7-Unit Play Take Buffalo/Washington  UNDER 6.5 (-120) (7 p.m. EST, Wednesday November 22)

These teams are a combined 23-9 to the under this season. We expect another low scoring game here. Buffalo was one of the best offensive teams in the NHL last season. But that has been anything but the case this season. Their offense is ranked No. 24 in the NHL at 2.8 goals per game. They have been even worse lately, where they have averaged only two goals per game in their last six, including one shutout. Washington is even worse offensively, on average, at No. 31 in scoring. The Capitals have built their impressive record on the back of their defense, which is No. 6 in goals allowed. Buffalo has also been much stronger on the defensive side. Since the league was off Tuesday, these teams should be well rested and bring a lot of energy on defense, especially since they have Thursday off as well. The under is 4-0 in the Sabres last four road games. The under is 8-2 in the Caps last 10 home games. We feel like there is great value in the under tonight.

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Calgary has been offensively challenged lately but they have been good on defense. Vancouver looks to be in a letdown spot after a rally and OT win vs. the Islanders last night. We could see them struggling to find the back of the net, and it’s doubtful that Calgary is going to light up the scoreboard tonight.

It’s rare to get a NY Islanders total in the 6.5 range and we will take advantage tonight. They have had only three totals this season at 6.5, and all three have gone under. This Islanders team is known for defense and goaltending, but their strength is definitely not scoring. They are No. 30 in the league for goals scored. Edmonton isn’t far ahead at 26th for goals on the season. They scored four last time out in a rare win. That was the first time in five games they had more than three goals. The oddsmakers seem to think this team is going to turn a corner and they are lining them as such. But we will believe it when we see it. Even if Edmonton was in top form, New York has the ability to compete with them on the defensive end. But the Oilers are a long way from top form, and we expect both teams to struggle on the offensive end tonight. The under has hit in four straight meetings.

We expect a competitive game here and think the Capitals have a chance to win. We think both teams will get their goals tonight. Four of the last five meetings have gone over the posted number, and seven of nine meetings in Washington.

We see a very competitive game here and we were tempted to go with the Kings at a nice price, but we think the total is the best way to attack this matchup. These teams are playing well to start the season and they are both Top 10 offensively. Actually, the Kings are No. 1 at 4.4 goals per contest. The over is 7-1 for Los Angeles to start the season and we see both teams getting their share of the total tonight.

The Devils are a perfect 5-0 to the over this season and we think they will continue that trend tonight. Their offense is one of the best in the league, and their defense gives the opposition just enough to cover their share of the total, which these teams have done in four of the last six meetings. Both played last night, so defensive legs should be tired on a back-to-back.

Buffalo had one of the best offenses in the NHL last season, but they have been a little slow to start off this season, as they rank No. 25 for goals scored. We don’t see them languishing in the bottom half of the league for long. They have scored three each in their last two games, and they seem to be getting better on offense. The last game was pretty impressive since they went against the Islanders, one of the best defensive teams in the league. Tonight they face a team that is not on that level. The Canadiens allow 3.5 goals per game and stand as No. 22 defensively. We think Buffalo can have their break out game offensively here and put up a real big number. They have scored 10 goals in the last two meetings.

The Devils have gone over for all three games to start the season, while the Islanders have gone under in both of their two games. Something has got to give tonight. But we expect a competitive game here and think both teams will get their goals. New York has a great defense and goalkeeping. That’s not a question. But they have also played a struggling Buffalo team to start the season then a work-in-progress Coyotes squad that was on the second night of a back to back. But the Devils are going to bring some strong offense here. They have scored at least three goals in all three games so far and have allowed at least that many through three games. They are on a 7-1 over streak stretching back to last season. We see the Islanders having their break out game offensively so far on the season – that will be a goal to get some goals here.

Both teams come in on a two-game win streak and both have been scoring well, with Pittsburgh scoring nine in those games and Detroit 10. This should be a competitive matchup and we think both teams will contribute to the scoreboard tonight. The last meeting barely went under, but that was the first time in five meetings that this matchup was lower scoring. The over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Detroit.

Both of the Devils games have gone over so far and we think this will be a competitive game where both teams see the back of the net multiple times. We know Florida is down from last season, but this team is no pushover and they will be firing shots all night.

Two straight in this series have gone over the posted total as well as five of the last seven. We think these offenses will be ahead of the defenses to start the season and expect both teams to find the back of the net for multiple goals, and the Pens should put up a big number here in the home opener. Chicago always plays well enough on offense when these two meet to where we don’t have to worry about a shutout or one-goal effort.

The Vegas offense has played well in these playoffs, and that is why six of their last nine games have gone over the posted total. They continued that trend in Game 1 with a 5-goal outburst. We see their offense having success tonight as well, but we do think this will likely be a more competitive game and that Florida will get their share of goals to eclipse this total. Remember, they led the league in shots per game this season and we think the pace here will be swift and both squads will have plenty of chances to score.

