average total of just 4.8 goals in that spot. Better still, the 'under' is 10-2 the last 12 times New York has played at home after scoring three goals or more in three straight games over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of only 4.2 goals. As for the Leafs, they've seen the 'under' cash at a perfect 6-0 clip the last six times they've played on the road after consecutive games that totalled eight goals or more, as is the case here, producing an average total of only 4.8 goals in that situation. Take the under (8*). |
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01-22-22 | Flyers -115 v. Sabres | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -115 | 4 h 23 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Philadelphia over Buffalo at 1:05 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the Flyers in their last game as they outshot the Blue Jackets but fell by a 2-1 score - their 10th consecutive defeat. I do think the losing streak ends today, however, as they head to Buffalo to face the Sabres, having won each of their last five trips here. Note that the Flyers have avoided an 11th straight losses each of the last four times that situation has come up, going a perfect 4-0 the last four times they've suffered 10 consecutive defeats - outscoring opponents by 1.5 goals on average in that situation. They're also a stellar 8-1 when playing on the road off consecutive division losses over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average in that spot. Finally, I'll also point out that Philadelphia has gone 7-2 when playing on the road after scoring one goal or less in its last game over the last two seasons, also outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals in that situation. The Sabres are in tough right now, forced to go with Aaron Dell in goal on a nightly basis. He owns an ugly .893 record with Buffalo losing seven of his eight starts this season. Going back over the last two games, he gave up a whopping eight goals in just four periods (plus a few minutes of overtime). Take Philadelphia (10*). |
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01-21-22 | Penguins v. Blue Jackets OVER 6 | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
NHL Metropolitan Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Pittsburgh and Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Friday. We won with the 'over' in the Penguins 6-4 win over the Senators last night and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Friday in Columbus as both the Pens and Blue Jackets play the second of back-to-backs. Note that we're likely to see a matchup of the backup goaltenders in this one. Statistically-speaking, Casey DeSmith and Joonas Korpisalo have been two of the weakest backups in the league this season with DeSmith posting a .888 save percentage with a 6-2 o/u record in eight starts while Korpisalo has recorded a .882 save percentage with an 8-2 o/u mark in 10 starts. While these two teams haven't met in Columbus in a while, it has certainly been a high-scoring series at Nationwide Arena over the years with the last seven matchups here totalling 7, 5, 7, 9, 7, 9 and 9 goals. The Jackets have been held to just two goals in consecutive games but average 3.5 goals per contest here at home this season with their games averaging a total of 6.7 goals. For their part, the Pens average 3.3 goals per game on the road and are red hot right now, having potted 11 goals over their last two games. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 8-1 the last nine times the Blue Jackets have come off a game where four goals or less were scored, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of 7.0 goals in that situation. Take the over (10*). |
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01-20-22 | Senators v. Penguins OVER 6 | 4-6 | Win | 100 | 11 h 60 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Ottawa and Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Senators are coming off a low-scoring game at home against the Sabres two nights ago and that actually sets us up well with a play on the 'over' on Thursday. Here, we'll note that the 'over' has gone a perfect 8-0 with the Sens coming off a game that totalled four goals or less over the last two seasons with that situation producing an average total of 8.9 goals. The 'over' is also 16-6 with the Sens playing on the road after scoring one goal or less in their last game over the last three seasons with that spot leading to an average total of 7.8 goals. As for the Pens, they average 4.2 goals and have seen an average total of 6.5 goals when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent by two goals or more over the last two seasons (13-game sample size). Pens goaltender Tristan Jarry has been having a terrific season but has struggled a bit lately, posting an .899 save percentage over his last four games. Take the over (10*). |
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01-19-22 | Maple Leafs v. Rangers UNDER 5.5 | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 26 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and New York at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. I like the way this one sets up as a relatively low-scoring affair in New York on Wednesday. Both teams are brimming with talent offensively, we know that. But this game also features a matchup between two of the league's best young goaltenders in Jack Campbell and Igor Shesterkin (based on scheduling both should get the nod in goal tonight). Campbell has struggled on Toronto's current trip but still owns a .931 save percentage while Shesterkin checks in sporting a .939 save percentage on the season. The Leafs are coming off a wild 6-5 win in St. Louis on Saturday. They're also just one game removed from a 2-1 loss in Arizona though and check in allowing 2.9 goals per game on the road this season. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 15-6 with the Leafs playing on the road after scoring five goals or more in their last game over the last two seasons. The Rangers are in a bit of a tough spot here, back home off a long road trip that took them all over the map. They're 10-5 on home ice this season where they've given up just 2.3 goals per game. While their exceptional talent up front gets most of the press, the Blueshirts are actually averaging less than 3.0 goals per game this season (2.9). Note that the 'under' has gone 12-3 the last 15 times they've played at home after winning five or six of their last seven games, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of only 5.0 goals. They're allowing just 2.2 goals on average when coming off a win this season with an average total of 5.0 goals in that spot as well. Finally, we'll note that the first two meetings in this series this season produced 2-1 final scores with the teams splitting those two contests. Take the under (10*). |
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01-18-22 | Jets v. Capitals -134 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
NHL Game of the Week. My selection is on Washington over Winnipeg at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Capitals are coming off a 4-2 loss at home against the Canucks on Sunday. There was no real shame in that loss. They simply ran into a hot goaltender in Thatcher Demko and ultimately fell just short. I expect Washington to play with a sense of urgency on Tuesday, however, noting that it has now lost five of its last six games and has a tough game in Boston on deck on Thursday. While the Caps are just 10-10 on home ice this season, they've actually outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.5 goals so there's been some bad luck along the way. Here, we'll note that the Caps average an impressive 3.5 goals and outscore opponents by 0.5 goals on average when playing at home after losing two of their last three games over the last three seasons (23-game sample size). The Jets last took the ice on January 13th, skating to a 3-0 win in Detroit. Here, we'll note that they're a woeful 0-7 when seeking revenge for a loss where their opponent scored five goals or more, as is the case here after Washington won 5-2 in Winnipeg earlier this season, outscored by an average margin of 2.5 goals in that situation. Speaking of this series, we'll note that the Jets haven't won a game in Washington since way back in 2013. Considering they're just 7-10 on the road this season, where they've been outscored by 0.7 goals on average, I'm comfortable fading the Jets at a reasonable price here. Take Washington (10*). |
