Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-20-19 | Stars v. Panthers -116 | Top | 4-7 | Win | 100 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Friday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (-) vs Dallas Stars @ 7:05 ET - I had the Stars last night and will be the first to admit I got a fortunate win. After scoring the first goal Dallas fell behind 3-1 but got to 3-2 in 2nd and 3-3 in 3rd and then won in OT despite being at a huge disadvantage for the game in shots on goal. The set-up here is perfect. Dallas is in a back to back and off a huge upset win at Tampa Bay plus on the road again tonight. The Panthers, on the other hand, are well-rested as they have been off since 16th and have been at home and this is their final home game until the 28th. In other words, they put a lot of energy and focus into this game. This is made even more true by the fact that the Stars swept the Panthers last season. Florida is out for revenge. Remember Dallas just beat a team last night that had swept them last season including a home ice shutout. The Panthers now are the team in that advantageous revenge situation as they lost both games to the Stars last season including a home ice shutout here in Florida. Time for payback tonight. Dallas has lost 18 of 28 games when on the road in a game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Panthers have won 44 of 75 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Stars had lost 3 of last 4 road games prior to last night's win. The Panthers have enjoyed the luxury of playing at home the past 3 weeks! 10* FLORIDA |
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12-19-19 | Stars +141 v. Lightning | Top | 4-3 | Win | 141 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #29 Thursday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - Hockey is really no different than the other sports when it comes to analyzing line movement. In this specific case we have a game that opened up with Tampa Bay at about a 180 price and it is now down to as low as 155 as of game day morning despite the vast majority of tickets begin written on the Lightning. What does that tell you? The sharp money and bigger bets are coming in on the Stars here! I love this situation for Dallas. The Stars are off a loss on Monday so they are ready to respond and they are well rested. Note that Dallas entered that game having won 18 of their last 25 games! As for the Lightning, they are off a win versus Ottawa and it took OT. Not a very impressive win for sure and Tampa Bay's prior game was a 5-2 loss to the rival Capitals. Guess what is on deck for the Bolts? That's right, a trip to Washington. You know TB can't help but to be thinking about that revenge match-up with the Caps. Speaking of revenge, the Stars were embarrassed by a combined score of 8-0 in their two games against Tampa Bay last season. Dallas outshot the Lightning by 20 shots on goal in those two games. Deceiving results to say the least and I love backing the Stars as a big dog in this spot. The Bolts had lost 5 of their last 7 home games prior to barely getting by the Senators in Tampa on Tuesday. 10* DALLAS |
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12-18-19 | Ducks +106 v. Devils | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #23 Wednesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Ducks are in a back to back spot but off a 4-1 loss. The Devils are rested and off a 2-1 win. I like Anaheim to bounce back here as New Jersey also recently dealt Taylor Hall to the Coyotes. The Devils are in a full-on rebuild mode and yet they are off a rare win. Anaheim has been scratching and clawing for wins and yet they ran into a very determined Flyers hockey club last night that was desperate for a win after 3 straight losses. That said, the Ducks ran into a buzzsaw last night but they'll bounce back tonight. The Devils had lost 7 straight games prior to the win at Arizona Saturday. The Ducks had won 3 of 6 before the loss at Philly last night. Anaheim has won 3 straight over New Jersey. The Ducks have won 4 of 6 this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. The Devils have lost 9 of 11 games this season when facing a team with a losing record. 10* ANAHEIM |
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12-17-19 | Blue Jackets v. Red Wings +123 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #12 Tuesday 10* Top Play Detroit Red Wings Money Line (+) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - Perfect set up here from a situational perspective. The Blue Jackets are off an upset win (3-0) over the Capitals last night. Prior to that huge divisional shutout win, Columbus had lost 6 of 7 games. However, because the Red Wings have such an ugly record on the season, the Jackets are a sizable road favorite in this Tuesday clash. Not only is this a tough back to back spot for Columbus, it is Detroit that is in the perfect bounce back spot too. They had won back to back games by a combined score of 7-3 before getting throttled on home ice by the LA Kings on Sunday. That stinging 4-2 defeat saw the Red Wings trailing by 4 goals at one point in the 3rd period of that game. Detroit is determined to bounce back here and they are catching the Blue Jackets at the right time to get right back on track. The Red Wings had been starting to build a little momentum and this is their only game between Sunday and Saturday. In other words, Detroit is going to "leave it all on the ice" in this one! The Blue Jackets have lost 4 of 5 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Red Wings have revenge from a 5-4 loss at Columbus a month ago. They'll get it as a nice home dog here! 10* DETROIT |
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12-14-19 | Flyers +109 v. Wild | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 56 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #41 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - Both teams dealing with injuries and the Flyers injury situation certainly a little more significant than that of the Wild. However, I am still backing Philadelphia here because they played very well in their loss on Wednesday night and that was at Colorado. The Avalanche are one of the best teams in the league and the Flyers outshot them 33-27 in their own barn. Philadelphia entered that game having won 6 of 7 and they are a perfect 3-0 the last 3 times when off a loss. As for the Wild, they hung on for a 6-5 win over Edmonton but Minnesota truly hasn't been playing all that well of late. That was preceded by a game in which the Wild fell behind 2-0 and were fortunate to even earn a point. Minnesota has allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game their past 4 games. Conversely, the Flyers have allowed an average of only 2.1 goals per game their past 8 games! Grab the hungry road dog here off a loss and playing with a rest edge too (Wild were in action Thursday). 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-12-19 | Oilers +113 v. Wild | Top | 5-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #11 Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Oilers are off a disappointing homestand but have actually been better on the road than at home this season. I like the fact too that Edmonton battled back to tie Buffalo and earn a point in their 3-2 OT loss Sunday and then on Tuesday they battled back to tie the Hurricanes after a falling into a 3-0 hole. Carolina then on to win the game 6-3 with 3 very late goals but that final score was not indicative of how the game really played out. Look for the Oilers to avoid an early hole here and get revenge for a 3-0 loss at Minnesota in their most recent meeting two months ago. It is payback time here and, unlike Edmonton, the Wild are coming off earning a very fortunate point in their most recent game. They got a point in the shootout loss against Anaheim Tuesday but Minnesota dug a 2-0 hole and was outshot 14-1 early on and really never recovered. The Wild simply did not play well but got away with it and still earned a point they really didn't deserve. I like fading teams when they're off a game like that and Edmonton also is extra hungry here plus motivated by revenge. Look for a strong road win for the determined Oilers in this one. Edmonton has the edge on the penalty kill and also a huge edge on the power play in comparison with Minnesota. The Wild had lost 4 of last 6 to the Oilers before the big win in mid-October. Edmonton is off back to back losses but is a PERFECT 4-0 this season when off consecutive defeats! Conversely, Minnesota has already had a 4-game losing streak and 3-game losing streak. The Wild enter this game off B2B losses as well. The Oilers are 8-2 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. 10* EDMONTON |
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12-11-19 | Bruins +118 v. Capitals | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #65 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - I like the value here with the underdog Bruins. Of course the early line move was on the Capitals as everyone sees them on home ice and laying a short price and that is what attracts peoples attention. Keep in mind these are two of the best teams in the NHL and I love having the underdog in a spot like this. I am aware of that the Bruins have a game with the Lightning on deck for tomorrow night but there is no way they're overlooking this match-up with Ovechkin and the Capitals. Keep in mind it was Washington that handed the Bruins a rare home ice loss in their first meeting this season. In that game the Capitals rallied to tie the game with just a minute remaining and then went on to win in the shootout. Boston has not forgotten that defeat and I love the revenge angle here as they look to return the favor in DC. Note that the Capitals have a strong reputation on home ice but have actually won only 8 of 15 games there this season. The Bruins, prior to their loss at Ottawa, were 8-3-1 on the road this season so they have certainly been strong on enemy ice this season. The road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams and I look for that trend to continue here as the road team makes it 4 in a row. The fact that the Bruins will have Patrice Bergeron back (he was on the ice and scored a goal against Ottawa in his first game back Monday) is also a big plus for the road team here. Grab the underdog value here. 10* BOSTON |
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12-10-19 | Lightning -103 v. Panthers | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 13 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #43 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - This line is right around a pick'em. Some may be surprised to not see Florida as a sizable favorite considering they are at home and they catch the Bolts in the 2nd game of a back to back. However, the Lightning (even without Tyler Johnson) are loaded with firepower and have plenty of motivation here. Tampa Bay is fired up off a 5-1 loss last night, they saved #1 goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy for this game, and they're catching Florida off a rare event. The Panthers have actually allowed 2 goals or less in each of their last two games for the first time this season! That was very unlikely and I look for goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and company to come back down to earth in this game. I know Florida is a solid team but Tampa was the #1 team in the league in the regular season last year and I feel the Bolts are going to continue a resurgence this season after last year's early 1st round playoff sweep exit. Tampa Bay is a determined team ready to respond against a division rival here. The Bolts have won 53 of their last 71 divisional games and also are a perfect 5-0 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin. Long term the Lightning have won 32 of 42 when off a loss by multiple goals and also have won 26 of their last 31 December games. The Panthers have lost 5 of 7 this season when off a win by a multiple goal margin. Look for the above trending to hold true tonight and the hungry road team gets revenge by notching a solid enemy ice victory in this one. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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12-08-19 | Sharks +132 v. Panthers | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 40 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #25 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 5:05 ET - I like the set up here to result in a road dog win! The Sharks are off an embarrassing 7-1 loss at Tampa Bay and are fired up to get their first win of December. Keep in mind they wrapped up November having won 11 of their past 13 games. Now, after hitting a tough stretch and running into a very tough Lightning team, San Jose responds big at Florida tonight. The Panthers are off a huge win versus Columbus yesterday. That was the first game for former Blue Jackets netminder Sergei Bobrovsky against his prior team. That means if he plays tonight I would not be surprised to see him struggle in between the pipes after such an emotional win last night. If he doesn't play the Panthers are likely to got with Chris Driedger in the crease and he has only 5 games (2 starts) of NHL experience. The set up here is perfect for the Panthers off a satisfying 4-1 win to fall flat against a Sharks team fired up off a 7-1 loss. Adding to the value here in my opinion is the fact that the Sharks were swept by the Panthers last season. The road dog is going to be flying all over the ice in this one and I don't see them being denied. 10* SAN JOSE |
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12-07-19 | Avalanche +135 v. Bruins | Top | 4-1 | Win | 135 | 10 h 40 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Saturday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - If you play with fire long enough, you're eventually going to get burned. That is what finally happened to the Bruins Thursday as they went to the 3rd period down 3-0 on home ice but rallied to tie it only to then fall short in OT. Still it kept Boston as the only NHL team without a regulation loss on home ice. I am predicting that will change on Saturday but, of course, keep in mind we don't have to win in regulation to win our bet and the Bruins have already lost 5 home games post-regulation this season. Boston is still without Patrice Bergeron while the red hot Avalanche are healthier again with all key players back in the lineup. Colorado was already surging but now the Avs are even more dangerous than ever because they played very well even when missing key players and now those guys are back! That is why I won't pass up this opportunity to have one of the best teams in the NHL, and the healthier team in this match-up, at a +135 underdog price. The price makes sense because the Bruins are a very good hockey team. But, without a doubt, the Avalanche are playing even better hockey than Boston right now. Keep in mind the Bruins only scored 2 goals in their most recent home win. Also, the game prior to that they were down 1-0 in the 3rd period before rallying for that win. The Bruins won't find it so easy to rally against a team like the Avalanche and the Avs already beat them 4-2 in Colorado earlier this season too. The Avalanche are viewing this game as an opportunity for a statement road win against one of the top teams in the East. Look for the Avs to make that statement loud and clear behind MacKinnon, Rantanen, and Landeskog in this one. 10* COLORADO |
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12-06-19 | Canadiens -103 v. Rangers | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #67 Friday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - This one sets up perfectly. While both teams were in action last night, the Rangers enjoyed a 3-2 upset win at Columbus while the Canadiens are off a home loss to a streaking Avalanche hockey club that is getting healthier. There is no shame in losing to Colorado considering how they have been playing as well as how healthy they are again now. However, there is shame in blowing a 4-0 lead on home ice and losing 6-5 and that is what happened to Montreal when they hosted the Rangers last month. That said, it is now payback time and I look for the Habs to avenge that loss tonight. The Canadiens had endured a long losing streak but they snapped that the game before the tight loss to the Avs last night and they have looked a little better on the ice lately. For the Rangers this is a standalone home game prior to a West Coast road trip and coming off an upset win of the Blue Jackets the night before. I could see the Bluehshirts being flat in this game and the Habs are hell bent on revenge here. Look for them to get it in a big way! 10* MONTREAL |
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12-05-19 | Avalanche +102 v. Canadiens | Top | 3-2 | Win | 102 | 8 h 15 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Thursday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - I know this is the 2nd night of a back to back for the Avalanche but they are off a 3-1 win last night at Toronto and continue to look extremely sharp on both ends of the ice. Not only that, the Avs are getting healthier too and could get a couple more players back tonight as well. Last but not least, back-up goalie Pavel Francouz has been great between the pipes and has allowed only 4 goals the last 89 shots he has faced! Now Colorado faces a Montreal team that finally got back into the win column Tuesday but just barely. The Canadiens had to hang on for dear life in their 4-2 win over the suddenly struggling Islanders. The Habs go from facing an inconsistent team to one that is playing with a ton of confidence plus getting healthier and absolutely looks like one of the best teams in the league especially as their health returns. As for Montreal, they had lost 8 straight games prior to their win over the Isles. Keep in mind the Canadiens have lost 9 of 16 home games this season. The Avs are a stellar 9-5-1 on the road this season. On a 4 game winning streak and facing a team that has lost 8 of 9, the Avalanche are a great value here as we can grab the superior team and not even lay juice in this one! 10* COLORADO |
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12-03-19 | Islanders v. Canadiens -117 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 15 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #26 Tuesday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens were up going to the 3rd period at Boston on Sunday but then lost 3-1. Montreal is hungry to get back on track on home ice and we're getting line value here because many will look to back the red-hot Islanders as an underdog in this spot. I am going contrarian and backing the Habs here because this is a tough spot for the Isles. They were at Detroit last night and got a win over the Red Wings. Varlamov was in goal for that one and had a strong game. That means Greiss is available tonight but he left his last start with dizziness and was not feeling well. That makes this not only a back to back spot for the Islanders but also a situation in their goaltending situation is not exactly ideal. I would not be surprised to see New York have some struggles in the crease tonight and the Canadiens are so desperate for a win here I just do not seem them being denied on home ice in this one. The Habs have endured a recent losing streak but it is no mistake that they are favored here on home ice by the odds makers. In other words, lay the small price and look for the Islanders to lose for the 4th time in their past 5 road games. The Canadiens have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams. 10* MONTREAL |
