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Stephen Nover NHL Money Lines Picks

Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
08-19-20	Canucks +127 v. Blues		4-3	Win	127	15 h 46 m	Show
The Canucks nearly went up 3-0 in the series. They won the first two games and led in the third game before losing in overtime. Sparked by backup goalie Jake Allen, the Blues have evened the series. But now it's Vancouver's turn to win. The Canucks own an edge in firepower especially now that it's for certain that explosive winger Vladimir Tarasenko is done for the series because of a shoulder injury.
08-19-20	Hurricanes +135 v. Bruins		1-2	Loss	-100	8 h 28 m	Show
Even though Boston can close out the series with a victory here leading 3-1, I'm not convinced the Bruins are the superior team. If you discount a late empty net goal, every game has been decided by one goal. The Bruins have managed to win three of those four games. If the Hurricanes didn't blow a two-goal lead in the last game, the series would be even at 2-2 and this betting line might be different. Yes, it's a blow that the Hurricanes lost rising star forward Andrei Svechnikov. But he also had missed time when the Hurricanes met the Capitals in the first round last season. The Hurricanes won that series. The Bruins are not unscathed. Their leading scorer, David Pastrnak, has not played in the last three games and starting goalie, Tukka Rask, opted to leave the team.
08-18-20	Flyers -130 v. Canadiens		2-0	Win	100	12 h 38 m	Show
The Canadiens certainly caught the Flyers' attention when they whipped them, 5-0, in Game 2 of this series. The Flyers came back to nip Montreal, 1-0, on Sunday. The Flyers are the superior team and they reinserted themselves with that victory. I don't see this series going more than five games so I like the Flayers. The lay price isn't too high to back the better team. Philadelphia is 12-2 following a victory and has beaten Montreal in nine of the last 13 meetings.
08-17-20	Bruins v. Hurricanes +114		4-3	Loss	-100	19 h 41 m	Show
This series has the makings of going the full seven games. There have been three close games and the Bruins have managed to win two of three. I see the Hurricanes evening the series here. I'm not buying into the perception that Boston is the better overall team. The Bruins are 1-7 the past eight times they've been playoff chalk. The Hurricanes have won seven of their last nine games. There have been significant developments since the series began. The Hurricanes have lost Andrei Svechnikov, their No. 2 goal scorer and a rising star. The Bruins are without their starting goalie as Tuukka Rask decided to leave the bubble to be with his family. It's 50-50, too, if the Bruins get back injured David Pastrnak. Backup goalie Jaroslav Halak was up to the task in Boston's Game 3 victory, 3-1, stopping 29 of 30 shots. Halak may not be that effective in this next matchup.
08-17-20	Lightning v. Blue Jackets +140		2-1	Loss	-100	10 h 19 m	Show
The Blue Jackets are a tough out with proven resiliency. They are 3-0 in the postseason following a defeat. So I see value at this price taking the underdog Blue Jackets and their red-hot goalie Joonas Korpisalo, who has a 1.51 GAA and .956 saver percentage in seven playoff games. Tampa Bay is 3-7 the last 10 times it has been favored. It's an added bonus for the Blue Jackets if Cam Atkinson returns to the lineup. He's missed the last two games due to an undisclosed injury.
08-16-20	Flyers -130 v. Canadiens	Top	1-0	Win	100	17 h 28 m	Show
The Flyers are far superior to the Canadiens. I thought the Flyers could sweep their series against Montreal. That's not going to happen after the Canadiens embarrassed Philadelphia, 5-0, on Friday. The Flyers are not happy with that defeat especially after the Canadiens still used their top power play unit up 5-0 in the third period. Carey Price is stepping up for Montreal. But I still like youngster Carter Hart more as Price is past his prime. Even with that stinging loss, the Flyers are 20-6 in their last 26 games. Their top five scorers have yet to produce a goal in the series. They are way overdue for a breakout performance. I see that happening here.
08-14-20	Canucks +129 v. Blues		4-3	Win	129	14 h 18 m	Show
Watch out for Vancouver. The Canucks have won four in a row. Their speed and scoring depth was on display in Game 1 of this series when the Canucks defeated the Blues, 5-2. The Canucks are peaking while the Blues have serious problems. So while I respect the defending Stanley Cup champions, I believe the wrong team is favored here. St. Louis has yet to win since hockey resumed going winless in the four-team round-robin tournament. The Blues have key injuries and Vladimir Tarasenko hasn't been 100 percent following a shoulder injury suffered this past October. Alex Steen and Sammy Blais missed Game 1 against Vancouver due to injuries. Another problem for the Blues is the subpar play of goalie Jordan Binnington. He was great last season. Not now, though. He's struggling and his GAA of 3.6 during his last five starts reflects that.
