Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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06-19-21 | Lightning v. Islanders +116 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 116 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
Semi-Finals Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #52 Saturday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:05 ET - The Islanders are in a must win spot here after dropping Game 3 on home ice. Yes, in theory, anything is possible but coming back from a 3-1 deficit with 2 of the final 3 games at Tampa Bay would be an incredible challenge. That said, I am expecting New York to play their best game of the series tonight. I also feel strongly that they would have won Game 3 were it not for a back-breaking momentum-shifting goal very late in the 2nd period immediately after a TB penalty had been killed off. It did not go in the books as a power play goal but, for all intents and purposes, it was. That proved to be too much for the Isles to bounce back from but this is a resilient group and very well-coached. I expect a big bounce back here. The Islanders have now lost back to back games and are 5-1 the last 6 times when entering a home game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS +115 |
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06-17-21 | Lightning v. Islanders +120 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 48 m | Show |
Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #32 Thursday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line +120 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:05 ET - The Islanders got blasted in Game 2 after winning Game 1 and they will now respond on home ice. The Isles were fantastic on home ice this season. Tampa Bay has a fantastic goalie in Andrei Vasilevskiy but he is not as strong on the road as he has at home. That has been a recurring theme throughout the year for him and I expect the Islanders to take Game 3 as a home dog. They are so strong on home ice and can frustrate the Bolts just like they did in Game 1 of this series. Similar to the Canadiens upset win over the Golden Knights last night after getting blasted in the prior game, look for a defensive-minded team to get the early lead here an then grind out a win. That is Islanders hockey to a T and they are very well-coached and should come up with a big response here after Tuesday's ugly loss. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS +120 |
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06-16-21 | Canadiens +230 v. Golden Knights | Top | 3-2 | Win | 230 | 12 h 35 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #21 Wednesday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line +230 @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 9:05 ET - I have a ton of respect for the Golden Knights but this play is all about the value. People do not realize this Canadiens team is quite strong and they are not hanging their heads after that Game 1 loss. The fact it was a 4-1 final gives us some extra value here as there are plenty of non-believers when it comes to Montreal and this money line is being held high as result. The Vezina trophy is awarded each year to the top goalie in the league. In 2020 Connor Hellebuyck won it. What does that have to do with this play? He plays for Winnipeg and it is that Jets team that Montreal just swept out of the playoffs in the 2nd round. Note that in the 1st round the Habs rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to upset the heavily favored Leafs. Toronto was getting much better goaltending this season too plus loaded with star power and the Canadiens still managed to win games despite being outshot. Why? A guy by the name of Carey Price is between the pipes for Montreal and he is fully capable of stealing games. Price also has a Vezina trophy win on his resume and is one of the best netminders in the game. So too is Marc-Andre Fleury of Vegas but the Canadiens did have some quality chances but the puck luck - bounces of the puck if you will - did tend to favor the Golden Knights in Game 1. I expect a very hungry Habs team to come out with a much stronger full 60 minutes here as they tapered after a strong first period in Game 1. Perhaps the week long layoff caught up with the Canadiens but they will be better tonight. I am sure of that and feel it will lead to a big upset win. The Habs had won 7 straight games overall before the Game 1 loss and were also 6-1 on the road in this post-season prior to Monday's loss. Bounce back time here. 10* MONTREAL +230 |
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06-13-21 | Islanders +170 v. Lightning | Top | 2-1 | Win | 170 | 6 h 19 m | Show |
NBC Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #81 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line +170 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 3:05 ET - These are two very strong teams. Very well-coached too. Jon Cooper let the Bolts to the Stanley Cup Championship over the Stars last season. It was only a couple years before that the Islanders coach, Barry Trotz, was head man of the Capitals and led them to the Stanley Cup Championship over the Golden Knights. That said, I feel the -200 price on TB is offering us tremendous underdog line value on the other side that is too good to pass up on! The Islanders are a tough team to play against and this will be the first meeting since the Lightning knocked them out of the post-season last year. That series was played in the bubble and I remember it well as the Islanders were handed a very tough situation with coming off a grueling 7-game series win over the Flyers that including 3 OT wins and then having to face the Lightning on short rest. The Isles got blasted in Game 1 and could never recover. They were just worn out and beat up. This situation this year is entirely different and this should be a fantastic series with a Game 1 upset setting the tone. New York is rested and ready this year and now, about that home ice, note that the Islanders have won 4 of 6 road games in this post-season. Also, the Lightning are coming off a series against the Hurricanes in which the home team won only 1 of 5 games! Prior to a win over the Canes in TB in Game 4, the Lightning had lost 3 of last 5 games on home ice. Considering all of the above, this is incredible underdog line value here. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS +170 |
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06-10-21 | Avalanche +120 v. Golden Knights | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 22 m | Show |
West Div P/O Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Thursday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line +120 @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 9:05 ET - 2-0 going to 3rd period on your home ice and you lose the game. That is the situation the Avalanche just had in Game 5 of this series to sink into a 3-2 hole. Some turnovers were the key in the game but overall Colorado looked very strong in that one and never should have lost it. They worked so hard all season to get home ice and all is not yet lost. With a win in Game 6 at Vegas, the Avs can send this series back to Colorado for a winner takes all Game 7. In other words, the Avalanche know there is still much to play for and they know they should not be down 3-2 in this series. The Avs have now lost 3 straight games and this team has not lost 4 straight games all season long. Ironically the only time the Avalanche suffered a 3rd straight loss in the regular season it was at the hands of the Golden Knights and Colorado responded with a 3-0 shutout loss in their very next game. I am expecting a similar response here. You will see the Avalanche play their best game of the post-season tonight and, while the public will be lining up on Vegas to close this out on home ice, in typical contrarian fashion I am betting big on the road dog to get it done here. 10* COLORADO +120 |
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06-09-21 | Bruins -131 v. Islanders | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -131 | 9 h 60 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #41 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line -130 @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins were on the wrong end of a 5-4 final Monday despite dominating play statistically for the 4th time in the last 6 games between these two clubs. In the last 4 games in this series, the road team has taken 3 of them and I see that trend continuing here. The Bruins are a sizable money line favorite on the road here for a reason! Don't let the line fool you. Yes the Islanders were great on home ice this season but the Bruins had won 5 of the last 6 meetings between these two clubs before losing the last 2 games. The road team trend continues here. 10* BOSTON |
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06-06-21 | Avalanche +101 v. Golden Knights | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #23 Sunday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line +100 @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:35 ET - The Avalanche outshot the Golden Knights by a huge margin in Game 1 and got a dominating win. In Game 2 they were outshot by a big margin but got away with it. So the same thing happened in Game 3 and, this time, the Avs paid for it. They surely will be much hungrier here after letting Vegas get back into this series with a 3-2 win in Game 3 that was earned via a 43 to 20 edge in shots on goal. Colorado must be much better here and they know it and caught an earful from their coach about it. I fully expect the Avalanche to be firing on all cylinders in this one as a result. The Avs are the better overall team in my opinion but truly have not "flexed their muscles" since Game One of this series. Great line value since this game is at Vegas and I will grab the Avalanche as they are known for responding very well off losses. 10* COLORADO |
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06-05-21 | Hurricanes +144 v. Lightning | Top | 4-6 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 31 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Saturday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line +145 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 4:05 ET - The Hurricanes offer tremendous value here. The road team has won all 3 games so far in this series and the final game of the regular season so the traveler is 4-0 L4 between these teams. Also, the Canes could get Vincent Trochek back for this one. Additionally, Carolina got a boost with the goalie change. The Hurricanes were outshot by the Lightning in Game 3 but Peter Mrazek came up big with a strong start. Carolina did outshoot the Bolts by a combined 106 to 72 shots on goal in the 3 meetings prior to the Game 3 win in this one. That said, it is ironic that the team that has been outshot has won each of the last 4 meetings. The Hurricanes win the shots on goal battle and the game here in my opinion as they have often looked like the better team this season plus they got a boost with Mrazek back between the pipes. So difficult for teams to repeat and that is what the Lightning are trying to do this season but I feel strongly they will struggle to get past the Canes and Game 3 was a sign of things to come. 10* CAROLINA +145 |
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06-04-21 | Canadiens v. Jets -110 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #12 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line -110 vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - The Jets will be without Mark Scheifele due to suspension and also Paul Stastny (undisclosed) is a bit of an unknown. However, Winnipeg still has a guy by the name of Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes and I just do not see he and the Jets being denied in Game Two. After losing Game One on home ice, falling behind 2-0 early, look for Winnipeg to come out refocused and ready to bounce back here. There is the classic rest versus rust factor that appeared to plague the Jets in Game One. They had swept the Oilers in the first round while the Canadiens went the full seven games against the Maple Leafs. As it turns out, Montreal was able to maintain their rhythm in Game One while the Jets indeed showed a rust factor from being off for more than a week. The point is that this will not be repeated in Game Two and we also have excellent line value here with the much lower money line on the Jets because of the personnel situation. I will grab the value here as Montreal has won 4 straight games now after never winning more than 3 in a row in the regular season. The streak ends here as the Canadiens had been 0-3 this season when entering a game on a winning streak of 3 games. 10* WINNIPEG -110 |
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06-03-21 | Bruins -137 v. Islanders | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 46 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #1 Thursday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line -135 @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - I have plenty of respect for both of these hockey clubs but, in my opinion, the Bruins are a sizable road favorite here with good reason. In spite of the Islanders having a great season on home ice, Boston is in a bounce back spot here after the OT loss in Game 2 and I fully expect a big response here. The Bruins had won 4 straight before the overtime loss at home and note that the 4 victories came by a combined score of 15 to 5. That is an average winning margin of 2.5 goals per game and I look for another big win here for the road team. Boston has outshot the Islanders by a count of 193 to 127 in the last 5 games. That is an average margin edge of 13 shots on goal per game. The Isles have not won the shots on goal battle in any of those games. The Bruins wrapped up the regular season 8-2 the last 10 times they entered a game off a loss. Then, in the post-season, they also responded off their only loss. Look for them to do the same here. 10* BOSTON |
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06-02-21 | Canadiens v. Jets -136 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -136 | 10 h 37 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #82 Wednesday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line -135 vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - The Canadiens won the most recent meeting between these teams but that was preceded by the Jets winning 6 of 8 match-ups and now they have a huge rest edge in this one. From a situational standpoint, Winnipeg is set up extremely well here plus they get this game on home ice. Courtesy of their 4-0 sweep over Edmonton in the first round, the Jets enter this game with a little over a week of rest. Montreal is certainly at the opposite end of the spectrum as they just faced a grueling 7-game series with the Maple Leafs in which the Habs had to rally from a 3-1 deficit which included winning games 5 and 7 at Toronto! Including action of Monday May 24th, this will be Montreal's 6th game in 9 days while it will be just the 2nd for Winnipeg since that same day, Monday May 24th. Also, in the regular season, the Canadiens went 0-3 when they entered a game on a 3-game winning streak. This one set up perfectly to be all Jets. 10* WINNIPEG |
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06-01-21 | Lightning v. Hurricanes -109 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #72 Tuesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line -110 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Hurricanes did outshoot the Lightning in the Game 1 loss. It was a game that truly could have gone either way. It is so tough to repeat as champions in any sport and the NHL is no exception. That said, I know the Bolts are only into the 2nd round of this post-season but the point is that it is a tough climb ahead of them and I certainly don't see them blowing right past Carolina. On home ice, look for the Hurricanes to respond in a big way after the Game One loss. Carolina had won the most recent regular season meeting between these teams. Also, prior to Sunday's loss, the Canes had won 3 of the last 4 meetings when on their home ice. In fact, prior to the final regular season meeting between these teams (a Carolina win) the home team had won 5 of the last 6 meetings. The Hurricanes have outshot Tampa Bay in 4 of the last 5 meetings. The Canes have averaged an edge of 11 shots on goal in those 4 meetings in which they had the edge. Look for the Hurricanes to have the edge over the Lightning in this one again and, this time, it will translate to a win. 10* CAROLINA |
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05-29-21 | Maple Leafs v. Canadiens +166 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 166 | 9 h 34 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #42 Saturday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line +165 vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - Tremendous underdog line value here. The shots on goal have been almost exactly equal in the last 3 games combined. Price has proven he can be just as good as Campbell between the pipes. The Canadiens also have the home ice edge here. When you add all those factors up, as well as a big move toward the Maple Leafs money line in this one, you definitely have a big value edge in favor of the home dog in this match-up. This series is 3-2. In the regular season the Leafs had 17 road wins and the Habs had 13 home wins. Toronto is also without Tavares right now. That said, given the above stats showing very little disparity between these teams, there is just tremendous underdog line value in this spot that I will not pass up. The fact the Canadiens really got to Campbell in the most recent game is another key here. 10* MONTREAL |