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11-27-19 | Flames -123 v. Sabres | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 3 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #17 Wednesday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - The Flames will be without head coach Bill Peters for this game as he is under investigation for an incident that occurred about a decade ago in the American Hockey League. Calgary has been struggling but actually played a solid game in earning a point in an OT loss at Pittsburgh Monday. Keep in mind, even with the news about Peters the Flames have been a popular choice among smart bettors today. The reason for that is the anticipiation that Calgary will respond well on the ice to assistant coach Geoff Ward whom will take over head coaching duties behind the bench tonight. I fully expect this to be a positive situation for the Flames as well as they rally around this situation. Certainly Calgary is facing the right team to rally against. The Flames are facing a Sabres team that has lost 10 of its past 12 games. There is a reason a Calgary team that has won just 5 of 16 road games this season is favored over a Buffalo team that has a 6-3-2 record on home ice this season. In other words, jump on the Flames in this one just like the sharp bettors are. The Flames have won 3 of 4 this season after playing 3 consecutive road games. The Sabres have lost 45 of 63 when off a divisional game. 10* CALGARY |
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11-26-19 | Wild +120 v. Devils | Top | 3-2 | Win | 120 | 8 h 50 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #1 Tuesday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Ironically it was the Devils with a goalie issue in their most recent game and now that is the case for the Wild. For New Jersey, they were in the 2nd game of a back to back and had recently released Cory Schneider so Louis Dominique got his first start of the season. As is usually the case when a team knows it really needs to play strong in front of its goalie, the Devils allowed just 19 shots in that game and won 5-1. Now it is Minnesota that is playing the 2nd night of a back to back and with goalie Devan Dubnyk out and Alex Stalock having played last night, Kaapo Kahkonen will be making his NHL debut. He has been playing great in the American Hockey League and look for the Wild, hungry off back to back OT losses, to play a very strong game in front of him and limit shots on goal. Minnesota is desperate for a win here and has two off days after this game so they will go all out in this one. New Jersey is having a tough season and had been outscored 9-2 in their two prior games before getting that big win over a bad Red Wings team. Now the Devils face a much tougher challenge here and the Wild had won 5 of 8 before back to back OT losses. Minnesota will bounce back big here. Home ice has NOT mattered in this series as the road team has won each of the last 5 meetings. I look for that trend to continue here. 10* MINNESOTA |
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11-23-19 | Maple Leafs -107 v. Avalanche | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Rotation #37 Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) @ Colorado Avalanche @ 7:05 ET - So why is a team that has won 4 of 11 on the road priced at pick'em against a team that has won 6 of 9 at home this season? Exactly! Don't be fooled by the line here. The road team is the play in this one. The Maple Leafs began the post-Mike Babcock era with a huge 3-1 win against the stingy Coyotes at Arizona. That was an impressive win and this is a team that is looking to go on a tear after their head coach became the first casualty of this NHL season. The Leafs are using this as a spark and motivation and, the only trouble is, after this game Toronto has 3 full days off. The Maple Leafs don't play again until Wednesday. They are well aware of this and this is a team that is hungry and wants to build a streak now. The last thing they want here is a loss and then to sit around for 3 days lamenting that defeat. So look for the Leafs to take advantage of a short-handed Colorado team here and make it two straight. The Avalanche are a very good hockey club but they are certainly not the same team when they are missing not only one but two of their best players. Yes, the Avs still have one of the best in the game with Nathan MacKinnon on the ice but the current absence of Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen are big losses for this Avalanche team. The Maple Leafs played without their captain John Tavares earlier this season but he is back and this is a hungry team that is also loaded with firepower. I don't see them being denied here and it is also apparent that other sharp bettors in the markets are seeing what I am as well. That is why this line is a pick'em. Again the Avs are not the same team right now without those key players and the Maple Leafs are a talented bunch that are going to be a team to keep an eye on for quite awhile now. 10* TORONTO |
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11-21-19 | Flames +125 v. Blues | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Thursday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - You know where the sharp money is on this game. The Blues opened up at nearly a -160 favorite and yet are down to nearly a -130 price in morning market trading on game day. That is sharp money folks because the Flames are on a 0-4-1 streak and the Blues are on an 8-1-2 run. Why are people backing Calgary here? For one thing the Blues just put together a very strong game and battled hard for the full sixty to knock off the team that was the #1 team in the regular season last year. After that big win over Tampa Bay, St Louis might end up a little flat in this game. As for Calgary, they are off a tight 3-2 home loss and they are fired up. They are hungry and viewing this road trip as a chance to get back on track. What better way to prove they are ready to make positive headway than by knocking off the defending Stanley Cup champs. In my opinion, the set-up is perfect for them to do just that. 10* CALGARY |
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11-16-19 | Islanders v. Flyers +101 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #20 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - Perhaps looking ahead to this divisional revenge opportunity, the Flyers were a bit lackluster in last night's 2-1 loss at Ottawa. Yet, even with an "off night", Philadelphia still outshot the Senators in the disappointing defeat. Look for Philly to respond in a big way. I am well aware of the fact that the Islanders have been playing very well but they also have benefited from a home-heavy schedule and that is about to change. Also, they enter this game with a home and home set up next against the Penguins plus the Islanders are talking about how hot the Capitals have been and how they're still up there at the top of the division. The point is that the Isles are thinking more about their great record and getting ready for a B2B battle with the Pens and battling it out with the Caps early this season for the divisional top spot. The Islanders are overlooking the Flyers here and that will prove to be a mistake. The Flyers were 5-0-2 their 7 games (no regulation losses) prior to last night's loss. Also, Philly will have Brian Elliott in goal here and he has just 1 regulation loss in 15 career decisions against the Isles. Additionally, the Flyers have just 1 regulation loss in their 9 games as a host this season and they have been performing better in OT and SO situations should either of those arise tonight. The fact is that the Isles have played just 5 road games so far this season and they are a great team but they are a little overvalued here by the betting markets. The Flyers opened up as a -120 fave but the betting markets have flipped the fave here and I am happy to grab the hungry revenge-minded home dog in this one given all of the above. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-14-19 | Jets +145 v. Panthers | Top | 4-3 | Win | 145 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Situations don't get much better than this. The Jets are off an embarrassing 4-0 home shutout loss. Prior to that Winnipeg had won 4 of its last 5 games and the only loss had come in a shootout. The Panthers are off a huge 5-4 shootout victory at Boston! Not only is that a key win over a division rival, Florida rallied from a 4-0 deficit to win it! How improbable was that? It was the first time ever in franchise history that the Panthers had come back from a deficit of more than 3 goals to win a game! The fact it came against a division leader and last year's Eastern Conference champs make it even that much more improbable. In other words, this is now the perfect "flat spot" in which to fade Florida. Keep in mind, that win over the Bruins was the 3rd time in 4 games that the Panthers have allowed at least 4 goals. The Panthers have lost 3 of their past 5 home games and have allowed at least 4 goals in 3 of their past 5 games as a host. Conversely the Jets have actually been solid on the road this season and Connor Hellebuyck is having a strong season between the pipes. This money line is offering phenomenal line value given the situation. I respect the Panthers and coach Joel Quenneville but this is a very tough spot for Florida and I expect a tremendous game from the road dog Jets here! 10* WINNIPEG |
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11-11-19 | Coyotes +165 v. Capitals | Top | 4-3 | Win | 165 | 9 h 32 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #15 Monday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The NHL is no exception. On any given night in any of the big 4 professional sports leagues, any team can rise up for the win because these are professionals and they play with a lot of pride. In this case you have an Arizona team that is a scrappy hard-nosed team that is entering this game off 3 straight losses. They are taking on a Capitals team that is the hottest team in the NHL this season. Washington is on home ice here too and yet they opened up as low as a -165 favorite in this one. The odds makers are sharp folks. They know what they are doing. Of course that looked easy to take the Caps and the line got driven up nearly -200 on Washington. It has since settled back down as some sharp money is now coming in on the underdog Coyotes in this one. Why? Hungry teams when games in a situation like this and this one is set up perfect for an upset. Arizona comes in very hungry and viewing this game as a chance to knock off the 2018 Stanley Cup champs on their own ice. The Capitals come into this game rather complacent as they are off a huge win versus the Golden Knights Saturday in a game that was a rematch of those 2018 Stanley Cup finals. Also, Washington has a big divisional game on deck against the upstart Flyers. That said, this is looks like a flat spot for the Caps while the fact is the Yotes are going to bring their A game here. Twice they had a 2-goal lead in their home loss to Minnesota and yet they let the game slip away. They are fired up here and are very dangerous dog as, Saturday notwithstanding, they are generally very tough to come back on once they get the lead on you and I look for the Coyotes to get an early jump in this one. 10* ARIZONA |
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11-09-19 | Flyers +145 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 3-2 | Win | 145 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher – Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7 ET – This is a contrarian play because about 2/3 of the tickets are coming in on the Maple Leafs but I am betting the Flyers. Why? First lets talk about where the sharp money is going in this one. Even though the Leafs are getting most of the bets the bigger money is coming in on Philadelphia. We know this because the money line on Toronto has been dropping all morning. This is a revenge game for the Flyers too because they lost at home against the Maple Leafs last Saturday. That was a tight defeat in an 11-round shootout so Philly is hungry for revenge here. Both teams enter this game off wins Thursday night but the Leafs allowed a lot of shots on goal in their win over Vegas while Philadelphia dominated shots on goal in their win over Montreal. If not for Canadiens goalie Carey Price having a huge game the Flyers would have won the game easily rather than having to win it in OT. In any event, Philadelphia continued their season long trend of outshooting foes by a wide margin and I expect that to continue here. The Flyers are very hard on the puck and the hard work and strong skating is paying off as they also have outscored opponents 23-13 in the 3rd period. They wear them down as games go on and I expect that to be the case again here and am grabbing the big dog value with the road team in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-07-19 | Canadiens v. Flyers -111 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #28 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Both teams are off divisional wins but the Canadiens victory was a true rivalry win. The Habs and Bruins are both Original Six teams and they have a rivalry that dates back many decades. Also, Boston was in the Stanley Cup Finals last season and Montreal getting the win on Tuesday was a huge victory for the Canadiens. The key to the value here in my opinion is that the Habs were sloppy in that game and yet got away with it and a lot of that had to do with the Bruins being off a hard-fought crazy win over the Penguins the night before. Montreal is catching the Flyers in a much different situation here and plus the Canadiens are on the road for this one. Not only have the Habs lost half their road games this season, Philadelphia is a solid 5-1-1 on home ice this season! The Canadiens are a quality team no doubt but this is a classic flat spot (perfect to fade them) as they are off a hard-fought late-game win over their fiercest rivals. As for the Flyers, this is the finale of a 3-game homestand and they want to make the most of it. For the Canadiens, this is their only road game between the 2nd and 15th of this month as they go back home for a pair of games after this one. I could easily see Montreal having trouble getting going in this one and the Flyers will take advantage. The Canadiens have lost 37 of 60 when off a division game and have also lost 34 of 57 after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game. Look for the Flyers to improve to 5-1 on the season when in a home game where the total is posted at 6 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-05-19 | Hurricanes v. Flyers +102 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 102 | 10 h 0 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #2 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes got off to a fast start out of the gates this season as they won 5 straight. However, the Canes have since lost 5 of 9 games and they are over-valued in this spot in my opinion. Keep in mind, the 4 wins Carolina has in their past 9 games have included 3 against struggling teams (Chi, LA, Det) whom have a combined 13 wins in 43 games this season! The Hurricanes have won just half their road games and have lost 3 of their 5 divisional games this season. You can see why I am liking the home dog Flyers in this one. They are off a tough shootout loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday but this is a Philly team that entered that game having won 4 of 6 games overall. Also, the Flyers are 4-1-1 in home games this season. Coming off a loss and available at a value price here, Philly is offering super value in this spot. I rate this teams about equal in my power ratings and that means that getting the home team and not having to lay juice is a strong value. Look for Carolina to drop to 0-3 this season when they enter a game after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. As for the Flyers, they have one of the best shots on goal differentials in the league. Look for Philly to improve to 3-1 this season in home games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-03-19 | Flames +156 v. Capitals | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Revenge game for the Flames as they lost at home to the Capitals less than two weeks ago. That actually marked the 3rd time in the last 4 meetings that the road team has won and that is what I am forecasting here at a very attractive plus money price. Calgary is in a back to back spot here, 3-0 shutout at Columbus last night, but they have won 41 of 69 when off a non-conference game. Also, the Flames have won 16 of their last 21 Sunday games. The Capitals penalty kill has been strong this season but Calgary's has been even stronger! The Flames big rally for a 6-5 win at Nashville Thursday has lit a fire under this team and it continued to burn bright in their 3-0 shutout win over the Blue Jackets. Other than the high-scoring win over the Predators, the other 3 Flames games on the first 4 games of this road trip have seen Calgary allow an average of just 1.3 goals per game! As for the Capitals, they are off a big 6-1 win over Buffalo but previously allowed 3 or more goals in 11 of 13 games! The Caps allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their 4 games prior to the win over the Sabres. Look for the stingy Flames to hold the Capitals high-powered offense in check and that will be the difference in this one as Washington's struggles in its own zone resume here and the road dog takes advantage and stays hot. I know the Capitals have a great season record and are off a big win but the value is with the road dog in this one as they will again hold a team "in check" for the 4th time in 5 games on this road trip. 10* CALGARY |
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11-01-19 | Flyers +108 v. Devils | Top | 4-3 | Win | 108 | 8 h 28 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #17 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are angry off back to back ugly losses as they lost to the Islanders 5-3 and then the Penguins 7-1. Considering Philly now gets to take on a Devils team that has won just 2 of 10 games this season (no team has fewer than the 7 points New Jersey has), I have no hesitation in grabbing the Flyers at a value price here. Philadelphia already beat the Devils this season about 3 weeks ago at home. In their most recent trip to New Jersey the Flyers also won and the combined score of these 2 Philly victories was 10-3. Philadelphia already made some early season roster changes meant to deliver a wake-up call to everyone on this team and I expect them to respond very well on Friday night after getting thoroughly embarrassed by the Penguins on Tuesday night. The Devils have allowed 12 goals in their last 2 games and are hoping to turn things around this month. However, New Jersey actually has lost 44 of 72 games (including 5 of 6 this season) when they are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Also, the Devils have lost 19 of 29 November games the past two seasons combined. Both teams in bounce back mode here but the Flyers are the better team early this season and that shows up again on the ice on Friday evening. Play PHILADELPHIA |