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01-17-22 | Blackhawks v. Seattle Kraken OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -104 | 7 h 50 m | Show |
NHL Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Seattle at 5:05 pm et on Monday. This total has been set too low, largely due to recent results. Note that the first meeting between these two teams this season totalled six goals as the Blackhawks skated to a 4-2 win here in Seattle. Chicago enters this game having allowed two goals or less in four straight games. Keep in mind, we're talking about a team that has allowed 3.2 goals per game this season and 3.4 goals per game on the road. Seattle is reeling right now and has scored only two goals over its last two games. The Kraken do average 2.8 goals per game on home ice this season. Note that the 'over' has gone 7-1 with the Kraken coming off a loss by two goals or more against a division rival this season, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 7.2 goals. As for the Blackhawks, the 'over' is 9-1 with Chicago coming off three consecutive games allowing two goals or less, which is the situation here. That spot has produced an average total of 7.0 goals. Take the over (10*). |
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01-16-22 | Canucks v. Capitals OVER 5.5 | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 6 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Vancouver and Washington at 2:05 pm et on Sunday. The Canucks have fallen on hard times on their current road trip, not a surprise as they're coming off a three-game stretch in what I like to call the NHL's version of the 'Bermuda Triangle', facing the Panthers, Lightning and Hurricanes in succession. Here, Vancouver does catch Washington coming off a 2-0 win over the Islanders yesterday, which is notable as the Caps are 0-4 when returning home off a road win by two goals or more this season, allowing 3.5 goals on average in that situation. The Caps have generally been fairly forgiving defensively at home this season, allowing 2.8 goals per game. I'll also note that the 'over' is 17-5 with the Caps coming off a game that totalled three goals or less over the last three seasons, resulting in an average total of 6.8 goals scored. Meanwhile, the 'over' is 16-6 with the Canucks playing on the road after a game where they scored one goal or less over the last three seasons with that spot producing an average total of 7.1 goals. Take the over (8*). |
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01-15-22 | Sabres v. Red Wings -175 | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 28 h 55 m | Show | |
My selection is on Detroit over Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Sabres are coming off a big upset win in Nashville on Thursday but I don't expect them to make it two wins in a row on Saturday in Detroit. The Red Wings are reeling right now, losers of four straight games. They are getting healthier, however, and I see this as an ideal 'get right' spot in the front half of a home-and-home with Buffalo. Note that the Sabres are just 11-42 when revenging a loss against an opponent over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 2.2 goals in that spot. That's the situation here after the Wings skated to a 3-2 win on November 27th. Detroit, despite its struggles over the last couple of years has actually gone 10-4 when playing at home off a loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, allowing just 2.3 goals and outscoring opponents by 0.6 goals on average. The Wings also average 3.3 goals and are 8-4 when playing at home off consecutive losses over the same time frame. Take Detroit (6*). |
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01-15-22 | Canucks v. Hurricanes -201 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 22 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on Carolina over Vancouver at 1:05 pm et on Saturday. This is a dream bounce-back spot for the Hurricanes as they look to erase the memory of Thursdays' stunning 6-0 loss at the hands of the Blue Jackets. The Canucks are in the middle of a long road trip that will take them all over the map. Right now they're stuck in the NHL's version of the 'Bermuda Triangle' as they wrap up three games at Florida, Tampa Bay and now Carolina. The Flames went 0-3 during the same jaunt last week and I expect the Canucks to suffer the same fate here after falling 5-2 against the Panthers and 4-2 at the hands of the Lightning. Despite dropping their last two games on home ice, the Canes are still 11-5 in Raleigh this season, averaging 3.6 goals per game and outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.2 goals. The Canucks on the other hand are just 8-12 on the road where they've allowed 3.3 goals on average. Here, we'll note that Vancouver is an awful 4-18, outscored by an average margin of 1.8 goals when coming off a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Canes have allowed just 1.7 goals on average, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals when playing at home off two losses in their last three games over the last two seasons (11-game sample size). Take Carolina (5*). |
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01-14-22 | Ducks v. Wild OVER 5.5 | 3-7 | Win | 100 | 8 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Anaheim and Minnesota at 8:05 pm et on Friday. With the Ducks allowing 3.2 goals per game on the road and the Wild giving up 3.1 goals per game on home ice, I think the oddsmakers are a little too optimistic when it comes to both of these defenses on Friday night. Also note that each of the last three meetings between these two teams in Minnesota have totalled exactly seven goals. Better still, the 'over' is a perfect 8-0 in Minnesota's eight previous home games where the total was set at 5.5 this season with that situation producing an average total of 8.2 goals scored. In the longer-term picture, note that the 'over' is 18-7 the last 25 times the Wild have come off consecutive games in which they gave up two or less goals, leading to an average total of 6.6 goals in that situation. The Ducks have been consistently poor at keeping the puck out of their own net over the last month or so, allowing 6, 2, 3, 4, 1, 4, 3 and 4 goals over their last eight games, good for an average of 3.4 goals allowed per contest. Take the over (8*). |
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01-14-22 | Ducks v. Wild -150 | Top | 3-7 | Win | 100 | 12 h 15 m | Show |
NHL Western Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Minnesota over Anaheim at 8:05 pm et on Friday. The Wild recently lost five games in a row but rebounded from that stretch with consecutive wins over the Bruins and Capitals prior to a five-day break. Now they get this Friday night home game against the reeling Ducks - a team they've absolutely owned in recent years - before heading out on the road for two games at the start of next week. I look for Minnesota to take full advantage of this favorable spot. You would have to go back 10 meetings to January of last year to find the last time the Ducks defeated the Wild. Even that win was somewhat fortunate as they prevailed by a 1-0 score on home ice. They haven't won a game here in Minnesota in over two years. It's not as if Anaheim enters this game playing its best either. The Ducks have only home wins over the Flyers and Red Wings (that win came in a shootout - we won with Anaheim on that night) over their last eight games. They're just 7-10 on the road this season where they average 2.8 goals per game. That's a far cry from Minnesota's 11-4 home record and 4.3 goals per game. While the Wild are likely to be without goaltender Cam Talbot once again on Friday, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Backup Kaapo Kahkonen has played well in his absence, most recently helping the Wild to those consecutive wins over the Bruins and Caps, allowing only four goals on 69 shots along the way. While Minnesota is still missing a number of players due to illness or injury, it is expected to have Kirill Kaprizov back in the lineup for Friday's game, giving its offense a much-needed boost. Here, we'll note that the Wild are a perfect 5-0 the last five times they've come off five or six losses in their last seven games, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 1.8 goals on average in that spot. The Wild are also 23-7 in their last 30 home games following a win, outscoring opponents by 1.2 goals on average in that situation. Take Minnesota (10*). |