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05-28-21 | Wild +155 v. Golden Knights | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #35 Friday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line +160 @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 9:05 ET - Momentum, goaltending situation concrete, and value. Those are the keys here. Minnesota has rallied back from a 3 to 1 deficit in the series to force Game 7. The Wild are set in goal with Cam Talbot. They win with them or they lose with him. As for Vegas, who knows? This is what happens when you go with a 2-goalie system during the regular season. Now Marc-Andre Fleury has allowed 6 goals on just 37 shots the last two games and some are calling for Robin Lehner to get the Game 7 start. This is not a knock on Fleury but just the point that now the Golden Knights option in goal or a guy who has lost 2 straight or a cold guy coming in who has not played in over two weeks and who had an .859 save percentage in the month of May! As for the value I mentioned above, it is simply hard to argue against it. Yes we take some risk in grabbing a big dog but to me the risk is much bigger with laying a big price here! The road team has won 7 of the last 10 meetings between these teams! So you have home ice being over-valued here and, as good as Vegas was in the regular season, the fact is that the Wild have continued to be a troublesome match-up for them all year long. Look for it to continue for one more night as all the pressure is on the Golden Knights to advance and avoid a monumental first round collapse. The road team has no pressure here and could play much better as a result. This series was not even supposed to go more than 5 or 6 games. To the Wild, the pressure is off and they will make the most of this opportunity. 10* MINNESOTA |
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05-26-21 | Penguins v. Islanders -108 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #10 Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line -110 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 6:35 ET - The Islanders are riding a hot goalie in Ilya Sorokin. He is 3-0 in his 3 starts in this series. The Penguins are a strong team no doubt but I give the goalie edge to the Isles no matter who they have in goal here. Tristan Jarry made an egregious error in OT of the critical game five that has now swung all momentum the way of the Islanders in this one. I look for them to finish off the Penguins tonight. Yes Pittsburgh had strong edge in shots on goal but goalies are a key in the playoffs and we have seen that trend play out in numerous series including this one thus far. Even if Semyeon Varlamov got the call here it would still favor the Isles. The Pens Jarry could be in trouble after his slip-up in Game 5 as that kind of mistake impacts a goaltenders mentality in his very next game too. As for the other Pens goalie, Casey DeSmith, he has been trying to recover from an injury. Momentum and strength of goalie play are huge factors in this one and I like the home ice value. Keep in mind the Penguins only won about half their road games in the regular season while the Isles won 75% of their games on home ice. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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05-24-21 | Islanders +124 v. Penguins | Top | 3-2 | Win | 124 | 8 h 11 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #73 Monday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line +125 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Tristan Jarry has now allowed 4 goals in 3 of 4 games in this series. If Casey DeSmith is able to go it would be his first action in awhile and he could be rusty. That said, I do feel that the Islanders have the goalie edge here and goaltending is so critical in the playoffs. We have seen this be a key in numerous series already this post-season and it will very likely be a continuing pattern. That said, I do expect the Islanders to go with Ilya Sorokin again tonight. He is 2-0 so far in the series and allowed only 1 goal in the win over Jarry and the Penguins on Saturday. That was the only win in the series by more than a 1-goal margin and I like the underdog value with the Isles again in this one. Pittsburgh has been unable to create separation from the Islanders throughout this series. In my strong opinion, the Pens were only better than the Isles in the Game Two win and this series could easily be 3-1 Islanders already. That is why I am rolling with the road dog here in Game Five. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS Money Line +125 |
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05-22-21 | Penguins v. Islanders -110 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 58 m | Show |
East Div Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #54 Saturday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 3:05 ET - The Islanders are off back to back losses and, since Feb 1st, have gone 7-2 when they enter a game off 2 or more consecutive losses. The Isles are well-coached and are a very good team and they will be ready to bounce back on home ice here. Yes the Penguins stole Game 3 on the road but now in Game 4 I look for the Islanders to bear down. Lets not forget Pittsburgh had nearly as many losses as wins on the road during the regular season and the Isles won 21 of 28 home games in the regular season. One could argue based on the above that the Islanders have 78% and 75% chances of winning this game while the Penguins are only more in the range of a "coin flip" in this game. I love the home ice value as a result here and will gladly grab the "pick 'em" pricing on a host that should be priced higher in my opinion. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS -110 |
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05-21-21 | Jets +152 v. Oilers | Top | 1-0 | Win | 152 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #45 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line +150 @ Edmonton Oilers @ 9:05 ET - There is a rather simplistic theory in sports with playoff series that many employ but, in truth, the theory just does not "hold water" so to speak. The theory is that if a team is off a loss they must bounce back in the very next game. Of course sometimes this does happen but it is certainly not a "catch all" that works perfectly. For evidence of that we can look at the current post-season and note that the Penguins are off B2B wins over the Islanders, the Bruins are off B2B wins over the Capitals, the Hurricanes are up 2-0 on the Predators, the Lightning had gone up 2-0 on the Panthers before upset loss last night, Colorado is up 2-0 on St Louis, and Vegas has now won 2 straight over the Wild. The other two series that just started and have had just one game apiece include the Canadiens upsetting the Maple Leafs last night as well as this one, the Jets upsetting the Oilers Wednesday night. So the point is that there are 8 series going, and of the 6 that have played multiple games all 6 have seen a team win 2 in a row. Now, just because Winnipeg won at Edmonton in Game 1 the Oilers are supposed to get revenge tonight. I don't see it that way. What I see is we have one of the best goalies in the game, Connor Hellebuyck, against - no disrespect intended - a tandem of Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen that strikes fear in no one. That is not to say they are bad goalies but they certainly are not elite. Just like Game One I expect Edmonton to ousthoot Winnipeg but just like Game One I expect Hellebuyck to be the difference maker! That said, incredible line value with here with the Jets in the +150 range! 10* WINNIPEG |
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05-20-21 | Penguins v. Islanders -115 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 59 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #36 Thursday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line -115 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The fact the Islanders got a win at Pittsburgh in Game 1 was huge. Even though they lost Game 2, they still sit in the drivers seat right now in this series. Why is that? These are two of the best home teams in the league. Pittsburgh won 22 of 28 home games and the Isles won 21 of 28 home games. That said, the value is with the home team in this match up as the Penguins barely won half their road games. I love backing the Islanders off a loss and on their home ice and fading a team that has often struggled in road games this season. The Isles went 9-3 this season when they were on home ice and coming off a loss. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS -115 |
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05-19-21 | Capitals +153 v. Bruins | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 28 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #23 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 6:35 ET - This play is all about the value. Yes the Capitals have some injury issues and this includes at the goalie position but the last time I checked (sarcasm of course) no team in the NHL won more road games in the regular season than Washington! The point is that this is far too much value to be given to the Caps in this situation. They are a +155 DOG even though they have more road wins than Boston has home wins this season! Washington had won 2 straight over the Bruins before a tight 4-3 loss Monday. Also, the Capitals did win 2 of the 4 regular season games at Boston this season and that included a blowout 8-1 win! I am certainly not expecting that type of game here but I am expecting another close game where no one can argue with me that we do not have the better value having the road dog. I expect this game to be a close one but I expect the Capitals to find a way. Note that Boston had won just 6 of 12 prior to the win in Game 2 of this series. The Bruins have not managed back to back wins in the past two weeks. The Capitals are a perfect 5-0 the last 5 times they were on the road and coming off a loss! 10* WASHINGTON +155 |
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05-18-21 | Lightning -110 v. Panthers | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
CNBC Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #15 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -110 @ Florida Panthers @ 8:05 ET - This line has made a major move this morning and it is because Florida is starting Chris Driedger between the pipes for this one. I know the Panthers netminder shutout the Lightning the last time he faced them but, prior to that, he allowed 3 goals on 19 shots in a start against the Bolts. Also, the one before that when he faced Tampa Bay, Driedger allowed 4 goals. I know the Panthers are hoping for a spark with starting Driedger here after Sergei Bobrovsky allowed 5 goals in the Game 1 loss but, honestly, Bobrovsky was not the problem in Game 1. The problem for Florida is just at that Tampa is the better team overall and loaded with a history of playoff winning while the Panthers are always getting bounced early in the post-season when they even do make a playoff appearance. So, while I do respect Florida, this is a very tough match-up for them and I feel we have great line value here as the Bolts have gone from a -130 fave to nearly a pick'em now in this match-up. Keep in mind, prior to shutting out TB the last time he faced them (which will actually motivate the Bolts even more here), Driedger allowed 8 goals on just 54 shots over his last 3 appearances. That is a lousy save percentage of only .852 over those 3 appearances for Driedger. More of the same here. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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05-16-21 | Lightning -115 v. Panthers | Top | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 4 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #65 Sunday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -115 @ Florida Panthers @ 7:30 ET - The Lightning got a lot of good news on the injury front entering this one. A bunch of players now listed as probable for Tampa Bay and that includes Kucherov and Stamkos. That is part of the reason you can throw Florida's dominance of the last two regular season games out the window. It is playoff time and I have plenty of respect for the Panthers but feel strongly that the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bolts are going to come out strong and make a statement in Game 1 of this series. The playoffs are an entirely different animal than regular season hockey and, at least in the opener of this one, I look for the Lightning to prevail. There is a reason that lower-seeded Tampa Bay is favored on the road at Florida in this one. Do not be fooled by the line here. The Lightning are justified in being the favorites in this one after being road dogs in the last two meetings of the regular season at Florida. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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05-15-21 | Bruins v. Capitals +118 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 118 | 9 h 31 m | Show |
National TV Blowout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #48 Saturday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line +118 vs Boston Bruins @ 7:15 ET - I have tremendous respect for both of these teams and feel both are built very well for playoff hockey. However, that said, I do feel we are getting tremendous line value here with the Caps as a home dog. One interesting item of note is that, since we are expecting tight defensive-minded playoff hockey, I did notice something about recent match-ups between these teams. There have been no shutouts in any of the last 9 meetings between these teams but 5 times a team has been held to just a single goal. 4 of the 5 times that team was Boston and they were on the wrong end of a loss to Washington. The Capitals beat the Bruins by a combined score of 14-4 in those 4 games. Now, certainly I am not expecting a blowout win here but I am just saying that the Capitals do know how to stifle the Bruins and actually have outshot them in 5 of the last 6 meetings. Look for the Caps to find a way on home ice in this one and I am grabbing the underdog in this one! 10* WASHINGTON +118 |
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05-14-21 | Maple Leafs v. Jets +139 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 139 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #44 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line +140 vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 8:05 ET - The Maple Leafs and Jets are both set in terms of playoff positioning. That said, this is a rather meaningless game and it is simply hard to justify Toronto being such a pricey road favorite. The Leafs have lost 5 of last 8 road games and face a Jets team that had been struggling but now has won 2 of last 3 games that Connor Hellebuyck has started and he is expected to get the call here. Winnipeg has won those two games by a combined 9-0 score. This is a tune up game for the post-season but the Jets might prove to be the more motivated team. The Maple Leafs have won 4 of the last 5 meetings and are the top team in the division. The Jets want to prove they can turn the tables on Toronto and beat them heading into the post-season and wrapping up the regular season with a winner on home ice. Too much underdog value here to pass up. 10* WINNIPEG +140 |
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05-10-21 | Oilers v. Canadiens +101 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 36 m | Show |
THE Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #12 Monday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) vs Edmonton Oilers @ 7:05 ET - Montreal still needs one more win to clinch a playoff spot. Edmonton not only has already clinched a playoff spot, they are locked into the #2 spot in the division. That said, the Canadiens are the much more motivated team here and have already won 5 of 7 meetings between these teams this season. I know the Oilers are a high-quality team that is dangerous in the offensive zone but I just can not foresee them bringing a huge effort here. As for the Habs, they want to lock in their playoff spot now and leave nothing to chance. Though Montreal has lost 3 straight games, those were all on the road and including two at division-leader Toronto. Now the Canadiens are back home where they have won 3 straight games. Also, Edmonton has lost its last two visits here by a combined score of 7 to 2 and they have been outshot by a combined 64 to 40 in those two games. 10* MONTREAL |
