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Stephen Nover NHL Money Lines Picks

Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
03-08-19	Jets +149 v. Hurricanes		8-1	Win	149	9 h 12 m	Show
Going with the value here. Winnipeg is the sixth-highest scoring team in the league. They are averaging four goals per game during their last four games. The Jets have won the past four times when priced in this underdog range. The Jets have enjoyed previous success when playing at Carolina winning in six of their past eight visits.
03-07-19	Blues v. Kings +130	Top	4-0	Loss	-100	20 h 45 m	Show
The Blues are coming off an improbable 5-4 road win against Anaheim Wednesday night scoring twice in the final 1:04 seconds to pull out the victory. That win pushed their playoff spot lead to six points and sets up a flat spot in this matchup. The Kings are rested and ready having been home for the past week. They are 2-0 versus the Blues this season and have owned St. Louis at home winning 13 of the last 16 times in LA. The Blues aren't likely to start rookie goalie sensation Jordan Binnington in net either after he played Wednesday. Jordan Allen is the probable goalie for St. Louis. The Blues are 0-2 the past two times Allen has been in net.
03-05-19	Canadiens -127 v. Kings	Top	3-1	Win	100	21 h 7 m	Show
Montreal is 6-0 the past six times facing a foe from the Pacific Division. Look for that streak to continue here. The Canadiens are the superior team with 21 more points than the Kings. Montreal was 4-2 in its last six games before suffering a 5-1 home loss to the Penguins on Saturday. The Canadiens should be fresh and ready to begin this West Coast trip. The Kings had lost 10 in a row before defeating the erratic Blackhawks, 6-3, on Saturday. I don't know mind laying a short road price with a focused superior team off a loss against a weaker opponent that is off a satisfying home victory.
03-03-19	Avalanche -127 v. Ducks		1-2	Loss	-127	3 h 15 m	Show
Look for Colorado to rebound after a tough 4-3 road loss to San Jose. The Avalanche is 5-2 in its last seven games while averaging 4.3 goals during their past six games. The Ducks have lost their last five games. They have been held to one goal or fewer in 11 of their last 16 games. The Avalanche have won 17 of the last 25 times as road chalk.
03-01-19	Capitals -105 v. Islanders	Top	3-1	Win	100	16 h 18 m	Show
The Capitals have a strong record in this type of matchup going 26-12 during their last 38 road games when taking on an opponent with a winning home mark. Washington will be well rested having last played on Tuesday. Not so with the Islanders. They could be emotionally spent after blasting the Maple Leafs, 6-1, in front of a sellout crowd on Thursday in John Tavares' first game versus his former team after signing with the Maple Leafs as a free agent during last summer. Despite that victory against the Leafs, the Islanders are 2-3 in their past five games. The Capitals are 8-4 in their last 12 contests. The Islanders are likely to start backup Thomas Greiss in net after starting goalie Robin Lehner played last night.
02-23-19	Islanders v. Canucks +112		4-0	Loss	-100	10 h 26 m	Show
I don't believe the Islanders should be favored here on the road. Vancouver is 5-8 in its last 13 games. But note the Canucks have suffered six of those eight defeats by one goal. The Islanders have given up four goals apiece in each of their last two games. The Canucks can take advantage as they have a dynamic line with newly acquire Ryan Spooner joining Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. The Islanders also carry a fatigue rating as this is their third game in four days - all on the road.
02-21-19	Flyers +136 v. Canadiens		1-5	Loss	-100	7 h 27 m	Show
I see excellent value in backing the Flyers, who are 12-3 in their last 15 games with one of those defeats occurring to Tampa Bay. The Flyers have won each of their last five road contests. Rookie goalie Carter Hart has been brilliant for Philadelphia. The Flyers have won in 10 of his last 11 starts. This includes a 5-2 victory against the Canadiens in Montreal on Jan. 19. It was the fifth straight time the Flyers have defeated the Canadiens. Montreal isn't nearly as good in form as the Flyers are right now. The Canadiens are 1-4 in their last five games. They are averaging just two goals per game during their last five games.
02-20-19	Blackhawks +102 v. Red Wings		5-4	Win	102	18 h 42 m	Show
The Blackhawks are digging hard for a playoff spot winning nine of their last 11 games. The Red Wings are 2-5 in their last seven games. They are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Chicago has been red-hot offensively averaging 4.9 goals in its last 11 games. The Blackhawks are a perfect 7-0 the past seven times taking on a sub .500 foe.
02-17-19	Canadiens +120 v. Panthers		3-6	Loss	-100	7 h 26 m	Show
Once again the Panthers are out of serious playoff contention. They are very likely to sit out the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 18th time in 21 years. I don't see the Panthers getting that motivated for this matchup after beating Calgary in a shootout at home in their last game this past Thursday. Montreal carries the higher fatigue rating, but are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost three in a row. Note, though, those losses were against far tougher competition. The Canadiens lost to the Maple Leafs in overtime at home and lost on the road to the Predators and Lightning on Saturday. This marks their fourth game in six days. However, the Canadiens are 7-1 the past eight times in a four-on-six situation. They also beat Florida, 5-1, when they last met on Jan. 15. Montreal was playing without rest in that game, too. The Canadiens are 12-5 the past 17 times taking on a below .500 opponent. It's confirmed that James Reimer will be in net for Florida. I consider him the weaker of the Panthers' two goalies. The Canadiens are likely to start backup goalie Antti Niemi. I'd rather have Carey Price in net, but this doesn't erase the play for me. I still like Montreal.
02-16-19	Bruins v. Kings +130		4-2	Loss	-100	12 h 38 m	Show
The Kings have short revenge for a 5-4 road overtime loss to the Bruins last Saturday. LA should be doubly motivated after losing a 4-3 shootout at home to the Canucks on Thursday. LA gave up the tying goal with 1:38 left. The Bruins had David Pastrnak, their leading goal scorer, when they defeated the Kings last week. He's out now with a thumb injury. The Kings could be getting Jeff Carter, one of their best two-way players, back for this game. Carter has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury. Note, too, the Bruins have failed to cover the past five times as a road favorite in this price range.
02-14-19	Maple Leafs v. Golden Knights -120		6-3	Loss	-120	13 h 42 m	Show
This isn't a fade on the Maple Leafs, who are playing well, but a belief that the Golden Knights will produce their "A" game in this spot. The Golden Knights are 16-8-3 at home this season, but they are in stop-the-pain mode after consecutive home losses to the Blue Jackets and to the Coyotes on Tuesday. This is Las Vegas' third of a four-game homestand. The Maple Leafs are fat and happy going 3-0 during the first four games of their six-game road swing. This includes a 5-2 win against the Avalanche on Tueday. Toronto lost its lone visit to Las Vegas last season falling, 6-3.