08-13-20	Hurricanes +125 v. Bruins	Top	3-2	Win	125	15 h 11 m	Show
The Bruins weren't sharp during the round robin series. They were able to get past the Hurricanes, 4-3, in double overtime on Wednesday, though. The Hurricanes hadn't played in seven days after sweeping the Rangers in a qualifying series. The rust showed because the Hurricanes were sluggish. Yet they nearly won. Expect a much better effort from the Hurricanes today. Fatigue shouldn't factor for them either since they had been idle for so long prior to yesterday. The Hurricanes haven't forgotten the Bruins sweeping them in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Carolina has better scoring depth than Boston and its top line of Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen can match the Bruins' powerful No. 1 line of Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. Carolina swept the Rangers despite not having key defenseman Dougie Hamilton. He played Wednesday, though. So that's a major plus for the Hurricanes. The Bruins have yet to convert a power play opportunity this month going 0-for-13.
08-12-20	Canucks +129 v. Blues		5-2	Win	129	10 h 25 m	Show
Maybe the Blues can just turn it on. But I'll take a plus price to fade the defending Stanley Cup champions in this Game 1 playoff matchup. The Blues went 0-3 in their round-robin postseason games. They are 6-13 the past 19 times facing an above .500 opponent. Goalie Jordan Binnington, who was so instrumental in the Blues' capturing the Stanley Cup last season, isn't playing well with a 4.10 GAA and .895 save percentage during the round-robin competition. The Canucks have their confidence up after beating the Wild in four games during their qualifying series. They have played the Blues strong this season winning twice while losing once, which came in overtime.
08-11-20	Blue Jackets v. Lightning -164		2-3	Win	100	6 h 46 m	Show
Bad spot for the Blue Jackets and a monster revenge spot for Tampa Bay. That combination makes me lay this price with the Lightning. The Lightning were shockingly swept by the Blue Jackets last season after a dominant regular season. They will have tremendous motivation. The Blue Jackets took out the Maple Leafs in five games during their series. The finale of that series was Sunday. This is an early start time. So the turnaround is very short for Columbus. The Blue Jackets have struggled to score averaging just 2.1 goals per game during their last eight games. Tampa Bay is unlikely to have Victor Hedman, one of the better defensemen in the league. But the Lightning have the depth to overcome his loss. This is the Lightning's season as a Game 1 upset loss could send them into the type of tailspin they experienced last year in the Stanley Cup.
08-07-20	Oilers -128 v. Blackhawks		2-3	Loss	-128	15 h 56 m	Show
Credit to the Blackhawks for pulling out a victory on Wednesday to take a 2-1 series lead on the Oilers. But I'm still convinced the Oilers are the better team. So I'm behind them in this do-or-die spot. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who led the league in points, are too much for Chicago. Both have been hot in the postseason with Draisaitl producing six points and McDavid seven points. They've combined for eight goals. McDavid is the most dangerous offensive player in the NHL.
08-07-20	Islanders -123 v. Panthers		5-1	Win	100	8 h 29 m	Show
Now that the Panthers got their victory, Iook for the Islanders to close out this series with a victory today. New York is the better team. The Panthers nipped the Islanders, 3-2, on Wednesday because the Islanders made uncharacteristic mistakes and stupid plays. Expect a much cleaner effort from them as they thrive on discipline and defense. The Islanders had defeated the Panthers six straight times until that loss. The Panthers could be missing Jonathan Huberdeau, who is their leading scorer. He missed the last five minutes of Wednesday's game with an injury.
08-06-20	Capitals -113 v. Flyers		1-3	Loss	-113	7 h 24 m	Show
I'm expecting Washington star defenseman John Carlson to play after he missed Monday's loss to the Lightning. Carlson practiced on Wednesday. But even if Carlson is a no-go, I still like the Capitals in this spot. The Capitals were frustrated in a shootout loss to the Lightning. The Flyers are going to be rusty. They last played on Sunday when they defeated the Bruins, 4-1, in an underdog role. Flyers rookie goalie Carter Hart was outstanding in that win. However, the Flyers are going with 35-year-old Brian Elliott in net for this matchup. That's a break for the Capitals.