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05-08-21 | Hurricanes v. Predators +107 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 107 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #70 Saturday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - The Hurricanes have now locked up the #1 spot in the division. The Predators can clinch a playoff spot with a win tonight. With the Preds having won 16 of 26 on home ice and the Hurricanes having won 16 of 26 on enemy ice this season, one could argue that this line should be a pick'em under normal circumstances. That said, there is huge value here because these are not normal circumstances and yet Nashville, even after some early line movement this morning, are still a small dog here. I will grab the value with the highly motivated home dog here. Of course the Hurricanes have been hot and want to keep winning heading into the post-season, but I just do not see the Canes as being able to match the intensity of the Preds in this one as they look to punch their ticket to the post-season. 10* NASHVILLE |
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05-07-21 | Flyers +166 v. Capitals | Top | 4-2 | Win | 166 | 8 h 0 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #33 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +165 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Blackhawks, Canucks, and Devils all won yesterday. What in the world does that have to do with this play? A helluva lot actually! All 3 of those teams will NOT be going to the playoffs but they are playing loose and relaxed hockey as a result. I know Vancouver is still mathematically alive but, trust me, they know the handwriting is on the wall and they are not going to make it. They are on the verge of elimination. So the point is that all 3 of those aforementioned teams were on the road and they were facing playoff-bound hosts that were all favored by at least -200 and one was above the -300 mark! The point is that a lot of underdog value was there with those 3 upsets and that was on a card with 6 games yesterday. So looking for the big dogs can pay off big late in the season like this. For Friday, this is another such situation. Washington is a nearly 2 to 1 favorite and is playoff bound and they are hosting a Philly team that will not be going to the playoffs. The Flyers will play loose and relaxed. Philadelphia has a long history of rivalry with the Capitals and would love nothing more than to spoil their hopes of winning the division. The Caps are off a very emotional 2-game set with the Rangers that featured the Tom Wilson incident in the first game which spilled into all-out brawls in the 2nd game of the set. That could leave Washington a little spent here while the Flyers are well rested and have been off since Tuesday and are in bounce back mode off an ugly loss. Washington has lost 4 of last 6 on home ice. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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05-05-21 | Capitals v. Rangers +125 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 35 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #6 Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +125 vs Washington Capitals @ 7 ET - The Rangers are incensed that Tom Wilson was not suspended for the fracas in the Monday game that led to a brawl on the ice and left New York without Artemi Panarin for the rest of the season. Granted the Rangers are eliminated from the playoffs and there are only 3 games left for New York but none of this is sitting well with this team. Not only is this a big time revenge game for the Rangers after what happened on Monday, it is also their final home game of the season. I am banking on the Rangers being ready to go in a huge way. Yes Panarin is a key loss for New York but the Rangers are going to be extremely motivated to win this game! Also, the Capitals are expected to be without Kuznetsov plus Ovechkin has been downgraded to doubtful for this game. Oshie, Shultz, Samsonov also are all listed as questionable for this one. Yes the Caps are going hard for 1st place in the division but, especially after what happened Monday, you know the Rangers are going hard here in hopes of playing the role of spoiler. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +125 |
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05-04-21 | Penguins v. Flyers +149 | Top | 7-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #64 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +150 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Fully understand the Flyers being a +150 dog again today but it is simply not justified. Especially this is true because Casey DeSmith left yesterday's game with an injury. That forced Tristan Jarry, today's starting goalie, into action for the Penguins. Pittsburgh is simply over-priced here. Jarry has some ugly numbers against the Flyers this season and, though Philadelphia is eliminated from post-season contention, they have already shown what they can do when motivated. Philly is always motivated when facing Crosby, Malkin, and the in-state division rival Penguins. They will bring another strong effort on home ice and have their better goalie, Brian Elliott, instead of Alex Lyon, between the pipes for this one. This is simply too much home dog value to pass up on. The markets will be all over the Penguins in this one but the goalie situation, confidence factor after yesterday's game, home ice edge, hungry dog mentality and line value all add up to a great spot to back the Flyers again. 10* PHILADELPHIA +150 |
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05-03-21 | Capitals -106 v. Rangers | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 42 m | Show |
WASHINGTON -105 - The Capitals could have Ovechkin back on the ice tonight but, either way, I do like the Caps a lot in this spot. For all intents and purposes, after back to back ugly losses to the Islanders, the Rangers season is over. They are not yet mathematically eliminated but the Rangers would have to win all 4 remaining games and have the Bruins not earn a single point from any of their 6 remaining games. That is not happening and the Rangers are going to struggle to pull it all together for this game. For Washington, there is no shortage of motivation as they are now in 2nd place in the division but only 2 points behind the Penguins and they have a game in hand on Pittsburgh. Also, the Caps have Ovechkin back on the ice and skating again in practices so they know his return is imminent which is also a big boost to the club. Washington is 3-1 this season when entering a game off exactly 2 consecutive losses. In other words, only once this season did the Capitals have a losing streak reach 3 or more games. Off back to back losses entering this game, look for the Caps to improve to 4-1 on the season when in this situation. 10* WASHINGTON |
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05-01-21 | Rangers +121 v. Islanders | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 7 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #9 Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The odds are getting slimmer for the Rangers to make the post-season but they most definitely are not going to quit fighting until they are officially eliminated from contention. Also, this is a rivalry game for them and they are fired up after losing the last two meetings with the Islanders by a combined score of 10 to 1. This includes a 4-0 shutout loss Thursday and note that the Rangers are 7-2 the last 9 times they have entered a game off a loss. The Islanders got that big W over the Rangers Thursday but this was preceded by 3 straight losses and defeats in 6 of their last 9 games overall. Back in the first half of March the Islanders were really dominating games and winning big. However, since then, the Islanders have played 22 games and only won 5 of them in regulation. That is not a mistake...is very real...the Isles have just 5 wins prior to the final horn of regulation in 22 games! I know a win is a win as they saying goes but those are some striking numbers! I am grabbing the road dog for immediate revenge off the shutout loss. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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04-30-21 | Jets +102 v. Canadiens | Top | 3-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 22 m | Show |
North Div Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #65 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Jets have lost 5 straight games but they still hold the edge in this match-up. Cary Price has been out with a concussion and so Jake Allen has been shouldering the load for the Canadiens. It has not gone so well as the Habs enter this game losers in 9 of their last 13 games. Also, Allen is 3-8 in home starts for Montreal this season! Overall the Canadiens have won just 10 of 23 home games this season. Winnipeg has won 16 of 25 road games as they have been better as travelers. The Jets have won 7 of last 9 meetings with the Habs and that includes 6 of the 8 meetings this season. Connor Hellebuyck has had a couple rough starts recently but he is still a great goalie and coming off a game in which he allowed only 2 goals. He also has allowed a total of only 2 goals in his last 2 starts against the Canadiens and both of those were this month and both were at Montreal. More of the same here and the Jets series dominance continues! 10* WINNIPEG +102 |
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04-28-21 | Blues +133 v. Wild | Top | 4-3 | Win | 133 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
West Div Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #37 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line +135 @ Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Blues are off a dominating win over Colorado Monday. They won the game 4 to 1 and completely stifled and frustrated the Avalanche as even down 4 to 1 and putting all their efforts into trying to get offense going to get back in the game, the Avs struggled badly. Colorado could hardly even get the puck into the offensive zone and then when they did they could not sustain any pressure and the Blues would quickly get the puck out of the zone. It was a like a clinic on how to stop a potent offense and I fully expect St Louis to carry that momentum right into this game. I expected Binnington to get the start in goal and he has been solid. The Blues enter this game with 5 wins in their last 8 games. I know the Wild have won 7 straight games but Minnesota has played Arizona 3 times, San Jose 3 times, and Los Angeles 1 time. Those teams are all below St Louis in the standings. Conversely, the Blues have beaten Vegas once, Colorado twice, and Minnesota twice for the 5 wins during their 5-3 run. All of those teams have clinched a playoff berth. So yes the Wild are a good team and particularly when at home but there is a reason the odds makers opened this game up with Minny as a very small fave. Of course the public jumped all over the Wild on home ice and now all the line value is with the Blues. They have the goalie edge in this match-up no matter who is in goal as, against, all of Minnesota's wins came against weaker teams. This Blues team still has a lot to play for and they have proven that with their recent play on the ice. Also, St Louis has been better on the road than at home this season. The Blues have won 3 of last 4 meetings between these teams and their 3 victories came by a combined score of 16 to 4. Road rout likely here which will surprise everyone but not me. Look for the Wild to be flat after too many days off between games and also after having now clinched a playoff spot. 10* ST LOUIS |
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04-27-21 | Flyers -132 v. Devils | Top | 4-6 | Loss | -132 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
Perfect Ten Play - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #27 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - I am happy to put this 10-0 streak to the test. Playing against the Devils each of their last 10 games would have netted you a perfect 10-0 run at the betting window. Indeed New Jersey has lost 10 straight games and the Devils have lost 14 of 15 and 16 of 18. Sure they should have beaten the Flyers but that late rally for Philly that featured two late goals from their captain to tie it which led to an eventual shootout win is huge for momentum. Yes the Flyers are highly unlikely to make the playoffs but they still have 4 more games (including this one) that are against these struggling Devils. Until they are mathematically eliminated I feel you will not see any quit from Philly. Also, we get line value here since the Flyers are on the road but here is what is funny about that. Philadelphia is better on the road than at home this season and the Devils are worse at home than on the road this season. Yet home ice is always priced into the line and in this case it favors us because New Jersey has won just 4 of 24 home games this season. You read that right, the Devils have won just 16.7% of their home games on the year. I do not often lay prices but great price on this one here and is a very fair price especially considering all of the above factors. Look for the 10-0 run against New Jersey to make it 11 straight! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-25-21 | Bruins -104 v. Penguins | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -104 | 7 h 59 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #59 Sunday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 3:05 ET - There is a reason this game is priced at a pick'em even though the Penguins are on home ice and have been fantastic there this season while the Bruins have not been as strong on the road. For one thing, it is a back to back for Pittsburgh. For another thing, Boston is now getting much healthier. Bergeron is the only concern but at least Coyle is back now if Bergeron misses again. However, I expect him to play. Either way, I like the value with the road team here. Their goalie situation also has stabilized with good health now. 10* BOSTON |
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04-24-21 | Avalanche v. Blues +147 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 147 | 7 h 40 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #42 Saturday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line +145 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 3:05 ET - I am aware that Grubauer might be back in goal for the Avalanche soon after being on the covid list. However, even if he played today, it would be his first game in nearly two weeks and he likely would be rusty. That means we are likely to see Dubnyk in goal here. I know he has won his first two starts for Colorado but this is still a guy who has twice as many losses as wins on the season and he is facing a determined an hungry Blues team here. St Louis won the first meeting of the season but has since lost 5 straight games versus the Avalanche. That said, the Blues want this game badly! Colorado could again be without Donskoi and Rantanen for this game for covid reasons. The Avalanche have been outshot by a combined 61 to 57 in the last two meetings and both games were very tight. This time the Blues get over the hump and I like the home dog value here. Binnington is 40-14-9 in home starts for St Louis the last 3 seasons combined and this game is critical for the Blues as they continue to battle for the #4 spot in the standings and the corresponding playoff spot that goes along with it. 10* ST LOUIS |
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04-22-21 | Maple Leafs v. Jets +118 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
10* WINNIPEG +118 - Great home dog spot here. The Maple Leafs were riding an amazing red hot beginning to a season with goalie Jack Campbell practically being automatic his first 10+ starts this season. However, he has cooled off and David Rittich has struggled some too and, just like that, the Leafs have now lost 5 straight games. One of the teams that gave Campbell a lot of trouble recently was Winnipeg and the Jets as a home dog are a must play in this spot in my opinion. Winnipeg is getting healthier with a couple players coming back and having Connor Hellebuyck in net is a big edge for the Jets in this one. Winnipeg is well-rested and off a home loss to Edmonton on Saturday. The Jets are 14-3 this season when off a loss! Look for Toronto to lose 6 straight as they are feeling the heat from this host who has their sights set on overtaking them for the top spot in the North Division. 10* WINNIPEG +118 |
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04-20-21 | Rangers +118 v. Islanders | Top | 1-6 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* New York Rangers Money Line (+118) @ New York Islanders @ 7:00 ET - The Islanders continue to lead a charmed life and are off a 1-0 OT win at Philadelphia. There is nothing charmed about the way the Rangers have been winning games! The Rangers have won 4 straight games and 8 of their last 11. The most recent loss was to the Islanders and was, of course, in OT! The game just prior to that, the Rangers beat the Isles 4-1. In fact, the Rangers have had many blowout wins and only 1 OT win over the past 5 weeks which has seen them make a big push for a playoff spot. The Islanders last 8 wins have included only 2 wins in regulation. The Islanders have won 8 of 13 games but that means they were only good enough to beat a team in regulation 2 times the last 13. I respect this Islanders team and they are a very good defensive-minded team but, really, the Rangers have been more impressive of late and that shows up again on Tuesday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +118 |
