Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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03-16-21 | Lightning v. Stars UNDER 5.5 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -113 | 13 h 54 m | Show |
NHL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Tampa Bay and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday. The Lightning finally saw their 'over' streak come to an end at five games in yesterday's 4-1 home loss to the Predators. While Tampa Bay had been lighting it up offensively prior to that contest, that had a lot to do with its schedule, having faced only the Blackhawks, Red Wings and Predators since the beginning of March. The last time the Lightning faced the Stars was on February 27th, when they skated to a 5-0 victory. That actually sets up the 'under' well in this spot, noting that Dallas has posted a 3-12 o/u record at home when revenging a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons with those games averaging just 4.4 total goals. While Dallas has been a general disappointment this season, it has performed reasonably well at home, where it gives up just 2.4 goals per game. Also note that the Stars have posted a 3-13 o/u record when returning home off a road game over the last two seasons, giving up just 2.2 goals per game in that situation. Take the under (10*). |
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03-15-21 | Sharks +1.5 v. Golden Knights | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 32 m | Show | |
My selection is on San Jose +1.5 goals over Vegas at 10:05 pm et on Monday. The Sharks have quietly gotten themselves on a bit of a roll lately, winning three straight games and outscoring the opposition 12-3 in the process. While I'm not going to call for the outright upset in Vegas on Monday, I do expect San Jose to give the Knights all they can handle. Of course, the Sharks motivation level should be sky-high for this one as they've dropped all three meetings against Vegas this season, including consecutive losses on home ice earlier this month. While San Jose has gotten healthier with Tomas Hertl among those returning to the lineup, the Knights are still without big offseason acquisition Alex Pietrangelo. Vegas is coming off back-to-back wins in St. Louis on Friday and Saturday but is actually in a tough spot here, returning home off a long road trip. Note that the Knights have gone 0-4 (small sample size, I know) and have been outscored by a wide average margin of 2.2 goals when playing at home off at least three consecutive games on the road over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, the Sharks are a strong positive momentum play here having gone 12-4 when on the road after allowing two goals or less in consecutive games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.2 goals per game in that situation. Going back much further, the Sharks are 26-15 when in a triple-revenge situation, as is the case here. We'll grab the insurance goal with San Jose here, noting that it has gone 9-3 when factoring in the +1.5 puck-line over its last 12 contests. Take San Jose +1.5 goals (10*). |
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03-15-21 | Oilers v. Flames UNDER 6 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Edmonton and Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Monday. The Flames went back to basics against the Canadiens over the last two games and it paid off as they posted consecutive low-scoring victories, 2-1 and 3-1. They'll host the rival Oilers on Monday night and I'm anticipating another relatively low-scoring affair. The Oilers had a couple of offensive explosions against the Senators last week but outside of that, they've had a bit of a tough time offensively, scoring three goals or less in seven of their last nine games overall, including a 2-1 loss in Vancouver on Saturday. Note that the 'under' has gone 11-3 when the Oilers play on the road off a loss over the last two seasons, with those games averaging just 5.2 total goals. Better still, the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 when Edmonton plays on the road after scoring one goal or less in its last game over the last two seasons, with those contests averaging just 4.3 total goals. Calgary has been pretty tough defensively on home ice this season, allowing just 2.6 goals per game and 27.2 shots on goal per game. Both numbers represent vast improvements over how they've performed on the road. Take the under (10*). |
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03-15-21 | Bruins v. Penguins UNDER 5.5 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Monday. I'll call for a relatively low-scoring game between these two rivals on Monday night as the Bruins look to rebound following Saturday's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the Rangers while the Penguins aim to keep rolling off five straight victories. Note that the previous two meetings between these two teams this season have both stayed 'under' 5.5 goals. The 'under' is 8-1 when the Bruins play on the road off a loss by two goals or more against a division opponent over the last two seasons with those games totaling just 4.9 goals on average. The Pens have been outstanding at home this season, going 11-2 while averaging an impressive 3.9 goals per game. However, they average just 2.4 goals per game when coming off a win by three goals or more against a division opponent over the last three seasons, with those contests totaling just 4.8 total goals on average. Take the under (10*). |
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03-15-21 | Capitals v. Sabres UNDER 6 | Top | 6-0 | Push | 0 | 12 h 40 m | Show |
NHL East Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The Sabres are in dire straights right now, having lost 10 consecutive games with no signs of turning things around. On a positive note, they did hold the Penguins to a single goal before giving up a pair of empty-net goals late in Saturday's 3-0 loss. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 8-0 when the Sabres come off a shutout loss over the last three seasons, with those games totaling an average of just 4.7 goals. The Capitals have won four games in a row and check in having scored exactly five goals in three straight games. That's obviously not a sustainable trend, noting that prior to that stretch the Caps had scored a grand total of nine goals in their last four games. The 'under' has gone an incredible 41-14 when a team that has allowed three goals or more in four straight games faces an opponent coming off three straight games where eight or more total goals were scored. Take the under (10*). |
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03-14-21 | Hurricanes v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 106 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Carolina and Detroit at 5:05 pm et on Sunday. The Red Wings have been involved in some improbably high-scoring games lately (considering how many low-scoring contests they were involved in during the first month of the season. The 'over' actually checks in 6-1 in the Wings last seven games. I believe we're in line for a low-scoring affair in the Motor City on Sunday, however, with the Hurricanes rolling into town. This is obviously a bit of a tough spot for the Canes from a motivation standpoint. They come in on the heels of seven straight wins and a four-game homestand. That homestand is notable as they average just 1.0 goal per game (you read that right) the last seven times they've gone on the road following four consecutive games at home over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, the Red Wings have averaged just 1.7 goals per game when playing at home revenging a loss where they gave up five goals or more (as is the case here) over the last two seasons. Take the under (10*). |
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03-14-21 | Coyotes +1.5 v. Wild | 1-4 | Loss | -148 | 6 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on Arizona +1.5 goals over Minnesota at 2:05 pm et on Sunday. This is a much easier game for the Coyotes to get up for than the Wild - an early Sunday afternoon start in Minnesota. That's because Arizona was blown out 4-0 in the first of this three-game set between these two teams on Friday night. That sets the Wild up poorly here, noting that they've gone 12-19 at home after scoring four or more goals in their previous game over the last three seasons, giving up 3.0 goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, the Coyotes are a solid 12-5 after scoring two goals or less in two straight games over the last two seasons, averaging an impressive 3.3 goals per game in that situation. Additionally, the 'Yotes are 16-6 after losing two or more games in a row over the last two seasons, averaging 3.4 goals per game and outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.0 goal in that situation. We'll grab the insurance goal here but hopefully won't need it. Take Arizona +1.5 goals (10*). |
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03-13-21 | Blackhawks v. Panthers -157 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 44 m | Show | |
My selection is on Florida over Chicago at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Blackhawks snapped their two-game skid with a 4-2 win in Dallas on Thursday but I look for them to go back to their losing ways on Saturday as they take on the red hot Panthers. Florida is coming off an improbable comeback win in Columbus on Thursday, rallying from a 4-1 third period deficit to win the game in overtime. Now the Cats are back home where they've gone 10-2-1 this season. The Blackhawks certainly prefer to play an up-tempo style but that plays right into the hands of the Panthers, who rank fifth in the league in goals per game this season. Florida also ranks tops in the league in shots on goal per game which spells trouble for a Blackhawks team that ranks 19th in goals per game allowed and 31st in shots on goal per game allowed. Take Florida (10*). |
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03-13-21 | Capitals v. Flyers -107 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -107 | 21 h 16 m | Show |
NHL Game of the Week. My selection is on Philadelphia over Washington at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Capitals have certainly had the Flyers number this past week but I'm willing to go back to the well with Philadelphia here as the situation sets up well for the home side. Note that the Flyers have gone a perfect 7-0 when coming off a home loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 2.8 goals in that situation. They're also an exceptional 14-3 after losing four or five of their last six games over the last two seasons, averaging 3.9 goals per game and outscoring the opposition by 1.5 goals on average in that situation. Keep in mind, prior to dropping its last two games against the Caps, Philadelphia had won five consecutive meetings in this series. With the Caps allowing three goals per game on the road this season, I still feel they're vulnerable and look for the Flyers to finally put one over on them on Saturday night. Take Philadelphia (10*). |
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03-12-21 | Sharks v. Ducks UNDER 5.5 | 6-0 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose and Anaheim at 10:05 pm et on Friday. The Ducks have now seen the 'over' cash in three straight games but I look for that streak to come to an end on Friday night. Note that the last 11 times the Ducks have come off three consecutive 'over' results, the 'under' has gone 9-2 with those contests totaling an average of just 4.5 goals. The 'under' is also a stellar 10-1 when the Ducks play at home revenging a one-goal loss against an opponent over the last two seasons, with those games totaling a ridiculously low average of 4.0 goals. Meanwhile, the Sharks notched a win over the Blues last time out but that sets them up poorly here as they average just 1.8 goals per game off a victory this season. The last two meetings in this series have totaled just five and three goals. Take the under (10*). |
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03-11-21 | Blackhawks v. Stars UNDER 5.5 | 4-2 | Loss | -122 | 23 h 9 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Thursday. We missed the mark with the 'under' in Tuesday's matchup between these two teams but I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here on Thursday. Note that the Stars are allowing just 2.1 goals per game at home off a home win by two goals or more over the last two seasons, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. Dallas' six-goal outburst on Tuesday was uncharacteristic, noting that it has averaged just 2.4 goals per game after losing four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons. As far as the Blackhawks go, virtually all signs point to a high-scoring result as that has been the long-term trend. However, this season they're averaging just 2.4 goals per game on the road. They've scored a grand total of 10 goals in the last six meetings in this series. Take the under (10*). |
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03-11-21 | Capitals v. Flyers -104 | 5-3 | Loss | -104 | 22 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on Philadelphia over Washington at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Flyers busted out of their slump with a 5-4 victory over the Sabres on Tuesday and now I look for them to keep it rolling as they host the Capitals on Thursday. Note that the Caps defeated the Flyers by a 3-1 score this past Sunday, which actually serves Philadelphia well here. The Flyers have given up just two goals per game when at home revenging a loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.1 goals. Likewise, they've allowed just 2.3 goals per game after giving up three goals or more in three straight games over the last three seasons. Washington has had a tendency to let down its guard, allowing 3.5 goals per game off a home win over a division opponent over the last two seasons. Take Philadelphia (10*). |
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03-11-21 | Jets v. Maple Leafs -177 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 22 h 44 m | Show | |
My selection is on Toronto over Winnipeg at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Leafs were rolling at this time last week, riding a four-game winning streak despite missing a number of key cogs due to injury. Since then, they've dropped three games in a row, including Tuesday's 4-3 setback against the Jets in the first of a three-game set here in Toronto. I look for the Leafs to respond favorably on Thursday as they look to get back on the winning side of the ledger. Note that they've allowed just 2.1 goals per game, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of one goal when revenging a loss against an opponent this season. They've also outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals when playing on home ice after allowing three goals or more in three straight games over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Winnipeg has allowed a whopping 4.2 goals per game after posting a division win on the road over the last two seasons. Take Toronto (10*). |
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03-11-21 | Rangers v. Bruins OVER 5.5 | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
NHL East Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Boston at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Bruins are coming off consecutive low-scoring results with a grand total of just three goals scored in regulation time in losses against the Devils and Islanders. I look for a different story to unfold on Thursday as they welcome the Rangers to TD Garden. Note that the Rangers have seen the 'over' go 5-2-1 over their last eight contests. The main reason we're dealing with a reasonably low total here is the fact that three of four meetings between these two teams this season have totaled five goals or less. This one sets up well as a high-scoring affair, however, noting that the 'over' has gone a perfect 7-0 when the Bruins come off consecutive games where four goals or less were scored with those games totaling an average of 7.8 goals. Also note that the Rangers have posted a 9-1 o/u record when coming off a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons with those contests totaling an average of 7.6 goals. Take the over (10*). |
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03-11-21 | Penguins v. Sabres +1.5 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -140 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
My selection is on Buffalo +1.5 goals over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. This is a tough spot for the Penguins to get up for as they head to Buffalo on the heels of three straight wins on home ice. Note that Pittsburgh is a woeful 0-7 when heading on the road after scoring three or more goals in three straight games over the last two seasons, scoring just 1.4 goals per game in that situation while getting outscored by an average margin of 2.6 goals. The Pens have also been outscored by 0.5 goals per game when coming off consecutive wins by two goals or more over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, Buffalo averages an impressive 3.8 goals per game when coming off a one-goal road loss over the last two seasons (the Sabres are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss in Buffalo on Tuesday). Take Buffalo +1.5 goals (10*). |
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03-10-21 | Kings v. Ducks UNDER 5.5 | 5-1 | Loss | -125 | 24 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Anaheim at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday. We missed the mark with the 'under' in this matchup on Monday night as the Kings and Ducks were involved in an uncharacteristically high-scoring affair. I expect a different story to unfold on Wednesday night, however. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 7-0 when the Ducks follow two consecutive games in which they scored four goals or more over the last three seasons. In those games, Anaheim averaged just 1.6 goals with the games reaching an average total of just 4.4 goals. Meanwhile, the Kings have posted a 2-13 o/u mark after scoring five goals or more in their previous contest over the last three seasons, averaging just 2.1 goals per game with those games totaling an average of only 4.4 goals. Keep in mind, prior to Monday's game, the last three meetings in this series had produced no more than four total goals. Take the under (10*). |
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03-10-21 | Golden Knights -115 v. Wild | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
NHL West Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Vegas over Minnesota at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. We won with the Wild in the front half of this two-game set on Monday but I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the Knights on Wednesday. Monday's loss snapped Vegas' six-game winning streak but it remains 6-3 on the road this season where it allows only 1.9 goals per game. Note that the Knights are allowing just 1.6 goals per game when playing on the road off a loss against a division opponent over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals in that situation. Coming off a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, the Knights have gone 9-1, outscoring opponents by a wide 1.7-goal margin on average. On the flip side, the Wild have given up a whopping 4.3 goals per game when coming off a home win by two goal so more over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.6 goals in that situation. Take Vegas (10*). |
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03-09-21 | Blackhawks v. Stars UNDER 5.5 | Top | 1-6 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 50 m | Show |
NHL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday. We were involved in a couple of games involving these teams over the weekend, cashing with the Stars in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Columbus and successfully fading the Blackhawks in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Lightning. Here, I'm anticipating a relatively low-scoring affair between these division rivals. Note that the Blackhawks are averaging just 2.5 goals per game on the road this season. Interestingly, playing on the road after scoring three goals or more in consecutive games the Blackhawks have played to an average total of just 3.4 goals. The Stars have posted a 3-12 o/u mark when playing at home after losing two of their last three games over the last two seasons with those contests totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. This series has been an 'under' bettors dream in recent years with each of the last five matchups, including both this season, totaling three goals or less. Take the under (10*). |
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03-09-21 | Panthers -127 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 35 m | Show |
NHL East Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Florida over Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Panthers delivered a poor performance on Sunday as they dropped a 4-2 decision in Carolina. That was just their first loss in their last three games, however, and they still own an impressive 15-5-4 overall record this season. While the Blue Jackets have generally owned this series, going 24-11 in the last 35 meetings, there's no question the Panthers are a better team this year than we've seen in years' past. The Jackets check in having won just twice in their last eight games. Note that Columbus has averaged only 2.3 goals per game when playing at home after winning two of its last three contests, as is the case here. Meanwhile, we can anticipate a solid offensive showing from the Panthers here as they've averaged a whopping 4.4 goals per game when coming off a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, going a perfect 5-0 in that situation. The Blue Jackets are a nice negative momentum fade here having gone 4-11 when coming off a loss in a division game over the last two seasons, outscored by 1.1 goals on average in that situation. Take Florida (10*). |
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03-08-21 | Kings v. Ducks UNDER 5.5 | 5-6 | Loss | -128 | 25 h 36 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Anaheim at 10:05 pm et on Monday. Both of these teams are coming off relatively high-scoring results last time out with the Kings defeating the Blues 4-3 and the Ducks upsetting the Avalanche by a 5-4 score. Here, I look for a return to 'normal' for both teams as they tangle in what figures to be a low-scoring affair on Monday night. Note that the Kings have averaged just two goals per game when on the road after allowing three goals or more in three straight games over the last two seasons. They're averaging an identical two goals per game after scoring four goals or more in a home victory over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, the Ducks average a miserable 1.9 goals per game as well after recording a one-goal win in their last game over the last two seasons. The last three meetings in this series have totaled just three, four and four total goals, with the latter coming in the lone previous matchup this season. Take the under (10*). |
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03-08-21 | Canadiens -147 v. Canucks | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -147 | 12 h 12 m | Show |
NHL North Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Montreal over Vancouver at 10:05 pm et on Monday. On paper, the case could be made that both of these teams are 'due' for a letdown on Monday night with the Canadiens coming off a 7-1 victory over Winnipeg and Vancouver fresh off consecutive victories over Toronto. As the line certainly appears to indicate, I believe the Habs are in better position to steady their course and avoid that letdown on Monday. A few quotes from Canucks players lead me to believe they'll be hard-pressed to get back to the level they played at in that two-game sweep of the Leafs. "It's been a tough go, and for our team to keep battling and stick to the process tonight, I think it's huge for our group and give us a lot of confidence," Brock Boeser said. And this from J.T. Miller, "It feels pretty awesome and we know it's in there," he said. "It means a lot to us. We take a lot of pride in beating a team like that at home twice when we really need wins. We talked a lot over the last three weeks or so about playing well but not getting the results. We've shown that we can beat anybody in the league, and we still believe that, even though the record wouldn't necessarily show it. But it feels pretty awesome." While those quotes may be encouraging to some, I believe they might indicate Vancouver is a little high on its horse off those victories, especially given it still has just 11 wins in 28 games this season. Note that Vancouver averages just 2.8 goals per game when coming off a win over the last three seasons, outscored by 0.2 goals per game on average in that situation. Meanwhile, Montreal seems to get a lift heading out on the road following a homestand, having averaged 3.3 goals per game, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals when playing on the road after two consecutive home games over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Take Montreal (10*). |
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03-07-21 | Devils v. Bruins -1.5 | 1-0 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on Boston -1.5 goals over New Jersey at 5:05 pm et on Sunday. This is a brutal spot for the reeling Devils, who check in having lost five games in a row with no signs of righting the ship any time soon. Meanwhile, Boston has been playing a rather uneven brand of hockey lately but is coming off an uplifting 5-1 win over the Capitals to earn a 1-1 split in its two-game set on Friday night. Note that the Bruins set up well here as they've outscored opponents by an average margin of 1.8 goals when coming off a win by three goals or more against a division opponent over the last three seasons, allowing a paltry 1.6 goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, the Devils have an awful track record when coming off a division loss on home ice, allowing 4.6 goals per game in that situation over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.7 goals. Take Boston -1.5 goals (10*). |
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03-07-21 | Lightning -177 v. Blackhawks | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 37 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Chicago at 2:35 pm et on Sunday. The Lightning haven't been at their best in their last couple of games against the Blackhawks, first needing to rally from a 2-0 third period deficit to secure a 3-2 overtime win on Thursday before dropping a 4-3 shootout decision on Friday. I do look for them to bring their 'A' game on Sunday as they look to come away with five of a possible six points in this three-game set in Chicago. Note that Tampa Bay has allowed just 2.1 goals per game when revenging a loss on the road over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals in that situation. The Blackhawks haven't fared particularly well when coming off a close victory in recent years, allowing an average of 4.1 goals after a one-goal win over the last three seasons. In general, the Lightning have been a solid bet when coming off a loss of any sort on the road over the last three seasons, going 24-7 in their next game while averaging over four goals per game and outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.6 goals. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
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03-06-21 | Blue Jackets v. Stars -128 | Top | 0-5 | Win | 100 | 23 h 34 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Dallas over Columbus at 8:05 pm et on Saturday. I'll back the Stars on Saturday night as they look to right the ship and shake out of a miserable run in a rematch with the Blue Jackets. Columbus skated to a 3-2 victory in the first of this two-game set on Thursday. That actually puts Dallas in a solid situation here, noting that it has allowed just 2.1 goals on average when revenging a loss against an opponent over the last two seasons. Also note that Columbus is averaging just 2.1 goals per game when playing on the road off a road victory over the last two seasons. The Stars have gone a solid 10-4 under the guidance of head coach Rick Bowness when playing with double-revenge against an opponent, outscoring the opposition by a margin of 1.1 goals. Take Dallas (10*). |
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03-05-21 | Wild -135 v. Coyotes | Top | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 18 m | Show |
NHL West Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Minnesota over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Friday. The Wild are coming off back-to-back losses in Las Vegas earlier this week - not all that surprising as they were certainly in for some regression off six straight victories and the Golden Knights offered a significant test. Here, I look for Minnesota to bounce back as it heads to Glendale to face the Coyotes. Note that Minnesota has gone 8-1 off a loss by four goals or more over the last two seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.5 goals. Meanwhile, Arizona has been dreadful off a road win against a division opponent (it enters this game off a 3-2 victory in Los Angeles two nights ago), going 1-8 in that situation over the last three seasons, losing those games by an average margin of 2.1 goals. The last five times the Coyotes have returned home following a one-goal road win they've gone winless and have allowed a whopping five goals per game, outscored by an average margin of 2.6 goals. Take Minnesota (10*). |
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03-04-21 | Flyers v. Penguins +112 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 43 m | Show |
NHL Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Pittsburgh over Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Flyers will likely be a popular play on Thursday night as bettors race to the window to fade the Sidney Crosby-less Penguins coming off Tuesday's 5-2 blowout win in the opener of this three-game set in Pittsburgh. I'll go the other way, however, as the Pens have become accustomed to playing (and succeeding) without Crosby over the years and who's to argue with a dominant 8-1 home record this season? Many had the Flyers pegged as a Stanley Cup contender at the outset of the season and while there's still plenty of time for that to play out, the fact is they've been a fairly large disappointment, barely hanging on to the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. The Pens are the team nipping at their heels and here I look for them to stake claim to that position. Note that Philadelphia has been a good negative momentum fade in recent years, allowing a whopping 4.4 goals per game on 14 occasions where they were off a road loss over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that situation. They also have a tendency to get weaker the more they play on the road, having allowed an average of 4.6 goals per game off two consecutive games played away from home over the last two seasons. Take Pittsburgh (10*). |
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03-03-21 | Blues v. Ducks UNDER 5.5 | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 20 m | Show |
NHL West Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between St. Louis and Anaheim at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Blues are coming off two straight high-scoring games, including a 5-4 win here in Anaheim two nights ago. I'm expecting a reversal of sorts on Wednesday night as the Ducks look to bring an end to their seven-game losing streak. Note that the 'under' is 11-2 when the Blues come off consecutive games where at least seven goals were scored, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.5 goals. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 9-1 when the Ducks look to revenge a one-goal loss against an opponent, with those games reaching an average total of only 3.9 goals. Finally, the Ducks have posted a 4-14 o/u mark following five or more consecutive losses over the last three seasons, with those games averaging exactly five goals. This could certainly be seen as a flat spot for the Blues off back-to-back wild, one-goal road wins while Anaheim needs to ratchet up the intensity and snap their long skid before a tough two-game set in Colorado. Take the under (10*). |
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03-02-21 | Canucks v. Jets -129 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 13 h 27 m | Show |
NHL North Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Winnipeg over Vancouver at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Canucks jumped out in front early in last night's game here in Winnipeg and were never really tested from there in an eventual 4-0 victory. That looked an awful lot like a 'throwaway' game for the Jets after they dug themselves that 3-0 first period hole as they offered little push back from there. I certainly expect Winnipeg to respond with a tremendous effort on Tuesday night. Keep in mind, Winnipeg had been playing well entering last night's contest, having won four straight and eight of its last 11 games overall. This has been a tight series with each team taking two games in four meetings so far this season. Look for the Jets to gain the upper hand tonight. Take Winnipeg (10*). |
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03-01-21 | Maple Leafs v. Oilers +102 | 3-0 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on Edmonton over Toronto at 10:05 pm et on Monday. I like the bounce-back spot for the Oilers on Monday night after suffering a 4-0 loss against the Leafs on Saturday. In recent years, a loss like Saturday's may have sent the Oilers into a tailspin but they've looked like a different team this year. Note that Edmonton is 20-10 when revenging a loss where they scored a goal or less as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 0.7 goals. The Oilers are also 23-11 after allowing four goals or more in their last game over the last two seasons. Take Edmonton (10*). |
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02-27-21 | Blue Jackets +110 v. Predators | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 44 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Columbus over Nashville at 3:05 pm et on Saturday. The Blue Jackets continue to limp along, coming off three consecutive losses to wrap up a disappointing 1-3 homestand. That stretch started with a win over these same Predators - a rare occurrence in a series Nashville has dominated. With that being said, I like the way this situation sets up for the Jackets on Saturday. Note that Nashville is just 13-22 after winning two of its last three games over the last two seasons, outscored by a goal per game on average in that situation. The Preds are also a miserable 3-10 after playing their last three games on the road, as is the case here, outscored by a wide 1.5-goal margin on average. We have seen Columbus bounce back from bad losses with some consistency under head coach John Tortorella, going 35-26 after losing by two goals or more in their last game. Take Columbus (10*). |
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02-26-21 | Avalanche -169 v. Coyotes | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Friday. We missed the mark with the Avalanche two nights ago as they got blown out by the Wild, on home ice no less. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with them here, however, as they face a familiar foe in the Coyotes. Note that Colorado has gone 7-3 against Arizona over the last three seasons and breezed past the 'Yotes in last year's playoffs, capped off by consecutive 7-1 victories to close out the series. Colorado is 12-5 when playing on the road off a loss by three goals or more over the last three seasons, averaging just shy of four goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, the Coyotes are a miserable 3-15 when coming off a one-goal victory over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.3 goals in that situation. Take Colorado (10*). |
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02-25-21 | Devils v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 109 | 10 h 11 m | Show |
NHL East Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between New Jersey and Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. After seeing a relatively low-scoring game between these two teams two nights ago I look for a reversal of sorts on Thursday as the scene shifts to Buffalo for the rematch. The Devils have been held to three goals or less in four straight games but despite scoring just once in Tuesday's loss, they did manage to fire 42 shots on goal in what was actually a fairly wide-open affair despite only five goals being scored (79 combined shots on goal). Note that the 'over' has gone 23-9 when the Devils come off three losses in their last four games over the last three seasons with those games reaching an average total of 6.9 goals. The 'over' is a perfect 6-0 when the Devils come off a home loss against a divisional opponent over the last two seasons with New Jersey allowing a whopping 4.8 goals per game in that situation and those contests totaling an average of 7.5 goals. While the 'under' has gone 18-8 when the Sabres are coming off five or six losses in their last seven games over the last two seasons, those contests have actually totaled an average of six goals. The total has quite simply been set too low for this one. Take the over (10*). |
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02-24-21 | Wild v. Avalanche -178 | Top | 6-2 | Loss | -178 | 13 h 21 m | Show |
NHL Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Colorado over Minnesota at 9:05 pm et on Wednesday. I absolutely love the way this one sets up for the Avs as they look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss suffered at the hands of the Golden Knights on Monday (we won with Vegas as our Underdog Game of the Month in that game). The Avs were certainly ripe for a letdown on Monday as they were fresh off their marathon victory over Vegas outdoors at Lake Tahoe two nights earlier. Minnesota is rolling along right now but that actually works against it in this particular spot. Note that the Wild are a miserable 9-24 on the moneyline the last 33 times they've followed consecutive wins by three goals or more. They've also struggled in similar revenge roles such as this, having gone 10-25 on the moneyline when revenging a one-goal loss over the last three seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.1 goals in that situation. This has been a tightly-contested series over the years but the Avs have started to turn the tide, taking three of the last four meetings. While we are dealing with a fairly high price here, I believe it could be even higher. Take Colorado (10*). |
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02-22-21 | Golden Knights +123 v. Avalanche | Top | 3-0 | Win | 123 | 14 h 22 m | Show |
NHL Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Vegas over Colorado at 9:05 pm et on Monday. The Avs got the better of the Knights in Saturday's marathon game at Lake Tahoe, prevailing by a 3-2 score on the shoulders of a three-point effort from Nathan MacKinnon. Here, I look for the Knights to answer back following consecutive losses against Colorado. Keep in mind, prior to dropping its last two games, Vegas had won five of its last six overall. The Knights can't sit around feeling sorry for themselves as their trip will continue in San Jose and Anaheim as they won't return home until next week. I expect to see a galvanized effort from them here following that rather punchless performance on Saturday (they were outshot 39-29 in that game). The Avs are 2-1 since returning from an extended Covid-related absence but they've scored just six goals in the process. Note that under head coach Peter Deboer, the Knights are 10-1 the last 11 times they've allowed at least three goals in two straight games, outscoring the opposition by an average of 1.7 goals. Take Vegas (10*). |
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02-21-21 | Jets v. Canucks -110 | 4-3 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vancouver over Winnipeg at 10:05 pm et on Sunday. I like the Canucks to get back at the Jets following Friday night's no-show on home ice. Vancouver had been playing well, seemingly having turned the corner prior to Friday's setback. The Jets have been as uneven as they come this season and I'm just not confident in their ability to follow up Friday's performance with another victory here on Sunday. The oddsmakers have it right installing the Canucks as a favorite by my estimation. Look for Vancouver's best players to show up and guide it to a win to close out this two-game set with Winnipeg. Take Vancouver (10*). |
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02-21-21 | Flyers +1.5 v. Bruins | 3-7 | Loss | -157 | 23 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on Philadelphia +1.5 goals over Boston at 7:35 pm et on Sunday. With ice conditions likely to be poor again at Lake Tahoe on Sunday, I'll gladly grab the insurance goal in what could very well be a low-scoring affair between the Flyers and Bruins on Sunday. Philadelphia is in bounce-back mode after suffering a shootout loss against the Rangers in its first game back following a string of Covid-related postponements. The Flyers are a better team than they showed in that contest and will certainly be up for this matchup with the Bruins after getting their lunch handed to them in four losses in this series already this season. Take Philadelphia +1.5 goals (10*). |
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02-20-21 | Kings v. Coyotes -160 | 4-2 | Loss | -160 | 22 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on Arizona over Los Angeles at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Kings have now won a season-high three games in a row after pulling out a 3-2 shootout victory in the first game of this two-game set in Glendale on Thursday night. We won with the 'under' in that contest, but here we'll back the favored Coyotes. Credit Arizona for at least earning a point in that game as it fell behind 2-0 early before rallying. The Coyotes are one of those teams that generally flies beneath most bettors' radar but can be a quality team to back in the right situation. I see this as precisely such a situation as they look to regain their footing and start gaining some ground in the West Division with a couple of winnable home games against the Ducks coming up next. Take Arizona (10*). |
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02-19-21 | Panthers v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5 | 7-2 | Loss | -101 | 10 h 13 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Florida and Detroit at 7:05 pm et on Friday. We won with the 'under' in the Red Wings most recent game - a 2-0 home loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as the Red Wings host the Panthers. Florida has won consecutive games but has been playing with fire a little bit, giving up seven goals in those two victories and a whopping 13 goals over its last three games overall. Look for the Panthers to make a concerted effort to settle things down here on Friday and the Red Wings should oblige them. Detroit has struggled to score goals all season and a breakout doesn't figure to be anywhere in sight. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 7-0 when the Panthers come off consecutive games where both teams scored three or more goals over the last two seasons, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 7-1 when the Red Wings revenge a loss versus their opponent this season, with those games reaching an average of 4.5 total goals. Take the under (10*). |
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02-19-21 | Blackhawks +1.5 v. Hurricanes | Top | 3-5 | Loss | -138 | 10 h 24 m | Show |
NHL Puck-Line Game of the Week. My selection is on Chicago +1.5 goals over Carolina at 7:05 pm et on Friday. To find the last time the Blackhawks lost a game by two goals or more you would have to go back to the first week of the season, when they were mired in an 0-3 start. Since then, they've gone 9-2-4 overall but still don't seem to be getting the respect they deserve. Ordinarily, it might be tough for a team to get up for a Friday night game in Carolina but that's changing with the Hurricanes becoming one of the NHL's best teams in recent years. I see this as a tough spot for the Canes, playing their fifth game in the last nine nights and while they've won three of their last four overall, they've had to exert plenty of energy, having been outshot in all four of those games, spending a lot of time in their own zone. The 'Hawks have to feel like they're playing with house money right now, having won six of their last seven overall - a stretch that began with a 6-4 win over these same Hurricanes. Note that Chicago is 9-3 against the puck-line after winning three of its last four games over the last two seasons, outscoring its opponents by an average margin of a goal per game. Meanwhile, Carolina is 6-11 against the puck-line after scoring three goals or more in three straight games over the last three seasons - outscored by 0.6 goals per game in that situation. Take Chicago +1.5 goals (10*). |
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02-18-21 | Kings v. Coyotes UNDER 5.5 | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. We won with the 'under' in the Kings 4-0 win over the Wild two nights ago and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here on Thursday. Note that the 'under' is 13-1 when the Kings come off a home win by three goals or more over the last three seasons with those games averaging just 4.5 total goals. When you consider only road games in that particular situation, the 'under' has gone 8-1 and those games totaled an average of only four goals. While the Coyotes have posted a 4-4-1 o/u record at home this season, games here in Glendale are averaging just 4.8 total goals. Also note that six of the last seven meetings in this series have stayed 'under' the total. We'll stick with the trends here. Take the under (10*). |
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02-17-21 | Blackhawks v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5 | Top | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 13 h 42 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. These two teams skated to a low-scoring game two nights ago with the Blackhawks emerging victorious by a 2-1 score in overtime. I believe we're in for another low-scoring contest on Wednesday as Chicago aims for its third straight win. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 6-0 when the Blackhawks have won two of their last three games this season, with those games averaging just four total goals. The 'under' is also a perfect 6-0 when the Red Wings follow a one-goal home loss over the last two seasons, with those contests averaging just 4.1 total goals. Detroit has been one of the league's best 'under' bets this season and I look for that trend to continue tonight. Take the under (10*). |
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02-16-21 | Avalanche -104 v. Golden Knights | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 16 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Vegas at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. I like the bounce-back spot for the Avalanche here as they look to respond following a 1-0 shutout loss in their first game back following an extended layoff on Sunday. Colorado catches Vegas in a favorable situation with the Golden Knights having gone 8-12 after having won four or five of their last six games over the last two seasons, as is the case here. The Knights were outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals in those contests. The Avs are one of the few teams that have held their own against Vegas in recent years, splitting the last 10 meetings in this series, including two wins at T-Mobile Arena last season. Take Colorado (10*). |
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02-16-21 | Wild v. Kings UNDER 5.5 | Top | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 16 h 58 m | Show |
NHL Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. With the Kings coming off four straight 'over' results, I look for things to return to 'normal' on Tuesday night with a low-scoring contest in Los Angeles. Note that the Kings fall into a 12-1 'under' situation here where they come off a win by three goals or more. That situation has produced games averaging just 4.6 total goals over the last three seasons. Factor in the fact that the blowout win came against a division opponent and that scoring average in the next game drops to just 4.3 goals. Note that the Wild have gone 3-2 on the road this season with those games totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. This will be Minnesota's first game in two weeks due to Covid protocols. We saw what happened when the Avalanche returned to the ice following a long layoff on Sunday as they were shutout 1-0 in Las Vegas. Take the under (10*). |
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02-15-21 | Jets v. Oilers -129 | Top | 6-5 | Loss | -129 | 23 h 7 m | Show |
NHL North Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Edmonton over Winnipeg at 9:05 pm et on Monday. I expect the Jets to suffer a hangover of sorts following Saturday's last-second loss against the lowly Senators on home ice. Winnipeg has to be doubting itself a bit right now having dropped four of its last seven games overall. Meanwhile, the Oilers are back home off of three consecutive wins, outscoring the opposition 9-3 over that stretch. They've been idle since Thursday's 3-0 victory in Montreal. Look for the Oil to defend home ice in this one. Take Edmonton (10*). |
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02-14-21 | Capitals +114 v. Penguins | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 15 m | Show |
NHL East Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Washington over Pittsburgh at 3:05 pm et on Sunday. The Capitals will be playing with double-revenge on Sunday after dropping back-to-back games in Pittsburgh earlier this season. Of course, both of those games could have gone either way. Note that Washington is 60-39 on the road revenging a road loss, outscoring the opposition by 0.4 goals per game in that situation. Even against a rival such as the Caps, I still see this as a letdown spot for the Penguins after they secured a come-from-behind shootout win over the Islanders last time out. That victory snapped a two-game skid but Pittsburgh has still just won twice in its last six contests. Washington is coming off three straight losses but hasn't played since February 7th due to Covid protocols involving their opponents, the Flyers and Sabres. Take Washington (10*). |
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02-13-21 | Red Wings v. Predators -155 | 4-2 | Loss | -155 | 13 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on Nashville over Detroit at 8:05 pm et on Saturday. We're being asked to lay a fairly steep price with the Predators here considering they're just 6-8 on the season. I actually feel the line could be much higher, however. Detroit really is that bad. The Red Wings have managed just one win in their last 11 games. They're set up poorly here, noting they've gone a dreadful 1-17 on the moneyline when playing on the road off a road loss over the last two seasons and they've been outscored by 2.2 goals per game in those contests. Noting their streaky nature, the Wings have gone 1-23 on the moneyline after losing six or seven of their last eight games (as is the case here) over the last two seasons. In those games they've been outscored by an average margin of 2.4 goals. The Preds are in a far more favorable situation having gone 185-136 on the monyeline after losing three of their last four games. Look for the Preds to continue to take their frustrations out on the lowly Wings here. Take Nashville (10*). |
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02-12-21 | Blues -126 v. Coyotes | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 24 h 11 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Year. My selection is on St. Louis over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Friday. We get to back the Blues at a discount as the scene shifts to Arizona for yet another matchup between these two teams on Friday night. Of course, home ice advantage means little this season with no fans in the stands. That was clearly evident over the last four games as the Coyotes took three of four meetings in St. Louis. That sets the Blues up well here, noting that they're a highly profitable 8-2 on the road when playing with triple revenge over the last three seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 3-1.6 in those contests. Meanwhile, Arizona is 1-6 after having won four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 0.9 goals in those games. The 'Yotes are also a miserable 2-13 following a one-goal victory over the last two years, losing those games by an average margin of 3.6-2.3. Take St. Louis (10*). |
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02-12-21 | Bruins v. Rangers +1.5 | 1-0 | Win | 100 | 11 h 51 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York +1.5 goals over Boston at 7:05 pm et on Friday. We're seeing a considerably higher price in favor of the Bruins in this matchup than we did on Wednesday - a game the B's won in overtime. While Boston is certainly deserving of the oddsmakers' respect, I see value backing the Rangers with an insurance goal in this one. Note that the Bruins are 8-15 straight-up when coming off three straight one-goal wins, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 8-2 straight-up following at least two straight home losses, outscoring opponents by an impressive 1.4 goals per contest in that situation. At the tail-end of a five-game homestand that has gone south over the last couple of games, look for New York to put forth a strong effort in this one. It's also worth mentioning that Boston has a clear look-ahead here to tomorrow's game against the Islanders on Long Island, as they'll be looking to avenge their lone regulation time loss of the season in that one. Take New York +1.5 goals (9*). |
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02-11-21 | Flames v. Canucks +1.5 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -191 | 25 h 49 m | Show |
NHL Puck-Line Game of the Month. My selection is on Vancouver +1.5 goals over Calgary at 10:05 pm et on Thursday. The Canucks are reeling right now having dropped five games in a row. They're already 0-2 against the Flames this season. In fact, they've lost three straight meetings in this series by at least two goals. That's where things get interesting. The Canucks haven't lost four straight games by multiple goal margins in this series since way back in 1984. While the Flames are coming off back-to-back wins and we actually won with them on Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Jets, I'm not sure they're on all that steady footing just yet. They've won just four of their last nine games overall, with one of those victories coming by way of a shootout. I do think getting back home will be beneficial for the Canucks after a brutal trip east. This team is too talented to stay down for long. We're dealing with a fairly steep price to grab the insurance goal in this case, but I believe the price could be even higher. Take Vancouver +1.5 goals (10*). |
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02-10-21 | Maple Leafs v. Canadiens UNDER 6.5 | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and Montreal at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday. I think bettors had come to expect high-scoring results from the Leafs every night after they drummed the Canucks to the tune of 12 goals in consecutive games last week. However, on Monday night, Toronto scored just three times, albeit in another victory over Vancouver. As the Leafs schedule toughens up I expect to see a continued reversion to the mean offensively. The last time these two rivals met was on opening night when the Leafs rallied from 3-1 and 4-3 down to secure a 5-4 overtime victory. Since then, the Canadiens have given up more than three goals in a game only once - and that was in a shootout victory over the aforementioned Canucks. Like the Leafs, the Habs had been on fire offensively but have since cooled, scoring just four goals in their last two games, against the lowly Senators no less. Sure, these two teams have the potential to light up the scoreboard, but I'll take the contrarian route and call for a lower-scoring affair than we saw in the season-opener. Take the under (10*). |
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02-10-21 | Bruins v. Rangers UNDER 6 | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 22 h 58 m | Show |
NHL TV Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and New York at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Rangers may have plenty of offensive firepower on paper but that hasn't translated to much success on the ice, noting that they rank 24th in the league in goals per game. They'll be in tough looking for a breakout performance against a Bruins squad that ranks T2nd in goals per game allowed and tops in the league in shots per game allowed. That's not to mention their second overall rank in terms of penalty kill percentage. Perhaps the Rangers saving grace here will be that the B's have been idle for nearly a week due to a couple of Covid-related postponements and the fact that they rank in virtually the middle of the pack in terms of goals per game. New York ranks in the league's top 10 in goals per game allowed and should hold its own in this Original Six matchup. Take the under (10*) |
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02-09-21 | Jets v. Flames -134 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 25 h 19 m | Show |
NHL North Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Calgary over Winnipeg at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. I'm higher on the Flames than most in spite of their uneven 5-5-1 start to the season. We won with them on Saturday as they prevailed by a 6-4 score in the campaign's first installment of the 'Battle of Alberta' against the Oilers. Here, they'll be looking to avenge three losses in four tries against the Jets already this season. Calgary went out and got goaltender Jakob Markstrom in the offseason in an effort to compete against teams like the Jets, who have a bonafide star in goal in Connor Hellebuyck. So far this season Markstrom hasn't disappointed, actually matching Hellebuyck's numbers on the whole and besting him in some regards including a 2-0 edge in shutouts. Winnipeg is off to a 7-3-1 start on the strength of those aforementioned three wins over the Flames. I don't really like the scheduling spot here as they play this one-off on the road before returning home for consecutive (winnable) games against the Senators. Take Calgary (10*). |
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02-09-21 | Sharks v. Kings UNDER 6 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -121 | 25 h 59 m | Show |
NHL West Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose and Los Angeles at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. Incredibly, 14 of the last 16 regular season meetings between these two California rivals (dating back to the start of the 2016-17 season) have topped out at five goals or less with only one of those contests surpassing the six-goal mark. Thanks to Covid-related postponements, the Sharks will be playing just their third game in February on Tuesday night. Note that they've been held to a goal or less in two of their last three games overall. Meanwhile, the Kings are coming off a tough winless two-game jaunt to Las Vegas and have now dropped four games in a row overall. Los Angeles has one of the league's most punchless offenses by most accounts. The Kings check in ranked T19th in goals per game and 23rd in shots on goal per game. Take the under (10*). |
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02-09-21 | Blackhawks v. Stars OVER 5.5 | 2-1 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday. We saw a low-scoring affair between these two teams last time out as the Blackhawks prevailed by a 2-1 score in overtime. Of course, that's not par for the course when it comes to the Blackhawks as they've proven to be one of the league's most vulnerable defensive teams and have certainly been involved in their share of high-scoring games. Offensively, it's only a matter of time before Chicago breaks out and shows some consistency, noting that it ranks 11th in shots on goal per game but 21st in shooting percentage. On the flip side, the Stars are second in shooting percentage and third in goals per game. Both of these teams check in top four in the league in power play percentage. It all adds up to a relatively high-scoring contest in Big D on Tuesday. Take the over (10*). |
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02-08-21 | Coyotes v. Blues -152 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -152 | 13 h 38 m | Show |
NHL West Division Game of the Year. My selection is on St. Louis over Arizona at 8:05 pm et on Monday. The Blues came out completely flat in Saturday's matinee affair against the Coyotes, perhaps lacking excitement or motivation playing the same team for a third consecutive game. Now after dropping back-to-back games against Arizona, I do think St. Louis will be able to draw the appropriate level of motivation and hunger as it tries to salvage a split in this four-game set. The Blues were fortunate not to suffer a more lopsided loss on Saturday considering the way they played. They're still a respectable 7-4-1 on the campaign and that marked the first time this season they've dropped consecutive games. For Arizona, Saturday's victory marked the first time it managed to secure back-to-back wins this season. I believe it will be hard-pressed to make it three victories in a row on Monday as it likely has one eye on getting out of St. Louis and back home for a staggering 10-game homestand beginning this Saturday against - you guessed it - the St. Louis Blues. Take St. Louis (10*). |
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02-06-21 | Penguins v. Islanders -108 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 3 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Islanders always seem to get up for the Penguins, having taken seven of the last 10 meetings in the series, and coming off an extended losing streak followed by a long layoff I expect to see them bring their best effort on Saturday night on Long Island. Of course, the Pens are also coming off an extended layoff due to Covid-related postponements. With both teams looking to regain their footing off of losing efforts, I'll give the Isles the edge on home ice. Barry Trotz is one of the best coaches in the league. He'll have his Isles ready for Sid and co. on Saturday night. Take New York (10*). |
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02-06-21 | Canucks v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5 | 1-5 | Loss | -123 | 12 h 59 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Vancouver and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. These two teams are coming off a high-scoring affair on Thursday night but what else is new? The Canucks have seen their last three games total eight, eight and 10 goals. 10 of their 14 games this season have totaled at least seven goals. Meanwhile, the Leafs haven't been involved in a game totaling less than seven goals since January 24th against Calgary. With the Canucks desperate to snap a three-game losing streak, I'm expecting them to get baited into another high-scoring affair here. Take the over (10*). |
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02-06-21 | Coyotes v. Blues -160 | 3-1 | Loss | -160 | 8 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on St. Louis over Arizona at 3:05 pm et on Saturday. The Blues and Coyotes have split the first two games of this three-game set, with Arizona prevailing by a 4-3 score last time out. Keep in mind, St. Louis checks in a perfect 3-0 this season when coming off a loss. I like the offensive consistency the Blues have shown lately, scoring at least three goals in six consecutive games entering this one. The Coyotes are a middling squad, having gone 0-3 when following a victory this season. Take St. Louis (10*). |
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02-05-21 | Bruins -129 v. Flyers | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on Boston over Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Friday. The Bruins have quite simply had the Flyers number this season. David Pastrnak has to be in Flyers goaltender Carter Hart's head at this point. After rallying from a third period deficit to win in overtime on Wednesday night, I'm confident we see the B's keep on rolling on Friday night in Philadelphia. The Flyers aren't off to a bad start but haven't lived up to lofty expectations by any means. Look for Boston to prevail in what could be another high-scoring affair. Take Boston (10*). |
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02-01-21 | Canucks +145 v. Canadiens | 2-6 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vancouver over Montreal at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The price is just too steep in favor of the Habs in this one as they look to bounce back from Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Flames. The Canucks got off to a slow start this season but managed to get right with three straight high-scoring wins over the Senators and followed that up with a 4-1 victory over the Jets on Saturday. I believe Vancouver is a galvanized squad right now and should relish the opportunity to head east and take down the Habs - who had been off to a red hot start prior to Saturday's setback. Keep in mind, the Canucks will be looking for an ounce of revenge here as well after dropping a pair of contests against the Canadiens in Vancouver earlier this season. Take Vancouver (10*). |
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01-31-21 | Stars v. Hurricanes UNDER 5.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -125 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Dallas and Carolina at 5:05 pm et on Sunday. We saw a fairly 'low event' game between these two teams last night as the Hurricanes skated to a 4-1 victory. That contest featured just 37 shots on goal, including only 11 from the Blackhawks. Carolina has been a rock defensively in the early going this season while Dallas' offense has only been good in fits and starts, scoring seven goals on two occasions but a grand total of just five goals in regulation time in their other three contests. Take the under (10*). |
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01-30-21 | Maple Leafs v. Oilers +118 | 3-4 | Win | 118 | 13 h 31 m | Show | |
My selection is on Edmonton over Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. We missed the mark with the Oilers in Thursday's 4-3 loss but I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Saturday night. Edmonton came up just short in the opener of this two-game set, dropping a 4-3 decision. It's been another slow start for the Oilers but I am confident they can rise to the occasion in this Saturday night contest. The fact that we're being offered an even higher price (at the time of writing) than we saw on Thursday makes this a worthwhile wager. Take Edmonton (10*). |
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01-28-21 | Maple Leafs v. Oilers +115 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
NHL Game of the Week. My selection is on Edmonton over Toronto at 10:05 pm et on Thursday. The value has shifted to the Oilers for this one as these two North Division foes renew hostilities after last week's two-game set in Toronto. Edmonton managed to split that mini-series and I look for it to gain the upper hand here as it catches the Maple Leafs in a clear letdown spot off consecutive wins in Calgary. Connor McDavid appears in midseason form for the Oil already this season and this is a big step-up spot at home against Auston Matthews and the Leafs. We'll back the Oil in an underdog role. Take Edmonton (10*). |
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01-27-21 | Senators v. Canucks OVER 6.5 | 1-5 | Loss | -102 | 12 h 51 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Ottawa and Vancouver at 8:05 pm et on Wednesday. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The Canucks have been involved in high-scoring game after high-scoring game this season and there's little reason to anticipate a shift as they host the Senators for the second time in three nights on Wednesday. I am higher on the Sens than some, even after a tough start to the season. I certainly expect them to punch back here tonight after getting routed by a 7-1 score on Monday. With that being said, I'm not convinced that they can keep the Canucks surging offense at bay. Vancouver got off to a slow start this season but we've seen its best players begin to round into form in recent contests. Even with Elias Pettersson struggling a bit, there's a lot of upside right now. Let's call this one 4-3 either way. Take the over (10*). |
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01-26-21 | Panthers +112 v. Blue Jackets | 4-3 | Win | 112 | 11 h 56 m | Show | |
My selection is on Florida over Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets had a busy weekend on and off the ice and enter this game off a big 5-2 win over the Lightning on Saturday. I suspect a letdown could be in order on Tuesday, however, as they host the Panthers. Florida is off to a perfect 2-0 start, delivering consecutive wins over the Blackhawks to open the campaign. With their last two games in Carolina having been postponed, this will be Florida's first game in a week. I do expect it to respond favorably, however. I have the Panthers rated higher than some, and believe we're being offered a very generous price to back them in this winnable matchup. Take Florida (10*). |
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01-25-21 | Senators v. Canucks UNDER 6.5 | 1-7 | Loss | -118 | 14 h 5 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Ottawa and Vancouver at 10:05 pm et on Monday. I'll go the contrarian route and back the 'under' as the Sens and Canucks do battle in the only game on Monday's NHL board. Both teams have been involved in their share of high-scoring games out of the gate this season. Keep in mind, they've both faced very high-scoring opposition. I expect a different story to unfold on Monday as both teams look to bounce back after disappointing losses on Saturday night. Expect a tightly-contested affair. Take the under (10*). |
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01-24-21 | Sharks v. Wild -148 | 5-3 | Loss | -148 | 13 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on Minnesota over San Jose at 8:05 pm et on Sunday. The Wild keep rolling along and after winning with them on Friday night against the Sharks, I won't hesitate to go back to the well with them again in the same matchup on Sunday. We're actually being afforded a cheaper price to back Minnesota (at the time of writing). The revenge angle is one that many bettors have been reaching for here in the early going of this unique 2021 NHL season. I'm simply not high on the Sharks at all and don't believe they'll catch the Wild napping in this spot. Take Minnesota (10*). |
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01-23-21 | Flyers v. Bruins UNDER 5.5 | 1-6 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Philadelphia and Boston at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. We saw a wild, high-scoring game between these two teams on Thursday night as the Bruins prevailed by a 5-4 score in a shootout. It's worth noting that we didn't see a goal in that game until around 26 minutes in, however. Flyers goaltender Carter Hart has struggled in the early going this season but it's only a matter of time before he settles in, and Thursday's performance was positive in the sense that he did keep the Bruins off the scoresheet for the first two periods. Hart faced a barrage of shots in that contest but I expect the Flyers to do a better job of defending in this one. Thursday's game marked the B's first real offensive breakthough of the season after three games in which they scored a grand total of three goals in regulation time. They're undoubtedly missing puck-moving defenseman Torey Krug (who is now with St. Louis) and superstar forward David Pastrnak. Take the under (10*). |
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01-22-21 | Sharks v. Wild -156 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 34 m | Show | |
My selection is on Minnesota over San Jose at 8:05 pm et on Friday. The Sharks have perhaps exceeded expectations by winning two of their first four games - all on the road - to open the season. With that being said, it's worth noting that one of those wins came by way of overtime with the other coming in a shootout. Minnesota checks in an impressive 3-1 - also starting the season with four straight road games. I liked the way the Wild bounced back with a very composed effort against the Ducks on Wednesday night and look for them to continue to play well in their home opener on Friday night. While they're installed as a considerable home favorite here, I believe the price could be even higher. Take Minnesota (10*). |
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01-21-21 | Canadiens v. Canucks +111 | 7-3 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 35 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vancouver over Montreal at 9:35 pm et on Thursday. A shootout ultimately amounts to little more than a coin flip but the Canucks have to feel good about snapping their three-game skid with a wild 6-5 shootout victory over the Canadiens last night. Credit Vancouver for hanging in there after falling behind with less than four minutes remaining in the third period, tying the game less than a minute later to force overtime. We won with the Canucks in that game and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here. Montreal is off to a flying start offensively but has to be a little road weary at this point having played four games in three different cities over the last week. I'm not sure how long they can keep up their roaring start. The price is right to back the Canucks here in what should be a lower-scoring affair than we saw a night ago. Take Vancouver (10*). |
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01-20-21 | Canadiens v. Canucks +111 | 5-6 | Win | 111 | 14 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vancouver over Montreal at 10:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Canadiens are off to a roaring start to the new season, having collected at least a point in all three games and coming off back-to-back dominating victories over the Oilers. After winning with ease with backup Jake Allen between the pipes on Monday, I suspect the majority of bettors will be quick to back them again here, especially given the Canucks early season struggles having dropped three of their first four games. I'm anticipating a strong performance from Vancouver here, however, as it returns home for the first time this season. It's easy to forget that the Canucks opened the season with a solid 5-3 win in Edmonton one week ago tonight. Since then, their offense has gone cold, scoring just four goals in three games. There's too much talent on board to stay down for long though. I believe Vancouver has a lot of upside at the current price in the first of three straight games against Montreal. Take Vancouver (10*). |
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01-20-21 | Wild v. Ducks UNDER 5.5 | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Anaheim at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday. We saw a true 'low-event' game between these two teams on Monday (we won with the Ducks) and I expect more of the same in Wednesday night's rematch in Anaheim. It might only be a matter of time before we start seeing 5's on the board in games involving both the Wild and Ducks - harkening back to the 'dead puck' era of the NHL. I just don't see a breakout offensive performance coming from either squad here, with Minnesota getting ready to head home following four straight road games to open the season and Anaheim aiming to collect at least a point in a third straight game before a tough two-game set against the Avalanche. Take the under (10*). |
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01-19-21 | Capitals v. Penguins -119 | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on Pittsburgh over Washington at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Penguins got a much-needed victory by way of a shootout against the Capitals on Sunday afternoon and I look for them to pull back to .500 on the season with another win on Tuesday. Washington played a really tough road game on Sunday and has now come away with five of a possible six points despite having yet to play at home through three games this season. For Pittsburgh, its start couldn't have been any worse as it was dominated in consecutive games in Philadelphia. I don't believe the Pens will be satisfied with Sunday's win. They need to keep it going here and I'm confident they can. Note that they didn't get a single point from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in Sunday's win. It was their role players that stepped up and that should provide plenty of confidence entering this one. Take Pittsburgh (10*). |
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01-19-21 | Jets v. Senators -103 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -103 | 11 h 60 m | Show |
NHL North Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Ottawa over Winnipeg at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. I'll back the Senators on Tuesday night as they open a three-game set against the Jets. Winnipeg is in a tough spot here, playing the second of back-to-back nights following a 3-1 loss in Toronto on Monday. The Jets were without Patrik Laine in that one and it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to return on Tuesday. Winnipeg is off to a disjointed start to the season after it had a practice canceled on the weekend due to Covid concerns. Ottawa has been idle since Saturday, when it fell by a 3-2 score against the Maple Leafs. The Senators did look good in that season-opening set against the Leafs, splitting the two games. With that being said, after scoring five goals in their season-opening victory on Friday they were outshot badly on Saturday, leaving them in a key bounce back spot here. The future is bright in Ottawa even if it is unlikely to contend atop the North Division this season. I believe the Sens can continue to make some early season noise and catch the Jets at the right time here on Tuesday. Take Ottawa (10*). |
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01-18-21 | Wild v. Ducks +111 | 0-1 | Win | 111 | 13 h 44 m | Show | |
My selection is on Anaheim over Minnesota at 9:05 pm et on Monday. The Ducks are coming off consecutive losses in Las Vegas but I did like the fight they showed in their last game, bouncing back from a blowout loss in their opener to grab a single point in an overtime loss. Minnesota is riding high off back-to-back overtime wins over the Kings but let's not get too excited just yet. I don't think the Kings are going to be very good this year, so those two victories may not turn out to be all that impressive. Wild rookie Kirill Kaprizov has been the story early on but I expect the Ducks to key on him on Monday night and ultimately pick up their first win of the season. Take Anaheim (10*). |
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01-16-21 | Islanders v. Rangers OVER 5.5 | 0-5 | Loss | -125 | 11 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between the Islanders and Rangers at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. We saw just four total goals in the season-opener between these rivals on Thursday night, with a big goose egg in the third period. The Rangers will need to regroup after showing little spark in that one, outshot by a 12-3 margin in the third period. I do think we'll see some improvement from the Blueshirts offensively - there's really no other option after getting shutout after all. Keep in mind, they did have one goal called back and numerous other quality scoring chances during a strong second period in that contest. It's not as if the Islanders are a rock between the pipes with veteran Semyon Varlamov. The Isles certainly appeared to be in midseason form offensively on Thursday, with their best players living up to expectations. Look for them to find continued success here, helping this one 'over' the relatively low total (by today's NHL standards). Take the over (10*). |
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09-28-20 | Lightning -162 v. Stars | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 23 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tampa Bay over Dallas at 8:05 pm et on Monday. |
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09-26-20 | Stars +144 v. Lightning | 3-2 | Win | 144 | 13 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on Dallas over Tampa Bay at 8:05 pm et on Saturday. I'll back the Stars to stave off elimination at the hands of the Lightning on Saturday. Dallas certainly showed plenty of fight last night but ultimately fell in overtime. The Stars have proven to be a tough out throughout these playoffs and there's little reason to expect them to roll over in this one. Behind a much sharper defensive effort look for Dallas to push this series to a sixth game. Take Dallas (10*). |
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09-25-20 | Lightning v. Stars UNDER 5 | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 31 h 49 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Tampa Bay and Dallas at 8:05 pm et on Friday. Game 3 was an anomaly in this series as the contest quickly got away from the Stars and it ultimately turned out to be a high-scoring affair. I expect a return to 'normal' on Friday as I don't see the winning side topping out north of three goals. I've noted throughout this series that some regression was coming from Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin given all the hockey he's played in the last two months. Well, we finally saw him lay an egg in Game 3 but I'm confident he'll come back strong on Friday. Meanwhile, the Stars have yet to show that they can really hang with the Bolts offensively. Dallas is here thanks to a stingy style of play that has worked throughout these playoffs. Look for the Stars to get back to that in a tightly-contested, low-scoring Game 4. Take the under (10*). |
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09-23-20 | Lightning v. Stars +140 | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 23 h 35 m | Show | |
My selection is on Dallas over Tampa Bay at 8:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Stars were in a tough spot in Game 2 of this series. After winning Game 1 they knew they were going to get the Lightning's best effort on Monday, and Tampa Bay not surprisingly came out on fire, scoring three goals in the first period en route to a 3-2 victory. Now that the series is level again, I look for the Stars to show some push back on Wednesday night. I've been anticipating some regression from Starts goaltender Anton Khudobin given all the hockey he has played in the last two months. While he did suffer a bit of a lapse in the first period of Game 2, I expect a return to form here in Game 3. Take Dallas (10*). |
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09-21-20 | Stars v. Lightning -147 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 10 m | Show |
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game of the Year. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Dallas at 8:05 pm et on Monday. While I did like the Stars to win this series at the outset, and my opinion certainly hasn't changed following Game 1, I do look for the Lightning to even things up at a game apiece on Monday night. As I've been saying for quite some time now, at some point you have to figure we see some cracks in Stars G Anton Khudobin's armor. He's played a ton of hockey in these playoffs, and has faced a boatload of shots. That was no different in the series opener as the Lightning poured it on (as usual) in the third period. Look for Tampa Bay to do a much better job of converting on its opportunities here in Game 2. The price is right to back the Bolts. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
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09-19-20 | Stars v. Lightning OVER 5 | Top | 4-1 | Push | 0 | 36 h 53 m | Show |
NHL Stanley Cup Final Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Tampa Bay at 7:35 pm et on Saturday. Both of these teams are coming off tight, low-scoring series' and as a result we're dealing with a relatively low posted total on Saturday. I believe we'll see this series get off to a high-scoring start, and it may not be long before 5.5's are back on the board. While I have a lot of respect for both goaltenders in this series, there's also no question that they've played a tremendous amount of hockey over the last seven weeks or so. At some point you have to feel that they're going to suffer a bit of a lapse, even if it's brief. Meanwhile, both squads are loaded with offensive talent. We've also seen both teams show a knack for coming up with clutch goals and performances from their star players. I'm confident the losing side gets at least two goals in this contest, setting us up well with a play on the 'over'. Take the over (10*). |
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09-17-20 | Lightning -158 v. Islanders | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 23 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tampa Bay over New York at 8:10 pm et on Thursday. We won with the Islanders (puck-line) in Game 5 of this series two nights ago but I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the Lightning here as they look to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Even without Brayden Point in the lineup, the Bolts have still looked dangerous offensively over the last couple of games, firing 73 shots at Isles goaltender Semyon Varlamov. They didn't get much 'puck luck' in Game 5 but that doesn't tend to last long when it comes to elite teams. The real key here might be the play of Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. He hasn't been quite as dominant as we've been accustomed to seeing in this series but certainly played well enough to backstop the Bolts to a victory last time out and I'm confident he'll come up big in this potential series clincher. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
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09-15-20 | Islanders +1.5 v. Lightning | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 23 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York +1.5 goals over Tampa Bay at 8:10 pm et on Tuesday. I don't expect the Islanders to go away quietly in this series. They were badly outplayed for much of Game 4 but should bounce back facing the prospect of elimination on Tuesday night. The Lightning most definitely have an eye on the Stanley Cup Final at this point, and rightfully so. While I do expect them to get there, I don't believe a victory in Game 5 is a foregone conclusion. Barry Trotz will have his Isles ready and I'll grab the insurance goal but wouldn't be shocked by an outright win. Take New York +1.5 goals (10*). |
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09-14-20 | Stars v. Golden Knights OVER 5 | 3-2 | Push | 0 | 23 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Vegas at 8:10 pm et on Monday. I really think it's only a matter of time before the Golden Knights break through against Anton Khudobin and the Stars. Vegas once again peppered Khudobin, particularly late in the game when they were trailing by a single goal on Saturday night. You have to think Khudobin will show some cracks in his armor at some point considering just how much hockey he has played and how much rubber he has faced over the last month-and-a-half. Meanwhile, the Stars have really impressed me with their ability to come up with big goals when they need them. I simply feel this is the game where the floodgates open a little bit, as this one gets 'over' the relatively low total. Take the over (10*). |
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09-13-20 | Lightning v. Islanders UNDER 5.5 | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 18 h 3 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Tampa Bay and New York at 3:10 pm et on Sunday. We won with the Islanders in Game 3 of this series on Friday but I'll shift my attention to the total and back the 'under' in Game 4 on Sunday. The Lightning were without Brayden Point in Game 3 and regardless whether he plays on Sunday, I'm still anticipating a tightly-contested low-scoring affair. The Lightning got away from their game on Friday but that wasn't all that unexpected given they owned a 2-0 series lead heading in. New York obviously wants to play a tighter-checking low-scoring style under Barry Trotz. While the Isles did get back in this series with a win on Friday, this is another pivotal contest. Take the under (10*). |
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09-12-20 | Golden Knights -160 v. Stars | 1-2 | Loss | -160 | 22 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vegas over Dallas at 8:10 pm et on Saturday. Back-and-forth they go and I look for the zig-zag pattern to continue in Game 4 on Saturday night. The Golden Knights have certainly looked like the better team through the first three games, but only have one win to show for it. It certainly seems as if whenever Vegas wants, or needs to turn it on it has that additional gear. Without question, Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin is the reason they currently hold the series lead. After facing 97 shots through three games, I'm just not sure how much he possibly has left in the tank. Take Vegas (10*). |
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09-11-20 | Lightning v. Islanders +139 | 3-5 | Win | 139 | 12 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over Tampa Bay at 8:10 pm et on Friday. While most see their heartbreaking Game 2 loss as an absolute back-breaker for the Islanders, I don't expect this resilient bunch to quit just yet. New York certainly turned in a much stronger performance than we saw in the series-opener when they were blitzed 8-2. The Lightning's depth could be tested in this game with Alex Killorn suspended and Brayden Point questionable to play. I actually expect Point to be in the lineup for this game, but how effective he can be remains to be seen. Look for the Isles to throw everything they have at the Bolts in this one as they at least make the series interesting heading into Game 4. Take New York (10*). |
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09-10-20 | Golden Knights v. Stars +1.5 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 22 h 27 m | Show | |
My selection is on Dallas +1.5 goals over Vegas at 8:10 pm et on Thursday. We won with the 'under' in Game 2 of this series on Tuesday night and while I'm expecting another relatively low-scoring affair on Thursday, I'm not ready to pay the tariff with the 'under' again. Instead I'll grab the insurance goal with what is sure to be an extremely hungry Stars squad coming off Tuesday night's egg. Dallas has been answering its doubters all playoffs long and I expect it to do so again in this spot. We did see some push back from the Stars in the third period of Game 2 and I'm expecting some carry-over from that here. While Vegas ultimately dominated two nights ago, I still believe we're in for a long series. Take Dallas +1.5 goals (10*). |
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09-09-20 | Islanders v. Lightning UNDER 5.5 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 23 h 40 m | Show |
NHL Conference Final Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Tampa Bay at 8:10 pm et on Wednesday. Game 1 of this series was a complete landslide as the Lightning's top line absolutely went off and helped them roll to an 8-2 victory. Here, I expect a much different type of game to play out. It's important to realize that it was just one game. The Islanders are a well-coached team that has really come together during this playoff run and are certainly capable of bouncing back. With that being said, it's tough to stand in the way of the Lightning right now, given they're in top form having won five games in a row. I also have a lot of respect for Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy who is quite simply one of the best goalies in the world right now. With all of that being said, I look for the Isles to make the necessary adjustments and do a much better job of containing Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point in particular on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay knows this isn't going to be a cakewalk and won't let down its guard defensively after the Game 1 blowout win. Take the under (10*). |
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09-08-20 | Stars v. Golden Knights -160 | Top | 0-3 | Win | 100 | 23 h 54 m | Show |
NHL Conference Final Game of the Year. My selection is on Vegas over Dallas at 8:10 pm et on Tuesday. Vegas simply didn't show up ready to play in the opener of this series on Sunday night. Maybe it was due to the Knights breathing a sigh of relief after a hard-fought series against an upstart Canucks squad. Maybe Vegas was caught reading a bit of its own press as it prepared to face the Stars, who few expected to reach this stage of the playoffs. Either way, the Knights did wake up in the third period of Game 1, outshooting Dallas by a 15-2 margin. Despite the 1-0 loss, I do think Vegas carries some confidence into Game 2 and expect to see one of its best performances in the playoffs to date. While I do have a lot of respect for Rick Bowness and the Stars (having picked them to beat the Avalanche in Game 7 last round), I look for them to fall short here. Take Vegas (10*). |
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09-07-20 | Islanders v. Lightning -147 | 2-8 | Win | 100 | 12 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tampa Bay over New York at 8:10 pm et on Monday. While this does have the makings of a long, hard-fought series, I'll side with the favored Lightning in Game 1 on Monday night. Tampa Bay offers a much different challenge to New York than Philadelphia did last round. The Flyers had to lean heavily on goaltender Carter Hart to stick around in the latter part of that series. Unfortunately they weren't able to generate enough of an offensive attack to ultimately get over the hump. Here, the Lightning have an elite goaltender in Andrei Vasilevskiy but also have the offense to break down what has been a rock solid Islanders defense (head coach Barry Trotz has made a big difference in that regard). In what should be a fairly low-scoring series-opener, look for the Bolts to prevail. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
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09-05-20 | Islanders v. Flyers UNDER 5 | 4-0 | Win | 100 | 11 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Philadelphia at 7:25 pm et on Saturday. This series has very much become a toss-up thanks in large part to the stellar goaltending of Carter Hart for the Flyers. While I do still give the Islanders the slight edge entering Game 7, I'll instead focus on the total and call for a tightly-contested, low-scoring affair on Saturday night. While the Flyers did manage to score five goals in Game 6, they actually didn't look all that dangerous offensively for much of the game. We know Isles head coach Barry Trotz will have his players ready to defend and frustrate Philadelphia here. Take the under (10*). |
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09-04-20 | Stars +117 v. Avalanche | 5-4 | Win | 117 | 18 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on Dallas over Colorado at 8 pm et on Friday. The Avs have climbed all the way back in this series with back-to-back dominating victories but I don't expect them to complete the comeback on Friday night. Dallas has actually outshot Colorado by a 46-27 margin over the last four periods of hockey. The Avs have gotten a boost from goaltender Michael Hutchinson but let's not lose sight of the fact that he's still a very average NHL netminder (you may remember he was run out of town as the backup in Toronto). The Stars don't strike me as the type of team that will fold under the pressure here in Game 7. Take Dallas (10*). |
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09-03-20 | Flyers v. Islanders -115 | 5-4 | Loss | -115 | 21 h 1 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York over Philadelphia at 7:10 pm et on Thursday. Entering these unique NHL Playoffs my first thought was that we could see a sleeper team end up going on a deep run and maybe even hoisting the Stanley Cup and the Islanders certainly seem to fit that bill. New York not surprisingly turned in a bit of a flat effort with a chance to eliminate the Flyers two nights ago but did rally late to tie the game before falling in overtime. Here, I look for a more focused and complete effort from the Isles as they certainly don't want to get involved in a seventh and deciding game, where anything can happen, and knowing the Flyers have a goalie capable of stealing such a game in Carter Hart. While I did like the Flyers entering this series, Hart as admittedly not been at the top of his game and their overall play has been uneven. Take New York (10*). |
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09-02-20 | Avalanche v. Stars UNDER 6 | 4-1 | Win | 109 | 13 h 8 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Colorado and Dallas at 8 pm et on Wednesday. The last two games in this series have featured big early leads, first with Dallas jumping ahead 3-0 in Game 4 and then with Colorado roaring out to a shocking 5-0 first period lead in Game 5. Here, I look for both teams to tighten things up defensively. The Avs will still be in desperation mode facing elimination but they can ill afford to get involved in another wild, high-scoring affair. Even when spotted a 5-0 lead, the Stars were still able to make the Avs feel uncomfortable, ultimately scoring three goals in the contest. It's not easy to play an 'under' the way this series has played out, but here I simply feel it's the right call. Take the under (10*). |
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09-01-20 | Canucks v. Golden Knights UNDER 6 | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 24 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Vancouver and Vegas at 9:45 pm et on Tuesday. The Golden Knights have certainly proven capable of shutting down the Canucks offense for stretches in this series, having posted two shutout victories and also not allowing a single goal in a pivotal third period on Game 4. With an opportunity to close out the series on Tuesday night, I look for the Knights to tighten up defensively once again. Meanwhile, the Canucks know that they're up against it now, needing three consecutive wins to rally to win this series. They'll obviously need to be stronger defensively after allowing three unanswered goals in the third period of Game 4. Take the under (10*). |
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08-31-20 | Stars v. Avalanche -133 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 13 h 46 m | Show |
NHL Second Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Colorado over Dallas at 9:45 pm et on Monday. The Avalanche simply haven't been able to keep up with the Stars red-hot scoring in this series but they continue to generate a ton of scoring opportunities and I look for them to capitalize and get themselves back in the series with a victory on Monday night. Colorado had a number of bad bounces go against them in last night's 5-4 loss, which really wasn't as close as the final score indicated. It was generally a flat performance from the Avs and I think the quick turnaround will help their cause on Monday as they look to answer back. While Colorado is a young team, it has gained a great deal of playoff experience in recent years and I don't expect to see it simply fold the tent facing elimination on Monday night. If we know one thing, it's that the Stars can suffer defensive lapses and I look for Colorado to take advantage here. Take Colorado (10*). |
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08-31-20 | Bruins +104 v. Lightning | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on Boston over Tampa Bay at 7 pm et on Monday. I don't expect the Bruins to simply roll over on Monday night, even as they face elimination and perhaps the enticing prospect of leaving the "bubble". Yes, Tampa Bay has dominated this series since dropping the opener but the Bruins are still a veteran-laden, talented squad that knows they're capable of getting back in the series. 3-1 series deficits aren't insurmountable and I expect the Bruins to finally get back at the Bolts here on Monday. Take Boston (10*). |
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08-30-20 | Avalanche -130 v. Stars | 4-5 | Loss | -130 | 10 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Dallas at 6 pm et on Saturday. We won with the Avalanche in the last game in this series and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play in Game 4 on Sunday. Colorado has generally controlled the game flow in this series so far, but some lapses have cost it a 2-1 series deficit. We saw the Avs get refocused and rally from a couple of deficits in Game 3, and now I look for a more complete 60-minute effort on Sunday evening. This has all the makings of a long series. Look for the Avs to even things up here. Take Colorado (10*). |