Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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04-20-17 | Sharks v. Oilers -128 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 4 m | Show | |
I was convinced the Oilers were the better team entering this series and I still believe that. But the Oilers need to play smarter. Certainly they will play with more passion returning home after an embarrassing 7-0 road loss to San Jose. The Oilers shouldn't be nervous like they were at home in Game 1. They also should play with more discipline being short-handed more than any team in the playoffs so far. There are a lot of other due factors here that should add up such as the Oilers winning more faceoffs. San Jose is not a good faceoff team. Connor McDavid hasn't scored a point in two straight games. The last time that happened was Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. The Oilers have too much offense from other players if the Sharks continue to key and go after McDavid. Perhaps it's a leap of faith to envision all this happening. But it should be noted the Sharks have lost seven of their last nine road games, while the Oilers have won 10 of their past 11 home games.
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04-19-17 | Wild v. Blues OVER 5 | 2-0 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 14 m | Show | |
Wild at Blues Over 5 plus $1.05 Jake Allen has been on fire and the Blues have won the first three games of this series. All three games have gone under with no more than four goals scored in any of the games. So why go Over 5 now? Because the Wild are going to let everything hang out here in order to avoid the sweep. They have no choice. It's not like Minnesota can't score goals. The Wild were the No. 2 scoring team in the league during the regular season. The Blues are going to match the Wild's aggressiveness and attack-mode being home and with a chance to end the series. If the Wild happen to be down a goal or two late in the third period, there's no doubt they will pull their goalie earlier than usual. |
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04-18-17 | Penguins v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5 | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 5 h 59 m | Show | |
The Penguins have scored three or more goals in all but one of their last nine games. This includes the first three games of this series. The Penguins are averaging four goals per game in the series and have talked about coming out even more aggressively in order to sweep the Blue Jackets. |
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04-18-17 | Canadiens v. Rangers +100 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
If it weren't for a goal by Tomas Plekanec with 17 seconds left in Game 2, the Canadiens might be looking at playoff elimination.here. Instead, Montreal is up 2-1 in the series having won two in a row. I understand the Rangers have trouble winning playoff games at home. But this is a fair price to back the home Rangers, whose main core of players are due to perform better. The Rangers and Canadiens play similar styles relying on speed, defense and the transition game. The Canadiens' edge is goalie Carey Price. However, Henrik Lundqvist is playing at just as high level as Price. It's not his fault the Rangers are down 2-1 in the series. It's step up time for Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Hayes and Mike Zuccarello. I see them getting the job down at home in this pivotal matchup.
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04-17-17 | Ducks v. Flames OVER 5 | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 19 m | Show | |
The teams have played twice now in the series and the Ducks have won each game, 3-2. Once again the total is 5. I say this time - with 0-2 Calgary now at home - there will be more than five goals scored. The Ducks' defensive depth is down with two regulars hurt. The Ducks have been propped up by brilliant goaltending from John Gibson and his .942 save percentage. I say he can't keep this up. I understand goalies can get hot during the Stanley Cup, but Gibson is not an elite goalie. Look for the Flames to play really agressive down 0-2 in the series. I see a wide open game. Only once has the under cashed during the Flames' past 11 home games. The over is 8-2, too, the past 10 times these two teams have played in Calgary.
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04-16-17 | Oilers +116 v. Sharks | 1-0 | Win | 116 | 11 h 39 m | Show | |
While I respect San Jose, I consider Edmonton to be the superior team. The Oilers have led by two goals twice in the series, but only are 1-1 to show for it. |
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04-15-17 | Predators v. Blackhawks -175 | 5-0 | Loss | -175 | 12 h 38 m | Show | |
This is a higher price than I normally would lay, but I want the Blackhawks going for me here. The Blackhawks have won three Stanley Cups under Joel Quenneville. But getting off to a slow start has been a Blackhawks trademark under Quenneville as Chicago is 3-6 in Stanley Cup openers. Despite that Game 1 home loss, the Blackhawks still have defeated Nashville in nine of the last 11 games at home. Chicago also has won 72 percent of its last 57 home contests versus opponents who sport a losing road record.
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04-15-17 | Maple Leafs v. Capitals -1.5 | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 4 m | Show | |
The Capitals received their wake-up call in Game 1 falling behind by two goals before pulling out an overtime victory. The Capitals have beaten Toronto eight straight times at home. The Capitals not only are the vastly superior team, but have the necessary playoff experience the young Maple Leafs lack. Washington hasn't allowed more than two goals during its last six games. The Capitals' third-ranked offense certainly can take advantage of Toronto's 22nd-ranked defense to win by more than one goal especially with trailing teams prone to pull their goalie earlier than usual during Stanley Cup play.
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04-14-17 | Sharks v. Oilers OVER 5 | 0-2 | Loss | -105 | 21 h 8 m | Show | |
The Sharks showed in Game 1 they aren't going to just let the upstart Oilers kick them to the curb. San Jose fired 39 shots from the second period on and defeated the Oilers, 3-2, in overtime with the total pushing. Only once in the last seven meetings between these two teams has the total gone under. All together, Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot faced 44 shots. The Oilers learned a big lesson in that Game 1 home loss while making their first Stanley Cup appearance in 11 years. Connor McDavid could manage just a single point in Game 1. I expect he and his linemates to do much better in Friday's Game 2. The Oilers only managed 17 shots at Sharks goalie Martin Jones. That's going to change. The Oilers were the eighth-highest scoring team in the league. They've scored three or more goals in nine of their last 11 games. The Sharks, though, are capable of scoring multiple goals, too, especially with Logan Couture returning to the ice after being out since March 25. His effectiveness should only increase as he gets less rusty. It's a plus, too, if Joe Thornton can play after missing Game 1 with a knee injury. Thomas Hertl did an outstanding job at center taking Thornton's place. It just adds to San Jose's scoring depth if Thornton returns.
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04-13-17 | Maple Leafs v. Capitals -1.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 16 h 52 m | Show |
Expectations are high again for the Capitals entering the Stanley Cup, something they have failed to capture during this past decade despite winning seven division titles. I see the Capitals, 11-2-1 in their last 14 games, opening their first-round series with a victory against the Maple Leafs. So does the oddsmaker, who has made Washington better than a 2-to-1 favorite. I won't lay those odds instead taking a plus price on the puck line in the belief this game will be a blowout. Even it is tight, the Maple Leafs will be pulling their goalie earlier than usual if down by a goal late in the game thus increasing the chances of a multple goal winning game for Washington. This is just the third time the Maple Leafs have made the postseason since 2003-04. Toronto has some exciting young talent, but lacks the Captials' defense and playoff experience. Opening on the road makes it even more difficult for the Maple Leafs. Washington has won 76 percent of its past 78 home games, including going 32-7-2 this season. The Capitals have dominated the Maple Leafs winning seven of the last eight meetings. The Capitals had a down goal-scoring year from Alex Ovechkin - at least by his high standards - but still scored the third-most goals in the league. The Maple Leafs were fifth in goals scored, but are not used to the increased tight-checking that goes on in the playoffs. The Capitals also possess a huge edge in the nets with Braden Holtby, who had a career-best 2.07 GAA while leading the NHL with nine shutouts.