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04-19-21 | Hurricanes v. Lightning -115 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - NHL Rotation #36 Monday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-115) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - My honest opinion right now is that if these teams met in a 7-game series the Hurricanes would ultimately prevail. Carolina is a very hungry team and, of course, the Lightning just won the Stanley Cup and it is so difficult to repeat. However, for this regular season game, there are huge edges for the Bolts in my opinion. Tampa Bay sees Carolina ahead of them at the top of the standings but only by 2 points. The Lightning are on home ice where Andrei Vasilevskiy just suffered his first home loss of the season. That's right, the TB netminder is a superb 14-1 with a 1.67 GAA and .941 save percentage on home ice this season. So Vasilevskiy wants a bounce back and he and his Bolts teammates also looking for some revenge after a 4-3 loss 3 weeks ago in which the Lightning were outplayed. That game was the 5th time in the last 6 meetings that the home team has prevailed and I look for that trend to continue. I realize Carolina is a very good team. Like I said, at the present time I would take them in a series over Tampa. However, for this particular game, the situational value is off the charts with the Lightning and we get a very low price because, yes, the Canes are a very good team. But tonight it is the Bolts and Vasilevskiy getting some payback. 10* TAMPA BAY -115 |
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04-16-21 | Islanders +110 v. Bruins | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
ISLANDERS - Yesterday the Bruins embarrassed the Islanders 4 to 1 as they totally dominated the game. Rask was back between the pipes for Boston and even though Varlamov played well in the crease for New York, the Islanders were outplayed by the Bruins all over the ice. That means payback time in this back to back situation and the goalie situation favors the road dog. Boston's Halak is still out so that means, since Rask played last night, it is likely to be Swayman in goal for the Bruins in this one. He has played well but is still unproven but certainly he has been a better option than Vladar of late. However, Swayman still would be making just the 5th start of his NHL career. As for the Isles, they have a much more experienced option in Ilya Sorokin and he is a fantastic 11-3-1 this season. Also, when he is on he is really on strong. Sorokin has a fantastic 1.50 GAA in those 11 victories. The Isles are a strong-minded well-coached team that will come back hard after a game that played out ugly like yesterday's did. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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04-12-21 | Maple Leafs -145 v. Canadiens | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -145 | 6 h 36 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NHL Rotation #3 Monday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Jack Campbell is the confirmed starter for the Maple Leafs and he can't wait to get on the ice and redeem himself. Even though he improved to 11-0 with a win over Ottawa it was a rare rough outing for him. He wants to bounce back here and is 7-0 with a 1.54 GAA and a .945 save percentage in his road starts this season. Toronto is on track to finish with the top spot in the North Division and the Canadiens a likely number four spot. The Leafs have dominated this series thus far this year and do not want to give Montreal any hopes of a first round upset either should these teams meet which appears likely at this point. With Carey Price only practicing as he works on conditioning after his injury, the Habs netminder tonight is likely to be Jake Allen. He has won just 1 of his 7 home decisions this season and has a 3.12 GAA at home. Allen enters this start having allowed 11 goals in his last 3 games. With Montreal having lost 3 straight and the Maple Leafs having won 6 straight and 9 of their last 10, look for this one to be a road rout. 10* TORONTO |
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04-11-21 | Rangers v. Islanders -126 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 21 m | Show |
10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line -125 vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders lost 4 to 1 to the Rangers Friday but the game was much closer than that score would indicate. Look for payback here as the Islanders are 6-1 the last 7 times they were off a loss and playing on home ice. They get their payback at home here where they have been so strong all season long. The Rangers have been playing better of late but this is still a tough ask to expect them to win back to back games against such a strong home team. Lets not forget that the Rangers had lost 7 of 11 road games prior to the win here on Long Island Friday. It is payback time. The Isles are 17-2-2 at home this season and also these teams have been in a pattern of alternating wins and losses for 7 straight meetings! Look for that to continue here. 10* NY ISLANDERS money line -125 |
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04-10-21 | Jets v. Canadiens -122 | Top | 5-0 | Loss | -122 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NHL Rotation #52 Saturday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens have impressed me a lot of late. Montreal was in a very tough spot versus Winnipeg Thursday as it was the 2nd game of a back to back and goalie Carey Price is out with an injury so Jake Allen was also playing his 2nd straight game between the pipes without a day of rest in between. The Habs put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short versus the Jets despite outshooting them by a substantial margin. I feel strongly that we will see some carry over from that game right into this game. The Canadiens are currently in the 4th spot in the standings but have 3 games in hand compared to the Jets who are 8 points in front of them. The Habs are hungry for points here to close the gap because, keep in mind, there are some teams not too far behind Montreal, in particular Vancouver, that could put a run together. The Canucks, dealing with covid issues presently, are certainly getting plenty of rest for their skating legs and ready to make a push. That said, this is the 2nd game of a 6-game homestand for the Canadiens and they know they need to the most of it. Dropping the first was somewhat expected as was a tough back to back but the fact is Allen has been playing very well in goal and Montreal is off back to back losses but only once this season (out of 4 prior occurrences) have the Canadiens had a losing streak longer than 2 games. Winnipeg, when on the road and off 2 or more consecutive wins, has lost 3 of 4 this season. Look for these trends to continue Saturday. 10* MONTREAL |
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04-09-21 | Rangers +125 v. Islanders | Top | 4-1 | Win | 125 | 8 h 24 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NHL Rotation #31 Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers +125 @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders got outplayed by the Flyers last night but got a fortunate win in the shootout. They won't be so fortunate here as they face a Rangers team angry off a 5-2 loss at home last night versus Pittsburgh. The Rangers are 5-1 the last 6 times they have entered a game off a loss and they also have a revenge from a 2-0 loss in their most recent meeting with the Islanders. The Islanders have been held to 2 or less goals in regulation time of 4 of their last 5 games and their recent lack of punch on offense catches up with them here. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +125 |
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04-08-21 | Flyers +155 v. Islanders | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 22 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - NHL Rotation #21 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+155) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This is simply way too much underdog line value available to a team that is still fighting hard to stay alive in the playoff chase. Philadelphia just outshot Boston 42 to 26 but came out on the wrong end of a 4 to 2 final. The Flyers also won the first three meetings with the Islanders this season. Each of their last two losses to the Isles have come after regulation and Philly actually outshot them by a combined 69 to 44 in those two losses. The Islanders enter this game on a 3-game winning streak but have been held to 2 or less goals in regulation time of 3 or their last 4 games. Also, I know the Islanders just acquired Palmieri and Zajac from the Devils but it is going to take a little time for those guys to get acclimated on Long Island. Look for an upset here as there is no quit in this Flyers team and they get revenge against the Islanders for the recent tight losses to them. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-07-21 | Canadiens +138 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
Perfection Play - NHL Rotation #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - The Maple Leafs are on a 4-game winning streak but have gone 0-3 this season when they enter a season on a 4-game win streak. In other words, Toronto just hasn't been able to get that elusive 5-game win streak this season and this will be their 4th crack at it tonight. I don't see this trend ending either. The road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these rivals. Jake Allen will get the start in goal for the Habs because Carey Price is out with a lower body injury. Allen has a solid .922 save percentage on the season and he has been particularly strong on the road. Just one regulation loss in 7 decisions away from home for Allen. He has a stellar 1.84 GAA on enemy ice this season. Toronto has only 4 wins in their last 9 home games and 3 of the 4 wins came after regulation! This Maple Leafs team has been far from dominant on home ice and I expect this trend to continue here as the Canadiens come into this game riding high with confidence. That's because they rallied for a key 3-2 OT win versus Edmonton Monday and that is the Habs 4th win in 5 games. Getting 2 third period goals to tie that one up is a huge boost for the Canadiens and they are likely to build on that surge tonight as the road team wins for the 4th straight time in meetings between these teams. 10* MONTREAL |
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04-06-21 | Bruins v. Flyers +115 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 43 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NHL Rotation #58 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - There is no quit in this Flyers team. They were already being written off by many but with a regulation win tonight (won last night's game in OT) Philadelphia would move just 1 point behind Boston for the final playoff spot in the division. Considering that plus the fact there is still 5 weeks of hockey left, it could be quite a memorable ride in the East Division. The Flyers will have Carter Hart in goal for this one. He looked like the Hart of old in his most recent start but Philly started Brian Elliott last night since it was on the road and first of a back to back. Keep in mind, Hart dominated on home ice last season and, again, his start against the Islanders Saturday, a shootout loss, sure looked like he is back "in the zone" again after Philadelphia had given him some time off to work through everything. As for the Bruins, they have a mess at the goaltending position. Tuukka Rask has been out with an injury. Jaroslav Halak, unless was a false positive (unlikely) has entered covid-19 protocol. That is why the #3 goalie Daniel Vladar started last night and Callum Booth was called up from Providence to be the back-up. With all the issues at the goalie spot, plus the fact the Bruins have lost 13 of 22 games, the Flyers are offering plenty of value as a dog on their home ice here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-05-21 | Flyers +152 v. Bruins | Top | 3-2 | Win | 152 | 8 h 28 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NHL Rotation #41 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+155) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - This one is all about the line value with taking a big dog against a team that is still not 100% healthy and that has had trouble building win streaks of late. The Bruins are off a big 7-5 win versus the Penguins Saturday. That is very significant here because we are in early April now and note that since a 5-game winning streak that wrapped up for Boston on February 12th, they have only managed to win consecutive games one single time! Indeed, the Bruins from February 13th onward have gone 1-8 when off a win! 8 losses, 1 win! Now I certainly know the Flyers have been quite inconsistent of late but they are still a very talented team capable of bringing it on any night. That said, Philly offers all kinds of line value here because they absolutely should bring it in this one! The Flyers have lost all their games against Boston this season thus far and that includes an embarrassing 7-3 loss in the outdoor game in late February in the most recent meeting. The Flyers enter this game off back to back losses after a tough shootout loss to the Islanders on Saturday but they are 6-2 this season when entering a game off back to back losses. Based on all of the above you can see why I love the value of the big dog in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA +155 |
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04-04-21 | Capitals v. Devils +146 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 3 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - NHL Rotation #28 Sunday 10* Top Play New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 3:05 ET - The Devils lost in overtime Friday and I had them right here and am coming right back with them again as they are desperate to get off the schneid versus the Capitals. New Jersey is getting their last chance to get a win over Washington this season and that is today on Sunday. I look for the hungry Devils to make the most of it and possibly catch the Capitals looking ahead to bigger games up ahead as they face the Islanders Tuesday and the Bruins Thursday of this coming week. Keep in mind the Caps just got blitzed 8 to 4 by the Isles and New York is coached by their former coach, Barry Trotz. That said this is a good spot to back the Devils off back to back losses as they had blown a 4-1 lead against Boston to lose that game in the shootout and then lost to the Capitals in overtime Friday. Prior to these two tight losses, New Jersey had won 5 of 8. I just do not see the Devils being denied here in their quest to finally emerge victorious over the Caps this season. The home team will prove to be the much hungrier and much more focused team in this one. 10* NEW JERSEY |
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04-03-21 | Blackhawks v. Predators -117 | Top | 0-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 49 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - NHL Rotation #6 Saturday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 3:05 ET - The Predators are a perfect 4-0 against the Blackhawks this season. I know Nashville has some injury issues but that is also what is helping to keep this line a little on the low side even though the Preds are on home ice. I am happy to grab the line value here as the Predators are ready to respond off a loss. Nashville had won 8 of 9 prior to their home loss to Dallas Thursday. Chicago, in my opinion, has a chance to be a quality team very soon but I just do not see it this season. The Blackhawks came into the season not expected to do much and they lived up to those expectations with a very slow start. Then they suddenly caught fire like teams do sometimes but then reality set in again and the Hawks have been losing on the regular once again. Chicago enters this game having lost 9 of 13 games and they have lost 5 of their last 6 road games. More of the same expected here. 10* NASHVILLE |