02-14-19	Blues v. Coyotes +140		4-0	Loss	-100	7 h 25 m	Show
The Blues are getting a lot of attention being on a seven-game win streak. But don't sleep on the Coyotes here. They represent excellent value as a home 'dog in this price range. Arizona is a gutty team that has won two in a row, including upsetting Las Vegas on the road, 5-2, on Tuesday. St. Louis is in action for the fourth time in six days. The Blues are 6-16 the past 22 times in this spot. The Coyotes have beaten the Blues three straight times, including 6-1 on Dec. 1 in the first meeting of this season.
02-14-19	Flames -125 v. Panthers		2-3	Loss	-125	5 h 26 m	Show
The Flames are much the superior team and I expect them to put forth a strong effort to halt a three-game losing streak. Two of those three losses were against the Sharks and Lightning. So Calgary is stepping way down in class. The Flames have won eight of the last 11 times they have been a road favorite. Florida has scored just two goals in its last two games and is 1-4 the past five times hosting Calgary.
02-09-19	Stars -127 v. Coyotes		2-3	Loss	-127	15 h 32 m	Show
I like the way the Stars are playing. Dallas is 5-1 in its last six games. The Stars are coming on and playing with a lot of confidence. This is just the opposite of the Coyotes, who have dropped five in a row and are dealing with multiple injuries. Dallas has dominated this series, too, winning the past nine times. The Coyotes have to feel snake bit versus the Stars. They blew a three-goal third period lead against the Stars in the first meeting this past Monday losing, 5-4. Arizona has one of the weaker home ice advantages going 9-13-2-1 at home this season.
02-08-19	Hurricanes v. Rangers +111		3-0	Loss	-100	18 h 37 m	Show
The Rangers dominate the Hurricanes in New York winning 83 percent of the past 31 times they have hosted Carolina. This includes the last meeting, a 6-2 Rangers home victory on Jan. 15. The Hurricanes are playing for the third time in four days. They just nipped the Sabres, 6-5, on the road in overtime Thursday. The Rangers have been home all month. They are coming off a 4-3 shootout win against the Bruins on Wednesday. The Rangers needed that win and they need to win here being nine points out of the second wild card spot with Carolina one of the teams ahead of them.
02-07-19	Blue Jackets -129 v. Coyotes		4-2	Win	100	11 h 50 m	Show
Columbus is 15-9-1 on the road this season. The Blue Jackets are coming off a confidence-building 6-3 win at Colorado that halted a five-game losing streak with three of those losses occurring by one goal. The Blue Jackets outshot the Avalanche, 19-5, in the third period. The Blue Jackets have regained momentum and have revenge for a 4-1 home loss to the Coyotes from earlier in the season. The Coyotes are playing at home for the first time in 20 days. This is their fourth game in seven days. Arizona is dealing with a four-game losing streak, a bad spot having been away from home for so long and multiple injuries.
02-07-19	Jets -105 v. Canadiens		2-5	Loss	-105	6 h 14 m	Show
I want the Jets going for me here after they lost in overtime to the Sharks a thome on Tuesday. The Jets are 22-8 on one day's rest. Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck is playing well. The Jets' defense gets a big boost with the expected return of star defenseman Dustin Byfuglien. He has missed the last 15 games with an ankle injury.
02-05-19	Wild -103 v. Sabres		4-5	Loss	-103	20 h 38 m	Show
The Sabres have crashed going 5-12 in their last 17 games, including losing six of their past eight. The Wild has been playing better. I was impressed with their effort and offense in their last game even though it was a 4-3 home overtime loss to the Blackhawks. Minnesota is 8-3 the past 11 times playing on two days rest. The Wild have defeated the Sabres in eight of the last 11 meetings, including winning the past five times in Buffalo.
02-05-19	Kings v. Devils -130		5-1	Loss	-130	9 h 14 m	Show
The Kings are a fade for me here after pulling out an improbable 4-3 road win against the Rangers last night. The Kings have the fewest road wins in the Western Conference and rank second-to-last in scoring. LA might also be missing one its best players with Jeff Carter questionable after sufering a lower-body injury against the Rangers. The Devils are 13-7 at home. The Kings are 4-11 in their last 15 road games when facing an opponent with a winning home record. The Kings haven't won two straight games since December. New Jersey is likely to go with Keith Kinkaid in net. He is 4-0 versus the Kings with a 0.85 goals against average and .970 save percentage.
02-04-19	Kings v. Rangers -127		4-3	Loss	-127	18 h 32 m	Show
The Kings are the lowest-scoring team in the NHL averaging 2.3 goals a game. They have scored eight goals during their past six road games. LA has dropped 21 of its past 29 away matchups. The Kings have really struggled against Eastern Conference opponents losing eight of the last nine to them. I like the way the Rangers have been playing. They are 4-2 in their last six games and could easily be 6-0 in these games. Their two losses were 1-0 to the Flyers when they just missed on a lot of good scoring chances and 3-2 to the league-leading Lightning. The Kings aren't playing at that level having lost seven of their past 11.
02-01-19	Wild v. Stars -127		1-3	Win	100	10 h 22 m	Show
The Stars have been extremely stingy on defense giving up only 1.7 goals per game during their last seven games. Dallas got its rust off following the long All-Star break with a 1-0 home victory against the Sabres on Wednesday. Buffalo was averaging four goals a game during its last three games entering that matchup. Minnesota has a severe disadvantage having not played for eight days. The Wild historically struggle at Dallas, too, having lost 76 percent of the time there during their past 34 visits.
02-01-19	Lightning -140 v. Islanders		1-0	Win	100	9 h 15 m	Show
I want the Lightning going for me in these circumstances. Tampa Bay got the rust off following the long All-Star break by losing, 4-2, on the road to the Penguins two days ago. The Islanders, though, have not played since Jan. 22. The Islanders are 2-6 the past eight times when not having played for at least three days. They figure to be extremely out of sync. Tampa Bay has owned this series winning 10 of the past 12 times against the Islanders. Even with the loss to Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay still has won 10 of last 14 away matchups. The Lightning will be highly motivated off a loss. The last time Tampa Bay lost a second consecutive game was back on Nov. 13.
01-31-19	Rangers +127 v. Devils		4-3	Win	127	18 h 55 m	Show
After being idle for eight days, the Devils came out of All-Star break beating the Penguins, 6-3, on the road. That was on Monday. The Devils haven't played since. So this will be just their third game in 11 days. The Rangers are in a more normal pattern. New York lost 1-0 at home to the Flyers on Tuesday. The Rangers are 4-0 the past four times when playing on one day's rest. Before upsetting the Penguins, the Devils had lost three in a row with two of the defeats occurring by three goals. The Rangers had won three consecutive games entering break before falling to the Flyers. New York fired 38 shots on goal, but had some tough luck. Not only did they have shots hit off the post, but Flyers goalie Anthony Stolarz came up with probably his finest performance of the season with several super saves. The Rangers are likely to go with Henrik Lundqvist in goal. He has more wins and shutouts in his career against the Devils than any other opponent. The Rangers also are expected to have back Mats Zuccarello, their top right winger. He missed the Flyers game. The Devils, however, are not likely to have defenseman Sami Vatanen. He suffered a concussion against the Penguins.