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04-12-17 | Blue Jackets v. Penguins UNDER 5.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 29 h 55 m | Show |
I see both teams playing tight here with a lot of intensity and physical play. The Blue Jackets enter the playoffs on a bad 1-6 run. They are averaging less than two goals per game during their last 10 games. Only one of the Blue Jackets' last eight away games went above the total. Columbus can't let Sidney Crosby beat them and that's where Brandon Dubinsky comes in. Dubinsky is a physical center, who has a history of bothering Crosby, the NHL's top goal scorer this season. Both teams have solid goalies with Sergei Bobrovsky and Matt Muray, who was particularly good at home for Pittsburgh going 17-5. The teams just met a eight days ago in Pittsburgh with Murray in net and the Penguins won, 4-1. Wednesday Free Play Bruins minus $1.20 at Senators What does it say when the Bruins are favored in this Game 1 despite being on the road and losing all four regular-season meetings to the Senators? It tells us the oddsmaker believes Boston is the superior team. I agree. The Bruins are the more experienced playoff team, have the better goalie in Tukka Rask over Craig Anderson and hold huge edges in special teams. The Bruins are the top penalty-killing unit in the NHL. They also ranked seventh in power play scoring percentage. Ottawa rates 22nd in penalty killing and 23rd in power play scoring percentage. Boston is better, too, offensively. Brad Marchand and David Pastmak are the two best goal scorers in the game. The Senators were held to just 28 goals during their last 15 games. The Bruins are much better since Bruce Cassidy took over going 20-8-1 since then. Yes, Ottawa did go 4-0 versus the Bruins in the regular season but each of those games could have gone either way. Now, when the pressure really is on, I see the Bruins prevailing. |
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04-08-17 | Avalanche v. Stars OVER 5.5 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 4 h 10 m | Show | |
I'm expecting a loose, high-scoring game between two teams who aren't going to the playoffs and have terrible defenses and goaltenders. The Avalanche rank last defensively, but have scored two or more goals in all but one of their last 10 games. Dallas gives up the second-most goals per game. The Stars' offense declined a lot from last season, but is still decent. Dallas has scored three goals in each of its last four games. The Stars have been a big over team at home. The over has cashed 17 of the past 22 times the Stars have been home. |
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04-04-17 | Oilers +105 v. Kings | 4-6 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 9 m | Show | |
It was just a matter of time and now it's official. The Kings aren't making the playoffs. Edmonton is going to the playoffs after an 11-season absence. The Oilers are only two points behind the Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division. So the Oilers are the team with the motivation. Edmonton has won five in a row and will be rested having last played on Saturday. LA is 2-11 the past 13 times playing an above .500 opponent. The Oilers have been sparked by superstar Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both of whom have 10-game point streaks going. The Oilers have scored three or more goals in seven of their last 10 games. They've notched a mind-boggling seven goals in three of those games during this span. The Kings' offense, not strong to begin, has gone into hibernation. The Kings have managed to break the two-goal barrier only twice in their last 11 games. LA also is going to have to deal with hot goalie Cam Talbot, who has stopped 88 of 93 shots during his last three games. Talbot has been tremendous, too, against the Kings posting a 3-0 mark with a 0.67 goals-against-average in his last three outings versus the Kings.
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04-02-17 | Islanders v. Sabres -123 | 4-2 | Loss | -123 | 7 h 46 m | Show | |
I don't see the Islanders emerging from the horrible spot that the timing of this game brings. The Islanders are practically playing without rest having been in action Friday night and with this being a day game. It's also a three-in-four-days scenario for the Islanders, who have lost the past five times in that situation. Worse than the situation, though, for the Islanders is losing team captain and best player, John Taveres. He suffered a lower-body injury Friday and is out. Taveres not only is a great player, but the heart of hte team. Buffalo has won three of its last four home games, all by multiple goals. The Sabres' lone home loss during this span came to the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins. The Sabres have been idle since Tuesday so they should they have extremely fresh legs. They also get back star defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen from a three-game suspension. The Sabres have scored 70 percent of their power play goals in their last five games. The Islanders, who rank 27th in power play, are just 3-for-33 on the power play in their last 10 games.
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03-31-17 | Kings v. Canucks +150 | 2-0 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 14 m | Show | |
The Canucks aren't very good. But neither are the Kings. The Kings are fooling themselves if they still believe they have a playoff chance because they don't. Not being 10 points down for the final wild-card spot with six games remaining. The Kings are coming off a 4-1 win against Calgary this past Wednesday, but are 3-6 in their past nine games. LA isn't a good road as evidenced by a 15-19-3-2 mark. The Kings have dropped five of their last six away contests. Vancouver is 18-14-6 at home. The spot is good, too, for the Canucks. They've been idle the past two days while the Kings are playing for the third in four days. The time off should help Henrik Sedin and goalie Ryan Miller, both of whom are due for strong performances. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick is giving up 3.46 goals per game on the road. Add it all up and there's definitely good value for backing the home 'dog Canucks. |
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03-28-17 | Kings v. Oilers -125 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 17 h 33 m | Show | |
Maybe the Kings present an effort here - not exactly a given - but even so they are inferior to the Oilers this season. The two teams just met eight days ago when the Kings' playoff hopes weren't quite as bleak. The Oilers won, 2-0, at home. The Kings couldn't score then and they are still having trouble putting the puck in the net. Discount a five-goal performance versus defensively-challenged Winnipeg and the Kings have scored seven goals during their last six games. LA has lost five of its last seven to fall a hopeless 11 points out of a final wild-card spot. Things are looking much better for the Oilers.Theyve won six of seven to move within two points of first-place Anaheim. Cam Talbot shut out the Kings on March 20 and is slated to be in goal again.
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03-27-17 | Blackhawks -121 v. Lightning | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -121 | 16 h 9 m | Show |
Chicago is much superior to Tampa Bay with 12 more victories and eight fewer losses. The key question is will the Blackhawks have the motivation to win this road game when they are all but assured of the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference? I certainly believe so. Not only do the Blackhawks have revenge for a 5-2 home loss suffered to the Lightning back in January, but they were humiliated, 7-0, on the road by the Panthers in their last game this past Saturday. I see that defeat - which Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville called "an ugly, ugly loss" - as a wakeup call. The Blackhawks had been playing well going 6-0-1 in their previous seven games. The Blackhawks are usually very strong on the road winning 13 of their past 16 away games. They are 8-0 the past eight times on the road when meeting an opponent with a winning home record.
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03-26-17 | Stars v. Devils +115 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 49 m | Show | |
Neither team is going to the playoffs, but I want the home team with an early start time that has the better defense and goalie. Dallas is fat and happy after stunning the Sharks, 6-1, at home on Friday. However, the Stars have dropped 20 of their last 27 road games, including four of their las five. Dallas also is 6-23 the past 29 times following a victory.
