Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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05-25-22 | Blues v. Avalanche UNDER 6.5 | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 36 m | Show | |
The prideful Blues, who won the Stanley Cup three seasons ago, are on the verge of elimination down, 3-1, to the Avalanche. I don't see the Blues going down easily. Yes, the game is in Colorado. But the Avalanche have been far from dominant during their last three home games, losing to the Blues by three goals and winning the other two in overtime. The Avalanche have scored four goals in regulation during their last three home games. There's been a lot of bad blood in this series. So I see a lot of intensity and tight checking rather than a clean, fast skating up-tempo game. |
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05-23-22 | Panthers v. Lightning OVER 6 | 0-2 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 11 m | Show | |
There hasn't been more than six goals scored in any of the first three games of this Stanley Cup series. Each game has gone Under the posted 6 1/2 total. So now the oddsmaker has dropped the Over/Under to 6. At this number, I'm going to get involved with the Over. The Panthers led the NHL in scoring at 4.1 goals per game. But they've been totally held in check by Tampa Bay's defense and its star goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy. Down 3-0 in the series - and with nothing to lose at this impossible stage - I see the Panthers playing loose, taking chances and going all out to dent the Lightning's defense. This could lead to multiple Tampa Bay goals if the Panthers should be trailing during the final few minutes of the third period. The Lightning were the eighth-highest scoring team in the league averaging 3.5 goals. They are coming off a five-goal game. |
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05-22-22 | Hurricanes v. Rangers +105 | 1-3 | Win | 105 | 4 h 2 m | Show | |
I like getting the Rangers in this price range knowing they are in must-win mode and their defense and strong goaltending is back. New York has held the Hurricanes to three goals in regulation during the first two games of this series. The Hurricanes lost all three of their road games to the Bruins in their last series. Carolina was outscored by eight goals in these road defeats. The key for the Rangers is if their offense will come around. I think it will now that the Rangers are back home. New York scored 14 goals against the Penguins in three home games during their previous series. |
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05-21-22 | Avalanche v. Blues OVER 6.5 | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 24 h 4 m | Show |
Never mind that the Avalanche and Blues are each top-four scoring teams, averaging 3.8 goals per game. It doesn't matter that the Avalanche have fired 85 shots on goal during the first two games of this series, or that the Over is 22-10-1 in St. Louis' last 33 games. Who cares that the Over is 6-1-1 the past eight times these two teams have played in St. Louis. What matters is that the first two games of this series both went Under with the Avalanche winning, 3-2 in overtime, in Game 1 and the Blues upsetting Colorado, 4-1, in Game 2 this past Thursday. The important takeaway from those two games from a totals perspective is that the expected goals were much higher than what actually transpired. I'm expecting the floodgates to finally open here with each team getting at least three goals. The Avalanche were off their game in Game 2. They played too slow. Colorado is going to pick up the pace. The Avalanche wants a fast-paced game. They are going to force the action. The Blues remain without two veteran defensemen with Marco Scandella and Torey Krug both out. So there is some vulnerability. The Blues are dangerous with all of their lines. They had nine players score 20 or more goals during the regular season. The Blues have scored four or more goals in nine of their last 11 home games. |
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05-19-22 | Blues v. Avalanche OVER 6.5 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -117 | 13 h 37 m | Show |
Expect more than the five goals that were scored in Game 1 when the Avalanche nipped the Blues, 3-2, in overtime. These teams tied for the third-most goals during the regular season, each averaging 3.8 goals per game. Colorado peppered Blues goalie Jordan Binnington with 54 shots with three hitting the post and two the crossbar. I'm not counting on the inconsistent Binnington playing that well and being that lucky again. St. Louis is likely to still be missing defensemen Marco Scandella and Torey Krug. The Avalanche did their scoring damage with their supporting cast. Their superstars are due to step up now. The offensive-minded Blues have excellent scoring depth, too. The Over is 13-3-1 in their last 17 road games. Prior to Game 1, the teams had gone Over during their past six meetings. |
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05-18-22 | Oilers v. Flames -149 | 6-9 | Win | 100 | 12 h 34 m | Show | |
This is a much anticipated series. Calgary is the better team and I see the Flames getting this Game 1 victory at home. I thought the price would be higher on the Flames so I'm getting involved. Calgary beat Edmonton the past two times they met - back in March - by a combined six goals. The Flames finished with the best shot attempt percentage in the NHL. Calgary had to deal with a hot Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger in its last series. The Oilers don't have that type of stellar goaltending. Edmonton superstar Leon Draisaitl is dealing with an ankle injury. So he's unlikely to be 100 percent.
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05-17-22 | Blues +196 v. Avalanche | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 45 m | Show | |
Colorado has shown some vulnerability during the second round of the playoffs the last few seasons. It wouldn't surprise me if the Blues stole this first game of this series. So at this price, I'm throwing down on St. Louis. The Avalanche could be dealing with serious rust having last played on May 9. The Blues have won nine of their last 11 road games. Colorado only outscored St. Louis by one goal during three regular season meetings. |
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05-17-22 | Lightning v. Panthers -153 | 4-1 | Loss | -153 | 10 h 0 m | Show | |
Look for the Panthers to get this opening game, a game they've been pointing to ever since the Lightning eliminated them in the playoffs last season. Florida is much improved from a year ago setting a franchise record with 122 points, most in the league. The Lightning still could be sucking wind after a hard-fought seven game series against the Maple Leafs that concluded Saturday night. Tampa Bay is 1-4 the past five times when playing on two days rest. The Lightning also may be minus forward Brayden Point, who is doubtful after suffering a lower-body injury in Saturday's victory against Toronto. The Panthers, the highest-scoring team in the NHL, are 48-11 in their last 59 home games. |
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05-14-22 | Kings +1.5 v. Oilers | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -130 | 22 h 19 m | Show |
I'm taking 1 1/2 goals on the puck line in the belief the Oilers will wilt at home under the pressure of a Game 7. Even if they win, it will be by the narrowest of margins. Edmonton hasn't won a playoff series in five years. The Kings were an outstanding 23-11-7 on the road during the season. They are 2-1 on the road against the Oilers during this first-round series. LA still has some veterans remaining from its Stanley Cup winning teams of 2012 and 2014. So the Kings know how to win important games. |
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05-13-22 | Rangers v. Penguins UNDER 6.5 | 5-3 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 2 m | Show | |
I don't trust the Rangers, nor their Kid Line of Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, to produce many goals on the road in this Game 6 matchup. The Penguins may be without Sidney Crosby, their superstar and leading points producer in this series. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, a strong favorite to win the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goalie, finally settled down in the last game after playing poorly in Games 3 and 4. Because of these factors, I'm seeing a lower-scoring game than what this total indicates now that it has reached 6 1/2.
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05-12-22 | Maple Leafs v. Lightning -130 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 58 m | Show | |
The Maple Leafs haven't won a first-round playoff series in 18 years. I don't see them ending that streak with an upset road victory against the Lightning today. Tampa Bay has won 70 percent of its last 113 home contests. Even more impressive is the Lightning are 17-0 in the playoffs following a loss. Toronto is up 3-2 in the series. The Lightning followed each of their losses in this series with multiple goal victories. The highly-experienced two-time defending Stanley Cup champions have earned my respect and trust especially at home where they have the final say on line changes. |
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05-10-22 | Blues v. Wild -144 | 5-2 | Loss | -144 | 10 h 44 m | Show | |
I trust the Wild to beat the Blues at home just like they in Game 2 of this series. That was the last time the Wild hosted the Blues and they won by four goals. Minnesota is 15-3 in its last 18 home games. St. Louis could be down possibly three defensemen with Nick Leddy, Marco Scandelia and Robert Bortuzzo all dealing with injuries.