01-30-19	Lightning v. Penguins +100		2-4	Win	100	20 h 46 m	Show
Pittsburgh is extremely tough at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins have key factors going for them, too, in this matchup even though they are taking on the best team in the NHL, the Lightning. Tampa Bay hasn't played in 11 days due to a bye week and All-Star break. The Lightning are going to be rusty. Even their coach, Jon Cooper, acknowledged this when he was quoted as saying, "... There may be a little sloppiness in the first game back ..." The Penguins won't have this issue. They played Monday and lost 6-3 at home to New Jersey. The Penguins did not play well in that game. They will be highly motivated to perform much better - and they won't be rusty. Pittsburgh has won seven of the past eight times when playing on one day rest. The Lightning have lost four of the last five times when playing at Pittsburgh.
01-29-19	Jets +131 v. Bruins		4-3	Win	131	20 h 18 m	Show
Winnipeg has the third-best record in the NHL behind only Tampa Bay and Calgary. I want the Jets going for me in an underdog role following a road loss to the Flyers on Monday against the sure-to-be-rusty Bruins. Boston hasn't played since Jan. 19. The Bruins are 0-4 the past four times following three or more days rest. The Jets have the advantage of having played last night. There shouldn't be a fatigue factor for them since they previously had played on Jan. 19. The Jets are 8-2 the past 10 times against foes with a winning mark. They also are 25-10 in their last 35 games versus Eastern Conference opponents. Despite the loss to the Flyers, Winnipeg has won nine of its last 14 road games, too.
01-23-19	Blues v. Ducks +106		5-1	Loss	-100	23 h 45 m	Show
Anaheim last played Sunday afternoon when it concluded a five-game road trip. The Ducks won two of those last three games. That's better than what they did in their previous homestand. The Ducks lost all six of those home games. They should be rested, ready and highly motivated to beat the Blues as they go back on the road for five more games in a row before returning to Anaheim. The Ducks have something to prove to their fans and themselves. This is their game and spot to do that. The Blues have a worse record than the Ducks. St. Louis will be playing for the sixth time in 10 days and third in five days. The Ducks have defeated the Blues in four of the last five meetings. They also have dominated St. Louis at home going 21-5-1 during the last 27 games.
01-22-19	Coyotes -101 v. Senators		3-2	Win	100	19 h 22 m	Show
Arizona is the better team especially with Vinnie Hinostroza back in the lineup. The Coyotes have been solid on the road going 13-10-1. They have defeated the Senators five of the past seven times, including the last three. The Coyotes are in good form, winning five of their last seven games. These include victories against the Sharks and Maple Leafs. The Senators have lost 10 of their last 14 games. They are 1-6 during their past seven home games. The trade deadline is coming up next month, which is a distraction for the Senators with their three top scorers scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
01-21-19	Blues v. Kings +105		3-4	Win	105	13 h 32 m	Show
I'm not buying into the Kings being a home 'dog to the Blues, which is how the linesmaker opened this game. The Blues are coming off a home win against Ottawa. Big deal. They had lost their two previous games, both on the road falling to the Bruins and Islanders. Now the Blues have to travel to the West Coast for their fifth game in eight days. St. Louis is 4-11 following a victory. The Blues also are 4-11 the past 15 times when playing a below .500 opponent. The Kings had come within a road shootout loss to the Wild of owning a three-game win streak before getting shellacked, 7-1, at home by Colorado on the road this past Saturday. LA will look for redemption returning home. The Kings have won five of their last eight home games. The Kings also have dominated the Blues at home winning 12 of the past 15 times.
01-20-19	Hurricanes v. Oilers +107		7-4	Loss	-100	19 h 7 m	Show
The Oilers opened their three-game homestand in unimpressive fashion losing 5-2 to the Flames on Saturday. Look for Edmonton to bounce back today against Carolina. The Oilers haven't lost back-to-back home games all season when playing without rest. The Hurricanes have lost their past two games - and the games haven't been close. Carolina fell by four goals to the Rangers and by three goals to the Senators. Carolina is giving up an average of 3.7 goals during its past seven games. The Hurricanes have surrendered at least three goals in each of their last seven games. Edmonton has beaten Carolina four of the last five times at home.
01-18-19	Maple Leafs v. Panthers +130		1-3	Win	130	9 h 15 m	Show
The record shows Florida to have lost seven straight games. A closer look at the record indicates the Panthers have lost six of those games on the road and four of those defeats were by one goal. The Panthers' one home game during this span was a 4-3 overtime loss to the Blue Jackets. So Florida is not getting outclassed most of the time. The Panthers own a winning home mark on the season and are back in friendly territory desperate to gain their first victory of 2019. They are in a great spot to achieve an upset win here. Toronto just upset the Lightning, 4-2, at Tampa Bay on Thursday in a huge victory. The Maple Leafs are in a letdown spot and playing without rest. There's a good possibility, too, that backup goalie Garret Sparks will be in net for Toronto. He has a 3.00 GAA. The Maple Leafs return to Toronto following this matchup. This has been a home team series with the host winning 10 of the past 11 times. Florida has defeated Toronto four consecutive times at home.
01-17-19	Maple Leafs +128 v. Lightning		4-2	Win	128	9 h 20 m	Show
It's tought to go against Tampa Bay at home, but the Maple Leafs are going to give the Lightning their best punch. Toronto is in circle-the-wagons mode losing five of its last seven games. Things should start to turn around, though, for the Maple Leafs with Frederik Andersen back in goal. This will be his second game after being out eight games due to a groin injury. He will be less rusty than he was in Toronto's last game, an embarrassing 6-3 home loss to the Avalanche. That happened on Monday. The Maple Leafs have been idle ever since. They are itching to test themselves versus the Lightning. Toronto has won 15 of its last 21 road contests. Even though the Lightning are home, the Maple Leafs are in the better spot. Tampa Bay just returned from a three-game road swing that concluded Tuesday night in Dallas where the Lightning defeated the Stars, 2-0. Dallas lost despite having six power play opportunities and getting off 35 shots on goal. This marks Tampa Bay's fourth game in six days - all at difference venues. The Lightning are vulnerable to lose here. Look for Toronto to seize the opportunity.
01-16-19	Sharks v. Coyotes +131		3-6	Win	131	11 h 31 m	Show
The Coyotes are in a great ambush spot here. They had won three in a row until suffering an embarrassing 7-1 road loss to Calgary on Sunday. Arizona has had three days to stew about that loss. The Coyotes should be pumped for the Sharks being back home. The Coyotes catch the Sharks fat and happy. San Jose is off a satisfying 5-2 home win against the Penguins. This puts the Sharks in a vulnerable spot traveling into a different time zone while not getting into Arizona until the wee hours of the morning. San Jose also is likely to go with backup goalie Aaron Dell.