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04-02-21 | Maple Leafs v. Jets +128 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - NHL Rotation #62 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 8:05 ET - This will be the 8th meeting since January of 2020 and no team has won back to back games in this series since then. That said, and with the Maple Leafs winning Wednesday, I like the Jets here! Toronto is 0 for 9 on the power play in the last 3 meetings between these teams and that is eventually going to catch up with them. Winnipeg is 3 for 8 on the power play in the last two games and they get back to work here seeking revenge after Wednesday's loss. The rest of this is from Wednesday's write-up because I did lose with this play Wednesday but all of these factors are why I still like the Jets in the rematch today on Friday. From Wednesday's write-up: "I like the home underdog in this one. It is hard to argue that the Leafs should be such a pricey favorite on the road in this one when you consider the Jets record is every bit as good as Toronto's plus these teams have split the first four meetings this season. I know Jack Campbell has played surprisingly well between the pipes for the Maple Leafs of late but he certainly does not have the long-term success factor that Connor Hellebuyck has. Also, Hellebuyck is 4-0 with a .966 save percentage and has allowed an average of just 1 goal per game his last 4 starts. I know Campbell has been great this season - albeit in limited action thus far - but he lost 12 of 18 road decisions last season. As for the season before that, Campbell lost 9 of 14 road decisions. In fact in his career, prior to this season, Campbell lost 24 of 36 decisions away from home. That is 2 out of every 3 decisions resulting in a loss on the road. He is a solid netminder playing well right now but Hellebuyck is playing even better and home ice matters and we get an underdog line here as well. A lot of positive factors in our favor and the Leafs are one point in front of the Jets in the standings. Great set up here. Also, the Maple Leafs have lost 7 of their last 11 games. The Jets, on the other hand, have won 4 of last 5 and those were on the road plus they have won 7 of last 10 on home ice." 10* WINNIPEG |
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04-01-21 | Penguins +107 v. Bruins | Top | 4-1 | Win | 107 | 10 h 48 m | Show |
Big East Beast - NHL Rotation #49 Thursday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have lost each of their last 10 visits to Boston yet this game is priced at very nearly a pick'em. Long-time followers know where I am going with this one! The fact is the Penguins come into this game on a hot streak and desperate to end their losing streak in games at Boston. Pittsburgh has the hottest goalie in the league right now with Casey DeSmith on a phenomenal run over his last 10 appearances. As for the Bruins, they are expected to start Dan Vladar here. He has been strong in his first two starts but this is still a 23-year old netminder appearing in just his 3rd ever NHL game and he is facing a Penguins club that has won 4 straight games and 11 of 14. Boston, on the other hand, had lost 11 of 18 games before rallying for a win versus New Jersey Tuesday. The Bruins last 3 wins have come against the Sabres (who had lost 18 straight) and the Devils (fortunate win for Boston). Give me the highly motivated road dog playing the much better hockey of late and that also has the goaltending edge. 10* PITTSBURGH |
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03-31-21 | Maple Leafs v. Jets +126 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
NHL Rotation #30 Wednesday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - This is a battle for first place in the North Division and I like the home underdog in this one. It is hard to argue that the Leafs should be such a pricey favorite on the road in this one when you consider the Jets record is every bit as good as Toronto's plus these teams have split the first four meetings this season. I know Jack Campbell has played surprisingly well between the pipes for the Maple Leafs of late but he certainly does not have the long-term success factor that Connor Hellebuyck has. Also, Hellebuyck is 4-0 with a .966 save percentage and has allowed an average of just 1 goal per game his last 4 starts. I know Campbell has been great this season - albeit in limited action thus far - but he lost 12 of 18 road decisions last season. As for the season before that, Campbell lost 9 of 14 road decisions. In fact in his career, prior to this season, Campbell lost 24 of 36 decisions away from home. That is 2 out of every 3 decisions resulting in a loss on the road. He is a solid netminder playing well right now but Hellebuyck is playing even better and home ice matters and we get an underdog line here as well. A lot of positive factors in our favor and the Leafs are one point in front of the Jets in the standings. Great set up here. Also, the Maple Leafs have lost 7 of their last 11 games. The Jets, on the other hand, have won 4 of last 5 and those were on the road plus they have won 7 of last 10 on home ice. 10* WINNIPEG |
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03-30-21 | Capitals v. Rangers +102 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 102 | 9 h 10 m | Show |
NHL Rotation #18 Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals have been hot for sure but the Rangers have been playing very well and will carry some momentum over from Sunday's game at Washington. Momentum from a loss? Yes! The Rangers were down 4-0 in that game but showed a lot of fight in never giving up in the eventual 5-4 loss. Now with the scene shifting from DC to NY for this one, the Rangers get the home ice win tonight. New York has won 4 of its last 6 home games and has won them by a combined score of 23 to 7. Also, Shesterkin should be between the pipes for the Rangers tonight and he has been great in recent starts against the Capitals. Overall, he has been great this season and has a 2.06 GAA and .942 save percentage in the month of March. More of the same here and, off tight back to back losses - to Flyers and Capitals - I do not see the home team being denied here. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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03-29-21 | Islanders -105 v. Penguins | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 26 m | Show |
Rotation #1 NHL 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders are one of the best teams in the NHL and they just got hammered 6-3 at Pittsburgh on Saturday. You can bet (literally!) that they will be ready to respond in this rematch Monday. The Isles had won 12 of 14 games prior to the loss Saturday. Going further back it was a stretch of 19 wins in 25 games for this rock solid Islanders club. One of the few teams that has given the Isles any trouble this season is the Penguins. That said, this is the Isles last shot at them in the regular season and I am sure they will make it count! New York has lost 5 of 7 meetings with Pittsburgh this season and this is payback time. Pittsburgh has won 3 straight games but 2 of those victories came against a Buffalo tam that has lost 17 straight games. Plus, prior to that stretch, the Pens had lost 3 of 4. I just do not see the Islanders being denied tonight given all of the above and the situational factors here. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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03-25-21 | Rangers v. Flyers +112 | Top | 8-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 9 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #2 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - You think the Flyers might be motivated and play one of their best games of the season tonight? They absolutely should! Philadelphia has lost 3 straight games for the first time this season. Their loss to the Devils Tuesday was the first time this season they did not respond off back to back losses as they had been a perfect 5-0 in that situation this season. That said, I fully expect a huge response here as the game that started this 3-game skid was a very embarrassing 9-0 loss to the Rangers last week. Teams do not suffer losses like that very often at all and when it happens against a rival and then you can get quick shot at redemption you can bank on what should happen here. We are also are getting some line value here because Shesterkin is expected to be back between the pipes for New York tonight but he is returning from injury and could be rusty making his first start in 3 weeks. The line moved toward the Rangers after his return was announced for tonight but for all the reasons above, I feel strongly that this line move is the wrong way and the home dog gets payback and cashes in here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-22-21 | Islanders v. Flyers +112 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 16 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #46 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - When a good team is left for dead it is often the best time to step in and play them. Everyone is very down on the Flyers right now but they got what was coming to them with Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Islanders. Certainly New York is a great team but now they are on the road and lets not forget that Philadelphia had won each of the first 3 meetings between these teams this season. Also, the Isles have been great at home this season but have lost 9 of their 16 road games. The Flyers are a perfect 5-0 this season when off a loss in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Bounce back time here so grab the home dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-17-21 | Flyers -124 v. Rangers | Top | 0-9 | Loss | -124 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #37 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers have dominated this series of late and that includes the games at Madison Square Garden as well. Philadelphia is on an 8-2 run last 10 meetings including a perfect 4-0 at New York. The Rangers lost to the Flyers Monday and Carter Hart played better between the pipes for Philly than you would have expected based on the final score of 5-4. Also, the Rangers have lost 4 of their last 5 and now Alexandar Georgiev is expected to be in the crease for the hosts tonight. He is making just his 2nd start in the last 10 days and Georgiev hasn't lasted long at all in his last two appearances! He has given up 7 goals on just 20 shots for an awful .650 save percentage as Georgiev has been chased from each of his last two appearances. Look for more of the same here as the Flyers have been piling up goals in recent games and have been red hot on the power play. Philly has scored an average of 4 goals per game last 4 games and I look for the recent dominance of the Rangers to continue in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-16-21 | Islanders -111 v. Capitals | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -111 | 9 h 34 m | Show |
East Div Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #25 Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals were out for revenge when they had a 2-game set with the Islanders in late January. That's because Washington was eliminated from the post-season last year by the Isles. However, now it is New York with revenge as they lost both those late January games and seek payback here. The situation certainly favors the travelers here as the Caps are in a back to back spot. Yes, the Capitals have been hot but they are in a back to back spot here and also it is likely to be Samsonov (allowed 7 goals last 2 starts) between the pipes since Vanecek was in the crease for last night's shutout win. That game was at Buffalo by the way so the Caps also had to travel for this next game. The Islanders certainly are the more rested team as they were off yesterday. Also, even though the Capitals have been hot, so too have the Isles as they have won 9 straight and 11 of their last 12. Both teams certainly playing very well but grab the hotter team, playing with revenge, and in the better scheduling situation. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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03-14-21 | Stars -125 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 7 h 35 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #62 Sunday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 5:05 ET - The Stars lost this match-up yesterday in OT. Based on the goalie match-up yesterday it is likely to be Khodobin versus Korpisalo in this one. The Stars netminder will be looking to redeem himself after allowing 4 goals on just 8 shots in his most recent appearance. This followed a stellar effort of just 1 goal allowed in his prior start on 22 shots. Korpisalo allowed 7 goals in his last two starts and that included a loss to Dallas. The Stars have scored an average of 4 goals per game in their last 3 games at Columbus and I expect that coupled with a strong performance bounce back from Khudobin to lead to a road rout here. 10* DALLAS |
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03-13-21 | Capitals v. Flyers -115 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 28 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #48 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers lost to the Caps Thursday but showed resilience in battling back and now will carry momentum from that game right into this one. A season that was humming along for Philly took a hit because of covid protocols and that seems to have left Philadelphia in a bit of a funk. Carter Hart goaltending performances are not helping but having veteran Brian Elliott to steady the ship is a key. Elliott will get the start here and I expect a huge response from the Flyers after Thursday's loss. Philadelphia is 4-0 this season when off a game in which they allowed 5 or more goals in regulation. The Capitals are 1-2 this season when on a winning streak of 3 games or more and the lone win came in the shootout while the 2 losses came by a combined score of 10 to 4. Look for this one to be all Flyers. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-09-21 | Panthers -128 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 36 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Tuesday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Panthers are off a 4-2 loss at Carolina on Sunday. Florida is 7-1 this season when off a loss. The Panthers also were on a 7-1 run in road games prior to the loss to the Hurricanes Sunday. That big run followed a 3-2 shootout loss at Columbus in late January when these teams most recently met. In other words, ideal set-up here as Florida also has revenge against the Blue Jackets here. We also get line value in this one since the Panthers are on the road. At home they would be a pricey favorite but on the road they are priced very reasonably. Columbus is off their 8th loss in 11 games and that was a 5-0 beating at Dallas. Though the loss to the Stars was a road game and one might thing the Blue Jackets will be better here at home, note that Columbus did win their most recent game as a host but this was preceded by 3 straight home losses. Also, that win came against the Red Wings. The Panthers most certainly are at a much higher level than Detroit! 10* FLORIDA |
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03-08-21 | Golden Knights v. Wild +101 | Top | 0-2 | Win | 101 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #42 Monday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - The Wild are available at even money in this one even though they are at home. I like the value here with revenge minded Minnesota in this one. They faced the Golden Knights in Vegas twice last week and lost the first game 5-4 in OT after blowing a 4-2 lead. Keep in mind 2 of the Knights 4 goals in regulation came on the power play so the Wild did outscore Vegas 4-2 in 5 on 5 hockey of that game. Then Minny got blown out on the scoreboard in Wednesday's rematch but did outshoot the Golden Knights by a 37-28 margin in that one. Vegas is having a great season but also enter this game off back to back wins over their hated rival, the Sharks. I will not be surprised to see Minnesota out-skating the Golden Knights here as they are likely to be the hungrier team given this double revenge spot. By the way, the home team has now won each of the last 4 meetings between these teams. Also, the Wild are off a 5-2 loss at Arizona and have gone 5-1 this season when they enter a game off a defeat in which they were held to 2 or less goals. 10* MINNESOTA |
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03-06-21 | Jets +124 v. Canadiens | Top | 1-7 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #9 Saturday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Winnipeg entered Thursday's game at Montreal off a 5-2 win over Vancouver on Tuesday as it was payback time for the Jets after that rare loss to the Canucks Monday. Winnipeg, entering Monday's game, had won 4 straight games and 8 of their last 11 games. After the Tuesday win followed by a win at Montreal Thursday, the Jets have won 10 of their last 14 games! The Canadiens entered Thursday's game off a win as well but they had entered Tuesday night's game having lost 7 of 8 games. This is clearly a case of two teams heading opposite directions for multiple weeks now and, as expected, one game does not change all that. Sure enough, though it was a hard-fought win, the Jets got a well-deserved victory over the Habs Thursday. The fact is that Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck gives them a big edge over the Canadiens as he is one of the best in the league. Time to again take advantage of underdog line value here because the Canadiens have not responded all that well since the coaching change and it is going to be a transitional cycle for a period of time for Montreal. Considering all of the above, the plus money price on Winnipeg here is an excellent value as this is the perfect spot to back a strong team and the stronger goalie against an over-priced favorite that still can't seem to shake its losing ways. The Jets are 4-0 the last 4 games against Habs with Hellebuyck in goal and they outscored them 15-9 in those games. 10* WINNIPEG |