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10-31-19 | Flames +140 v. Predators | Top | 6-5 | Win | 140 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Thursday NHL 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - The Flames blew a 3rd period lead and then lost at Carolina Tuesday. This was the 2nd straight tight loss for Calgary after having won 4 of 6 games. The difference was that the Flames felt like they let the game against the Hurricanes get away as they did not play that well and were especially outplayed in the 3rd period. That is the type of game teams respond to in their next game and, particularly coming off back to back losses, the Calgary will be bring a huge effort at Nashville tonight. They are catching the Predators at the right time for an upset. The Predators are on a winning streak and feeling a little too good about themselves at the moment. This is the type of situation when another team that is a quality club but coming off tight losses can absolutely sneak up on you for the upset win. Nashville is off a shutout in over a struggling Blackhawks team. The Predators lost 11 of 20 (-$6,200) when off a shutout in the past 2 two seasons before getting a win in that role for the first time this season against the Lightning on Saturday. In other words, off a shutout win, the Preds generally make for a good play against spot! Known for solid starts in recent seasons, the Flames are actually 24-16 (+$9,000) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season. The big road dog also has a huge edge in the penalty killing department so far this season. The Flames will prove to be the hungrier team in this match-up and will be relentless as they bounce back to avoid what would be their longest losing streak of the season. 10* CALGARY |
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10-29-19 | Flyers +140 v. Penguins | Top | 1-7 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #69 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The road team has won 8 of the last 9 meetings between these divisional in-state rivals. Included in that run is the fact that Philadelphia has won each of its last four visits to Pittsburgh! The Penguins come into this game off a win but they had previously lost 3 straight games. Also, the Pens just returned from a 3-game road trip and often the first game back home is the toughest. While Pittsburgh is off a win, Philly is off an ugly loss to a red hot Islanders team. Though the Flyers Carter Hart again struggled in goal in that game, it is likely that the surging Brian Elliott gets the start in this one and he has been fantastic between the pipes for Philadelphia. Also, in regulation time this season, the Penguins have been held to 2 or less goals in 5 of their 7 home games! Overall, the Pens enter this game having averaged just 1.7 goals per game in their last 4 games. As for the Flyers last 4 games, they have won 3 of them and Philadelphia has averaged scoring 5 goals per game in those 4 contests. The Flyers production on offense has been the much more impressive of these two hockey clubs. Considering that as well as the road dominance in this series and there is no way I am passing up on a +140 price being offered to the Flyers here. I know the Penguins are getting a little healthier but they still have a ways to go and it takes guys awhile to get back to 100% even when they do get back on the ice in game situations and they have to get back to being a cohesive unit with the other guys on their line, etc. Look for Philly to make it 5 in a row at Pittsburgh with another solid road victory. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-25-19 | Avalanche +145 v. Golden Knights | Top | 6-1 | Win | 145 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #21 Friday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 6:05 ET - The value is incredible here and that is why I have no qualms about going contrarian and releasing a top play in this spot. The markets are funny sometimes as this line opened up at a -135 with the odds makers fully aware of the fact Mikko Rantanen got hurt in the Avs game Tuesday and that he would miss this game. However, the betting markets still have pounced all over the Golden Knights here and driven this line up all the way to a -165 as of very early game day morning. It is Nevada Day today here in Vegas where I reside and that is why we have a special start time here with this one as it starts at 3 PT locally. The fact is that the Golden Knights were fortunate to rally for the tie and notch a shootout win at Chicago earlier this week. Keep in mind this was preceded by Vegas getting blasted in Philadelphia by the Flyers. In their most recent home game it was also a victory that came after regulation and that was against Ottawa. The Senators are considered by many to be the worst team in the NHL. So the point is that the Golden Knights have not been that impressive of late and yet their laying a very sizable price here against an Avalanche team that just suffered its very first regulation loss of the entire season! I'll gladly grab the big dog value here with a Colorado team that is one of the best in the NHL even without Rantanen on the ice. The Avalanche are particularly hungry coming off a loss and they've had to wait a few days to erase the taste of defeat. They'll be flying all over the ice in this one as a result! 10* COLORADO |
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10-24-19 | Flyers -106 v. Blackhawks | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 45 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #15 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Many will be backing the Blackhawks here as it is their lone shot at revenge against the Flyers this season after Chicago lost to Philadelphia in Prague, Czech Republic earlier this month. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am backing Philly in this one. The Flyers have been playing better than their record shows. They finally got what they deserved with a dominating win over Vegas in their most recent game. It was what they deserved because Philadelphia had outshot their prior two opponents 91 to 38 but come up short on the scoreboard in both games. The fact is the Flyers are playing better than their record would indicate early this season. Also, Philadelphia is getting strong goaltending from Brian Elliott and he'll be back between the pipes tonight. That is a luxury for the Flyers to have a strong veteran presence in addition to the young phenom Carter Hart. That said, it comes as no surprise that head coach Alain Vigneault is riding the hot hand here! As for the Blackhawks, goalie Corey Crawford is struggling this season as he is 1-3 with a 3.58 GAA. If Chicago chooses to start Robin Lehner, he has a 3.01 GAA in his 10 career starts against the Flyers. In fact he and Crawford have a combined record of 6-13 versus Philadelphia! Additionally Connor Murphy had been moved to the top defensive pairing for Chicago as he was next to Duncan Keith. However, Murphy now got hurt and the Blackhawks had to recall a defenseman from the AHL. Chicago is off a disheartening loss to Vegas Tuesday as they gave up a late tying goal and then lost in the shootout. The Blackhawks slump continues here as I am forecasting them to lose for the 6th time in 8 games this season while the Flyers continue dominating in shots on goal differential (+9 per game is #2 in NHL!) and get the win here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-23-19 | Red Wings v. Senators -122 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 28 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #62 Wednesday 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line (-) vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - Tough spot for the Red Wings as they are in a back to back situation. Making matters worse is how they lost last night's game on home ice. Detroit entered the 3rd period up 2-0. The final score of the game was 5-2 and the Red Wings were on the wrong end of that as they gave up 5 goals to the Canucks in the 3rd period. Those are the type of defeats that are very tough to bounce back from and this is particularly true when you're facing a rested team that is also desperate for a win. The Senators on home ice will be ready to go here and they have the fresher legs. Also, Detroit could be a little short-handed in this one as they lost Danny Dekeyser to injury in last night's game versus Vancouver. Since this is a back to back, it is expected that Jonathan Bernier will get the start in between the pipes for the Red Wings. He has made 4 starts this season and continues a pattern of alternating good starts with bad starts. For what its worth he is off a good start so you know what is likely here. Keep in mind he lost 23 of his 32 decisions last season and compiled a 3.16 GAA. This season Bernier has a 3.02 GAA and he'll likely be opposed by Senators red hot goalie Anders Nilsson whom has stopped 93 of 97 shots he has faced in his last two starts. Detroit has lost 47 of 66 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Red Wings also have lost 17 of 27 when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. In a road game with a total posted at 6 or more goals, Detroit has lost 28 of 41. The home team has won 7 of the last 10 meetings and that trend continues here. Lay the short price! 10* OTTAWA |
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10-22-19 | Golden Knights -121 v. Blackhawks | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #57 Tuesday 10* Top Play Vegas Golden Knights Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - I successfully went against Vegas last night as they used a #3 goalie and the desperate Flyers (had outshot each of their last two opponents by huge margins but lost both games) were in a great spot for a big home win. Philly got the big home win and sent the Golden Knights out of town with plenty of motivation for their next game. The Knights had defeated the Penguins Saturday in Pittsburgh and they want to finish with a successful road trip. To do so they'll have to get the W tonight at Chicago. Even though this is a back to back spot for Vegas they will have Marc-Andre Fleury back between the pipes for this one. Also, their only prior back to back situation this season saw the Golden Knights win the 2nd game of the back to back and that one was on enemy ice as well as it was at Los Angeles. The Knights have a big edge in special teams as, last night notwithstanding, they have been great this season. As for the Blackhawks, they have struggled with the man advantage and on the penalty kill this season. Look for the Golden Knights to improve to 3-0 this season when off a game which they lost by a margin of 2 or more goals. Chicago has lost 55 of its last 85 games against teams with a winning record and they are hosting the Knights at the absolutely wrong time (off ugly loss) and that leads to another defeat for the Blackhawks when facing a quality team. 10* VEGAS |
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10-21-19 | Golden Knights v. Flyers +110 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 110 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #34 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers hit a tough stretch after opening up the season 2-0. A trip to western Canada did not go well but Philadelphia did outshoot Edmonton 52-22 in the road trip finale. The Flyers then followed that up by outshooting Dallas 39-16 on Saturday night in their first game back on home ice after the road trip. Inexplicably Philly lost BOTH these games despite a combined 91-38 edge in shots on goal. These types of things happen but they are head-scratchers for sure and look for the Flyers to finally be rewarded for their efforts tonight. On Monday, Philadelphia catches Vegas off a shutout win over Pittsburgh Saturday. Vegas is 6-3 this season and off B2B wins but they have yet to win 3 straight this season as they are 0-2 both times they entered a game off B2B wins. Also, extending back to last season (and including their first round playoff exit at the hands of the Sharks), the Golden Knights have lost 8 of their past 12 road games! Superb home dog value here as the Flyers next home game is not until Saturday and they have a road game against a Western Conference foe on deck for Thursday. In other words, there is no way they are overlooking the Golden Knights and they also have revenge for a 1-0 home shutout to the Knights last October. Philadelphia held the edge in shots on goal in that game. Prior to that one the Flyers had won 2 of their 3 prior meetings with Vegas and Monday night they will get right back into the win column against the Golden Knights. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-18-19 | Stars +123 v. Penguins | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 8 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Stars are off a tight 3-2 loss at Columbus Wednesday and are a much better hockey club than their early season record would indicate. The Penguins are a off a tight OT win over Colorado where they won on a short-handed goal. Give Pittsburgh credit for sure but it was an unlikely win and I love the value we're getting with underdog Dallas here as this has a lot to do with their early season record that, as noted above, does not come anywhere close to being a true measurement of this hockey club. When on a losing streak of 3 or more games, the Stars have won 75 of 128. Pittsburgh, when on a winning streak of 3 or more games, is actually just 13-13 and that has cost Penguins backers $6,300 at a dime per game when in that role. The Stars end their losing streak and, in the process, put an end to the Pens streak! Penguins have been able to get it done without the injured Evgeni Malkin but the determined and hungry road dog will be the more intense team in this one. The Stars have dealt with a number of tight losses and are so much better than their record shows. Grab the underdog value here. 10* DALLAS |
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10-11-19 | Islanders +160 v. Hurricanes | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #55 Friday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - This is simply way too much value to pass up on. Yes the Hurricanes are 4-0 on the season but EACH of their first THREE wins came AFTER regulation! Now, finally off their first truly impressive win of the season (6-3 at Florida), the Canes take on a revenge minded Islanders team fully capable of an upset road win here. Last spring in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, Carolina swept the Isles right out of the play-offs. Keep in mind the Islanders are coached by Barry Trotz. Yes, the same Trotz whom led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Championship over the Golden Knights the season before! The Isles probably got caught looking ahead to this game as they are off their worst game of this young season as they lost 5-2 to Edmonton. New York is known for being stingy when it comes to allowing goals. That said, the fact the Oilers got 5 on them isn't sitting well with the Isles. So here you have a situation where you get a huge underdog price on a quality team that is playing with revenge and off a bad game and facing a team that is off their best game of the young season and definitely over-valued at this point. I'll grab the dog in this type of situation every single time and note that Carolina also just lost Jordan Martinook to injury. Not only is he a solid right-winger he also is an alternate captain. His loss will be felt and he is out for 8 weeks or so most likely. Payback time here for an undervalued angry road dog ready for revenge. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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10-09-19 | Devils v. Flyers -129 | Top | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #20 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers are well rested as this will be just their 2nd game of the season. Of course that is because their first game was played in Prague, Czech Republic and the fact it was on Friday means they have had plenty of time to adjust since returning to Philadelphia. The Flyers certainly weren't perfect in their season opener but they did look quite sharp and easily could have won the game by more than a single goal. Carter Hart looked sharp in goal and Philly really skated well in the game. I expect more of the same here and I expect Philadelphia to take advantage of a divisional foe that is off to a shaky start this season. After blowing a 4-goal lead and losing their season opener 5-4 to Winnipeg, the Devils then preceded to get blasted 7-2 at Buffalo. Unlike Philly, New Jersey has early season issues between the pipes as the Flyers certainly hold the edge in goal with Hart in the crease! This is Philadelphia's home opener and their only game on home ice until Saturday the 19th when they host the Stars! In other words, the Flyers surely want to make the most of this opportunity and I fully expect they will do just that. Both the Devils and Flyers are expected to be improved teams this season but, early on, it is the latter that is looking like they have gelled more quickly coming out of training camp. That said, the Flyers are the play here at a very reasonable price on home ice. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-08-19 | Stars +135 v. Capitals | Top | 4-3 | Win | 135 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #3 Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Capitals get Evgeny Kuznetsov back from his suspension tonight. However, I am also well aware that each of these teams has been involved in 1-goal games for each of their first 3 games of the season and yet the results are much different! Washington is 2-0-1 as they have yet to lose in regulation. Dallas is 0-3 as they have yet to even earn a point despite being involved in tight games in each of their first 3. I feel this has led to great underdog line value here with a Stars team that is much better than their record shows. You can also bank on them playing with a lot of emotion here as they are hungry to snap their winless skid that has opened this season. They have never even started a season with 3 consecutive regulation losses since over 20 years ago when the franchise was the Minnesota North Stars! Keep in mind, this is a team that is a top Stanley Cup contender this season. The Stars have had to battle with Boston and St Louis (whom battled for the Cup in June) and so an 0-2 start was not out of the question. However, Dallas is particularly fired up after Sunday's loss at Detroit to the upstart Red Wings and now the Stars, in my opinion, will play with plenty of "fire on ice" in this one! Grab the tremendous underdog line value here. 10* DALLAS |