08-05-20	Oilers -135 v. Blackhawks		3-4	Loss	-135	16 h 36 m	Show
The class difference between these two teams is greater than the lay price in my view. Edmonton has too much offense for a mistake-prone Blackhawks defense. Connor McDavid is at the top of his game. There is no one better in the NHL. The Blackhawks caught the Oilers napping in the first period of Game 1 scoring four goals. Since then during the past five periods, the Oilers have outscored the Blackhawks, 9-5. Chicago has not done well in quick turnarounds going 9-25 the past 34 times when playing on one day rest.
08-05-20	Avalanche v. Stars +117		4-0	Loss	-100	12 h 37 m	Show
I expect a strong effort from the Stars after they blew a 3-1 lead to the Golden Knights on Monday in a 5-3 loss. The Stars got soft in the third period giving up four unanswered goals. The Stars have yet to lose to Colorado in four games this season. The Avalanche escaped with a 2-1 victory against the Blues in their first game since play was halted. I prefer Ben Bishop against any of Colorado's goalies.
08-04-20	Wild v. Canucks +104		3-4	Win	104	19 h 15 m	Show
The Canucks were unexpectedly shut out in Game 1 on Sunday, losing 3-0. Look for the Canucks to make the necessary adjustments and get their offense rolling. Minnesota's defense and goalie Alex Stalock played over their heads in that opening series victory. The Canucks go four lines deep. They had five players who produced 21 or more goals during the regular season. I expect a much better result from Vancouver down 0-1 in the series.
08-03-20	Blackhawks v. Oilers -125		3-6	Win	100	11 h 45 m	Show
I like Connor McDavid and the Oilers to get revenge after losing, 6-4, in the first game of the series this past Saturday. The Blackhawks hit the Oilers with a quick four-goal first period punch. The Oilers will be more prepared this time around. The Oilers are the superior team and have motivation. McDavid produced three points in the first game and is the best player on the ice. The Blackhawks are 8-24 when playing on one day's rest.
08-01-20	Jets +117 v. Flames		1-4	Loss	-100	12 h 57 m	Show
These two teams are extremely evenly-matched. But I like Winnipeg's firepower more and I give the Jets a big edge in net with goalie Connor Hellebuyck. He's played so well that he is in the Vezina Trophy discussion. Calgary's defense has taken a hit with Travis Hamonic opting out of the playoffs due to concerns about Coronavirus. The Flames have a recent history of flaming out in the playoffs. They have lost the past four times they've been favored in the postseason.
03-11-20	Senators +150 v. Kings		2-3	Loss	-100	16 h 58 m	Show
Kudos to the Kings, who have the fewest points in the Western Conference. Despite their lowly status, the Kings have put together a six-game win streak. Note, though, that three of those victories were by one goal with two of the victories coming in either overtime, or via a shootout. Now, for just the second time in their last 16 games, the Kings are favored. This is where I jump off the Kings' bandwagon. Ottawa hasn't been playing bad either with four wins in its last six games. The Senators are 7-3 the past 10 times against the Kings. Bottom line: Too much value on Ottawa to let this one pass.
03-09-20	Avalanche v. Kings +121		1-3	Win	121	11 h 58 m	Show
Not only are the Kings playing their best hockey - winners of five in a row - but they are in a tremendous situational spot. Colorado is playing for the fourth time in six days and at its seventh different venue in a row. The Avalanche are coming off a 4-3 victory against the Sharks on Sunday. So they will be playing without rest. This is third consecutive away matchup. After this game, the Avalanche head home for four games in Colorado. LA is 6-1-1 in its last eight home games with four victories during their past four home contests. Jonathan Quick is expected to be in net for the Kings. He has a .957 save percentage and 1.35 GAA in his last five games. Colorado either will go with overworked Pavel Francouz, or backup Michael Hutchinson, in goal. Note, too, the Kings have defeated Colorado in seven of their last 10 meetings.
03-06-20	Blackhawks v. Red Wings +145		1-2	Win	145	9 h 5 m	Show
The Red Wings are getting strong goalie work from Jonathan Bernier and have been idle since Monday. But this handicap is based far more on fading the Blackhawks. It's weird to see the Blackhawks this big of a favorite especially since they are playing without rest having edged the Oilers, 4-3, at home Thursday. The Red Wings nearly beat Chicago in the first meeting between the two teams this season. They led 2-0, but fell, 4-2. This gives the Red Wings revenge incentive and a rare realistic chance to win a home game for their long-suffering fans.
