Rating: 3 Unit NHL Total of the Day

The Over is 4-1-2 in Islanders last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. While the over is 6-2 in Flyers last 8 overall and 6-2 in Flyers last 8 vs. East. In addition, the over is 14-5-1 in the last 20 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Panthers have been earning points the hard way. They've gone to overtime in four of their five games but have collected nine points. Quenneville believes the makeshift format due to the pandemic has contributed to that. Teams are facing each other twice in a row. "We're seeing an abnormal number around the league of tie games, whether it's familiarity and back-to-back nights ... teams know how to play against one another," he said. "So there's not that unpredictability sometimes. There's no surprises who you're playing and the matchups, so the games are tight." The Wings will be seeking their first victory in six games on Sunday. They're 0-3-2 after starting the season 2-2. Consider that Florida is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings in Detroit while the favorite is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dallas Stars have to improve in every area of the game when they get another shot at the Carolina Hurricanes today. The Stars were outscored 4-1 by their hosts on Saturday and outshot 26-11 in their first loss of the NHL season. The Stars, playing their first road game, went almost 14 minutes of the second period before registering a single shot on goal. By then, Bowness had pulled goalie Anton Khudobin -- after he allowed four goals on 16 shots -- in favor of Jake Oettinger, who stopped all 10 shots he faced. Consider that Dallas is 22-49 in their last 71 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation while Carolina is 37-18 in their last 55 games as a home favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

While the Buffalo Sabres keep finding ways to earn points, the New Jersey Devils have to return to their early success. The Sabres will try to extend their point streak to six games on Sunday while handing the visiting Devils a fourth consecutive defeat. Buffalo went 1-3-0 in its first four games on this abbreviated season but is 3-0-2 since. After falling 3-2 to the New York Rangers in overtime on Thursday, the Sabres rebounded with a 4-3 shootout win over New Jersey on Saturday. Consider that New Jersey is 25-52 in their last 77 games as a road underdog.  In addition the home team is a perfect 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Dallas blasted the Predators 7-0 in its first hockey game this season last Friday after a delayed start due to COVID-19 protocol. The score was more competitive two days later -- a 3-2 loss in regulation to the Stars -- but the damage had been done. Nashville returned home with little to show for the effort and struggling with a penalty-kill unit that allowed five power-play goals in the blowout loss and three more in the one-goal defeat. In the two games, the Stars tied an NHL record for most power-play goals over a two-game span, succeeding on 8 of 12 chances. Consider that Tampa Bay is 41-18 in their last 59 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

The Detroit Red Wings see signs of history repeating itself. That's not a good thing. The Red Wings had by far the worst record in the NHL last season. After eight games this season, they're in last place in the makeshift Central Division and have gone 0-3-1 in their last four outings. They'll try to set a new course with back-to-back home games against the Florida Panthers on Saturday and Sunday. This week, the Red Wings lost at Dallas in overtime 2-1 on Tuesday, then gave up four third-period goals in a 7-3 loss to the Stars on Thursday. Consider that Detroit is 12-46 in their last 58 games as an underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dallas Stars are making up for lost time after coronavirus complications delayed the start of their season. The Stars aim to improve to 5-0-0 for just the third time in franchise history on Saturday when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C. If victorious, Dallas would match the mark of the 2006-07 club and reside one win shy of the 1996-97 team. A potent power play is one of the primary reasons that coach Rick Bowness' club is without a loss this season. Dallas leads the league with a 52.6 percent power-play efficiency, and their 10 goals with the man advantage represent a franchise record through the first four games of the season. Consider that Carolina is 9-19 in their last 28 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Rating: 3 Unit NHL Total of the Day

The over is 4-1 in Capitals last 5 games playing on 1 days rest, 32-13-1 in Capitals last 46 games following a win, 20-9-2 in Capitals last 31 games as a home underdog, and 39-19 in Capitals last 58 home games.

Rating: 2 Units

The New Jersey Devils have hit a bit of a rough patch following a solid start to the season. The Buffalo Sabres, meanwhile, are starting to consistently give themselves an opportunity to win games. Looking to avoid a third straight defeat, the visiting Devils will try to keep the Sabres from extending their point streak to five games on Saturday afternoon. New Jersey opened the season with a 3-1-1 record before sustaining back-to-back home losses to the Philadelphia Flyers this week. After falling 5-3 on Tuesday, the Devils went 0-for-4 on the power play during Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Flyers. It marked the fifth time already this season that New Jersey was held to two or fewer goals. The Devils also are a paltry 2-for-18 on the power play through their first seven games. Consider that New Jersey is 25-51 in their last 76 games as a road underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

Even without the throngs of fans in the seats, the Chicago Blackhawks are a better team in the Madhouse on Madison. With a home-heavy schedule in the next few weeks, starting with a Friday night clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the first of two consecutive games between the teams, the Blackhawks have an opportunity to find a winning formula. The Blackhawks opened the season with six of eight games on the road, and they lost all of their tilts away from Chicago, going 0-3-3. Now, the squad that won its first two games on home ice -- consecutive games against the Detroit Red Wings -- has six of eight games in the United Center. Consider that Columbus is 2-10 in the last 12 meetings in Chicago

Rating: 2 Units

For those who don't know, the Red Wings are very bad. They've played seven games so far and in five of them, they've been held to two goals or less. The most recent loss came Tuesday, to the team they'll play again here, Dallas. It was a 2-1 win in overtime for the Stars, who are 3-0 after their first four games were postponed.

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

St. Louis is 3-8 in their last 11 games as a road underdog, 3-9 in their last 12 games as an underdog, 2-7 in their last 9 vs. a team with a winning record, and 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. While Vegas is 28-11 in their last 39 overall, 25-10 in their last 35 games as a home favorite, 19-8 in their last 27 games following a win. In addition, the home team is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Edmonton is 4-9 in their last 13 overall, 2-5 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest, and 3-8 in their last 11 games as a favorite. While Winnipeg is 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest, 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record, and 8-3 in their last 11 home games. In addition, Edmonton is 3-7 in the last 10 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Ottawa's arrival provides the Canucks an opportunity to build some momentum. The Senators enter after a 6-3 loss in Winnipeg to kick off a seven-game road swing, in a game in which they held a 3-2 lead going into the third period but surrendered four unanswered goals. They dropped three straight games to the Jets and have lost four consecutive outings since upsetting the Toronto Maple Leafs in their season opener. Consider that Ottawa is 7-20 in their last 27 vs. a team with a losing record.

Rating: 2 Units

After a home-opening victory over San Jose that was much tougher than the score suggests, the Minnesota Wild return to home ice tonight in St. Paul, Minn., with the Sharks looking to find an elusive offense. The Wild captured Friday night's game, 4-1, yet, the outcome was very much in doubt until the Wild scored a pair of empty netters in the final 75 seconds. What's more, Minnesota's starting netminder Cam Talbot left the game with a noncontact injury. Talbot's availability is uncertain for Sunday, although Wild coach Dean Evason said after the game "all indications are it's not serious," and he has Kaapo Kahkonen ready after the 24-year-old Finn made 17 saves on 17 shots in relief, playing the entire second and third periods. Consider that San Jose is 8-18 in their last 26 vs. a team with a winning record and 5-11 in the last 16 meetings in Minnesota.