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10-07-19 | Blues v. Maple Leafs -121 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -121 | 12 h 48 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #84 Monday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The situation here is set up perfectly. The Maple Leafs are off a home loss to the Canadiens on Saturday in which Toronto let a 4-1 third period lead slip away. The Leafs were playing the 2nd night of a back to back and it showed. Now, having had Sunday off with a day to rest physically and recharge mentally, the Maple Leafs will come out with plenty of fire tonight as they look to knock off the Stanley Cup Champs. This money line has dropped to the -120 range as of very early game day morning. I understand the move as the Blues are the defending champions and people witnessed the Toronto collapse versus Montreal on Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada. However, did you know that coming into this season the Leafs are projected to finish with more points in the season standings than St Louis. The fact is that Toronto is a legit Stanley Cup contender this season while the Blues are down a few steps from last season's team where everything clicked. Don't get me wrong as St Louis is still a great team but with them off a win and now facing a Maple Leafs team that will be very determined off a frustrating loss, I see this one going to the home team in a big way! The Leafs have won 37 of 60 non-conference games the past two seasons but the Blues have held the upper hand in this series. That said, the motivation is "off the charts" for the home team in this one and they have the talent and skill to finally "get over the hump" when it comes to knocking off St Louis. That said, lay the short price. 10* TORONTO |
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10-06-19 | Jets v. Islanders -129 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 54 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #80 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Unlike the Jets, the Islanders actually play a little defense. However, it is the Islanders that sit winless on the season (they have played just 1 game) as they lost their season opener to the Capitals. As for Winnipeg, after allowing 6 goals in their season opener (and looking soft in their own zone in that one), the Jets proceeded to then fall into a 4-0 deficit at New Jersey in their next game. However, in one of the most miraculous comebacks you will ever see, the Jets took advantage of the Devils goalie leaving with an injury and overall questionable play by a NJ club that has some young players, and Winnipeg rallied for the win. The Jets rallied to tie it in regulation and then won in the shootout. I love backing the Islanders here off a tough, hard-nosed 2-1 loss and facing a Jets team that is very fortunate to be 1-1 on the season as they are allowing an average of 5 goals per game. The stingy Islanders aren't going to allow the Jets to move so freely in the offensive zone. At the same time, Winnipeg's struggles in their own zone continue and the result here is a dominating home win. Lay the very fair home ice price in this one. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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10-04-19 | Blackhawks v. Flyers -114 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 22 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #26 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Chicago Blackhawks in Prague, Czech Republic @ 2:05 ET - Season opener for both clubs take place across the pond. Both already played a preseason contest in Europe to gear up for this game. The Blackhawks are known for their top line but there is quite a drop off from the top line to the remainder of the units. The Flyers also have a strong top line but there is less drop off to the #2 line from the #1 line. Philadelphia also has a goalie edge with Hart over Crawford and/or Lehner in my opinion. Coaching edge also goes to the Flyers with a veteran bench boss in Alain Vigneault giving them the edge over Jeremey Colliton. Considering these factors as well as the low price available on the Flyers, I won't hesitate to grab Philly here. The Flyers have not only won each of the last 3 meetings between these clubs, they have won those games by a combined score of 10 to 2. Look for another big win here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-03-19 | Jets +111 v. Rangers | Top | 4-6 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 11 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Sure these teams each made changes over the off-season but, even with all that, the Jets are projected to earn more points in the standings than the Rangers this season. Also, in terms of this non-conference match-up, lets talk about some home/road facts that also equate so solid value here. Only one team in the entire Eastern Conference had fewer home wins than the Rangers (18) last season. Also, only one team in the entire Western Conference had more road wins than the Jets (22) last season. That said, you have one of the top road teams going against one of the worst home teams and you're also getting plus money here. This is an opportunity I absolutely will take advantage of every time it comes up. In this case too I like the fact that New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist is coming off a tough season and I have the better overall team in this match-up. Winnipeg has won 37 of their past 65 non-conference games. The Rangers have lost 35 of their past 60 non-conference games. In terms of head to head match-ups, the Jets have won each of the past 3 meetings and have generated an average of 9 more shots on goal per game in their last 4 meetings. More of the same expected here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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06-12-19 | Blues +155 v. Bruins | Top | 4-1 | Win | 155 | 16 h 5 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - History favors the Bruins since they have home ice in Game 7 of this Stanley Cup Final. However, history truly doesn't decide games and the road team has won 4 of the last 5 games in this series. In fact, throughout this entire post-season, the road team in Blues playoff games has won 16 of 25 games! That is 64% winners for the road team and, as always, the line is shaded heavily for home ice. The result is huge value for the team that is playing on enemy ice. In this case we get St Louis in a +150 range which is a huge value when you consider that the Blues had won 3 of the last 4 games in this series before the Game 6 loss. Also, St Louis is 23-7 the last 30 times they were off a loss. The Blues are an incredible 9-1 the last 10 times they have been on the road off a loss! St Louis is also 23-10 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. When tied in a playoff series, Boston is a long-term 18-22 (DOWN $14,300). Truly they are over-priced in this spot when you consider how strong the Blues and goalie Jordan Binnington have been when coming off a loss. I am grabbing the big dog value in this one. 10* ST LOUIS |
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06-09-19 | Bruins +110 v. Blues | Top | 5-1 | Win | 110 | 14 h 24 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #11 Sunday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:20 ET - The Bruins lost Game 5 on home ice and everybody is ready to hand the Stanley Cup to St Louis now. But Boston actually outshot the Blues 39 to 21 in that game. Certainly St Louis goalie Jordan Binnington was a key to the win but it is not as if Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask played poorly. In fact, in the last 3 games Rask has allowed a total of only 7 goals while Binnington has allowed 8 goals. The Bruins did not get what they deserved in Game 5 but I expect them to bring the same all-out effort in Game 6 and this time it translates to a win. Keep in mind that the road team is 15-9 in the Blues 24 games thus far in the post-season. Home ice is always factored into the lines but having the home ice edge has been anything but an edge during the Blues run toward trying to notch a Stanley Cup Championship! The Bruins are 11-2 this season when they are off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Boston is also a perfect 4-0 in this post-season when the Bruins are trailing in a playoff series. Look for St Louis to drop to 2-5 on the season when they are on home ice in a game with a posted total of 5 goals or less. Since February 1st, Boston has lost 3 straight games only 1 time. Entering this game off undeserved back to back losses, the odds certainly favor the Bruins avoiding seeing their season end on a 3-game losing streak. 10* BOSTON |
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06-03-19 | Bruins v. Blues -110 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 15 h 31 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #8 Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - After getting demolished by the Bruins 7-2 on Saturday, the Blues would seemingly have no chance here. However, keep in mind, Boston went 4 for 4 on the power play in that game. Getting into the penalty box too often and also then not killing off the penalties led to a snowball effect that St Louis could not recover from. The key factor in Game 4 is that we have seen this Blues team respond after a loss throughout this post-season. When they won Game 2 in Boston, even though it took OT, they truly dominated that game even though it took extra time for the win. St Louis started Game 3 very strong in front of the home fans but then the collapse began and Boston stole the momentum. The Blues won't be so easily discouraged here in Game 4. I have seen the resiliency in this St Louis hockey club throughout the 2nd half of the season and into the post-season as well. Note that the Blues are 4-0 in this post-season when trailing in a playoff series. Going further back, St Louis is 10-2 the last dozen times they've entered a game off a loss. Boston has a losing record and down $3,000 the past 3 seasons combined when they enter a game leading in a playoff series. We saw what happened in Game 2 when the Blues were off a loss and now Game 4 is a similar situation plus St Louis will have the home fans behind them in this one. After allowing 4 or more goals, the Blues are 22-10 this season and Jordan Binnington and company will bounce back big in this one to, once again, even this series up. 10* ST LOUIS |
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06-01-19 | Bruins +105 v. Blues | Top | 7-2 | Win | 105 | 12 h 3 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Saturday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:00 ET - Bad news for the Blues is that they have the home ice "disadvantage" here. All kidding aside, the fact is that road ice has been the "edge" for St Louis in this post-season. The same holds true for Boston as the Bruins are 6-2 on the road in this post-season including a perfect 4-0 their last 4 away from home. The suspension of Oskar Sundqvist also is more impacting than it may seem on the surface. Yes he is on the 4th line but that 4th line has been a key contributing factor to the Blues success in this post-season and he will miss this game. He also is key part of the penalty-killing unit for St Louis. The Bruins are 33-14 including 15-7 this season when they enter a game with two days of rest between games. St Louis is only 6-5 this season with two days of rest between contests. Keep in mind, the Blues also really tilted the ice in their favor after an embarrassing performance in the final two periods of Game 1. Now it is the Bruins turn as they got embarrassed in the Game 2 loss on home ice. Yes it was only a 3-2 loss and it came in overtime but Boston was thoroughly out-played. This was evident in the shots on goal stats as, after those heavily favored the Bruins in Game 1 those stats were heavily tilted in favor of the Blues in Game 2. The Bruins are 7-3 the last 10 times they were off a loss and I expect a huge response here and the price is right for backing them too. Since they are on the road, we have no juice factor here with the road team! 10* BOSTON |
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05-29-19 | Blues +155 v. Bruins | Top | 3-2 | Win | 155 | 13 h 11 m | Show |
Playoff Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are now already left for dead by many because they lost Game 1 of this series. What seems to be forgotten is that Boston was on home ice and they were supposed to win Game 1. After all, the Bruins have now won 8 straight games and were a significant money line favorite in Game 1 and the same holds true in Game 2. However, one should not forget that St Louis entered this series having won 7 of their 9 post-season road games. The Blues have not lost back to back road games this entire post-season. St Louis was solid in the first period of Game 1 and then gave themselves a nice 2-goal lead early in the 2nd period. However, the Blues did not look the same after that and after the Bruins swung momentum by finally getting their first goal it was an ugly game for St Louis. They'll be much better in Game 2. Goalie Jordan Binnington played very well in Game 1 for the Blues. As for Boston goalie Tuukka Rask, he was hardly tested. That changes in Game 2. When the betting masses have already made a decision about a series that is when I like to be on the other side. The point is the Bruins played a great game after being down 2-0 on Monday. As a result, the betting market is already penciling in Boston as the Stanley Cup Champs. I am certainly not saying that won't happen but I look for a much different game Wednesday and I expect the Blues to find a way to even this series up. In recent seasons, when leading in a playoff series, Boston is only 6-6. Over the same time period, St Louis is 5-2 when trailing in a playoff series and that includes a perfect 3-0 in this post-season! The Blues are also 21-10 after a game in which they allowed 4 goals or more. Give me the big dog for a big play here and this game will surprise many! 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-19-19 | Blues +120 v. Sharks | Top | 5-0 | Win | 120 | 8 h 42 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #21 Sunday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 3:05 ET - The Sharks look like an easy choice here, right? They managed to even the series up by winning Game 3 at St Louis and they now have the home ice edge again in the series as a result. However, I love the Blues in this spot. The reasons are multiple. For one thing Erik Karlsson is a key player for San Jose and he does have an injury issue right now. A lot of details are currently known in terms of his availability today but, even if he plays, he is nowhere close to 100%. The key here is that the Sharks had a chance to go in for the kill against the Blues in Game 4 and take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Blues were on the ropes after a frustrating Game 3 loss. In my mind Game 4 was the game for the Sharks to put away St Louis as the Blues would have been fragile mentally after the way they felt they lost Game 3 in OT on a missed call. As it turns out, San Jose failed to take advantage of the situation and St Louis has new life in this series and they will play like it today. Keep in mind the Sharks blew leads of 2-0 and 3-1 in Game 3 of this series and were a bit fortunate to get the win. Then in Game 4 San Jose was down 1-0 right away and eventually 2-0 and they never managed to tie it up. There is a lot to like about the way the Blues have been playing and I am happy to grab them at the underdog price. What about the home ice edge you say? Well the road team is 11-6 in St Louis' playoff games in this post-season! Also, the Blues have won 6 of their 8 playoff road games. 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-17-19 | Sharks +124 v. Blues | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
Playoff Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #17 Friday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - On the one hand, many will be looking at the Blues to bounce back here on home ice in Game 4 after the way Game 3 finished. In that game Wednesday St Louis allowed the tying goal with just a minute to go in the 3rd period and then gave up a controversial game-winning goal in overtime. However, I view this quite differently. First off, the Sharks have all the momentum off that win. Secondly, San Jose twice had a two goal lead in that game (up 2-0 and up 3-1) and they know they never even should have put themselves in that spot. Thirdly, all the pressure on the Blues here as they know that going into a 3-1 series hole with 2 of the next 3 games (if necessary) on enemy ice would likely prove insurmountable. So the Sharks come into this game relaxed and confident while the Blues are putting a lot of pressure on themselves and still distracted by the Game 3 ending. Last, but certainly not least, I feel it can not be ignored that home ice has been a hindrance rather than a help in playoff games involving St Louis is in this post-season. The road team has prevailed in 11 of the Blues 16 games in these playoffs. Look for the Blues to drop to 3-11 in their last 14 games in conference finals action. Contrarian play I know but this has worked very well for me throughout this post-season. 10* SAN JOSE |
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05-15-19 | Sharks +125 v. Blues | Top | 5-4 | Win | 125 | 13 h 29 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Wednesday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - After losing game two on home ice I am fully expecting a huge response from the Sharks in game three as this series shifts to St Louis. When tied up in a playoff series in this postseason San Jose has been fantastic as they have won 4 of 5. The Blues, prior to Monday's win, had lost 9 of their last 11 games in conference finals action. Also, the Sharks, prior to Monday's loss, had won 5 of the last 7 games between these hockey clubs. St Louis playoff games in this postseason have been dominated by the road team. With the Blues upset win in Game 2 the road team has won 10 of 15 games in St Louis postseason action this spring. I look for that trend to continue here with another road upset as the veteran goalie Martin Jones and the Sharks bounce back against the rookie goalie Jordan Binnington and the Blues. 10* SAN JOSE |
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05-14-19 | Bruins v. Hurricanes -110 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
Playoff Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #12 Tuesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - Desperate times bring desperate measures and you will see a desperate Hurricanes team doing everything they can here on home ice to get back into this series. Yes, the first two games ended up being ugly losses at Boston but remember that Carolina was also left for dead after dropping the first two games of their first round series with the Capitals. The Hurricanes responded by winning 4 of the last 5 including all 4 on home ice. In fact, the Canes enter this Game 3 match-up having won 7 straight at home and also 21 of their last 26 games as a host! Yes indeed, Carolina is tough in Raleigh and they also are 10-1 this season in home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Bruins have lost 6 of their last 10 (-$3,600) when leading in a playoff series. Shots on goal were equal in the first two games in this series but Boston won big thanks to special teams play and, arguably, some shoddy goaltending on the part of the Hurricanes. Whether it is Mrazek or McElhinney between the pipes for Carolina you can fully expect a response from the home team in this one and a much better effort both in front of the netminder as well as from the goalie himself. We've seen this before with the Hurricanes and I don't see them being denied here. 10* CAROLINA |