03-03-20	Sabres v. Jets -150		1-3	Win	100	6 h 56 m	Show
The Jets are 10-3 the past 13 times as a home favorite. I want them going for me returning home after being idle for two days and coming off a tough 3-2 loss to Edmonton on Saturday in which they outshot the Oilers, 41-22. Buffalo is a terrible road team as evidenced by its 14-46 away mark in its past 60 away games. The Sabres' offense is heavily reliant upon Jack Eichel and he's in a scoring slump without a point in his last four games.
02-29-20	Stars +124 v. Blues		3-4	Loss	-100	7 h 57 m	Show
I'll take a plus price with the Stars in revenge mode for a 5-1 home loss to the Blues on Feb. 21. Dallas is 10-4 the last 14 times as a road 'dog and 18-7 the past 25 times when facing an above .500 opponent. The Blues, by contrast, are 4-10 versus opponents with a winning mark.
02-28-20	Wild v. Blue Jackets -124	Top	5-0	Loss	-124	15 h 59 m	Show
These two teams just met on Tuesday in Minnesota. The Blue Jackets were playing for the eighth time in 13 days. The Wild edged them, 5-4. Now the fatigue situation is reversed. Columbus has been idle the past two days. Minnesota just played last night rolling past the Red Wings. This marks the Wild's third game in four days and fourth matchup in six days. The Wild's track record in these spots is very bad - 2-8 the past 10 times on zero rest and 2-11 the last 13 times when playing in a 3-in-4 situation. They also have a losing record on the road. This is a crucial home matchup for the Blue Jackets, who hold a narrow two-point lead over the Hurricanes and Rangers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
02-25-20	Panthers v. Coyotes -124		2-1	Loss	-124	4 h 17 m	Show
The Coyotes draw the Panthers at the end of their five-game, nine-day road trip. Arizona has been idle the past two days after posting an impressive home victory against Tampa Bay. The Coyotes are 10-1 the past 11 times on two days rest. The teams met last month and the Coyotes beat the Panthers, 5-2, in Florida. The Panthers are 0-5 the past five times they've been underdogs and are 1-5 during their last six visits to Arizona.
02-21-20	Predators -120 v. Blackhawks		1-2	Loss	-120	10 h 41 m	Show
The Blackhawks are fade material as they look to rebuild and deal with trade rumors as the trade deadline nears. Chicago is 1-7 in its last eight games. The Blackhawks have dropped their past three home games with the latest being, 6-3, to the Rangers two days ago. After this matchup, the Blackhawks face road games against the Stars, Blues and Lightning. So they know the playoffs are not going to be reached. The Predators should be pumped as defenseman Ryan Ellis could make his return to the lineup. He's been out with a head injury. Nashville is 5-2 in its last seven road games. The Predators can take advantage of a Blackhawks defense that is giving up an average of 4.3 goals in their last six games and last-ranked power play unit that has failed to score in its last six games spanning 17 chances.
02-20-20	Jets -118 v. Senators		5-1	Win	100	7 h 35 m	Show
The Jets got better and the Senators got worse with Winnipeg picking up defenseman Dylan DeMelo from Ottawa. The trade happened just two days ago. DeMelo is eager to make an impact against his old team and the timing is right. Winnipeg has been strong as a road favorite winning 23 of the last 34 times in that role. Ottawa is 4-11 in its last 15 home contests. The Senators have given up at least three goals in seven of their last eight games.
02-19-20	Coyotes v. Stars -155		2-3	Win	100	11 h 55 m	Show
You have to go back to 2012 to find the last time Arizona won in Dallas. The Coyotes are 1-9-1 in their past 11 games against the Stars, including losing 4-2 at home on Dec. 29. I don't see that pattern changing in this matchup. The Coyotes go to Dallas fat and happy riding a two-game winning streak with home victories against the Capitals and 2-1 over the Islanders this past Monday. The Stars are 6-1-2 this month, but coming off a 4-3 road loss to the Senators from Sunday. That was Dallas' fourth game in six days. The Stars are home now and have had two days to rest up following that defeat. Wednesday Free Play Rangers plus $1.17 at Blackhawks Face it Chicago it's not going to happen. The Blackhawks aren't going to make the playoffs. Not after going 1-6 in their last seven games. The Blackhawks return home for the first time in two weeks. They are 0-2 in their previous two home games. Chicago hosts the Predators after this matchup followed by road matchups against the Stars, Blues and Lightning. So deep down inside if they are being honest, the Blackhawks have to realize that their just completed 1-4 road swing just about destroyed their forlorn playoff hopes. The Rangers are in desperate need of a victory here, too, as they are outside the playoff picture. Unlike the Blackhawks, though, the Rangers have shown life winning four of their last five games. The lone loss came to the hot Bruins, 3-1, at home this past Sunday. This gives the Rangers amble time to regroup. New York has won its last five road games. The Rangers have been getting outstanding goalie play from Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev. Those two have made Henrik Lundqvist almost an afterthought. The Rangers are giving up just 1.8 goals in their last five games. Only once in their last 10 games have they surrendered more than three goals. The Blackhawks rank last in the NHL in power play percentage. They were 0-for-14 in their power play opportunities during their just conclued five-game road trip. Chicago is allowing an average of four goals per game during their last five contests.