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03-05-21 | Capitals v. Bruins -132 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 53 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #62 Friday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - As I mentioned in my write-up on this match-up Wednesday, this is a huge battle between two of the top teams in the East Division standings. Even though the Caps are in the top spot they have played two more games than Boston. Also, the Capitals entered Wednesday's game having lost 4 of 9 road games. Note that the Bruins entered that game having lost just 1 of 6 home games so far this season. Even though the teams had split their first two games this season, Boston had outshot Washington by a combined margin of 76 to 49 in those two meetings and both those games were at DC. The Bruins, on home ice, are absolutely worth the price here as they now have revenge too. Give the Capitals credit for Wednesday's win as it was a deserved win and they outshot them but still that was a game that the Bruins never trailed in and then lost in the shootout. The home team came out a little sluggish in Wednesday's game and yet still never trailed the entire way and they certainly are unlikely to start slow in this one. Look for another physical, playoff-type game here but the determined Bruins will not be denied here. 10* BOSTON |
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03-04-21 | Panthers -130 v. Predators | Top | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 26 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #29 Thursday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (-) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - The Predators are off an ugly loss vs Carolina. The Preds did not look good in that game and this is a team that is now 7-1 combined against Columbus and Chicago but has lost 11 of 14 against the rest of the division. This includes Nashville losing 7 of 8 against the upper tier teams in the division like Carolina, Florida, and Tampa Bay. Now the Panthers are in town and angry and this one, as a result, certainly does not set up well for the Predators. Florida is off back to back losses this season for the first time this season and one came in the shootout and one came in overtime. This was after the Panthers had gone a perfect 6-0 this season when off a loss. Also, Florida did lose their most recent road game but entered that contest 5-1 this season as travelers. All signs point to a very motivated Panthers team taking the ice in this one and I will gladly lay the short road price here. 10* FLORIDA |
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03-04-21 | Flyers -121 v. Penguins | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #21 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Though it didn't pan out for them Tuesday, the fact is that the Flyers are getting healthier again and getting back in a rhythm as guys have come back and now they even have Travis Konecny back too! The Penguins have a solid record this season but have arguably been the most fortunate team in the league. Pittsburgh has 12 wins this season but only 5 have come in regulation. The Penguins have 9 losses this season and 8 of them have come in regulation. So what that means is that the Pens are 7-1 in games decided after regulation but just 5-8 in games decided in the first 60 minutes. That includes back to back blowout losses to the Flyers when these teams met earlier this season. The Bruins are one of the best teams in the league. What does that have to do with this play. Well, Philly has lost all 5 meetings with Boston but has won 11 of 14 against the rest of the league! Off back to back 3-0 shutout wins on the road, the Flyers entered this 2-game set loaded with confidence and will bounce back from Tuesday's loss to the Pens as they resume a run of 11-3 dominance against divisional foes not named the Bruins! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-02-21 | Hurricanes v. Predators +108 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 41 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #42 Tuesday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - The Predators have won 4 of their last 5 games and now are catching the Hurricanes in the 2nd night of a back to back plus off back to back huge wins over the rival Panthers which each took extra time! One win was in a shootout and then last night's was in OT after Carolina scored with under a minute and a half to go in the game to tie it. The Hurricanes had Nedeljkovic between the pipes last night which likely means it will be Reimer tonight because Mrazek is still out. The significance in this is that Reimer has not been as sharp as Nedeljkovic of late. He hasn't been bad but Reimer has allowed at least 3 goals in 9 of his last 10 starts and did allow 5 goals twice during this span as well. Nashville enters this game rested and plus has allowed an average of only 1 goal per game in their 4 wins during their current 4-1 run. Also, the Preds are 0-2 this season on home ice against defending Stanley Cup champs TB but have gone 7-2 in their other 9 home games. They again get it done tonight and, in doing so, exact some revenge against Carolina. The Hurricanes won the first meeting between these teams this season but this one sets up well for payback! 10* NASHVILLE |
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03-01-21 | Hurricanes v. Panthers +102 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 49 m | Show |
Top Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #72 Monday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Panthers are so dangerous and so resilient. Florida rallied from a 2-0 third period deficit to beat the Stars 3-2 on Thursday. Then, on Saturday, the Panthers again rallied from a 2-0 third period deficit to tie the game before falling behind 3-2 and then again managing to knot the game late and force OT. That one ended up being decided in the shootout and the Hurricanes prevailed but this Panthers team continues to impress me. This is a great spot to back them now as Florida is a perfect 6-0 this season when off a loss! The Hurricanes are a very strong team but they had lost 3 in a row before the tight win Saturday and I know the Panthers are going to come out strong here on home ice after that loss. Two high quality teams meeting for the 2nd consecutive game and I give a large edge to the home dog as they look to improve to 7-0 on the season when in this situation. The absence of Canes #1 goalie Petr Mrazek is still an issue for Carolina. He should be back soon but I do not expect that to be tonight and, either way, like the Panthers a ton in this spot! 10* FLORIDA |
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02-28-21 | Penguins v. Islanders -104 | Top | 0-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 17 m | Show |
Top Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #64 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 5:05 ET - Yesterday the Islanders had a 2-0 lead against the Penguins but blew it before then taking another lead, 3-2, but then allowed the tying goal in the 3rd period and losing in overtime. Pittsburgh is a solid hockey club but they continue to be very fortunate and after again finding a way to win another one after regulation yesterday, the Penguins will fall short here in my opinion. The back to back favors the Islanders because Ilya Sorokin is likely to be between the pipes for the Isles and he is coming off a shutout win plus has allowed 2 or less goals in 2 of his last 3 starts. Since the Penguins used Tristan Jarry in the crease yesterday it is likely going to be Casey DeSmith getting the start here. The Pittsburgh backup goalie has allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of his last 5 appearances and has 4 wins this season but all came after regulation. He did beat the Islanders in a shootout win in his last start and that means it is payback time here. For DeSmith and the Penguins, their luck runs out here. You are going to see a very determined effort here from a revenge-minded Islanders team in this one. The Isles have yet to lose a game in regulation on home ice as they are 6-0-2 as a host and get payback here for yesterday's OT loss. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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02-27-21 | Hurricanes -115 v. Panthers | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Top Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #41 Saturday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Why are the Hurricanes, 6-5 on the road and on a 3-game losing streak, favored AT Florida? There is only one team, Toronto, in the NHL that has more points in the standings than the Panthers. So, again, the point is why is Carolina favored in this game? As I have pointed out numerous times in the past, I am not a believer in the "odds maker mistake" theory. In other words, this is no mistake here either. The Canes are a road favorite because they are a very good team that has lost 3 straight games and is coming into this game hungry after 3 straight losses to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Lightning. I like the fact that the Panthers just rallied for 3 goals in the 3rd period of a 3-2 win over the Stars on Thursday. Look for the Hurricanes to prove to be the much hungrier team in this one and Florida falls flat after rallying for the big win versus Dallas. 10* CAROLINA |
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02-26-21 | Bruins -165 v. Rangers | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -165 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
NHL Network Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #23 Friday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins are off an embarrassing 7-2 loss to the Islanders last night but that is a deceiving final score. Boston actually outshot the Isles by a substantial margin through two periods and the game was 2-2 heading to the third period. Then everything unraveled and that was the kind of ugly third period that a good team can not wait to respond to. That said, the Bruins are likely happy to have a game immediately the very next evening and that is bad news for a Rangers team that is not the same when they do not have Artemi Panarin on the ice. New York generally struggles to produce much offensively without Panarin and the fact they got 3 goals against the Flyers Wednesday was thanks in large part to two coming on the power play plus the fact Philadelphia is still missing quite a few guys due to covid protocol. In fact that is the same Flyers team the Bruins just blasted 7-3 in the outdoor game Sunday at Lake Tahoe. That said, Rangers lose to that team 4-3 and it is the same team Boston just crushed 7-3. The fact is there is a large disparity between the level of these two teams and that is why this is a rare exception for me as I am going with a top play even though this money line price is in the 155 to 165 range as of early game day morning. I just feel this one has road rout written all over it. The Bruins won all 3 meetings between these clubs last season and also has won both so far this season. Now they make it 6 in a row here. Also, the Rangers have lost 4 straight home games and are facing the wrong team at the wrong time. 10* BOSTON |
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02-25-21 | Penguins v. Capitals -105 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 7 h 1 m | Show |
10* WASHINGTON - The Capitals got outplayed by the Penguins Tuesday. The game went to OT but the Caps were severely outshot by the Pens. I look for Washington to make up for that here. Keep in mind, 3 of the 4 wins that Pittsburgh has in these teams match-ups this season have come in OT or the SO. Also, the game prior to Tuesday's was a 3-1 Capitals win in which they outshot the Penguins by a 42 to 27 margin. Pittsburgh has been very strong on home ice this season but their win on Tuesday was just their 3rd win in 9 road games this season. Washington's players will be highly motivated and focused here on a strong effort after being unimpressive for too many stretches of Tuesday's game. The Capitals have just one regulation loss in last five games and get back on track here with their 4th win in 6 games. Look for the Penguins to drop to 0-3 this season when they are on the road and coming off a win. 10* WASHINGTON |
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02-24-21 | Rangers v. Flyers -117 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #64 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers got hammered by their newest nemesis, the Bruins, on Sunday in the outdoor game at Lake Tahoe. Philadelphia didn't play all that bad early on considering how short-handed they were because of covid but the game got away from them in the latter half of the 2nd period. The problem is goalie Carter Hart really struggled. That happens sometimes and he'll get a break here and Brian Elliott will get the start. He has been great this season and the Flyers will play extra strong here on home ice as they look to atone for the beating they took at the hands of Boston. Note that the Flyers also are expected to get a boost with the return of captain Claude Giroux from the health protocol list. At the same time the Flyers are getting a boost the Rangers are dealing with a major problem. New York has impressed this season with stronger defensive play and goaltending than expected. However, the Rangers often struggle to score goals. One of the keys to them generating a lot of offensive zone time and great scoring chances seems to be when Artemi Panarin is on the ice. However, he is now out after the big story broke in Russia about past allegations against him. Whether the story is true or fabricated, it has the Rangers missing their best playmaker on offense plus has created a distraction. The Flyers lost in the shootout the last time they faced the Rangers. That is one of only two losses they have this season against teams not named the Bruins as they have now won 8 of 10 games this season other than being winless against Boston. The home team gets their revenge here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-23-21 | Sabres +124 v. Devils | Top | 4-1 | Win | 124 | 8 h 18 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #83 Tuesday 10* Top Play Buffalo Sabres Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - This is a back to back spot for the Sabres but it is not as if the odds makers were not aware of that when they posted the money line on this game. That said, it has continued to spike toward the Devils and I am happy to grab the additional value with the road dog in this one. Buffalo actually outshot a very stingy Islanders team last night by a solid margin and yet still fell just short on the scoreboard by a single goal. This will only strengthen the Sabres resolve in terms of tonight's game. Not only that they do have Carter Hutton to tend goal tonight after Linus Ullmark was between the pipes last night. Hutton has allowed just a single goal in each of his two road appearances this season and I look for him to get the job done here against a Devils team that is a big over-rated in my opinion. Also, the Sabres are a respectable 3-3-3 on the road this season while the Devils have lost 4 of 6 home games this season. In other words, the home ice "edge" is truly not even an "edge" in this early season match-up. I know it is a revenge game for New Jersey but the Sabres are just as hungry for this one after last night's loss which, again, was a quite impressive performance against an Islanders team that is generally tough to play against. I like what I am seeing from the Sabres right now and will back them as a dog here. 10* BUFFALO |
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02-22-21 | Flames +129 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 3-0 | Win | 129 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #35 Monday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - Great situational set up here as the Maple Leafs are off a big win over Montreal - which was also Toronto's 3rd straight overall - while the Flames are off an embarrassing loss (7-1) at Edmonton. This situation will bring out the best in Calgary and the road team is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams. That includes the Leafs taking each of the first two meetings this season at Calgary even though the Flames did hold an edge on shots in each game. Both those match-ups were very close and Calgary is fired up for revenge after they fell just short. The Flames lost each of those games by a single goal and will prove to be the much hungrier team in this one tonight which means we are getting excellent line value with the road dog here. 10* CALGARY |
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02-21-21 | Flyers +160 v. Bruins | Top | 3-7 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 48 m | Show |