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05-13-19 | Blues +118 v. Sharks | Top | 4-2 | Win | 118 | 12 h 6 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #7 Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 9:05 ET - With Blues rookie netminder Jordan Binnington off a rare awful game between the pipes in Saturday's game one, I fully expect a bounce back here. St Louis was annihilated 6 to 3 and the Blues (and Binnington for that matter) absolutely should respond huge in Monday's game two. Note that St Louis has won 19 of 26 when off a loss. Note also that the Blues won 19 of 29 this season after a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Of course St Louis will be desperate to knot the series at a game apiece by having a strong game here and the Sharks have not won a single time in this post-season when they enter a game with a lead in a playoff series! This situation has occurred 4 times thus far in the playoffs for San Jose and they have lost all 4 times. I am forecasting that streak going to 0-5 for the Sharks tonight as the Blues bounce back after an embarrassing gone one loss. 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-12-19 | Hurricanes +140 v. Bruins | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 11 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 3:05 ET - At first glance it looks like the Hurricanes got blown out in Game 1 but those whom watched the game know better. Carolina was up 2-1 going to the 3rd period. Then, early in that final period of the game the Canes made the mistake of becoming undisciplined and ending up in the penalty box. Very quickly a 2-1 lead turned into a 3-2 deficit. Then very late in the game two late goals (including an empty netter) turned the game into a 5-2 final. On Sunday, after an extra day of rest between games for the Hurricanes to become even more fired up about how they let that game get away from them, I look for the Canes to put it together for a full 60 minutes in Game 2! Carolina has won 39 of 57 games since December 31st. The Hurricanes are 11-3 the last 14 times they've entered a game off a loss. The Bruins, prior to winning Thursday's series opener, had actually lost 5 of their last 9 on home ice. The Hurricanes, prior to the Game 1 loss, had won 3 straight road games. That said, there is great value with the road dog in this match-up. Boston has lost 6 of 9 when leading in a playoff series and the Canes have won 3 of 4 when trailing in a playoff series. 10* CAROLINA |
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05-08-19 | Avalanche +123 v. Sharks | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 17 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Wednesday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 9:05 ET - San Jose has scored only 4 non-power plays goals in the last 3 games of this series! Colorado has scored 7 non-power play goals in the most recent 3 games in this series. One could certainly make a valid argument that the Avalanche are taking better advantage of scoring opportunities in 5 on 5 hockey and that difference is averaging a goal per game since this series passed the midway point. That said, in what is likely to be a tight, hard-fought Game 7 give me the underdog that also is averaging a goal per game more than their opponent in 5 on 5 action the last 3 games. The Avalanche were left for dead when down 2-1 in this series after a home loss in Game 3 but Colorado has battled back and shown their resilience. Keep in mind, the Sharks were a bigger favorite in Games 2 and 5 on home ice that what they are in Game 7. Why do you think that is? Do you think the odds makers made a mistake? Of course not. Anything can happen in a game once they drop the puck of course BUT the fact is the odds makers are expecting the same thing sharp bettors are in this match-up. That is...an Avalanche upset is quite probable hence the lower money line (opened as low as -123 in big books) on this game. Now this line is a high as a -145 in some spots and I love the value with the road dog as the Avs have tilted the ice in their favor in recent games. Also, the back to back 7 game series battles the Sharks are dealing with (remember the crazy Game 7 versus Vegas?) is going to ultimately prove to be too much for San Jose as they get worn down here. Keep in mind, the Avalanche dispatched of the Flames in 5 games in the opening round and had a full week off between the first round and second round. 10* COLORADO |
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05-07-19 | Stars +123 v. Blues | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Home ice hasn't meant much at all in this series and that was also the case in the first round series for the Blues when they eliminated the Jets. The fact is that with the St Louis win at Dallas Sunday, the road team is now 9-3 in the Blues 12 playoff games. So simply based on current trending you have a St Louis team laying a -140 price even though the home team has lost 75% of the time in Blues games this post-season. Simply on value alone one could not win an argument that the Stars are not the correct choice in this game from a betting standpoint. There is even more support too however. I like the fact that we have Ben Bishop on our side over Jordan Binnington of the Blues. No disrespect to Binnington but this will be his first Game 7 at the NHL level. His counterpart, Bishop, was originally drafted by the Blues in 2005. Note that in 2005 Binnington was 11 years old. The fact is that Bishop has a massive experience edge compared to the Blues rookie netminder. Bishop is 28-18 with a superb .927 save percentage in his 48 NHL playoff games and took the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Finals four years ago. In terms of trending here, the Stars are 9-3 in their last 12 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. The Blues are 1-5 the last 6 times they were off a game in which they allowed 1 goal or less. 10* DALLAS |
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05-06-19 | Bruins +110 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 3-0 | Win | 110 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Monday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets were a great story this post-season with their shocking sweep of the Lightning in round one. Also, I have always been a fan of Columbus coach John Tortorella and his ways though some may find him abrasive. To me his more of an old-school coach and there is not enough of the old-school mentality left in professional sports and we need it! With all that said however, the Bruins are the better team in this series with more post-season experience and their starting to impose their will in this series. As a result, the Jackets season ends tonight. Boston has now scored 4 goals in back to back games to rally back from a 2-1 deficit and take a 3-2 series lead. To put that in proper perspective, the Blue Jackets haven't scored 4 goals a single time in this series. Also, all the pressure is on Columbus here. They need to win to extend the series while the Bruins come in loose and relaxed as they have won two straight games and still have Game 7 in their back-pockets should it be needed. From the standpoint of the mentality of each team approaching this game, the Bruins hold a huge edge. Also, Boston finally has their top line and big guns going again in this series and that has their confidence level extremely high which, in turn, makes the Bruins very dangerous. Since Game 6 is at Columbus we also get line value here because that makes Boston a dog in this one and that is why I am elevating this play to my highest rating. The Bruins have won 25 of 36 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Blue Jackets have lost 8 of 12 in franchise history when trailing in a playoff series and Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is now officially "rattled" after what has transpired the past two games. 10* BOSTON |
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05-05-19 | Blues +111 v. Stars | Top | 4-1 | Win | 111 | 7 h 47 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Sunday 10* St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 3:05 ET - The recipe for success in the Blues post-season from a wagering standpoint is simply to play the road team in their games. With the Stars upset win at St Louis in Game 5 of this series, the road team has now won 8 of the Blues 11 post-season games. In terms of Dallas matched up with St Louis this season, the road team has won 6 of the 9 games. Considering those factors as well as the pressure on the Stars to close this series out on home ice, I like the road dog Blues in this one. Sometimes the pressure of closing a team out can be hard on a team and this is particularly true in a situation like this where a hockey club has Game 6 on home ice with a chance to end it. Dallas knows if they fall short they then have to go on the road for Game 7 and that is always a tough situation for a road team to win. That said, it may surprise you to hear this but the Stars are likely to be the team squeezing the sticks a little too tight in this one! They feel the pressure of needing to close this out in Game 6 and avoid a Game 7 on the road. For the Blues, they actually feel good about their series chances, despite the Game 5 loss, as they know they just have to win this afternoon and they get a chance to host a Game 7 which is always a nice proposition. Also, St Louis is off back to back losses in this series. The Blues are an incredible 12-3 this season when they enter game off 2 or more consecutive losses. The Stars are actually 2-5 the last 7 times they entered a game off 2 or more consecutive victories. The Blues have won 18 of their last 27 games against teams with a winning record. The Stars have lost 17 of their last 22 Sunday games! 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-04-19 | Blue Jackets v. Bruins -135 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
NBC Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Saturday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:15 ET - The Bruins are off a 4-1 win at Columbus. Not only has this swung momentum fully in favor of Boston as they head back to home ice with this series tied at 2 games apiece, note also that the only Blue Jackets goal that scored should not have even counted. Tuukka Rask has been dominant to say the least. In fact, the Bruins have now gone 7 straight games without allowing more than 2 goals in regulation! Conversely, Columbus has now allowed 3 or more goals in 3 of its last 5 games. Look for that, plus home ice, to combine to be a big difference maker in this critical Game 5. Boston got their top guys going in Game 4 and the shuffling of line combinations appears to have settled back into the Bruins going strong with their big guns now back on track in this series. That is bad news for a Blue Jackets team that has struggled to solve Rask in this series. With that said, though I normally play a lot of underdogs this is one spot where a favorite priced very fair (130 to 140 range) is offering plenty of line value to justify the investment. Boston has won 14 of 20 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Bruins have won 24 of 35 games this season when they are off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Blue Jackets are an all-time 1-3 when a series is tied up. 10* BOSTON |
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05-03-19 | Islanders +120 v. Hurricanes | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Friday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The mindset of the Islanders here is not what you might expect. Certainly they have not thrown in the towel. They know with a win tonight they remain alive in this series and that 2 of the final 3 games (if necessary) would be in New York. Also, although the final score looks ugly in Game 3, that was simply because of 2 late empty net goals. The game was tied 2-2 going to the third period and very easily could have ended up a 3-2 final. The fact is that all 3 games in this series thus far have been tight and the Islanders just haven't been able to get a bounce to go their way. Look for that to change tonight. I just don't see the Isles being denied here as head coach Barry Trotz (led Capitals to Stanley Cup Championship in June) rallies his troops here for this elimination game. The Hurricanes are 0 for 5 on the power play in the last two games while the Islanders are 2 for 5. The point is that the Canes certainly deserve a lot of credit for where this series stands but certain stats do you tell you that it easily could have played out much differently. That said, there is no significant disparity between these teams and I like the healthy underdog price here with the Islanders in a must win game. The Islanders are 14-9 this season after allowing 4 or more goals. The Hurricanes are 11-17 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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05-02-19 | Bruins +108 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-1 | Win | 108 | 12 h 52 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Thursday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins lost Game Three by a 2-1 count but all hope is certainly not lost. Boston's top line hasn't gotten going yet in this series and certainly some credit is owed to the Blue Jackets for that. However, Boston knows that with a win tonight they even the series up plus again have the home ice advantage with 2 of the last 3 games (if necessary) being played at Boston. That said, I see great value here with the underdog Bruins as Boston has gone 28-14 in recent seasons (including 10-2 this season) when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less! The Blue Jackets have been playing great and no one can argue with that considering they have won 8 of their last 9 games. However, Columbus has been outshot in 6 of their last 8 games. The Bruins had won 3 straight games against Columbus (including Game 1 of this series) prior to losing two straight games and now being down 2-1 in this series. I am grabbing the desperate and hungry underdog Bruins and I expect them to have their breakout game here and turn this into a very interesting series as it gets evened up at 2 games apiece. 10* BOSTON |
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05-01-19 | Blues v. Stars -119 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 26 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #74 Wednesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 9:35 ET - It is now or never for the Stars. Although this is not truly an elimination game in the literal sense, it absolutely feels like one for Dallas. The reason is because if they lose this game on home ice they would then be down 3-1 in the series and 2 of the final 3 games (if necessary) in the series would be played at St Louis. The point is that this is about as "must win" as it gets for Dallas. That said, I like the resiliency the Stars showed in Game 3 in constantly battling back all game long even though they ended up a goal short when all was said and done. Dallas had won 4 of their last 5 on home ice prior to the loss Monday. Look for the Stars to improve to 3-0 in this post-season when they are trailing in a playoff series. The Blues are 1-3 the last 4 times they have entered a game leading in a playoff series. Remember that Dallas was down 2-1 to the Predators in the first round before rallying to win three straight games. Similar situation here and, though I am not saying the Stars are going to necessarily take 3 straight again, I certainly do see them responding off that loss. They are 5-1 the last 6 times they've entered a game off a loss. Bounce back time here. 10* DALLAS |
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04-30-19 | Bruins +104 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 57 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Just like yesterday's play with the Blues over the Stars, I like to look for situations where I have the better team, in a favorable spot, and I can get them at plus money. This one checks the boxes on all 3 of those factors. Though there may not be a huge difference between these teams there is no argument really that the Bruins are the better team. The odds makers are telling you that. In Game 1 of this series Boston went off the board priced as high as a -150 favorite on home ice. Now, in Game 3, the Blue Jackets get their shot on home ice and they are priced as low as a -115 favorite. As for the favorable spot, Columbus won Game 2 so the Bruins are highly motivated to bounce back here and return the favor by getting a win on enemy ice in Game 3. As for the plus money price, Boston is available at +105 in some books as of early Tuesday morning. Again, this one checks the box on all 3 variables I like to look for when seeking value in betting. Since mid-March the Bruins are 6-2 when coming off a loss. Also, Boston is 13-6 on the season when playing with two days of rest between games and also 12-3 in Tuesday games. The Blue Jackets have been strong this April but the prior two Aprils lost 14 of 19 (DOWN $9,300 at a dime per game). Road teams were strong in the first round playoff action in the NHL and it has continued in the 2nd round with the road teams going 6-3 so far in the first 9 games. Look for that trend to continue here. 10* BOSTON |
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04-29-19 | Blues +104 v. Stars | Top | 4-3 | Win | 104 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - I like to look for situations where I have the better team, in a favorable spot, and I can get them at plus money. This one checks the boxes on all 3 of those factors. Though there may not be a huge difference between these teams there is no argument really that the Blues are the better team. The odds makers are telling you that. In Game 1 of this series St Louis went off the board priced as high as a -160 favorite on home ice. Now, in Game 3, the Stars get their shot on home ice and they are priced as low as a -115 favorite. As for the favorable spot, Dallas won Game 2 so the Blues are highly motivated to bounce back here and return the favor by getting a win on enemy ice in Game 3. As for the plus money price, St Louis is available at +105 in some books as of early Monday morning. Again, this one checks the box on all 3 variables I like to look for when seeking value in betting. Since mid-March the Blues are 5-1 when coming off a loss. Also, St Louis is 18-9 on the season when off a game in which the Blues allowed 4 or more goals. The Stars have lost 42 of 70 (DOWN $23,200 at a dime per game) when Dallas is off game which they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. Road teams were strong in the first round playoff action in the NHL and it has continued in the 2nd round with the road teams going 5-3 so far in the first 8 games. Look for that trend to continue here. 10* ST LOUIS |