Rating: 2 Units

The Predators were playing for the first time since Monday as the second game of their back-to-back series against Carolina was postponed because the Hurricanes were hit with coronavirus concerns. Now they'll get another shot at the Stars. "It's the challenge of these two-game series that we have (this season)," Predators forward Filip Forsberg said. "It doesn't matter if it's 7-0 or 2-1 at the end. We lost a game, and that's something that we'll look at. I'm sure Coach has got a lot of stuff to run by us ... and we can't get too high, can't get too low. "Obviously the scoreboard looks bad, but at the end of the day, we got zero points and that's all that matters," he continued. "We have to assess that and look at what we did good, look at what we can do better, which is obviously a lot of things, and come back ready to play on Sunday." Predators center Mikael Granlund made his season debut Friday, after a weeklong quarantine and only one practice since returning from his native Finland. He had four shots while playing nearly 18 minutes. Consider that Nashville is 39-14 in their last 53 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago has converted 7 of 17 opportunities on the power play entering Sunday's home matinee against the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks skated to a 4-1 win over the Red Wings on Friday night in the first leg of a back-to-back at the United Center. Kane opened the scoring with a power-play goal in the first period, while Andrew Shaw added a goal on the man advantage to extend Chicago's lead to 3-0 early in the third. Captain Dylan Larkin thwarted the shutout bid of goaltender Kevin Lankinen, who stopped 30 of the 31 shots he faced in his second career start. Consider that Detroit is 11-40 in their last 51 games as a road underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Winnipeg Jets seem to have a found a groove early in the NHL season. Despite one little hiccup -- a 3-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday -- everything seems to be clicking as the Jets head back to Winnipeg for a seven-game homestand. The Jets took two wins from the Ottawa Senators -- 4-1 on Thursday and 4-3 in overtime Tuesday -- with balanced scoring, solid defense and a strong 1-2 punch in goaltending with Laurent Brossoit and Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck got the win Thursday, coming within two minutes, 57 seconds of a shutout. Chris Tierney spoiled his chances for a perfect night. Consider that the Senators are 11-40 in their last 51 games as a road underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Montreal Canadiens' Tyler Toffoli was not a member of the Vancouver Canucks long last season, yet he apparently discovered plenty about their weaknesses and vulnerabilities and will try to expose more when the two teams meet Saturday for the third time in four days. Toffoli has scored five goals in two consecutive games against the Canucks on Wednesday and Thursday. His hat trick on Wednesday was wasted in a shootout loss, but his two goals on Thursday put the Canadiens on track for a 7-3 victory. If the matchup between members of the reconfigured North Division does not feel like a playoff series yet, it likely will when they take the ice Saturday, or at least by the time they play each other twice more at Montreal in a little more than a week. The Canadiens have won three of five games this season, but they secured a point in each after falling to the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime of their season opener, as well as falling in the shootout loss this week. They sit atop the division in the early going, while the Canucks sit near the bottom.

Rating: 2 Units

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning are heading in opposite directions as their two-game Central Division series prepares to end. The Lightning won for the third time in three games with a 3-2 overtime victory on Thursday. The two sides meet Saturday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio to conclude what would be expected to be another slugfest of hard knocks, short-tempered, edgy play and strong goaltending. While the Blue Jackets -- winners just once in five games and on the losing side of consecutive overtime decisions -- could have been wondering what happened against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, most of the attention turned to one Columbus player: Pierre-Luc Dubois. The top-line center has found his way into coach John Tortorella's doghouse, so much so that the Dubois problem has become a major issue within the organization and may necessitate a trade of the third overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Both Tortorella and Dubois said Friday that his playing status for Saturday was unknown. Consider that the favorite is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

New York can shift its concerns to other areas, such as scoring. The Rangers have logged eight goals, and same number they have given up in winning one of their first three games. Fingers could point in various directions, but it stands out that center Ryan Strome has yet to record a point and registered just six shots this season. He had a career-high 59 points (18 goals, 41 assists) in 70 games in 2019-20. "(Strome) is still trying to find his game," Quinn said. "He's not happy with the way things have gone in these three games, but, obviously, we need him at the top of his game if we're going to have a chance." Alexis Lafreniere, the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has yet to notch a point and had only two short shifts over the second half of the third period Tuesday. Consider New York is 7-15 in the last 22 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blues' scoring has been balanced, with 16 players earning at least one point through the first three games. Faulk scored twice Monday while assuming more responsibility after Alex Pietrangelo's departure via free agency in the offseason. Winger Mike Hoffman, who signed as a free agent shortly before the season, scored his first goal for St. Louis. The Blues wooed him to replace the offense of Vladimir Tarasenko, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Berube welcomed the production from Faulk and Hoffman. The Blues are expected to start Jordan Binnington (2-1, 3.38 goals-against average) in goal again. The Sharks are likely to go back to Martin Jones (1-1, 4.34) after Devan Dubnyk allowed five goals Monday.  Consider that San Jose is 5-12 in their last 17 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The two West Division rivals begin a back-to-back series in Las Vegas on Monday night that concludes on Wednesday night. Then it's off to Glendale, Ariz., where they play another back-to-back on Friday night and Sunday afternoon to end the four-game stretch. Both teams opened the season without a regulation loss in their first series. Arizona rallied to score a pair of goals in the final 3:30 of its opener to force overtime with visiting San Jose and gain a point in an eventual 4-3 shootout loss and then rebounded behind a pair of Phil Kessel goals and 31 saves by Antti Raanta to defeat the Sharks, 5-3, on Saturday afternoon. Vegas swept its two games with visiting Anaheim, but it wasn't easy. They scored three consecutive goals in the third period to win their opener, 5-2, and following that with a 2-1 overtime victory Saturday night. Consider that Vegas is 2-7 in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

Tristan Jarry was named to the All-Star team and moved ahead of two-time Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray last season as the No. 1 goaltender. Casey DeSmith, the Penguins' backup two years ago, is back at the NHL level after Murray was traded to Ottawa. Things have been a bit rough for Jarry, who gave up nine goals in less than four periods of play in the Penguins' 6-3 and 5-2 losses at Philadelphia to open the season. That includes letting in three goals on six shots -- although one came after his stick broke -- over about the first half of the first period Friday and getting pulled for DeSmith, who allowed one goal on 13 shots. Consider that Pittsburgh is 3-7 in their last 10 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Ottawa Senators are a changed team, as they showed Friday night when they defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 in their season opener. The Senators did not beat the Maple Leafs last season, going 0-2-1 against them. They will have a chance to show that their turnaround is for real when the teams meet again in Ottawa tonight. The Senators, who were 30th of 31 teams in the overall standings last season, had not played a game in 310 days before Friday night because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine players appeared in their first game as Senators on Friday night, including former Pittsburgh Penguin goaltender Matt Murray, who stopped 20 shots in his 200th NHL game. Consider that the home team is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The over is 8-3 in Canucks last 11 vs. a team with a losing record and 17-8-1 in Canucks last 26 road games. While the over is 9-3-1 in Oilers last 13 vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 5-2 in Oilers last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game, and 9-4-1 in Oilers last 14 games playing on 0 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