TV Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #25 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 in Stateline, NV - Lake Tahoe - The Flyers are missing some players. But there is simply too much line value here to pass up. Keep in mind this is an outdoor game. It is a unique game in a unique setting and if you're going to offer a high-quality team with high-quality goaltending a +160 price in a neutral site setting it is something I will not pass up on. This is particularly true because the Bruins are also down a couple solid players and plus Boston hasn't exactly been piling up the goals of late. In fact, the Bruins have averaged only 1.8 goals per game in regulation time of their last 5 games. Also, Boston enters this game off back to back losses by a combined score of 7 to 4. It is simply hard to justify the Bruins being such a huge favorite in a neutral site game in which the Flyers have come up with some creative line combos too that are geared toward continuing to frustrate the Bruins attack. Too much line value to pass up here. This is a money line that was once as high as -200 and the fact it has come down substantially from that, despite the Flyers missing some key guys, tells you that there is some sharp money on the big dog in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-20-21 | Islanders +108 v. Penguins | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 34 m | Show |
TV Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Saturday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Penguins got a rare dominating win, 4-1, over an Islanders team that had been playing very well. That happened on Thursday and now, on Saturday, the Isles get a chance at payback! New York had been on an 8-game points streak plus had won 5 of 6 games prior to that ugly loss to the Pens. In those 5 wins the Islanders allowed an average of only 1.2 goals per game and this is typical Isles hockey under head coach Barry Trotz. That is what I am expecting to see tonight as they bounce back from the loss and take advantage of this shot at immediate revenge. Not only are the Islanders the better team 5 on 5 in terms of limiting opponents chances, they also are the better team from a special teams perspective thus far this season. In comparison with the Penguins, the Isles have been the better team on the power play and on the penalty kill. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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02-18-21 | Islanders +105 v. Penguins | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #49 Thursday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - A lot of this below is taken from Tuesday's write-up going against Pittsburgh and then has been updated because I am fading them again here for the same reasons! The Penguins are 7-6-1 this season but are the most fortunate team in the league in my opinion. Only 2 of their 7 wins have come in regulation. Their other 5 wins have come in the shootout or overtime. Also, one of the two wins that was a victory in regulation was a game in which Pittsburgh trailed going to the 3rd period but then won it with a goal with just a minute and a half to go in the game. So the Penguins did not dominate a single game out of their first dozen games this season. That was until they pulled away late in Sunday's win versus Washington for a 'not as easy as it looked' 6-3 win over the Capitals. By the way, Pittsburgh has 5 losses this season by a multiple-goal margin with 3 of those coming by 3 goals apiece! In summation, this team is still very over-rated right now so we are getting line value with an Islanders team that comes into this game surging plus seeking revenge for a loss in their most recent meeting with the Penguins and, naturally, that Pittsburgh win came in extra time! That Pens win was in the shootout and now the Islanders are looking to avenge that here! The Isles have been the much better club early this season in terms of special teams play with their penalty kill ranking an edge and their power play ranking an edge over that of the Penguins. Big time payback expected here and plus we get the Islanders at a plus money price here since they are on the road. I will take it as New York enters this game on an 8 game points streak. That includes having won 5 of last 6 with the lone loss being the aforementioned shootout loss to the Penguins. Look for a big response here. 10* NY ISLANDERS |
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02-17-21 | Panthers v. Hurricanes -131 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -131 | 8 h 40 m | Show |
NHL Network Blowout Rout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #82 Wednesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Florida Panthers @ 5:05 ET - The Hurricanes were as much as a -170 favorite here but have now dropped to as low as a -130 as of game day morning. I know Florida deserves respect but there is a reason this money line was so big on Carolina and it is absolutely justified. The Panthers are off a huge win at Tampa Bay. Beating the defending Stanley Cup champs on their home ice was a big deal whether the arena was packed with fans or not. Florida had not beaten the Lightning there since 2016 and they are, of course, instate rivals. That said, this is a flat spot for the Panthers and I do not see the Hurricanes slowing down here. The Canes are off a huge 7-3 win at Columbus and continue to perform well with James Reimer filling in between the pipes while Petr Mrazek deals with a thumb injury. Carolina is 7-1 in Reimer's 8 appearances and, while his overall numbers may not be spectacular, he is 3-0 with a 2.31 GAA on home ice. The Hurricanes had been dominating the Panthers in recent meetings but lost the most recent game and that was in Carolina about 1 year ago and they lost despite having a 44-22 edge in shots on goal. It is payback time here and the situation is a fantastic one for Florida to get crushed. There are rumors that Alex Nedeljkovic will get the start for the Hurricanes here but, keep in mind, he has allowed just 3 goals in each of his first two appearances and the young goalie got a confidence boost with a shootout win over Dallas in his most recent start. So this is part of what is driving this line lower but, in reality, all it is doing is giving us even more line value with a low line now available on the Canes. I will take it! 10* CAROLINA |
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02-16-21 | Capitals +110 v. Penguins | Top | 3-1 | Win | 110 | 9 h 59 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #29 Tuesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are 7-5-1 this season but are the most fortunate team in the league in my opinion. Only 2 of their 7 wins has come in regulation. Their other 5 wins have come in the shootout or overtime. Also, one of the two wins that was a victory in regulation was a game in which Pittsburgh trailed going to the 3rd period but then won it with a goal with just a minute and a half to go in the game. So the Penguins did not dominate a single game out of their first dozen games this season. That was until they pulled away late in Sunday's win versus Washington for a 'not as easy as it looked' 6-3 win over the Capitals. By the way, Pittsburgh has 4 losses by a multiple-goal margin with 3 of those coming by 3 goals apiece! In summation, this team is still very over-rated right now so we are getting line value with a Capitals team that despises them. Yes it is Ovechkin versus Crobsy once again and the Penguins won the first three meetings this season and, naturally, the first two wins came in extra time! One win in the shootout and one in overtime. The only drawback against the Caps on Sunday was that it was their first game in a week but now, after getting their skating legs back in the defeat over the weekend, they are out for triple revenge and will be ready to go here now that they are game-tested again. Also, the Capitals have been the much better club in terms of special teams play with their penalty kill ranking an edge and their power play ranking a huge edge over that of the Penguins. Big time payback expected here and plus we get the Caps at a plus money price here since they are on the road. I will take it! 10* WASHINGTON |
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02-15-21 | Blues v. Coyotes +108 | Top | 0-1 | Win | 108 | 5 h 55 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #6 Monday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) vs St Louis Blues @ 4:05 ET - After giving up the tying goal with less than 6 minutes to go in the game Saturday and then losing in overtime to these same Blues, the Coyotes are ready to execute payback Monday. This game is again on their home ice and Arizona has now lost back to back games at home to St Louis. This followed a stretch that saw the Coyotes win 4 of 5 games and that included 3 straight over the Blues. These teams are playing the rubber match of a set of 7 straight games due to quirky scheduling as a result of covid issues around the league and I look for a huge effort from the angry home side here. Arizona had allowed an average of only 1.5 goals per game their last 4 home games prior to now allowing 4 goals in regulation time of each of their last two games against the Blues. Now, after a day off Sunday to regroup, look for the Coyotes to return to their stingy ways on defense and in net and they will frustrate St Louis on their way to a home win here. 10* ARIZONA |
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02-14-21 | Capitals +114 v. Penguins | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 17 h 49 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #1 Sunday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 3:05 ET - The Penguins are 6-5-1 this season but are the most fortunate team in the league in my opinion. Only 1 of their 6 wins has come in regulation. Their other 5 wins have come in the shootout or overtime. Also, that lone victory was a game in which Pittsburgh trailed going to the 3rd period but then won it with a goal with just a minute and a half to go in the game. So the Penguins have not dominated a single game out of a dozen games this season. But, by the way, Pittsburgh has 4 losses by a multiple-goal margin with 3 of those coming by 3 goals apiece! In summation, this team is very over-rated right now so we are getting line value with a Capitals team that despises them. Yes it is Ovechkin versus Crobsy once again and the Penguins won the first two meetings this season and, naturally, both wins came in extra time! One win in the shootout and one in overtime. The only drawback against the Caps here is that this is their first game in a week but they are out for double revenge and will be ready to go here with fresh legs. Also, the Capitals have been the much better club in terms of special teams play with their penalty kill ranking an edge and their power play ranking a huge edge over that of the Penguins. Big time payback expected here and plus we get the Caps at a plus money price here since they are on the road. I will take it! 10* WASHINGTON |
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02-13-21 | Bruins v. Islanders +119 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 119 | 7 h 22 m | Show |
10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS - The Bruins are certainly playing extremely well but they are also leading a bit of a charmed life so to speak. Boston has been fortunate in some tight wins lately and now plays the 2nd night of a back to back plus faces an Islanders team that has found their game again recently. Off a tough shootout loss to the Penguins which was preceded by back to back wins the Islanders are in solid bounce back mode here. The Isles never trailed in the game against Pittsburgh and gave up the tying goal with under 20 seconds to go. It was a truly bad beat as they had an opportunity (easy one) at the empty net too but the net was off its moorings and so they couldn't ice the game a little before that late Pens goal. All in all the Isles have been playing better of late and they now come in hungry off a tough loss while the Bruins in the 2nd game of a back to back and the win took a lot of effort as Boston had to fight like hell to hang on for a 1-0 win. This one goes to the home dog in my opinion as the Bruins struggle in the back to back and the Islanders come out fighting mad after that loss to the Pens. The Isles have not lost a game in regulation in over two weeks. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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02-12-21 | Bruins v. Rangers +150 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -100 | 21 h 16 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #56 Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Igor Shesterkin should be back between the pipes for the Rangers in this one and he was great last season and has continued his fantastic play right into this season. The Bruins are a great team but they were in a dog-fight with New York on Wednesday and now they meet again on Friday. Boston eked out the win but I like the Rangers now with having their top goalie again for this one. Also, New York has been playing quite well even in the defensive zone and this is different from Rangers teams of recent seasons. While it may seem tough to fade a strong team like the Bruins here, they are way over-priced if you have been paying attention to how well the Rangers have been playing of late and also the fact that Boston has certainly had some good fortune of late for sure. Bruins are strong solid team but no way should Rangers be a +150 dog here, especially after how their match-up played out on Wednesday night. It is time for some home dog payback here. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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02-11-21 | Penguins v. Islanders -102 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -102 | 21 h 38 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #30 Thursday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have lost 6 of 7 road games this season plus will be playing just their 2nd game in the past 10 days! Rust could be a factor for sure for Pittsburgh whereas the Islanders have played twice in the past 5 days. Also, the home/road dichotomy of the Pens meshes well with that of the Isles here. Prior to their most recent game being a road win over the Rangers, the Islanders had 9 straight games in which the home team won every single game. Look for that strong home trending to continue here. Also, the Isles have held the upper hand in recent match-ups between these teams as they have taken 9 of 12 including 3 in a row. Look for the streak to reach 4 in a row here as the Pens Evgeni Malkin is listed as questionable for this one too and that could be an issue for Pittsburgh in this one as well. These teams have each played 11 games but the Penguins have allowed 3.7 goals per game this season while the Islanders have allowed only 2.5 goals per game this season. Pittsburgh also has some injury issues with some D-men heading into this game too in terms of injury concerns. Home ice and health make the difference here. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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02-10-21 | Maple Leafs v. Canadiens -105 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -105 | 24 h 60 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #26 Wednesday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - The Canadiens never trailed the Maple Leafs on opening night and even had a two-goal lead during the game. However, Montreal ended up on the wrong end of an overtime loss and they have had to wait 4 weeks for this rematch and I expect them to make the most of it. This time they meet in Montreal and note that in the first hitting the Habs had 5 more blocked shots and also had 32 hits compared to just 14 for the Leafs. I like what this Montreal club is doing early this season and I expect them to again be very aggressive and hard-hitting here against the Maple Leafs. Montreal knows they are hosting the team that most project to be the top team in the Canadian Division and this match-up means a ton to the Canadiens. Montreal has allowed only 2.2 goals per game their last 8 games. Toronto is off back to back wins over a struggling Canucks team but that was preceded by a 4-game stretch in which the Maple Leafs allowed at least 3 goals in all 4 games. I look for the gritty, revenge-minded Habs to get a hard-fought home ice win here. 10* MONTREAL |