01-15-19	Penguins +127 v. Sharks		2-5	Loss	-100	14 h 36 m	Show
San Jose is playing well, but I'll take a plus price with the Penguins. Pittsburgh is 10-2 in its last 12 games and 6-1 in its past seven road contests. However, the Penguins are coming off a disappointing, 5-2, road loss to the Kings. The Penguins had backup goalie Casey DeSmith in net for that game. Now Matt Murray will be in goal. Pittsburgh has won nine straight with Murray in net. Murray is 8-0-1 with two shutouts in road games this season. Pittsburgh has defeated San Jose in four of the last five meetings.
01-15-19	Hurricanes v. Rangers +130		2-6	Win	130	11 h 38 m	Show
The Rangers have the Hurricanes' number when the two teams play at Madison Square Garden. Carolina hasn't won there since 2010, a string of 15 road losses in a row. The Rangers are 25-5 the past 30 times hosting the Hurricanes. The Rangers are going to be fired up, too, after their coach, David Quinn, ripped their effort following a 7-5 loss to the Blue Jackets on Sunday. So I'll ride the Rangers at this plus price.
01-13-19	Panthers v. Canucks -102		1-5	Win	100	17 h 9 m	Show
I want Vancouver going for me, especially at this fair price. It's not just because the Panthers have lost five in a row and are carrying a huge fatigue rating. The last time these teams met was back on Oct. 13. The Canucks won, 3-2. But the take from that game was the Panthers putting a dirty hit on star rookie Elias Pettersson, who was checked hard into the boards by Mike Matheson and suffered a concussion. Vancouver is mad about that. The Canucks also draw the Panthers playing their third road game in four days and fourth away contest in six days. The Canucks are without Pettersson, who is out this time with a knee injury. But they are expected to get back winger Josh Leivo to bolster their first line. Leivo had missed the last three games with an injury, but practiced Saturday and is likely to play.
01-12-19	Penguins v. Kings +142		2-5	Win	142	21 h 43 m	Show
The teams met Dec. 15 in Pittsburgh and the Penguins nipped the Kings, 4-3, in overtime. The Kings had more shots on goal than the Penguins. Since then the Kings have gone a respectable 6-5. They are in an excellent spot to get their revenge on Pittsburgh and are at an attractive underdog price. The Kings are in revenge mode and are coming off an embarrassing home loss to the Senators from Thursday. They catch the Penguins off a 7-4 road win against the Ducks Friday night. That was the Penguins' first road game in nine days. LA is likely to draw backup Pittsburgh goalie Casey DeSmith.
01-12-19	Coyotes v. Oilers -138		3-2	Loss	-138	21 h 42 m	Show
The Coyotes are one of the most banged-up teams in the league. They are missing their top goalie and leading scorer among many others. Edmonton is in a position to take advantage. The Oilers have won three of their last five games. Arizona ranks 29th in scoring and must deal with Connor McDavid. The Oilers have defeated the Coyotes seven of the past eight times, including 3-1 at Arizona 10 days ago.
01-10-19	Islanders -127 v. Rangers		4-3	Win	100	3 h 59 m	Show
The Islanders have dominated this series winning 12 of the past 14 times. However, they lost 5-0 to the Rangers on Nov. 21. The Islanders want revenge for that loss. They had won the previous eight times against the Rangers. The Rangers are not playing well to say the least, outscored by 17 goals in opening 0-4 in 2019. Look for Robin Lehner back in net for the Islanders. He has been hot going 7-0 in his last seven starts while giving up only eight goals.
01-07-19	Blues v. Flyers -113		3-0	Loss	-113	17 h 3 m	Show
There's a due factor that should kick in for the Flyers here. They are in full circle-the-wagons mode having lost six in a row with nearly all of those defeats coming in close games. The Blues aren't a good team and they have lost three of their last four games. St. Louis averages just 2.2 goals on the road where they are 6-9. St. Louis has dropped eight of its last nine matchups versus sub .500 opponents and are 1-4 during its past five visits to Philadelphia. Backup Blues goalie Jordan Binnington will make his first career start. He has an unispiring 3.51 GAA and .840 save percentage in three relief appearances. The Flyers are going with Carter Hart in net. He has been the Flyers' best goalie.
01-05-19	Lightning -115 v. Sharks		2-5	Loss	-115	21 h 36 m	Show
I'll take my chances at this low lay price with the Lightning, winners of 18 of their past 20 games including the last seven. Tampa Bay has scored at least four goals in 10 of its past 11 games. San Jose just lost two defensemen to injuries in their last game, steady Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun. San Jose has allowed four or more goals in five of its last seven games. The Lightning lead the NHL in goals averaging 4.2 per game. The Lightning have been on the West Coast for nearly a week, while the Sharks just finished a three-game road trip. San Jose has lost in three of its last four home games.
01-03-19	Hurricanes v. Flyers -109		5-3	Loss	-109	16 h 59 m	Show
The Flyers are really pointing to this game, having lost 3-1 to the Hurricanes on the road Monday. It's the Flyers' first home game since Dec. 22. Philadelphia is 3-5 in its last eight games with four of those defeats occurring on the road. The Flyers have played better than their recent 3-5 record indicates losing by one goal to Columbus, by one goal to Tampa Bay in overtime and by one goal to Florida after leading most of the game. Carolina is 4-10 in its last 14 games. The Hurricanes have scored one or fewer goals in four of their last six games. They also have lost in five of their last seven visits to Philadelphia.
01-02-19	Canucks v. Senators +118		4-3	Loss	-100	19 h 47 m	Show
Ottawa is far more respectable when playing at home going 11-7-3. The Senators begin a three-game homestand against the Canucks attempting to halt a five-game losing streak. However, three of those defeats occurred on the road and the other two were at home to the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals, including a one-goal loss. The Senators' last game was a 6-3 road loss to the Blue Jackets on Monday. That game was far closer, though, than the final score. The game was tied with 2:01 left. Columbus scored three goals during the last 2:01, including two empy-netters. Vancouver is playing its fourth road game in seven days. The Cancuks aren't a great road club having lost 36 of their past 53 away matchups and are 2-5 in their last seven games versus the Senators.
12-22-18	Lightning v. Oilers +131		6-3	Loss	-100	21 h 3 m	Show
Edmonton was riding a six-game home winning streak entering its current homestand. But the Oilers were stunned, 4-1, by the Blues in the first game of the homestand. That was back on Tuesday. The Oilers have had four days to contemplate that embarrassing loss. Look for the rested Oilers to unleash their frustration on Tampa Bay, a team they have beaten six of the past seven times hosting them. The Lightning are playing in their fourth road game in six days.
12-20-18	Wild v. Penguins -115		1-2	Win	100	15 h 22 m	Show
The price is lower than it should be based in large part on the Penguins scoring a huge 2-1 road win against the Capitals on Wednesday in a very physical, tight game, while Minnesota was idle. But I choose to lay this low price with the Penguins in the belief they are not going to just give back that hard-earned victory against the defending Stanley Cup champions by losing at home to the Wild, who are not in good form. Minnesota has scored one goal during its past two games, home losses to the Flames and Sharks. The Wild are 1-4 during their past five away matchups. All of those losses were by multiple goals. The lone road win during this span occurred versus the Canucks. Pittsburgh has won four of its past five times hosting the Wild, too.