Emerging from last years postseason run was goaltender Thatcher Demko. The 25-year old American came in relief of Jacob Markstrom during that Vegas series and with a pair of wins before losing in Game 7, the club decided to elevate him to #1 starter this season, letting Markstrom skate off to rival Calgary. This Vancouver squad is loaded with offensive talent between budding superstar Elias Petterson, forwards Brock Boeser & J.T. Miller, and young Quinn Hughes on the blue-line, along with veteran netminder Braden Holtby backing up the aforementioned Demko, bringing a former Stanley Cup winner into that locker room is a lift that Travis Green's squad should benefit from. The Oilers didn't make a ton of changes from last season's team. They are still lead by the fierce forward duo of Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl, which will have to continue the heavy lifting for this club from a scoring perspective. Veteran signings like Kyle Turris & Jesse Puljujarvi will need to contribute in order for this squad to make the playoffs again this year. The shaky goaltending tandem of Mike Smith & Mikko Koskinen still roams between the pipes, with the latter expected to garner the bulk of the starts over the next 56 contests.

Rating: 2 Units

Lightning look to rebound from a disappointing defeat in which they squandered a third-period lead, dominated the first overtime period and then lost thanks to Corey Perry's tally. That said, there appears to be no panic heading into their second chance to clinch the second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Sure, the Lightning will look to make some adjustments for the potential Cup-clinching affair, but the message remains to stay the course that's helped them get this far. Consider:  Tampa Bay is 45-8 in their last 53 after scoring two goals or less in their previous outing.

Rating: 2 Units

Since losing the series opener, Tampa Bay has won three straight, with the latest a 5-4 overtime win Friday night, and is rolling. History is on the Lightning's side in a big way. Teams that have won Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead in a best-of-seven Cup finals since the NHL went to that format in 1939 are 27-0 at closing out the series. Key to finishing off the Stars, though, will be keeping those emotions in check for puck drop. It's a common adage about the hardest win to collect being the fourth, but the Lightning certainly are carrying all the momentum, and are beating the Stars any way necessary. They won Game 2 by scoring three times in the first period and cruising to a 3-2 win. They took Game 3 handily in a 5-2 final and then erased a pair of deficits -- including a two-goal first-period hole -- in the most recent victory.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lightning advancing to the Eastern Conference finals is no surprise, as this marks the FOURTH time in six seasons that they've reached the conference finals, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015.As for the Islanders, they are in the NHL's version of the 'Final Four' for the first time since 1993Looking at current form, one could argue that this series is between the NHL's two-best teams as of this moment. Tampa Bay won TWO of three in its seeding round robin and then eliminated each of its two postseason opponents 4-1.  In goal, the Islanders turned to backup Thomas Greiss for Game 7 vs Philly and while Greiss got the shut out, he only faced 16 shots. Not sure whether Barry Trotz will return to Varmalov (9-4, 2.00 GAA & .921 SP) or stay with Greiss (2-1, 1.08 GAA & .960). As for Tampa Bay, there is no question about who will be in goal tonight, as Andrei Vasilevskiy has played all 13 games, going 10-3 with a 1.91 GAA and .931 SP. I'll go with the Lightning to take the first game

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado will turn to Pavel Francouz in goal. He played in 34 games before the shutdown, going 21-7-4 (2.41 GAA & .923 SP). He's played three games since the restart and owns a 1.59 GAA and .941 SP. Colorado owns the 'firepower' to match Dallas' recent scoring outburst and the Avs' top scorers will need to come through. MacKinnon and Kadri both have six goals (tied for most since the league's return), while MacKinnon's 10 assists gives him 16 points, the most of any player Fellow forwards Rantanen and Landeskog have 11 and 10 points, respectively. I say this series gets tied up, as the Avs get the win.

Rating: 2 Units

The Avalanche expect to hit the ice bursting with momentum after closing out the series against the Coyotes with back-to-back 7-1 wins. Colorado has won six of eight games between the round robin and the West quarterfinal series, including four by three goals or more. Ten players scored at least one goal in the last two victories against Arizona, led by Nazem Kadri (four goals) and Nathan MacKinnon (two goals). The Avalanche earned a 4-0 win in the second game of the round robin on Aug. 5.

Rating: 2 Units

Andrei Vasilevskiy is likely to again start for the Lightning in Game 4. The goaltender has a 4-2-0 record, 1.86 goals against average, and .927 save percentage in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo stopped 31 of 34 shots in Game 3 for his latest strong effort of the postseason. Korpisalo has a 1.51 GAA and .956 save percentage over seven playoff games. It's another close one!

Rating: 2 Units

The Hurricanes entered the postseason as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference but moved up a spot when the Pittsburgh Penguins were eliminated. The Carolina-Boston matchup is a rematch of the 2019 Eastern Conference finals, which the Bruins swept in four games. Carolina now gets a quick turnaround (p\uck drops at 8:00 ET) and can the Hurricanes bounce back and end their five-game playoff losing streak to Boston? Boston controlled stretches of Wednesday's game, with Carolina not getting untracked often enough. Boston was able to get the "W," even though it went 0-for-4 on power plays, making the Bruins 0-for-13 with the man advantage in their four Toronto games.  Look for Boston to continue their winning over the Hurricanes.

Rating: 2 Units

The Maple Leafs closed out the season losing 27 of 47 games and now in the post-season have lost 2 of the first 3 games in this series. Blue Jackets coach Tortorella certainly has the experience edge over Keefe and also the Maple Leafs have been bounced from the playoffs in the first round in each of the past 3 seasons. In fact, Toronto hasn't won a playoff series since 2004!

Rating: 2 Units

The 12th-seeded Blackhawks -- the lowest-seeded Western Conference team in the qualifying round -- pulled off an impressive upset in the opener but will be hard pressed to advance past the fifth-seeded and favored Oilers, even with Chicago's blend of veteran savvy and youthful skill. Consider: The Blackhawks are 2-24 in their last 26 when their opponent scores five goals or more in their previous game. The Oilers have an edge with both a superior power play and superior penalty killing. The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings. The verdict: The Oilers have the benefit of playing in their home city (in the bubble).