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.
02-09-20	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.
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.
01-28-20	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.
01-21-20	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.
01-16-20	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.
01-13-20	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.
01-09-20	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.
12-20-19	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.
12-14-19	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.
12-10-19	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.
12-06-19	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.
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.
11-19-19	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.
11-17-19	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.
11-14-19	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.
11-07-19	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.
11-01-19	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.
10-30-19	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.
10-24-19	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.
10-22-19	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.
10-16-19	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.
10-10-19	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.
10-09-19	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.
10-05-19	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.
10-02-19	Capitals +129 v. Blues		3-2	Win	129	24 h 49 m	Show
Anytime the Capitals are an underdog my first look is going to be on them. Washington has retained its core group that helped win the Stanley Cup two seasons ago. The Capitals have had all summer to think about being drummed out of the playoffs in the first round by Carolina last year. The Capitals should be sky-high for this matchup against the defending Stanley Cup champion Blues. St. Louis is still on Cloud 9 after winning its first Stanley Cup championship in its 51-year history. The Blues will be raising their Stanley Cup banner before the game in celebration. So the Blues aren't likely to be as focused and motivated as the Capitals. Washington has enjoyed good success when playing in St. Louis winning five of the past seven times there.
06-09-19	Bruins v. Blues -110		5-1	Loss	-110	12 h 25 m	Show
St. Louis is playing better than Boston. Goalie Jordan Binnington is hot again. The Bruins' power play has gone cold. The Blues are home - and the price is right to back them. The home team has won six of the last eight times between these two teams. The Blues have been superior to the Bruins when the teams were at regular strength. Boston's key has been on special teams with its power play. But now that has gone cold failing to score the past five times spanning the last two games. Unfortunately bad officiating has played a part during these Stanley Cup playoffs. This is a random thing, but the Blues being the home team are the more likely to get a break. Binnington, who went 24-5-1 after arriving from the minors, is coming off a 38-save performance in the Blues' 2-1 road win this past Thursday in Game 5. He's allowed just three goals in the last two games.
06-03-19	Bruins v. Blues -110	Top	2-4	Win	100	14 h 35 m	Show
The Blues have been resilient all season and I expect them to be resilient here with, for all practical purposes, their season on the line trailing 2-1 to the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals. St. Louis might have been tight hosting their first Stanley Cup Final in 49 years. Certainly the Blues got out of control racking up too many penalties. The Bruins' deadly power play personnel took advantage coverting all four of their power play chances to defeat the Blues, 7-2, in Game 3 this past Saturday night. The key for the Blues is keeping their emotions in check and not drawing penalties. Are they capable of that against this particular opponent, who seems to really bother them? Yes, the Blues have the necessary discipline, defense and goaltending with Jordan Binnington. St. Louis was the least penalized team during the first three rounds of the postseason. Being home should help, too.
06-01-19	Bruins +105 v. Blues		7-2	Win	105	6 h 28 m	Show
The Bruins are proven road warriors and in bounce back mode after losing Game 2 to the Blues at home. Boston is 6-2 on the road during the Stanley Cup playoffs and has won its past four away contests. St. Louis is just a .500 team at home during the postseason. Tuukka Rask has been brilliant on the road for Boston. He's given up just two goals in his last four away matchups. The Bruins have the best line in Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. They are overdue for a better performance, though, having produced only two points during the first two games of the series, including an empty-net goal by Marchand.
05-27-19	Blues +140 v. Bruins	Top	2-4	Loss	-100	58 h 38 m	Show
All the Blues do is win on the road in the playoffs. They are 7-2 this postseasona away from home. St. Louis has been idle for five days. But that's nothing compared to the Bruins, who haven't played in 10 days! That's an unbelievable long layoff time and really puts a rustiness factor into Boston's equation for this Game 1. The Blues are riding a lot of momentum and playing on house money. Few, if any, expected them to still be alive at this point. A number of sportsbooks have big jeopardy on them because of the Blues' huge future book odds at the time. St. Louis eliminated the Sharks winning the last two games of that series by a margin of 10-1. The Blues have surrendered only two goals during their last three games. Tuukka Rask has been brilliant in goal. Jordan Binnington can match him, though. The rookie is 36-13 since being called up. The randomness factor is raised due to the lengthy time between games. Given that and the Blues playing their best hockey and road prowess, I find excellent value on St. Louis to steal this Game 1.