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01-13-22 | Rangers -120 v. Sharks | 3-0 | Win | 100 | 16 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over San Jose at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. The Rangers haven't gotten this road trip off to the start they had hoped for, collecting just two of a possible six points through three games. They can still salvage it, however, with this stop in San Jose followed by a game in Philadelphia. I like their chances of securing a win against the surging Sharks on Thursday. San Jose has actually won three straight games. It's worth noting, however, that it has gone 0-5 the last five times it has come off three consecutive games scoring three or more goals, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 2.4 goals in that situation. While the Sharks have posted a winning record at home this season at 10-8, they've actually been outscored by 0.5 goals on average. The Rangers, meanwhile, despite dropping two of three games on this road trip, have gone a solid 13-9 on the road this season. New York is generally at its best off a loss, having gone 43-34 while averaging 3.4 goals in that situation over the last three seasons. You would have to go back seven meetings, all the way to October of 2017 to find the last time the Sharks managed to defeat the Rangers. Take New York (9*). |
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01-13-22 | Canadiens v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -111 | 10 h 36 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Montreal and Chicago at 8:35 pm et on Thursday. The last time these two teams met back in early December the Blackhawks skated to a low-scoring 2-0 victory. I expect a much different story to unfold as the scene shifts to Chicago on Thursday. Montreal is coming off a 5-1 loss in Boston last night. That's notable as the 'over' has gone 10-1 in the Habs last 11 road games in the second of back-to-backs, resulting in an average total of 7.6 goals. The Blackhawks are back home after scoring 10 goals over the course of a three-game road trip. Note that the 'over' is 12-3 the last 15 times Chicago comes off a road win by two or more goals, as is the case here following Tuesday's 4-2 victory in Columbus. That situation has produced an average total of 7.6 goals as well. While the Habs are missing a number of key contributors up front and have had an awful time trying to find the back of the net, this is a more favorable matchup than they've seen recently (their last four games have come at Tampa, Carolina, Florida and Boston), noting that the Hawks allow 3.4 goals per game on home ice this season. Montreal will likely be forced to go with Sam Montembault between the pipes in this one after he came on in relief of an injured Jake Allen last night. Montembault has allowed a whopping 17 goals in his last four games. Take the over (10*). |
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01-13-22 | Devils v. Islanders -190 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over New Jersey at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. The Islanders have become accustomed to returning from extended stretches off the ice due to all of their Covid-related postponements this season. Here, they'll be back at it after nearly two weeks off. Sitting 20+ points back of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division (albeit with seven games in hand) this is the type of game they simply need to win. Fortunately for them, the Devils are missing a number of key contributors and will turn to Jon Gillies in goal on Thursday. He was a Blues castoff earlier this season which is saying something considering St. Louis has had its own issues to deal with (Covid related and otherwise) between the pipes. Note that the Isles check into this one 26-11 in their last 37 home games against division opponents, outscoring them by an average of 1.4 goals along the way. New York is as healthy as it has been all season (the most recent postponements were due to Covid protocols in Canada as they were supposed to head out on a Western Canadian road trip). The Isles have taken each of the last three meetings in this series by a combined 13-3 score. Take New York (5*). |
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01-11-22 | Penguins v. Ducks +1.5 | 4-1 | Loss | -166 | 9 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on Anaheim +1.5 goals over Pittsburgh at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. |
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01-11-22 | Maple Leafs v. Golden Knights -103 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -103 | 15 h 21 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Year. My selection is on Vegas over Toronto at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Leafs skated to a 4-0 win the last time these two teams met back on November 2nd in Toronto. That result actually sets the Golden Knights up particularly well here, noting that Vegas has gone an incredible 14-1 the last 15 times it has been seeking revenge for a road loss by three goals or more against an opponent, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.8 goals in that situation. Here, we'll also note that the Leafs are 0-5 the last five times they've played on the road following a one-goal road loss, as is the case here, outscored by 2.0 goals on average in that spot. The Leafs are also just 7-12 in their last 19 games following an overtime loss, outscored by an average margin of 0.6 goals along the way. For the Golden Knights this is a key spot as they're coming off a flat performance in a 2-1 home loss to the lowly Blackhawks (who had Marc-Andre Fleury in goal for his first return to Las Vegas since leaving the Knights). Note that Vegas won't play again until January 17th after this game so they'll certainly want to go into the break on a positive note. The Leafs on the other hand are on the front half of a back-to-back with a very winnable game on deck in Arizona tomorrow night. Take Vegas (10*). |
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01-10-22 | Bruins v. Capitals OVER 5.5 | Top | 7-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Boston and Washington at 7:05 pm et on Monday. Despite a relatively low-scoring playoff series between these two teams last spring, we've still seen four of the last seven meetings here in Washington go 'over' the total and I like the way this one sets up as a relatively high-scoring affair as well. Boston has scored exactly five goals in three of its last four games and is well-positioned for another strong offensive performance here. Note that the 'over' is a perfect 8-0 with the Bruins coming off a division win this season, as is the case here, as they've averaged 3.9 goals in that spot with an average total of 7.0 goals. The Caps have been held to three goals or less in four straight games - their longest such streak of the season. Keep in mind, three of those last four contests were played on the road. Here at home, Washington averages 3.5 goals per game this season with an average total of 6.1 goals. We'll note that the 'over' is 25-14 the last 39 times the Caps have come off an 'under' result, as is the case here, with an average total of 6.4 goals scored in that situation. Take the over (10*) |