We just still think the hangover from Game 1 is still hanging heavy on these teams and we don’t anticipate a fast-paced game. We expect Carolina to dominate on defense here and we think they pull ahead in the third in a low scoring game.

After this brutal four-OT game in Game 1 we just don’t see any pace here in this game and we think this will be a slow-paced defensive slugfest of a game. Carolina has one of the best defenses in the league, and they will step it up tonight in a must win affair. The under is 31-15-7 in the last 53 meetings in Carolina.

As we saw on Thursday, the conference finals are a different beast. These two have a long history for the under, and that is the direction we see this one going in as well. These are two very good defensive teams and neither will want to give the other the early edge. The under is 12-3-2 in the last 17 meetings and 4-1-1 in the last six meetings in Vegas.

Two great defensive teams and an overwhelming trend for the under in meetings in Carolina (18-6-4). We think these two very solid defensive teams will take each other to the test on Thursday and we think the total juice will be adjusted for Game 2.

This series has been lower scoring than expected and three of the last four games going under, with Game 6 going over by the slimmest of margins. This is a close out game, so we expect both teams to give their all on defense here. As this series continues, these teams have become very familiar with each other and one defense has excelled in most of these games. But we see both defenses shining today, and we are getting excellent value here at plus money.  

We expect a competitive game here as Toronto has their season on the line and we think both teams will get their share of the total here. All three games in the series have gone under as Toronto has managed only two goals per contest, but the oddsmakers are heavily juicing the over here, and that tells us a lot. We think Toronto opens up the offense here in a last gasp effort, and we see the highest scoring game of the series so far tonight.

Vegas couldn’t get anything going on offense in Game 2, but that will change here as we don’t see them having consecutive bad games. And we think it’s fair to say that the Knights can’t slow down the Oilers. But we see a more competitive game here and we think both teams will get their share of the total here.

Games 1 and 2 have gone under only because of the lackluster Toronto offense. But they are in a must win here and we see their offense playing a lot better today. We see both teams getting their share of the total but expect the Leafs to come out on top here. The road team is 5-0 in the last five meetings.

Game 1 opened with a burst of scoring, but now that these teams have settled in we see defense, defense, defense. After the high scoring game it is very telling that the line came out juiced like this, and the bookies are begging bettors to take the over here but we will side with the bookies here in what should be a very low scoring matchup.

The Devils really stepped up the defense vs. the Rangers and that is the reason they are here. We don’t think they will change the strategy here. These are two of the best defenses in the league, and they have stepped it up further in the playoffs. They also played in physical series and we think these teams might be a bit sluggish or apprehensive here in Game 1.

Paying some juice here but we think there is still value. Both of these teams first round series were under machines, and we think this series will be low scoring as well. Best to get in before the lines move to a flat five. Especially in Game 1 we see both teams settling into the series and we don’t see them getting aggressive or the pace being particularly fast.

Four of the six games in this series have gone over, with three straight being high scoring affairs. We think this series has turned into an offensive battle and we expect scoring from both teams today. Florida was really a bad matchup for Boston in the first round. This team has nothing to lose, and their offense has been clicking. They lead the league in shots taken almost all the way through, and we think they will be aggressive here. The Panthers defense hasn’t shown they have an answer for the Boston offense. Should be a great match and we hope to see the kind of scoring we saw in Game 6!

Four of the games in this series have gone over the posted total. We love the over here, and at a fair price. Florida was almost cooked, but now they have life and a legitimate chance to tie this series up at home. They should bring their A Game to the ice tonight, and to us that means offense. And they have shown they can’t stop Boston on defense from putting up at least three goals, which they have done every game in this series. So they will have to get the job done on offense.

This series has turned into a defensive battle, and we think that will continue in this pivotal Game 5 as one team will be one game away from advancing. The last two games in the series combined scores in regulation would barely surpass this total, and that is in six periods of hockey, so we think in three tonight that we will definitely stay under the number. The Rangers have been a hot under team stretching back to the regular season, and we think both defenses will go all out tonight in order to give them the best chance to extend their seasons.

Boston has scored 10 goals in the last two games in this series, and we don’t see Florida doing anything to slow them down. They scored six last time out and could easily hit this total by themselves. Only the first game in this series went under six goals, and we think the Panthers might be competitive here in a last gasp to save their season. This team is No. 1 in shots per game, so they should have plenty of chances here.

These are two of the top under teams in the league this season and we think the defenses will step it up here in a low scoring game. These teams met here a couple weeks ago, and we saw a 2-1 Hurricanes win. That was the second time in three meetings these teams combined for three goals. We think we could see a repeat here, and we don’t see either team breaking out for a big offensive night. With two Top 5 defenses, it’s no wonder why we are seeing this juice tonight.