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05-08-22 | Maple Leafs v. Lightning -113 | Top | 3-7 | Win | 100 | 20 h 45 m | Show |
During the past three postseasons, Tampa Bay has gone 16-0 following a playoff loss. That resiliency has been instrumental in the Lighting winning the Stanley Cup the past two years. I see that streak continuing with the Lightning hosting the Maple Leafs Sunday. Toronto opened the series with a 5-0 victory. The Lightning were flat that game. They came back to even the series with a 5-3 win on Wednesday, but then lost at home, 5-2, in Game 3 this past Friday. Tampa Bay couldn't overcome a 3-0 deficit. The Lightning did outplay the Maple Leafs for much of the last two periods, especially the third period, but the damage had been done. Tampa Bay's core, which has been together for around a decade and used to playoff highs and lows, should rebound like they always have. Toronto goalie Jack Campbell has been playing above his talent level. I can see a drop-off in his play with this game in Tampa. Having home ice also gives the Lightning the last line change. This is especially crucial for Tampa coach Jon Cooper in matching up against the Maple Leafs' upper tier line featuring superstar Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. |
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05-07-22 | Avalanche v. Predators +1.5 | 7-3 | Loss | -125 | 11 h 20 m | Show | |
If the Predators are going to win a playoff game against the Avalanche this is their chance returning home down 2-0 in the series. This isn't a play against Colorado. It's taking a value price on the Predators, who will be primed and pumped to play their finest game. Colorado has lost its last four road contests. The Avalanche also have lost in 18 of their last 26 road games to the Predators. Nashville nearly upset Colorado in Game 2 losing, 2-1, in overtime. Goalie Connor Ingram has looked good in the series in relief of injured starter Juuse Saros. So that's a big question that has been answered for the Predators.
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05-06-22 | Oilers v. Kings UNDER 6.5 | 8-2 | Loss | -116 | 13 h 1 m | Show | |
After the Kings upset the Oilers in the series opener, 4-3, the Oilers came back with a vengeance destroying LA, 6-0, two days ago. Now the scene shifts to LA. The Kings were manhandled in that Game 2 loss. They won't be at home. I'm looking for a physical, Stanley Cup type of intense, defensive game. The change in venue also is a factor. The Under has cashed in five of the Oilers' past six road games. The Under is 4-0-1 in the Kings' last five home contests. |
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05-03-22 | Penguins v. Rangers -135 | 4-3 | Loss | -135 | 6 h 14 m | Show | |
I have lots of reasons to like the Rangers at this price. Here are three of them: 1. home ice. 2. greatness of goalie Igor Shesterkin. 3. current form. The Rangers are going to be super pumped for their first home Stanley Cup game in nearly five years. The Rangers are 8-4 in their last 12 games. The Penguins are 7-11 in their past 18 games while giving up the most shots on goal during the last 10 games. This doesn't bode well for Penguins backup goalie Casey DeSmith. He'll be making his first playoff appearance with starting goalie Tristan Jarry out with a foot injury. The biggest key, though, is Shesterkin. He's been a monster this season especially at home where he compiled a 1.85 goals against average and 94 percent save percentage. Shesterkin made four starts against Pittsburgh this season and held the Penguins to four goals in four games.
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05-02-22 | Lightning +114 v. Maple Leafs | 0-5 | Loss | -100 | 22 h 37 m | Show | |
Do you trust the Maple Leafs now that it's Stanley Cup time? I sure don't. The last time Toronto won a first-round series was 2004. They were upset in the first round by the Canadiens last season, blowing a 3-1 series lead. The teams just met on April 21. Tampa Bay blasted Toronto, 8-1, at home. The Maple Leafs were without Auston Matthews and No. 1 goalie Jack Campbell. Still, this was a 7-goal win for the Lightning. Tampa Bay has defeated the Maple Leafs seven of the last 10 times in Toronto. The Lightning hold a monster edge in net with Andrei Vasilevskiv against Campbell. |
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05-01-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Jets -180 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 16 h 45 m | Show | |
The Jets are on a three-game win streak. They draw what should be a tired Seattle team at home in what is the final regular-season game of the season. The rest of the teams finished their regular season on Friday. This is a makeup game from an April 13 game that was postponed because of a snowstorm. Seattle concluded its home season with an emotional 3-0 victory against the Sharks this past Friday. That snapped a four-game losing streak. I doubt the Kraken will have much left to prove in this meaningless matchup. Seattle has lost 20 of its last 27 road games. Winnipeg is home and rested after beating visiting Calgary two days ago. Seattle has to make the long 1,154-mile trip with really no incentive. The Kraken aren't capable of pulling a big road upset unless they produce an ''A'' game and I certainly don't see that here.
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05-01-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Jets UNDER 6.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -110 | 16 h 44 m | Show | |
The Jets are finishing the season playing great defense giving only two goals in their last three games. The Under has cashed in each of Winnipeg's last five games. Seattle ranks 30th in scoring. The Kraken are defensive-minded. This is the final game of the regular season, a make-up from an April 13 game that was postponed due to a snowstorm. So I doubt either team is too psyched up for this meaningless matchup. I believe the attitude will be let's just get this finished, not get anyone hurt and go on summer vacation. |
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04-29-22 | Bruins v. Maple Leafs UNDER 6.5 | 2-5 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 45 m | Show | |
The Bruins are the No. 4 defensive team in the NHL. The Under is 8-1-2 in the Bruins' last 11 games. The Bruins catch a break here because the Maple Leafs will be resting 60-goal scorer Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner. John Tavares could sit out, too. The Maple Leafs are doing this because they really have nothing at stake in this game. Look for both teams to play a bland, conservative game. That's because neither team wants to show anything since they might be meeting very soon again in the first round of the playoffs.
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04-28-22 | Devils +290 v. Hurricanes | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 38 m | Show |
The major part of this handicap is a letdown factor from Carolina. The Hurricanes have been playing extremely well winning five in a row. The latest victory, 4-3 against the Rangers two days ago, clinched the Metropolitan Division for the Hurricanes. So that sense of urgency is gone now for the Hurricanes. They accomplished what they wanted to do. Now, playing for the fourth time in six days, I don't see the Hurricanes too motivated for this matchup against the lowly Devils. New Jersey is capable of pulling off a huge upset on the road. The Devils have done that twice during the last 3 1/2 weeks beating the Golden Knights and Stars at better than plus $2.00 in each game. The Devils nearly upset the Hurricanes when they hosted them five days ago, losing 3-2 in overtime. The Hurricanes forced the overtime by scoring with less than two minutes left. |
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04-25-22 | Flyers v. Blackhawks OVER 6.5 | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 19 h 16 m | Show | |
Too bad defensive teams go at it here with neither holding playoff aspirations. So it's not difficult envisioning each team producing at least three goals. Current form and numbers certainly support that. The Flyers are averaging 5 goals in their last two games. The Blackhawks are giving up an average of 4.3 goals in their last eight games. This is Chicago's first game back from a three-game West Coast trip that concluded Saturday night. The Over has cashed in each of the Blackhawks' last four home games. The Flyers rank 27th defensively allowing 3.6 goals per game. They have permitted 3 or more goals in 13 of their last 15 games.
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04-22-22 | Capitals -1.5 v. Coyotes | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show | |
Unless they're playing the Blackhawks, the Coyotes aren't even competitive. They are 2-14 in their last 16 games. One of those victories was against the Blackhawks. The other win came against the Sharks. Arizona just lost by one goal to Chicago in its last game this past Wednesday. The Coyotes lost all the other games during this span by multiple goals. Arizona has lost eight in a row with six of those defeats occurring by four or more goals. The Coyotes have been outscored by 34 goals during their last eight games. The Capitals should be in a kill mood after a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Golden Knights two days ago. The Capitals are one of the best road teams in the league. They are 7-2 in their last nine away contests. Washington is fighting for playoff seeding so this game has meaning.
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04-21-22 | Blues v. Sharks OVER 6 | 3-1 | Loss | -115 | 21 h 30 m | Show | |
The Over has cashed in each of the Blues' last nine road games. I see that trend continuing here with at least seven goals being scored. St. Louis has been on fire offensively during the last 13 games averaging 4.9 goals. The Sharks have a below average defense. San Jose has allowed four or more goals in seven of its last 11 games. St. Louis has permitted 11 goals during its last three games. The Sharks have looked better offensively during this last week.