12-18-18	Ducks v. Rangers -120		1-3	Win	100	10 h 32 m	Show
Anaheim is hot, but I want the Rangers going for me in this spot. The Rangers are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost the first two games of their three-game homestand that ends here. Both of those losses occurred in overtime. New York last played on Sunday afternoon, while the Ducks upset the Penguins, 4-2, Monday night. The Rangers won't play again until Sunday. Expect a maximum effort from them. Both teams are slated to go with backup goalies. The Ducks, however, are expected to use journeyman Chad Johnson, whose career appears close to finished. He was cut loose by the Blues a week ago. The Rangers have dominated the Ducks winning seven of the past nine times. New York also is 4-0 the past four times hosting the Ducks.
12-17-18	Bruins +125 v. Canadiens		4-0	Win	125	10 h 49 m	Show
The teams just met in Montreal on Nov. 24 and the Bruins won, 3-2. It was the seventh time in the last eight meetings the Bruins have defeated the Canadiens. It also was the fourth straight time the Bruins won in Montreal. I like the Bruins to do it again. The Canadiens have won the first two games of their homestand. The Bruins are coming off a 4-2 home loss to the Sabres. I believe the Bruins will respond well off that loss even though they will be playing without rest and on the ice for the third time in four days. Boston has won each of the past four times it has played without rest and is 5-1 the past six times when playing in a 3-in-4 spot. Montreal is 8-20 following a victory.
12-15-18	Flyers +115 v. Canucks		1-5	Loss	-100	12 h 37 m	Show
The Flyers are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost three straight games - all on the road. Philadelphia concludes its five-game road swing here. The Flyers draw the Canucks returning home after a week on the road. So it's not a great spot for Vancouver. Vancovuer is just 1-6 in its last seven homes. The Flyers have beaten the Canucks in four of the past five meetings. They also are 9-3 in their last 12 visits to Vancouver.
12-13-18	Hurricanes v. Canadiens -108	Top	4-6	Win	100	10 h 47 m	Show
Montreal is much improved this season. However, the Canadiens are coming off their worst loss of the season. They were buried 7-1 on the road by the Wild this past Tuesday. That was the finale of a three-game road trip. Montreal had defeated the Senators and Blackhawks during the first two legs of the trip.The Canadiens are really pointing to this matchup following that humiliating defeat to Minnesota. They also have revenge for a 2-1 home loss suffered to Carolina on Nov. 27. The Canadiens also had backup goalie Antti Niemi in net during that loss to the Wild. Carey Price will be back in goal for Montreal today. Price is having a good comeback season. The Canadiens are far from an elite team. But neither are the Hurricanes, who rank last in scoring. The Hurricanes have scored more than two goals only once in their last seven games. They have scored one goal or fewer in five of their last seven games. Carolina also is banged-up. The spot and opponent set up for Montreal to gain back its self-respect.
12-11-18	Panthers v. Blues -115	Top	3-4	Win	100	19 h 16 m	Show
Florida has been enjoying home cooking for nearly 2 1/2 weeks. The Panthers' last road game was Nov. 23. That's a good thing for the Panthers since they are 1-4 in their past five away matchups. Their lone road win during this span was against Ottawa, a sub .500 team. The Panthers' four road losses during this time frame have been by a combined 13 goals. The Blues are not a strong team, but this spot sets up well for them. St. Louis should be fired up after an embarrassing 6-1 home loss to the Canucks on Sunday. The Blues don't play again until Friday. So there's no excuse for them not to give a full effort. Florida is just a .500 team so it's not like the Blues have to step up in class. Vladimir Tarasenko is one of the more dangerous scorers in the league. He's due to score for the Blues having failed to produce a goal during the last four games.
12-10-18	Kings v. Red Wings -110		1-3	Win	100	12 h 51 m	Show
I like the Red Wings in a bounce back spot here after they blew a 2-0 lead and lost 3-2 to the Islanders at home on Saturday. Detroit is tougher and much improved this season. The Red Wings are 3-3 in their last six games with one of the losses coming in a shootout to Tampa Bay after they leading 5-3. The Kings are tied with the Blackhawks for the fewest points in the NHL. They are last in scoring averaging 2.2 goals a game. Yet the Kings are coming off an impressive 5-1 home victory against the Golden Knights this past Saturday. Now, though, the Kings go back on the road where they have lost 12 of the past 16 times. The Red Wings have added incentive having lost 4-2 to the Kings in LA during their first road game of the season.
12-09-18	Flames v. Oilers -115		0-1	Win	100	19 h 14 m	Show
Calgary is playing well. But I really like how the Oilers are playing, too. Edmonton has revenge for a 4-2 road loss suffered to the Flames on Nov. 17 and has defeated the Flames four straight times at home. The Oilers have given up two goals or fewer in five of their last six games. Edmonton has won five of those games. Edmonton also catches a break in that the Flames are going to be without their team captain and best defensive player, veteran Mark Giordano. He's sitting out the second of a two-game suspension.
12-08-18	Sharks -120 v. Coyotes		5-3	Win	100	10 h 40 m	Show
OK, I get it San Jose stinks on the road having lost seven of its past eight away games. I expect that to change here, though. The Sharks are a better road club than they've showed and they've dominated in these type of matchups going 31-15 away from home against opponents with a losing home record. The Coyotes were hot for a while with four consecutive victories, but they've fallen back down after a 4-2 home loss to the Capitals on Thursday. Arizona has lost five of its past six home games. The Sharks are the more talented team. They have defeated the Coyotes in four of the past five meetings and won't lack motivation after a one-goal road loss to the Stars on Friday. Backup goalie Aaron Dell is likely to be in the net for San Jose. I'm fine with that.
12-07-18	Sharks v. Stars +109		2-3	Win	109	19 h 19 m	Show
I'm not buying the Sharks as an opening road favorite against the Stars. San Jose isn't playing that well, has been bad on the road and Dallas is hot and tough at home. San Jose has a losing away mark. The Sharks are 1-6 during their past seven road games. In their last six overall games, the Sharks are 2-4. During their two victories, the Sharks were outshot by a combined margin of 81-52 by the Hurricanes and Canadiens. Dallas is 9-3-1 at home, including winnings its past three at American Airlines Center. The Stars will get a boost with the expected season debut of veteran Martin Hanzal, who has been out all season following spinal fusion surgery. The Stars have dominated Pacific Division foes going 8-0-1 the past nine times against them. They also are 5-0 the past five times hosting the Sharks, including beating them, 4-3, on Nov. 8.