Two teams with nothing to play for will want to give the fans a show tonight. These are two of the better over teams in the NHL, and we don’t see much effort coming on defense tonight. These are two of the worst defensive teams in the league. Six straight meetings have gone over, and the over is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings in Columbus.

Nashville went over in their last game, barely, but that broke a streak of three straight unders and now they have hit the under in 4 of 6. This team has been playing fantastic defense lately and they have been inconsistent offensively. We think both teams step up on defense here, and Dallas has been one of the better under teams in the NHL all season. Four of the last five meetings have gone under, with one push.

St. Louis is trending to the over, and the Canucks have been one of the best over teams all season. The Blues have scored 16 goals in their last three games, and they now play one of the worst defensive teams in the NHL. And the Blues defense is even worse. We see this as a competitive game where both teams get their share of the total.

The Sabres have given up a lot of goals lately, but we think this game will go under, and we have a nice price here for that opinion. The Devils aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard at the moment. They have scored more than three goals only once in their last nine games. Six of their last eight games have gone under the posted number. Buffalo hasn’t been good offensively lately. They have scored two or fewer in five of their last nine, and they will be up against a Top 4 scoring defense here. We think the Sabres struggle to score again here and that the Devils don’t go crazy on the scoreboard.

The Ducks have gone over in just one of their last seven games (one push). Three of four have gone under for Calgary, so both teams are trending to the under. The Flames offense is struggling right now. They had one goal TOTAL in regulation all three of those recent unders. They probably won’t be held that low tonight, but it’s safe to assume they won’t light up the scoreboard, either. Anaheim has scored two goals each in three of their last four, and we don’t see them doing much on the offensive end here. The under is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings, and the last meeting, in December, was a low scoring affair. We see a repeat here on Friday.

Dallas has gone over in four of five (one push), and now they take on one of the strongest offensive teams in the league. They have scored at least four goals in their last five, so we should expect them to get at least three, and Buffalo is good for around four goals per game for their season average.

We are not scared off by the low total here. These are two of the top UNDER teams in the league, with a combines 81-40 record to the under. These are two Top 10 defensive teams and both have an offense that leaves a lot to be desired. Winnipeg had a little streak of overs, but they also played Edmonton twice. These teams met here before the calendar turned, a 4-1 Minnesota victory, and we think this could be lower scoring here. Seven of the last nine meetings in Winnipeg have gone under the posted number.

Winnipeg has been one of the top under teams this season but now they are trending to the over with three straight overs. They have scored 15 goals in their last three games and their offense is playing well. It’s likely that can continue here tonight against the Sharks, who give up nearly four goals per game and are 37-23 to the over this season. San Jose has gone over in four of five and they have allowed 14 goals in their last two games. We see a competitive game here and expect both teams to get their share of goals to contribute to going over the posted number.

This is the second night of a home-and-home, back-to-back. Edmonton piled on the goals last night but we think the Jets will make some adjustments here and we are also getting a better line for the total. Bettors will look at the result from yesterday and automatically think that we will see s similar result, but often the second game of these types of series often go a different way.

Both teams have been playing great defense lately, and we think this will be another low scoring contest. The Devils are coming off a shutout vs. Philly, and the defense was incredible in that game. They did score 7 in the win, but they won’t see anywhere near that kind of success against this Avs defense. Colorado has allowed only two goals in their last three games. So, their defense is in top form right now. When these teams meet, there is a strong history with the under. The under is 13-3-2 in the last 18 meetings in Colorado. It is 21-7-3 in the last 31 meetings overall. These teams have combined for a total of 2.5 goals in the last two meetings.

This series has a strong history for the UNDER, and we think that trend will continue here on Monday. This is a marquee matchup where both teams will want to give their best, and extra effort usually comes on the defensive end. The under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Edmonton. Overall, the under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings. Boston is trending to the under, with five of the last seven going under. Edmonton is normally a good bet for the over but the prices have been going up, and we think there is some great value here on the contrarian position.

Two of the best under teams meet here on Friday night. These teams have combined to go 72-34 to the under this season. Not many betting trends stronger than that. Winnipeg has now gone under in  9 of 10, with one push. The under is 19-5-2 for the last 26 road games for Colorado. The under has cashed in four of the last five meetings in Winnipeg. These are two Top 10 defenses with offenses that are in the bottom portion of the standings. The under is 19-6 for Winnipeg home games!

Winnipeg is 39-14 to the under this season, so you always have to check for them to go under the posted total. They have gone under in eight of nine with one push. Their offense has been unspectacular, while their defense has been playing very well. In fact, these are both Top 10 defensive teams and both have offenses that are in the bottom portion of the league. Four of the last six meetings have gone under, and we see another offensive struggle here tonight.