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02-08-21 | Islanders +102 v. Rangers | Top | 2-0 | Win | 102 | 21 h 47 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #67 Monday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - These rivals faced off in their first two games this season and the Islanders won the first in a shutout but then the Rangers took the 2nd game in an embarrassing 5-0 loss for the Isles. That said, the payback is coming here. The road team had won 4 straight meetings prior to the Rangers taking that game back on the 16th of January. Look for the road team dominance in this series to resume here. The Islanders got back on track with a win versus the Penguins Saturday and I look for the Isles to now build on that. They were so close with back to back losses coming after regulation and now that they got the over the hump they won't look back. This is a hockey club much better than the 5-game losing streak would lead you to believe. They were right on the cusp of turning things around and, now that they have done it, they keep it going while getting some revenge here. The Isles catch the Rangers at the right time as the Blueshirts are off key back to back wins over the Penguins and Capitals. The Pens had beaten them 3 straight times so they really wanted that one badly and then got the win over the Caps despite being outshot. The Rangers are still young defensively and the Islanders have the better blue line in my opinion which should key this revenge win. In the Isles 5-0 loss to the Rangers in their most recent meeting the Islanders actually had 20 blocked shots compared to just 6 for the Rangers and they out-hit them 31-22. Look for a physical revenging road team to key the payback here as well after that whitewashing. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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02-07-21 | Flyers -112 v. Capitals | Top | 7-4 | Win | 100 | 15 h 34 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Washington Capitals @ 12:05 ET - Flyers favored on the road after back to back losses? Must be some kind of mistake, right? In typical contrarian fashion I am backing the side many will not want here. Philadelphia actually has won 4 straight against the Capitals and the last 3 victories have come by a combined margin of 15 to 5. In other words, that is domination and here Philly comes in angry after back to back games they essentially gave away against the Bruins. This followed the Flyers winning 4 straight games and they should get right back on track here. Vitek Vanecek has allowed 7 goals in his last two starts and Ilya Samsonov is still out. Conversely the Flyers should have Carter Hart back in goal for this one plus key D-man Phillip Myers could be back and also center Sean Courturier is nearing a return. Road team rolls the Caps again here just as they have been doing in recent meetings. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-06-21 | Penguins v. Islanders -105 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 21 h 31 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #42 Saturday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - How can the Islanders open up as a pick'em here considering they have lost 5 straight games? Exactly! The odds maker knows that this team is much better than their record shows and they will be extra hungry here after back to back losses that each came in overtime against the Flyers. Note that part of the reason the Islanders have struggled out of the gates this season could be attributed to a road-heavy schedule as well. By the way, note that the home team is now a perfect 8-0 in the Islanders last 8 games so betting on home ice in Isles games early this season has been a big money maker. The Islanders have now had a layoff of nearly week but so too have the Penguins. By the way, Pittsburgh will attract market attention here because they had won 5 of 7 before a loss to the Rangers in their most recent game. However, the Penguins 5 wins have featured only 1 in regulation and that one was a bit fortunate by the way too! The other 4 victories have all come in overtime or the shootout. The Pens have been living dangerously without a single win by a multiple-goal margin while 4 of their 5 losses this season have been by 2 or more goals. There is some "sneaky value" here with the Islanders is the point I am making and I'll take it for a top play here! 10* ISLANDERS |
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02-05-21 | Bruins v. Flyers +117 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 21 h 18 m | Show |
NHL Network Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #24 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins completely outplayed the Flyers in the 1st period of Wednesday's game. However, the Flyers were the better team for the 2nd period and most of the 3rd period. For the game Philadelphia outscored Boston 3-1 in 5 on 5 hockey. The difference in the game? 3 power play goals for the Bruins after the Flyers had a 3-1 lead with about 8 minutes to go in the game. Boston got a power play goal after a "closing the hand on the puck" penalty which was really unintentional and no one one wanted to take a penalty at that point in the game for the Flyers. That got the Bruins back in it but the Flyers still hung on to the lead until the Bruins got the equalizer, also on the power play, with just seconds left in the game. Then Boston got the game winner in overtime on, you guessed it, the power play! The Flyers are extremely fired up heading into this revenge game. They are very strong on home ice. Carter Hart is very sharp on home ice throughout his career. They were the better team Wednesday and deserved a win and didn't get it. This will be payback big time as the Flyers also lost both games at Boston earlier this season and one of those was after regulation too. So Philly has tremendous motivation here and proved in the 2nd and most of the 3rd period (again before some nonsense started) that they absolutely are capable of outplaying the Bruins for very long stretches. After deserving a win and not getting it, you know what is coming here on home ice for the Flyers. This is a payback game where we get the money line at a payback price. I certainly will not pass up on this and certainly have no hesitation in going with a top play here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-04-21 | Capitals +100 v. Rangers | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 21 h 19 m | Show |
East Div Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #9 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Great spot here. The Capitals are off their very first regulation loss of the season. Not only that it came by virtue of blowing a 3-0 lead against the Bruins and losing 5-3! Keep in mind that came against the January NHL rookie of the month - Caps goalie Vitek Vanecek. I fully expect he and the Capitals to bounce back huge here. Washington is catching the Rangers at the perfect time for a bounce back effort. New York is off a much-wanted win over the Penguins. The Rangers had lost each of their first three games against Pittsburgh this season before finally breaking through with a 3-1 win on Tuesday. That sets this one up perfectly. Also, the Rangers won each of the last two meetings with the Capitals last season so Washington certainly won't take them lightly. New York, prior to beating the Pens, had won just 2 of 8 games this season. Great value with the road team here. 10* WASHINGTON |
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02-03-21 | Bruins v. Flyers +120 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 22 h 29 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #76 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - The Bruins are off a huge win versus the Capitals where they rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win 5-3 at Washington. Boston has been playing very well but they now take on a Flyers team that is out for revenge after losing both games at Boston less than two weeks ago. Philadelphia lost the first game in a shootout but then got drilled 6-1 in the second game. The Flyers have since won 4 straight games and have allowed only 2.2 goals per game during this hot streak. Keep in mind, Boston had lost 3 straight road games prior to the break through game at Washington. That big rally after being down 3-0 could leave the Bruins a little "spent" here. That was a tremendous rally. The Flyers have big-time revenge on their mind here and while I certainly respect Boston and know they have played well recently, Philly is tough on home ice. Goalie Carter Hart has phenomenal numbers at home in his career and he and the Flyers offer great value here as a home dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-01-21 | Bruins -137 v. Capitals | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 34 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #43 Monday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ Washington Capitals @ 7 ET - The Bruins lost to the Capitals on an overtime goal but outshot Washington substantially in each of the 3 periods. Boston, for the game, had a 43-23 edge in shots on goal. I liked what I have been seeing from the Bruins recently and now they welcomed back Pastrnak as well. The Bruins, prior to the tough loss to the Caps, had won 4 straight games and scored an average of 4 goals per game during this streak. Boston allowed 2 or less goals in 6 of their first 7 games prior to the 4-3 OT loss Saturday. The Capitals, conversely, have allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of their 9 games this season. I know this is a bit of a price to lay but the revenge-minded Bruins are out for blood on Monday and they will avenge Saturday's loss. That shots on goal edge was no fluke. 10* BOSTON |
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01-31-21 | Islanders +108 v. Flyers | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 58 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #31 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders, on Thursday, blew a 3-0 lead at Washington and lost 6-3. I was really unimpressed with New York and figured they would be flat Saturday and they were at first and got down 2-0 to the Flyers. Though we did win with Philadelphia 3-2 yesterday in overtime the fact is the Islanders were the much better team from the 2nd period on. The Isles outscored the Flyers 2-0 in the 2nd period and then dominated the play in the 3rd too even though it was a scoreless period. The Islanders did a great job of bottling up the Flyers attack and Philadelphia continues to be heavily outshot in games. That said, I fully expect a huge bounce back win for the Islanders here as they have now lost 4 straight games but yesterday, in the final two periods and overtime period, certainly looked nothing like a team that has gone winless in 4 straight. The Isles are ready to turn this around and that showed yesterday and I fully expect that today it will translate to a win. The Flyers will have Brian Elliott in goal here and he is solid but he doesn't have the phenomenal numbers that Carter Hart does when he is at home. Also, the Flyers are still really missing Sean Couturier's presence on the ice. He was the Selke Trophy winner last season. The Isles showed me a lot yesterday and I expect an even more determined effort from the road dog today after falling just short yesterday. This team is very hungry now and had won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including playoff meetings, in this series prior to yesterday. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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01-30-21 | Islanders v. Flyers -120 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 40 m | Show |
10* PHILADELPHIA Money Line -120 - The Flyers have playoff revenge here. The Islanders eliminated from the post-season less than 5 months ago so Philly surely hasn't forgotten it. This season New York appears to have taken a step back while the Flyers still appear very solid. These teams have played almost the exact same number of games yet the Islanders have only scored half as many goals. Also, the Isles once vaunted defense and goaltending certainly doesn't look like it once did after a disappointing effort versus the short-handed Capitals saw the Islanders blow a 3-0 lead and lose 5-3. The Flyers are known for being very tough at home where goalie Carter Hart excels and Philly is off back to back wins entering this contest plus has won 3 of their 4 games on home ice this season. New York, on the other hand, has been slipping and has lost 3 straight games and has been outscored 11-5 in the process. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-28-21 | Panthers v. Blue Jackets -109 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 53 m | Show |
COLUMBUS - The Blue Jackets jumped out to a 2-0 lead Tuesday and never trailed the entire game. In fact, a game-tying goal with just 3 seconds left in the game is the only reason it went to overtime. The Panthers then went on to win in the shootout and can you imagine how ticked off coach John Tortorella was in the locker room after this one? The fiery head coach will have the Jackets ready to respond here and Jack Roslovic, Columbus native acquired from Winnipeg, is expected to be available to go tonight. Looking at their last 5 games, the Blue Jackets have a pair of wins by a combined score of 8 to 4 and 3 losses ALL coming AFTER regulation. Look for Columbus to come out hungrier than ever tonight and improve to 3-1 the last 4 times they were off a loss. Florida is a perfect 3-0 this season but two of the wins came after regulation and 2 of of the victories came against a struggling Blackhawks team. The Blue Jackets are the better hockey club and we are getting line value here as a result of some early season unusual results that will NOT continue so lets grab the exceptional value with the home team here. 10* COLUMBUS |
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01-26-21 | Maple Leafs v. Flames +104 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 46 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #24 Tuesday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 9:05 ET - The Maple Leafs hung on for a tight win when these teams met at Calgary on Sunday. Now this is the Flames final home game until February 6th and I fully expect revenge-minded Calgary to make the most of it. Leafs goalie Jack Campbell got hurt late in the game and his status is uncertain for tonight. Frederik Andersen is the normal top netminder and so he might be between the pipes anyway here but note that he had a rough road game (5 goals allowed) in his only start away from home this season. Andersen also allowed 4 goals in his lone appearance at Calgary last season. I really like the way Jacob Markstrom has been playing between the pipes for the Flames early this season and expect him to win the goaltending battle tonight. Calgary's two wins this season have come by a combined score of 8 to 2 while their two defeats each came by the slimmest of margins. As a result, the Flames are still a little undervalued right now. Give Toronto credit as they did play a hard-fought game Sunday as they were outhit but dominated in terms of blocked shots. The Flames now come back strong as they were not happy with losing the game Sunday thanks to a very late power play goal in the 2nd period that shifted momentum. Payback time from a determined Flames team Tuesday. They raise their level of play here to again bounce back off a loss. 10* CALGARY |
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01-24-21 | Rangers +118 v. Penguins | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 32 m | Show |
Payback Smash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Rangers are hungry for payback here. The Penguins are dealing with some injuries to their defense and that was already an area of concern for Pittsburgh heading into this season. New York is fired up after blowing a 3-1 lead in this match-up Friday and going on to lose in overtime. The Rangers have been getting the better goaltending than the Pens so far this season and I look for New York to again build a solid lead in this one and this time they hold on! There is a reason the Penguins are priced so short here at home. In other words, don't let the line fool you. Many will be on Pittsburgh here but they have had some very fortunate wins of late and their luck runs out here as the Rangers come in fired up and won't stop until the final seconds run off the clock in what should be a solid road victory for this motivated bunch. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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01-22-21 | Sabres -109 v. Capitals | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -109 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
10* BUFFALO - The guys that the Capitals lost are VERY significant. Due to a health protocol violation, this is expected to be the first of 4 games for the Caps without Ovechkin and Kuznetsov (two of their top forwards), Orlov (one of their top defensemen) and Samsonov (their #1 goalie). That is why the odds makers were correct in pricing this line at around a -135 on Buffalo and I saw it as high as a -145 earlier. Now it is down to where the Sabres are practically a pick'em and this is offering significant value on Buffalo in this spot. The Sabres have revenge from losing each of the first two games of the season against the Capitals in Buffalo. In that 2nd game they faced the goalie they will face again tonight and that is Vanecek. The young netminder is getting his first taste of the NHL and did beat the Sabres in their first meeting but Buffalo outshot the Caps 31 to 21 and I expect Vanecek won't fare nearly as well in the 2nd meeting. He is now "the guy" with Samsonov out and that puts a lot of pressure on the young netminder. Also, he certainly didn't look overly great against the Penguins when they hung 5 goals on him Tuesday. Situational value here is off the charts. 10* BUFFALO |