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Stephen Nover NHL Money Lines Picks

Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
05-03-21	Capitals -110 v. Rangers		6-3	Win	100	14 h 2 m	Show
The Rangers are banged-up, in a scoring slump and drawing the Capitals, who are likely to be reinforced with Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson returning from injuries. Those are the Capitals' two best players. Their return makes this even more of a bad matchup for the Rangers, who are not a physical team. New York has surrendered 3 or more goals in seven of its last nine games. The Capitals are the second-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals per game. The Rangers have been shut out in their last two games. They have been down multiple players, including Chris Kreider, Brett Howden, Ryan LIndgren and Jacob Trouba.
05-01-21	Stars v. Predators -103		0-1	Win	100	7 h 10 m	Show
I like the way this game sets up for Nashville. The Predators are home and have had ample time to rest and prepare since they last played on Tuesday, a game they lost, 7-4, at home to the Panthers. It's rare this late in the season for a team to get a three-day break like that. Dallas, on the other, is coming off a 3-0 shutout loss to the Lightning two days ago. This will be the Stars' fourth game in six days. The Stars have lost 21 of the last 29 times against above .500 opponents. Nashville has defeated Dallas in four of the last five meetings.
04-28-21	Avalanche v. Golden Knights -127		2-5	Win	100	11 h 47 m	Show
Going to ride with the Golden Knights being home and playing in what they consider to be their biggest game of the season. Las Vegas has won a franchise-record nine in a row. The Golden Knights are 40-16 in their past 56 home games. Colorado has dropped two in a row, losing to the Blues, losing 4-1 two days ago and 5-3 this past Saturday. The Golden Knights are the healthier team. Colorado will be missing its leading goal scorer, Mikko Rantanen, right winger Joonas Donskoi and No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer, who has had a huge season. Not seeing Rantanen on the ice makes it easier for the Golden Knights to key on Nathan MacKinnon. The Golden Knights own a depth edge and have the size and brawn to take advantage of the Avalanche's undersized defensive corps.
04-27-21	Red Wings v. Blue Jackets -130	Top	0-1	Win	100	14 h 27 m	Show
This could be the first time I've ever laid a mid-size price with a team that has lost nine in a row. But I really see the Blue Jackets halting their losing skid. Columbus is home to Detroit. That's the reason. Columbus nearly ended its losing streak this past Sunday falling to defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay, 4-3, in overtime. The Red Wings have been an underdog in each of their last 56 road games. Their record in these contests is 9-47 for 16 percent. Detroit has lost in six of its last seven visits to Columbus. Detroit last played on Saturday falling, 2-1, to the Stars in overtime. That score was misleading, though. The Red Wings were outshot, 52-17. Detroit goalie Jonathan Bernier played well over his head. Elvis Merzlikins is likely to be in net for Columbus. I prefer him over either of Detroit's goalies, Bernier or Thomas Greiss. Discounting a freak 7-3 home win against the Stars, the Red Wings have scored five goals in their last four games. The Red Wings have limited firepower and that has been reduced with injuries to three centers, including Dylan Larkin, and right winger Bobby Ryan.
04-26-21	Coyotes -104 v. Sharks		4-6	Loss	-104	17 h 52 m	Show
The price is right to get on the Sharks fade train. San Jose has lost eight in a row. Only once during their last eight games have the Sharks scored more than two goals in a game. Defense isn't going to bail out the Sharks. They rank 28th defensively allowing 3.3 goals per game. Arizona is holding on to the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Coyotes looked good in their last game, a 4-0 blanking of the Kings in LA two days ago. The Coyotes have problems when stepping up in class. But they are 8-1 the past nine times against sub .500 foes. Arizona has beaten San Jose in five of the past six meetings.
04-23-21	Canadiens v. Flames -105		2-4	Win	100	15 h 21 m	Show
The Flames have had four days to rest, regenerate and think about a 4-2 loss to the cellar-dwelling Senators from this past Monday. Calgary is in must-win mode for this series. A loss to the Canadiens here, really seals the Flames' fate of not making the playoffs. I have to believe no-nonsense coach Darryl Sutter will have the Flames sky-high for this first of three straight crucial games against Montreal. The Flames have defeated the Canadiens in four of the last five meetings this season. Montreal nearly blew a 4-1 late lead against the Oilers this past Wednesday. The Canadiens held off the Oilers, 4-3. That was just Montreal's fourth road win in its past 14 away contests. Prior to scoring four goals versus Edmonton, the Canadiens were averaging a puny 1.5 goals in their last eight games.
04-23-21	Predators -121 v. Blackhawks		3-1	Win	100	14 h 29 m	Show
Maybe it was too easy. The Predators were on their way to beating the Blackhawks for the seventh consecutive time this past Wednesday leading, 4-1, with 10:03 left. The Blackhawks ended up pulling the game out, 5-4, in overtime. Nashville has outscored Chicago, 23-13, in its seven meetings this season. The Predators are 13-3 the last 16 times they've been favored. So I see them bouncing back and beating Chicago. Certainly the Predators won't be overconfident again. Chicago's rookie goalie, Kevin Lankinen, probably has hit the wall. He's had a tough month. Malcolm Subban was in net against the Predators and stopped 36 of 40 shots. No matter who's in net for Chicago, I like the Predators' defense better.
04-17-21	Blue Jackets +163 v. Stars		1-5	Loss	-100	10 h 21 m	Show
I'm not going out on a limb to say there aren't going to be many goals scored here with the total at 5. This is last stand time for the Blue Jackets if they want to maintain any playoff hope. Columbus isn't going to lack incentive following a 4-1 loss to the Stars from two days ago. The Blue Jackets had been competitive in their previous four games splitting two with the Lightning and losing two to the Blackhawks by one goal each. Columbus grabbed an early lead against Dallas, but couldn't hold it. The Stars have a below offense. This huge underdog price puts me on the Blue Jackets in what shapes up as a one-goal type of dogfight game.
04-17-21	Capitals -133 v. Flyers		6-3	Win	100	3 h 26 m	Show
The Capitals are 18-4 the last 22 times they've been favored. They should bring their "A" level intensity to this matchup following a 5-2 upset loss to the Sabres this past Thursday, while the Flyers stunned the Penguins, 2-1, in a shootout this past Thursday. The Flyers haven't won two in a row during their past nine games. Washington has defeated Philadelphia in four of five meetings this season. The Capitals are the No. 2 scoring team in the league while the Flyers surrender the most goals per game in the NHL.
04-13-21	Panthers -108 v. Stars		3-2	Win	100	16 h 5 m	Show
The Panthers have had two full days to stew about a poorly-played 4-1 road loss to the Stars. Now it's rematch time and I expect Florida to be ready. Florida is the better team and has proven road-worthy going 12-8-1. The Panthers have won in eight of their last 11 visits to Dallas. Dallas is not a good home club. The Stars are 4-13 in their last 17 home games. This marks their fourth game in six days so they carry a high fatigue rating, too. Prior to this past Saturday's loss to the Stars, the Panthers had swept two games at Dallas on March 27-28 winning, 4-3 and 4-1. The Panthers also took two of three from the Stars at home in late February. Chris Driedger will be in net for Florida. He's 2-1 with a 1.34 goals against average in three career matchups versus Dallas.
04-11-21	Rangers v. Islanders -118	Top	2-3	Win	100	16 h 54 m	Show
The Islanders don't often lose at home. But they are coming off a bad 4-1 defeat to the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum this past Friday. That halted a five-game home win streak for the Islanders. The Islanders, though, had been playing with fire narrowly winning their previous home game, 3-2, against the Flyers in a shootout. The Islanders have won 23 of their last 31 home contests. They are 17-2-2 at Nassau Coliseum this season, tied with the Avalanche for most home victories. Barry Trotz is one of the top coaches in the NHL. I don't envision the Islanders playing a third consecutive flat game at home. The Rangers were beaten by the lowly Sabres in their previous road game prior to defeating the Islanders. Depth is going to factor here since both teams are in action for the fourth time in six days. The Islanders are 7-0 the past seven times they were in a 4-in-6 situation.
04-10-21	Oilers v. Flames +101		0-5	Win	101	14 h 55 m	Show
Last chance Calgary. The Flames desperately need this home victory if they realistically harbor any playoff hope. There's going to be hell to pay in Calgary if the Flames don't get it with some of the team's mainstays possibly being traded before Monday's trade deadline passes. Calgary certainly should be well prepared having last played on Monday. The Oilers, on the flip side, will be in action for the fourth time in six days. The Oilers were fortunate to get past the last-place Senators, 3-1, this past Thursday. Edmonton will be minus injured Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He's fourth on the Oilers in goals and points.
04-10-21	Jets v. Canadiens -128		5-0	Loss	-128	11 h 36 m	Show
I want the Canadiens going for me in this quick revenge spot. The Jets overcame not having Blake Wheeler to beat Montreal, 4-2, on the road two days ago. Wheeler remains out. Montreal had a terrible first period in that loss. I look for the Canadiens to be much sharper this time. I'm more than fine with Jake Allen in net. He's been more consistent this season than Carey Price, who isn't the super goalie of years past.