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03-25-17 | Rangers +119 v. Kings | 3-0 | Win | 119 | 14 h 14 m | Show | |
A pair of one-goal defeats have left the Rangers on a two-game losing streak. You have to go back to Jan. 17 to find the last time the Rangers suffered a third consecutive loss. The Rangers are 17 points better than the Kings, who are all but eliminated from the playoffs. New York has a plus 40 goal differential while the Kings are minus three. The Kings are home and backup Anti Raanta will be in goal again for New York. But the Rangers shouldn't be an underdog. Raanta is one of the better backups and the Kings rank 25th in goals per game. The Kings had gone five straight games of scoring fewer than three goals before breaking out in a 5-2 home win against Winnipeg two days ago. I'm not impressed as the Jets have the second-worst defense in the league. The Rangers have the best road mark in the NHL at 26-9-1. They are 16-5 the past 21 times on the road when facing an opponent with a winning home record. |
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03-21-17 | Rangers v. Devils OVER 5 | 2-3 | Push | 0 | 7 h 32 m | Show | |
The Rangers are the fifth-highest scoring team in the NHL. They have scored three or more goals in five of their last six games. The Devils are giving up an average of four goals per game during their last five games. The Devils' defense has slipped and their goaltending has proven overrated this season. New Jersey, though, should do its share of damage on the offensive end at home against Rangers backup goalie Antti Raanta. The Devils have scored a power play goal in each of the last four games while the Rangers have yielded a power play goal in six straight games. There haven't been fewer than five goals scored during the past four meetings between the two teams. |
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03-21-17 | Flames +185 v. Capitals | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 31 m | Show | |
There's just too much value to pass up the Flames at this price. The Flames are 17-3-1 in their last 20 games, 9-1 versus Eastern Conference foes and 5-0 in their past five road games. Red-hot goalie Brian Elliott has won the past 11 times he has been in net and Calgary is 12-1 in its last 13 games. The Flames' lone loss during this span was against the Bruins when Ellliott was rested. This isn't a fade on the Capitals, who are playing well themselves. It's a play on the Flames. However, the Capitals' intensity may be down a notch after they just clinched a playoff spot.
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03-20-17 | Kings v. Oilers -133 | Top | 0-2 | Win | 100 | 18 h 40 m | Show |
The matchup and spot set up extremely well for the home ice Oilers. Edmonton has won three in a row outscoring its oppoents, 16-5, during this hot streak. This is the last game of the Oilers' eight-game homestand. A victory here would put the Oilers in second place in the Pacific Divison as they look to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. Connor McDavid is proving himself to be perhaps the most valuable player in the league with 21 points in his last 18 games. Spirit and momentum are high right now with the Oilers. This is the time to ride them. Not so with the Kings. Los Angeles isn't likely to make the playoffs trailing Nashville by six points for the second wild-card spot in the West with 11 games remaining. The Kings just got blasted, 5-2, by the Flames in Calgary on Sunday. The Kings haven't scored moe than two goals during each of their last four games. They have dropped four of their last five road games, are 0-4 the past four times playing without rest and also are 1-8 when facing a foe with an above . 500 record. Their goaltending hasn't been shapr either. Starting goalie Jonathan Quick was pulled on Sunday after giving up two goals on Calgary's first eight shots and backup Ben Bishop is past his prime.
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03-19-17 | Senators +134 v. Canadiens | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 2 m | Show | |
I'll take a plus price to back the Senators in revenge mode after losing 4-3 in a shootout at home on Saturday to Montreal. The Canadiens are just 2-5-1 during their last eight home games. They are 2-4 in their last six games versus the Senators even counting yesterday's victory. The Senators are 4-1 in their last five road games and would hold a goalie edge if both teams go with backup goalies as expected with Mike Condon being superior to Al Montoya.
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03-19-17 | Avalanche +1.5 v. Blackhawks | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 29 m | Show | |
The Blackhawks now have a five-point lead in the Central Division following a 2-1 overtime victory against the Maple Leafs on the road Saturday. Now the Blackhawks are home following a three-game Canadian trip where they beat the Canadiens, Senators and Maple Leafs by a combined four goals. This is Chicago's third game in four days and fourth game in six days. This is a monster letdown spot for the Blackhawks, who also carry a fatigue factor. The Avalanche are the worst team in the NHL, but they've been playing decent going 3-3 in their last six games. The Blackhawks are 3-5 in their last eight games if laying 1 1/2 goals.
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03-18-17 | Canucks v. Oilers -1.5 | 0-2 | Win | 110 | 10 h 24 m | Show | |
Edmonton just rolled past Dallas, 7-1, on Tuesday and Boston, 7-4, on Thursday. You have to think the Oilers can win by more than one goal at home against the Canucks, losers of five in a row with each loss occurring at home. All four of the Oilers' lines are playing well. The Canucks have surrendered 17 goals during their last four games. The Canucks aren't doing the job either offensively averaging fewer than two goals per game during their losing streak. They rank second-from-the-bottom in the NHL in goals scored. Vancouver has lost 45 of its last 66 road games.
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03-16-17 | Red Wings v. Coyotes -105 | 5-4 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 45 m | Show | |
Arizona is the better team right now, has the superior goalie in Mike Smith and has home ice. Riding a three-game win streak, the Coyotes have a winning record during their past 20 games. Detroit is 6-12-2 in its last 20 games. The Red Wings are 1-5-1 in their last seven games having just lost at Colorado on Wednesday. Smith should be sharp after being rested in the Coyotes' last game two days ago. He is coming off a shutout and made 37 saves when the Coyotes beat Detroit, 4-1, on Dec. 14 when the Red Wings were playing better. The Red Wings have won only 32 percent of their last 56 road contests.
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03-15-17 | Bruins v. Flames -105 | 5-2 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 21 m | Show | |
Calgary has won 10 in a row. So I'm surprised this line is so cheap. A win here would give the Flames a franchise record for consecutive victories. |
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03-14-17 | Blackhawks +102 v. Canadiens | 4-2 | Win | 102 | 6 h 49 m | Show | |
It's rare to get the Blackhawks as a 'dog. So I'll take advantage here. Chicago is 13-3 in its last 16 games. |
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03-13-17 | Hurricanes +130 v. Islanders | 8-4 | Win | 130 | 9 h 16 m | Show | |
The spot sets up well for the road 'dog Hurricanes, who have beaten the Islanders seven of the past nine times when visiting. This is the Islanders' first home game in more than three weeks. They just returned from a nine-game road trip on Sunday so their focus and attention could be distracted being away from home for so long. The Hurricanes are 5-0-2 in their last seven games versus the Islanders. They have enough offense to take advantage of faltering Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss, who has a hit a wall with an .888 save percentage in his last seven games. Greiss was pulled in the Islanders' past game after allowing four goals on 18 shots.
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03-13-17 | Blue Jackets v. Flyers UNDER 5.5 | 5-3 | Loss | -130 | 9 h 47 m | Show | |
The spot sets up well for the road 'dog Hurricanes, who have beaten the Islanders seven of the past nine times when visiting. This is the Islanders' first home game in more than three weeks. They just returned from a nine-game road trip on Sunday so their focus and attention could be distracted being away from home for so long. The Hurricanes are 5-0-2 in their last seven games versus the Islanders. They have enough offense to take advantage of faltering Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss, who has a hit a wall with an .888 save percentage in his last seven games. Greiss was pulled in the Islanders' past game after allowing four goals on 18 shots.