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04-28-19 | Avalanche +125 v. Sharks | Top | 4-3 | Win | 125 | 11 h 0 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Sunday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 7:35 ET - In general, rest is a good thing. However, when it is too much rest it can lead to rust and that was the case with the Avalanche in Game 1 of this series. Colorado was up 2-1 and had a chance to really take over the game with a Sharks double minor penalty leading to a 4 minute power play. When the Avs failed to score on that the entire complexion of the game changed as San Jose really raised their level of play while Colorado, still a little rusty from the layoff, failed to do so. As a result, the Sharks scored the final 4 goals of the game and the history of struggles for the Avalanche in games played at San Jose continued. With full consideration to all of the above, the fact is that it was no fluke that Colorado won 4 straight games against a great Calgary team in the first round. While San Jose was impressive in managing a huge comeback in their first round series with the Golden Knights, the fact is that Vegas was not nearly the team this season that they were last season. The point being that I was much more impressed with the Avs series win over a Flames team that finished the regular season with the best record in the West. The Avalanche really elevated their level of play after dropping Game 1 of their opening round series with Calgary and they'll do the same thing here against San Jose. Grab the solid underdog money line value here. 10* COLORADO |
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04-27-19 | Stars +127 v. Blues | Top | 4-2 | Win | 127 | 7 h 38 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 3:05 ET - The Stars limited the Blues to just 20 shots on goal in Game 1 but lost a tight game 3-2. Look for Dallas to bounce back strong here. Keep in mind, the Stars had won 6 of their 7 prior games against the Blues and that includes each of their 2 prior visits to St Louis. Overall, the road team had taken 3 of the last 4 games between these teams before that Game 1 home ice win for the Blues. In the last 5 meetings between these games, St Louis has scored a total of only 7 non-power play goals. Conversely, the Stars have scored a total of 12 non-power play goals in the last 5 games between these hockey clubs. Despite the Game 1 result, I still feel that Dallas has the advantage in 5 on 5 hockey and I still prefer having the veteran Ben Bishop in goal on my side over the rookie Jordan Binnington for the Blues. St Louis has lost 12 of 20 when they enter a game having stayed under the total in 3 straight games. The Stars have won 7 of 10 games when in a road game with a posted total of 5 or less goals. Look for another tight low-scoring game here with the road team again having the edge in shots on goal but this time it properly translates to a road dog win. 10* DALLAS |
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04-26-19 | Avalanche +111 v. Sharks | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 20 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Friday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 10:05 ET - The Avalanche have a lot of speed and their top line of Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Landeskog is going to give the Sharks trouble. This is particularly true with the Sharks coming off their emotional and physically grueling hard-fought series win over the Golden Knights. Keep in mind, Vegas has become a big rival for San Jose and I would not be surprised to see the Sharks a little flat or listless here after working so hard to get past the Knights. That Game 7 win featured San Jose coming all the way back from a 3-0 third period deficit and also featured overtime. That said, I like the underdog Avalanche in Game 1 as the Sharks are likely to still be "spent" from their first round series. Additionally, Pavelski (San Jose captain) is unlikely to play tonight while Colorado could have both Brassard and Girard available for this one. The Sharks are at home, have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these teams, and yet are priced very low in Game 1. Do you think the odds makers do NOT know what they're doing? Of course they know! Don't be fooled by the low line here as the play is to go contrarian and take the small road dog and that is precisely what I am doing in this one. 10* COLORADO |
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04-24-19 | Hurricanes +145 v. Capitals | Top | 4-3 | Win | 145 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Wednesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - As long-time followers know, I am a contrarian. In this series the home team has won all 6 games. So who do I have in Game 7? The road team of course! But it is certainly not without good reason. The Hurricanes, arguably (but many hockey experts would agree), have outplayed the Capitals in this series. Carolina has been physical and has seen their star players step up as this series has gone on. It is so hard to repeat as champions in the NHL and that is the uphill battle that Washington is in as they're simply trying to get out of the first round and I feel they won't make it. Very few series in playoff history go 7 games and see the home team win all 7 games. Amazingly this one has gone 6 with home ice prevailing every time. That streak ends tonight. The Hurricanes have stolen the momentum in this series by winning 3 of the last 4 games. The Canes also have won 21 of 32 games this season when off a game which they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. Overall, the Capitals have won just 10 of their last 19 games. Included in that stretch was winning just 3 of their last 6 home games in the regular season. The Hurricanes have outshot Washington 192 to 153 in this series and that includes outshooting them in 2 of the 3 games played in DC. More of the same tonight but this time it translates to a victory for the road team. 10* CAROLINA |
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04-23-19 | Maple Leafs +125 v. Bruins | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 27 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Tuesday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Why would this year be any different? The Bruins have had the Maple Leafs number in recent playoff meetings but this Toronto team is stronger than those while Boston is actually a step down from those teams. Additionally, the home team went 5-2 in last spring's post-season series but this season these teams enter Game 7 with the road team having won 3 straight games in this series and also 5 of the last 7 meetings overall! Home ice has not been a positive of late and I like the value with the Leafs as a sizable dog here. The Bruins are just 1-4 when tied in a playoff series. The Maple Leafs are 21-10 this season after allowing 4 or more goals. 10* TORONTO |
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04-22-19 | Capitals v. Hurricanes -109 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 13 h 10 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #90 Monday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - This is one series where home ice has actually mattered. The home team has won all 5 games and I don't expect that streak to end tonight. Carolina is off an embarrassing 6-0 loss at Washington in Saturday's Game 5 and they're ready to respond here. The Hurricanes are 9-1 this season in home games with posted total of 5.5 goals. Also, the Capitals have lost 5 of their last 9 road games. The Canes have won 18 of their last 24 home games. Included in that stretch for Carolina is 4 straight wins on home ice by a combined score of 17-4. Look for a big response here after the embarrassing Game 5 loss. Note that the Hurricanes did actually outshoot the Caps in that game but were done in by Washington going 3 for 4 on the power play. The Canes have outshot the Capitals by an average margin of 5.6 shots on goal per game in this series. The special teams problems for the Hurricanes Saturday are unlikely to be repeated here as they have held opponents to just 2 for 15 on the power play in their last 6 home games. Look for the home team to make it 6 in a row in this series. There are some injury issues for each side but one could argue the TJ Oshie injury for the Capitals is the biggest one. 10* CAROLINA |
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04-21-19 | Sharks +165 v. Golden Knights | Top | 2-1 | Win | 165 | 10 h 48 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #83 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 7 ET - Great line value here as the Sharks are back in business with the 5-2 win in Game 5. With just one upset win (here on the road in Vegas), the Sharks can send this series to a Game 7 where San Jose would also have the benefit of home ice. That said, there is a lot of pressure on Marc Andre Fleury and the Golden Knights to bounce back and close this series on home ice. Vegas certainly doesn't want to even think about having to play Game 7 on the road at San Jose but that is what will happen should they fall short today. The point being the pressure is not just on the team facing elimination here. The Golden Knights also know (and feel) what it as stake here. San Jose did drop the two games in this series played at Vegas but they wrapped up the regular season 10-5 in their last 15 road games. The Golden Knights, after the loss in Game 5, have now lost 9 of their last 13 games. Also, goalie Martin Jones got his confidence back with his performance Thursday and the Sharks also have some added confidence after handing Fleury his second sub-par performance in the 5 games in this series. Look for 3rd one here and grab the huge value available with this big dog. 10* SAN JOSE |
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04-20-19 | Jets +130 v. Blues | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Saturday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - A home team has won only one game out of the 5 games so far in this series and that was the most recent one which featured an amazing comeback from the Blues. Down 2-0 from the first period on St Louis managed to scored 3 third period goals (including one with just 15 seconds left) to steal Game 5. Look for the Jets to respond huge in Game 6. Winnipeg is very confident playing at St Louis and they really got to Blues rookie goal Binnington in Game 3 action here. Winnipeg has won 6 of the last 10 meetings and the only 4 wins for St Louis each have come by a single goal margin. As for the Jets, their 6 wins have come by an average victory margin of 3 goals per victory which of course shows a huge difference in terms of which team has shown the ability to dominate for longer stretches in meetings between these teams! St Louis has only 3 goals in the past 3 games that have come in 5 on 5 hockey. The Jets 10 goals the last 3 games have only included 1 goal that came on the power play. The point is that, without the man advantage, the Jets have been the much more dangerous team in terms of goal-scoring ability and I look for that to key a road win to send this series back north of the border for a massive Game 7. Grab the road dog at a great price! 10* WINNIPEG |
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04-18-19 | Capitals v. Hurricanes -120 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 34 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Thursday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - It is so hard to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. Now of course I know Washington is a long way off from that as this is only the first round of this post-season but that is noteworthy for a couple reasons. The strong hunger that you saw from Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals last spring is simply not there this spring. After finally reaching the ultimate prize you certainly want to do it again but it is just the same. This is especially true when you lost your head coach to a division rival. The Islanders now have coach Barry Trotz and he just led them to a sweep of the Penguins and the Isles, of course, are loaded with players very hungry to taste post-season success. So the key point being, the Capitals are not the same team they once were and the Hurricanes are ready to even this series up. Keep in mind the only game Washington outshot the Canes was Game 2 but that was by a very slim margin and the Capitals managed to get an OT win. In the other two games the Caps have been outshot 74 to 36. You read that right, the Hurricanes had more than DOUBLE the amount of shots that Washington had in those 2 games. The point is that the Capitals are fortunate to even be up in this series. After Thursday's game, they won't! Look for the home team to improve to 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. 10* CAROLINA |
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04-17-19 | Bruins +109 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 6-4 | Win | 109 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs got the best of the Bruins in Game 3 in a very tight battle. However, entering that game Boston had taken 5 of the last 7 meetings. It has been awhile since Toronto has won 2 straight in this rivalry match-up and it is not something that happens frequently. I look for the Bruins to get back on track with a determined effort on the road as they know falling into a 3-1 series hole would be very tough to come back from. Keep in mind, the Maple Leafs have not been a great team on home ice. Toronto actually was better this season on the road than at home. Prior to the win in Game 3, the Leafs had lost 5 of their last 7 games on home ice. The Bruins, prior to their loss in Game 3, had won 5 of their last 7 games on enemy ice. Long-term, when trailing in a playoff series the Bruins are 26-18 while the Maple Leafs, when leading in a playoff series, are a poor 8-16. When Boston enters a game against Toronto playing with revenge from losing to the Leafs in their prior meeting, the Bruins have won 5 of the last 6 times. I look for that trend to continue here as the Bruins top line is bound and determined to have a huge game after, for the most part, being held in check so far in this series. 10* BOSTON |
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04-15-19 | Bruins v. Maple Leafs -115 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #30 Monday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 7 ET - I am well aware of the possible suspension of Nazem Kadri for this game and that it would have some impact on the Maple Leafs. However, Game 2 was very physical and the Bruins actually ended up taking the worst of it and have a couple guys banged up for this game. Also, the Maple Leafs have won 7 of the last 9 meetings with the Bruins in Toronto. I fully expect a strong Leafs response here as Boston surprised them early on with their physical response in Game 2. Though the Maple Leafs ultimately fell short it had a lot to do with digging themselves into an early large deficit. I don't expect that to happen again here and I expect Toronto to carry momentum from having weathered the storm as the game went on. The Leafs will be ready to respond here on home ice and are still feeling confident courtesy of getting one win down in Boston. Keep in mind, the Bruins won each of the first two games on home ice in last spring's playoff series with Toronto. However, after that, Boston never again was able to win two straight. Coming off a win in Game 2, look for that trend to continue here as the Bruins fall short in Game 3. Boston is very focused on playing a physical game and they have a strong top line too. But I like the skating ability of the Leafs and expect them to again use that to their advantage here like they did in the Game 1 victory. Long-term Boston has lost 101 of 175 road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Maple Leafs have won 19 of 29 games this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* TORONTO |
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04-10-19 | Blues v. Jets -114 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -114 | 9 h 41 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #6 Wednesday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues finished the season as the hottest team in the NHL over the last 3 months. The Jets finished the season with some struggles. However, all that has done for us here is lead to some great line value. Keep in mind, Winnipeg is laying just -115 here on home ice and a lot of has to do with the current betting market appeal of these two teams. This is great line value on a Jets team whose blue line is suddenly healthy again. They just got Dustin Byfuglien back at the end of March and now Josh Morrisey is back for tonight's game after being out for an extended stretch. Additionally I like the playoff experience that the Jets have as they are still ultra hungry from being knocked out of the playoffs by Vegas last year as Winnipeg truly was (and still is) considered a viable Cup contender. I know the Blues are hot and have a hot goalie but playoff time can be a different animal entirely and St Louis goalie Jordan Binnington is getting his first taste of that. The Blues lost 12 of 21 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Jets have won 42 of 65 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals the past three seasons. Also, Winnipeg has won 28 of 42 April games long-term and the Jets have won 15 of 19 April games the past 2+ seasons. I am grabbing the hungry and undervalued home team at a great price here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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04-04-19 | Islanders v. Panthers +100 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #10 Thursday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (+) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This is one of those contrarian situations that leads to superb line value. We are getting Florida at home and not having to lay any juice and it is because the Islanders are the team that "needs to win" while the Panthers will soon be on the golf course rather than battling in playoff hockey. The point is that this often leads to false market perception and this is another case of that. The team that "needs to win" often is pressing a little bit harder while the other team is playing loose and relaxed and often becomes truly a "dangerous dog" as a result. That is precisely the case we have here with the Panthers. Note that Florida has won 3 straight games and the victories have included wins over two of the top teams in the East - the Bruins and Capitals! Overall, the Panthers continue to be tough on home ice as they have won 4 of their last 5 games as a host. The Islanders come into this game off a loss and they have lost 8 of their last 14 road games. I am aware that Roberto Luongo is expected to start in goal in Saturday's season finale and that Samuel Montembeault is expected to get the start tonight. However, prior to recent struggles in his last 2 starts (and one very short outing), Montembeault went 6 straight starts without ever allowing more than 3 goals. The Panthers have beaten the Islanders 3 straight times. Florida also is one of the best power play teams in the league while the Isles are one of the worst. The Panthers are 5-1 the last 6 times they've been off a win by a multiple goal margin and they stay hot here. 10* FLORIDA |