05-17-19	Sharks v. Blues -136		1-2	Win	100	3 h 10 m	Show
I want the Blues going for me after poor officiating cost them the last game. The Blues have been resilient all season and are the better defensive team by a wide margin with the superior goalie. Neither team has yet to win two in a row in this evenly matched series. Now it's the Blues' turn. San Jose is 1-4 following a win. The home team has won six of the past eight times between the two teams.
05-16-19	Bruins v. Hurricanes +103		4-0	Loss	-100	16 h 30 m	Show
The Bruins hold a commanding 3-0 lead in this Eastern Conference final. But while the Bruins have been the superior team, the 3-0 series lead is somewhat misleading. The Hurricanes nearly pulled a road upset in Game 1 leading 2-1 entering the third period before falling apart. The Hurricanes outshot the Bruins, 36-31, in Game 3 but lost 2-1. Carolina has a great home record and obviously is in must-win territory. So an all-out effort from the Hurricanes should be forthcoming while the Bruins are fat and happy. The Panthers have won five of their six Stanley Cup home games and are 9-2 overall during their last 11 home contests.
05-11-19	Blues +119 v. Sharks		3-6	Loss	-100	24 h 54 m	Show
The Blues have been at their finest on the road during the Stanley Cup winning five of six times. They have been idle since Tuesday while the Sharks didn't clinch their series against the Avalanche until a 3-2 Game 7 victory this past Wednesday. St. Louis is the better defensive team and has the superior goalie. I can definitely see the Blues frustrating the Sharks here and coming away with a Game 1 victory. They are a much different type of foe than the Sharks have encountered so far in the postseason. St. Louis has won seven of the last eight times as an underdog. Jordan Binnington continued his regular-season brillance into the playoffs posting a .922 save percentage during St. Louis' second-round series victory against Dallas. Binnington was 24-5-1 with five shutouts and a 1.89 GAA during the regular season. Sharks goalie Martin Jones has picked up his play lately, but isn't the equal of Binnington. The Blues are 18-8 the past 26 times versus foes with a winning record. They haven't been bothered by Pacific Division opponents either beating them seven of the past nine times.
05-09-19	Hurricanes v. Bruins -147		2-5	Win	100	18 h 14 m	Show
The Bruins are looking like the best team in hockey. They have a lot of momentum, their top line is producing, goalie Tuukka Rask is hot and they have home ice, which means a lot against this opponent. The Hurricanes have lost during their last four visits to Boston. They also haven't played since Friday so there figures to be some rust. David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron give Boston maybe the best line in hockey. They've come through so far in the postseason with 16 goals and 32 points. Rask looked great in the Bruins' series victory against the Blue Jackets turning in a 1.71 GAA and .948 save percentage.
05-07-19	Stars +145 v. Blues		1-2	Loss	-100	4 h 12 m	Show
The marketplace has pushed the line high enough where there is now definite value to back the underdog Stars. These teams are very even. Dallas has the superior defense and goalie Ben Bishop has played better than any goalie this season in my view. The Stars have proven themselves on the road, including winning twice in St. Louis during this series. Dallas has won eight of the last 10 times it has been a road 'dog.
05-06-19	Bruins v. Blue Jackets -119		3-0	Loss	-119	10 h 16 m	Show
I want the Blue Jackets going for me at home facing elimination in this Game 6. The Blue Jackets have been knocked out of the playoffs the past two years by the eventual Stanley Cup champion during the first round. Columbus didn't let that happen this season. The Blue Jackets swept the Lightning - the best team during the regular season - and have won eight of their last 10 home games, including going 3-1 in Stanley Cup action. The Bruins heavily rely on their top line, which has been hot. But I see John Tortorella really having his Blue Jackets clamp down on Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron at Nationwide Arena. Boston has had trouble at this venue losing four of the past five times.
05-01-19	Blues v. Stars -119	Top	2-4	Win	100	11 h 40 m	Show
I'm looking for a bounce back from the Stars, who lost by a goal at home in Game 3. Prior to that Game 3, the Stars had beaten the Blues four consecutive times at home. The Stars' special teams are playing well and their front line is due to produce more. I give the Stars checkmarks on defense and in goal with Ben Bishop.