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01-09-22 | Red Wings v. Ducks -125 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 55 m | Show | |
My selection is on Anaheim over Detroit at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. The Ducks looked listless in last night's 4-1 loss to the Rangers, firing only 14 shots on goal. I expect a much sharper performance tonight as they host the suddenly reeling Red Wings. Detroit fell by a 4-0 score in Los Angeles last night and has now dropped seven of its last 10 games overall. Note that the Wings are a woeful 4-29 the last 33 times they've played on the road following a loss by three goals or more, outscored by an average margin of 2.4 goals in that spot. In fact, they're just 9-48 in their last 57 games following a loss of any kind, outscored by 2.0 goals on average in that situation. There's a good chance we'll see Thomas Greiss between the pipes for the Wings tonight as regular starter Alex Nedeljkovic hasn't started on back-to-back nights at any point this season and has been given the nod in each of the last three games. Greiss owns a less than impressive .895 save percentage this season with the Wings losing eight of his 14 starts. Take Anaheim (8*). |
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01-08-22 | Maple Leafs v. Avalanche -125 | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 30 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Toronto at 7 pm et on Saturday. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record but I'll say it again here; it's going to take a monumental effort to take down the Avalanche right now based on how exceptionally well they're playing. The Blackhawks almost did it in a stunner earlier this week, taking the Avs to overtime. That was in Chicago, however. Here in Colorado, the Avs have gone 12-3, outscoring opponents by a whopping average margin of 2.3 goals. We actually won with the Maple Leafs in their most recent game, getting behind them early before the line got out of hand once the news of Connor McDavid's Covid-related absence was delivered. Toronto didn't look particularly sharp in that contest but still won by a 4-2 score. Here, we'll note that Toronto is 0-5 the last five times it has played on the road after winning four or more consecutive games, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that situation. Meanwhile, Colorado is an incredible 30-7 when coming off a home win in which it scored at least four goals over the last three seasons. Take Colorado (9*). |
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01-08-22 | Maple Leafs v. Avalanche UNDER 6.5 | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and Colorado at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. This isn't likely to be a popular play on Saturday night but that doesn't mean it isn't the right one. The Leafs are likely going to be without Mitch Marner due to Covid protocols. Note that Toronto checks in averaging just 2.2 goals the last five times it has played on the road off four or more consecutive wins, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Avs have allowed only 1.8 goals per game the last 19 times they've played at home off a contest that totalled at least seven goals, which is also the case tonight. The 'under' is 12-3 with the Leafs playing on the road off a home win by two goals or more with that spot producing an average total of only 5.0 goals while the 'under' is a perfect 11-0 with the Avs playing at home seeking revenge for a road loss by two goals or more against an opponent over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of only 4.3 goals. That's the scenario here after the Leafs skated to a wild 8-3 home win over the Avs earlier this season. Take the under (8*). |
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01-08-22 | Bruins v. Lightning -146 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -146 | 31 h 35 m | Show |
NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Boston at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. We've been high on the Lightning lately, most recently cashing with them in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Flames. I won't hesitate to get behind them again on Saturday, even as they face an arguably tougher matchup against the Bruins. Boston should be in a foul mood after dropping a 3-2 decision at home against Minnesota on Thursday. The Bruins have had a difficult time stepping up in class this season and I expect a similar story to unfold here. To that point, the Lightning took the first meeting between these two teams this season by a 3-2 score in Boston back in early December. Note that Boston checks in just 17-21 the last 38 times it has come off two wins in its last three games, as is the case here, averaging just 2.6 goals per game in that spot. Meanwhile, the Lighting are an impressive 40-15 in their last 55 games after allowing two goals or less in consecutive contests, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals in that situation. The Lightning are as healthy as they've been all season while the Bruins are dealing with injuries to a few key role players, not to mention defensive anchor Charlie McAvoy, who is questionable to play on Saturday. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
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01-07-22 | Capitals v. Blues UNDER 6 | Top | 1-5 | Push | 0 | 25 h 59 m | Show |
NHL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and St. Louis at 8:05 pm et on Friday. Both the Capitals and Blues will be looking to bounce back from losses on Friday night with Washington coming off a 4-3 home loss against the Devils and St. Louis fresh off a tough 5-3 loss in Pittsburgh - a game in which they blew a 3-2 third period lead. You would have to go back three meetings to find the last time a matchup between these two teams went 'over' five goals. Note that the Caps are giving up just 2.6 goals per game on the road this season while the Blues have allowed just 2.4 goals per game on home ice. Here, we'll also note that the 'under' is a stellar 15-5 the last 20 times the Blues have come off consecutive games totalling seven goals or more, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of only 4.8 goals. The 'under' is also a perfect 5-0 the last five times St. Louis has played at home after winning four or five of its last six games, producing an average total of only 4.4 goals. Take the under (10*). |
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01-06-22 | Blackhawks -155 v. Coyotes | 4-6 | Loss | -155 | 32 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Chicago over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. The Blackhawks are reeling right now but so are the Coyotes (and have been all season long). This is an ideal 'get right' spot for Chicago as it does have something to build on after a narrow overtime loss against the Avalanche two nights ago. The Blackhawks welcomed Marc-Andre Fleury back between the pipes for that game against Colorado - a welcome sight after giving up a whopping 11 goals in their first two games following the extended holiday break. Chicago just just 5-12 on the road this season but that's better than the Coyotes ugly 2-12 home record, where they've given up 4.2 goals per contest. Note that Arizona has allowed an average of 4.0 goals and has been outscored by 1.1 goals on average when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent where it scored just one goal over the last two seasons, as is the case here after dropping the first meeting this season by a 2-1 score in Chicago. This is really the only gimme on the Blackhawks current three-game road trip as they'll follow it up with stops in Las Vegas and Columbus. Take Chicago (6*). |