Rating: 2 Units

The Penguins bounced back strong in Game 2 to knock off the Canadiens. This followed a Game 1 win for Montreal in which Carey Price stole the game. The veteran Habs netminder is indeed their star player. But the problem for the Canadiens is they don't have enough talent on the rest of their team to match up well with the Penguins. Lets not forget that the Habs were a #12 seed for this qualifying round so this is one of the biggest mismatches on the board and the Pens are starting to establish their will after a weak start in Game 1. History in NHL shows that over 80% of the time in a 5-game series that is tied 1-1 the team that wins Game 3 goes on to win the series.  Pittsburgh is the better team and with that I picked them to win the series.

Rating: 2 Units

Before the pandemic pause, the two teams played twice, both in Dallas, with each team coming away with a victory. The Stars won the first one on Nov. 25, 4-2, behind a pair of power-play goals by Alexander Radulov while the Golden Knights won the second one, 3-2, in overtime on Dec. 13.  Vegas cruised to a 4-1 exhibition victory over Arizona on Thursday. Forward Reilly Smith led the way with both a short-handed goal and a power play goal in the first period while Nick Cousins had a goal and two assists. Marc-Andre Fleury finished with 22 saves. DeBoer, who has coached both the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks to the Stanley Cup Finals, believes the Golden Knights have what it takes to make a long run in the playoffs.

Rating: 2 Units

The Canucks (36-27-6, 78 points) are the designated home team during the five-game series since they finished a point ahead of Minnesota (35-27-7, 77 points) during the regular season. The Wild were 2-1-0 in three games against Vancouver this season. Consider:  Minnesota is 6-2 in their last 8 overall, 10-4 in their last 14 vs. Western Conference, and 4-1 in the last 5 meetings versus Vancouver.

Rating: 2 Units

The Maple Leafs starting goaltender Frederik Andersen (29-13-7, 2.85 GAA) is ably backed up by Jack Campbell (3-2-1, 2.63 GAA since joining Toronto). Toronto HC Keefe has studied how the Blue Jackets handled the Lightning last year. Also consider that the Blue Jackets are 1-7 in their last 8 games as an underdog and  3-12 in their last 15 overall while the favorite is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

No fans here of course but being able to play games in their home rink is indeed an edge for the Oilers. In a shorter series, a 5-game one like this, winning that first game is so critical. Look for the Oilers to do just that. I respect the Blackhawks and they still have a little star power but those guys are aging and the up and coming Oilers are the much better team and also are well-coached in my opinion.

Rating: 2 Units

Denied in their bid to move into a tie with Vegas atop the Pacific, the Edmonton Oilers resume their bid for a division title when they continue a four-game home stand against the Winnipeg Jets tonight. The Oilers dropped three points behind the first-place Golden Knights after suffering a 3-2 overtime loss to visiting Vegas on Monday. Consider that Edmonton is 4-1 in its last five home games following an OT loss in which it scored two or less goals in, while Winnipeg is just 2-6 in its last eight following a three games or longer unbeaten home streak.

Rating: 4 Units

The Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators are well out of playoff position, but the two young teams have been playing the spoiler role quite well of late as they prepare to test each other tonight in southern California. Ottawa has won four of its last five games, including impressive victories over Vancouver and the New York Islanders, while the Ducks beat Colorado and Toronto recently and are 4-2-1 in their past seven outings. The Ducks, who only have Golden State rivals San Jose and Los Angeles beaten the Western Conference standings, edged the Senators 3-2 in a shootout at Ottawa on Feb. 4 to halt a three-game losing streak in the series. Consider that Ottawa is 7-25 on the road and 2-13 when playing with two day's rest in between games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dallas Stars appeared to be a sure thing for the postseason midway through last month, even challenged for first place in the Central Division. While the Stars still maintain a firm grasp on third place in the division, they are mired in a season high-tying losing streak entering tonight's matchup against the visiting New York Rangers. Dallas has lost four one-goal decisions during its five-game slide (0-3-2) and failed to score while dropping both ends of a home-and-home to the Nashville Predators.  Consider that New York is 9-1 in their last 10 road games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Bruins have enjoyed season-long dominance to put themselves on the cusp of becoming the first NHL team to reach triple digits in points. The Bruins' missteps have been rare, and they look to prevent a third at the expense of the white-hot Flyers today when the teams conclude their season series in Philadelphia. David Pastrnak extended his point streak to five games (three goals, three assists) by scoring his career-best 48th goal in Boston's 5-3 setback to Tampa Bay on Saturday. While Pastrnak scored in the Bruins' 6-5 shootout loss at Philadelphia on Jan. 13, the game is best remembered for Brad Marchand over skating the puck in what proved to be the final round to end the game. Consider that Boston is 13-4 in their last 17 vs. a team with a winning record.

Rating: 2 Units

The Panthers, who also visit Dallas on the two-game trip Thursday, lost a pair of one-goal games against the Blues last season and will host them March 21. Central Division-leading St. Louis rebounded from its first loss in nine games to blank host Chicago 2-0 on Sunday as Jake Allen turned aside 29 shots and Jaden Schwartz set up both tallies, giving him five points in the last three contests. The Blues increased their lead to four points on second-place Colorado, who played later Sunday, as they begin a four-game stretch against teams outside playoff position. Consider that Florida is 4-10 in the last 14 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Capitals applied the brakes on a 4-7-2 skid by stepping on the gas in their victory over a bitter rival. The Capitals look to pick up speed today when they conclude a three-game road trip against the Buffalo Sabres, who have been stuck in neutral since the NHL trade deadline. Oshie scored and set up a goal versus the Penguins and also tallied in the Capitals' 6-1 romp over the Sabres on Nov. 1. While Washington remains even in points with white-hot Philadelphia atop the Metropolitan Division, Buffalo finds itself on the fast track toward securing a ninth straight season without a playoff berth. Consider that Washington sports a 12-3-0 record in its last 15 games versus Buffalo.

Rating: 2 Units

At least the Minnesota Wild won't have to wait long to flush one of their worst performances of the season when they complete a three-game California trip today against the Anaheim Ducks. Minnesota matched a season high for goals allowed in a 7-3 loss to Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon that ended its six-game road winning streak and sits one point behind Vancouver, Nashville and Winnipeg, who share the Western Conference wild-card lead. The Ducks may be without goaltender John Gibson, who left Friday's game in the third period with an upper-body injury. Consider that Anaheim is 8-24 in their last 32 games playing on 1 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

Having a long winning streak end against a last-place club could come back to haunt the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues, but a similar defeat by the Chicago Blackhawks could have far more damaging consequences. The Blues will wrap up a three-game road trip and aim to complete a season series sweep when they visit Chicago tonight. St. Louis had won eight in a row overall and 12 straight against New Jersey, but both streaks came to an end in a surprising 4-2 setback to the Devils on Friday night. While St. Louis maintained its two-point lead over Colorado atop the Central Division, the Blackhawks absorbed a jolting 2-1 defeat at NHL-worst Detroit on Friday to deny their bid for a season high-tying fifth consecutive victory. Consider that St. Louis is 55-26 in their last 81 games playing on 1 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