04-29-19	Blues v. Stars -115		4-3	Loss	-115	18 h 9 m	Show
This is a cheap price to get the better defensive team at home. The teams split the opening two games in St. Louis. The Stars had 10 more shots on goal than the Blues in this span. I like the Stars' combination of size and speed, especially on their No. 1 line. I also like the Stars' ability to win faceoffs especially being the home team now. These are key factors. Ben Bishop and Jordan Binnington may have been the two top goalies in the league this season. Bishop has a strong playoff track record. Binnington, though, is a rooke and he wasn't that good against the Stars during the regular season with an .879 save percentage and 2.76 GAA. Dallas has dominated this series, too, winning seven of the past nine times.
04-27-19	Stars +125 v. Blues		4-2	Win	125	17 h 2 m	Show
The Stars outshot the Blues, 29-20, in Game 1 but lost by one goal. It was a rare time this season that Ben Bishop permitted a soft goal. Bishop has been the best goalie in the NHL this season in my opinion and the Stars have the second-stingiest defense in the league. Dallas also has proved itself on the road going 9-4 the past 13 times. I don't see the Blues getting the better of the Stars a second straight time. Dallas has dominated this series recently winning six of the last eight times with two of its victories versus St. Louis this season coming by three goals.
04-26-19	Avalanche +115 v. Sharks		2-5	Loss	-100	21 h 32 m	Show
The Avalanche have plenty of momentum and is the more rested team. Colorado has won four in a row in eliminating the Flames. The Avalanche outscored Calgary, 17-7, in going 4-0 during the last four games. San Jose still may be in the clouds after rallying from a 3-0 third period deficit to edge the Golden Knights in overtime this past Tuesday in its Game 7 matchup. It's difficult envisioning the Sharks producing the kind of effort so soon after their super human effort against the Golden Knights after Joe Pavelski was injured. Pavelski isn't likley to play in this game.
04-25-19	Stars +136 v. Blues	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	20 h 15 m	Show
The Blues are vulnerable having last played on Saturday and catching the Stars off three straight victories against the Predators to close that series. Dallas has the better defense ranking second in the league. The Stars have arguably the best goalie this season, Ben Bishop, and the top line of the two teams with a No. 1 line composed of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov. The Blues may hold the better depth, but Dallas is riding a lot of momentum and has proven itself on the road winning nine of its past 12 away matchups. The Stars also have defeated the Blues six of the last seven times.
04-22-19	Predators v. Stars -125		1-2	Win	100	19 h 53 m	Show
Nashville isn't just losing to Dallas, but losing big. The Predators have been outscored 10-4 in the last two games and now must win on the road here to stay alive in the playoffs. I don't see it happening. The Stars have the second-best defense in the league, Ben Bishop is in the argument for best goalie and Dallas' top line of Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Alexander Radulov is hot. Dallas has scored five goals in each of its last two games taking advantage of Pekka Rinne, who is struggling in goal for Nashville. The price is right to ride the Stars.
04-21-19	Bruins v. Maple Leafs -113		4-2	Loss	-113	15 h 56 m	Show
The Maple Leafs have the coaching, momentum and now the playoff experience to come through with a playoff series-ending victory against the Bruins. Boston got past Toronto in seven games during the playoffs last season. The Maple Leafs are just as explosive, but now are more well-rounded and playoff tested. Mike Babcock is a tremendous coach. It's the Maple Leafs' time to take that next step. The Bruins have lost in eight of their last 11 visits to Toronto. They don't have the Maple Leafs' explosiveness and are reeling from their controversial Game 5 home loss.
04-19-19	Maple Leafs +131 v. Bruins		2-1	Win	131	6 h 39 m	Show
This has been a back-and-forth series with each team rebounding with a victory following a loss. I see this pattern continuing here. The Maple Leafs lost, 6-4, at home to the Bruins on Wednesday. The Leafs were done in by not stopping Boston's power play and making stupid mistakes, which they should avoid now. The Maple Leafs are the faster and more aggressive team. They have the confidence, too, of having won a game in Boston during the series. So at this plus price, I'm going to get involved with Toronto.
04-17-19	Bruins +109 v. Maple Leafs		6-4	Win	109	20 h 39 m	Show
This series has the feel of a zig-zag type of scenario. The Bruins are down 2-1. Their top line of Patrice Bergerson, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand haven't played well in the series. These guys are too good, though, to stay down especially given their strong history versus the Maple Leafs. I see the Bruins doing what they have to do - forechecking and slowing down the Leafs by controling the puck while getting better play from their No. 1 line - to even the series. Boston has won five of its last seven road games and is 15-5 when playing on one day's rest. Keep in mind the Maple Leafs are without suspended Nazem Kadri.