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01-06-22 | Flames v. Lightning -138 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 30 h 7 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Calgary at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. We won with the Flames in their most recent victory on Sunday in Chicago but stayed away on Tuesday and rightfully so as they fell in blowout fashion against the Panthers. Credit the Flames for returning to the ice with a pair of wins to open this trip but it was always going to get tougher in Florida and I don't see Calgary getting back in the win column on Thursday against the Lightning. Tampa Bay rebounded from a rare three-game losing streak with a resounding 7-4 win in Columbus on Tuesday. Essentially as healthy as they've been all season, I like the Lightning's chances during this brief two-game homestand, noting they've gone 11-6 on home ice this season and have outscored opponents by an average margin of 1.0 goal the last 42 times they've come off two losses in their last three games, as is the case here. You would have to go back three meetings here in Tampa, all the way to 2018 to find the last time Calgary won a game at Amalie Arena. Since then, the Bolts have reeled off four straight wins against the Flames, scoring a whopping 22 goals in the process. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
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01-05-22 | Oilers v. Maple Leafs -165 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 25 h 1 m | Show | |
My selection is on Toronto over Edmonton at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. This was already going to be a difficult spot for the Oilers to snap out of their funk but it was made even more complicated with Connor McDavid's positive Covid test. With McDavid likely sidelined, I'll confidently back the Maple Leafs as they shoot for their fourth consecutive victory. This is actually a key spot for the Leafs before they head west for a road trip that begins with stops in Colorado and Las Vegas to face two of the league's best teams. For the Oilers, it's easy to envision them punting this game before they get a four-day break prior to a home date with the lowly Senators. Edmonton is a mess in goal right now with both Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen struggling. On the flip side, the Leafs have gotten excellent goaltending from Jack Campbell, one of the most underrated goalies in the entire league. He checks in 11-4 at home this season, where he's posted a terrific .939 save percentage. Here, we'll note that the Leafs have allowed just 1.7 goals per game while outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.8 goals the last 28 times they have played at home after allowing a goal or less in their most recent contest, as is the case here. Take Toronto (7*). |
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01-04-22 | Jets -190 v. Coyotes | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on Winnipeg over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Jets posted a nice come-from-behind win over the Golden Knights on Sunday afternoon marking a successful return to the ice after an extended break. It's all for not of course if they can't follow it up with a win over the lowly Coyotes on Tuesday. Keep in mind, Winnipeg's current trip gets a lot tougher with a stop in Colorado up next on Thursday. The Coyotes check in as one of the league's worst teams, sitting at 2-11 on home ice, where they've been outscored by an average margin of 2.0 goals. Here, we'll note that the Jets are generally a solid positive momentum play on the road, having gone 21-13 when playing on the road after winning two of their last three games over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.5 goals. Winnipeg is also 41-31 when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite over the last three seasons, as is the case here after the Coyotes stunned the Jets 1-0 in Winnipeg earlier this season. Take Winnipeg (6*). |
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01-02-22 | Ducks v. Avalanche -260 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Anaheim at 3 pm et on Sunday. This line may appear to be quite steep, but I believe it could (and should) be even higher. You would have to go back six meetings to find the last time the Ducks defeated the Avalanche and with Colorado getting back virtually to full strength and Anaheim still missing a number of key contributors up front, I don't believe this is the spot where the Ducks flip the script. Note that Anaheim is a woeful 1-15 when revenging a loss against an opponent by three goals or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 2.0 goals in that spot. The Ducks are averaging just 2.9 goals per game on the road this season while Colorado has gone 10-3 while averaging a whopping 4.7 goals per contest at home. Take Colorado (4*). |
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01-01-22 | Blackhawks v. Predators -167 | 1-6 | Win | 100 | 16 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on Nashville over Chicago at 2:05 pm et on Saturday. The Preds are coming off consecutive losses post-holiday break, dropping games in Washington and Columbus. Here, I look for them to bounce back as they host the Blackhawks, who will be playing for the first time since the break. Note that the Preds are actually one of the league's healthiest teams right now given the roster issues most are dealing with due to Covid protocols. Nashville checks in 11-4 when coming off consecutive losses over the last two seasons and 27-13 after giving up three goals or more in consecutive games over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.6 goals in that situation. The Blackhawks are just 5-11 on the road this season where they've been outscored by an average margin of 1.0 goal. Take Nashville (7*). |
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12-31-21 | Capitals -150 v. Red Wings | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington over Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Friday. I like what I saw from the Capitals as they jumped ahead early, blew a 3-0 lead but then rallied to win 5-3 against the Predators in their first game back from the holiday break two nights ago. We've seen some of that shakiness from most teams in their first game back on the ice, and should anticipate the same from the Red Wings on Friday. The Caps have most of their key contributors back from the Covid list and are primed to go on a run. They've only managed to split the first two meetings in this series this season but I like their chances here, noting the Red Wings have averaged just 1.7 goals and have been outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals when coming off consecutive games in which they scored 3+ goals, as is the case here, over the last two seasons (14-game sample size). Take Washington (10*). |
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12-30-21 | Canadiens v. Hurricanes OVER 5.5 | 0-4 | Loss | -120 | 9 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Montreal and Carolina at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Canadiens couldn't have gotten a worse draw coming out of the holiday break, first facing the Lightning in Tampa before heading to Raleigh to take on the Hurricanes, all while being undermanned due to Covid protocols. It's dire straights for the Habs on defense and between the pipes right now and things don't figure to improve against a Hurricanes squad that will have most of its key contributors up front back from Covid quarantine on Thursday. However, Carolina will be without goaltender Frederik Andersen meaning we should see Antti Rantta in goal for this one. That does open the door for a Habs offense that had considerable success, albeit against the Lightning's third-string goaltender on Tuesday. Expect a relatively high-scoring affair here. Take the over (8*). |