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04-20-22 | Blackhawks v. Coyotes OVER 6.5 | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 20 h 42 m | Show | |
Two losing teams who lack defense playing a meaningless late season game. That's a nice recipe for an Over especially when those teams are the Blackhawks and Coyotes. Chicago has gone Over in its last five games. The Blackhawks have permitted 4.8 goals during this span. Arizona has been even worse giving up an average of 6.1 goals during its last seven games. The Blackhawks have enough scoring talent and offensive-minded defensemen who can take advantage. The youth-minded Coyotes should be excited to play the Blackhawks knowing this a winnable game for them and they can open their attack instead of trying to keep from being embarrassed. |
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04-19-22 | Bruins v. Blues OVER 6 | 3-2 | Loss | -115 | 17 h 4 m | Show | |
There hasn't been a hotter scoring team than the Blues during the last 29 years in the NHL. St. Louis has scored at least four goals in each of its last 12 games. That's the longest NHL stretch since the 1992-93 season. The Blues are averaging 5.1 goals during their past dozen games. The Bruins are a strong defensive team. But the Blues can't be ignored especially playing at home and with Boston minus injured defenseman Hampus Lindholm and starting goalie Linus Ullmark. Boston has given up eight goals in its last two games. The Bruins fire off the second-most shots in the NHL. The Over has cashed nine of the last 12 times the teams have played in St. Louis. |
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04-19-22 | Wild v. Canadiens +1.5 | 2-0 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 20 m | Show | |
The Wild are in danger of suffering a letdown after clinching a playoff spot this past Sunday during their last game. All of Minnesota's last three games have been decided by one goal. The Wild would be 0-4 in their last four road games if laying 1 1/2 goals. Montreal shouldn't lack motivation and effort after an embarrassing, 8-4, home loss to the Capitals in their last game this past Saturday. The Canadiens have not been playing well, but they are capable of getting up for big games. They upset the Lightning as larger underdogs than this earlier this month. |
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04-18-22 | Hurricanes -1.5 v. Coyotes | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 25 h 59 m | Show |
Arizona has become an auto-fade on the puck line. The combination of injuries, inexperience and just wanting to get their season finished have rendered the Coyotes noncompetitive. The Coyotes are 2-13 in their last 15 games with their only victories during this time frame coming against non-playoff teams the Blackhawks and Sharks. Arizona has lost six in a row. All of these defeats have been by at least four goals! In fact, 12 of the Coyotes' last 13 losses have occurred by multiple goals. The Hurricanes can't afford to sleep against the Coyotes being in a tight race with the Rangers for the Metropolitan Division title. Carolina has beaten the Coyotes during seven of their last nine visits. |
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04-17-22 | Blues v. Predators OVER 6 | Top | 8-3 | Win | 100 | 21 h 41 m | Show |
The Blues have scored four or more goals in each of their last 11 games setting a franchise record. St. Louis is averaging 4.9 goals during this 11-game span. The Blues may not draw Nashville's starting goalie either with Juuse Saros working Saturday. The Predators are likely to be missing defensemen Jeremy Lauzon, too. He was injured in the Predators' 4-3 victory against the Blackhawks on Saturday. The Over is 7-0-1 during the Blues' past eight road contests.
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04-13-22 | Kings v. Avalanche -1.5 | Top | 3-9 | Win | 105 | 20 h 27 m | Show |
This is a kill spot for the Avalanche. Colorado is tied with Florida for the most points in the NHL at 110. The Avalanche have won six in a row. They've been idle since Saturday. The Kings halted a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory against the hapless Blackhawks Tuesday night. The Kings' reward? They go into high altitude to face the rested and ready Avalanche. Not only are the Kings playing without rest, but it's their third game in four days and they have a cluster injury problem on defense. One of the defensemen out for LA is Drew Doughty. The Avalanche has dominated the Kings winning the past eight times against them. |
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04-11-22 | Jets v. Canadiens +125 | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 19 h 41 m | Show | |
The Jets don't deserve to be a road favorite against the Canadiens. Winnipeg escaped lowly Ottawa winning, 4-3, on Sunday. Prior to that, the Jets had lost four in a row. The Canadiens are 4-8 in their last 12 games. However, Montreal has been extremely competitive against upper level competition. The Canadiens lost in overtime to the Bruins and Stars. They also fell by one goal to the Maple Leafs and Panthers during this span. Montreal has won five of the past six meetings against the Jets and is the more rested team. Winnipeg is playing for the third time in four days and fourth time in six days. The Jets had a tough one-goal home loss to the Avalanche in overtime this past Friday and then had another tough game against the Senators on Sunday. The Jets also will be without Mark Scheifele, who is second on the team in goals and points. He suffered an upper body injury against the Senators. |
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04-10-22 | Stars v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5 | 6-4 | Win | 100 | 17 h 16 m | Show | |
The Stars should be up for this contest after an embarrassing 3-1 home loss to the Devils on Saturday. Dallas had scored 3 or more goals in eight of its last 10 games prior to that game. The Blackhawks rank 26th defensively. They've surrendered at least 3 goals in eight of their last 10 games.
The Over is 11-5-1 in Chicago's last 17 games. The Over has cashed seven of the past eight times in this series. |
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04-10-22 | Stars -150 v. Blackhawks | 6-4 | Win | 100 | 17 h 16 m | Show | |
I'm expecting the Stars to produce a big effort after playing terrible in a 3-1 home loss to the Devils on Saturday. Dallas coach Rick Bowness ripped his team following that loss saying not one player had a good game. The Stars were 7-3 in their previous 10 games. They are 9-2 the last 11 times they've been a road favorite. The rebuilding Blackhawks have dropped their last six games. Chicago has managed just four goals in its last four games.
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04-07-22 | Oilers v. Kings UNDER 6.5 | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 48 m | Show | |
This is a big game with the Kings trying to take second place from the Oilers in the Pacific Division. So I'm expecting a more conservative, tight-checking game than perceived. Both teams have been getting good goalie play. This is the Oilers' third West Coast game. They've given up just one goal in each of the first two games on their trip against the Ducks and Sharks. LA has been in excellent defensive form, too. The Kings have surrendered seven goals in their last three games. That's going against high-powered attacks facing the Flames twice and Jets once.
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04-05-22 | Oilers v. Sharks OVER 6.5 | 2-1 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
No way are the Sharks slowing down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. These two superstars are hot and so are the Oilers, who have scored 4 or more goals in 11 of their last 13 games and 5 or more goals in eight of their past 11 games. Former Sharks star Evander Kane is now on the Oilers and he'll be highly motivated to score, too. San Jose has permitted 14 goals in its last three games. The Sharks are playing the string out, but they have scored 4 goals in each of their last three home games. The Over has cashed six of the last seven times the Sharks have hosted the Oilers. |
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04-04-22 | Coyotes v. Blues -1.5 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 22 m | Show | |
Arizona is out of playoff contention. Yet the Coyotes still could be fat and happy having upset the Blackhawks, 3-2, in overtime on the road Sunday. The Coyotes are without their top goal scorer and points leader, injured Clayton Keller. Arizona is 2-7 in its last nine games. The Blues are an overtime loss to the Oilers away from being 4-0 in their last four games. |
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03-30-22 | Golden Knights v. Seattle Kraken OVER 6 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -101 | 23 h 58 m | Show |
I fully expect each of these teams to register at least three goals. Las Vegas has scored 5 or more goals in four of its last six games, including producing 11 goals the past two games. Seattle ranks 27th defensively and 29th in penalty kill. The Over has covered 20 of the last 28 times the Golden Knights have played a sub .500 opponent. Seattle has picked up its offense. The Kraken have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last eight games. Seattle has scored at least four goals in five of those games. The Kraken are likely to face Las Vegas third-string rookie goalie Logan Thompson. The Over has cashed eight of the last 11 times Seattle has been a home 'dog. |
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03-29-22 | Senators v. Predators OVER 6 | 1-4 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 48 m | Show | |
The Over has cashed 20 of the last 28 times the Predators have been favored. Nashville is a large favorite today hosting Ottawa. The Predators have scored 4 or more goals in eight of their last 10 games. The only two times they didn't reach four goals was a couple of West Coast games. The Senators have picked up their scoring lately. They've produced at least three goals in seven of their last 10 games.
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03-29-22 | Flyers v. Wild OVER 6.5 | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
The Wild have scored 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 13 games, including each of their last six games. They are home here against a Philadelphia defense that ranks 25th and 29th in shots on goal. The Flyers have surrendered at least five goals in three of their last four games. The key is can the Flyers' offense contribute to this total going Over? I believe they can averaging 3.75 goals during their last four games. The Over is 7-2 the past nine times the Flyers have played on one day's rest.
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03-29-22 | Canadiens v. Panthers OVER 6.5 | 4-7 | Win | 100 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
The Panthers return home ready to put on a show leading the NHL in goals and goals at home. Only three times in their last 24 games have the Panthers failed to produce at least three goals. The Canadiens have come on. They've scored 3 or more goals in 16 of their last 19 games. This has been an Over series with the high side cashing five of the last seven times, including just five days ago when the teams last met with seven goals being produced.