04-14-19	Jets +145 v. Blues		6-3	Win	145	6 h 9 m	Show
I'm going to take this price with the Jets, who are in dire straits after losing the first two games of the series at home. Both losses, though, were by one goal. The Jets led in both games. Winnipeg was 22-18-1 on the road during the regular season. The Jets also have beaten the Blues seven of the past eight times in St. Louis.
04-12-19	Blues v. Jets -110		4-3	Loss	-110	22 h 58 m	Show
The Jets have defeated the Blues 11 of the past 15 times and I expect them to even the series after losing 2-1 at home to St. Louis in Game 1 of this playoff series on Wednesday. The Blues have been riding hot rookie goalie Jordan Binnington. But that can only go so far. The Jets are the seventh-highest scoring team in the league. The Blues are a mediocre 15th in scoring. Only once in their last eight games have the Blues produced more than three goals in a game. The Jets' defense is better with the return of defensemen Dustin Byfuglien and Josh Morrissey. Winnipeg realizes the seriousness if it were to lose the first two games of this series at home. It certainly wouldn't shock me if the Blues win this series. But for this matchup I want the Jets going for me.
04-11-19	Maple Leafs +131 v. Bruins		4-1	Win	131	16 h 26 m	Show
The Stanley Cup playoffs opened Wednesday. One of the five matchups was in the pick range. But underdogs emerged victorious in three of the other four first-round, first-game matchups. Heavily favored Tampa Bay was one of those losers. That's a huge break for Boston. The Bruins could be vulnerable against revenge-minded Toronto here. The Maple Leafs nearly upset the Bruins in the playoffs last season losing in seven games. This time around the Maple Leafs are more experienced and have added superstar John Tavares. Toronto holds a speed and offensive edge. The pressure is on Boston, too.
04-10-19	Stars +150 v. Predators		3-2	Win	150	19 h 1 m	Show
This is a nice price to get a Stars team that has won seven of their last nine road games and is the superior defensive team. Dallas is the No. 2 defensive team in the NHL. Only one of the Stars' past 19 opponents was able to score more than three goals in a game against them. Goalie Ben Bishop enters the playoffs following a huge regular season where he set a personal single season record for shutouts and led the NHL in save percentage. The Predators have the league's worst power play.
04-06-19	Sabres v. Red Wings -113		7-1	Loss	-113	6 h 43 m	Show
The Red Wings have shown life down the stretch winning six of their last seven. The Sabres have been dreadful since early in the season going 15-41 in their last 56 games. The Sabres did halt an eight-game losing streak with a home win against the Senators in their last game. Look for the Sabres to mail this one in.
04-04-19	Jets +103 v. Avalanche	Top	2-3	Loss	-100	19 h 21 m	Show
The Jets are the better team and are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost four of their last five. That puts them in a tie with Nashville for the lead in the Central Division. The Jets held a closed door meeting after a 5-1 road loss to the Wild on Tuesday. I'm expecting a maximum effort from the Jets. Their defense has been upgraded with the recent return from injury of Dustin Byfuglien. The Avalanche, on the other hand, have come on to just about clinch the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have a four-point lead on the Coyotes with each team having two games remaining in the regular season. So a letdown could be in store for the Avalanche.
04-03-19	Flames v. Ducks +155		1-3	Win	155	14 h 14 m	Show
Kudos to the Calgary Flames in capturing the Western Conference regular-season title. The Flames have clinched home ice for the Western Conference playoffs. Right now the Flames' priority is getting ready for the playoffs. That means getting fully healthy and rested. Calgary sat out six regulars in its last game, a victory against the Kings. I don't see the Flames being able to get away with that against the Ducks - and the underdog price is worth taking a shot on Anaheim. The Ducks have had a disappointing season. But they have been respectable lately going 9-6 in their last 15 games. They shouldn't lack motivation after losing 6-1 at Calgary this past Friday. Anaheim has absolutely dominated Calgary at home, too, winning an astounding 31 times during the past 32 times there.
04-01-19	Flames v. Kings +128		7-2	Loss	-100	9 h 57 m	Show
The Kings have shown life winning four of their last six games. But the main handicap here is a fade on the Flames. Calgary just clinched the top seed in the Western Conference with a 5-3 road victory against the Sharks last night. So the Flames are in a huge letdown spot.

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