The Calgary Flames are among five teams from the Pacific Division battling for playoff slots in the tightly bunched Western Conference, but suddenly find themselves within striking distance of first place. Winners of three in a row, the Flames have a chance to inch closer to the division lead when they host the Vegas Golden Knights tonight. Calgary has won the first two on its five-game homestand and drew within three points of first place when the Golden Knights were blanked in Winnipeg on Friday night. However, Vegas has won seven of 10 meetings overall between the clubs and dominated the season series against the Flames, erupting for 12 goals in a pair of lopsided victories at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Philadelphia Flyers are the hottest team in the NHL, with a sizzling power play and consistent offense serving to fuel the club to a season-best eight straight wins. The Flyers look to continue their ascent today when they host the reeling Buffalo Sabres, who are headed in the other direction with five consecutive losses. While Philadelphia sports a sterling 24-5-4 record at home, Buffalo followed up a fruitless four-game trek that dropped it to 10-19-4 on the road with a 4-2 setback to Pittsburgh on Thursday.  Philadelphia G Carter Hart sports a 19-2-2 record with a 1.64 goals-against average and .942 save percentage at home this season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Minnesota Wild have won seven of their last nine games overall and six in a row on the road to insert themselves in the playoff conversation in the Western Conference. The surging Wild look to continue their march this afternoon when they visit the Los Angeles Kings. Minnesota can credit its ascent due to the strong play of Alex Stalock, who improved to 11-3-1 in his last 15 decisions after making 19 of his 40 saves in the third period on Thursday in a 3-2 win over his former team -- the San Jose Sharks.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dallas Stars have dropped off the pace in the race for Central Division supremacy and may have to start looking over their shoulder due to their longest losing streak in more than three months. One of the teams chasing the Stars is the Nashville Predators, who will look to complete a home-and-home sweep when the teams collide in Dallas. Consider that Dallas is 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Central.

Rating: 2 Units

Seemingly left for dead in the postseason chase after dropping nine of 11 (2-7-2) last month, Chicago has roared back with a vengeance and piled up 18 goals during its four-game winning streak. The Blackhawks, who also have won four straight and seven of nine against the Red Wings, have crept within four points of the second wild card in the clustered Western Conference following Thursday's 4-3 victory over Edmonton. Detroit, which was the first team to be officially eliminated from postseason contention this season, is in the midst of its fifth losing streak of at least six games. The Red Wings have dropped 10 of their last 11 games (1-9-1) and have been limited to two goals or fewer nine times in that span.

Rating; 2 Units

There has been no Stanley Cup hangover for the St. Louis Blues, who made history by becoming only the second team to string together three winning streaks of at least seven games one season after winning the championship. The Blues will go for their season-high ninth consecutive victory when they visit the New Jersey Devils. St. Louis owns the second-best record in hockey but, despite the hot streak, holds only a two-point edge over the Colorado Avalanche atop the Central Division.  The Blues have completely dominated the series in the past decade, winning 15 of 16 and posting its 12th straight victory over New Jersey with a 3-0 shutout on Feb. 18 that started the current eight-game run. The Devils rebounded from the defeat with St. Louis by earning points in six consecutive games (4-0-2), a streak that came to an end in a 3-0 setback at Vegas on Tuesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Dallas has dropped three in a row for the first time in three months, coming out on the short end of its third straight one-goal decision in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime setback to visiting Edmonton.  Like Dallas, the Predators have also hit a rut by dropping three in a row to fall two points out of the second wild card in the Western Conference. Consider that Dallas is 10-1 in their last 11 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

After seeing their lead atop the Atlantic Division trimmed to one point, the NHL-leading Boston Bruins have taken command in the race for the Presidents' Trophy. Holding a healthy nine-point cushion over Tampa Bay atop the division, the Bruins go for their fourth consecutive victory when they wrap up a three-game road trip at the Florida Panthers tonight. Boston may have very well cemented the Atlantic title with Wednesday's 2-1 win over the second-place Lightning, its 14 victory over the last 17 games (14-3-0). While the Bruins are surging again, the Panthers are heading in the wrong direction, dropping three in a row and five of six (1-4-1) to put a dent in their postseason hopes.

Rating: 2 Units

The red-hot Philadelphia Flyers are making a run for the Metropolitan Division title as they put their seven-game winning streak on the line against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes today. Philadelphia moved to within one point of first-place Washington in the Metro with a 5-2 victory over the Capitals on Wednesday and has nearly erased a 13-point deficit by going 16-4-1 since Jan. 13. Perhaps the Hurricanes should consider signing David Ayres seeing as they haven't won since the Zamboni driver helped them prevail at Toronto on Feb. 22 in emergency fashion. That won't happen of course, but Carolina hasn't tasted victory since its top two goaltenders - Petr Mrazek (lower-body) and James Reimer (concussion) - were injured that night. Alex Nedeljkovic (0-1-1), last season's AHL Goaltender of the Year, and Anton Forsberg (0-1-0) have allowed 11 goals and combined for an .874 save percentage in three games while virtually splitting time since pressed into service.

Rating: 2 Units

The surging Philadelphia Flyers are ascending in the Metropolitan due in large part to their sterling play against the rest of the division. The Flyers bid to continue that dominance today when they vie for their season-high seventh straight victory overall against the first-place Washington Capitals. Philadelphia dropped all four meetings in regulation against Washington in 2018-19 en route to posting a 10-16-2 record against Metropolitan rivals, but the club has responded this season by collecting at least a point in 18 of 22 games within the division -- including a 2-0-1 mark versus the Capitals. Captain Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier each have scored two goals and set up two others in the season series for the Flyers, who are a sizzling 15-4-1 in their last 20 games to reside just three points behind Washington.

Rating: 2 Units

The Toronto Maple Leafs aim to extend a pair of streaks today when they begin a trek through California against the San Jose Sharks. The Maple Leafs, who have won four in a row against the Sharks, have erupted for 13 goals during their current three-game winning streak. Auston Matthews, who scored in Toronto's 4-1 win over San Jose on Oct. 25, also tallied in both Thursday's 5-3 triumph at Florida and a 4-2 victory versus Vancouver two nights later to boost his career-best totals in goals (45) and points (77). Captain John Tavares carries a five-game point streak (three goals, four assists) into today's tilt for the Maple Leafs, who are nursing a five-point edge over Florida for third place in the Atlantic Division.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Bruins have fully recovered from their swoon in December to solidify the lead in the Atlantic Division and can give themselves more cushion when they visit the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning tonight. The Bruins are 17-5-1 since Jan. 7 and lead the Lightning by seven points in the division after blanking the New York Islanders 4-0 on Saturday with seven points from their defensemen. Tampa Bay halted a season-high four-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over Calgary on Saturday, but announced the same day that captain Steven Stamkos (29 goals, 66 points) would be lost 6-to-8 weeks after undergoing core muscle surgery.