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03-12-17 | Capitals -113 v. Ducks | 2-5 | Loss | -113 | 9 h 42 m | Show | |
The Capitals are in stop-the-pain mode losers of three in a row. Washington hasn't dropped four straight all season. Despite this, the Capitals have gotten off 22 more shots on goals than their last three opponents. Washington has won 11 of the past 15 times versus foes with a winning record. The Capitals will have star goalie Braden Holtby back in net after he was rested on Saturday. The Ducks traditionally have problems versus the Capitals losing the past six times they've hosted them. Washington is superior to Anaheim and is overdue to win. It comes here.
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03-10-17 | Sabres v. Blue Jackets UNDER 5.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -130 | 7 h 33 m | Show | |
This is a bad line. The total should be lined at 5 not 5 1/2. Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is playing great recording three straight shutouts. The Blue Jackets have given up only six goals during their last seven games. Buffalo ranks 22nd in goals scored. The Sabres are a better defensive club and Columbus has scored only eight goals in its last five games. The under has cashed 10 of the last 14 times the Blue Jackets have played at home.
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03-09-17 | Senators v. Coyotes +120 | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 2 m | Show | |
Arizona isn't going to the playoffs, but this is a good spot for the home 'dog Coyotes. Ottawa is playing for the fourth time in six days and without rest after beating the Stars, 5-2, last night. Ottawa is 5-16 the past 21 times when playing for the fourth time in six days. Arizona has won eight of its last 14 home games. Only two of the Coyotes' home defeats during this span were by more than one goal. This should be a competitive game so I'll take the home 'dog in the good spot.
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03-07-17 | Rangers v. Panthers -122 | 5-2 | Loss | -122 | 11 h 17 m | Show | |
Normally I don't like to go against the Rangers on the road especially when laying a price. But I'll do it here based on the spot. Florida needs this home win bad. The Panthers are two points out of the second wild-card spot in the East. They are off an upset loss to the Stars this past Saturday in the opener of their current three-game homestand. They host the Wild on Friday so they very well could go 0-3 during this homestand if they don't win this game. Yes, the Rangers are strong on the road. But this marks New York's third game in four days and second in two nights. The Rangers have failed to cover the past four times when playing for the third time in four days. New York played well in nipping Tampa Bay, 1-0 in overtime, on the road last night. That game took a toll both physically and mentally. Backup goalie Antti Raanta was brilliant in net. I like him better than New York's starting goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who is likely to be back in goal today. The Rangers have lost four of the past five times following a victory. The Rangers have been without leading goal scorer Michael Grabner and their offense has suffered. Only once in their last 10 games have the Rangers scored more than two goals.
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03-06-17 | Sharks v. Jets OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 43 m | Show | |
These teams met twice during the latter part of January and there were a combined seven goals scored each time. Look for another high-scoring game here. Winnipeg is an over the total beast going above the total 77 percent of the time during its last 23 games. A combination of outstanding goal scorers and subpar defense and goaltending will do that. The Jets are averaging four goals per game during their last eight games. The Sharks have scored three or more goals in eight of their last 11 games.
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03-05-17 | Canucks v. Ducks -1.5 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
This has blowout written all over it so I'm laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line. Vancouver played its guts out in hanging on to a 4-3 road victory against the Kings last night. The Canucks were outshot, 44-21, and outplayed but survived in large part because of outstanding goaltending by Ryan Miller. The Canucks are not in shape for this quick turnaround. They are playing without rest and for the third time in four days. Miller will be exhausted if he has to play again today. If he doesn't than mediocre backup Jacob Markstrom would be in net. Vancouver has lost the past five times following a victory. Even with the win against the Kings, the Canucks are just 9-20-1-2 on the road. Long-term, Vancouver is 20-45 away. Anaheim is 20-7-2-1 at home with wins in four of its last five home contests. The Ducks got the rust off from their bye week beating the Maple Leafs, 5-2, at home this past Friday. The Ducks can't afford to take Vancouver lightly as their next five games are against the Predators, Blackhawks on the road, Blues on the road, Capitals and Blues again. |
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03-04-17 | Blackhawks v. Predators OVER 5.5 | 5-3 | Win | 102 | 7 h 3 m | Show | |
The Blackhawks have scored four or more goals in 10 of their last 12 games. But the Predators have been the highest-scoring team in the NHL during the past 30 days. Nashville has scored at least four goals in nine of its last 13 games. If you think this has resulted in a lot of overs you would be right. The over has cashed in 11 of Nashville's last 12 games. The over is 7-0 in Nashville's last seven home contests. The Blackhawks have gone over in nine of their last 12 games. Chicago is likely to be facing the Predators' backup goalie, Juuse Saros. The over is 5-0 the past five times he has been in goal.
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03-03-17 | Maple Leafs +140 v. Ducks | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 17 m | Show | |
I'm attracted to this 'dog price with a Maple Leafs squad that is 8-2 versus the Ducks during the past 10 meetings going 4-1 when playing in Anaheim. The Maple Leafs are in stop-the-pain mode having lost four in a row - with three coming via overtime or a shootout. Backup goalie Curtis McElhinney will start for Toronto, but I'm fine with that. He has a .938 save percentage for Toronto giving up two goals or fewer in four of his six starts. The Ducks are coming off their league mandated bye week so they figure to be rusty having last played six days ago.
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03-02-17 | Islanders v. Stars UNDER 6 | 5-4 | Loss | -113 | 12 h 29 m | Show | |
Expect a focused, defensive effort from the Islanders, who were embarrassed 7-0 by the Blue Jackets this past Saturday. New York hasn't played since. The Stars are far from the offensive force they were last season. They rank 12th in scoring and have a bunch of new faces following the trade deadline. That means an adjustment period to their various lines. Dallas has broken the 3-goal barrier only three times in its last 12 games. |
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03-02-17 | Islanders +111 v. Stars | 5-4 | Win | 111 | 8 h 38 m | Show | |
Dallas is having a down season, was a seller at the trade deadline and is a miserable 6-22 following a victory. The Islanders were 12-4-2 before losing 7-0 to the Blue Jackets in their last game. They've had five days to stew about that game. I see the Islanders being more than ready in this matchup. They have played well against Western Conference teams going 11-2-3.
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03-02-17 | Devils v. Capitals OVER 5 | 0-1 | Loss | -105 | 4 h 45 m | Show | |
The Capitals are an over machine when playing at home. They have gone under the total just once during their past 12 home contests while averaging 5.1 goals per game during their last dozen games at Verizon Center. |
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03-02-17 | Wild v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5 | 0-1 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 43 m | Show | |
The Wild has gone over the total during their last four games. This is no big surprise as Minnesota has been a big over team all season going 25-6-3 to the over in its last 34 games. The over has cashed in eight of Minnesota's last nine games versus the East. |
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02-28-17 | Red Wings v. Canucks -111 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -111 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
Teams playing in their first game off their league mandated extended break are 8-18. Detroit is coming off its bye week. The Red Wings also aren't very good. Their 25-year playoff run is likely to end this season since they're 11 points out of the second wild-card spot. Morale can't be too good for the Red Wings now in action for the first time in a week opening a five-game road trip here. Detroit is 0-3 this season when having been idle for three or more days. Vancouver isn't likely to make the playoffs either. But the Canucks are 18-10-3 at home. Detroit is 2-8 in its last 10 road contests. The Canucks are 7-2 the past nine times they've hosted an opponent with a losing road mark.