12-06-18	Capitals -110 v. Coyotes		4-2	Win	100	20 h 49 m	Show
I'll get involved with the Capitals at this low price with Washington in stop-the-pain mode and in a revenge spot. The Coyotes defeated the Capitals, 4-1, in Washington on Nov. 11. The Capitals outshot the Coyotes, 39-22, in the loss. The Capitals had won seven in a row before blowing leads in their last two games against the Ducks and Golden Knights. Only once all season have the defending Stanley Cup champions lost three in a row. Washington has scored three or more goals in nine straight games. Only three teams average more goals per game than Washington. Arizona, by contrast, ranks 28th in scoring
12-04-18	Capitals v. Golden Knights -140		3-5	Win	100	21 h 25 m	Show
This price is higher than I normally like to lay when backing a favorite, but I want the Golden Knights in this spot. This is the first time the Capitals have returned to Vegas since beating the Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup finals. Las Vegas also has strong revenge for a 5-2 road loss to Washington on Oct. 10. Sure the Capitals just may be the superior team. But the Golden Knights are playing well - 5-1 in their last six games - have been idle since Saturday and have been pointing to this home game all season. Las Vegas has yielded just 10 goals in its last six games, an average of 1.6. Washington is traveling to the West Coast following its Sunday home game against Anaheim. The Capitals haven't been on West Coast time since October.
12-02-18	Sharks -115 v. Canadiens		3-1	Win	100	8 h 45 m	Show
The Sharks are in stop-the-pain mode failing to post a victory in the first four games of their current five-game road trip, which ends after this matchup. San Jose isn't playing well. The Sharks are overdue to start turning things around. They should be fired up following a 6-2 loss to the Senators on Saturday. The Canadiens also played yesterday, beating the Rangers, 5-2, at home. Montreal has lost 21 of the last 28 times following a victory. San Jose has enjoyed good recent success at Montreal winning there in four its past five visits.
12-01-18	Golden Knights v. Oilers +106		1-2	Win	106	10 h 7 m	Show
Las Vegas is back playing well winning five in a row. But this is the tail end of the Golden Knights' three-game road trip. Up next for Las Vegas is its most anticipated home game - a rematch of the Stanley Cup Finals against Washington. The Golden Knights were fortunate to get past Vancouver, 4-3, in their last game. This marks Las Vegas' fifth game in eight days and third in five days. The Oilers have won their past two home games. Their last home defeat occurred to Las Vegas two weeks ago so there is short revenge. Discounting a 5-2 loss to the Kings, the Oilers have allowed only four goals in their last three games. Connor McDavid always makes them worthy of respect offensively.
11-27-18	Sharks -120 v. Sabres		2-3	Loss	-120	10 h 7 m	Show
The Sabres are on an amazing nine-game win streak. Kudos to Buffalo on a great season so far. It must be noted, though, that eight of Buffalo's nine wins during its streak have been by one goal with six of those victories occurring either in overtime or in a shootout. I believe the Sabres' luck runs out today against the superior Sharks. San Jose is in a foul mood after its last game, a 6-0 road loss to the Golden Knights on Saturday. There is zero chance the Sharks take Buffalo lightly. The Sharks expect to have No. 1 netminder Martin Jones in goal. Jones is well rested having not played in the last two games. He is 4-1-1 lifetime versus Buffalo with a 1.98 GAA and .925 save percentage. Buffalo has lost the past four times to San Jose.
11-21-18	Avalanche -115 v. Kings	Top	7-3	Win	100	28 h 11 m	Show
LA has the worst record in the NHL at 7-12. The Kings have dropped 10 of their last 14 home games going back to last season. Colorado is the superior team and in a better situational spot. The Avalanche last played on Sunday in Anaheim. They have been in Southern California ever since awaiting this matchup. They should be fresh, prepared and rested. Colorado has won three of its last four games. The Avalance are the third-highest scoring team in the league at 3.6 goals. The Kings are coming off a road underdog victory Monday night against the Blues. This marks their fourth game in six days and first home game in nearly a week coming a day before Thanksgiving after three road games in a row. So focus could be an issue for the Kings. LA ranks 31st in scoring and allows more goals per game than Colorado. The Kings also are down their first two goalies with Jonathan Quick and Jack Campbell injured. LA is 3-13 following a victory. The Kings also have lost 12 of the past 15 times versus Western Conference opponents.
11-19-18	Stars v. Rangers -104		1-2	Win	100	9 h 41 m	Show
This is a tough spot for Dallas. The Stars are playing for the third time in four days. They are coming off a 6-2 Sunday road victory against the Islanders. The Stars have lost 14 of their last 20 road games. They are 6-13 the past 19 times following a victory. Dallas is 0-2 this season when playing without rest losing each of those games by three goals each. The Rangers have won five in a row at Madison Square Garden. They are 7-2 in their last nine games overall.
11-17-18	Panthers v. Rangers +122		2-4	Win	122	17 h 55 m	Show
Both the Panthers and Rangers had winning streaks snapped in their last games. Florida had won five in a row. But the Panthers were outscored, 7-1, during the final two periods by the Blue Jackets on Thursday. I don't see the Panthers snapping back so fast against the Rangers, who are 6-2 in their last eight games. New York is 4-0 in its last four home games. The Panthers have lost during nine of their last 13 away games to the Rangers. Florida also carries a high fatigue rating as this marks its fifth game in eight days. So I'll go ahead and take a plus price with the Rangers.
11-16-18	Capitals +130 v. Avalanche		3-2	Win	130	9 h 16 m	Show
The Capitals are dealing with some injuries, but I like the defending Stanley Cup champions at this nice 'dog price in a rebound position following a 3-1 road loss to the Jets on Wednesday. There is no disputing Washington's talent and the Capitals showed their mental toughness in winning the Cup last season. Colorado is a bit fat and happy having won two in a row, including posting an impressive 6-3 victory against the Bruins at home this past Wednesday. Washington has defeated Colorado in seven of the past eight meetings. The Capitals also catch a break as the Avalanche have announced backup Phillpp Grubauer will be in net today. The Capitals know their former goalie well. Grubauer is not one of the better backups with a 3.55 GAA and .892 save percentage.
11-15-18	Devils v. Flyers -128		3-0	Loss	-128	16 h 24 m	Show
The Flyers had won three in a row until losing at home to the Panthers, 2-1, on Tuesday. Look for the Flyers to bounce back hosting the Devils, who are 1-7 on the road this season. Going back to last season, New Jersey is 3-13 in its past 16 away contests. Philadelphia had scored 3 or more goals in six straight games before losing to the Panthers. The Devils rank 29th defensively. The spot and matchup both favor the Flyers enough to lay this juice.
11-13-18	Maple Leafs -125 v. Kings		5-1	Win	100	20 h 12 m	Show
I'm not reluctant to lay this road price with the Maple Leafs. Toronto is 11-6 and proven on the road going 6-1 in its away matchups. The Maple Leafs just lost their first road game, 5-1, to the Bruins this past Saturday. I like their chances of rebounding against the Kings. The Maple Leafs rank sixth in scoring and also have the sixth-best power play. The Kings are 5-10-1. They are scoring a league-worst 2.06 goals per game. So the Kings must play effective defense. Unfortunately their first two goalies are hurt leaving either third-stringer Peter Budaj or just recalled Cal Petersen from the American Hockey League to be in net. Petersen's AHL numbers were a 4.29 goals against average and .881 save percentage. So not only will the Maple Leafs have a huge offensive edge, but also a strong goalie advantage, too, with Frederik Andersen in net.