Rating: 2 Units

The St. Louis Blues have a chance to match their longest winning streak of the season but they still have been unable to shake the surging Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division. The defending Stanley Cup champions take aim at their eighth consecutive victory when they open a four-game road trip with a visit to the New York Rangers tonight. The Blues had lost five in a row and 10 of 12 (2-7-3) before their current winning streak, which they kept intact with a 4-3 shootout victory over division rival Dallas on Saturday. The Rangers had been on a tear of their own, going 9-1-0 over a 10-game span before losing both ends of a home-and-home series against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Rating: 2 Units

The Minnesota Wild have joined the fray in the Western Conference playoff race with a record-setting run and try to keep the momentum going when they host the Washington Capitals today. Minnesota has scored 17 times in its last three games - equaling the club record for goals in that span first set in 2009 - and has won them all, improving to 12-5-1 in the last 18 contests. Minnesota's Alex Stalock has four shutouts this season - one off the league lead entering Saturday - after stopping 24 shots Friday. Washington, which leads the Metropolitan Division, has won a league-most 21 road games but has lost four straight away from home after a 3-0 setback at Winnipeg on Thursday.

Rating: 2 Units

The injury-riddled Columbus Blue Jackets are holding on to the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference by one point despite recording just one win in their last 11 games (1-5-5) and will attempt to turn things around today when they host the Vancouver Canucks. All-star defenseman Seth Jones and top goal-scorer Oliver Bjorkstrand, each questionable to return before the end of the regular season with ankle injuries, are among 10 regulars currently sidelined for the Blue Jackets. Consider that Columbus is 1-10 in their last 11 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

The Flames came into the weekend holding one of two wild card spots in a crowded Western Conference and will go for a seventh win in nine games against the Panthers after Tkachuk scored twice in a wild 6-5 shootout victory in Calgary on Oct. 24. Florida has dropped four of its last five games (1-3-1) after scoring late in regulation to tie before losing 3-2 in a shootout against Chicago at home Saturday, and the Panthers trail Toronto by five points for third place in the Atlantic Division with one game in hand.

Rating: 2 Units

The St. Louis Blues have emerged from their funk with a vengeance, answering a month-long tailspin by ripping off six consecutive victories to regain control of first place atop the Central Division. The surging Blues seek to match their second-longest winning streak of the season when they wrap up a three-game homestand against the Dallas Stars tonight. The Blues continued their roll with another impressive victory, erasing a two-goal deficit before knocking off the New York Islanders 3-2 in overtime Thursday. One of the victories during St. Louis' winning streak was a 5-1 rout of Dallas, which fell six points behind the Blues in the division chase after dropping a 4-3 decision at Boston on Thursday.

Rating: 2 Units

The Hurricanes have won three straight meetings, including a pair this season, and the Canadiens sit nine points out of the second wild-card position in the East after falling to 2-5-2 in their last nine games with a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday. Montreal scored the first two goals in that contest and took a 2-1 lead into the third period before surrendering four goals in the final 8:54 to drop to 13-16-6 at home this season. The Hurricanes, who have won four of their last five on the road, rallied to tie the game in the third period Friday before suffering a 3-2 loss versus Colorado to remain two points out of playoff position in the Eastern Conference with three games in hand.

Rating: 2 Units

The Avalanche can set a franchise record with an eighth consecutive road victory and win their sixth straight overall Saturday after getting two goals from Tyson Jost and 45 saves from Pavel Francouz to edge Carolina 3-2 on Friday, matching their 7-0-0 run away from home in early 1999. The Avalanche won 9-4 on Nov. 7 in the first of four meetings in 2019-20 after taking the final matchup last season 5-0.

Rating: 2 Units

The surging Minnesota Wild have four wins in six games under interim coach Dean Evason and will travel to Columbus Friday to face a struggling Blue Jackets squad for the second time in four days. Tuesday’s contest in Minnesota ended in a 5-4 setback for the Blue Jackets, who are 1-4-5 in their last 10 games and still holding on to the Eastern Conference’s final wild card spot by two points over the Carolina and the New York Rangers.

Rating: 2 Unitas

Tyler Toffoli has made quite the impression on his new teammates by recording three goals and five points in his first three games since being acquired from Los Angeles last week. Toffoli looks to continue his strong surge on Thursday when the Vancouver Canucks visit the Ottawa Senators, who have lost four in a row (0-3-1). Toffoli scored 1:35 into overtime on Tuesday as Vancouver improved to 4-1-1 in its past six contests by opening a four-game trek with a 4-3 victory over Montreal. While the Canucks are bidding to snap a four-year playoff drought, the Senators are sprinting toward a third straight early tee time in the spring after dropping 21 of their last 26 games (5-13-8). Ottawa, which was an active seller at Monday's trade deadline, struggled with its chemistry the following day in a 3-2 setback at Nashville.

Rating: 2 Units

The New York Rangers have charged up the standings in their bid to advance to the postseason and their stellar play away from Madison Square Garden has been pivotal to their success. Winners of four in a row and eight of the last nine, the surging Rangers continue a three-game road trip with a visit to the Montreal Canadiens tonight. New York drew within four points of the second wild card in the Eastern Conference with a 4-3 overtime victory at the Islanders to run its road winning streak to a franchise-record eight games.  The Rangers have split a pair of meetings this season with the sputtering Canadiens, who fell nine points of the final playoff slot in the East after blowing a two-goal lead in a 4-3 overtime loss to visiting Vancouver on Tuesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Pittsburgh made a deal earlier in the month with Minnesota for forward Jason Zucker, who has five points in seven games, and brought in the 40-year-old Marleau (561 career goals) from San Jose while also reacquiring Conor Sheary and adding Evan Rodrigues from Buffalo. While the Penguins entered Tuesday two points behind Washington for first place in the Metropolitan Division, Los Angeles is looking to next season with the second-worst record in the league after falling 4-2 to Edmonton at home on Sunday. Captain Anze Kopitar leads the Kings with 56 points after collecting a goal and eight assists with a plus-5 rating in his last six contests

Rating: 2 Units

The Oilers are three points behind first-place Vegas in the Pacific Division with two games in hand but only three points clear of being in a wild-card spot in the spirited Western Conference playoff race. McDavid returned Sunday after missing six games with a quad injury and produced a goal and two assists in Edmonton's 4-2 victory at Los Angeles. The Oilers won the first of four meetings this season 6-2 on Nov. 10 behind a hat trick from McDavid.