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02-28-17 | Kings v. Flames UNDER 5 | 1-2 | Win | 106 | 15 h 37 m | Show | |
I expect Ben Bishop to make his first start for the Kings here - and for him to shine in goal. Both teams carry high fatigue ratings. Calgary is playing for the fifth time in eight days. The Flames last played at home 13 days ago. The Kings are in action for the fourth time in six days. LA played last night, too, losing 5-4 in overtime on the road to Minnesota. So I'm expecting a conservative, slow-moving type of game here as the teams deal with their weariness. It's also an important game for both teams in their battle to gain a wild-card playoff spot. Neither team wants to come away with no points from this game. More reason for the teams to play cautious. The Kings are ranked first in fewest shots allowed on goal and give up the fifth-fewest goals. The Flames have allowed two or fewer goals in five of their last six games.
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02-28-17 | Predators v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 4 h 35 m | Show | |
Look for Nashville to make it 11 over games in a row. The Predators have gone over the total 10 straight times thanks to a combination of outstanding offense - four or more goals in their last five games - a hot Flip Forsberg and shaky goaltending from Pekka Rinne. Now the Predators get to go against AHL call-up Linus Ullmark, who will be making his first NHL start of the season replacing injured Robin Lehner. |
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02-27-17 | Kings +122 v. Wild | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
Rarely do I like to go against the Wild when they play in Minnesota. But this is one of those exceptions with the main reason being the Wild are coming off their league mandated bye. They last played six days ago. Teams coming off a bye are 4-21-4 this season. That's a trend difficult to ignore. The Wild also will be breaking in Martin Hanzal and Ryan White - acquired via trade - and Ryan Carter. He was signed as a free agent. Those changes in offensive personnel are going to affect two lines. So not only will there be rust for Minnesota but also an adjustment period. The Kings are battling hard for a wild-card spot in the West. Team morale was raised with goalie Jonathan Quick returning from injury and management trading for goalie Ben Bishop.
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02-26-17 | Sabres -115 v. Coyotes | 2-3 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 57 m | Show | |
I expect the Sabres to play better, especially their first line, after dropping a 5-3 game to the Avalanche on Saturday. Buffalo was coming off its bye and was rusty. The Sabres are fighting for a playoff spot and catch Arizona in action for the third time in four days. The Coyotes are 9-19 the past 28 times in that spot. Buffalo has dominated this series beating Arizona in 10 of the last 12 meetings. The Sabres catch a big break, too, in that Louis Domingue has been announced as Arizona's goalie instead of All-Star Mike Smith. I consider him to be one of the worst backup goalies in the league. Domingue is 1-8-1 in his last 10 decisions and has less than a 90 percent save percentage.
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02-26-17 | Oilers +106 v. Predators | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 6 m | Show | |
Edmonton is playing better than Nashville, has double revenge motivation and draws the Predators playing for the sixth time in nine days and without rest. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne hasn't been sharp giving up three or more goals in in all but one of his last five starts. The Predators are 3-4 during his last seven starts. The Oilers were 4-1 in their previous five games before suffering a tough 2-1 road loss to the Capitals this past Friday. The Capitals had scored five or more goals in 11 consecutive home games until nipping the Oilers. The Oilers are the fresher team and in better form. I'll take them in an underdog role here.
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02-25-17 | Sabres v. Avalanche +115 | 3-5 | Win | 115 | 12 h 7 m | Show | |
It's going to take an extreme set of circumstances for me to back the Avalanche. But in this matchup there are those extreme circumstances. Colorado catches Buffalo coming off its bye week. Teams playing in their first game following their bye are 4-20-4. That's a powerful trend that can't be ignored. The Sabres aren't exactly a powerhouse either and have a terrible history at Denver losing in their last five visits. The last time the Sabres won in Denver was 2005. The Avalanche are 10-2 the past 12 times overall against Buffalo. Colorado gets back defenseman Erik Johnson for this game and its goalie, Calvin Pickard, has a 1.40 GAA in two lifetime appearances versus the Sabres.
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02-24-17 | Coyotes v. Stars UNDER 6 | 2-5 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 4 m | Show | |
I don't envision Dallas being sharp for this matchup having been idle since Saturday due to its mandatory bye week. The Stars' only practice of the week came on Thursday. The Stars' scoring is down from a year ago ranking 13th. They are below average on the power play. Arizona ranks among the bottom-six in goals, shots on goal and power play. The Stars have mediocre goaltending, but will have their best goalie in net as Kari Lehtonen is projected to start. The Coyotes had a bad first period against the Blackhawks last night in a 6-3 loss. I expect the Coyotes to play a more tight-checking game rather than try to open things up.
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02-24-17 | Coyotes +215 v. Stars | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 3 m | Show | |
If we've learned anything this season in the NHL it's that teams coming off their mandatory bye week are rusty and don't play well going 4-16. Dallas is in that spot today having last played six days ago. The Stars entered their bye week not playing well either. They are 2-7 this month and 0-8 during their past eight games versus Western Conference foes. Dallas is in real danger of missing the playoffs trailing Calgary by 10 points for the second wild-card spot in the West. Arizona isn't making the playoffs. But the Coyotes have quietly gone 8-6 in their last 14 games. They've scored three or more goals in 13 of their last 16 games. The Coyotes did play last night, losing 6-3 to the Blackhawks on the road, but were idle the previous two days. So they don't carry that high of a fatigue rating.
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02-23-17 | Coyotes v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5 | 3-6 | Win | 115 | 5 h 20 m | Show | |
The Coyotes surprisingly have been consistently good on offense scoring three or more goals in 12 of their last 15 games. Arizona, though, gives up the fourth-most goals in the league. Mike Smith will be in goal for the Coyotes. He got banged-up in Arizona's last game and had to leave the game. It remains to be seen if he'll be 100 percent. The Coyotes are in big trouble in the nets if Smith can't finish the game. The Blackhawks rank 8th in goals scored. They've scored four or more goals in seven of their last eight games. The over is 18-6-5 in Chicago's last 29 games.
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02-23-17 | Rangers v. Maple Leafs UNDER 6 | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 46 m | Show | |
The Maple Leafs rank sixth in scoring. But they don't want to get into an up-and-down track meet against the Rangers. Toronto learned its lesson after losing 5-2 to the Rangers last month. So look for the Maple Leafs to be more defensive-minded, clogging the neutral zone. The Rangers have scored only two goals in each of their last three games. New York, though, has surrendered two or fewer goals in four of its last five games during regulation. Henrik Lundqvist is playing much better in goal. |
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02-23-17 | Rangers -103 v. Maple Leafs | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 5 h 50 m | Show | |
This is a bad spot for the Maple Leafs. Toronto hosts long-time rival Montreal on Saturday. So it's a huge look ahead game for the Maple Leafs. |
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02-22-17 | Capitals v. Flyers OVER 5 | 4-1 | Push | 0 | 13 h 31 m | Show | |
Washington has been held to three goals in its last two games - both losses. I don't see the Capitals' No. 2 ranked offense kept in check for a third straight game, especially from the Flyers, who have mediocre goaltenders and rank 25th defensively. Prior to their last two games, the Capitals had averaged five goals a game during their previous six games. Washington has too much star power on offense to be kept down by Philadelphia. The Flyers rank sixth in shots taken and have the ninth-best power play. Brayden Schenn leads the league in power play goals with 14. So the Flyers should be able to contribute their share to the total going over.