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03-28-22 | Sabres v. Blackhawks OVER 6 | 6-5 | Win | 100 | 11 h 32 m | Show | |
Buffalo has picked up its scoring lately producing either 3 or 4 goals in each of its last four games. The Sabres face a Blackhawks squad devoid of dependable goaltending now that Marc Andre-Fleury is gone. Chicago has allowed at least 3 goals in 13 of its past 15 games. The Blackhawks, though, have scored 4 goals in each of their last four games. The Over is 9-2-1 in Chicago's last 12 games.
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03-27-22 | Coyotes v. Jets OVER 6 | 1-2 | Loss | -118 | 7 h 60 m | Show | |
Arizona has given up 3 or more goals in each of its last eight games. The Coyotes have permitted 4 goals in each of their last four games. I don't see their defense getting turned around on the road against the Jets. Winnipeg has produced 4 or more goals in five of its last seven games. Discounting a 4-0 shutout of Las Vegas, the Jets have given up an average of four goals during their last four games. They have surrendered at least 3 goals in 19 of their last 21 games. So the Coyotes should be in line, too, to help this total get Over. |
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03-23-22 | Blackhawks v. Ducks OVER 6 | 4-2 | Push | 0 | 11 h 48 m | Show | |
These two teams just met two weeks ago in Chicago. There were 11 goals scored in the Blackhawks' 8-3 victory. This should be another loosely played game with both teams in full rebuild mode. The Blackhawks have permitted 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 12 games. They rank 25th defensively. Anaheim has scored three goals a game in three of its last four games. The Ducks, devoid of healthy defensemen, have surrendered an average of 4.1 goals in their last seven games. |
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03-18-22 | Avalanche v. Sharks UNDER 6.5 | 5-3 | Loss | -117 | 10 h 33 m | Show | |
The Avalanche has been getting outstanding goaltending in giving up just two goals in their last three games. The Sharks are 28th in scoring and 30th in shooting percentage and expected goals per game during the last 25 games. Colorado remains without its leading goal scorer, injured Gabriel Landeskog. That's a factor why the Avalanche is averaging just 2.2 goals during their last four games. The Sharks have the second-best penalty kill unit in the league. The Sharks haven't given up more than 3 goals during any of their last five games. |
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03-13-22 | Lightning v. Canucks OVER 6 | 2-1 | Loss | -120 | 6 h 3 m | Show | |
Tampa Bay's defense has sprung leaks on its current road trip. The Lightning are giving up an average of 4.5 goals during their last four games, all of which have come on the road. The Canucks have the offense now to take advantage. They've scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 13 games. The Over has cashed in each of Vancouver's last 10 games. The Lightning rank seventh in scoring. So I can easily envision each team producing at least three goals.
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03-12-22 | Lightning -135 v. Oilers | 1-4 | Loss | -135 | 22 h 51 m | Show | |
You have to go back to late December/early January to find the last time the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning lost three in a row. I fully expect the Lightning to take care of business and right their ship against the Oilers. Edmonton is 3-6 in its last nine games. The Oilers are lucky to not be 2-7 after giving up a tying goal to the Capitals in their last game this past Wednesday with less than one second left. Edmonton managed to prevail in overtime. The Lightning rank seventh in scoring. The Oilers are a below average defensive team with mediocre goalies. Tampa Bay has won the past five meetings in the series. |
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03-03-22 | Oilers v. Blackhawks OVER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 20 h 12 m | Show |
The Oilers should be good for at least three goals - if not many more. Paced by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers rank ninth in scoring at 3.3 goals a game. McDavid and Draisaitl are the two top point producers in the NHL. The Blackhawks give up 3.4 goals per game, which ranks 24th. Chicago also is 29th in penalty kill. Edmonton ranks third in power play goal percentage. Edmonton has scored 3 or more goals in nine of its last 10 games. Here the Oilers get to face a well-below average defense. The Blackhawks should be up for this game. They've been idle for three full days. That should ensure a lot of energy and fresh legs. Just two games ago, the Blackhawks scored eight goals at home against the Devils. |
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02-23-22 | Kings v. Coyotes OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -125 | 6 h 20 m | Show | |
The teams just met this past Saturday and there were eight goals scored in the Kings' 5-3 road victory. Given that matchup in which the Kings produced 39 shots on goal and both team's current scoring form, I find this total short. The Kings have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last seven games. They've produced nine goals in their last two games. The Over has cashed in each of LA's last six games. The Coyotes are 30th defensively. They are the second-most penalized team in the league and also have the second-worst penalty kill. Arizona, though, has been scoring goals averaging 3.5 goals in its last four games.
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02-22-22 | Sharks v. Ducks -145 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 9 m | Show | |
Considering the lopsided money lines in hockey this season, this seems like a reasonable lay price to fade San Jose. The Sharks have lost six in a row. They have goalie problems with Adin Hill dealing with a lower body injury and James Reimer not playing well. The key question here is can Anaheim be trusted? I have some confidence in the Ducks following their last game, a 7-4 road win against the Canucks this past Saturday. The Ducks have had ample time to rest and game plan for this home game, their first in 11 days. The Ducks are 14-5 the past 19 times against sub .500 opponents. They went 3-0 versus the Sharks last season with all three of those games being in San Jose. |
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02-11-22 | Islanders v. Oilers -136 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 23 h 36 m | Show |
After racing off to a 16-5 start, Edmonton is just 7-13-3 in its last 23 games. The bottom fell out for the Oilers in their last game, a 4-1 home loss to the Blackhawks this past Wednesday. The Oilers were minus $1.78 in that game. That loss was so bad the Oilers fired coach Dave Tippett following the game. This will be Edmonton's first game under new coach Jay Woodcroft. You have to believe the Oilers are going to be super fired-up. It's also must-win time for the Oilers trailing the Flames by five points for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. So the timing is right for the Oilers to beat the Islanders. The Islanders have endured a rough season themselves. They played for the first time in a week and beat the Canucks, 6-3, this past Wednesday. The Islanders were shut out by Seattle, 3-0, at home in their previous game. The Islanders are 1-7 the past eight times as a road 'dog. They also are 6-13 the last 19 times following a victory. Edmonton has dominated the Islanders at home winning eight of the last nine times, although the last time the Oilers hosted the Islanders was nearly three years ago. |
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01-03-22 | Oilers +115 v. Rangers | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 21 h 29 m | Show |
The Oilers are in stop-the-pain mode with three consecutive losses, the last two coming in overtime. The Rangers, on the other hand, are fat and happy having just defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning, 4-0, on Sunday for the second time in three days. The Oilers have scored five goals in three of their last five games. They can be explosive with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Rangers aren't likely to have their best player, forward Artemi Panarin. He was placed in COVID-19 protocols on Sunday. Edmonton is 5-0 the past five times facing the Rangers. |
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11-27-21 | Oilers v. Golden Knights OVER 6 | 3-2 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 56 m | Show | |
It's easy envisioning each team scoring at least three goals. The oddsmaker opened this one short at 6 instead of 6 1/2. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are having monster seasons combining for 34 goals and 76 points in just 19 games. Now they are on the same line together. Scary. The Golden Knights rank 12th in scoring, but their defense has slipped to 21st. Las Vegas relies on depth rather than individual great scorers. The Golden Knights' depth has gotten even better with the return of Max Pacioretty and William Carrier. |
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11-24-21 | Maple Leafs -155 v. Kings | Top | 6-2 | Win | 100 | 21 h 42 m | Show |
Toronto is 11-2 in its last 13 games. The Maple Leafs have accomplished this with defense and strong goaltending. Toronto has permitted just eight goals in its last seven games. The Kings have scored two or fewer goals in four of their last five games. LA has dropped four in a row, including a 2-1 overtime loss to the lowly Coyotes in its last game this past Sunday. The Kings are 2-9 the past 11 times they've been a home 'dog. But don't expect the Maple Leafs to take the Kings lightly, or not be motivated. Toronto is in full revenge mode for a 5-1 loss suffered at home to the Kings a little more than two weeks ago. Former Kings goalie Jack Campbell is likely to be in net for Toronto. He has three shutouts this month. Superstar Auston Matthews is due for a breakout game having been held without a goal the past three games despite coming close to scoring. |
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11-24-21 | Jets v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5 | 0-3 | Loss | -106 | 17 h 49 m | Show | |
The Blue Jackets have produced 3 or more goals in all but one of their last nine games. They rank sixth in the NHL in goals per game. The Jets' scoring is due to go up. I see that happening here. The Blue Jackets' 23rd-ranked defense is in bad form giving up 3.8 goals in their last six games. The Over has cashed the past four times in this series. |
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11-24-21 | Bruins v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | 5-1 | Win | 102 | 17 h 47 m | Show | |
The Sabres have been in attack mode their last two games. The result is Buffalo has scored eight goals. However, the Sabres have allowed 12 goals. The Bruins can take advantage especially with their elite line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. They've helped the Bruins produce 3 or more goals in seven of their last nine games. The Bruins have scored five goals in three of their last four games. The Sabres have tallied at least 3 goals in six of their past eight games. Boston's net play has been disappointing. I see a continuation of this type of scoring so 5 1/2 goals is a short number.