11-11-18	Wild v. Blues -108		3-2	Loss	-108	4 h 49 m	Show
The Blues are in short revenge mode after the Wild beat them in St. Louis, 5-1, eight days ago. Minnesota is playing well. But so are the Blues and the spot sets up well for St. Louis. This marks the Wild's seventh road game in a row. Minnesota is in action for the third time in four days and fourth in six days. If it weren't for that loss to the Wild, the Blues would be riding a five-game win streak.
11-08-18	Oilers +118 v. Panthers		1-4	Loss	-100	18 h 16 m	Show
The wrong team opened as the favorite here. Yes, Florida is the home team. But the Panthers are 3-8 in their last 11 games. They are 0-3 at BB&T Center where they play their home games. The Oilers have dominated the Panthers in Florida winning in their last nine visits! Edmonton is off losses in its last two games. But those defeats came to the Capitals and Lightning. Now they are stepping down in class. It's a weird spot, too, for the Panthers. They were in Finland last week as part of the NHL Global Series. Their last game was on Friday. So there could be a jet lag and rust factor.
11-07-18	Predators v. Avalanche +104		4-1	Loss	-100	22 h 50 m	Show
Call it a due factor. But Nashville is due to lose a road game after winning its first six away matchups. The Predators won half of those games by one goal with a fourth road win coming by two goals due to an empty net score with less than a minute left. The Avalanche have been pointing to this matchup ever since the Predators eliminated them in six games during the playoffs last season. Colorado has had plenty of time to focus and prepare having been idle the last four days. Colorado ranks No. 2 behind Washington in goals per game. The Avalanche have won 22 of their past 31 home games. The Predators are likely to still be without their third-leading scorer, Viktor Arvidsson. He's missed the past two games with a lower body injury. Nashville hasn't been a team to go against this season, but this is the spot to do it.
11-06-18	Canadiens v. Rangers -110		3-5	Win	100	7 h 44 m	Show
The home team has won the past four times. I see that pattern continuing here. The Rangers have won three in a row, including knocking off a hot Sabres team, 3-1, at home this past Sunday. New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist is in excellent form going 4-0 with a 0.94 GAA and .967 save percentage during his past four games. This isn't just a play on the Rangers, but a fade on Montreal. The Canadiens just nipped the Islanders, 4-3, in a shootout on the road last night. Montreal came back from a 3-1 deficit to pull out the win. The Canadiens are 5-16 following a victory. This marks their third game in four days. They are 1-6 the past seven times under those circumstances.
11-05-18	Canadiens +105 v. Islanders		4-3	Win	105	9 h 6 m	Show
Montreal is improved this season and has shown an ability to win on the road going 2-3 with impressive victories against the Penguins and Bruins. All three of Montreal's road defeats were by one goal, with two occurring in overtime. The Canadiens won't lack motivation coming off a disappointing 1-2 homestand. They played tough competition, though, beating the Capitals and losing to the Stars and Lightning. The Islanders are fat and happy winning five in a row, including a rivalry winner against New Jersey this past Saturday. The Islanders head off to Florida for a pair of games following this matchup. So their focus might not be all there. The Canadiens have dominated the Islanders on the road winning seven of the last eight times.
11-03-18	Lightning -118 v. Canadiens		4-1	Win	100	18 h 11 m	Show
Montreal is much improved this season. Because of that this becomes a big early game that Tampa Bay is sure to be up for especially after losing 4-1 at home to Nashville on Thursday. The Lightning outshot the Predators, 43-24, in that frustrating loss. Tampa Bay leads Montreal by just one point for the top spot in the East. The Lightning still are superior to the Canadiens even if Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Victor Hedman has to miss another game due to an upper body injury. The Lightning have won eight of their last 11 road games. The Canadiens are coming off a huge 6-4 home victory against the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals on Thursday. Montreal is 2-9 the past 11 times following a victory and aren't likely to turn in another "A" game type of performance so soon.
10-29-18	Wild v. Canucks +135		2-5	Win	135	14 h 6 m	Show
The Canucks are far more dangerous when they have star goal scorers Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson in the lineup. Both are back healthy. Vancouver's power play is much more deadlier with those two on the ice. Minnesota is a road favorite based in part on a five-game win streak. Note, though, that four of those victories came at home for the Wild. They have a losing road record this season. Vancouver has an overall winning record. However, the Canucks are coming off a 5-0 home loss to Pittsburgh. The Canucks shouldn't lack for motivation here while the Wild is playing the first of seven away matchups. The Canucks will be minus goalie Andres Nilsson becaused of a broken finger. Luckily for the Canucks they have another solid goalie, Jacob Markstrom, who has been playing well.
10-27-18	Panthers v. Devils -129		2-3	Win	100	10 h 31 m	Show
The Devils are primed to halt their three-game losing streak after falling in overtime to the Predators on Thursday. New Jersey should have a lot of focus knowing they go on the road for seven straight away games following this one. The Devils have the better offense and goalie. They are 8-3 in their last 11 home games. The Panthers face a fatigue factor. Because of the very early start time, this is almost like playing a third game in four days for them. They also have a trip to Finland looming so their concentration may be off.
10-25-18	Capitals v. Oilers +121		1-4	Win	121	21 h 59 m	Show
Washington has struggled in Edmonton losing in nine of its last 13 visits there. The Oilers are coming off a tough 6-5 home loss to the Penguins where they fired 46 shots on goal. Washington opened its current four-game road trip with a 5-2 victory against the Canucks. The Capitals are giving up an average of five goals per game during their last six six games. Edmonton has the offense to take advantage. Connor McDavid has scored nine points in his last five games. This is Edmonton's finale of a four-game homestand. Look for the Oilers to play with the greater sense of urgency and pull out the upset win.
10-25-18	Canadiens +104 v. Sabres	Top	3-4	Loss	-100	19 h 58 m	Show
Both the Canadiens and Sabres appear much improved. This spot, though, sets up well for Montreal. Buffalo just went a surprising 3-2 on its five-game Western road trip that lasted for 10 days. The Sabres concluded their journey by beating the Kings, 5-1 on Saturday, and the Ducks, 4-2, on Sunday. This is their first game back home. Buffalo is 0-6 the past six times when not having played for three or more days. Montreal is playing well, too. Only once have the Canadiens lost in regulation in their eight games. Backup goalie Antti Niemi is scheduled to get the start. I'm fine with that. Montreal is 2-0 the two times Niemi has been in goal. The Canadiens swept all four meetings with the Sabres last season and are 4-1 during their last five visits to Buffalo.