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12-29-21 | Canucks +1.5 v. Ducks | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vancouver +1.5 goals over Anaheim at 10:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Canucks find themselves in a double-revenge spot against the Ducks here after dropping the first two meetings between these teams this season, including a lopsided 5-1 result here in Anaheim back in November. Vancouver is obviously better-positioned to pick up a win over the Ducks here as it comes out of the extended holiday break off six consecutive wins, clearly playing its best hockey of the season. Both teams have dealt with Covid issues but the Canucks appear to be in better shape right now with Anaheim missing two key contributors up front in Trevor Zegras and Sam Steel. Note that since that 5-1 win over the Canucks on November 14th, the Ducks have gone just 3-13 when factoring in the -1.5 puck-line over their last 16 games with the three wins by two goals or more coming against three of the league's worst teams in Ottawa, Buffalo and Seattle. Here, we'll note that Anaheim is a miserable 4-18 when coming off two wins in its last three games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that situation. Take Vancouver +1.5 goals (5*). |
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12-28-21 | Coyotes +1.5 v. Sharks | Top | 7-8 | Win | 100 | 37 h 24 m | Show |
NHL Puck-Line Game of the Month. My selection is on Arizona +1.5 goals over Los Angeles at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. The extended holiday break probably came at a good time for the Coyotes, who can use this restart to the season perhaps as a perfect reset, and hopefully turning point for the campaign. Arizona did go into the break on a positive note, off a big 6-5 upset win in Anaheim. San Jose, meanwhile, limped into the break off consecutive home losses against Seattle and Vancouver. The Sharks are just 7-8 on home ice this season, outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals so the case can certainly be made that they have no business laying such a steep price, regardless the opponent. The Coyotes are 4-12 on the road but actually allow just 0.1 goals per game more on average than the Sharks do at home. Here, we'll note that the Coyotes are 6-1 the last seven times they've played on the road after scoring six goals or more in their previous game, outscoring opponents by 1.2 goals on average in that spot. The Sharks are a woeful 2-12 when playing four or more consecutive games at home, outscored by 2.2 goals on average. Take Arizona +1.5 goals (10*). |
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12-28-21 | Golden Knights -148 v. Kings | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 37 h 14 m | Show |
NHL Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Vegas over Los Angeles at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. I really like the way this one sets up as a big revenge spot for the Golden Knights after they dropped a 6-2 decision against the Kings in the first meeting between these division rivals this season. Note that Vegas has gone an incredible 13-1 when seeking revenge for a road loss by three goals or more against an opponent, as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.7 goals in that situation. The Kings, meanwhile, are a woeful 2-14 when coming off four or more consecutive road games over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.3 goals on average in that spot. Interestingly, the Kings have averaged just 1.9 goals the last nine times they've played after being off for three or more days, which is obviously the case here following the extended holiday break. The Knights check in averaging an impressive 3.7 goals on the road this season, where they've gone 10-5. Take Vegas (10*). |
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12-19-21 | Golden Knights v. Islanders +1.5 | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 3 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York +1.5 goals over Vegas at 2:05 pm et on Sunday. I'll grab the insurance goal with the Islanders here as they look to continue to claw back to respectability. The Golden Knights are off to a perfect 3-0 start on their current road trip after we cashed with them in a shootout win over the Rangers on Friday. Here, they'll be looking to avenge a 2-0 loss to the Isles on home ice earlier this season. Note that they're just 14-20 the last 34 times they've sought revenge against an opponent for a loss as a home favorite. We'll likely see Ilya Sorokin back between the pipes for New York today after Semyon Varlamov helped them secure a 3-1 win over Boston last time out. That's notable as the Isles haven't lost a game by more than a single goal with Sorokin between the pipes since back on November 21st against Toronto. He owns a .942 save percentage in four home starts this season. Take New York +1.5 goals (5*). |
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12-17-21 | Coyotes v. Ducks -245 | 6-5 | Loss | -245 | 16 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on Anaheim over Arizona at 10:05 pm et on Friday. This play sets up similarly to our play on the heavily favored Lightning last night, even though it's not a revenge spot. It sets up similarly because I believe the line could be much higher than it is. The Coyotes are reeling, and have been all season. They check in losers of six games in a row, scoring more than three goals only once over that stretch and that came in a two-goal loss to the Flyers. They're averaging a woeful 1.3 goals per game on the road this season, outscored by an average margin of 1.9 goals while going 3-12. The Ducks are scoring 3.3 goals per game on home ice which is notable when you consider they've only given up a grand total of five goals over their last five games combined. The Ducks took the first meeting between these two teams this season by a 3-1 score on home ice back in early November. That's notable as the Coyotes are a miserable 2-14 the last 16 times they've sought revenge for a road loss by two goals or more, outscored by 1.4 goals on average in that situation. With two days off followed by a tough western Canadian trip before Christmas on deck, the Ducks will want to head off on a positive note. Take Anaheim (5*). |
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12-17-21 | Golden Knights -130 v. Rangers | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 23 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vegas over New York at 7:05 pm et on Friday. Don't be fooled by the Rangers come-from-behind win in Arizona on Wednesday. They're still not playing great hockey, losers of three of their last five games while scoring a grand total of 10 goals in the process. It sounds like Artemi Panarin will miss Friday's game. As will goaltender Igor Shesterkin as he continues to work his way back from injury. The Golden Knights are in a back-to-back spot off last night's win over the Devils in Newark. There's little reason for concern, however, as they've gone 20-5 the last 25 times they've been in the back half of back-to-backs, outscoring opponents by 1.4 goals on average in that spot. As for the Rangers, they're 1-7 the last eight times they've returned home off a one-goal win on the road, outscored by 1.6 goals on average in that situation. The Knights have come away victorious in their last two trips to Manhattan, not losing here since way back in 2017. Take Vegas (8*). |
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12-16-21 | Canucks v. Sharks -125 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -125 | 15 h 48 m | Show |
NHL Pacific Division Game of the Year. My selection is on San Jose over Vancouver at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. The Sharks are one of the few teams in the NHL not dealing with Covid issues right now (I realize the situation is very fluid). Here, I think they're catching the Canucks at the right time, 'fat and happy' off five straight wins and with this being a tough one-game trip before heading back home for two. The Sharks are off a tough 3-1 loss to expansion Seattle two nights ago as they ran into a hot goalie in Chris Driedger (seems strange saying that but San Jose outshot Seattle 34-30 in that contest). The Canucks recent success has come at home. They're still just 5-9 on the road this season where they allow 3.6 goals per game. Things aren't going to get any easier on Thursday as they'll be missing a number of key cogs due to Covid protocols. Note that the Sharks have done a tremendous job of tightening things up defensively off a home loss this season, allowing only 1.2 goals per game the six previous times that situation has come up, outscoring opponents by 1.1 goals on average in that spot. Take San Jose (10*). |