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11-20-21 | Blues +103 v. Stars | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 57 m | Show | |
After four straight one-goal losses, the Blues ended their losing streak with a solid, 4-1, victory against the Sharks two days ago. I see St. Louis following through with another win. The Stars are off a confidence-draining 7-2 road loss to the Wild this past Thursday. Dallas is 3-9 the past 12 times when playing on one day's rest. The Blues have defeated the Stars in six of the last eight meetings. |
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11-20-21 | Predators -120 v. Canadiens | 3-6 | Loss | -120 | 4 h 57 m | Show | |
Until the Canadiens right their ship, they are a fade. Montreal has lost seven of its last eight games, including the past four. Proud Canadien fans have turned on their team for their awful performances. Nashville has ample rest and prep time having last played on Tuesday. The Predators have a hot goalie, too, as Juuse Saros has given up just eight goals in his last 14 games. Nashville is 6-1-1 in those games. Saros is 2-0 lifetime versus Montreal holding the Canadiens to three goals in those two games. |
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11-18-21 | Jets v. Oilers OVER 6 | 1-2 | Loss | -123 | 4 h 12 m | Show | |
The teams met just two days ago and there were 7 goals scored in the Jets' 5-2 win. The Oilers have short revenge. They also are the No. 1 goal scoring team in the NHL averaging 4.1 goals. The Over has cashed 12 of the last 14 times when the Oilers have played after having one day rest. The Jets rank in the top 10 in scoring and power play goals. They have scored at least 3 goals in 11 of their last 14 games. |
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11-17-21 | Avalanche v. Canucks +140 | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 58 m | Show | |
Colorado is 2-6 in its last eight road games and has key injuries. Out for the Avalanche are star Nathan MacKinnon and J.T. Compher. Bo Byram still may be out, too, being in concussion protocol. Vancouver has rapid revenge for a 7-1 road loss to Colorado six days ago. The Canucks have lost four in a row. If they keep losing it could cost them their head coach and general manager. Both are under fire. Vancouver usually plays Colorado tough at home winning 14 of the last 19 times it has hosted the Avalanche.
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11-17-21 | Avalanche v. Canucks UNDER 6 | 4-2 | Push | 0 | 5 h 57 m | Show | |
The Avalanche are down two of their main goal scorers with Nathan MacKinnon and J.T. Compher sidelined. Colorado has given up an average of 2.3 goals in its last three games. The Avalanche have an above average penalty kill unit. The Canucks' defense has been much better at home. Vancouver has permitted 2.4 goals a game during its seven home contests.
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11-16-21 | Predators v. Maple Leafs UNDER 5.5 | 0-3 | Win | 100 | 2 h 12 m | Show | |
The Predators rank seventh defensively in the NHL. I'm expecting a tight-checking, conservative style of play from the Predators since this is their fourth game in seven days - all at different rinks. Toronto has been very overrated offensively ranking 25th in goals scored. However, the Maple Leafs give up the eighth-fewest goals. Toronto has surrendered two or fewer goals in five of its last seven games.
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11-16-21 | Sabres v. Penguins OVER 6 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 1 h 27 m | Show | |
Short-handed because of COVID, the Penguins have yielded six goals in each of their last two games. But their offense should come around with Sidney Crosby back on the ice. The Sabres have permitted 3 or more goals in seven of their last nine games. The Over has cashed in five of Buffalo's last six games. The teams have a history of going Over when playing in Pittsburgh as the high side is 8-3-1 during the past 12 times.
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11-09-21 | Seattle Kraken v. Golden Knights -110 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 50 m | Show | |
The Golden Knights have multiple injuries, but the price range is low enough to back them. Las Vegas edged the Kracken, 4-3, on Oct. 12. The Golden Knights were in the minus $2.40 range for that game. Las Vegas is 41-18 as a home favorite. Seattle has lost its past five road games. The Kracken just lost on the road to Arizona. That was the Coyotes' first win in 12 games.
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11-09-21 | Blues v. Jets OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -115 | 4 h 46 m | Show | |
Both teams go three lines deep as far as respectable scoring lines. The Blues are the third-highest scoring team in the NHL at 4.0 goals per game. The Jets rank eighth in scoring at 3.3 goals per game. I don't see it asking too much for each team to score at least three goals.
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11-06-21 | Red Wings v. Sabres UNDER 5.5 | 4-3 | Loss | -112 | 9 h 2 m | Show | |
Two low scoring teams go at it here both carrying high fatigue ratings. The Red Wings enter the weekend as one of just six teams that has played as many as 11 games. This is a finale of a four-game, seven-day road trip. Discount a 5-4 loss to Toronto and the Red Wings have scored five goals in regulation during their last four games. The Sabres have scored 3 or fewer goals in regulation during six of their last seven games. They just returned from a four-game West Coast trip that concluded Thursday night in Seattle. So the Sabres still might not have their sea legs making the long journey back to the East Coast. Both teams are bad and badly in need of a victory. So this should be an intense, defensive-minded game.
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11-05-21 | Blackhawks v. Jets OVER 6 | 1-5 | Push | 0 | 4 h 27 m | Show | |
The Blackhawks give up 3.8 goals per game. That's the second-worst mark in the NHL. Chicago has surrendered 4 or more goals in eight of its 11 games. The Jets' offense is boosted with the return of Mark Scheifele, their leading scorer last season. He had been in COVID-19 protocol until the Jets' last game. Winnipeg has a below average defense. The Jets are the second-worst penalty killing unit in the league. Winnipeg has permitted a minimum of three goals in six of its nine games. The Jets will have backup Eric Comrie in goal as their star goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, is sitting out after his wife gave birth earlier this week. The Over has cashed in seven of the Jets' last eight home games.
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11-03-21 | Hurricanes v. Blackhawks +136 | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 3 h 33 m | Show | |
The Hurricanes are unbeaten. The Blackhawks have just one victory. Yet I'm going to take this price and back the home 'dog Blackhawks, whose lone victory occurred in their last game. That was a 5-1 dominant win at home against the improved Senators. Patrick Kane scored a hat trick and Marc-Andre Fleury was excellent in goal for a second straight game. Carolina barely escaped winless Arizona in its last game this past Sunday. The Hurricanes nipped the Coyotes, 2-1, with a power-play goal at 2:27 of the third period. The Hurricanes now take to the road for the first time in 12 days. They are fat and happy, overdue for a loss. I expect the Blackhawks to come in with their ''A'' game. That combination should produce a Chicago win.
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11-02-21 | Devils v. Ducks OVER 5.5 | 0-4 | Loss | -105 | 4 h 28 m | Show | |
New Jersey has produced 3 or more goals in five of its seven games. The bigger surprise is Anaheim.The Ducks have scored 3 or more goals in eight of their 10 games, including the last five. The Ducks have slipped defensively ranking 28th in goals allowed per game. Anaheim's last seven games all have gone Over.
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11-01-21 | Senators +125 v. Blackhawks | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 24 m | Show | |
The Senators are improved this season. They are a respectable 3-4 and just upset the Stars, 4-1, on the road this past Friday. The Blackhawks do not look improved. They look worse. Chicago is 0-9 and has plenty of chemistry issues. The Blackhawks have managed only 12 goals in their last seven games. Patrick Kane is a game-time decision having been in COVID-19 protocol. Maybe the Blackhawks get their first win and the due factor kicks in. But I'll take a plus price to find that out.
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10-31-21 | Sabres +118 v. Kings | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 15 m | Show | |
The Sabres have been a big early surprise going 5-2. They last played on Thursday and draw the Kings playing without rest and in action for the third time in four days. The Kings are a bit fat and happy after ending a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 home win against the Canadiens Saturday. Calvin Peterson was in net for the Kings in that game. So that likely means Jonathan Quick will be in goal against the Sabres. LA is 0-4 with Quick in goal as Quick is well past his prime. The oddsmaker is sleeping on the Sabres opening the Kings as the favorite.