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02-21-17 | Blackhawks v. Wild -135 | 5-3 | Loss | -135 | 13 h 59 m | Show | |
The Wild have dominated the Blackhawks during the regular season going 8-0-1 against them the past nine times. The spot is ripe for the Wild to do it again. This is Minnesota's final game before its bye week. The Wild is 21-8 in their last 29 home games and 15-4-1 during their past 20 overall games. The Blackhawks just came off their bye. This will be their third game in four days. Chicago wasn't sharp in a 3-1 home loss to the Oilers in its first game back from break. The Blackhawks beat the Sabres, 5-1 on the road, two days ago. This is a step up game for them. The Blackhawks nipped the Wild, 4-3 in overtime, on their most recent visit to Minnesota less than two weeks. The Blackhawks did play well in that game, but their coach, Joel Quenneville, said they'll have to play even better to win this time. Devan Dubnyk could be the best goalie in the NHL right now for Minnesota - and he's hot with a 4-1 mark, 1.78 GAA and .945 save percentage in his last five starts.
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02-21-17 | Oilers +109 v. Lightning | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 30 m | Show | |
Edmonton has won three in a row. The Oilers' defense could get a boost, too, with the possible return of defenseman Kris Russell. Tampa Bay hasn't played at home in two weeks. The Lightning just edged Colorado in overtime on the road two days ago. Now the Lightning have to adjust to being at home and getting out of Denver's high altitude. The Lightning are 1-8 following a victory and 1-6 on one day's rest. This marks their third game in four days. Tampa Bay is 14-10-1-1 at home. Edmonton, though, owns one of the best road marks at 17-9-3-2. |
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02-20-17 | Ducks v. Coyotes +140 | 2-3 | Win | 140 | 10 h 25 m | Show | |
Arizona hasn't been playing that bad recently winning seven of its last 12. The Coyotes have shown some offense, too, scoring three or more goals in 11 of their last 14 games. The Ducks just got past rival Los Angeles, 1-0, at home Sunday. Anaheim has failed to win the past five times when playing without rest. The Ducks have scored only three goals in their last three games and have been held to two or fewer goals in six of their last eight games.
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02-19-17 | Bruins v. Sharks -110 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 29 m | Show |
The Bruins are 3-0 under interim coach Bruce Cassidy, but that is trumped by Boston playing its first game following its bye week. Teams off a bye are 3-14-1 and have yet to win this month. That trumps the Bruins' mini win streak. San Jose was in a slump losing five of seven, but got back on track beating Arizona, 4-1, last night. The Sharks are playing without rest, but were idle on Thursday and Friday. The Sharks have revenge against Boston and are 18-7-3 at home. They are 3-1 in their last four home games versus the Bruins. Boston goalie Tukka Rask has a 4.18 GAA and .833 save percentage in his last four away games.
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02-19-17 | Blackhawks -120 v. Sabres | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 6 h 17 m | Show | |
Look for the Blackhawks to make it six straight road victories. The Blackhawks are the fresher team and have owned Buffalo winning the past 10 meetings. This is just Chicago's second game since Feb. 11. The Blackhawks got the rust off yesterday following their bye week. The Sabres are playing for the third time in four days and also without rest. Scott Darling is expected to be in net for Chicago. I'm fine with that as I consider him one of the best backup goalies in the league. |
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02-18-17 | Flames v. Canucks +103 | 1-2 | Win | 103 | 17 h 34 m | Show | |
This is a crucial game for the Canucks trailing the Flames by five points for the final wild-card spot in the West. Calgary has been fortunate this season going 14-4-3 in one-goal games, tied for the best mark in the NHL in one-goal games. Vancouver has the better goaltending and is strong at home as evidenced by a 17-8-3 mark. The Canucks also are 6-1 in their last seven home games versus foes with a losing road mark. The Flames have struggled in Vancouver losing in 12 of their last 16 visits. Bottom line: Wrong team favored.
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02-18-17 | Lightning v. Stars -115 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 4 m | Show | |
This is nearly last stand time for Dallas and I see the Stars getting it done at home against a team they swept last season. |
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02-18-17 | Predators v. Wild -143 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 16 h 14 m | Show |
Not only are the Wild the best team in the Western Conference, but they are in a ripe spot here. Minnesota catches Nashville coming off its bye week. Teams coming off their bye have yet to win in five games this month being outscored 25-8, including 21-3 through the first two periods. The Predators are 20 points behind the Wild. They are 0-5 the past five times when playing on three or more days rest. Minnesota has won 20 of its last 28 home games. The Wild have won eight of their last 11 games, but a home loss to the Ducks from two games ago to keep them from getting too cocky not to mention a home loss to the Predators on Jan. 22. So a strong Minnesota effort should be forthcoming against the obviously rusty Predators.
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02-18-17 | Oilers +124 v. Blackhawks | 3-1 | Win | 124 | 15 h 53 m | Show | |
It happened again on Friday. Colorado, the worst team in the NHL, upset Carolina after the Hurricanes were playing their first game following their bye. Teams are now 3-9-1 coming back from their league-mandated bye week. This mark includes an 0-5 February record. So the Blackhawks have that working against them as they return from their bye week. Edmonton also has short revenge going. The Oilers lost 5-1 to the Blackhawks at home last Saturday. That was the last time Chicago has played. If you discount that defeat, the Oilers would be 4-0 in their last four games and have held their following five opponents to a combined nine goals.
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02-17-17 | Penguins v. Blue Jackets UNDER 6 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 15 h 57 m | Show | |
These two teams are separated by just two points in the standings and could possibly meet in an early playoff round. So I'm envisioning a tight-checking, conservative approach especially from Pittsburgh. The Penguins edged the Jets, 4-3, in overtime last night. This is their third game in four days. The under has cashed the past five times Pittsburgh has played without rest. If you discount a 3-0 home loss to Vancouver, the Blue Jackets are giving up an average of two goals per game during their last four games. The under has cashed seven of the last nine times Columbus has played at home. Another key to this under is Matt Murray should be in goal for Pittsburgh after not playing yesterday. Murray has given up only one goal in his last two games. He has a 2.27 GAA compared to Marc-Andre Fleury's 3.16 GAA. I find Murray to be much the better goalie.
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02-16-17 | Stars v. Wild OVER 5.5 | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -114 | 15 h 13 m | Show |
The over has cashed in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 home games - and this certainly looks like another over. The Wild is the fourth-highest scoring team in the NHL. Yet they are off a 1-0 home loss to the Ducks two days go. The Wild were shut out despite firing 37 shots on goal. Minnesota hasn't gone under the total the past 11 times when scoring two or fewer goals in its previous game. Minnesota certainly isn't going to get shut out against the Stars, who are second-to-last in goals allowed and last in defending against the power play. Dallas has two veteran goalies, Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi, neither of whom has played well this season. Dallas has surrendered at least three goals in 14 of its last 15 games! The Stars' scoring is down from a year ago, but they are still an above average scoring unit with star players, who can take advantage of Minnesota being down defensemen Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba.