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12-16-21 | Avalanche -145 v. Predators | 2-5 | Loss | -145 | 13 h 37 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Nashville at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. We've been riding the Avs hard lately as I continue to point out that in order to defeat them right now based on how well they're playing it's going to take a monumental effort. I certainly don't feel the Predators, who are now dealing with multiple Covid-related absences, have it in them. To find the last time Nashville defeated Colorado here at home you would have to go back five meetings, all the way to their 2018 playoff series. While the Avs are just 7-6 on the road this season their struggles were largely due to a number of key absences earlier in the season. They're as healthy as any team in the NHL right now all things considered, and I'll still point out that they average an impressive 4.0 goals per game away from home. The Preds meanwhile are putting up just 2.8 goals per contest at home and as I mentioned, they're stretched pretty thin due to Covid protocols right now. Yes, they've won five games in a row but that only means they can afford to 'punt' this tough matchup with the Avs. Take Colorado (8*). |
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12-16-21 | Sabres v. Wild -1.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Minnesota -1.5 goals over Buffalo at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. I think there's a good chance we see the Sabres 'punt' this game on Thursday coming off a stunning win in Winnipeg two nights ago and ahead of a stop in Pittsburgh tomorrow night and perhaps go with Aaron Dell in goal (noting that he has allowed a whopping 15 goals in his last four starts). Meanwhile, the Wild are back home off consecutive losses, well-rested after their game against Carolina on Tuesday was postponed due to the Canes Covid issues. The Wild are 10-2 on home ice this season where they have outscored opponents by 1.7 goals on average. While the Sabres did win in Winnipeg, they're still just 3-9 on the road this season and have been outscored by 1.2 goals on average. Worse still, they're 4-20 in their last 24 road games following a win, outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that spot. The Wild on the other hand are 11-1 the last 12 times they've come off consecutive losses, outscoring foes by 1.2 goals on average in that situation. We'll lay the extra goal with the Wild here. Take Minnesota -1.5 goals (8*). |
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12-16-21 | Senators v. Lightning -240 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tampa Bay over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. While we're being asked to lay a very steep price with the Lightning in this spot, I believe the line could be much higher. Ottawa got the better of the Lightning last Saturday in a game Tampa Bay essentially 'punted' at the end of its road trip, starting journeyman backup goaltender Brian Elliott in that one. We successfully backed the Bolts as they returned home and secured a 3-2 overtime win over the Kings two nights ago and will do so again here in this quick revenge spot against the Sens. Ottawa is coming off a head-turning win over the Panthers two nights ago but I think a Florida sweep will prove elusive. Note that the Bolts are an incredible 26-5 over the last two seasons when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.6 goals in that spot. The Sens average just 2.4 goals in their last 17 games following consecutive wins by two goals or more over division opponents, as is the case here, and I don't believe they'll have the offensive firepower to keep pace with the Lightning in this one. Take Tampa Bay (4*). |
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12-15-21 | Rangers v. Coyotes OVER 5.5 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -104 | 10 h 59 m | Show |
NHL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Wednesday. I'll back the 'over' as the Rangers continue their road trip in Glendale on Wednesday night. This is of course a back-to-back spot for New York after losing by a 4-2 score in Colorado last night (we won with the Avalanche in that game). You have to wonder whether New York will go back to Alex Georgiev in goal as this would be his third game in the last four nights and fourth in the last six. Georgiev has been serviceable this season but certainly not elite, posting an .898 save percentage. Keith Kinkaid was the backup last night while Igor Shesterkin continues to work his way back from injury and likely isn't ready to go just yet. The Coyotes will have Scott Wedgewood in goal. In his last five contests, the Coyotes have given up 3, 4, 5, 3 and 5 goals. Note that the 'Yotes are allowing a whopping 4.6 goals per game on home ice this season. While they average just 2.3 goals per game here in Glendale, they are in a favorable spot here, noting that they average 2.8 goals per game when coming off consecutive home losses over the last three seasons. Take the over (10*). |
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12-14-21 | Rangers v. Avalanche -197 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 33 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over New York at 9:05 pm et on Tuesday. As I noted in my analysis of my play on the Avalanche against the Panthers (a game they won 3-2) on Sunday, I'll say it again here, it's going to take a monumental effort to take down the Avs based on how well they're playing right now. Colorado has now won four straight games, scoring 24 goals in the process, as it makes up for lost time after a tough start to the season due to injuries and otherwise. The Rangers were similarly hot recently but have since cooled off, dropping two of their last three games, scoring a grand total of just five goals in the process. New York is 10-5 on the road this season but averages just 3.0 goals per game away from home. By contrast, the Avs are averaging a ridiculous 4.7 goals per game on home ice, where they've gone 9-3 - outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 2.0 goals. Take Colorado (5*). |
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12-14-21 | Islanders -119 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -119 | 31 h 58 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on New York over Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Tuesday. We missed with the Isles here in Detroit less than two weeks ago as they fell in overtime by a 4-3 score. That was in the midst of an awful Covid-tinged stretch that saw New York lose 11 consecutive games. The Isles have seemingly turned things around now, however, as they've won two of their last three games with the lone loss coming thanks to a late lapse against the Preds on home ice. After finally winning their first game at brand new UBS Arena on Saturday night I think the monkey is off their back in some sense. Look for them to earn an ounce of revenge as they head to Motown on Tuesday night. The Red Wings are off to a fine start all things considered, but they haven't been overly consistent. They check into this game off three consecutive losses and there were some really concerning signs in all three as they were outscored by a wide margin of 18-7. Sometimes when the floodgates open it's difficult for a team to regain its footing - just ask the Islanders. Here, I look for New York to take full advantage of Detroit's recent woes, noting that the Wings are a miserable 6-32 in their last 38 games after allowing four goals or more in consecutive games, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.7 goals in that situation. Take New York (10*). |