04-08-21	Stars -113 v. Blackhawks		5-1	Win	100	16 h 51 m	Show
Sparked by strong goaltending from Kevin Lankinen, the Blackhawks held off the Stars, 4-2, this past Tuesday scoring an empty-net goal with seven seconds left to account for the final score. I don't see Chicago being so fortunate in the rematch. The Stars have the stronger defense and the Blackhawks are 1-6 following a victory. Dallas ranks 10th defensively permitting 2.4 goals per game. The Stars give up the fourth-fewest shots on goal. The Blackhawks, by comparison, rank 21st on defense yielding 3.1 goals a game and give up the most shots on goal.
04-07-21	Avalanche v. Wild +170		3-8	Win	170	15 h 35 m	Show
The Avalanche is a blistering 13-2 in their last 15 games. They are off a 5-4 road win against Minnesota this past Monday night. But I'm going to get involved with the Wild at this generous price because the Wild are a great home team and will be extremely motivated for this matchup. Minnesota had won 11 consecutive home contests before falling to the Avalanche. Among the Wild's home victories during this span were two against the Golden Knights and one against Colorado. The Wild outplayed the Avs in the first period and especially in the third period during Monday's contest. But they couldn't overcome a horrendous second period. This will be just Colorado's fourth away matchup during its last 16 games. So the majority of the Avs' hot 13-2 mark has occurred at home. Colorado is a far more mundane 8-6 in its last 14 road contests. The Avs are high-scoring, but Minnesota has the necessary defensive talent and schemes to frustrate them.
04-06-21	Predators -150 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	8 h 54 m	Show
Nashville is playing its best hockey of the season winning nine of its last 11 games. This includes a 7-1 home win against the Red Wings from March 25. Little chance of Nashville taking the Red Wings lightly, though, after Detroit stunned defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay. The Red Wings beat the Lightning, 5-1, on the road this past Sunday taking advantage of Tampa Bay going with a third-string goalie. That stopped a Detroit 17-game road losing streak to the Lightning. The Red Wings still could be celebrating. This is Detroit's first home game since March 28. The Predators last played on Saturday. They have held their last seven opponents to 10 goals. Only once have they surrendered more than two goals in a game during this span.
04-03-21	Sharks v. Kings -112		3-2	Loss	-112	7 h 38 m	Show
The Sharks are going for their fourth win in a row. They have not won four consecutive games all season and I don't see that changing here. San Jose defeated the Kings, 3-0, on Friday night in a game that was closer than the final score. The Sharks are 1-6 the last seven times when playing on zero rest. Prior to blanking the Kings last night, San Jose was 0-4 in its past four road games. The revenge-minded Kings are likely to break out of their scoring slump with Devan Dubnyk expected to be in net for San Jose. Dubnyk is not in good form allowing 14 goals in his last four starts - all losses - for an 88.2 percent save percentage during this span. On the season, Dubnyk is 3-9-2 with a 3.18 GAA and .898 save percentage.
04-03-21	Penguins v. Bruins -113		5-7	Win	100	3 h 44 m	Show
Credit to the Penguins. They are playing very well despite missing two/thirds of their second line and starting goalie Tristan Jarry. But I don't see the Penguins getting a road sweep of the Bruins after beating Boston, 4-1, this past Thursday. Pittsburgh was 0-8-2 in its previous 10 visits to Boston before that Thursday victory. Boston coach Bruce Cassidy ripped his team after that loss. So I'm expecting a strong revenge effort from the home Bruins.
04-01-21	Penguins v. Bruins -129		4-1	Loss	-129	14 h 0 m	Show
Pittsburgh enters this matchup fat and happy having won four in a row - all at home. Now, though, the Penguins take to the road where they have lost six of the last seven times as an underdog. Oh, yes, Pittsburgh is playing in Boston. The Penguins are 2-14 (12 percent) during their last 16 visits to Boston. The Bruins have the firepower and defense to take advantage of the Penguins' many injuries. Out for Pittsburgh is second-line center Evgeni Malkin, second-line left winger Kasperi Kapanen and starting goalie Tristian Jarry, who isn't likely to play after missing Wednesday's practice after suffering an injury in Pittsburgh's Monday 2-1 victory against the Islanders.
03-29-21	Islanders -105 v. Penguins		1-2	Loss	-105	8 h 6 m	Show
Kudos to the short-handed Penguins who rolled to an easy 6-3 victory at home against New York this past Saturday. The Islanders haven't had a game that bad since late January. I'm expecting a strong effort in short revenge from the Islanders, who draw the Penguins minus a number of forwards and centers. The Penguins' long injury list, includes Evgeni Malkin and Brandon Tanev. Basically the Penguins are missing their No. 2 line. The Islanders were riding a three-game winning streak while going 14-2-1 in their last 17 games prior to Saturday's loss.
03-27-21	Lightning -117 v. Hurricanes		3-4	Loss	-117	15 h 47 m	Show
I want the Lightning going for me at this price coming off a 4-3 loss to the Stars two days ago where Tampa Bay blew a two-goal lead. That snapped goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy's 12-game win streak. Carolina is off a 4-3 overtime victory against Columbus this past Thursday. The Hurricanes rank eighth in goals scored and goals allowed. Impressive, but trumped by the Lightning ranking No. 1 in goals scored while giving up the fifth-fewest goals per game. Carolina hasn't scored more than 3 goals in regulation during its last six games. The Hurricanes scored fewer than 3 goals in four of those contests. The teams last met for three games from Feb. 22-25. The Lightning held the Hurricanes to three goals in those three games winning all three by multiple goals.
03-26-21	Sharks v. Coyotes -120	Top	2-5	Win	100	20 h 34 m	Show
The Coyotes are coming off perhaps their biggest win of the season, 5-4 in a shootout, at home against Colorado. I don't see a letdown. Instead I see the Coyotes building off their win knowing they are in the playoff hunt and can't afford a home loss here. A loss to San Jose would nullify the victory over Colorado, which occurred this past Tuesday. Arizona is 11-4 the last 15 times when playing on two days rest. San Jose enters this matchup fat and happy having swept two close games at home against the Kings. The Sharks are 3-10 the past 13 times following a win. The Sharks' defense has shown improvement. San Jose, though, still is among the bottom-three in goals allowed and shots on goal. The Coyotes are riding with third-string goalie Adin Hill. I'm fine with that after how well Hill looked against the high-powered Avalanche. No team fires more shots on goal than Colorado. Hill made 35 saves, including seven in overtime several of which were huge. San Jose is averaging just 2.2 goals in its last four games. The Coyotes have picked up their scoring producing 11 goals in their last three games.
03-25-21	Panthers -113 v. Blackhawks		0-3	Loss	-113	11 h 5 m	Show
Florida hasn't lost three in a row all season. But the Panthers could have that happen if they lose this game having lost 5-3 to the Lightning this past Sunday and to the Blackhawks, 3-2, two days ago in an upset. The Panthers fell behind Chicago, 3-0, before rallying to get within one goal before falling. Prior to that game, Florida had won all four meetings against Chicago this season, outscoring the Blackhawks by a combined nine goals in those four games. Florida is the superior team and I see the Panthers getting their quick revenge. It would be an added plus if team captain and team points leader Aleksander Barkov played for Florida. Barkov was scratched during warmups on Tuesday due to a lower-body injury. It was just his fourth missed game during the past two seasons.
03-25-21	Rangers v. Flyers +107		8-3	Loss	-100	10 h 44 m	Show
It's a score that will live in infamy with the Flyers. Rangers 9, Flyers 0. That happened eight days ago at Madison Square Garden. It was the Flyers' worst road shutout loss in franchise history. Philadelphia hasn't been playing much better since. The Flyers are 2-6 in their last eight games. But I can't pass up this all-time revenge spot. So I'll back Philadelphia. Note, Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin is the probable starter for the Rangers. He's been out with a groin injury the last three weeks so he could be rusty making his first start since then.
03-25-21	Islanders +107 v. Bruins		4-3	Win	107	10 h 43 m	Show
Boston hasn't played in a week due to COVID-19 protocols. The Bruins still may be minus starting goalie Tukka Rask, who has been out since March 7. I'm factoring that the Bruins are going to have some rust. That won't be the case with the Islanders. This is New York's fourth game in six days. The Islanders happen to be 7-0 the past seven times when playing a 4-in-6 situation. The Islanders have been one of the hotter teams in the NHL winning 10 of their last 12. They have the No. 2 defense in the league. They also have defeated the Bruins in each of the last four meetings.
03-25-21	Devils +170 v. Capitals		3-4	Loss	-100	10 h 40 m	Show
New Jersey is 4-1 in its last five games. That's the Devils' best stretch of the season. Washington also is in good form. However, the Capitals haven't played in five days. That's too much time in between games. Washington also might be missing its top goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin. He's questionable with a lower-body injury. The Devils haven't given up more than 3 goals in each of their last seven games. I see the Devils hanging in and at this price worth taking a shot on.
03-22-21	Kings v. Sharks -115		1-2	Win	100	13 h 30 m	Show
I think I'd almost rather be in the water with a real shark than back the Sharks as a favorite. But this spot sets up for San Jose. The Kings are off an exhausting 3-1 upset home win against the powerful Golden Knights. Calvin Petersen made 41 saves for the Kings, including 24 during the final period when LA was outshot, 24-7. The Kings managed to hold off the Golden Knights, though. I doubt the Kings have much left for this quick turnaround road game. LA has lost the past four times following a victory. The Kings also are a bad road team having won just 31 percent of their last 65 away contests. San Jose has lost four in a row. The Sharks, though, haven't been playing bad. Those defeats are misleading. Two of them occurred to the Golden Knights by one goal each. Both of them were in Las Vegas. The Sharks then hosted the Blues and fell, 2-1 in a shootout, and 5-2 in a game that was far closer than the final score indicates. The Sharks were hurt and lost momentum in that loss because of a controversial faceoff violation that resulted in two late St. Louis goals that broke the game open.