Rating: 2 Units

The St. Louis Blues elected to stand pat at the NHL trade deadline, and perhaps for good reason after piecing together four straight strong defensive performances to strengthen their position atop the Western Conference. The Blues bid to record their fifth consecutive victory today when they open a three-game homestand against the Chicago Blackhawks. Central Division cellar-dwelling Chicago adopted a seller's mindset after dropping eight of its last 10 games (2-6-2) heading into the trade deadline. The Blackhawks sent defenseman Erik Gustafsson to Calgary for a third-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft on Monday and shuffled Robin Lehner to Vegas for fellow goaltender Malcolm Subban, defenseman Slava Demin and a 2020 second-round selection. Consider that St. Louis is 35-16 in their last 51 vs. a team with a losing record.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Bruins are leading the chase for the Presidents' Trophy for the league's best record and thus saw no need to make major changes to their lineup at Monday's trade deadline despite coming off their most lopsided defeat of the season. Winners of 11 of their last 13 games, the Bruins return home to host the Calgary Flames. Calgary has been alternating wins and losses over its last seven games and after a 4-2 win at Detroit last time out. Boston is 8-3 in its last 11 home games after allowing seven or more goals in a loss in its previous outing.

Rating: 2 Units

The Edmonton Oilers have done a good job of keeping their heads above water the past six games without superstar forward Connor McDavid as they’ve skated to a 3-2-1 mark. Edmonton is expected to have its captain back in the lineup today when it opens a three-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers are coming off a pair of disappointing home performances with a 2-1 overtime loss to Boston on Wednesday followed by a 5-3 setback to Minnesota on Friday, and will need a healthy McDavid if they hope to maintain their three-point cushion in the Western Conference playoff race. Consider that Los Angeles is 24-55 in their last 79 games as an underdog, 2-6 in their last eight home games, and 7-19 in their last 26 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

The surging Vegas Golden Knights try to increase their Pacific lead when they visit the struggling Anaheim Ducks today. Vegas leads Vancouver in the crowded division by two points after winning its fifth consecutive game, 5-3 over the Florida Panthers on Saturday as the offensive continues to click with 20 goals during the run. The Golden Knights are 9-3-2 since firing Gerald Gallant on Jan. 15 and handing the keys to Peter DeBoer. Anaheim lost 1-0 to Colorado on Friday night for its third straight setback and fourth in five games - two via shutout. Vegas has won nine of the 11 meetings since joining the NHL in 2017-18 after a 5-2 victory Dec. 31 behind a pair of goals by Jonathan Marchessault.

Rating: 2 Units

Following an extended hiccup that caused them to reliquish sole possession of first place in the Central Division, the St. Louis Blues are back on track and looking like the team that hoisted the Stanley Cup last season. The Blues take aim at their fourth consecutive victory when they close out a two-game road trip at the Minnesota Wild tonight. St. Louis turned a showdown for division supremacy into a laugher with a dominating 5-1 victory at Dallas on Friday, just missing out on a third straight shutout to notch its first regulation road win since Dec. 23.

Rating: 2 Units

Florida has lost its only two visits to Sin City. But they also lost 7-2 at home to the Golden Knights earlier this month. Vegas is on a four-game win streak right now, all of them coming here at T-Mobile Arena, and three wins were against top teams (St. Louis, TB, Washington). Florida just lost to the worst team in the Western Conference (Kings) and this will be their fourth straight game on the road in a six-day span. The team the Golden Knights just beat (Lightning) came here on an 11-game win streak.

Rating: 2 Units

The Tampa Bay Lightning saw several streaks come to an end last time out and look to avoid consecutive losses for the first time since mid-December when they visit the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday night. The Lightning won a franchise-record 11 games in a row and had not allowed more than three goals in 22 straight outings before suffering a 5-3 loss at Vegas on Thursday despite a pair of goals from captain Steven Stamkos. Tampa Bay, which also lost for the first time in seven road contests Thursday, blanked the Coyotes 4-0 at home Jan. 9 after splitting two meetings last season - including a 7-1 defeat at Arizona. The Coyotes are averaging two goals despite managing seven points over their past seven games (3-3-1), but were outshot 46-14 in a 1-0 loss at St. Louis on Thursday and entered Friday in a virtual tie for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Bruins have the best record in hockey but are still in a dogfight to win their own division despite winning four games in a row and 10 of their last 11. The Atlantic Division-leading Bruins have a chance to become the first team in the NHL to reach 90 points when they continue their four-game road trip at the Calgary Flames. Boston has surrendered more than two goals only once during its 10-1-0 run and has yielded one goal or less eight times in the last 10 as the tandem of Rask and Jaroslav Halak continue to shine in net. Consider that the Bruins are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings while the favorite is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Nashville Predators saw the momentum built from a lopsided victory and a home-and-home sweep of a bitter rival go by the boards following a setback in their last contest. The Predators look to get back on track today when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks, who have dropped seven of their last eight games (1-5-2).  The Blackhawks certainly didn't appear ready for the third period on Wednesday, surrendering five goals in the session in a 6-3 setback to the New York Rangers. The road team has won the first three games of the season series.

Rating: 2 Units

The Hurricanes have dropped all three meetings to New York this season but they improved to 4-1-1 over their past six games with a 4-1 win in Nashville on Tuesday night. The Rangers have won five of six overall and six straight on the road while dominating the series with Carolina, going 30-6-0 against the Hurricanes over the past nine years

Rating: 2 Units

The Jets have answered a season-high five-game skid to conclude January with a 6-2-1 record in February to move within one point of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Winnipeg begins a four-game road trip in Canada's capital, with the home team having responded to losing 16 of 18 contests (2-9-7) by winning three of their last four. However, consider that the Jets are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dallas Stars begin their longest homestand in over two months today when they open a three-game stretch against the Arizona Coyotes. Dallas recorded a pair of one-goal victories to begin its road trip before extending its point streak to five games (4-0-1) with a 4-3 overtime setback to Ottawa on Sunday. Consider that Arizona owns a 1-9-1 in its last 11 games overall versus the Stars and 0-9-3 in the last 12 contests in Dallas. while Stars G Ben Bishop sports a 7-1-2 record with two shutouts in 11 career meetings with the Coyotes.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lightning set all sorts of league records a season ago and come into today's game #1 in goals per game. During the 10-game win streak, they have scored at least three goals eight different times. They put five on the board Saturday vs. Philadelphia. Colorado is 4th in the league in goals per game and leads the Western Conference in that department. They've been held to just three goals total in their last two games, both of which were losses here at home. But the Avs average 3.7 goals per game here. The Over is 4-1-1 the L6 meetings between these teams.

Rating: 2 Units

Dallas spotted the Canadiens a 3-0 lead 6 1/2 minutes into the contest before roaring back and prevailing on Tyler Seguin's second goal to close within one point of first-place St. Louis in the Central Division. The Stars improved to 6-1-1 over their last eight games overall and are riding a six-game road point streak (5-0-1) heading into the final stop of their three-game trek. Dallas also is 5-0-1 in its last six against the Eastern Conference entering the matchup against the skidding Senators, who have lost seven of eight (1-5-2) after Saturday's 4-2 loss to visiting Toronto. It is the third of a a six-game homestand for Ottawa, which has dropped 17 of 20 (3-10-7) since returning from the Christmas break

Rating: 2 Units

Ducks are coming off a 6-0 shutout loss at home to Calgary. They are up against another hot goaltender today, as Jakob Markstrom is coming off a career high 49 saves in a 3-0 win over Chicago. The home team has won six of the last seven between these two teams, and the Ducks are 17-36 in their last 53 games as a road underdog. The Canucks are 14-3 in their last 17 home games.