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10-28-21 | Flames v. Penguins OVER 5.5 | 4-0 | Loss | -105 | 3 h 16 m | Show | |
The Flames are averaging 4.2 goals during their last four games. They get to face backup Pittsburgh goalie Casey DeSmith, who has a 4.92 goals against average. The Penguins rank seventh in scoring despite not having Sidney Crosby yet and having had to go against superstar goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who held them to one goal. Discount that game against the Lightning and Vasilevskiy and the Penguins would be averaging 3.6 goals in five games.
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10-26-21 | Wild v. Canucks OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -120 | 6 h 2 m | Show | |
Minnesota's defense is struggling. The Wild have surrendered 13 goals in their last three games. The Wild, though, are averaging four goals per game during their last three games. The Canucks have scored four goals in each of their last two games. Conor Garland has been hot for Vancouver with eights points on the season. The Over is 8-2-1 the past 11 times the teams have met in Vancouver.
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10-22-21 | Bruins v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | 4-1 | Loss | -112 | 7 h 32 m | Show | |
The Bruins have scored three goals in each of their first two games. They have maybe the top line in hockey and should be good for at least three goals in this game. Going back to last season, the Bruins have now scored 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 11 regular season games. The Sabres are a big early-season surprise. They are averaging 4 goals per game in jumping out to a 3-0 record. Buffalo faces former teammate Linus Ullmark, who is slated to make his season debut in net for Boston. The Sabres know Ullmark's tendencies well since he played six seasons for Buffalo. The Over has cashed the past four times the teams have met.
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10-21-21 | Oilers v. Coyotes OVER 6 | 5-1 | Push | 0 | 7 h 34 m | Show | |
The Coyotes are going to be terrible this season. They're already giving indications of that, allowing an average of 5.6 goals in their three games. Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are sure to feast. It's easy to envision Edmonton producing five goals in this game. After scoring just three goals in their first two games, the Coyotes produced four goals in their last game against the Blues. The Oilers just surrendered five goals to the Ducks in their last game.
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10-21-21 | Ducks v. Jets OVER 5.5 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 9 h 33 m | Show | |
I'm not about to call the Ducks an Over team, but Anaheim's offense and power play have been surprisingly good at this early juncture. The Ducks also have been getting outstanding offensive contributions from their defensemen. They've helped the Ducks produce 3 or more goals in three of their four games. The Ducks have scored four power play goals in 12 opportunities. The Jets have given up seven goals in 15 short-handed situations. I'm expecting a lot of penalties, too. These teams met eight days ago in their season openers. The Ducks won, 4-1, but the big takeaway was the bad blood that came out after Jets forward Andrew Copp knocked Ducks goalie John Gibson to the ice after running into him. The Ducks considered that dirty pool. The Jets have scored eight goals in their last two games. |
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10-19-21 | Ducks v. Oilers OVER 6 | 5-6 | Win | 100 | 3 h 8 m | Show | |
The Oilers may have the most dangerous line in hockey with Jesse Puljujarvi fitting in with superstars Connor McDvid and Leon Drasisitl. Puljujarvi already has four points - two goals and two assists - in Edmonton's first two games. The Ducks could be missing reliable defenseman Hampus Lindholm. He was hurt in the Ducks' 3-2 overtime win against the Flames last night. The Over is 5-2-1 the past eight times the teams have met in Edmonton. |
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10-19-21 | Islanders v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5 | 4-1 | Loss | -103 | 2 h 9 m | Show | |
Welcome to the Blackhawks Marc-Andre Fleury. The Blackhawks were bad defensively last season and they haven't shown any improvement through three games this season. Chicago has given up 13 goals. More surprising is the Islanders' lack of defense. They've allowed 11 goals in two games with goalie Ilya Sorokin off to a slow start. Going back to last season, the Over is 16-5-1 in the Blackhawks' last 22 games.
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10-18-21 | Blues -175 v. Coyotes | 7-4 | Win | 100 | 7 h 40 m | Show | |
Arizona is going to be terrible this season. The Coyotes opened the season with an 8-2 loss to the Blue Jackets and then lost, 2-1, in a shootout against the Sabres, another terrible team like themselves. The Blues looked very good in their opener - at least for the first 50 minutes. The Blues nearly blew a 4-1 lead against the Avalanche on the road, but held on to win, 5-3. Now St. Louis is stepping way down in class. The Coyotes have confirmed Carter Hutton will be in goal. I don't consider him a legitimate starting NHL goalie.
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10-17-21 | Stars v. Senators +120 | 2-3 | Win | 120 | 5 h 44 m | Show | |
The Senators have won each of the last six times they have been a home underdog. Dallas is 0-4 in its last four visits to Ottawa. The Stars already are dealing with injuries. The biggest injury is to key defenseman John Klingberg. The Stars also are going with backup goalie Anton Khudobin. There's a chance the Senators will have newly signed Brady Tkachuk in the lineup. But I still like the Senators to pull the upset even without Tkachuk.
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10-16-21 | Jets -130 v. Sharks | 3-4 | Loss | -130 | 4 h 29 m | Show | |
The Sharks were terrible last season finishing 3-14. San Jose doesn't look any better going into this season. If anything they could be even weaker in goal. They also don't have Evander Kane. Winnipeg is off a 4-1 loss to Anaheim from Wednesday. The Jets aren't going to lack motivation. They outshot the Ducks, 34-22. Now the Jets get back Mark Scheifele, who finished his four-game suspension by sitting out against the Ducks. The Jets have won the past four times in San Jose. |
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10-15-21 | Blackhawks v. Devils OVER 6 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 4 h 20 m | Show | |
Even with the addition of Seth Jones and Marc-Andre Fleury, the Blackhawks are going to have problems on defense. Chicago gave up four goals and 36 shots on net to the Avalanche in its opening game despite Colorado missing superstar scorer Nathan MacKinnon. This is the Devils' first game. They went 4-1 during preseason averaging 4.5 goals. They have a lot of young, promising goal scorers.
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10-14-21 | Penguins v. Panthers UNDER 6.5 | 4-5 | Loss | -113 | 17 h 29 m | Show | |
Minus Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins are much more conservative and defensive-minded. Don't be deceived by the Penguins' 6-2 opening win against the Lightning this past Tuesday. That score is misleading due to the high number of empty net goals the Lightning gave up in a futile and classless bid to get back into a game they were going to lose. The Penguins also might be minus Jake Guentzel, too, because of COVID protocol. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is looking to play much better this season. I believe he will. The Under has cashed the past six times these teams have met. Thursday Free Play Senators plus $1.49 hosting Maple Leafs The Senators played the Maple Leafs tough last season going 4-4-1 against them and are in a great spot to spring an upset here. Toronto edged Montreal, 2-1, in front of a packed home crowd Wednesday. It was an intense, revenge game for the Maple Leafs, who were eliminated in the playoffs by the Canadiens last season. The Maple Leafs had to kill off a 5-on-3 penalty to preserve the win. While the Maple Leafs will be playing without rest, the Senators are anxious to start their season. They showed promise down the stretch last season going 7-2-1 in their final 10 games. Ottawa has won the past five times it has been a home underdog. Toronto still will be without superstar center Auston Matthews. The NHL's leading goal scorer last season is out with a wrist injury. The Senators have defeated the Maple Leafs 11 of the last 16 times at home.
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10-14-21 | Stars v. Rangers -125 | 3-2 | Loss | -125 | 8 h 1 m | Show | |
The Rangers are more physical and better coached this season with Gerard Gallant. They had a tough opener at the Capitals last night. But I expect them to bounce back at home today. This is the Stars' season debut. So the Rangers have the advantage of having played a game already. Fatigue won't matter this being just the second game of the season. Dallas could be minus veteran Alexander Radulov. He missed practice on Wednesday due to non-COVID illness. The Rangers are 7-2 the past nine times when favored, while Dallas is 1-6 the past seven times as a road 'dog.
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10-13-21 | Rangers +115 v. Capitals | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 5 m | Show | |
The Rangers hate the Capitals because of Tom Wilson. New York should be tough this season with the coaching switch to Gerard Gallant. The talent and goalkeeping are there for the Rangers. Foes won't be able to physically intimate the Rangers either since New York brought in enforcer Ryan Reaves. Washington is a team that's declining. The Capitals have depth concerns and questionable goaltending. They were knocked out of the postseason early.