10-23-18	Penguins -121 v. Oilers		6-5	Win	100	19 h 40 m	Show
The Penguins are coming off their best defensive game of the year, a 3-0 road victory against Toronto. The Maple Leafs were averaging 5.4 goals a game during their previous five games going into that matchup against the Penguins. Pittsburgh defeated Toronto this past Thursday. The Penguins haven't played since. So they should have a lot of energy. Pittsburgh has won 78 percent of its games the past 27 times when playing on three or more days rest. The Penguins, and especially Sidney Crosby, get up to play the Oilers because of Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid. Pittsburgh has dominated the Oilers winning 16 of the past 21 meetings, including the past four in Edmonton. The Oilers have been held to two goals or fewer in four of their six games.
10-22-18	Hurricanes v. Red Wings +150		3-1	Loss	-100	6 h 17 m	Show
The Red Wings opened the season with seven straight losses. Detroit ended its losing streak in its last game, beating Florida, 4-3, in overtime on the road. That should prove a confidence boost for the Red Wings. This is just their third home game of the season. They lost in overtime to the Blue Jackets in their home opener and lost by two goals to Toronto, with the Maple Leafs' last goal coming via an empty net, in their other home matchup. So I find value in taking Detroit as a home 'dog at this mid-sized price. Carolina isn't playing well. The Hurricanes are on a three-game losing streak, scoring only four goals during this span. The Red Wings are very familiar with Carolina's goalie, Petr Mrazek. He played for Detroit for six seasons before leaving last year. Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard has a .916 save percentage in nine all-time matchups against the Hurricanes. Carolina is 5-14-1 in its last 20 visits to Detroit.
10-18-18	Coyotes +130 v. Blackhawks		4-1	Win	130	18 h 13 m	Show
Defense matters. It's one factor why I like the Coyotes to upset the Blackhawks. Chicago has played five games. All five have gone into overtime. Arizona is a top-five defensive team. Yet the Coyotes are 1-4 because they've had problems putting the puck in the net. Their latest loss was 2-1 to the Wild at Minnesota on Tuesday. The Coyotes, though, had 32 shots on goal in that loss. They rank fourth in the NHL in shots per goal. So it's just a matter of time before the Coyotes get goals. I believe that time will come in this game. The Blackhawks have the second-worst defense in the NHL permitting 4.2 goals per game. Corey Crawford is set to make his season debut. Crawford figures to be rusty. He hasn't started in net since last December. Chicago also hasn't played since Saturday. That's too long to go between games.
10-17-18	Bruins -100 v. Flames		2-5	Loss	-100	21 h 37 m	Show
I'm going to ride the Bruins at this price. Boston has won four in a row averaging 5.5 goals a game during its win streak. No line in the NHL has been playing better than Boston's No. 1 line of Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. The Flames have a below average defense and have broken the three-goal barrier just once in their first five games. Calgary has not enjoyed much of a home ice advantage either losing 13 of its last 19 at Saddledome. The Flames also have dropped four of their last five versus the Bruins.
10-13-18	Maple Leafs v. Capitals -115		4-2	Loss	-115	19 h 29 m	Show
The Maple Leafs just may be ready to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender this season. But this is the wrong spot for them. It's Toronto's fourth road game in seven days. The Maple Leafs also are catching the Capitals off an embarrassing 6-0 road loss to the Devils on Thursday. Before that loss, the defending Stanley Cup champions had just beaten Las Vegas, 5-2, at home on Wednesday in an emotional matchup of last season's Cup finalists. The Capitals were averaging six goals a game during their first three games until their flat spot loss to the Devils. Toronto is 1-5 in its last six games versus Washington. Maybe the Maple Leafs are ready to overtake the Capitals when they play in Toronto, but not on the road carrying a fatigue rating and drawing what is sure to be a fired-up Capitals group.
10-11-18	Avalanche -108 v. Sabres		6-1	Win	100	10 h 16 m	Show
Buffalo won just 11 home games last season, fewest in the NHL. The Sabres, though, are trying to make it three consecutive home wins today against Colorado off victories against the Rangers on Saturday and Las Vegas on Monday. I don't see the Sabres getting it. Colorado is the better team and won't lack motivation after skating poorly in a 5-2 loss to Columbus on Tuesday. The Avalanche are likely to have defenseman Patrik Nemeth back along with center Vladislav Kamenev making his season debut. The Avalanche had backup Philipp Grubauer in net against the Blue Jackets. Semyon Varlamov is expected to be back in goal for Colorado today. He has a strong history against the Sabres with a 6-2-1 record and 2.46 goals-against average in nine starts. Carter Hutton has started all three of Buffalo's games. Hutton has stopped 78 of 81 shots in the last two games. But I consider him more backup quality than starter. Colorado has defeated Buffalo in 12 of the past 15 meetings, including going 6-2 the past eight times in Buffalo.
10-10-18	Coyotes +145 v. Ducks	Top	3-2	Win	145	20 h 2 m	Show
Anaheim is flying high at 3-0. One of those victories was against Arizona. The Ducks beat the Coyotes, 1-0, this past Saturday in Phoenix. The Coyotes, though, outshot the Ducks, 41-20. Tremendous goalie play from John Gibson saved the Ducks. Gibson is hot. But the Ducks are due for a loss. They've been getting away with playing five rookie forwards due to injuries and nearly lost to the Red Wings at home in their last game prevailing in a shootout this past Monday. The Coyotes should have won the first meeting between the teams. This is short revenge for them. Their goalie, Antti Raanta, has a good history against Anaheim with a 1.66 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage in six starts.
10-09-18	Sharks -105 v. Flyers	Top	8-2	Win	100	17 h 9 m	Show
I want the better team going for me off a loss and at a very reasonable price. Yes, the Sharks are going through an adjustment period with new talent. But so are the Flyers, who just switched up their first and second lines only two games into the season. Philadelphia already has suffered a key injury with James van Riemsdyk out five-to-six weeks with a lower body injury suffered in a road loss to the Avalanche this past Saturday. The Sharks aren't going to lack motivation after an embarrassing 4-0 road loss to the Islanders on Monday. This is a back-to-back game for them, but it's so early in the season that fatigue won't factor. This is Philadelphia's first home game. That could prove a distraction, though, as the Flyers opened their season posting an upset road win against Las Vegas this past Thursday before losing to Colorado on Saturday. San Jose has dominated the Flyers, too, in Philadelphia winning nine of the past 10 meetings there.
10-04-18	Bruins -125 v. Sabres		4-0	Win	100	18 h 30 m	Show
The Bruins were 50 points better than the Sabres last season. Boston has beaten the Sabres in seven of its last eight visits to Buffalo. The Bruins should do it again here especially off an embarrassing 7-0 humiliating opening loss to Washington on Wednesday. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy ripped his team with full justification saying they lacked competitive spirit. The Bruins' top line of David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand all had horrible games. They are one of the best lines in hockey. Expect the Bruins to be far more fired-up and to play a lot better in this game. The Sabres haven't reached the playoffs during the last seven years. Buffalo has lost 37 of its last 53 home games.

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