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04-01-19 | Avalanche +147 v. Blues | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 6 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Monday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Yes I am aware of the Mikko Rantanen injury and the fact that he is still out. However, the Avalanche have won 3 of the 4 games since he's been out. Overall, Colorado has won 6 of its last 7 games. This is a contrarian play of course because everyone will back the playoff-bound Blues on home ice over the playoff-hopeful Avalanche. However, the Avs will prove to be the hungrier team. Yes this game still matters to St Louis but they've at least clinched a playoff berth. As for the Avs they are still in a fierce battle to clinch the final spot. There is some history between these teams and playoff hopes but that only goes so far once the puck drops on the game. The fact is that the Blues are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights while the Avalanche come in well rested as they have had each of the last two days off! Colorado has allowed only 1.6 goals per game their last 7 games! The Blues have given up 2.6 goals per game their last 7 games. Both numbers are solid but you can see why I like the huge road dog value with the Avs here. The Avalanche got a big win in April last season but the Blues have taken all 3 meetings this season. That said, the scheduling situation here and playoff implications here make this one ripe for road dog payback! 10* COLORADO |
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03-24-19 | Coyotes +148 v. Islanders | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 11 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 3:05 ET - The Coyotes and Islanders both play this game with plenty of playoff implications. However, I like the fact that Arizona lost in the shootout yesterday in another non-conference game while New York is off a win in a divisional game against the Flyers. In terms of the set-up here, it is a nice one in which to back the Coyotes off a tight loss and fade the Islanders off a key win. Note that the Islanders entered yesterday's game having scored an average of 1.4 goals per game their last 7 games. Also, yesterday's game against the Flyers was one of the most poorly officiated games of the season with all the call going the Islanders way. They won't have that same benefit today and the officiating certainly impacted the outcome yesterday. Arizona enters this game on a 4-game losing streak and they are 3-1 this season when they enter a match-up on a losing streak of 4 or more games. The Islanders had lost 9 of their last 16 games prior to yesterday's win over the Flyers. The Isles are on a putrid 1 for 36 run on the power play in their last 15 games! The Coyotes power play hasn't been great but at least it has been substantially better than that as Arizona has notched 3 power play goals in its last 5 games. Prior to this rare tough 4-games stretch, the Coyotes had won 13 of 17 games and this is great line value here on the sizable road dog. The Islanders have lost 27 of their last 43 games played in the month of March. 10* ARIZONA |
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03-20-19 | Lightning v. Capitals +123 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 46 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #24 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Lightning already clinched home ice for the entire post-season. The Capitals will prove to be the much hungrier team here. Certainly Tampa Bay is not going to lay down in this game but the fact is that Washington is still in a dog fight for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division while the Bolts wrapped up the Presidents Trophy for this season by knocking of the Coyotes 4 to 1 on Monday. The Caps also are seeking revenge for their loss at Tampa Bay last week. Even though this is a back to back spot for Washington they'll be ready as they have had this game circled after losing 6-3 down in Tampa. That game was closer than the final score would indicate as the Lightning got two empty-net goals. Also, the Capitals went with Phoenix Copley between the pipes last night so that Braden Holtby would be ready to go tonight. The dog had won 6 of the last 9 meetings between these teams prior to the favored Bolts getting the win in the most recent match-up. The Capitals are 25-6 including a superb 9-3 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 10* WASHINGTON |
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03-15-19 | Golden Knights v. Stars +127 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher – Rickenbach NHL Game #26 Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - Too much value to pass up on here with this home dog. Yes it is true that Dallas is in a back to back spot but the Stars are battling for a playoff spot just like the Golden Knights are. That said, Dallas is tough to beat because they just don't allow many goals at all. The Stars have allowed a TOTAL of only FOUR goals in their last SIX games! Goalie Bishop was in between the pipes yesterday and Dallas has won each of his last 5 starts. Goalie Khudobin lost his most recent start despite playing well and each of his 3 prior starts were winners. As you can see, the Stars have been getting solid goaltending. As for the Golden Knights, they have been getting solid goaltending most of the time too but certainly not as consistently as Dallas has. Vegas is actually off a 6-3 loss that marked the 3rd time in their last 8 games that they've allowed 5 or more goals. People are grabbing the Golden Knights here due to their scheduling edge but, keep in mind, the Stars also have revenge on their side in this game. Dallas has been the better team in their own zone of late and the Stars are making a playoff push and are starting to believe! That makes for a dangerous home dog. 10* DALLAS |
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03-14-19 | Capitals v. Flyers +120 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Double revenge spot for the Flyers as they've lost each game by a 5-3 count this season even though Philadelphia has outshot Washington by a combined count of 70 to 60 in the two games this season. The Flyers are still very much alive in the playoff race and have won 6 of their last 8 games. Even though the Capitals have also been hot, they are off a loss at Pittsburgh and are just 13-13 in their last 26 games. Look for the Caps to drop to 9-9 this season when off a game which they lost by a margin of 2 or more goals. The fact is that Washington is overvalued here as a road favorite here against a hungry division rival home dog! Other than the loss to the Capitals last week, the Flyers have won 8 of last 12 against teams with a winning record. They've been playing their best hockey of the season as they continue to make a push for the post-season. With Carolina and Columbus matched up tomorrow, the Flyers know they can pick up two points here plus see one of those two teams they are chasing fail to do so tomorrow on Friday. That means Philly can continue to gain ground with a win here and I look for them to do just that as the Flyers improve to 12-4 in their last 16 games on home ice. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-12-19 | Bruins -110 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-7 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Each of these teams are coming off a loss. However, while that is newsworthy for the Bruins, it truly is nothing new for the Blue Jackets. The fact is that Columbus is playing with playoff pressure and they continue to, more often than not, wilt under that pressure. The Blue Jackets have now lost 4 of their past 6 games and they've scored an average of only 1.3 goals per game those 6 contests! As for Boston, prior to their 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh, they had won 15 of their past 17 games! High-powered Boston had averaged scoring 3.8 goals per game in their last 13 wins. While the Bruins were off yesterday, the Blue Jackets were at New York getting shutout by the Islanders. That said, Boston has the rest edge here and Columbus has lost 8 of 12 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Bruins have won 25 of 37 Tuesday games including 9 of 11 this season. Columbus took 2 out of 3 meetings last season and it is time for a little payback here! 10* BOSTON |
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03-09-19 | Flyers +129 v. Islanders | Top | 5-2 | Win | 129 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This line looks a little "off" and you know what that usually means. The fact is the Islanders are a very small favorite here considering they are on home ice. This is no mistake though. The game is priced this way because the odds maker sees the same thing I do here. The Flyers are very much alive in the playoff race but off a bad home loss to the Capitals. Philly needs to respond here and surely should. The Flyers had won 17 of 23 games prior to that loss. The Islanders won their most recent home game but previously lost 3 of their last 4 home games! They were held to just a single goal in all 3 of those losses! The Flyers have won 7 of their last 9 road games! The road team is also a perfect 2-0 in the match-ups between these teams this season and the games were decided by a combined score of 10 to 2. Look for the road dominance to continue here. The Islanders have home loss revenge here but have lost 10 of 17 in that situation this season. The Flyers have won 11 of their last 12 games when off a game in which they allowed 3 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-08-19 | Jets +135 v. Hurricanes | Top | 8-1 | Win | 135 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - The Jets have won 17 of 32 road games this season. The Hurricanes have won 18 of 32 home games this season. The point is that, of course, home ice gets factored into these lines but oftentimes that home ice factor is overvalued and I firmly believe that is the case here. Yes these teams are nearly equal on points on the season in the standings (Winnipeg slightly more) but while the Jets are battling for the top spot in their division, Carolina is playing with a lot of pressure on their shoulders. That's because the Hurricanes may not even make the playoffs. So with the Canes playing with playoff pressure and also having lost 4 of last 5 meetings with the Jets, I won't hesitate to back the sizable road dog in this match-up. In home games with posted total of 6 or more goals, Carolina actually has a losing record this season. Also, the Hurricanes have lost 27 of their past 47 games when playing with two days of rest between games. The Canes have lost 4 of 5 this season when they enter a game on an O/U streak of 3 or more overs. Winnipeg has won 25 of 39 when they enter a game with 2 days of rest between games. Also, after a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals, the Jets have won 11 of 17 this season. Look for the Jets to bounce back after a 5-2 loss to the best team (Lightning) in the NHL. 10* WINNIPEG |
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03-06-19 | Capitals v. Flyers +110 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #42 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - Home ice has been important in meetings between these divisional foes. The home teams has won 7 of the past 9 meetings. Even though the Capitals enter this game having won 4 straight games, they had previously lost 12 of 19. The Flyers, long-term, have certainly been the hotter team. Philadelphia enters this match-up having won 16 of their last 21 games. Even though Voracek is expected to miss this game tonight and Patrick also might not be back just yet for the Flyers tonight, they are off a huge 4-1 win over the Islanders Sunday that was played (essentially) without both of them. Voracek missed the entire game and Patrick got hit within the first few minutes of the game. Philly did get good news on both players and I would not be surprised to see Patrick back on the ice tonight. As for Voracek he is likely out until Thursday at least. But the point is the Flyers continued to play very well even without these guys Sunday. The Capitals enter this game off back to back road wins. Since the calendar turned the page to 2019 however, Washington has never managed 3 straight road wins. In fact, prior to these back to back road wins, the Caps had lost 7 of their past 12 road contests. The Flyers have won 10 of their last 13 games on home ice and one of those 3 losses was to league-leading Tampa Bay. Great value here with the home dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-03-19 | Jets +116 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 5-2 | Win | 116 | 7 h 6 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Great value spot here with the Jets. The Blue Jackets are in a back to back spot. Columbus got blasted 4-0 on home ice yesterday. The Jackets are feeling the playoff pressure as they've lost 5 of their last 9 games. Columbus also has lost 7 of 11 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Winnipeg has won 8 of 9 games on Sundays this season and has the added edge here as they were off yesterday while Columbus was in action. The Jets have won 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. The Blue Jackets have lost 6 of last 11 games against teams with a winning record. Winnipeg still has a legitimate shot at being the #1 seed in the West this season. Conversely, Columbus may not even make the playoffs. I am aware that the Jets have struggled some of late but they are still the superior team in comparison with the Blue Jackets and the situational edges for Winnipeg are big here. Columbus has lost 4 of its last 6 on home ice. The Jets are 25-10 in Sunday games last 3 seasons combined so their ability to get it done (8-1 this season) on Sundays is not a fluke. Grab the value with the road dog here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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02-26-19 | Sharks +107 v. Bruins | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Tuesday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play as many will be looking to the Bruins on home ice. However, the Sharks have been red hot just like Boston has. Additionally, San Jose just suffered a tough (and controversial) 6-5 home loss to the Bruins last week and now it is payback time. The Sharks have actually lost 6 straight to Boston but, keep in mind, San Jose has outshot the Bruins 75 to 40 in their last two meetings. Finally, on Tuesday night in Boston, the Sharks will get what they deserve in the form of a well-earned meeting. While it is true that the Bruins have a rest edge here, it is also true that Boston just returned from a trip out west and oftentimes that first game after returning back east can be the toughest. As for San Jose, they were off yesterday so that helps and also they've been in the eastern time zone for each of their past 3 games (at Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Detroit). The Sharks are 2-1 so far on this road trip and this is the finale. Extra motivation here for San Jose to finally knock off the Bruins and to also make it a winning road trip. Boston also has the #1 team in the league, and a division rival, on deck as they host the Lightning on Thursday. From a situational standpoint (as well as value standpoint), this is a superb spot for the Sharks! 10* SAN JOSE |
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02-24-19 | Blues v. Wild -113 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #64 Sunday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - This is a situation that strongly favors the Wild. While the red hot Blues were at Boston yesterday Minnesota was at home resting. The Wild are back from a road trip that saw them get back on track and get their confidence going again with a pair of wins. Minnesota also has an edge here in that the Blues used their red hot goalie, Jordan Binnington, yesterday and it was a fierce battle for a 2-1 win in the shootout. St Louis is likely spent after the hard-fought win at Boston and now their choices are to start Binnington in the 2nd game of a back to back or go with Jake Allen whom hasn't started in over a week and has had some struggles this season. Minnesota will take advantage and get payback for a 4-0 home ice shutout to the Blues last Sunday! Keep in mind, prior to that loss, the Wild had won 5 straight games over St Louis by a combined score of 24 to 9. Minnesota had shown they had the Blues number in recent meetings and, after getting embarrassed on home ice last Sunday, it is payback time this Sunday. The Blues are in the midst of a brutal stretch that has seen them play 10 games in 16 days without playing consecutive home games a single time. The point is it has been road road road for St Louis or just one off home games here and there. Tough stretch catches up with them here. The Blues are 2-7 this season in the 2nd game of a back to back. 10* MINNESOTA |
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02-20-19 | Bruins +116 v. Golden Knights | Top | 3-2 | Win | 116 | 13 h 39 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 10:05 ET - The magic of the Golden Knights first season is long gone. Vegas is basically a lock to make the playoffs but also has nearly no chance of winning the division. Their playoff positioning is almost locked up and that means it is even more difficult for Vegas to stay motivated. They've also seen Marc Andre-Fleury struggle between the pipes for an extended stretch and that is why Malcolm Subban is off back to back starts. The fact is that this is simply not the same Knights team it was last season and they enter this game having lost 9 of their last 13 games. Though Vegas won their most recent game on home ice, that was preceded by 5 straight HOME losses! Now the Golden Knights have to host one of the best teams in the league. The Bruins already beat the Knights in Boston earlier this season and they come into this game red hot. Boston has won 6 straight games and 8 of their last 9. Also, the Bruins are 7 for 25 on the power play their last 7 games. Boston has killed off 15 of 17 power play opportunities for their opponents in their last 5 games. The Bruins will take advantage of a struggling Golden Knights special teams. Vegas is just 2 for 18 on the power play in their last 8 games. Also, the Golden Knights penalty kill has surrendered 4 power play goals in 14 chances for their opponents in their last 4 home games. Tons of value here with the road dog and the Bruins are highly motivated as the Maple Leafs are right behind them for the #2 spot in the Atlantic Division. 10* BOSTON |