Rating: 2 Units

Bruins have won eight of their last nine, avenging the only loss in that span with a 4-1 victory over Detroit -- the sixth time in the 8-1-0 stretch they have permitted one goal or less. New York capped off a perfect three-game road trip with a 3-1 victory at Columbus on Friday night to extend its winning streak to a season-high four games. Consider that the favorite is 12-5 in the last 17 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Calgary Flames appeared ready to take a step back in the air-tight Pacific after losing three straight at home and staring at a four-game road trip against all division opponents. However, the Flames won three of four behind a resurgent offense and hope to ride the potent attack against the Chicago Blackhawks in today's opener of a three-game home stand. After posting impressive 6-2 victories at Vancouver and San Jose, the Flames bogged down in a 5-3 loss at Western Conference-worst Los Angeles before bouncing back in a 6-0 drubbing at Anaheim. While Calgary is locked in a three-way tie for second in the Pacific and holds down the top wild card, Chicago has stumbled badly in losing five in a row, including three straight to start its current five-game road trip to fall six points out of the final playoff slot.

Rating: 2 Units

Alex Ovechkin recorded arguably the signature goal of his decorated NHL career after scoring while sliding on the ice against the then-Phoenix Coyotes during his rookie season. Ovechkin would love to enjoy another memorable moment at the Arizona Coyotes' expense today when the Washington Capitals pay a visit to Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Although Ovechkin was held in check for the third straight game to remain two goals shy of becoming the eighth member of the NHL's 700-goal club, Washington erased a two-goal deficit in a 3-2 victory at Colorado on Thursday. The Capitals recorded their league-best 21st road victory and fourth straight away from home. The Coyotes have cooled off considerably since resting atop the Pacific Division last month, falling for the 12th time in their last 15 contests (3-8-4) following a 3-2 setback to Ottawa on Thursday.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dallas Stars are in the hunt for a Central Division title after earning points in six of the last seven games (5-1-1) and look to keep it going when they visit the struggling Montreal Canadiens tonight. The Stars are one point behind Colorado for second and three back of division-leading St. Louis with 25 games to go after grinding out a 3-2 victory at Toronto on Thursday with another strong defensive effort. The Stars would take a similar performance Saturday to the one they produced Nov. 2 when receiving 35 saves from Ben Bishop (13-4-4, .937 save percentage career versus Montreal) and two goals from emerging forward Denis Gurianov in a 4-1 victory over the Canadiens in Dallas. Montreal had battled its way back into the playoff chase by winning nine of 12 games, but has dropped the last three contests after falling 4-1 at Pittsburgh on Friday night and sits seven points behind Toronto for third place in the Atlantic Division.

Rating: 2 Units

Pittsburgh is coming off its second loss in six days to Tampa Bay, the league's hottest team, but has earned points in 10 of its last 13 games (9-3-1).  The defeat dropped the Penguins to 12-2-2 in their last 16 at home, which included a 4-1 setback to Montreal on Dec. 10. The Canadiens had won three straight and nine of 12 before dropping back-to-back decisions to Arizona and Boston to fall eight points out of the second wild card entering play Thursday. Consider that the Penguins are 20-8 in their last 28 overall and 140-65 in their last 205 home games. while the Canadiens are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Flames are 6-2 in their last eight games as a road favorite and  11-4 in their last 15 road games overall while the Ducks have struggled with consistency in front of the home town crowd (12-10-3 at home on the season). Calgary will be playing on no rest following a 5-3 loss at Los Angeles last night while the Ducks have had three days off since closing out a five-game road trip, but note that the Ducks are 1-3 when playing with three or more days rest this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Despite registering only three victories over the past five weeks, the Arizona Coyotes are holding down the final wild card in the Western Conference and remain only three points out of first place in the Pacific Division. Arizona hopes to head home on a high note when they wrap up a four-game road trip at the skidding Ottawa Senators tonight. The Coyotes actually have played fairly well on the current trek against Atlantic Division teams, winning at Montreal before dropping a 3-2 overtime decision at Toronto on Tuesday. The Senators are mired in a six-game slide (0-4-2) and have scored only nine times in that span after absorbing their third straight three-goal defeat at Colorado on Tuesday. Arizona has won five straight in the series, including a 5-2 victory on Oct. 19

Rating: 2 Units

The Calgary Flames have made themselves at home on the road by collecting 25 of a possible 32 points (12-3-1) over their last 16 games away from Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames look to ride the momentum of consecutive 6-2 wins into today's clash against the Los Angeles Kings, who will look to avert a season-high six-game losing skid. Matthew Tkachuk cemented Calgary's victory over San Jose with a between-the-legs, highlight-reel goal on Monday, giving him seven (four goals, three assists) of his team high-tying 45 points in his last seven games. Offense has been in short supply for Los Angeles, which has been outscored 19-7 during its current five-game skid.

Rating: 2 Units

The Tampa Bay Lightning return to the place where their season ended abruptly last April as they go for a seventh consecutive victory tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Lightning matched the NHL record with 62 wins during the regular season in 2018-19, but injuries and sloppy play led to a four-game sweep at the hands of the Blue Jackets in the first round of the playoffs. Tampa Bay has worked on adjusting its free-wheeling style of play this season and, after a mediocre start, the Lightning have been rolling along with an 18-2-1 record in their last 21 games and own points in eight straight (7-0-1) after a 3-1 win over the New York Islanders on Saturday.

Rating: 2 Units

The Habs are still in the playoff hunt after winning five of their last six, but they are still six points back of the eighth place Flyers. They host the Arizona Coyotes tonight, and the Coyotes are in danger of falling out of the playoff hunt after losing seven of their last eight overall. Starting netminder Antti Raanta was scratched from Saturday's game in Boston with a lower body injury, and his backup Darcy Keumper is on injured reserve. Third string netminder Adin Hill has given up six goals while losing his last two starts. The Canadiens are in far better shape with Carey Price who has won eight of his last 10 starts. Price is 12-1 against the Coyotes in his career.

Rating: 2 Units

After winning five straight, including the first two of their recent road trip, Vancouver then stumbled and lost three straight to finish it. That included a 4-0 loss at Boston and a 4-2 setback at Minnesota. But now they return home to friendly confines to face a Calgary team which they most recently hammered 5-2 on December 29th. The Flames have lost seven of their last ten and three in a row. Calgary is just 3-7 in its last ten in trying to revenge a two goal or higher home loss to an opponent while on the road.