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10-13-21 | Canadiens v. Maple Leafs -167 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 11 m | Show | |
The Maple Leafs have waited all off season for this game. Montreal came back from a 3-to-1 deficit to knock the Maple Leafs out of the playoffs last season. So this is monster revenge for Toronto. I'm expecting a Toronto blowout as the Canadiens won't have goalie Carey Price and are down several defensive players. Defensemen Shea Weber and Joel Edmundson. Weber is out for the season with various injuries. Montreal also will be missing defensive-minded center Phillip Danault.
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10-13-21 | Canadiens v. Maple Leafs OVER 5.5 | 1-2 | Loss | -135 | 9 h 10 m | Show | |
This is monster revenge for the Maple Leafs. Montreal shocked their Canadian neighbor by coming back from a 3-to-1 playoff deficit to eliminate the Maple Leafs last season. The Maple Leafs are one of the higher scoring teams in the league and like to play up-tempo. They catch the Canadiens minus several key defensemen along with goalie Carey Price. Both of Tuesday's opening games sailed Over the total. I see this one going Over, too.
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10-12-21 | Seattle Kraken v. Golden Knights UNDER 5.5 | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -127 | 25 h 5 m | Show |
Las Vegas wasn't your typical expansion team. The Golden Knights were good right away. Seattle isn't typical either. The Kraken aren't going to reach the lofty heights the Golden Knights did during their first couple of seasons, but they will be competitive. That's because the Kraken went for defense and goaltending. Seattle is going to play a conservative, defensive style. The Kraken have the veteran players to do this starting with defenseman and team captain Mark Giordano and goalie Philipp Graubauer, a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season when he was with Colorado. The Kraken shut out Vancouver, 4-0, in their final preseason game last Tuesday. The Golden Knights ended last season losing in six games to the Canadiens in the Stanley Cup semifinals producing only 13 goals in those six games while going 0-for-15 in power play opportunities. Robin Lehner teamed with Marc-Andre Fleury to allow the fewest goals last season. Lehner takes over as the undisputed No. 1 goalie following Fleury's departure to the Blackhawks. Lehner and Graubauer are among the top goalies in the NHL. Depth at forward is down for both teams because of injuries and COVID-19 protocols. Las Vegas had just 10 forwards during its last practice. So I'm expecting a tight-checking, low-scoring opening game.
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10-12-21 | Penguins v. Lightning UNDER 6 | 6-2 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 45 m | Show | |
Not having Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to begin the season means a transformation for the Penguins. This transformation is to a strong defensive tone starting with this opening game. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan realizes he can't replace the 2.4 average points that Crosby and Malkin produced. So look for Pittsburgh to rely on structure and an emphasis on defense. The Penguins have good defensive depth. That was made obvious when they sent down Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who I regard as a very good defensive prospect. Sullivan was quoted saying this, ''If we're going to have success, we're going to have to play a stringy game. It's going to take a collective effort and attention to detail. With some of the game-breakers that aren't in our lineup right now, we can't look to those guys to be the difference. We have to build a team game that's going to give us the best chance to be successful.'' The Penguins led the NHL in goals against average and save percentage during March. Their goalie, Tristan Jarry, is coming off a strong regular season where he went 25-9-3 with a 2.75 goals against average. Tampa Bay has the No. 1 goalie in the NHL in Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning also will be breaking an entire new third line. |
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07-07-21 | Canadiens v. Lightning -1.5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 58 m | Show |
The plucky Canadiens got their win, nipping the Lightning, 3-2, in overtime two days ago. Montreal regained its self-respect by not getting swept by Tampa Bay. But now the inevitable has arrived for the Canadiens - Game 5 in Tampa Bay. The defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning are healthy and at the highest tier. Montreal is nowhere near that status. At best the Canadiens are at least one level, if not two levels, behind the Lightning. The situation is ripe for the Lightning to finish off this series. I'm going to turn a huge lay price into a plus price by laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line in the belief this is not going to be a close game. Even if it is, the empty net factor looms large with Montreal on the brink of elimination and having nothing to lose. Tampa Bay hasn't lost two playoff games in a row since the opening round of 2019. The Lightning have won 72 percent of their last 69 home games. They also are 8-0 the past eight times hosting Montreal.
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07-05-21 | Lightning v. Canadiens +144 | 2-3 | Win | 144 | 17 h 37 m | Show | |
It has been 23 years since there was a Stanley Cup Finals sweep. Tampa Bay has a chance to end that string up 3-0 against Montreal. I don't see it happening, though. The Canadiens are an extremely prideful organization. Montreal has shown tremendous guts and resiliency in reaching the finals especially in knocking off the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights. No doubt the Lightning are the superior team. Certainly not arguing that point. But the Canadiens haven't been dominated in this series even though they've been outscored, 14-5. Montreal has hurt itself with mistakes. The Lightning haven't let the Canadiens get away with that either, taking full advantage. That has been the story of this series. It has been five days since the teams last played. That's a disadvantage to Tampa Bay, which could lose some of its momentum. The Canadiens have had ample time to recover and regroup. I don't know if they can produce an ''A'' level performance against such a strong foe, but I'm certain they will produce an ''A'' level effort. The Lightning aren't nearly in such desperation. They are fat and happy knowing that if they lose they get Montreal at home on Wednesday for Game 5. Subconsciously that could mean a letdown for the Lightning. So I'm going to take a nice home 'dog price backing Montreal. |
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07-02-21 | Lightning -130 v. Canadiens | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 18 h 6 m | Show |
The Canadiens did a fantastic job pulling off one of the great playoff series upsets when they eliminated the Golden Knights. But Montreal doesn't match up nearly as well against defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay. The Lightning have defeated the Canadiens in 14 of the last 17 meetings. This includes outscoring the Canadiens by an 8-2 margin to go up 2-0 in this Stanley Cup Final. Switching venues to Montreal isn't going to change that. The Canadiens are limited to just 3,500 fans. The Lightning didn't come close to playing its ''A'' game two days ago in Game 2 yet still won, 3-1. The Lightning are capable of playing far better. Montreal lacks the offense to stay with Tampa Bay. The Lightning not only have their top scorers back, but their defense and goaltending have been superb. Tampa Bay has surrendered just four goals in regulation during its last five games. Andrei Vasilevskiy trumps Carey Price in net. |
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06-24-21 | Golden Knights -138 v. Canadiens | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -138 | 18 h 33 m | Show |
As strange as it sounds, maybe beating the Canadiens, 4-1, in the first game of this series after overcoming the Avalanche in a tough series was the worst thing that could have happened to the Golden Knights. Since that decisive opening game victory, the Golden Knights have lost three of four to Montreal. Now the Golden Knights are on the verge of elimination down 3-2 in the series. How will they respond? Certainly the letdown factor has long since disappeared. Las Vegas is the superior team. But that doesn't mean that much now as the Canadiens' confidence is sky-high, Carey Price has stayed hot in net and Montreal is on house money. Those make for a dangerous combination. Yet I see Las Vegas winning this game and the price finally has come down enough to back the Golden Knights. Las Vegas has overcome adversity. The Golden Knights trailed in their series against the Wild and Avalanche before coming back to eliminate those teams. The Golden Knights are off a 4-1 loss from two days ago. They are 9-1 the past 10 times following a loss of three goals or more. Las Vegas has done the job as a road favorite winning 20 of the past 27 times in that role. Key center Chandler Stephenson is back in the lineup for Las Vegas. That gives the Golden Knights' four solid lines. So they own a depth edge, which increases in importance as the series grows longer. The Golden Knights ranked first defensively in the NHL and were third in scoring at 3.39 goals per game. However, they've managed just seven goals during their past four games. Price has a 2.01 goals above average when facing an average shot distance of 39.82 feet, a metric courtesy of NaturalStatTrick.com. Price has played well this entire postseason, but he's far from the best goalie in the league like he was a few years ago. The top six forwards on the Golden Knights have combined for only one goal in the series. Las Vegas is a much better scoring team than that. The Golden Knights are way overdue. They've also had plenty of time to see and adjust now to Montreal's 1-1-3 neutral zone blockage style of play. So I see Las Vegas making the proper adjustments - both on the ice and in their heads - while their overdue scorers finally break out with the season on the brink. |