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02-19-19 | Lightning v. Flyers +136 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #50 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - Of course it may seem "tough" to go against the best team in the NHL but, keep in mind, one of the few teams the Bolts have proven to be mere "mortals" in recent seasons is when they are playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Lightning have won just 19 of 36 when playing the 2nd night of B2B games. A key to the value here is the Flyers are rested and on a home ice and have a big edge in goal. Not only is Philadelphia 12-1-1 their last 14 games, Carter Hart has won 10 of his last 11 starts and continues to play like one of the top goalies in the NHL despite his youth. As for Tampa Bay, they are expected to go with Louis Dominque here since this is a back to back spot. Keep in mind, the Lightning netminder has an unimpressive .896 save percentage on the road this season. The Flyers have allowed 2 or less goals in 6 of Hart's last 9 starts. While this game doesn't mean a whole lot to Tampa, it means everything to Philly. This is a chance for the Flyers, on home ice, to prove they can play with the league's best team. Philadelphia is only 6 points out of a wild card spot and continues to play their best hockey of the season. The Flyers, when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games, have won 22 of 33 including 5 of 7 this season. They are catching the Lightning at the right time and get the upset win tonight. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-18-19 | Senators +137 v. Blackhawks | Top | 7-8 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Monday 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Though both teams have had disappointing seasons each hockey club also has shown some glimmers of hope recently. That said, there is no way that it can be justified that the Blackhawks deserve to be this big of a favorite against anyone in the league. This is especially true when they're facing a Senators team that has been playing quite well for weeks now and is finally starting to see their improved play get rewarded as they've picked up some wins recently too! Ottawa has won 3 of its last 5 games and their goalie Anders Nilsson is 7-4 with a 2.27 GAA and a .935 save % his last 11 games. The Blackhawks had been winning too but they appear to be heading for another downturn now and goaltending continues to be shaky for them. Chicago has lost 2 of its last 3 games and the Hawks were outscored 11-5 in the two defeats. The road team has won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams and the Senators are seeking revenge for a 1-goal loss to Chicago in their season opener. Keep in mind that two of Ottawa's 3 recent wins came against Winnipeg. The Jets are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and I have been impressed with the Senators level of play recently to say the least. Also, the Blackhawks have lost 21 of 31 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Tremendous line value here with the sizable road dog. 10* OTTAWA |
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02-17-19 | Canadiens +119 v. Panthers | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Sunday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - With the Canadiens in a back to back and the Panthers playing this game with double revenge from this season's action, many will back Florida at a small money line price on their home ice. Of course that is what has happened and the line is being driven upward. In typical contrarian fashion I am on the other side of this game and grabbing the extra value but it is certainly not without reason. The Panthers have been alternating their goalies of late and that means Roberto Luongo is likely to get the start here. Florida has been outscored 13 to 9 in his last 4 starts. The Panthers were outshot 43-32 by Calgary Thursday but were able to steal the game from the Flames. They won't be so lucky here. The Canadiens were likely to start Antti Niemi here since Carey Price was between the pipes yesterday at Tampa Bay. By the way, Price and the Habs played great in that game (particularly in the first two periods - both scoreless). Had the Canadiens not had a mid-first period goal taken off the board (overturned by questionable offsides call after upstairs review), Montreal appeared poised for a big upset yesterday. They carry some extra hunger into this game now after a tough loss Saturday led to their 3rd straight defeat. Montreal's Niemi has saved 113 of 119 shots in his last 3 starts against the Panthers and has already beaten Florida twice this season. This is a key game for the Habs in the playoff race and they are 9-3 this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Florida has lost 29 of 47 (including 7 of 11 this season) when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Canadiens have won 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a losing record. 10* MONTREAL |
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02-16-19 | Stars +125 v. Hurricanes | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - The Stars are off an embarrassing 6-0 shellacking at Tampa Bay on Thursday. While Dallas was off yesterday, the Hurricanes were battling it out with Edmonton last night. Not only is this a quick turnaround for Carolina, they have lost 7 of their 8 Saturday games this season! Dallas also has revenge here as they suffered a 5-1 loss in their most recent game against the Hurricanes and that was also here in Carolina. It is payback time for the Stars. The Canes have lost 14 of 21 this season when off a non-conference game. Also, in games against teams with a winning record, the Hurricanes have lost 63 of their last 106 as they have generally struggled in recent seasons when facing quality competition. Dallas could have Ben Bishop back between the pipes for this one. Also, the Stars are 4-1 the last 5 times they were off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals. Keep in mind they lost by SIX goals to the powerful Bolts on Thursday night. Dallas entered that game having won 6 of their 8 prior games. Also, the Stars had allowed just 1.8 goals per game in their last 13 games before giving up SIX against the Lightning. This is a powerful spot for a bounce back from the road team and I'll gladly grab the underdog value being offered here. 10* DALLAS |
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02-09-19 | Stars -116 v. Coyotes | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -116 | 5 h 7 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (-) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - The Stars have beaten the Coyotes 9 straight times! Dallas is expected to have Anton Khudobin between the pipes while Arizona will likely start Darcy Kuemper. Note that Khudobin has a stellar .924 save percentage on the season and has been very strong of late as he is at .925 his last four games. Kuemper, on the other hand, has an .887 save percentage in his last four starts. Also, the Coyotes enter this game on a 5-game losing streak. Conversely, the Stars are off a loss but that ended a 5-game winning streak. In other words, Dallas has been hot and Arizona has been struggling and I see no reason that won't continue here. The Stars have won 8 of 12 Saturday games this season. The Coyotes have lost 7 of their last 9 games against teams with a winning record. Arizona also has lost 35 of 53 when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. In other words, the Coyotes are known for seeing their slumps turn into lengthy losing stretches. More of the same today as the Stars are 5 for 14 on the power in their last 4 games against the Coyotes while Arizona is 0 for 17 in those 4 match-ups. Special teams, goaltending, situational value, etc. all add up to a road rout here. 10* DALLAS |
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02-08-19 | Hurricanes v. Rangers +109 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 25 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #58 Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - Three significant edges for the Rangers in this one. Obviously one is home ice. Another is that Carolina is in a back to back spot while this host here was off last night. Thirdly, and perhaps most important, Henrik Lundqvist over Petr Mrazek is a key edge between the pipes in my opinion. Lundqvist has a solid .910 save percentage on home ice this season. Mrazek enters this start having a poor .874 save percentage in his last 4 starts. Mrazek has allowed 6 goals in his two February starts and he had a poor 3.30 GAA in his January starts. He is 3-6 with a 3.28 GAA in his 9 starts against Atlantic Division teams this season. The Rangers Lundqvist is an incredible 19-3 in his last 22 starts versus the Hurricanes with a very high save percentage and very low goals against average. Suffice to say he is very confident when facing Carolina. I know the Canes have fared okay this season in back to back spots but, particularly off a dramatic 6-5 win last night at Buffalo that required extra time, I look for the Hurricanes to run out of gas tonight at Madison Square Garden. The rested Rangers take this game as they are still fighting to stay alive in the playoff race and they know this game is a critical one. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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02-03-19 | Flames -115 v. Hurricanes | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 5 h 24 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 2:05 ET - I like to take good teams off a loss and Calgary is one of the best teams in the league this season and coming off a tight last minute loss at Washington on Friday. They can't wait to get back on the ice and atone for that loss. Keep in mind, the Flames were on a 10-2 run prior to that loss to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Capitals. As for the Hurricanes, they are off a big win over the defending Western Conference Champion Golden Knights. That win over Vegas was the 2nd straight for the Canes. However, prior to this 2-game run, Carolina had lost 3 of their 4 prior games and allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game in doing so! The Hurricanes have won just 25 of their 51 games this season and the Flames are 7-0 their last 7 games against teams with a losing record. Also, Calgary is a fantastic 13-2 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Carolina has lost 16 of their last 24 February games and I expect another fade to begin here with this game. Keep in mind, the Hurricanes are also an ugly 6-13 this season when off a non-conference game. We get a short price to lay on a great team coming off a loss here. We get that short price because they are on the road. Grabbing a roadie in a spot like this is a great value and I am going with a top play here. 10* CALGARY |
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02-01-19 | Predators -117 v. Panthers | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 60 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Friday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Before the All-Star break these teams met in Nashville on the 19th of January and the Panthers got the win despite the Predators holding the edge in shots on goal. The Preds also lost their most recent trip to Florida as well. That makes this a double revenge spot for Nashville and I am happy to lay the small money line to have the better team in a game in which they are highly motivated. The Predators have played better on the road over the past month as they're 6-3 their last 9 games away from home. The Panthers won their final 3 games before the break but that was immediately preceded by a 7-game losing streak. Of course home shading is always priced into the line but Florida is only 7-7 their last 14 home games and I expect Nashville's strong road play to continue here. Additionally, the Predators are 7-3 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Nashville is also a long-term 24-10 (including 10-5 this season) when they are on the road in a game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Panthers have lost 10 of 15 non-conference games this season and Florida has lost 3 of 4 this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. 10* NASHVILLE |
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01-30-19 | Lightning v. Penguins +102 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 102 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Wednesday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:05 ET - We continue with the same system that has worked so well immediately after the All Star break. The key is taking the team that has already played and going against a team that has not and, therefore, still has plenty of rust to work off. In this case, the system is even sweeter because the Penguins got absolutely rolled in their first game after the break on Monday. The Pens got embarrassed in a listless performance versus the Devils. Not only did they work off their rust, they also worked up some anger and emotion for a bounce back performance tonight after that embarrassing home loss. Pittsburgh will be hosting the Lightning for the second time this season. The first time the Bolts got the win. However, not only does that mean this is a home loss revenge situation, it also is worth pointing out that prior to that TB win over the Pens, the home team had won EACH of the last FIVE meetings! The home ice dominance in this series resumes Wednesday as the Penguins take advantage of a Lightning team that hasn't played since the 19th - a span of over 10 days! Tampa Bay is 15-19 (-$10,000) in January games since 2017. The Penguins are 39-19 after a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. The Pens are also 25-14 when playing a game with home loss revenge! 10* PITTSBURGH |
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01-29-19 | Flyers +103 v. Rangers | Top | 1-0 | Win | 103 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - Normally a back to back situation for one team automatically favors the other team. The key word in that statement is normally! Tuesday features one of the exceptions. The reason is that players have a lot of rust to work off when they first come back from the All Star break. The Flyers, in that regard, actually have an edge in this match-up since they were in action last night. Philadelphia got the 3-1 win at home versus the Jets. Not only is Philly now 4-0 their last 4 games, they've also defeated the hated rival Rangers 5 straight times! The Flyers will be ready for this game and will be the more polished team with their passes and overall puck-handling skills while the Rangers certainly could be a little sloppy especially early on in this game. The Flyers James van Riemsdyk has been skating on a line with Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny and this line combination has been a part of Philly's big improvement in recent weeks. The Rangers have lost 8 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, New York has lost 10 of 14 divisional games this season. The Rangers are playing their first game in 10 days. The Flyers take advantage. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-28-19 | Jets v. Flyers +115 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 115 | 9 h 36 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #72 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Dogs tend to be a profitable play right after the All Star break. This is because teams are a little rusty after the lay-off and that means it is a little more of "anything can happen" which raises the risk that laying any extra juice in these first games after the break is certainly a risky proposition. The Flyers make for a great home dog to back here for multiple reasons. One is that Philly has won 3 straight games entering the All Star break. Additionally the home team has won each of the last 6 meetings between these teams. Overall Philadelphia has won 7 of its last 10 meetings with the Jets. As for Winnipeg, they enter this game having lost 3 of their last 4 road games. With a perceived tougher game on deck at Boston tomorrow night for the Jets, they get caught looking right past a Flyers team that is a dangerous home dog in this spot. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-23-19 | Capitals +155 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 22 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #31 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - When you lose a game 7-6 in OT because you blew a late 2-goal lead including allowing the tying goal in, literally, the final second of the game you are going to be fired up. That is the case with the Capitals here as that is how they lost last night's game against the Sharks. The defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Caps, have now lost 6 straight games! This is their worst losing streak in the past 5 years! However, I am expecting a big bounce back effort here for Washington on the final day of NHL action prior to the All Star break. This is a phenomenal value spot for the Capitals. Though the Caps have won only 3 of their last 9 games, the Maple Leafs also have won just 3 of their last 10 games. Also, home ice is always factored in the hockey money lines but this is where the value really comes in here. Toronto has been a much better team on the road compared to at home this season. Also, the Capitals have been a better road team than home team thus far this season. The point is that we're getting big dog value here with Washington when you consider that the Leafs are basically a .500 team at home this season while the Capitals are 4 games over .500 on the road this season! The Caps did lose at home against the Leafs in October and the Capitals have won 63 of their last 96 when playing with revenge. Toronto has lost 6 of its last 7 home games. More of the same here. 10* WASHINGTON |
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01-21-19 | Blues v. Kings +106 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 106 | 5 h 26 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #14 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) vs St Louis Blues @ 4:05 ET - While the Blues are off a win plus have another game on deck at Anaheim Wednesday, this is the final game for the Kings until after the All Star break. Not only that, Los Angeles is off an embarrassing loss at Colorado Saturday that saw them get pummeled in a 7-1 loss. That is certainly noteworthy here as the Kings are 8-2 this season the last 10 times they have entered a game off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals. Look for a huge bounce back effort from an LA team that is very hungry to erase the bitter taste of that ugly loss to the Avalanche. The Kings know they won't have another chance to get another W until February 2nd! In other words, Los Angeles is sure to "leave it all on the ice" in this one particularly since this game is at home. The Blues have lost their last two road games by a combined score of 7 to 3. St Louis is 3-7 this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Kings are 11-3 the last 14 times they've been off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Big bounce back here for the home dog. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS |