Football Free Picks - Win More Football Bets Starting Today!

Stephen Nover NHL Picks

Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
02-17-20	Capitals +120 v. Golden Knights		2-3	Loss	-100	12 h 26 m	Show
It doesn't happen that often, but when it does you have to strongly consider Washington. The Capitals are a road 'dog to Las Vegas. Washington has won nine of the last 11 times (82 percent) it has been a 'dog. Las Vegas has been playing better, but the Capitals have had the Golden Knights' number winning six of the past seven meetings. Washington also is the top road team in the NHL. The Capitals are 19-7 in their last 26 road contests. Note this is a mid-afternoon Vegas time start. That favors the East Coast Capitals and is a negative for the West Coast Golden Knights, who usually play their home games at night.
02-15-20	Islanders v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5		0-1	Loss	-115	7 h 48 m	Show
The Islanders have scored 3 or more goals in six of their last eight games. They also have yielded 3 or more goals in each of their last seven games. If you discount a shutout loss to the Wild two games ago, the Golden Knights have scored 18 goals in their last three games. However, Las Vegas is giving up 4.2 goals per game in its last five games. The Over has cashed in seven of Las Vegas' last eight home contests.
02-14-20	Canadiens v. Penguins OVER 5.5		1-4	Loss	-115	10 h 41 m	Show
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are both hot. Crosby has scored 14 points in his last 10 games, while Malkin has notched at least one point in five straight games. The Penguins' offense is better, too, now that they acquired Jason Zucker. The Penguins can take advantage of Montreal being without its best defenseman with Shea Weber out with an ankle injury. The Penguins were held to one goal by Tampa Bay on Thursday. Prior to that, though, the Penguins had scored 15 goals in their last three home games. Montreal is getting to the desperate point. I don't see the Canadiens playing a conservative game here when they've managed just five goals in their last three games. Before that, Montreal had averaged 3.6 goals in its last five games.
02-13-20	Oilers v. Lightning UNDER 6		1-3	Win	100	5 h 43 m	Show
I'm going Under this total based on the injury report. Edmonton is minus superstar Connor McDavid. Tampa Bay will be without Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Anthony Cirelli. The Oilers scored five goals in their first game without McDavid. That was against the Blackhawks, though. Tampa Bay gives up the fifth-fewest goals in the NHL. Look for the pace to slow down with McDavid out. Kucherov and Stamkos are the Lightning's two leading goal scorers.
02-12-20	Flames v. Kings OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	13 h 8 m	Show
Calgary has scored 12 goals in its last two games. The Flames know they have to win with a fast-paced style because they are down two key defensemen with Mark Giordano and Travis Hamonic both out. The Kings have been held to just seven goals in their last five games, all losses. LA is trying to pick up more offense by going with youth and faster skaters. The Kings have fared well offensively against Calgary this season scoring 11 goals in three games.
02-11-20	Flyers v. Islanders OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	4 h 11 m	Show
This series has a powerful Over bias with 10 of the last 11 played between these two teams going above the total. Look for that trend to continue here. The Flyers have gone Over in seven of their last eight road contests, while the Islanders have gone Over during each of their past four home games. Philadelphia has notched at least three goals in seven of its last eight games, while the Islanders have given up three or more goals in each of their last five games. The Islanders have scored at least three goals in five of their past six games.
02-10-20	Islanders v. Capitals OVER 6		5-3	Win	100	4 h 29 m	Show
The Capitals have gone Over the total in 72 percent of their last 32 home games. They are the No. 3 scoring team in the NHL and have tallied three or more goals in seven of their past eight games. Alex Ovechkin is hot producing 16 goals in his last 11 games. The Islanders have scored at least three goals in four of their last five games.
02-09-20	Ducks v. Sabres -120		3-2	Loss	-120	10 h 27 m	Show
The spot sets up well for Buffalo and the price is fair. The Sabres are 15-9-4 at home. They draw the Ducks playing their fourth road game in six days. Anaheim exerted a lot of energy in coming from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime against the Maple Leafs two days ago before losing. The Ducks have lost 38 of their last 55 road contests. They have been on the road this entire month. The Ducks will return to Southern California following this game so both concentration and tired legs could be issues for them. Anaheim also is likely to be without key defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who suffered an arm injury against the Maple Leafs. The Sabres are not going to lack motivation. They have revenge for a 5-2 road loss to the Ducks from October and were embarrassed in their last home game losing to the lowly Red Wings. Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is back for Buffalo and Carter Hutton has been solid in net.
02-06-20	Canucks +113 v. Wild		2-4	Loss	-100	7 h 43 m	Show
I see value with the Canucks, who have won 7 of their last 10 games and are 10-1 during their past 11 Western Conference games. The Wild care a bit fat and happy after nipping the Blackhawks, 3-2 in overtime, two days ago. The Canucks are the more hungry team with losses in their last two games. Vancouver has beaten the Wild four of the last five times in Minnesota.
02-05-20	Maple Leafs v. Rangers UNDER 7		3-5	Loss	-122	15 h 13 m	Show
It has come. No more 6 1/2 with added juice to the Over. The oddsmaker has put out 7 as the opening total in this Maple Leafs-Rangers matchup. Given the goaltending situations and top-10 offenses that total is justified. But that doesn't mean there will be that many goals scored. Toronto and New York are each off 5-3 home losses from Monday. Both teams have goalie issues. The Maple Leafs are going with backup Michael Hutchinson after starting netminder Frederik Andersen was hurt on Monday. Hutchinson was caught unprepared and gave up three goals in 13 shots after replacing Andersen. Hutchinson, however, had performed surprisingly well in his past four starts giving up six goals on 116 shots during this time frame. I expect the Maple Leafs to dial back their free-wheeling offense to provide more two-way checking and a defensive mindset to protect Hutchinson. The Rangers have a three-headed goalie situation. The worst one is Henrik Lundqvist, who turns 38 next month and is well past his prime. The Rangers aren't going to go with him against the Maple Leafs instead opting for rookie Igor Shesterkin. New York has managed just five goals at even strength during its last six games. So I don't see the Rangers wanting to engage in a high speed skating exhibition against the Maple Leafs. They can dictate a slower tempo especially being the home team.
02-04-20	Oilers v. Coyotes OVER 5.5		0-3	Loss	-120	14 h 39 m	Show
The Oilers have scored three or more goals in nine consecutive games. The Coyotes have allowed at least three goals in their last nine games. Connor McDavid is hot producing 15 points during these past nine games. Edmonton is averaging 5.5 goals in its past four games. The Coyotes should have fresh legs having been idle the last two days. The Over has cashed in 11 of their last 15 home games. There were 10 goals scored when the teams last met on Jan. 18 in Alberta with the Oilers, winning 7-3.
02-03-20	Panthers v. Maple Leafs -1.5		5-3	Loss	-100	5 h 25 m	Show
Toronto is going for its eighth straight home win against Florida. I think the Maple Leafs will get it. So does the oddsmaker making the Maple Leafs such a heavy favorite. But I also believe this is a kill spot for the Maple Leafs so I'm turning the juice around from heavy minus to a solid plus price by laying a goal and a half on the puck line. The Maple Leafs are 3-0 coming out of All-Star break. They are playing extremely well and in a big revenge spot. The Panthers embarrassed the Maple Leafs, 8-4, in Florida three weeks ago. This time around the Maple Leafs draw the Panthers playing for just the second time since Jan. 21. Florida has played only once since break losing, 4-0, on the road to the Canadiens this past Saturday. Florida could also be without its second-leading scorer, center Aleksander Barkov. He suffered a lower-body injury against Montreal.
02-01-20	Bruins v. Wild OVER 5.5		6-1	Win	100	10 h 0 m	Show
The Bruins have scored three or more goals in seven of their last nine games. They draw the Wild playing their first game since Jan. 22. The Over has been golden in spots like this where a team was coming off a long layout. The tempo is usually fast in these cases, the defense spotty and the goaltending rusty. The Wild entered break in a good scoring groove averaging 4.2 goals per game in their last five games. The Bruins are likely to go with backup goalie Jaroslav Halak, while Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk has a 3.69 GAA against Boston.
01-31-20	Golden Knights +122 v. Hurricanes		4-3	Win	122	4 h 58 m	Show
The Golden Knights have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NHL this season. I expect the Golden Knights, though, to make a move having made a coaching change to Peter DeBoer. Neither Las Vegas nor Carolina has played since All-Star break. Both have been idle for 10 days. That rustiness puts more of a random element into this matchup and is a plus for the underdog. The extra time also has given DeBoer more of a chance to implement his coaching and style into the Golden Knights,
01-30-20	Canadiens -115 v. Sabres		3-1	Win	100	8 h 22 m	Show
The Canadiens are expected to get back Brendan Gallagher, their second-leading scorer, from injury. The Sabres are minus their No. 1 goalie, Linus Ullmark. His likely replacement is Carter Hutton, who has allowed an average of 5.6 goals in his last three games. The Canadiens fell to the Capitals, 4-2, on Monday. Prior to that loss, though, Montreal had won of four of five. Montreal also has won its last two road games.
01-29-20	Lightning -1.5 v. Kings	Top	4-2	Win	132	20 h 29 m	Show
Look for Tampa Bay to beat the Kings for an eighth straight time - and in a big way, too. The Lightning came out of All-Star break not looking good in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Stars on Monday. They will look to take their frustrations out on a rusty Kings squad that hasn't played in 11 days and is 1-6-1 in their last eight games. The Kings don't have much of a home ice edge and the mood figures to be somber in LA so soon after the death of Kobe Bryant. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is having a strong January with a .955 save percentage.
01-28-20	Blues +109 v. Flames		5-4	Win	109	10 h 29 m	Show
The Blues played Monday following the long All-Star break. St. Louis lost to Vancouver, 3-1. The Blues, though, fired 37 shots on net. They entered that matchup having scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 13 games. The Flames are home, but at a disadvantage. It has been 10 days since Calgary last played. The Flames are sure to be rusty while the Blues are not. St. Louis is 6-1, too, the last seven times when playing without rest. The Blues also have defeated the Flames in four of the last five games, including blanking them, 5-0, at home on Nov. 21 when the teams last met.
01-27-20	Maple Leafs +102 v. Predators		5-2	Win	102	9 h 43 m	Show
The Maple Leafs have a winning road record. They've won five of their last six away games and are expected to get back Auston Matthews, who is tied for second in the NHL in goals scored and gives Toronto a huge spark. Nashville is not a strong home ice team. The Predators have lost 11 of their past 16 home contests. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has a losing record in his last 20 appearances. He hasn't been in good form.
01-22-20	Jets v. Blue Jackets OVER 5.5	Top	3-4	Win	100	14 h 59 m	Show
I'm surprised to see the total open this short. The Jets are giving up an average of 5.3 goals per game during their last three games. The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.2 goals in their last five games. The Jets are expected to start backup goalie Laurent Brossoit. He doesn't have a good history versus Columbus with a 3.87 GAA and .863 save percentage. Winnipeg isn't playing well. But the Jets don't lack firepower with Patrik Laine, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. Note, too, that the Over has cashed seven of the last eight times these teams have met.
01-21-20	Penguins v. Flyers +121		0-3	Win	121	12 h 22 m	Show
I'm attracted to the Flyers whenever I see them as a home 'dog, which is the case here. Philadelphia is 16-4-4 at home this season. The Flyers are 7-2 during their past nine home contests and have strong incentive for an embarrassing, 7-1, road loss they suffered to the Penguins earlier this season. The Penguins are fat and happy after coming from three goals down to nip the Bruins, 4-3, at home this past Sunday.
01-21-20	Golden Knights v. Bruins -145		2-3	Win	100	12 h 55 m	Show
The Golden Knights haven't proven to be good underdogs losing 22 of the past 28 times in that role. They are in that role here traveling to Boston having lost five of their last six games. The Bruins have beaten Las Vegas in each of the last four meetings and should be highly motivated for this matchup after blowing a 3-0 road lead to the Penguins this past Sunday. The last time Boston blew a three-goal lead in a regulation game was 2011. There's a 50-50 chance the Golden Knights could be without their star goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury. He has to sit out a one-game suspension for bypassing the All-Star Game. Fleury will either sit out this game, or a game following the All-Star break. There's a huge drop from Fleury to the Golden Knights' backup goalie Malcolm Subban.
01-19-20	Jets +105 v. Blackhawks		2-5	Loss	-100	7 h 25 m	Show
Spot and history set up for Winnipeg here. The Jets have beaten the Blackhawks in six of the last seven meetings. They have won during their last three visits to Chicago. Winnipeg won't lack motivation after an embarassing 7-1 home loss to the Lightning two days ago. Chicago is fat and happy returning home after sweeping all three games during its Canadian road trip, including beating the Maple Leafs, 6-2, on Saturday. The Blackhawks carry a high fatigue rating as this marks their fourth game in six days.
01-18-20	Stars -114 v. Wild		0-7	Loss	-114	9 h 41 m	Show
Dallas is the superior team and in a good situational spot. That's enough to overcome laying small juice with the slightly favored Stars on the road. The Stars are 7-2 in their last nine games, but are off a surprising 4-1 home loss to the Sabres on Thursday. Dallas didn't waste any time brooding about that defeat immediately hopping a plan to come to Minneapolis where a focused effort should be forth coming. The Wild are off a 3-2 upset win against the Lightning from Thursday. Prior to that, the Wild had dropped six of seven. Dallas has won five of the last six in the series.
01-17-20	Lightning v. Jets OVER 6		7-1	Win	100	9 h 48 m	Show
Tampa Bay is fourth in the NHL in scoring. Winnipeg is among the bottom-three in penalty killing. The Lightning are feeling frustrated after losing, 3-2, at Minnesota last night. They felt they could have been a lot more aggressive. The Jets have notched four goals in three of their last four games. They beat Tampa Bay, 4-3, on the road in the previous meeting this season on Nov. 16. The Over has won eight of the last 11 times the Jets have hosted the Lightning. I see that Over pattern continuing in what should be a wide open game with both team's possessing dangerous goal scorers.
01-16-20	Canadiens +122 v. Flyers		4-1	Win	122	8 h 3 m	Show
Both teams were in action on Wednesday. The Canadiens were upset by the Blackhawks at home, while the Flyers stunned the Blues on the road winning in overtime. Philadelphia also defeated the Bruins in a shootout on Monday. So I see this as a good spot for the Canadiens. Montreal hasn't been playing well, but the Canadiens have a winning road mark. The Canadiens also have a huge goalie edge with Carey Price is expected to be in net after backup Charlie Lindgren played last night. The Flyers could be starting third-stringer Alex Lyon in goal. Starting goalie Carter Hart is out for the Flyers and backup Brian Elliott played last night. The Flyers also have two other key injuries with defenseman Shayne Gostibehere and forward Nolan Patrick both out.
01-16-20	Flames v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5		2-1	Loss	-105	5 h 22 m	Show
The Maple Leafs have scored four or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games. Only once during their past 14 games have they failed to produce at least three goals. Toronto, though, is down defensemen Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin. The Maple Leafs have surrendered at last four goals in four consecutive games. The Flames should be in attack mode having last played on Monday when they lost 2-0 to the Canadiens.
01-14-20	Devils v. Maple Leafs -1.5		4-7	Win	100	6 h 1 m	Show
The Devils are off two monster upsets beating the Capitals on the road and Lightning at home. This is their third game in four days and fourth in six days. Toronto in stop-the-pain mode with a three-game losing skid. Previous to that, though, they had won nine of 10. The Maple Leafs have won by multiple goals in 10 of their last 11 victories. I see this as a kill spot for the frustrated Maple Leafs.