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06-20-21 | Golden Knights -1.5 v. Canadiens | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 26 m | Show | |
Montreal has a surprising 2-1 lead on Las Vegas heading into Game 4 of its Stanley Cup series. But the Canadiens have not shown they are the better team. Not to denigrate the Canadiens' achievement, but they are extremely fortunate to be up. The Golden Knights have been in this come-from-behind position before down 1-0 to the Wild and 2-0 to the Avalanche. They responded each time, winning those series. Las Vegas dominated much of Game 3 only to lose 3-2 in overtime on a rare mistake by rock solid goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The Golden Knights have fired 106 shots on goalie Carey Price during the first three games. Price can still be very good, as he's shown during the playoffs, but he isn't in his prime. Las Vegas has generated pressure despite Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty, its two best offensive players, generating just one assist between them. Both are way overdue to produce. I see the Golden Knights breaking out in big fashion here so I'm going to lay 1 1/2 goals on the puck line and go for a huge plus price return. |
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06-19-21 | Lightning v. Islanders +114 | 2-3 | Win | 114 | 5 h 50 m | Show | |
This has been an extremely tight series. So taking a plus price with the home Islanders makes sense. The Islanders controlled much of the action during the last two periods of Game 3 on Thursday, but lost, 2-1. I trust Islanders coach Barry Trotz to make a few adjustments, especially at home where he has last say on the lines, to get this series evened up. New York is 7-2 the past nine times when playing on one day rest. The Islanders also are 25-10 during their past 35 home contests. |
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06-15-21 | Islanders v. Lightning OVER 5 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 6 m | Show | |
The Islanders frustrated the Lightning in winning Game 1 of this series, 2-1. But now there's heavy juice on Over 5 for this Game 2. The oddsmaker and marketplace, which is sharp when it comes to hockey, obviously believes that the scoring will double in this Game 2. I don't disagree. Tampa Bay was the No. 8 scoring team in the NHL during the season averaging 3.2 goals despite missing key scorers and the Lightning will be making adjustments following their Game 1 upset loss. The Lightning is a much more dangerous offensive team with Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos healthy. The Islanders are extremely effective at picking their spots and counter attacking. They have scored 3 or more goals in nine of their 13 playoff games. New York is averaging 4.2 goals during its past four games. |
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06-14-21 | Canadiens v. Golden Knights UNDER 5.5 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 14 h 11 m | Show | |
I see this opening game of the Canadiens-Golden Knight series as a feeling-out process. Montreal hasn't played in a week. Las Vegas is in a bit of a flat spot after eliminating Colorado, a squad many thought was the best team in the West. The Golden Knights surrendered the second-fewest goals in the NHL during the regular season at 2.2 per game. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is top level. The Canadiens have stepped up their defense while riding the hot hand of goalie Carey Price to give up just nine goals during their last six games for a 1.5 average. Price has been the hottest goalie of the playoffs with a 1.97 goals against average and a .935 save percentage in 11 games.
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06-14-21 | Canadiens +1.5 v. Golden Knights | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -124 | 30 h 22 m | Show |
Few, if any, thought Montreal would be one of the four finalists for the Stanley Cup. But here the Canadiens are. They are loose, playing on house money and in a great position to ambush the host Golden Knights in Monday's opening game of their semifinal series. The Canadiens are rested and prepared having not played in a week after sweeping Winnipeg. The Golden Knights still could be partying after taking care of Colorado in a hard-fought, exciting six-game series that concluded Thursday night. Las Vegas is the superior team. No argument there. But it's a mistake to underestimate Montreal like the oddsmaker has done. So taking 1 1/2 goals on the puck line with Montreal makes tremendous sense. Can the Canadiens actually pull this first game upset? They just have to hang close - and there are signs they can do just that. Montreal has won seven in a row. The Canadiens have a winning road mark. They also have defeated the Golden Knights during their past four meetings with the last coming last year since the teams did not meet this season. Las Vegas played only West Division teams. This is the Golden Knights' first game versus a team outside the West Division. Carey Price could be the hottest goalie of the postseason. He's 8-3 with a 1.97 goals against average and a .935 save percentage. Las Vegas goalies, by comparison, have given up 2.4 goals during the playoffs with a .908 save percentage. The Golden Knights lost Game 1 of their opening playoff series against the Wild. They also lost in Game 1 against Colorado. The Canadiens eliminating the Maple Leafs was as impressive as the Golden Knights taking out the Avalanche. Montreal would be 11-2 in its last 13 games if given 1 1/2 goals. Las Vega would be 3-6 in its last nine games if minus 1 1/2 goals. |
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06-09-21 | Bruins -130 v. Islanders | 2-6 | Loss | -130 | 16 h 40 m | Show | |
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy may be a crybaby. But I do see the Bruins evening this series at 3-3 having lost the last two games. The oddsmaker does, too, making Boston a road favorite. The Islanders nipped the Bruins, 5-4, in Game 5 two days ago thanks to three power-play goals. Boston dominated, outshooting New York, 44-19, and controlling play for much of the game on the Islanders' side of the ice. The Bruins have taken 53 more shots than the Islanders during the series. A frustrated Cassidy was fined $25,000 for complaining about the Islanders getting more calls than his team. Perhaps the refs might subconsciously favor Boston a bit because of that. Certainly I'm not counting on that. But I do think Boston is going to play well here. So does Islanders coach Barry Trotz, who predicts the Bruins will produce their "A" game. |
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06-06-21 | Jets +124 v. Canadiens | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 59 m | Show | |
The Canadiens rode the momentum of upsetting the Maple Leafs after being down 3-1 in that series to upset the rusty Jets in Winnipeg in Game 1 of this series. Montreal won that game, 5-3, scoring an empty net goal during the final minute to account for the two-goal final. Still riding their momentum and steaming mad about Mark Scheifele's cheap shot of Jake Evans in Game 1, the Canadiens nipped the Jets, 1-0, in Game 2 despite being outshot. But with the scene shifting to Montreal, I see the Canadiens being a little fat-and-happy returning home as heroes while the Jets are in must-win mode. The series obviously has been very close. So I'm going to take a plus price with the Jets, who have been excellent in this role. They are 6-0 the past six times as underdogs. They've also won 11 of their last 15 road games. Montreal has failed to win six of the last eight times it was favored. Sunday Free Play Avalanche at Golden Knights Over 5 1/2 plus $1.09 I understand this is Stanley Cup hockey and that both teams' goalies are playing well. But I see this Game 4 of the Avalanche-Golden Knight series breaking the norm of the past two games where just five combined goals were scored. Colorado is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL averaging 3.5 goals a game. The Avalanche also were No. 2 in shots on goal. Their top line of superstar Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen gets my vote as being the best line in the NHL They are going to be unleashed here since the Golden Knights have outplayed the Avalanche during most of the past two games. The Avalanche have produced at least three goals a game in 10 of their last 12 contests. They are averaging 4.57 goals in their seven Stanley Cup games. The Golden Knights are going to do their part to get this game to go Over, too. Las Vegas is the No. 3 scoring team in the league at 3.4 goals. The Golden Knights took the fourth-most shots on goal. Getting Max Pacioretty back from injury is huge for Las Vegas. He was the Golden Knights' leading goal scorer during the regular season, while averaging a point-per-game. This will be his third game in the lineup after missing the previous dozen contests. The Golden Knights should have scored more than two goals in Game 2, firing 31 shots on net during the last two periods and hitting the post three times. Las Vegas stayed on the assault in their 3-2 Game 3 victory with 43 shots on goalie Philipp Grubauer, who has held up well this season but who I don't consider an elite goaltender. While the Avalanche have a dominant first line, the Golden Knights are that rare hockey team with four solid lines. Their fourth line of William Carrier, Patrick Brown and Keegan Kolesar have managed 24 shots on goal during the last two games. Having the last say on line changes being the home team has allowed the Golden Knights to effectively mix-and-match getting needed edges. |
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06-05-21 | Bruins v. Islanders +131 | 1-4 | Win | 131 | 7 h 18 m | Show | |
Boston probably is the superior team here. But this is nearly last stand time for the Islanders, down 2-1 in the series and playing at home with Game 5 set for Boston. The Islanders showed their resilience and tenacity in taking out the Penguins. During this series, two of the three games have been decided in overtime. You know with the Islanders you're going to get a well-disciplined defensive effort and good coaching. New York is 23-9 in its last 32 home games. The Bruins also are unlikely to have one of their better defenseman, Brandon Carlo. He suffered a head injury in Game 3. |