03-20-21	Jets +119 v. Oilers		2-4	Loss	-100	12 h 11 m	Show
Edmonton was sharp in beating Winnipeg, 2-1, two days ago. Yet the Jets still almost forced overtime despite how well the Oilers played. Here's a stat I really like about the Jets and this revenge situation: Winnipeg is 8-1 in regular season games following a loss with the lone defeat being a 4-3 shootout loss to the Flames. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl draw all the publicity. They deserve it being superstars. However, the Jets have some excellent offensive performers, too. Edmonton averages 3.4 goals a game. Winnipeg averages 3.3 goals per game.
03-20-21	Coyotes -122 v. Ducks		5-1	Win	100	10 h 16 m	Show
Arizona has lost five in a row scoring a meager four goals during its losing streak. Yet the Coyotes are road chalk against Anaheim. What does that say? It says the Ducks are dreadful, which they are and they know it. The Ducks already have gone to rebuild mode this season. They did manage to get past the Coyotes, 3-2 in overtime, this past Thursday. It was just Anaheim's third victory in its last 16 games. The Ducks are 2-8 in their past 10 home games. The Coyotes blew a 2-0 lead. Don't look for the Coyotes to let up in this rapid revenge spot. They are the better team here and overdue to prove it.
03-20-21	Flyers v. Islanders -129		1-6	Win	100	10 h 34 m	Show
After the Flyers were thoroughly humiliated by the Rangers, 9-0, this past Wednesday they came back to beat the Islanders, 4-3, on Thursday. Previous to beating upsetting the Islanders, the Flyers had lost the past seven times they were underdogs. That Philadelphia victory also snapped a six-game Islanders home win streak. Islanders coach Barry Trotz was not happy with that loss, New York's second in a row following a nine-game win streak. Trotz, one of the top coaches in the league, publicly expressed his disappointment and displeasure with his team. Now it's the Islanders' turn to respond. They are home and superior to the Flyers. So I believe they will respond.
03-17-21	Blues -138 v. Kings		1-4	Loss	-138	19 h 47 m	Show
The listless Kings lost 4-1 to the Avalanche in Denver on Sunday and then couldn't get out of Denver due to a snowstorm causing Monday's scheduled matchup to be postponed until today. So this will be the Kings' first home game in 11 days. They draw the Blues in stop-the-pain mode. The Blues own the best road record in the West Division at 10-2-2. St. Louis, though, has lost a season-high four games in a row. Note, however, three of these defeats occurred in overtime. The Blues' last two games were against Las Vegas so this is a major drop in class. While the Kings have been dealing with traveling nightmares, the Blues have been on the West Coast since the end of February. St. Louis is more than ready, having been idle since Saturday. St. Louis also is getting healthier. Vladimir Tarasenko, the Blues' leading goal scorer from 2014-19, has produced four points in four games since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. Tyler Bozak is expected to play against the Kings. He's been out 21 games due to a concussion. There's also the possibility the Blues get back Jaden Schwartz from a lower-body injury. Meanwhile the Kings could be minus their leading scorer and key cog on their power play, Dustin Brown. He didn't play Sunday due to an upper-body injury and is questionable here.
03-12-21	Golden Knights -108 v. Blues		5-4	Win	100	18 h 11 m	Show
This marks the Blues' first home game since Feb. 24. Being back in St. Louis, though, hasn't necessarily been good for the Blues as they are 1-6 in their past seven home contests. St. Louis draws an angry Las Vegas squad that was swept two games against the Wild in Minnesota. The Golden Knights haven't lost three in a row all season. It's step-up time for the Blues as in their last 19 games they've played just four teams - Sharks, Kings, Ducks and Coyotes. Those are the bottom-four teams in the West Division. The Blues are playing short-handed minus several key forwards, including Jaden Schwartz, and without their top defenseman, Colton Parayko. Las Vegas holds a strong goalie edge with Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been one of the three-best goalies this season. St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington is having a disappointing season. The Golden Knights have scored 3 or more goals in seven of their last eight games.
03-11-21	Canadiens v. Flames -114	Top	1-2	Win	100	17 h 27 m	Show
Calgary is close to being in must-win mode and this spot sets up beautifully for the Flames. Montreal just beat the Canucks in Vancouver, 5-1, late Wednesday night. So Montreal didn't get into Calgary until the wee hours of the morning. This will be the Canadiens' third game in four days and they will be playing without rest. Backup goalie Jake Allen likely will be in net since Carey Price played Wednesday. The Canadiens lost key defenseman Ben Chiarot to injury in that victory. The Flames are six points behind the Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the NHL's North Division. So this is a crucial matchup for the Flames with a potential four-point swing at play. Calgary certainly isn't going to lack motivation and preparation. No-nonsense Darryl Sutter has taken over as coach at Calgary. This will be his first game behind the bench. Flames assistant coach Ryan Huska acted as the team's head coach during the last two games following the firing of Geoff Ward a week ago. The Flames lost those games to the Oilers and lowly Senators. Calgary hasn't played since Sunday. Sutter has put the Flames through intense practices in anticipation of winning this game and getting his underacheiving team on track. This is what Sutter was quoted as saying on Wednesday, "Montreal is in our division and they’re a very good hockey club. Right now, we’re behind them in the standings so we know the importance of tomorrow night and the bottom line is we’ll be ready for it.” I don't doubt him.
03-06-21	Wild v. Coyotes +136		2-5	Win	136	10 h 53 m	Show
Arizona outshot and outhit Minnesota during their home game on Friday night. You wouldn't know that by the score, though. The Wild embarrassed the Coyotes, 5-1, leaving Arizona coach Rick Tocchet fuming. Tocchet ripped a bunch of his best players following the game, although he didn't name names. Still, the message got across. So I'm going to get behind the home 'dog Coyotes in this spot. Arizona's record hasn't been very good this season. Keep in mind, though, teams have played funny schedules because of the pandemic. The Coyotes, for instance, have met the Golden Knights and Blues 11 times already. That has been 48 percent of their games. Las Vegas and St. Louis rank first and second, respectively, for most points in the eight-team West Division that features the Wild and Coyotes.
03-06-21	Panthers v. Predators +126		6-2	Loss	-100	6 h 49 m	Show
The Predators have been disappointing this season. But I see them playing with a great deal of urgency in this rapid revenge scenario. Florida built up 3-goal leads twice against the Predators this past Thursday and had to hang on to win, 5-4. Following this matchup, the Panthers travel to Carolina for a Sunday game against the Hurricanes. Carolina nipped the Panthers, once in overtime and once in a shootout, before Florida beat Nashville two days ago. The Panthers could get caught looking ahead to that double revenge game against the Hurricanes on Sunday, while the Predators have their own revenge spot right here. Nashville has been looking better lately winning four of its last seven games, while the Panthers are 3-4 in their last seven games.
03-02-21	Canucks v. Jets -129		2-5	Win	100	15 h 35 m	Show
Jets minus $1.32 hosting Canucks The Jets are the superior team and I see them getting it done at home after being blanked, 4-0, in Winnipeg by the Canucks on Monday night. Winnipeg had won four in a row - two against the Canucks - until losing last night. The Jets seemed overconfident, perhaps because of that win streak, as they fell behind 3-0 in the first period. Winnipeg came back to fire 15 shots on goal in the third period, but the game had been decided by then. If the Jets come out with more urgency - which they should do in this rapid revenge spot - they should be fine. Vancouver is 3-8 in its last 11 road games. The Canucks were 1-9 at Winnipeg before last night's game. The Jets take to the road for 12 of their next 14 games following this matchup. So they can't afford not to pick up two points with a home win here. The Canucks return to Vancouver for five games following this one so their concentration might not be at peak efficiency.
02-28-21	Red Wings v. Blackhawks -159		2-7	Win	100	11 h 46 m	Show
A few things about the Red Wings' 5-3 upset road win against the Blackhawks on Saturday: The Red Wings scored their first power play goal in 15 games. Not only do the Red Wings have the worst power play in the NHL, but they also are the worst at killing penalties. Chicago had just one power play opportunity. It was Detroit's second consecutive victory. The Red Wings have not won three in a row all season. The Blackhawks played their backup goalie, Malcolm Subban. He isn't very good. Chicago's starting goalie, Kevin Lankinen, is a rookie-of-the-year candidate. The Red Wings played without their most dynamic offensive player Dylan Larkin. He's out again today. Tyler Bertuzzi also remains sidelined for Detroit so the Red Wings are without two-thirds of their top line. Detroit ranks 30th in scoring averaging two goals a game. Even with that victory, Detroit is 12-45 in its last 57 road games. It was the first time in five tries this season the Red Wings defeated the Blackhawks. They are 2-8 in their past 10 games versus Chicago. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks have won eight of their last 11 games. So, yes, I want the Blackhawks going for me here.
02-25-21	Canadiens -120 v. Jets		3-6	Loss	-120	7 h 51 m	Show
This will be Montreal's first game under new coach Dominique Ducharme after Claude Julien was fired after the Canadiens lost a second straight one-goal game to the Senators two days ago. I'm expecting a lot of energy from the Canadiens to mark the event. Winnipeg last played at home back on Feb. 13. The Jets haven't scored more than three goals in regulation during nine of their last 10 games. Montreal averages 3.4 goals a game, seventh-best in the league. The Canadiens rank No. 1 in shots on goal.
02-25-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets -122		2-0	Loss	-122	6 h 54 m	Show
I want the Blue Jackets going for me in this short revenge spot. Columbus came back from a late 5-3 deficit against Chicago two days ago, but lost 6-5 in a shootout. It was just the Blackhawks' third win in 14 tries as a road 'dog. The Blue Jackets' defense should be improved with Michael Del Zotto back in the lineup after missing Tuesday's game with an injury. The Blackhawks are going with backup Malcolm Subban in goal. That's another plus for Columbus.
02-25-21	Devils -107 v. Sabres		4-3	Win	100	6 h 49 m	Show
Twice within the last six days Buffalo defeated New Jersey on the road. Yet the Devils are favored at Buffalo in this one. What does that tell you? It tells me the oddsmaker regards the Devils in higher esteem than the Sabres. New Jersey has quick double revenge and catches the Sabres playing their first game in Buffalo since Feb. 16. The Sabres are 0-3 in their last three home games, outscored by seven goals during these losses. They also are 0-5 the past five times as a home 'dog.
02-23-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets -115		6-5	Loss	-115	6 h 6 m	Show
The price is low enough to back the Blue Jackets against the Blackhawks, who have lost 18 of the last 24 times they've been a road 'dog. Chicago has fattened its record by going 4-0 against the hapless Red Wings. Columbus coach John Tortorella ripped his team following a 4-2 home loss to Nashville this past Saturday. The Blue Jackets haven't played since. They should be raring to go. Rookie goalie Kevin Lankinen has been a revelation for the Blackhawks with a 2.42 GAA and .927 save percentage. I'm expecting some regression, though. The Blackhawks aren't good defensively and they have a lot of youth. Lankinen has given up five or more goals in two of his last four games. Columbus has scored at least three goals in seven of its last nine games.
02-22-21	Wild v. Sharks +133		6-2	Loss	-100	12 h 51 m	Show
I'm not buying the Sharks as a home 'dog to the Wild just because Minnesota has won two in a row. Those two victories happen to come against the Ducks, who have the worst offense in the NHL. Minnesota is getting healthier. But the Wild are not at full strength and their players haven't had nearly enough playing time together to be fully in sync yet. Until defeating Anaheim, 5-1, this past Saturday the Wild were averaging 1.5 goals during their last four games. The Sharks are 2-1 in their last three games, coming off a confidence-building, 5-4, road win against the Blues from Saturday night. This is just San Jose's third home game of the season. The Sharks have played a tough schedule drawing the Blues, Avalanche and Golden Knights for seven of their 16 games. This mark's Minnesota's fourth game in seven days. The teams split a two-game series in Minnesota earlier this season. The Sharks have defeated the Wild in six of the past eight meetings.
02-20-21	Lightning -145 v. Hurricanes		0-4	Loss	-145	7 h 39 m	Show
The combination of the price on the Lightning dropping and the Hurricanes announcing they will be starting third-string goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is enough to push me into laying this price with Tampa Bay. The Lightning have been idle since Monday when they were upset at home by the Panthers, 6-4. Tampa Bay is anxious to atone for that defeat. The defending Stanley Cup champions are averaging 4.3 goals in their last nine games and have star Steven Stamkos back in their lineup. Nedeljkovic has a 3.23 goals against average and an .886 save percentage. Carolina is playing for the third time in four days and second in two days. The Hurricanes defeated the Blackhawks, 5-3, on Friday. Tampa Bay has won 68 percent of his last 103 road contests.
02-18-21	Predators v. Blue Jackets -123		0-3	Win	100	10 h 44 m	Show
Nashville is 0-7 the last seven times it has been an underdog. The Predators are a 'dog here. They catch a frustrated and angry Blue Jackets squad. Columbus has gotten better since dropping its first two games of the season - to the Predators. The Blue Jackets are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but off an embarrassing, 7-3, road loss to the Hurricanes this past Monday. Columbus is anxious to put that defeat behind it and also has double revenge against Nashville. The Predators have gone 4-9 since sweeping the Blue Jackets. Aside from Flip Forsberg, the Predators have no scoring threats. They have scored two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games and now rank 29th in the league in scoring at 2.3 goals a game. The Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals in all but one of their last seven games. Nashville hasn't had a chance to get its offense on track either having been idle since Saturday. The Predators were supposed to play two games against the Stars in Dallas, but those were postponed due to bad weather and power outages.
02-17-21	Blackhawks v. Red Wings +120		2-0	Loss	-100	14 h 52 m	Show
The Blackhawks are the better team, but not that much better. Chicago was extremely fortunate to nip the Red Wings, 3-2 in overtime, this past Monday. Chicago is 3-0 versus Detroit this season. The Red Wings are improving, though, especially defensively. They have allowed just 2.1 goals per game in regulation during their past six games. The Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last six games. They could easily be 1-5 in those games having won four of those matchups in overtime and the fifth by two goals scoring an empty-net goal in the final minute. Just one goal determined the winner in nine of the Blackhawks' last 11 games. The other two games were decided by two goals with one occurring on an empty net goal in the final minute. This is a triple-revenge spot for the Red Wings. They outplayed the Blackhawks in their last game two days ago. I look for Chicago's luck to run out this time.
02-16-21	Wild v. Kings +123	Top	0-4	Win	123	16 h 34 m	Show
If there's a non-West Coast team the Kings most would like to beat it probably is Minnesota. The Wild beat the Kings twice in heart-breaking fashion earlier this season in LA winning both, 4-3, in overtime. The teams then met twice in Minneapolis in late January. The Kings got a split in that series. Now the Kings have a golden opportunity to gain a measure of revenge from those two earlier home defeats to the Wild. LA should be ready and energized, having last played on Thursday. That's nothing compared to the Wild, though. Minnesota has been out of action for the past two weeks due to COVID-19. The Wild are going to be without many of their regular players. The list of those who are include goalie Cam Talbot, defensemen Ian Cole, Jonas Brodin, Brad Hunt and Carson Souch. Forwards Nick Bonino, Victor Rask and Nico Sturm also are out. So the Wild will be rusty and short-handed. Minnesota has managed just one goal in three of its last five games. The Kings have suffered a lot of close losses this season, but they are capable, having won games against the Blues and Avalanche.
02-15-21	Flames v. Canucks +115		4-3	Loss	-100	16 h 1 m	Show
The Canucks ended their six-game losing streak with a 3-1 win against the Flames two days ago. It was the Canucks' best game of the season and the close score was not indicative of how much Vancouver dominated. The Canucks outshot the Flames, 43-18. I see the Canucks riding the momentum of that victory to beat the Flames again at home. Vancouver must build on this win if it hopes to have any playoff chance. The Canucks have won four of their past five home games. Calgary is likely to be without Mikael Backlund, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday's game. Backlund is the Flames' fifth-leading scorer and leaves the team thin at center.
02-15-21	Jets +123 v. Oilers		6-5	Win	123	15 h 10 m	Show
Edmonton is due for regression. The Oilers have played the Senators in four of their last six games, beating Ottawa all four times. The Senators have the fewest points in the NHL. The Jets and Oilers split two games in Winnipeg earlier this season. The Jets outshot and outscored the Oilers in that series. Edmonton is 4-4 at home. The Oilers last played on Thursday when they beat Montreal, 3-0. Being idle for a full three days at this juncture of the season is too long and can take a hot team out of their rhythm. The Oilers may be fat, rusty and happy. Not so with Winnipeg. The Jets fell to the lowly Senators, 2-1, this past Saturday giving up the winning goal with nine seconds left on a stupid turnover deep in their own end. The Jets are anxious to put that embarrassment behind them. They have defeated the Oilers in eight of the past 11 meetings, including four of the last five times in Edmonton.
02-15-21	Islanders -140 v. Sabres	Top	3-1	Win	100	14 h 30 m	Show
The Islanders have picked up their game going 3-1 in their last four games with the lone loss during this span coming in a shootout loss to the Penguins following a late Pittsburgh goal in regulation. The Islanders have their confidence back up after upsetting the Bruins in their last game, 4-2, this past Saturday. Because of COVID-19, the Sabres have yet to play this month. Buffalo finally is back in action, but will be without defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen, Jake McCabe and Brandon Montour along with forwards Dylan Cozens and Tobias Rieder. All are in COVID protocols. The Sabres have a losing home record. They entered their long layoff having allowed at least three goals in five of their last six games. The Islanders have dominated this series winning eight of the past 10 times.
02-13-21	Bruins v. Islanders +122		2-4	Win	122	12 h 55 m	Show
The Bruins are good. But they've also been lucky. They've won their past four games all by a single goal, including nipping the Rangers, 1-0, on Friday. This marks the end of Boston's seven-game road trip. It's the Bruins' third game in four days and first time this season they are playing without rest. Boston was 1-4 in that role the past five times last season. The Islanders are the Islanders. They remain a tough out. They are well-coached and strong defensively ranking sixth. The Bruins have first-hand evidence of that losing to the Islanders, 1-0, in the team's initial meeting this season on Jan. 18. The Islanders should be in a foul mood after blowing a lead with 30 seconds left in regulation this past Thursday, which cost them a 4-3 shootout home loss to the Penguins.
02-12-21	Blues -135 v. Coyotes		4-1	Win	100	19 h 45 m	Show
The Blues were mid-sized to heavy home favorites in each of their last three games - all of which came against the Coyotes. Arizona defeated St. Louis in each of those contests, winning those matchups by a combined four goals. The latest occurred this past Monday with Arizona nipping St. Louis, 4-3, in a shootout. Now, four days later, the two teams meet in Arizona. Nothing has changed my viewpoint that the Blues are the better team. St. Louis dominated 5-on-5 action this past Monday outshooting Arizona, 43-26, while recording 21 hits showing its effective physical style of play. So what's been the problem for the Blues? Special teams. St. Louis was 1-for-12 in power play chances the past three games, while Arizona scored on four of 13 power play opportunities during this span. The Blues have had three days to work out their special teams issues. They have beaten the Coyotes 10 of the last 13 times in Arizona and are 6-1 the last seven times they were road chalk.
02-11-21	Flames v. Canucks +132		3-1	Loss	-100	14 h 60 m	Show
Saddled with a five-game losing streak and last in the league defensively, Vancouver is getting no respect. This is a huge game, though, for the Canucks and they are back home after six consecutive road games. They've been idle since Monday. Calgary is slightly below average both offensively and defensively. The Flames have a losing record in their last nine games. They also are 2-4 on the road, while the Canucks are 4-2 at home. Vancouver has double-revenge having lost in mid-January to the Flames, 3-0 and 5-2. Both of those games were in Calgary. The Canucks have firepower. The key for them is defensive improvement. I believe that will happen here. During their current losing streak the Canucks played the Jets, Canadiens and Maple Leafs. Winnipeg ranks ninth in scoring, Montreal is the highest scoring team in the NHL and Toronto has scored the fourth-most goals. Now the Canucks are dropping down in class. The season has gone on long enough where the Canucks' many new faces are more acclimated. This is their spot.
02-09-21	Lightning -160 v. Predators		6-1	Win	100	10 h 47 m	Show
There's a clear class difference here. It was shown when the two teams met yesterday and Tampa Bay won by three goals despite going with its backup goalie. Now Andrei Vasilevskiy, who I would argue is the best goalie in hockey, will be back in net. The Lightning are 7-1-1 with Vasilevskiy in goal. He has a 1.88 GAA and a .931 save percentage. Tampa Bay hasn't allowed more than two goals in seven of his nine starts. While the Lightning are already in peak form, the Predators are having a down season going 3-7 in their last 10 games. If you discount a 6-5 overtime victory against the Panthers, the Predators have scored just 14 goals in regulation during their last nine games. Tampa Bay ranks fourth in scoring at 3.6 goals per game.
02-08-21	Lightning -152 v. Predators		4-1	Win	100	14 h 40 m	Show
The defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning are out of the gates fast going 7-2. They've hosted Nashville twice this season going 2-0 winning by a combined four goals. Tampa Bay has proven itself on the road winning 68 percent of its last 99 away contests. The Predators are not playing well and just lost Ryan Johnson, the center on their top line, to an upper-body injury this past Thursday. Nashville is 3-6 in its last nine games after a split of its two-game series against Florida. The Predators were lucky not to have gotten swept by the Panthers. They were outshot, outhit and lost the faceoff battle by a considerable margin during that series. Tampa Bay is much the superior team. So laying this price doesn't bother me.
02-08-21	Hurricanes v. Blue Jackets +127		2-3	Win	127	13 h 50 m	Show
The Hurricanes ended a four-game losing streak in Columbus by nipping the Blue Jackets, 6-5, on Sunday. They were aided by a controversial goal. I don't see the Hurricanes being so fortunate in this rapid revenge spot for Columbus. The Blue Jackets' scoring is starting to pick up with Patrik Laine getting comfortable with his new team. Laine scored two goals on Sunday. This will be just his fifth game of the season. Carolina is likely going to have to go with third-stringer Alex Nedeljkovic in net for the first time this season. Starting goalie Petr Mrazek is out long-term and veteran backup James Reimer played yesterday and is in need of rest. The Blue Jackets are 5-2 versus Carolina in the past seven meetings despite Sunday's loss.
02-08-21	Islanders +100 v. Rangers		2-0	Win	100	13 h 42 m	Show
No great handicap here. I just believe the Islanders are the better and they are back on track after a 4-3 victory against the Penguins in their last game this past Saturday. The Rangers have started to play better. But I'm not sold on them, nor the consistency of their young goalie, Igor Shesterkin. He was in net during the team's first meeting this season, which the Islanders won, 4-0. The Islanders have defeated the Rangers 13 of the last 18 times on the road.
02-06-21	Oilers +113 v. Flames		4-6	Loss	-100	16 h 38 m	Show
The Oilers are playing much better than the Flames right now. Edmonton also is in the better situational spot having not played since Tuesday while Calgary is in action for the fourth time in six days. This also is the Flames' first home game since Jan. 26. This is an intense rivalry. Calgary, though, loses much of its home ice advantage because no fans are allowed in the stands. Edmonton is up to .500 having won three in a row. The Oilers have looked much better on their special teams. Calgary is below .500 on the season. The Flames haven't scored more than two goals in four of their last five games.
02-06-21	Sharks v. Ducks -114		1-2	Win	100	14 h 3 m	Show
The Ducks probably should have defeated the Sharks on Friday night. They blew a 3-1 lead and lost in a shootout. Anaheim outshot San Jose, 37-30. I don't see the Ducks losing a second straight home game at Honda Center to San Jose in this second of consecutive games. The problem with backing the Ducks is their lack of offense They rank last in the NHL in scoring. However, the Ducks have scored a season-best seven goals during their last two games. They also are facing a porous Sharks defense that ranks second-to-last in the league giving up 3.9 goals per game. The Sharks haven't been good enough offensively to overcome their defensive problems ranking 27th in scoring. Anaheim ranks eighth defensively and has the sixth-best penalty killing unit. The Sharks have scored just one power play goal in 26 chances during their past six games.
02-06-21	Coyotes v. Blues -155		3-1	Loss	-155	9 h 55 m	Show
Arizona is not a good road team. But the Coyotes edged the Blues, 4-3, on Thursday. It was their first away victory of the season. I don't see the Coyotes making it two in a row and I'm willing to lay a higher price than normal to back St. Louis in this spot. The Blues had won four consecutive games until falling to the Coyotes. Arizona built a 3-0 lead and held on to win, 4-3. The Blues did not play a good game yet almost pulled out the victory. Following the game, Blues coach Craig Berube ripped his team. So I don't anticipate St. Louis to be flat again in this spot. The Blues have been the only NHL American-based team not to have a player go on the COVID protocol list. Even with that victory, Arizona is just 5-21 in its last 26 road contests.
02-05-21	Sharks +102 v. Ducks		5-4	Win	102	11 h 38 m	Show
The Sharks have played a tough schedule: Eight games all on the road. While the Sharks lost two games to the Avalanche, no shame in that given Colorado was at full strength then and San Jose carried a fatigue rating while playing back-to-back games in high altitude, they managed splits against the Coyotes, Blues and Wild. Due to COVID-19 issues, the Sharks haven't played during the last eight days. That was a needed break. So I'm expecting a strong effort from San Jose. The Sharks have won seven of the past nine times versus the Ducks in Anaheim. The Ducks are playing for the fourth time in seven days. They have the worst offense in the NHL. Anaheim has managed just eight goals in its last five games.
02-04-21	Predators v. Panthers -109		6-5	Loss	-109	8 h 42 m	Show
Florida is playing well. Nashville has yet to show anything on the road. So I'm going to ride the Panthers at a fair line value price. The Panthers are 5-0-1. All but one of their victories has been by one goal. So they've been fortunate. But they've also produced good numbers such as ranking seventh in scoring, seventh in defense and fourth in power play efficiency. Florida is the lone team left that has not lost in regulation. The Panthers also have been idle for the past three days. Nashville is 0-4 on the road. The Predators, in contrast to the Panthers, have bad numbers: 28th in scoring, 24th in scoring defense, 28th in power play efficiency and last in penalty kill efficiency.
02-04-21	Stars v. Blue Jackets +110		3-4	Win	110	8 h 37 m	Show
Until losing to the Stars, 6-3, this past Tuesday, the Blue Jackets had beaten Dallas eight straight times. Dallas had dropped five in a row in Columbus until achieving that win. That game marked Patrik Laine's much-anticipated Columbus debut - and it was a flop. The Blue Jackets stunk and Laine had trouble adjusting to his new team and was rusty having not played since Jan. 14. Laine should have his legs under him and be more comfortable this time around. The Blue Jackets have revenge and history going for them. The Stars have been playing well, but I don't see them keeping this pace up especially 36-year-old Joe Pavelski. He's fifth in the NHL in points. He's averaging two points a game. The only other person at that elite level is Connor McDavid.
02-02-21	Ducks v. Kings -113		3-1	Loss	-113	11 h 37 m	Show
The Ducks average 1.6 goals. That's last in the NHL. They are off two home games versus the Blues where they were outscored, 10-2. Oh, yes, this also is the Ducks' fourth game in six days. By contrast, the Kings are well rested. They last played on Thursday. The Kings are 3-2 in their last five games with victories against the Blues, Avalanche and Wild during this span. The Kings are the better team, home and in the better spot. So this short price is worth laying.
02-01-21	Bruins -135 v. Capitals	Top	5-3	Win	100	13 h 56 m	Show
Despite being short-handed due to injuries and COVID-19 issues, the Capitals have managed to go 6-3. The Capitals' first eight games were two against the Penguins early in the season when Pittsburgh was struggling, four games against the Sabres, who have a losing record, and two games against the 3-6 Islanders. Finally the Capitals stepped up in class this past Saturday. They nipped the Bruins, 4-3, in overtime. I don't see the Capitals doing it again in this Boston revenge spot. The Bruins scored three of the last four goals. They outshot Washington, 43-23. It was clear to me the Bruins were the better team. Alex Ovehckin did return after missing four games due to COVID-19 protocols. But the Bruins also got back their superstar, David Pastrnak. He played more than 20 minutes, while Ovechkin was limited to fewer than 15 minutes of ice time. The Capitals still could remain short-handed. Justin Schultz, Lars Eller, Evgeny Kuznetsov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov are all day-to-day. Washington has lost 12 of the last 16 times following a victory. The Capitals are in action for the fifth time in nine days. All but one of their last seven games have been decided by one goal. So there has been a physical and mental toll on the Capitals. The Bruins are an elite team that should take advantage especially given the situation.
01-31-21	Blues v. Ducks +143		4-1	Loss	-100	8 h 30 m	Show
The Blues are riding high on their 2-0 road trip beating the Golden Knights in overtime this past Tuesday and then burying the Ducks, 6-1, scoring three goals within the first 2:06 of the game. Following this game, the Blues go home for four games against the Coyotes and Avalanche. Those are much tougher opponents than the Ducks. So it's a clear letdown and lookahead spot for St. Louis. It sets up an ambush situation for the home Ducks. I expect John Gibson to rebound from his worst game ever. Gibson had been playing great up until that contest. He didn't get a lot of help from his defense in that game. Even with that loss, the Ducks still rank sixth in defense. They also have the fourth-best penalty killing unit. Scoring is a major problem for Anaheim. The Ducks, though, should play extremely hard here and they have a strong defense. It's a bonus if the Blues decide to rest Jordan Binnington and go with their backup goalie.
01-31-21	Stars +111 v. Hurricanes		3-4	Loss	-100	4 h 27 m	Show
The Stars played their first road game of the season yesterday. It didn't go well. The Hurricanes beat them, 4-1. Dallas was outshot, 26-11. That was embarrassing. It also was a humiliation for Dallas goalie Anton Khuodobin, who had a rare bad game letting in four goals on 16 shots and getting pulled from the game. I want the Stars going for me in this rapid revenge spot. Dallas has won eight of the last 11 times as a road 'dog. The Hurricanes are playing short-handed due to COVID-19 issues. They probably also lost their starting goalie, Petr Mrazek. He was injured against the Stars and isn't likely to play here. Carolina's backup goalie is James Reimer, who I don't hold in high esteem
01-30-21	Avalanche v. Wild +140		5-1	Loss	-100	9 h 54 m	Show
I don't believe the Avalanche should be this big of a road favorite. Each team is 5-3. Colorado is 2-2 in its road games and has been outscored away from home. The Avalanche fattened up their statistics by sweeping two home games from the Sharks this past week. The Wild are 12-5 the last 17 times hosting Colorado.
01-30-21	Islanders +110 v. Flyers		2-3	Loss	-100	8 h 53 m	Show
The Islanders, with Barry Trotz cracking the whip, should feel a lot of urgency after blowing a 3-goal lead to the Capitals in a 6-3 loss this past Thursday. It was New York's third straight defeat. Perhaps the Islands overachieved last season, but they usually prove to be a tough out. They have won in five of their last seven visits to Philadelphia. The Flyers haven't played at home since Jan. 19. They come in fat and happy having just swept the Devils this past Tuesday and Thursday. The Flyers are far from at full strength with injuries to Sean Couturier, Morgan Frost and Phil Myers.
01-29-21	Blue Jackets v. Blackhawks +111		2-1	Loss	-100	19 h 22 m	Show
I'm not often looking to get involved with the Blackhawks in what is a clear rebuilding year for them. But taking a small plus price in this spot puts me on them. Columbus is coming off a 3-2 shootout victory against Florida on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets got revenge for a 4-3 shootout loss to the Panthers from Tuesday. This is their third game in four days and first road contest in 10 days. They are 1-3 on the road losing a pair to the Predators by multiple goals and splitting with the Red Wings, the worst team in hockey and a team that lost a pair of road games to the Blackhawks earlier this week by a combined seven goals. Chicago is 2-0 at home with the victories against Detroit. This is just the Blackhawks' third home game. They have shown improvement. Their last two games were 1-goal road losses to the Predators in overtime and in a shootout. The Blackhawks' young players are showing some potential and Chicago has found a goalie who has been looking good - Kevin Lankinen. He has a .931 save percentage. The Blackhawks are 10-2 the past 12 times hosting the Blue Jackets.
01-28-21	Islanders -132 v. Capitals		3-6	Loss	-132	12 h 55 m	Show
Much credit to the short-handed Capitals for pulling out a 3-2 victory against the Islanders on Tuesday scoring the game-winner with 26 seconds left. New York had won seven straight at Washington previous to that game. I'm looking for a bounce back from the Islanders, who blew a 2-1 second period lead against the Capitals. The Islanders' loss did not sit well with their coach, Barry Trotz. He formerly coached the Capitals and is one of the best coaches in the NHL. The Capitals managed to beat the usually well-disciplined Islanders despite missing Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuzntesov, Dmitry Orlov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov. They are all on the COVID-19 protocol list. Enforcer Tom Wilson also missed the game with a lower-body injury. Then during the game, the Capitals lost forward Nicklas Backstrom. I'd be very surprised if the Capitals manage to beat the Islanders again without so many key players.
01-28-21	Panthers v. Blue Jackets -108		2-3	Win	100	12 h 53 m	Show
Scoring a game-tying goal with three seconds left, Florida went on to beat the Blue Jackets, 4-3 in a shootout, two days ago in Columbus. The Panthers outplayed the Blue Jackets and deserved to pull out that win. But I see the Blue Jackets getting their revenge here. They've defeated Florida 14 of the last 17 times at home even with that Tuesday defeat. Columbus may have suffered a letdown in that loss to the Panthers. The Blue Jackets had upset defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay by three goals in their previous game, which also was at home. This will be just the Panthers' fourth game. They are 3-0, but their first two victories occurred at home against the Blackhawks. Note, too, that Florida backup goalie Chris Driedger is expected to be in net.
01-26-21	Islanders -129 v. Capitals	Top	2-3	Loss	-129	15 h 43 m	Show
Surprised the Islanders are a mid-sized road favorite against the Capitals? Shouldn't be because the spot and situation set up well for New York. The Islanders enter this two-game series off a 2-0 loss to the Devils this past Sunday. Islanders coach Barry Trotz was not happy about that defeat and he let his team know about it. Trotz should have his squad ready and fired-up to play his former team. So I'm expecting an all-out effort from the Islanders. The Capitals are 0-7 the past seven times they've hosted the patient and defensive-minded Islanders, a team that has frustrated them with their style. The Islanders are strong again defensively ranking third in fewest goals allowed per game and fourth in penalty kill. Washington is highly vulnerable right now with Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dimitry Orlov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov all on the COVID-19 list. In addition, enforcer Tom Wilson is likely out, too, because of a lower body injury. The Capitals have managed three victories because they've played four of their six games against the Sabres. They are 3-1 versus Buffalo. Their other two games were losses to the Penguins.
01-24-21	Maple Leafs v. Flames -113		3-2	Loss	-113	12 h 27 m	Show
This is a nice situational spot for the Flames. After sweeping the Canucks in two home games by a combined, 8-2, the Flames have been idle since Monday. That's given them plenty of time to practice, get fully in sync and be prepared for this matchup. The Maple Leafs will be playing for the sixth time in 10 days. They are coming off a 4-2 home win against the Oilers on Friday night despite being short-handed minus Auston Matthews and Joe Thornton, who is out for around a month. Matthews, the Maple Leafs' best player, is questionable due to an upper body injury. I like Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom more than Toronto's Frederik Andersen, who is too inconsistent for my taste. Markstrom has been sharp early with a 1.99 GAA and .935 save percentage in three games. The Flames have won nine of the last 11 times they've been favored, while the Maple Leafs are 6-14 the last 20 times as underdogs.
01-22-21	Golden Knights v. Coyotes +148		2-5	Win	148	16 h 14 m	Show
Las Vegas heads off for its first road trip fat and happy at 4-0, its best start in franchise-history. The Golden Knights play two games against the Coyotes in Arizona before returning back to Las Vegas for a stretch of eight home contests in 10 games. The Golden Knights just swept the Coyotes in Las Vegas. The Coyotes aren't going to lack motivation in this short revenge spot. The Golden Knights not only could be in for a letdown, but also their concentration may be lacking. This is their first time away from home and they have to follow COVID-19 protocols. It's going to be a different experience. Buried by seven penalties, the Coyotes fell behind the Golden Knights early in their 5-2 loss this past Wednesday. I'm expecting the Coyotes to play much better today under favorable situational elements.
01-22-21	Red Wings +115 v. Blackhawks		1-4	Loss	-100	15 h 6 m	Show
Detroit looks improved. Chicago looks horrible. No fans either for the Blackhawks so their home ice is largely negated. This combination lands me on the Red Wings. Detroit is 2-2. If it weren't for a one-goal loss to the Blue Jackets they would be riding a three-game winning streak. Detroit's confidence is up and its puck control has been much better. Jonathan Bernier and Thomas Greiss have played well in net. It's become very evident this is a rebuild year for the Blackhawk - and a big one at that. The Blackhawks are going with a massive youth movement. They miss the leadership and skill set of veteran captain Jonathan Toews and defenseman Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks have surrendered five goals in each of their four games this season in going 0-4 versus Tampa Bay and Florida.
01-21-21	Flyers v. Bruins -130	Top	4-5	Win	100	12 h 29 m	Show
Their defense has been there for the Bruins despite losing two of their first three games. Boston has permitted only five goals in three games. The Bruins very well could be 3-0 and we'd be seeing a much higher price. Boston was nipped, 2-1 in overtime, by the host Devils and fell 1-0 to the Islanders on the road in which they outshot New York, 27-17, during their past two games. I don't see Boston losing a third game in a row especially now that it gets to play its first home game. The Bruins' offense will come around even without injured David Pastrnak. I believe that happens here. Flyers goalie Carter Hart is off to a slow start with a 3.66 goals against average. The Flyers are short-handed on the blue line, too. Philadelphia went 1-1 in its last two games both against the Sabres. Buffalo outshot Philadelphia, 77-52, in those two games.
01-20-21	Canadiens -116 v. Canucks		5-6	Loss	-116	18 h 56 m	Show
The Canadiens have gotten bigger this season on defense - and more aggressive. Montreal's early defensive improvement looks like it's for real after the Canadiens held Edmonton to two goals in two games. Montreal outhit the Oilers, 31-17, in its 3-1 road victory on Monday. If it weren't for blowing a two-goal lead to the Maple Leafs in their opening game, the Canadiens would be 3-0. Montreal has won its last four games on the road against Vancouver. The Canucks aren't playing well. Vancouver has lost three in a row, outscored, 13-4, during this span. The Canucks' young, talented scorers are slumping and their special teams have been atrocious giving up seven power-play goals in 21 times behind shorthanded while failing to score when they've had the man advantage this season.
01-18-21	Bruins v. Islanders +121		0-1	Win	121	3 h 57 m	Show
I'll take the Islanders as a home 'dog coming off an embarrassing 5-0 road loss to the Rangers this past Saturday. The Islanders played a terrible game and backup goalie Ilya Sorokin seemed ill-prepared as a surprise starter in that game, judging by his poor performance, when starter Semyon Varlamov suffered a freak injury during pregame warmups. Word is that Varlamov is able to play today. I'm fine with the Islanders even if Sorokin has to play again. He's better than what he showed in that game. I'm expecting a supreme effort from the Islanders after their coach, the highly-respected Barry Trotz, ripped them following the Rangers' loss. This is a good spot to go against the Bruins being early in the season. Boston doesn't have David Pastrnak back yet and they are in transition defensively minus the departed Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug. The Bruins opened with a split against the Devils, with both of those games behind decided either in overtime or in a shootout.
01-17-21	Blackhawks +138 v. Panthers		2-5	Loss	-100	10 h 51 m	Show
I'm not going to be landing on the Blackhawks too often this season. But this is one of those exceptions. The Panthers finished last season losing nine of their past 11 home games. The key, however, to this handicap to the Blackhawks is the situation. Chicago has played two games. Florida has yet to see action. This disadvantage for Florida is magnified because the Panthers are breaking in many new players and didn't have a preseason to work out the kinks. The Panthers don't have their leading goal scorer from last season, Mike Hoffman. He signed with the Blues. Florida also is likely to be minus veteran defenseman Keith Yandle, who is expected to be a healthy scratch due to issues with management. Starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky won't be in net either. He's still working his way into shape. So the Blackhawks draw Florida backup goalie Chris Driedger. The Blackhawks are stepping way down in class after unfortunately drawing reigning Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay in their first two games. Neither game against the Lightning was close, but the Blackhawks played better in the rematch, which was this past Friday. Chicago has had a nice recent run in Florida beating the Panthers in six of its last eight visits.
01-16-21	Wild v. Kings +118		4-3	Loss	-100	16 h 22 m	Show
I don't see rookie Kirill Kaprizov repeating his season-opening heroics of producing three points, including scoring an overtime goal, in leading the Wild past the Kings, 4-3, two days ago. I look for the Kings, with their veteran players, to bounce back against the youthful Wild. Veteran defensemen Drew Doughty and Olli Maatta had terrible games. They should play much better for LA, whose blue line gets reinforced with Sean Walker and Kurtis MacDermid now available after missing Thursday's game because of COVID restrictions.
01-16-21	Canadiens -108 v. Oilers		5-1	Win	100	14 h 23 m	Show
The Canadiens are still kicking themselves for blowing a two-goal lead in their opener against the Maple Leafs, a 5-4 overtime defeat this past Wednesday. The rested Canadiens felt they were the better team. They catch the Oilers playing for the third time in four days. Edmonton got satisfying home revenge in its last game, beating Vancouver, 5-3, this past Thursday. I expect the Canadiens to be better this season with a rejuvenated Carey Price, who did have several outstanding saves against the Maple Leafs.
01-16-21	Sharks v. Coyotes -123		3-5	Win	100	11 h 27 m	Show
I'm playing the Zig/Zag here expecting the Coyotes to bounce back after losing to the Sharks, 4-3, in a shootout on Thursday. San Jose goalie Martin Jones bailed his team out with several outstanding saves in that 4-3 win. Arizona had more shots on goal than San Jose. Even with the victory, the Sharks have lost eight of the last 11 times as an underdog.
01-14-21	Canucks v. Oilers -120		2-5	Win	100	17 h 58 m	Show
Vancouver exploited Edmonton's vulnerable defense with a 5-3 road victory Wednesday night. Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisailt were held to a combined one assist by the Canucks. I'm betting on a bounce back from the Oilers and McDavid and Draisailt. Call it a zig-zag play if you want. I'm impressed with Vancouver's young scorers. But the Oilers still have more firepower especially with the Canucks missing center J.T. Miller. He's out with an undisclosed injury. Miller scored the most points for Vancouver last season and tied for the team lead in goals with 27. There's a good chance both teams go with their backup goalies in this one. If that's the case, I would rate an edge to Edmonton with Mike Smith. Mikko Koskinen was disappointing in net for the Oilers on Wednesday. So Smith should be an improvement.
01-14-21	Islanders -105 v. Rangers	Top	4-0	Win	100	15 h 57 m	Show
By the end of the season, the Rangers could prove dangerous. But right now the Rangers are somewhat vulnerable being one of the youngest teams in the league. The patient, well-coached, savvy Islanders are a bad first-game matchup for the Rangers. The Rangers' home ice edge is greatly reduced, too, with no fans allowed in the stands and the Islanders just having to make a short trip. The absence of exhibition games hurts the Rangers far more than the Islanders, who retain virtually their entire roster that took Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay to six games in the Eastern Conference finals. Morale is up for the Islanders after they were able to sign Mathew Barzal to a contact extension last week.
01-13-21	Canadiens +118 v. Maple Leafs		4-5	Loss	-100	13 h 51 m	Show
Toronto has new faces, older ones at that. So the Maple Leafs are in a bit of a transition phase. Montreal came on last season and has improved its depth. The Canadiens have a good lineup on paper, which I think will translate to victories especially with Carey Price looking rejuvenated. Note, too, Toronto loses some of its home ice edge because no spectators are being allowed in any of the Canadian arenas.
09-26-20	Stars +145 v. Lightning		3-2	Win	145	12 h 13 m	Show
Less than 24 hours after the Lightning's controversial, 5-4, overtime victory against the Stars on Friday night the teams are back in action today. This is unusual scheduling, which could lead to a randomness element to the game. Randomness is a plus for the underdog. Sure the Stars could quit after suffering a tough defeat in such a short time frame. But they also could come out extremely fired out. This is their playoff life after all being on the verge of elimination down 3-1. Dallas has proven resilient all season. There's more of a chance, I feel, that the Lightning could suffer a letdown coming off such a big win in such a short period of time. Tampa Bay has to feel very good up 3-1 in the series. The Stars have not been outclassed. They won Game 1 by three goals. They've lost two games by one goal each, including this past one in overtime after leading by two goals. The Stars have not peaked. They are capable of playing better. This would be the perfect time to show that.
09-21-20	Stars v. Lightning -147		2-3	Win	100	14 h 15 m	Show
Each time Tampa Bay has lost a playoff game it came back to win the next game. I expect that pattern to continue in Game 2 of this Stanley Cup Final. So does the linemaker making the Lightning this high of a favorite. This goes to my way of thinking that the Lightning are the superior team. They certainly won't lack focus after being ambushed, 4-1, in Game 1 this past Saturday. The Stars dominated the first two periods of that game being the much fresher team. Dallas was idle for four days previous to that matchup, while the Lightning had just concluded their series against the Islanders with an overtime victory on Thursday night. The Lightning seemed to figure out the Stars in the third period posting 22 shots on goal while dominating the period. Dallas has done great to reach this point. This isn't a fade on the Stars as it is more a play on the Lightning based that they will play a much crisper and better game than they did during the first two periods of Game 1 when fatigue was an issue for them. Even with that defeat, the Lightning still have defeated the Stars in five of the past seven meetings
09-17-20	Lightning v. Islanders +145		2-1	Loss	-100	13 h 39 m	Show
I'm not convinced Tampa Bay has the mental toughness to close out this Eastern Conference finals after losing, 2-1, to the Islanders in double overtime this past Tuesday. That was the Lightning's opportunity. The Islanders still face elimination down 3-2 in the series. But New York is riding house money. The pressure remains on the Lightning. Tampa Bay has been in this situation before - and failed miserably blowing 3-2 series leads in 2016 and 2018 in the Eastern Conference finals. The double overtime win gives the Islanders new-found momentum. New York goalie Semyon Varamov also looked back in good form. The Lightning still could be without Brayden Point, their leading scorer in the playoffs. At this plus price, I'll take a shot with the well-coached, disciplined and mentally tough Islanders. They may not win, but they certainly won't go gently into the night.
09-11-20	Lightning v. Islanders +140		3-5	Win	140	12 h 22 m	Show
No, the Islanders may not be nearly as talented as Tampa Bay. But the Islanders are extremely well-coached and have proven resilient since play resumed. New York outshot the Lightning, 28-21, and had numerous missed scoring opportunities in a 2-1 Game 2 loss. So I don't see the Islanders quietly going in the night down 0-2 in the series. They are in must-win territory and draw Tampa Bay minus suspended right winger Alex Killorn and likely without injured center Brayden Point, too. Killorn had the team's third-most goals during the regular season and Point was Tampa Bay's No. 1 playoff points producer. The Islanders have the defense and discipline to get back into this series. The last time the Lightning had been held to as few as 21 shots on goal was March 3.
09-07-20	Islanders +138 v. Lightning		2-8	Loss	-100	16 h 22 m	Show
What we have here is a unique situation. The Islanders just concluded a seven-game series with the Flyers that finished Saturday night. The Lightning, by contrast, haven't played in a week. I'm going to ride the Islanders' adrenaline and 3-0 record in Game 1 series against the Panthers, Capitals and Flyers at this plus price against Tampa Bay's long rest. The Lightning are the better team, but the Islanders have the momentum to take this Game 1 especially given that Tampa Bay is likely to be highly rusty. The Islanders are a frustrating team for the opposition because they are defensive-minded, disciplined and well-coached. These factors are big on the Islanders getting this far, but their offense also has stepped up. The Islanders are averaging 3.38 goals since the league resumed. That figure would have ranked fourth in the league if computed out during the entire season. New York scored 3 or more goals in each of their seven games against the Flyers.
09-04-20	Stars +116 v. Avalanche		5-4	Win	116	11 h 57 m	Show
Despite a slew of injuries, Colorado has won the last two games in this Western Conference Stanley Cup semifinal to force today's Game 7. The Avalanche have momentum. But I want the Stars going for me considering how banged-up Colorado is and how important this game is for the future of Dallas' organization. This is the situation the Avalanche are in: They likely will be without captain Gabriel Landeskog, a member of their top line. They also likely will be missing Erik Johnson, one of their top-four defensemen along with three other plays who provide depth, which is important at this late stage. But worse of all for the Avalanche is they probably will be missing starting goalie Philipp Grubauer and his top backup, Pavel Francouz. That would put journeyman third-stringer Michael Hutchinson back in goal. The Stars don't need to play their "A" game to beat Hutchinson, who I consider one of the worst backup goalies in the NHL. Credit to Hutchinson for allowing a total of four goals in the last two games. Dallas, though, managed only 15 shots during the last two periods of Game 6. The Stars' top line of Jamie Benn, Alexander Radulov and Tyler Seguin have managed just one point during the last two games. They are much better than that, especially going against Hutchinson and a Colorado defense that isn't as good as the Stars' No. 2 ranked defense. The ramifications could be huge for the Stars if they lose this game and thus blow a 3-1 series lead. Interim coach Rick Bowness probably won't be back. The roster could be gutted, too, with the team's aging veterans sent packing in abysmal failure.
09-03-20	Flyers v. Islanders -115	Top	5-4	Loss	-115	16 h 0 m	Show
These two teams are very similar, stressing defense and discipline. Except the Islanders are the better team. The Flyers barely held off elimination by nipping the Islanders in overtime two days ago. I see the Islanders closing the series out now in their second try just like they did against the Capitals and Panthers. Except for the opening period in Game 3 and the second period in Game 5, the Islanders have gotten the better of Philadelphia. The Flyers were outscored by the Canadiens during their previous Stanley Cup series and I don't believe they can step up enough to force a Game 7 against the extremely sound and well-coached Islanders, who are playing their best hockey. The Islanders have defeated the Flyers in seven of their past nine meetings.
09-01-20	Islanders v. Flyers +109		3-4	Win	109	17 h 19 m	Show
I'm not saying the Flyers are the superior team to the Islanders. I just don't see this series ending in five games. I see Philadelphia extending the series to at least six games. The Flyers won Game 2 and then lost 3-1 and 3-2 during the last two games. Philadelphia has proven resilient all season. The Flyers are 40-18 when playing on one day's rest and until Game 4 had bounced back from every postseason defeat with a victory. The Flyers dominated the second period of Game 4 and outshot the Islanders in that contest, 38-33.
08-31-20	Bruins v. Lightning -113		2-3	Win	100	13 h 10 m	Show
Don't step in front of the Lightning. Tampa Bay is smelling blood as it seeks redemption from being swept in the first round of the Stanley Cup last season after dominating the regular season. The Lightning have won three in a row against the Bruins after losing the first game. The Lightning have smashed the Bruins outscoring them, 10-2, during the past three games. Backup goalie Jaroslav Halak hasn't been up to the task of stopping the Lightning's high-powered attack. The Bruins haven't matched up well to the Lightning during the past few seasons losing 14 of the last 17 games.
08-30-20	Flyers v. Islanders -121		2-3	Win	100	11 h 17 m	Show
Don't underestimate the intensity and killer attitude of the Islanders to take out opponents during these Stanley Cup playoffs. The Islanders took out Washington, a team with far more firepower than Philadelphia, in five games during the first round while the Flyers were being outscored and struggling with the inferior Canadiens. Now the Flyers are down 2-1 in the series to the forechecking, disciplined Islanders. The Islanders play the Flyers' type of game except better. Philadelphia has scored just 16 goals in nine Stanley Cup games, an average of less than two goals per game. The Islanders have outplayed the Flyers for the past five periods. So I see no compelling reason not to stick with them.
08-29-20	Flyers v. Islanders -114		1-3	Win	100	17 h 2 m	Show
The Canucks' two top lines showed their talent and speed being instrumental in Vancouver's 5-2 Game 2 victory on Tuesday. Vancouver has the offense to do that to foes. The Canucks aren't so strong on the defensive end. It's why the Over is 21-9-1 in Vancouver's last 31 games. The Golden Knights have scored 4 or more goals in eight of their last 11 games since hockey resumed. The Golden Knights won Game 1 of the series, 5-0, and have the depth to dominate when third and fourth lines are skating. Both teams should be fully fresh after getting extra rest time with the postponement of Thursday's game until Saturday. The Over has cashed four of the past five times the teams have met.
08-24-20	Islanders +100 v. Flyers		4-0	Win	100	16 h 41 m	Show
Impressive. That's what you have to say about the Islanders' performance in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs when they dominated and took out the Capitals. The Flyers had to go six games to eliminate the Canadiens. Montreal outscored Philadelphia in its first-round series. The Flyers were bothered by the Canadiens' physical, aggressive style. Philadelphia averaged just 1.8 goals during the series. The Islanders are a step up from Montreal. The Islanders swept the Flyers during the regular season winning all three matchups.
08-21-20	Blues -130 v. Canucks		2-6	Loss	-130	16 h 39 m	Show
The Blues have been down this path before. They were down 3-2 in the playoffs against the Stars last season. St. Louis rebounded to win that series on its way to capturing the Stanley Cup. Maybe the Canucks can take out the Blues. But I don't see it happening in this Game 6. The Blues are kicking themselves for blowing a 3-1 second period lead in a 4-3 loss to the Canucks on Wednesday. Outstanding goaltending by Jacob Markstrom has been a huge key for Vancouver. The Blues have fired an average of nearly 43 shots a game during the last three games. I don't see the Canucks being able to keep up and Markstrom is due to start wearing down.
08-21-20	Flyers -129 v. Canadiens		3-2	Win	100	13 h 7 m	Show
The Flyers came back from an embarrassing, 5-0, loss in Game 2 to defeat the Canadiens in the next game. I expect the Flyers to follow that same winning pattern after losing, 5-3, on Wednesday in a physical and emotional game. Philadelphia is 6-0 the past six times after laying five or more goals in its previous game. Montreal scored five goals in each of its victories. But in the other three games in this series, the Canadiens have produced only one goal. The Canadiens also will be without injured Brendan Gallagher, who tied for the team lead in goals during the regular season.
08-20-20	Stars v. Flames +113		7-3	Loss	-100	19 h 13 m	Show
This is a real even series with a seven-game feel to it. So I'll take a plus price on Calgary believing the Flames will extend the series to seven games being down three games to two. The underdog has won eight of the last 11 between these two teams. The Flames were extremely close to opening a 3-1 lead in the series, but they gave up a late game-tying goal in Game 4 and then lost in overtime. I respect the Stars' defense, but I would give a strong nod to Cam Talbot over Anton Khudobin in net. Talbot is in a tremendous groove. The Flames need to do a better job of testing Khudobin especially Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm. They are all overdue to produce better scoring performances.

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