01-13-20	Ducks v. Blues OVER 5.5		1-4	Loss	-100	6 h 41 m	Show
The Blues are averaging 4 goals in their last five games. St. Louis has reached at least three goals in nine of its past 10 games. The Ducks aren't as strong defensively on the road. The Over has cashed in eight of their last 10 games and has won in Anaheim's past five away matchups.
01-13-20	Hurricanes v. Capitals -135	Top	0-2	Win	100	10 h 36 m	Show
Carolina takes to the road to play its first road game since Dec. 27. The Hurricanes are off a 5-2 homestand, winners of their last three games. But while the Hurricanes take to the highway fat and happy, the Capitals are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost two in a row. The Capitals were embarrassed, 5-1, by the Devils at home this past Saturday. Washington hasn't dropped three straight since Oct. 10. The Capitals are 27-12 (69 percent) during their last 39 games even with their losing skid. The Hurricanes dropped their past two away contests giving up a combined 13 goals in losses to the Rangers and Maple Leafs. Carolina also has lost 11 of the last 15 times when playing the Capitals on the road. Washington is expected to start Ilya Samsonsov in goal. I'm fine with that. Samonsov has been very solid going 12-2-1 with a .921 save percentage. Starting goalie Braden Holtby has just an .832 save percentage during his last six appearances.
01-11-20	Canucks v. Sabres UNDER 6		6-3	Loss	-100	10 h 19 m	Show
Vancouver is a slightly below average defensive club. The Canucks, though, are not nearly as bad as they've been the past two games giving up a combined 14 goals during their Florida road trip in losses to the Lightning and Panthers. Now the Canucks are in upstate New York to face the Sabres with a strong attitude to clamp down defensively. The Sabres are below average offensively. They are averaging just two goals per game during their last nine games. The Sabres have held six of their last eight foes to three goals or fewer. Note the early start, which is an added plus for the Under.
01-09-20	Stars v. Ducks +125		3-0	Loss	-100	10 h 26 m	Show
Dallas is playing well and the Ducks are not. But I'm not buying the Stars as road chalk here. Dallas is 0-6 during its last six visits to Anaheim. The Stars also are 1-6 the past seven times they have been an away favorite. The Ducks are anxious to get back on the ice after suffering a frustrating 4-3 home loss to Columbus on Tuesday. Dallas, on the other hand, enters this matchup fat and happy having nipped the Kings, 2-1, on Wednesday night. The Stars are expected to have Ben Bishop in net. Bishop is an upper tier goalie, but he also could be rusty having last been in goal eight days ago.
01-05-20	Red Wings +180 v. Blackhawks		2-4	Loss	-100	8 h 8 m	Show
The Red Wings are the worst team in the NHL with just 23 points. But the Blackhawks shouldn't be laying such a high price. So I'm going to go with the value and take a shot on Detroit. The Blackhawks have lost five of their last seven home games. They just returned from a three-game road trip that concluded late Thursday against Vancouver. Blackhawks starting goalie, Robin Lehner, was injured in that game. So backup goalie Corey Crawford is likely to be in net.
01-04-20	Jets +122 v. Wild		2-3	Loss	-100	2 h 14 m	Show
Even though Minnesota is home, the wrong team is favored. The Wild are not a strong home club. The Jets are 12-7-1 on the road and have won nine of the last 13 times they were an away underdog. The Jets have dominated the Wild during the first two meetings this season outscoring them, 11-2. This includes a 6-0 victory two weeks ago.
12-28-19	Kings v. Canucks -1.5	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	19 h 28 m	Show
The Kings upset the Sharks, 3-2, in overtime at San Jose on Friday. The Kings' reward? They have to fly to Vancouver for a game today against the well rested Canucks. The Kings have lost 40 of the past 56 times following a victory. Vancouver last was in action this past Monday. The Canucks entered the holiday break hot winning three in a row with all of the victories coming at home. Vancouver scored 13 goals during those three games. The Canucks have won the last four times they've met the Kings.
12-27-19	Islanders v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5		2-5	Win	100	7 h 53 m	Show
The Islanders have scored three or more goals in six of their last seven games. They are averaging 3.4 goals a game during this span. The Blackhawks have key defensive injuries and give up the second-most shots in the league. Chicago is surrendering an average of 4.3 goals during its last eight games discounting allowing just one goal to Winnipeg during this time frame. The Blackhawks can do damage against an Islander defense that has given up a power-play goal in five consecutive games. Both teams should be energized coming off a three-day break.
12-20-19	Stars v. Panthers -118		4-7	Win	100	8 h 33 m	Show
Bad timing here for the Stars. The Panthers end their nine-game homestand after this matchup. Florida has been idle since Monday after crushing Ottawa, 6-1. The Panthers are 10-7-2 at home and draw the Stars having just upset Tampa Bay, 4-3, in overtime on the road last night. It's going to be extremely tough for the Stars to be up for this game with no rest. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has displayed his elite talent this month with a 1.69 GAA and .953 save percentage.
12-19-19	Canadiens v. Flames -133		4-3	Loss	-133	19 h 51 m	Show
I want Calgary at home in stop-the-pain mode after two consecutive home defeats. Montreal enters this matchup off a fortunate 3-1 road win against Vancouver. The Flames were sizzling before their last two games winning seven in a row. Calgary averaged four goals a game during its win streak. But the Flames have been held to one goal in their last two games by the Hurricanes and Penguins. Has Calgary's offense shut down? No. The Flames generated 43 scoring chances during those two losses. They looked great in the first period against the Penguins on Tuesday, but then got complacent. The 4-1 loss to the Penguins is misleading because Pittsburgh scored a pair of empy net goals.
12-17-19	Coyotes v. Sharks OVER 5.5		3-2	Loss	-111	13 h 39 m	Show
The Coyotes needed a pickup to their scoring attack. That's just what they got with the addition of sharpshooting forward Taylor Hall, who will make his Arizona debut today. Hall becomes the Coyotes' leading scorer since he has 25 points on the season. He elevates Arizona's attack. The Coyotes should hold up their end of making this total go Over as the Sharks rank 30th defensively giving up 3.5 goals per game. San Jose also is projected to start backup goalie Aaron Dell. Goaltending has not been a strength for San Jose. The Sharks should play looser now that they have ended a six-game losing streak with a 4-2 home win against Vancouver this past Saturday. Arizona also hasn't played since Saturday so both team should have energy.
12-15-19	Wild v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	15 h 49 m	Show
Given the Blackhawks' major defensive injuries, this total is short. Chicago is missing stalwart defender Calvin de Haan on top of already being without Duncan Keith. This lack of defense showed up during the third period of the Blackhawks' road game against the Blues Saturday night. St. Louis scored four goals in the final period to beat Chicago, 4-3. This was an epic meltdown by the Blackhawks. But it shouldn't be shocking. They give up the second-most shots on goal in the NHL. Their goalies can't dodge the constant peppering. The Blackhawks are surrendering an average of 4.2 goals a game during their last nine games. Minnesota happens to be averaging 4.1 goals in its last eight games. The Blackhawks now head home for the first time in more than a week knowing they can't go into a defensive shell because they can't win that way. So I'm expecting a loose, up-tempo matchup. Chicago has scored a power play goal in five of its last six games. The Wild are giving up 3.8 goals in their last five games. So this matchup does not have the markings of a defensive battle.
12-14-19	Bruins -116 v. Panthers	Top	4-2	Win	100	15 h 17 m	Show
It's not just being in stop-the-pain mode for the Bruins, who have lost five in a row for their worst skid in four years. But also revenge motivation. The Panthers bested Boston, 5-4 in a shootout, during their earlier meeting this season on Nov. 12. The Bruins blew a 4-0 lead in that game. Note that the Bruins' last two defeats occurred by one goal each to Tampa Bay and Washington. Now Boston is stepping way down in class. The Bruins have 11 more points than the Panthers do in the standings. The price is low enough to back the superior team, which is Boston.
12-14-19	Blue Jackets v. Senators UNDER 6		3-4	Loss	-119	9 h 19 m	Show
Maybe it's because backup goalies could get the call. But this total is set too low especially with an early day time start, which often is favorably to the Under because of sluggish play. Columbus ranks 28th in scoring at 2.5 goals per game. The Blue Jackets have scored two or fewer goals in seven of their last nine games. Ottawa is 21st in scoring at 2.7 goals a game. The Senators have scored two or fewer goals in six of their last nine games. These teams met on Nov. 25 and the Blue Jackets nipped the Senators, 1-0.
12-13-19	Devils v. Avalanche -1.5		1-3	Win	107	19 h 17 m	Show
Colorado is getting healthier and more dangerous. The Avalanche are 7-0-1 in their last eight games. They have two of the most dangerous lines in hockey - and both lines are back to full strength now. New Jersey comes into Denver winless in its last six games. The Devils have yielded the third most goals in the NHL, while Colorado leads the Western Conference in goals and is averaging 4.1 goals in its last eight games.The Devils, on the other hand, have scored just nine goals in their last six games. The Devils traditionally struggle in Denver's high altitude losing in seven of their last eight visits to the Avalanche. This is a mismatch right now of epic proportions. So laying high juice should be avoided by backing the Avalanche to win by more than one goal.
12-12-19	Bruins v. Lightning UNDER 6.5		2-3	Win	100	18 h 6 m	Show
The season statistics show Tampa Bay to be the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL with Boston the fourth-highest scoring team. Neither team, however, is in good offensive form. The Bruins haven't scored more than three goals in a game during their past eight matchups, going 2-for-25 in power play opportunities during this span. They are averaging two goals a game during their last five games. The Lightning have scored three goals in their last two games. This is a high-profile, marquee matchup. I envision a tight-checking game with both teams more conservative not wanting to make a mistake since their offenses are in slumps. The Lightning know they most play a cleaner defense game than they did when they got past the Bruins, 4-3, in a shootout during the first meeting this season on Oct. 6. Boston scored all three of its goals on power plays. Two of the best goalies should be in net, too. Tuukka Rask has a 17-10-2 career mark versus Tampa Bay, while Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is in strong form stopping 64 of 66 shots the past two games.
12-10-19	Blackhawks v. Golden Knights -1.5		1-5	Win	125	10 h 57 m	Show
The Blackhawks come into Las Vegas carrying a heavy fatigue rating. This marks their fourth game in six days. They've been involved in an overtime game and two shootouts during this span. Chicago draws an angry Golden Knights squad that was shut out, 5-0, at home by the Rangers this past Sunday. Las Vegas should have Marc-Andre Fleury back in net. He missed the last seven games because his father passed away. Las Vegas also has revenge motivation for a 5-3 home loss to the Blackhawks on Nov. 13.
12-10-19	Lightning -105 v. Panthers		2-1	Win	100	7 h 58 m	Show
I want the Lightning going for me in this price range after they were embarrassed at home by the Islanders, 5-1, last night. The Lightning take to the road and that could be a good thing as they were 1-4 in their last five home games. Andrei Vasilevskiy is projected to be in net after resting against the Islanders. He's in the argument for best goalie in the league and has a .914 lifetime saver percentage against the Panthers in 13 games. Florida is fat and happy after burying the Sharks, 5-1, at home this past Sunday. The Panthers have lost 19 of the past 28 times when taking on an above .500 opponent.
12-09-19	Flames v. Avalanche OVER 6		5-4	Win	100	7 h 24 m	Show
Backed by one of the top scoring lines in hockey, Colorado has scored three or more goals in seven consecutive games. The Avalanche are especially potent with Mikko Rantanen back from injury. Calgary's scoring has picked up under interim coach Geoff Ward. The Flames have scored 14 goals in their last four games. They have reached three goals in five of their past six contests. Note, too, that the Flames have scored a power play goal in each of their last three games. So that area has picked up, too.
12-06-19	Blackhawks v. Devils -140	Top	2-1	Loss	-140	19 h 57 m	Show
Neither of these teams are good. But this spot sets up huge for New Jersey. The Blackhawks are off an improbable 4-3 overtime road win against the Bruins Thursday night. Chicago was plus $2.00. The Blackhawks nearly blew a 3-0 third period lead, but hung on. Chicago was 1-5-1 entering the matchup. The Blackhawks have a cluster injury problem on defense missing Duncan Keith and Olli Maatta. They are giving up 4.7 goals per game in their last four games. New Jersey has been idle since Tuesday. The Devils nearly upset Las Vegas in their last game, falling 4-3 at home. New Jersey outshot the Golden Knights, 35-30. The Devils shouldn't lack motivation and focus on a three-game losing streak and being home. The Blackhawks have less than 24 hours to savor pulling off one of the biggest road upsets of the season. Chicago is 2-8 the past 10 times facing a below .500 opponent and doesn't have a good road history against the Devils losing 11 of the past 15 times in New Jersey.
12-04-19	Avalanche v. Maple Leafs -120		3-1	Loss	-120	9 h 6 m	Show
First, let's get the negatives out of the way. The Avalanche are playing well. They also are getting healthier. Toronto is expected to start back-up goalie MIchael Hutchinson. He hasn't been good this season. OK, so why then back the Maple Leafs? I really want Toronto going for me at home today after the Maple Leafs were embarrassed, 6-1, on the road by the Flyers last night. Before that defeat, the Maple Leafs had turned their season around under new coach Sheldon Keefe posting a 4-1 record. The price is short enough to back the Maple Leafs in what should be a spirited effort from them. Toronto beat Colorado, 5-3, on the road Nov. 23. The Maple Leafs scored four of those goals in 15 shots against Philipp Grubauer, who is projected to be in net for the Avalanche.
12-02-19	Kings v. Ducks UNDER 5.5	Top	2-4	Loss	-125	11 h 8 m	Show
This is the first meeting this season between these in-state, division rivals. I envision a feeling-out process and a tight checking matchup between two of the lowest scoring teams in the NHL. The Kings rank 26th in scoring and 29th on the power play. The Under is 5-0-1 in their last six road games. That's not a big shock considering the Kings have managed only 10 goals during their last eight away games. The Ducks are 26th in scoring. Their power play ranks even lower than the Kings at No. 30. Both projected goalies - the Kings' Jonathan Quick and Anaheim's John Gibson - have strong histories in this series.
11-29-19	Rangers v. Bruins UNDER 6.5		2-3	Win	107	13 h 1 m	Show
The player's stomachs still could be full from Thanksgiving with this early start. It's a big plus for the Under. So is the goaltending. Both Henrik Lundqvist and Tukka Rask have been hot in net. Lundqvist might not have to deal with Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins' top-line center. He's missed the last two games because of a lower body injury and is questionable here. The Bruins have given up two or fewer goals during regulation in six of their last seven games.
11-26-19	Stars v. Blackhawks OVER 5.5		0-3	Loss	-105	6 h 40 m	Show
The Stars have picked up their scoring. They've notched 29 goals in their last seven games, an average of 4.1 goals. Dallas has scored at least three goals in eight of its past 10 games. The Blackhawks are averaging 3.6 goals in their last nine games. The Blackhawks are likely to face Dallas backup goalie Anton Khudobin after Ben Bishop played last night.
11-25-19	Islanders -119 v. Ducks		0-3	Loss	-119	8 h 15 m	Show
I find this to be a cheap lay price given the huge difference between these two teams. The Islanders are 15-0-2 since losing three of their first four games. The Islanders won't be taking the Ducks lightly either after their five-game win streak was snapped by the Sharks, 2-1 in overtime, this past Saturday. Anaheim is 1-8 in its last nine games. The Ducks are in a bad situational spot, too, being home for the first time since a four-game road swing that concluded Saturday. The Ducks have lost their past five home games.
11-25-19	Golden Knights v. Stars OVER 5.5		2-4	Win	103	5 h 48 m	Show
Goalie news is out and Malcolm Subban is set to start in net for Las Vegas. That pushes me to go Over in the Golden Knights-Stars game. Subban's numbers are bad: 3.42 GAA and an .888 save percentage. Dallas has picked up the pace offensively. The Stars have scored three or more goals in seven of their last nine games. The Golden Knights are averaging 3.1 goals during their last six games.
11-21-19	Sharks v. Golden Knights OVER 6.5		2-1	Loss	-115	9 h 8 m	Show
Expect a lot of power play opportunities and a wide open contest here as these two teams hate each other. The Sharks have increased their scoring tallying at least four goals in five of their last seven games. The Sharks remain vulnerable defensively surrendering three or more goals in 10 of their last 12 games. They have allowed five goals or more in five of their past 11 games. Las Vegas has picked up its scoring pace, too, averaging four goals during its last four games. The Golden Knights' defense has been disappointing. They have given up at least three goals in four of their last six games.
11-19-19	Maple Leafs v. Golden Knights OVER 6.5		2-4	Loss	-113	20 h 40 m	Show
Toronto is in let-it-all-hang-out mode on a five-game winless streak. The Maple Leafs are giving up an average of five goals per game during their last four games. They've been idle the past two days and know they aren't going to break their losing streak by going into a defensive shell. That's not their style. So I'm expecting a fast-paced, wide open game. The Golden Knights have been playing this way. They are averaging 4.6 goals in their last five games. The Over has won during each of Toronto's past five road contests.
11-19-19	Lightning -110 v. Blues		1-3	Loss	-110	18 h 40 m	Show
The Blues hoisted up the Stanley Cup last season. That was something the Lightning thought they were going to do after finishing with the most points during the regular season. Now Tampa Bay gets to play St. Louis. It's a matchup the Lightning should be very fired-up about. Tampa Bay is the hotter and more healthy team. Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov are heating up after slow starts while a number of Blues scorers have gotten cold. The Blues remain without injured Vladimir Tarasenko. St. Louis only has managed to produce 10 goals in its last six games. That won't get it done against Tampa Bay.
11-19-19	Canadiens v. Blue Jackets UNDER 6		2-5	Loss	-102	17 h 39 m	Show
The teams just met a week ago in Montreal with the Canadiens winning, 3-2, in a shootout. Jonathan Drouin scored the deciding goal. Drouin, who is tied for the second most goals on the Canadiens, won't play here because of a wrist injury. The Blue Jackets have short revenge. They win with defense as they have the fewest goals in the NHL. So expect a tight-checking effort. Montreal will be looking to shore up its defense after a sloppy 4-3 overtime loss to the Devils this past Saturday. Canadiens coach Claude Julien was upset about the Canadiens' defensive lapses and penalties. Look for a cleaner game from Montreal. Carey Price has been hot in net, too, for Montreal with a .935 save percentage during his last four games. Price was rested against the Devils. The Under has cashed seven of the last nine times the teams have met.
11-17-19	Sabres +123 v. Blackhawks		1-4	Loss	-100	6 h 24 m	Show
The Blackhawks are playing better lately. But they still aren't a good team. The marketplace has bet the Blackhawks into a high enough range where I see enough value to back the Sabres. Buffalo halted a six-game winless streak with a 4-2 victory against the Senators Saturday. That should provide the Sabres with a much needed confidence boost. Chicago also is coming off a Saturday victory, beating Nashville, 7-2. The Blackhawks' victory is misleading, though. They were outshot, 41-24, by the Predators. Buffalo has been tough vs. below .500 foes winning 10 of the past 14 times in those situations.
11-16-19	Devils v. Canadiens UNDER 6.5		4-3	Loss	-115	8 h 46 m	Show
Early activity in the marketplace has been on the Over. I disagree. The total has now reached the point where there is value on the Under - and I'm getting involved. Both teams played on Friday and each won. The Canadiens had a highly-satisfying, 5-2, road win against the Capitals in a physical matchup. The Devils held off the Penguins, 2-1. That's the way things go for the Devils. They are offensively-challenged this season tied for the fewest goals in the NHL. New Jersey has scored only 10 goals in its last six games. They have failed to score more than two goals during any of those past six games. Montreal is likely to go with backup goalie Keith Kinkaid instead of Carey Price. The Devils could stick with hot goalie MacKenzie Blackwood. Perhaps that's why early money to the Over. But I'm fine with Kinkaid in net. He certainly knows the Devils well having played for them for six seasons. Blackwood has been a revelation in net. He faced the Canadiens last Feb. 2 stopping 37 shots in a 3-2 New Jersey victory. I don't expect a fast tempo either in this matchup with both teams having played tough games last night.
11-14-19	Jets +144 v. Panthers		4-3	Win	144	10 h 18 m	Show
Winnipeg is 4-2 in its last six games and has a winning road record. The Jets catch the Panthers in a vulnerable spot. Florida is playing for the fourth time in six days with its last three games coming on the road. The Panthers won a pair of shootouts in their last two games, including defeating the Bruins, 5-4, on Tuesday. The Panthers were mid-sized underdogs in that game. Now they are mid-sized favorites. The Jets are a resilient team and have been getting solid goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck, who has a 2.40 GAA and.928 save percentage. Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was so ineffective against the Bruins that he was pulled after giving up four goals.
11-13-19	Capitals v. Flyers OVER 6.5		2-1	Loss	-120	10 h 39 m	Show
The Capitals are the No. 1 scoring team in hockey averaging 4.1 goals. They have gone 16 consecutive games with 3 or more goals, producing at least 4 goals in 12 of those contests. As a result, the Over is an amazing 14-2 in Washington's past 16 games for 87 percent. The Flyers have scored three or more goals in six straight games. The oddsmaker still is not putting up a 7 on Capitals' totals. So I'm going to continue to ride the Over wave.
11-12-19	Red Wings v. Ducks UNDER 6		4-3	Loss	-115	12 h 9 m	Show
The Red Wings head to the west coast after stunning home victories against the Bruins and Golden Knights during the weekend. These wins can't hide the fact that Detroit ranks last in the NHL in scoring. The Red Wings have scored three or fewer goals in six of their last seven games. The Ducks won't be taking the Red Wings lightly. The Ducks, in fact, need this game to halt a three-game losing streak. They are off an embarrassing 6-2 loss to Edmonton on Sunday. If Anaheim is going to win it needs to do that through defense. The Ducks rank 25th in scoring with an ineffective power play unit, but are sixth defensively. They have produced no more than two goals in five of their last six games. So I see a tight-checking, low-scoring contest.
11-11-19	Coyotes v. Capitals OVER 6		4-3	Win	100	4 h 8 m	Show
The Capitals are 10-0-1 in their last 11 games. They also have gone Over in 10 of their last 11 games. Rather than lay heavy juice backing the Capitals, I'd rather ride their Over trend especially now that it is confirmed both teams will be starting backup goalies. The Capitals have scored at least three goals in 15 straight games and in 12 of those matchups they have produced four or more goals. John Carlson has become a monster offensive defenseman. Arizona has surrendered 11 goals in its last three games and have been shorthanded on the blue line due to injuries. The Coyotes, though, have scored three or more goals in six of their last eight games.
11-10-19	Flyers v. Bruins -1.5		3-2	Loss	-100	7 h 19 m	Show
This sets up as a kill spot for the Bruins. The oddsmaker knows this, too, hence the high lay price. I'm not going to lay that big of a price. So I'll get involved with the Bruins on the puck line taking a plus price in the belief they will win by more than one goal. The Bruins are in rare stop-the-pain mode after losing a tough 5-4 road game to the Canadiens this past Tuesday and then suffering a shocking, 4-2, loss to the Red Wings on Friday. Now the Bruins are home where they are unbeaten with all of their home victories coming by multiple goals. The Flyers are playing well, but are in a letdown spot after nipping the Maple Leafs, 3-2, in a shootout Saturday. Bruins are the better team and are in the better spot. Lay it!
11-08-19	Lightning v. Sabres UNDER 6.5		3-2	Win	101	13 h 16 m	Show
Lots of rust. European venue. Sabres in a major scoring slump. Factor it all in and this total is too high. Tampa Bay hasn't played in a week. Buffalo last was in action six days ago. The reason for this long interval is this matchup is taking place in Stockholm. The puck drops at 11 a.m. American West Coast time. The two teams meet again at the same location on Saturday. All of these elements favor the Under. The Sabres are in a huge scoring slump managing just three goals in their last three games. They have been held to two goals or fewer in each of their last five games. The Sabres know the only way to end their three-game losing skid is slow down the tempo and keep the Lightning from breaking open the game. If you discount a 7-6 overtime victory against the defensively-challenged Devils, the Lightning is averaging only two goals during its past five games.
11-07-19	Canucks v. Blackhawks OVER 6		2-5	Win	100	11 h 60 m	Show
Only four teams score more goals per game than Vancouver. The Canucks have scored five or more goals in five of their last seven games. The Blackhawks have picked up their offense during their last three games. I expect the Blackhawks to be loose and up-tempo now that they are back home following a four-game road trip. I'm not sold on the Blackhawks' defense improvement either. Chicago has given up at least three goals in five of its past seven games.
11-07-19	Canadiens v. Flyers -110		2-3	Win	100	10 h 31 m	Show
The Flyers have looked good when playing at home with a 5-2 record. Their power play and penalty killing has been much better when home. Goalie Carter Hart is coming off an outstanding performance. This is the finale of a three-game homestand for the Flyers. After this matchup the Flyers take to the road for away games against the Maple Leafs and Bruins. So Philadelphia is likely looking at two losses making this home game important. Montreal isn't a good road team and has struggled at Philadelphia losing 18 of the past 23 times there. The Canadiens are fat-and-happy having just pulled off a 5-4 home victory against the Bruins Tuesday. Carey Price didn't play well in that game, though. His play has slipped a great deal during the past couple of seasons.
11-06-19	Red Wings v. Rangers UNDER 6.5		1-5	Win	100	18 h 48 m	Show
The Under is 9-1-1 the last 11 times the Rangers have hosted the Red Wings. I see another low-scoring matchup here. The Red Wings have given up 17 goals in their last three games. They have beaten the Rangers five consecutive times by playing steady defense and getting excellent goaltending. New York has failed to score more than two goals in each of its last five games versus Detroit. Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard has the Rangers' number compiling a 10-3-3 mark against them with a 1.77 GAA and.948 save percentage. The Rangers will be emphasizing defense after losing, 6-2, to Ottawa at home on Monday. The Rangers haven't allowed the Red Wings to score more than three goals during their last five meetings.
11-05-19	Devils v. Jets OVER 6.5		2-1	Loss	-114	8 h 37 m	Show
New Jersy is giving up 4.1 goals per game. That's the worst mark in the league. The Devils have some strong offensive players headed by Taylor Hall. So it's not surprising they have gone Over in nine of their 12 games. There have been at least seven goals scored in six of New Jersey's past seven games. Winnipeg is a below average defensive team, too. But the Jets also pack some scoring punch especially with the return of sharpshooter Patrik Laine. The Jets have yielded at least three goals in six of their last nine games. So it's not too much to ask each team to produce three goals, which would get this total Over again.
11-01-19	Sabres +165 v. Capitals		1-6	Loss	-100	7 h 52 m	Show
The Sabres are much improved this season. They are in a great ambush spot against Washington. Buffalo last played on Monday at home losing 3-2 in a shootout to Arizona. The well-rested Sabres draw the Capitals in Washington's first game back from a highly successful five-game road swing. The combination of a huge plus price, Sabres' improvement and the letdown spot for the Capitals makes it worth backing the underdog.
10-31-19	Canadiens v. Golden Knights -1.5	Top	5-4	Loss	-100	12 h 6 m	Show
Kill spot here for the Golden Knights. The oddsmaker knows this, too, that's why the money line is so high. I don't lay prices that high, but will gladly take a plus price on the puck line laying 1 1/2 goals. The Golden Knights buried the Ducks, 5-2, in their last game. That was back on Sunday so Las Vegas will be well rested. Not so for Montreal. The Canadiens just beat Arizona, 4-1, last night with Carey Price in net. So the Canadiens either will start backup goalie Keith Kincaid, or a tired Price. The Golden Knights are the much superior team and this is a favorable spot for them.
10-30-19	Canucks -114 v. Kings		5-3	Win	100	10 h 50 m	Show
The Canucks are on a 7-1-1 run. They began this run by burying the Kings, 8-2. The Canucks are on the road, but it isn't a bad spot as this is the Kings' first game back from a four-game road trip. The Kings are 2-6 int their last eight games. They've scored four goals in their last three games, while Vancouver has scored 17 goals in its last three games. The Canucks beat the Kings twice on the road last season and have won six of the past nine meetings.
10-29-19	Capitals v. Maple Leafs -120		4-3	Loss	-120	18 h 25 m	Show
The Capitals haven't been a team to step in against this month, but this is the spot and matchup to do it. The Maple Leafs are in stop-the-pain mode having gone 1-3 in their last four games, including suffering a 5-2 road loss to the Canadians this past Saturday in their previous game. Washington is concluding its five-game road trip. The Capitals have won five of their last six games, including stunning Vancouver this past Friday rallying to win, 6-5, in a shootout after trailing by four goals. Toronto has the added incentive of revenge for a 4-3 road loss to the Capitals on Oct. 16.
10-28-19	Panthers v. Canucks -115	Top	2-7	Win	100	13 h 48 m	Show
Vancouver is out to make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season having missed them the past four years. The Canucks have been more than just talk. They are 6-2 in their last eight games. The Canucks won't forget their last game - and not in a good way. Vancouver got overconfident at home against a tired Capitals team and blew a 5-1 second period lead, losing 6-5 in a shootout. That was on Friday. The Canucks had all weekend to stew about that home loss. Now the Canucks are ready to unleash their frustrations and get back on the winning ledger drawing Florida at home. The Panthers are playing well, too, in their quest to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Florida, however, is in a letdown spot after an impressive 6-2 road win against Edmonton on Sunday. Sergei Bobrovsky was in net for the Panthers Sunday. He's likely to sit out this matchup in favor of backup goalie Samuel Montembeault. The Canucks are 7-3-1 the past 11 times hosting the Panthers.
10-27-19	Ducks v. Golden Knights -1.5		2-5	Win	125	9 h 36 m	Show
I want the Golden Knights going for me here so I'll laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line to reduce the heavy juice as the oddsmaker obviously believes the Golden Knights are the right side, too. Las Vegas was embarrassed at home on Friday by Colorado, 6-1. Afterward, Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant ripped his team. Now Las Vegas is back at T-Mobile Arena and should be primed for a huge effort. The timing is good, too. Las Vegas draws Anaheim. The Ducks are coming a big road win against the Avalanche, 5-2, last night. This marks the Ducks' third road game in four days. Their 28th-ranked offense can't stay with the Golden Knights.
10-25-19	Sharks v. Maple Leafs -1.5		1-4	Win	130	6 h 1 m	Show
The Maple Leafs are in stop-the-pain mode with two straight losses and draw the Sharks at home in a good spot. Toronto lost 4-3 at home on a penalty shot in overtime to Columbus and then fell to the Bruins, 4-2, on the road this past Tuesday. So Toronto will be rested and ready for this matchup. San Jose defeated Montreal, 4-2, last night. This marks the Sharks' third road game in four days. The Maple Leafs went 2-0 versus San Jose last season winning each of those games by two goals.
10-24-19	Sabres v. Rangers +111		2-6	Win	111	8 h 53 m	Show
These teams have been going in opposite directions. But I see the Rangers bouncing back against the Sabres, a team they have beaten six of the last seven times. Buffalo is playing for the fifth time in eight days, all at different venues. The Sabres are fat and happy having just completed a home/road series sweep against the Sharks, winning each game by one goal. This is the Rangers' third of a five-game homestand. They dropped the first two games to the Canucks and Coyotes each by one goal. After this game, the Rangers host the Bruins and Lightning. So this becomes a crucial game for the Rangers.
10-23-19	Red Wings v. Senators UNDER 6		2-5	Loss	-105	8 h 12 m	Show
The Red Wings are 27th in scoring. They have managed just seven goals in their last five games. The Senators are worse, though.They are last in the league in scoring at 2.1 goals on the season. The Red Wings have held the Senators to two or fewer goals in six of the past eight meetings. Maybe these teams find their offenses here playing each other. But until then I've got to believe there will be fewer than six goals scored.
10-22-19	Golden Knights -116 v. Blackhawks		2-1	Win	100	19 h 34 m	Show
There's a huge class difference here that makes this short road chalk price well worth it. Yes, the Golden Knights are playing without rest. But fatigue should not factor this early in the season plus Las Vegas should be highly motivated after losing, 6-2, to the Flyers in Philadelphia on Monday. Marc-Andre Fleury will be back in goal for Las Vegas. The Golden Knights went with backup goalie Oscar Dansk against the Flyers. The Golden Knights have won 12 of the last 17 times they have been a road favorite. They also are 6-0 lifetime against the Blackhawks.
10-18-19	Stars +129 v. Penguins		2-4	Loss	-100	6 h 8 m	Show
Dallas is off to a very slow start going 1-7. However, all but two of these defeats have been by a single goal. The Stars are due for some good fortune and I see them getting it here against an extremely banged-up Penguins squad. The Penguins have won four in a row, the last occurring two nights ago in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Avalanche. So I like the spot for Dallas. This will be Pittsburgh's fourth game in seven days. The Penguins are missing injured Evgeni Malkin, Nick Bjugstad, Bryan Rust and Alex Galchenyuk. Despite their record, the Stars rank second defensively in fewest shots on goal and have one of the top goalies in the NHL, Ben Bishop.
10-17-19	Predators v. Coyotes +108		2-5	Win	108	10 h 45 m	Show
Arizona has one of the hottest goalies on the planet in Darcy Kuemper. He has a .955 save percentage stopping 127 of 133 shots while emerging as an elite goalie. Kuemper last faced Nashville on Nov. 15 and made 44 saves in a 2-1 victory. Nashville ranks first in the NHL in scoring. But the Predators could be minus their leading goal scorer, Flip Forsberg. He suffered a lower body injury in Nashville's last game two days ago. The Predators upset Las Vegas, 5-2, in that game. So they could be in for a letdown. The Coyotes had a winning home record last season. This year at home they beat Las Vegas, 4-1, and lost to Boston, 1-0. Now they are stepping down in class from those two powerhouses.
10-17-19	Predators v. Coyotes UNDER 6		2-5	Loss	-115	10 h 43 m	Show
Arizona has yet to go Over the total during its first five games. The Coyotes are getting tremendous goalie play from Darcy Kuemper. Arizona has held its first five foes to eight goals in regulation. The Coyotes, though, are averaging only 2.2 goals per game. Nashville may not have its leading goal scorer as Flip Forsberg is questionable with a lower body injury sustained in the team's victory against the Golden Knights this past Tuesday.
10-16-19	Hurricanes v. Sharks -125	Top	2-5	Win	100	14 h 52 m	Show
San Jose began the season with four losses in a row. But the buy sign is on now for the Sharks, who have won two straight and are in a good situational spot here. Carolina is playing for the fourth time in six days. The Hurricanes defeated the Kings, 2-0, in LA last night. The Sharks have had two days of rest after defeating the Flames, 3-1, at home this past Sunday. Patrick Marleau has provided a lift for the Sharks returning to the team he spent the first 19 years of his career. The Sharks are 2-0 since Marleau rejoined them.
10-16-19	Sabres +115 v. Ducks		2-5	Loss	-100	8 h 9 m	Show
The Sabres are out of the gates fast at 5-0-1 looking very much improved. Anaheim is off to a hot start, too, but I regard the Sabres as the better team certainly offensively. The spot favors the rested Sabres even though they are the visitor. This is the Ducks' first home game in 11 days and their fifth game in nine days - all at different venues. The Sabres have done well against the Ducks winning four of the last five times.
10-15-19	Red Wings +137 v. Canucks		1-5	Loss	-100	19 h 47 m	Show
Detroit appears to be much improved. The Red Wings are off to a 3-2 start. They already have won road games against Nashville and Montreal. A key to the Red Wings' success is better depth. They have been getting good play from their fourth line. Vancouver is a bit fat and happy posting consecutive home wins against the Kings and Flyers in a shootout this past Saturday. The Canucks won't have starting goalie Jacob Markstrom, who is attending a family matter. He'll be replaced by Thatcher Demko, who has yet to make a start this season.
10-15-19	Lightning -134 v. Canadiens	Top	3-1	Win	100	16 h 47 m	Show
I want Tampa Bay going for me in a bounce back spot after the Lightning lost, 4-2, to the previously winless Senators this past Saturday. Tampa Bay is 7-1-1 in its last nine games versus Montreal. The Canadiens are off a 6-3 victory against the Stanley Cup champion Blues this past Saturday. This marks the Canadiens' fourth game in seven days. Carey Price hasn't been an elite goalie for the past couple of seasons. He's off to a slow start this year with a 3.38 GAA. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is 7-1-2 lifetime against the Canadiens with a 2.16 GAA and.929 save percentage. He should be fresh since he did not play against Ottawa.
10-14-19	Ducks v. Bruins UNDER 5.5		2-4	Loss	-135	4 h 9 m	Show
The juice is high, but the number is wrong. The oddsmaker should not be putting up higher than a 5 total on Anaheim games right now. The Ducks have been a dead nuts Under team. There has not been more than four goals scored in any of their first five games, all of which have easily gone Under. Anaheim is the perfect Under team. The Ducks are totally defensive-minded and have been receiving outstanding goaltending. They have allowed just six goals in five games. The Ducks have failed to score more than than three goals in a game. They average just 2.2 goals. Boston is the No. 2 defensive team in the league permitting only 1.6 goals a game. The Bruins have yet to fully get their offense going at this early juncture. They rank 24th in scoring at 2.4 goals a game. This is the Ducks' fourth road game in seven days. So they surely aren't going to change their deliberate, plodding style. Note this is a very early West Coast time start for the Ducks, another plus for the Under.
10-12-19	Jets v. Blackhawks OVER 6.5		3-2	Loss	-120	7 h 27 m	Show
This total may be heading toward 7. The Jets are a huge offensive team with tremendous goal scorers. They have scored 4 or more goals in four of their five games. The Blackhawks have a porous defense and are playing for just the third time. They are going to need more time to get their blue line problems straighten out. The Blackhawks, though, like to play fast-paced and they can score in bunches, too. Chicago should be good for at least three goals against a below average Winnipeg defense. The Jets give up the third-most shots in the league.
10-12-19	Predators v. Kings OVER 5.5		4-7	Win	100	18 h 37 m	Show
Nashville has played four games. Each of those contests has gone Over. It's not a fluke. All four lines are contributing for the Predators. They are getting tremendous balanced scoring. The Kings have played three games. Each of those matchups has gone Over, too. LA has scored 11 goals while giving up 17 goals. The Kings' goaltending has been terrible. The oddsmaker opened this total too low.
10-11-19	Ducks v. Blue Jackets UNDER 5.5		2-1	Win	100	7 h 15 m	Show
Until proven otherwise, I'm going to ride the Under with Anaheim. The Ducks have played four games. Each game has gone below the total. There has not been more than four goals scored in any of their games. The Ducks just took a hard-fought 2-1 road loss to the Penguins on Thursday. So they certainly won't be pushing any kind of tempo in this back-to-back situation. Instead they will continue their defensive, grind-out style. The Ducks don't have much offense so this way of playing makes sense. Anaheim's John Gibson has been the hottest goalie in the league. He's likely to rest here, but I'm fine with backup goalie Ryan Miller. He has a strong background versus Columbus with a .929 save percentage and 2.02 GAA in 13 career games versus the Blue Jackets. Columbus figures to be rusty having been idle the last four days. The Blue Jackets also will be without 27-goal scorer Josh Anderson, who has an upper-body injury.
10-10-19	Golden Knights -134 v. Coyotes		1-4	Loss	-134	19 h 6 m	Show
Las Vegas is much the better team. I want the Golden Knights going for me, too, after they suffered a disappointing 4-3 loss at home to the Bruins. Arizona is 0-2 on the season. The Coyotes ranked third-from-the-bottom in scoring last season. They have scored one goal this season. The Golden Knights have never lost at Arizona going 4-0 versus the Coyotes on the road, winning those games by a combined seven goals.
10-10-19	Sharks -103 v. Blackhawks		5-4	Win	100	18 h 34 m	Show
Perhaps it's a leap of faith. But I see the Sharks going all out and getting their first victory of the season here after opening with four consecutive losses. San Jose didn't have Evander Kane for its first three games. The Sharks should get a spark and some class from bringing back 40-year-old Patrick Marleau, who played with them for 19 years serving as team captain. The Sharks are stepping down in class after playing twice against Las Vegas and once against hot Anaheim and Nashville. The Blackhawks are the only team in the NHL to have played just one game so far. That game was last Friday in the Czech Republic, a 4-3 loss to Philadelphia. The Blackhawks are going to be rusty, still could be suffering from jet lag and won't have the Sharks' sense of desperation as this is just their second game of the season and first of a seven-game homestand.
10-10-19	Ducks v. Penguins UNDER 6	Top	1-2	Win	100	18 h 1 m	Show
There isn't a hotter goalie right now than Anaheim's John Gibson, who has stopped 98 of 101 shots. The Ducks are 3-0 this season because they have given up just three goals in three games. The Ducks are a dead-nuts Under team right now with a sub-par offense and a strong commitment to defense. If you go back to preseason, the Ducks are a perfect 27-for-27 in killing off power plays, including 7-for-7 in the regular season. The Penguins have a cluster injury on offense with two centers and two wingers out the most prominent being Evgeni Malkin. The multiple injuries really showed in the Penguins' last game when they could manage only one goal versus Winnipeg this past Tuesday at home. Pittsburgh takes to the road for the first time this season following this game. So the Penguins should have their defensive intensity up knowing their offense is down players and this is the final matchup of a four-game homestand that has proven disappointing at 1-2.
10-09-19	Devils v. Flyers OVER 6		0-4	Loss	-119	7 h 46 m	Show
The Devils have played two games so far this season. There have been a combined nine goals scored in each game. It's not a fluke. The Devils are much stronger offensively than they are defensively. The Flyers also have issues on defense. They were on display in the Flyers' first game, a 4-3 victory against the Blackhawks. At this early juncture, both team's offenses are ahead of their defenses. I'll ride that here and go Over.
10-09-19	Canadiens v. Sabres -118	Top	4-5	Win	100	10 h 48 m	Show
The Sabres are much improved especially on offense. Sparked by newcomer Marcus Johansson and rookie Victor Olofsson, the Sabres have scored 13 goals in opening the season 2-1. The spot is ripe, too, for the Sabres. They catch the Canadiens playing in their third consecutive road game and off a hugely-satisfying 6-5 victory over their long-time rival the Maple Leafs. Montreal begins a four-game homestand Thursday. So focus could be an issue for the Canadiens. Montreal also is going with backup goalie Keith Kinkaid.
10-08-19	Oilers v. Islanders UNDER 5.5		5-2	Loss	-110	15 h 17 m	Show
I envision a tight, defensive battle here. The Oilers have two great scorers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But that's about the extent of their offense. New Edmonton coach Dave Tippett is stressing defense. The Islanders are all about defense. They've given up three goals in two games, holding the powerful Capitals to two goals and the offensive-minded Jets to just one goal. Thomas Greiss is a hot goalie.
10-05-19	Devils +101 v. Sabres		2-7	Loss	-100	16 h 29 m	Show
The Devils are in a foul mood after blowing a 4-0 lead at home last night to the Jets in a 5-4 shootout loss. I want the Devils going for me today after that shocking defeat. The Sabres are in a different frame of mind after opening their season with a 3-1 upset road victory against the Penguins. New Jersey has too much offense for the Sabres going four lines deep and with sharpshooters Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri, Nico Hischier, Wayne Simmonds along with rookies Nikita Gusev and Jack Hughes, the top overall pick in this year's draft. The Sabres can't match that kind of attack. The Devils are 8-3-1 in their last 12 meetings against the Sabres, including going 2-1 last season.
10-04-19	Jets +130 v. Devils		5-4	Win	130	9 h 10 m	Show
The Devils should be much improved with the additions of P.K. Subban, Wayne Simmonds and Nikita Gusev. But it's going to take time for all these new faces to gell. This is New Jersey's opening game. The Jets have the advantage of already having played a game. They lost 6-4 on the road to the Rangers Thursday night. The Jets outshot the Rangers, 47-32. Corey Schneider is slated to be in net for New Jersey. He hasn't been good the past several seasons because of injuries. I consider him now a below average goalie. The Jets are one of the most potent scoring teams in the league especially with Patrik Laine back on board. Winnipeg is 4-0-2 in its last six meetings with New Jersey.
10-03-19	Panthers v. Lightning -1.5		2-5	Win	151	8 h 31 m	Show
The Panthers have missed the playoffs for the past three seasons. That string may end this season as the Panthers should be much improved. They've added players and opened up their checkbook. But it's going to take a while to get things going. This is a bad spot for the Panthers drawing Tampa Bay on the road. The Lightning dominated the regular-season tying the NHL record for most wins with 62. However, the Lightning were shockingly swept in the first round of the playoffs by Columbus. The Lightning have been in angry mood during preseason. Now they finally can put last season's early Stanley Cup disappointment behind them. They draw in-state rival Florida and the Panthers' new goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky. The irony isn't lost here. It was Bobrovsky who helped the Hurricanes sweep the Lightning in the playoffs with his stellar goal play. Tampa Bay has dominated this series winning the past six meetings while averaging 5.1 goals in these games. The Lightning will be sky high for this long-awaited season-opener especially looking to get revenge on Bobrovsky.
10-02-19	Sharks v. Golden Knights -1.5	Top	1-4	Win	165	24 h 49 m	Show
The Golden Knights have been pointing to this matchup after losing to the Sharks in the playoff last season in a bitter and controversial series. Las Vegas gave an indication of this burying the San Jose, 5-1, this past Sunday in front of a sold out home crowd in the final preseason game. The Sharks haven't been sharp during preseason going 1-5. San Jose will be without suspended forward Evander Kane, too. I believe this is a kill spot for Las Vegas. So taking a big plus price on the puck line makes more sense to me than laying heavy juice on the side.

More Content