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12-14-21 | Kings v. Lightning -194 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 30 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tampa Bay over Los Angeles at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Lightning are coming off an awful performance on Saturday as they fell by a 4-0 score against the lowly Senators in Ottawa. I look for them to get right back on track as they return home to host the Kings on Tuesday, however. You could argue that the Bolts essentially 'punted' that matinee affair against the Sens as they gave the start in goal to backup Brian Elliott at the end of a five-game road trip in which they had won the first four games. Now they're back at home where they got off to a slow start but have gone 8-5, averaging 3.2 goals per game and outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals. The Kings on the other hand, are coming off consecutive wins but both of those came on home ice. They're just 4-6 on the road where they average a miserable 2.3 goals per game. The Kings have lost five straight meetings with the Lightning here in Tampa. To find their last win at Amalie Arena you would have to go all the way back to February of 2015. This price may seem steep at first glance but I believe it could be even higher. Take Tampa Bay (5*). |
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12-12-21 | Hurricanes v. Canucks +1.5 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 15 h 59 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vancouver +1.5 goals over Carolina at 10:05 pm et on Sunday. We're being asked to lay a steep price to grab the insurance goal with the Canucks on Sunday but I believe it's warranted. The Hurricanes are in the midst of a long western road trip and coming off their fourth straight win last night as they skated to a 3-1 victory in Edmonton. They'll give backup goaltender Antti Rantta the start in goal on Sunday. The Canucks are suddenly red hot, winners of five of their last six games. Note that Vancouver has not been kind to Carolina over the years as the Canes have dropped each of their last 10 meetings here. While the Canes are a terrific 12-4 on the road this season they're averaging just 3.1 goals per game so it's not as if they're blowing the doors off the opposition. They're just 6-10 on the road when factoring in the -1.5 puck-line. With two more games left on this homestand, I think the Canucks strong play has some runway left. Take Vancouver +1.5 goals (4*). |
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12-12-21 | Panthers v. Avalanche -141 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 51 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Florida at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. We won with the Panthers on Friday but that was against the lowly Coyotes. Here, Florida continues its road trip against the red hot Avalanche in Colorado. The Avs are seemingly making up for lost time after a relatively slow start to the season due to injuries and otherwise. Colorado has reeled off three straight wins, scoring a whopping 21 goals in the process. I don't see the Avs slowing down against a Panthers squad that may or may not have Sasha Barkov after he was forced to miss Friday's game in Arizona (he's been in and out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury this season). It's going to take a substantial effort to take down the Avs considering the way they're playing right now, and I'm not convinced the Panthers, who are just 4-7 and average only 2.9 goals per game on the road this season are up to the task. Take Colorado (6*). |
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12-11-21 | Devils v. Islanders -148 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 30 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over New Jersey at 7:30 pm et on Saturday. Maybe I'm a sucker for punishment but I can't help to go back to the well with the reeling Islanders again on Saturday night. They're coming off another devastating last-minute loss against the Predators (who have admittedly had their number in recent years) on Thursday. New York led that game 3-2 in the third period before eventually falling by a 4-3 score. I do like the way the Isles are set up to FINALLY win their first game at brand-new UBS Arena on Saturday, however, as they host a Devils squad playing the second of back-to-back nights. New Jersey has won just 3 of 10 road games so far this season and will be up against a revenge-minded Islanders squad here after defeating New York by a 4-0 score back on November 11th. While the Isles are struggling mightily to find victories right now, it's not as if they're getting blown out. In fact, each of their last five losses have come by a single goal. Enough is enough, look for them to get the monkey off their backs at home on Saturday night. Take New York (8*). |
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12-10-21 | Panthers -270 v. Coyotes | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 31 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on Florida over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Friday. We're being asked to lay a steep price with the Panthers on Friday night in Glendale, but I believe the price could be even higher. Florida is coming off a 4-3 overtime loss against the Blues on Tuesday but should bounce back in this spot. The Coyotes have managed only five wins in 25 games this season and enter this contest on a three-game skid having been outscored by a 16-4 margin along the way. They scored three goals in the first meeting in this series this season yet still managed to lose by two. Florida has been a little shaky on the back-end lately but this is an ideal 'get right' spot against the lowly 'Yotes. Take Florida (5*). |
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12-10-21 | Rangers -155 v. Sabres | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 29 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Friday. The Rangers essentially punted Wednesday's game against Colorado, giving Adam Huska his first start of his NHL career in goal. He not surprisingly struggled and the Blueshirts fell by a 7-3 score. I do expect them to bounce back on Friday as they head to Buffalo to face the struggling Sabres. New York hasn't suffered much of a drop-off in play on the road at all this season, going 9-3-2. While they're without starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin, they still have Alexandar Georgiev, who has managed to go 4-1-1 this season. The Sabres have of course been a disaster on the blue line and in goal but lately their offense has run dry as well as they've managed just two goals in their last two games and none in their last four periods of hockey. Take New York (7*). |
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12-10-21 | Penguins v. Capitals -128 | 4-2 | Loss | -128 | 29 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on Washington over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Friday. I like the Caps in this spot as the Penguins wrap up a long, nearly two-week road trip that took them out west prior to this contest. Pittsburgh is coming off back-to-back wins over the Canucks and Kraken, outscoring those two opponents by a combined score of 10-2. It should find the going much tougher against a Caps squad that has picked up at least a point in six of its last seven games and checks in 9-1-4 at home this season. Washington of course took the first meeting this season by a 6-1 score back in November. It welcomed back a big part of its offense with T.J. Oshie returning two games back. He's seen nearly 37 minutes of action since returning. The Penguins will be without Jake Guentzel due to an upper body injury which is concerning as he had been on a four-game goal-scoring streak, potting seven goals along the way. Take Washington (8*). |