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02-15-17 | Panthers v. Sharks UNDER 5 | 6-5 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 8 m | Show | |
The Sharks have been a huge under team at home this season at 18-5-7. I envision a tight defensive game here with both teams being sluggish offensively. Florida is crossing three times zones. The Panthers' offense has picked up lately, but they are a bottom-six scoring team and rank 28th in power play goals. Sharks goalie Martin Jones has turned aside 41 of 44 shots in two career games versus the Panthers and is 3-0-2 since the All-Star break. The Sharks are returning home for the first in 11 days. They just finished a four-game East Coast trip. San Jose has netted two or fewer goals in four of its last five home games while scoring three goals in the other home matchup during this span.
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02-14-17 | Coyotes v. Oilers -1.5 | 2-5 | Win | 136 | 10 h 8 m | Show | |
Am taking a plus price with the home Oilers as I see a blowout here fading the Coyotes, who shocked the rusty Flames, 5-0, last night. Arizona has not won three road games in a row all season. The setup is perfect then for an Oilers' lopsided victory with Edmonton opening its homestand with a loss to the Blackhawks three days ago. Even if this game is unexpectedly close, which the oddsmakers do not project with such a huge money line, an empty net goal remains in play.
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02-14-17 | Stars v. Jets OVER 6 | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 5 h 7 m | Show | |
The oddsmaker has set a high total here - for good reason: Bad defense, below average goalies and strong offenses. The Stars aren't as high-scoring as last season, but they do rank 13th in goals. They've scored at least three goals in six of their last eight games and can take advantage of Winnipeg's 28th-ranked defense. The Jets have gone over the total in seven of their last eight games.
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02-14-17 | Islanders v. Maple Leafs -135 | 1-7 | Win | 100 | 13 h 44 m | Show | |
The Islanders are playing well and the Maple Leafs haven't been losing six of their last eight games. But I see this as stop-the-pain time for Toronto. The Maple Leafs are trying to avoid a three game sweep to the Islanders. The Maple Leafs have quick revenge for a 6-5 overtime road loss to the Islanders just eight days ago when they blew two leads. Toronto is putting a major emphasis on this matchup. The Islanders have lost 17 of their last 24 road games.
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02-14-17 | Canucks v. Penguins -1.5 | 0-4 | Win | 115 | 12 h 7 m | Show | |
I see this as a kill spot for the Penguins. So does the oddsmaker. Rather than lay more than 2-to-1 in juice, I'm playing the Penguins at a plus price on the puck line envisioning a multi-goal Pittsburgh victory. The Penguins won't be taking Vancouver lightly, not after a surprising 4-3 loss to Arizona in their last game this past Saturday. Matt Murray, Pittsburgh's best goalie, should be back in nets here and star center Evgeni Malkin is expected to play after missing the loss to the Coyotes. Malkin is the seventh-leading goal scorer in the NHL despite missing the past seven games with a leg injury. Vancouver is playing well enough to draw the Penguins' attention although the Canucks still have lost five of their last seven games. They are 19-42 in their last 61 road games. The Penguins have won 47 of their past 61 home contests. Ryan Miller is slated to be in net for the Canucks and he's not playing well surrendering 19 goals in his last six games, five of which Vancouver has lost. He has a 3.18 GAA versus the Penguins in 26 career games versus them.
It can be risky to ask a team to win by more than one goal. But the Penguins have won six of their last seven by multiple goals. |
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02-13-17 | Rangers v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -117 | 4 h 5 m | Show | |
The Rangers and Blue Jackets have met three times this season. There have been six, nine and 10 goals during those games with the latest coming in a 6-4 Blue Jackets victory on Jan. 31. The over has cashed seven of the last nine times the Rangers have been on the road. The Rangers are going with backup goalie Antti Raanta in this game. Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has cooled off not playing as well as before and has a poor history against the Rangers.
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02-12-17 | Canadiens v. Bruins OVER 5 | 0-4 | Loss | -122 | 7 h 60 m | Show | |
The Bruins offense has picked up since Bruce Cassidy replaced Claude Julien. That was two games ago and Boston has scored 10 goals in those two games. This hasn't just been happenstance. The Bruins are playing more aggressively offensively while utilizing four lines instead of heavily relying on only two lines as Julien favored. This has led to a faster and more consistent tempo. The over has cashed in Boston's last five home games. Montreal's defense has slipped. So has the play of goalie Carey Price. The Canadiens have allowed at least three goals in all but one of their last six games. Montreal has yielded four goals in each of its last three games.
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02-12-17 | Red Wings v. Wild -1.5 | 3-6 | Win | 120 | 8 h 53 m | Show | |
I really like the Wild in this game, but I can't lay this high juice. So laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line is the best way to attack this matchup as I see Minnesota blowing out a tired Detroit team. Not only are the Wild vastly superior to the Red Wings, but Detroit had to play on Saturday. The Red Wings lost 2-1 to Columbus in an emotional game for them following the death of their long-time team owner. This is a day game, which makes it even more difficult for the Red Wings, playing in their third road game in four days. Minnesota has won 17 of its 24 home games. The Wild have won four of their last five games by two or more goals. The Red Wings have weak goal tending, rank 26th in goals and last in power play goals.
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02-11-17 | Lightning v. Jets OVER 5.5 | 4-1 | Loss | -102 | 6 h 13 m | Show | |
Tampa Bay's middle-of-the-pack offense can roll here against the Jets, who rank 27th in goals allowed and have surrendered three or more goals in 14 straight games. Winnipeg, though, is a top-10 scoring team. So it's not that surprising the over is 16-3-1 in the Jets' last 20 games. It doesn't take much to get involved with an over in a Jets game. But if you need more evidence the last three meetings between these teams have all resulted in overs with seven, 11 and 10 goals being scored, respectively.
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02-11-17 | Red Wings +175 v. Blue Jackets | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 20 m | Show | |
The Red Wings not only have short revenge for a 3-2 overtime loss to the Blue Jackets this past Tuesday, but they should play hard in memory of their longtime and beloved owner, Mike Ilitch, who died on Friday. The Red Wings get back Niklas Kronwall and Jeff Blashill. Goalie Jimmy Howard is back, too. Columbus is just 8-10 following their epic 16-game win streak. Sergei Bobrovsky isn't play well in goal and the Blue Jackets looked terrible in losing 3-0 at home to Vancouver in their last game.
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02-11-17 | Islanders v. Senators UNDER 5.5 | 0-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 40 m | Show | |
First off, this is a day game meaning an early start. That's a plus for the under as it could mean sluggish offenses. Then there are some interesting sub plots that also favor the total going under. This game could mark the return of Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson. He's the Senators' No. 1 goaltender. He's been out for more than two months to be with his wife who is battling cancer. Anderson is expected to play. Before taking a leave of absence, he had a 12-6-1 record with a 2.46 GAA and .924 save percentage. His presence would provide an emotional lift for the Senators. Islands goalie Thomas Greiss is having a surprisingly strong season. He's giving up 2.3 goals in his last 15 starts. The Senators have scored just three goals in their last three games going 0-for-7 in power play opportunities during this span. The under has cashed in seven of the last nine games between the two teams.
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02-10-17 | Blackhawks v. Jets OVER 5.5 | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show | |
This figures to be a high-scoring game between two top-11 offenses. The Jets give up the fourth-most goals in the league, though. Their defense has been particularly vulnerable lately as the Jets have surrendered three or more goals in 13 consecutive games, including 12 goals allowed during their past three games. The Blackhawks have scored at least three goals in four of their past five games. The over has cashed in six of Chicago's last seven games. The over has cashed an overwhelming 92 percent during the Jets' past 13 games.
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02-10-17 | Blackhawks v. Jets +100 | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 18 m | Show | |
Winnipeg should be up for this matchup after two straight losses, including an embarrassing road defeat to lowly Colorado. Prior to those losses, though, the Jets had won three in a row, including defeating the Blackhawks, 5-3, in Chicago on Jan. 26. The Jets need this home victory trailing a wild-card playoff spot by five points. Chicago just snapped an eight-game regular season losing streak against first-place Minnesota on the road in overtime two days ago. The Blackhawks could be a little fat and happy from that victory. Chicago plays at Edmonton on Saturday. The Jets play Chicago with a great deal of confidence as well they should having defeated the Blackhawks in all four meetings this season. Connor Hellebuyck has been in goal for all four of those victories and should be in goal again. Hellebuyck is a mediocre goalie, but he plays Chicago tough having held the Blackhawks to one goal of fewer three times this season.
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02-09-17 | Canucks v. Blue Jackets UNDER 5.5 | Top | 3-0 | Win | 100 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
Columbus is home for only the second time in its last eight games. The Blue Jackets give up the fifth-fewest goals in the league, but fiery coach John Tortorella hasn't been pleased with his team's defense lately. The Blue Jackets are looking to tighten up their defense and they've found the right opponent. Vancouver ranks third-from-the-bottom in the NHL in scoring, shots on goal and power play goals. The Canucks have been held to two goals or fewer in nine of their last 12 games. Both teams have issues with their power play. Columbus has scored in just two of its last 19 power play opportunities while Vancouver's power play unit will be without injured forward Sven Baertschi. He's the Canucks' fourth leading scorer and key guy on their power play. The Blue Jackets have a strong under tendency when facing Western Conference opponents with the under standing 17-5-1 the past 23 times. The under also has cashed seven of the last eight times the two teams have met in Columbus.
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02-08-17 | Blackhawks v. Wild OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 110 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
I can point out that Minnesota is the No. 3 scoring team in the league while Chicago is 11th in goals scored. But to be honest, I'm just going to ride the Wild's amazing over the total run especially when the total is less than six. Minnesota is 17-3-1 to the over in its last 21 games. The over has cashed in Minnesota's past five games and is 9-1-1 during the Wild's past 11 home games. The Blackhawks have only gone under the total twice in their last 11 road contests. The over also is 3-0-1 the past four times the teams have met in Minnesota.
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02-07-17 | Wild v. Jets OVER 5.5 | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 3 h 22 m | Show | |
It's difficult to not think at least six goals will be scored here. |
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02-07-17 | Blue Jackets -117 v. Red Wings | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 8 h 5 m | Show |
Columbus hasn't lost three games in a row all season and I don't see it happening here. Since winning 16 consecutive games, the Blue Jackets have gone 6-8-1 and were flat returning home from a five-game losing streak losing 5-1 to the Devils this past Saturday. Now the Blue Jackets have been idle the past two days and in stop-the-pain mode. Columbus has won five of the last six times following a loss and are 15-3 going back to last season when having two or more days off following their previous game. The Blue Jackets have the No. 1 power play in the league and can take advantage of Detroit's weak goaltending. The Red Wings are off one-goal victories against the Islanders at home and Predators on the road. The Red Wings were outshot by a combined 35 shots in those two victories. Detroit is down two key players, too, with defenseman Niklas Kronwall and forward Frans Nielsen each out with injuries.
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02-07-17 | Flames v. Penguins OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -127 | 2 h 7 m | Show | |
Johnny Gaudreau has picked up his play lately and the Flames have scored 15 goals in their last four games. |
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02-06-17 | Sabres v. Devils OVER 5 | 1-2 | Loss | -105 | 4 h 46 m | Show | |
The Sabres have scored three or more goals in seven of their last nine games. The over is 7-0-1 in Buffalo's past eight road contests. |
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02-06-17 | Sabres v. Devils -117 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 21 m | Show |
Since opening 7-0-2 at home, the Devils have dropped seven consecutive games in New Jersey. I see the Devils ended their home game losing skid here, though. The Devils need to make their move now if they're going to get into the playoffs. This is the first of five consecutive games for New Jersey. The Devils are placing tremendous emphasis on this matchup. They don't play again until Sunday. So nothing is going to be held back. New Jersey has its perfect patsy in place to accomplish that - Buffalo. The Sabres have lost six of their last eight road contests. They are 1-7 in their past eight meetings versus the Devils going 1-5 in New Jersey. The Devils are 2-0 against the Sabres this season winning 2-1 on the road and 4-2 at home. The Devils need Taylor Hall to step up. Hall broke out of his scoring slump with two goals in the Devils' last game, an impressive 5-1 road win against the Blue Jackets this past Saturday.
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02-04-17 | Wild v. Canucks OVER 5 | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show | |
Minnesota is averaging 3.9 goals in its last 11 games. The Wild have gone consistently over, too, during their last 23 games posting a 17-3-3 mark to the over. Only three of those games had less than five goals scored in them. So I think this total is short. |
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02-04-17 | Penguins v. Blues UNDER 6 | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 36 m | Show | |
The Blues are really stressing defense following the coaching change from Ken Hitchcock to Mike Yeo. That was evident in the Blues' first game under Yeo when they held the Maple Leafs to just one goal in their last game. The Penguins have gotten healthy on defense. They've surrendered two or fewer goals in four of their last seven games. The two teams just met on Jan. 24 in Pittsburgh and the Blues won, 3-0, behind goalie Carter Hutton, who could get the call today.
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02-04-17 | Blackhawks v. Stars OVER 5.5 | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 3 h 8 m | Show | |
Dallas has gone over the total in seven of its last home games. The Stars have scored 13 goals in their last three games showings signs of being as strong offensively as last season. |
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02-04-17 | Kings v. Flyers -108 | 1-0 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 2 m | Show | |
The Flyers are playing better now winning four of their last five. They draw the Kings in a great situational spot here. The Kings just hosted Colorado on Wednesday night and had to fly cross-country. The early start time - 10 a.m. LA time - makes it nearly a back-to-back spot for the Kings. They are 0-2 this season in early road starts losing to Boston and Winnipeg. LA has won four in a row, but have beaten weaken competition defeating the Avalanche, Coyotes and Devils. The Kings have a marquee matchup on Sunday playing on the road against the Capitals. Kings goalie Peter Budaj is 1-3 lifetime versus the Flyers with a 3.23 GAA.
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