The Sharks have been one of the strongest over teams all season but they have now hit five straight unders, and we think they will continue to trend in that direction as their offense has been poor lately and they have also stepped up the defense. The under is also 4-1 in the last five meetings. This looks like another low scoring contest today.

The San Jose offense has been in a bit of a funk, but this seems like a great situation to break out of it. Both of these clubs are among the worst defensive teams in the league. Buffalo has one of the best offenses, however, and San Jose has a bit of an underrated offense, in our opinion. There were nine goals scored when these teams met in December, and we could see the same type of outcome here tonight in the rematch.

The Rangers offense is just humming right now. They have scored exactly six goals in all three or their previous games. We think they can keep it up here against an Edmonton team that is in the bottom portion of the league for goals allowed. Edmonton brings the No. 1 offense in the league to the table tonight, and we see a competitive match here where both teams get their share of the total. Three of the last four meetings have gone over.

Both teams have trended to the under this season, especially Montreal, who is 28-22 to the under on the season. While that may not be the strongest of trends, if you look closer, you will see that the under is 17-7 in road games for the Canaidens this season. Montreal has been playing decent defense and are coming off a shutout vs. the Blackhawks and have allowed only five goals in their last three contests. Tonight, we just need them to keep the Hurricanes from lighting up the scoreboard, and we think that is an achievable task. But we just don’t see the Canadiens offense doing much here. They have had a home-heavy schedule lately that has somewhat masks their offensive struggles. This team has one of the worst road offenses in the league, and they face one of the best defensive teams in the NHL tonight on the road. They normally don’t play well here in Carolina. The under is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings here. The under is 4-1 regardless of the venue in the last five meetings. Montreal has scored one or fewer goals in seven of the last 10 meetings. Both of the last two meetings were 4-0 Hurricanes wins. We see the same type of match today. We think this will be a dominant win by the home team but we will save a lot on juice by going with the under here vs. the big price on the moneyline and puckline for Carolina.

Tampa Bay has a Top 5 offense so it can be scary betting the under with them, especially as they are one of the top OVER teams in the league. But Colorado is the opposite, and the UNDER is 29-17 for them this season. Their offense stinks, but they are playing excellent defense, and we don’t see the Lightning piling up the goals here. Tampa Bay hasn’t exactly come out of the break in great form. They were destroyed 7-1 at Florida then scored only three in a back-to-back, home loss to San Jose. The Sharks have one of the worst defenses in the league. This is the first meeting since the playoffs, so we think both teams go all out with the defense here.

Tampa Bay allowed SEVEN goals last night at Florida, so they are coming out of the break not in the greatest form, and on a B2B here they could give up some goals to San Jose, which can be a dangerous offensive team if they are in the zone. San Jose has been one of the top OVER teams in the NHL this season. They normally give up a lot of goals but then can score enough for their share of the total without winning a lot of games. But this is a nice bounce back spot for Tampa Bay, who has been decent in B2Bs, but we see both teams scoring their share of the total in this one.

Both teams are trending to the under, as it is 12-7-21 in their last 10 games combined. These teams played Saturday in Ottawa, a 5-0 Senators victory. Montreal had been playing pretty solid defense leading up to the game, and they weren’t as bad in that one as the score might indicate since Ottawa had two late goals, an empty netter and another in the final minute after the Canadians had already conceded. With two days of rest, both defenses should have a lot of energy. Montreal will no doubt make some defensive adjustments. The under is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings in Montreal. It is 14-5-1 in the last 20 meetings. We think those trends hold true here on Tuesday.

It wasn’t long ago that the Canadians allowed 20+ goals in three games. But they made some defensive adjustments and they have been playing lights out defense lately. They held the Rangers and the Jets to one goal each in their last two, both wins, and they lost to NY Rangers on the road, 2-1, before that. The Panthers are trending under as well, as only two of their last seven games have gone over, with one push for a game lined at 7. They have a lot of shots each game but aren’t very efficient. We expect a low scoring game here and the under has some nice value tonight.

Vancouver is one of the best over teams in the NHL at 25-14 to the over on the season. We think they will be competitive at home to get their share of the total tonight. They have scored three or more goals in six straight games, so there’s a very good chance they get at least three tonight. Tampa Bay is averaging almost five goals per game in recent contests. They should have no problems scoring against the No. 31 scoring defense. Both of these offenses are Top 10, and we see a high scoring affair tonight. These teams met last week and put up nine total goals in Tampa. The over is 19-7-1 in the last 27 meetings.

San Jose’s offense has been very inconsistent and they have scored two or fewer goals in four of their last nine matchups. They scored only one last time out vs. Edmonton. What they did on defense in that game is why we like the under here. They gave up a whopping seven goals in that one in a real embarrassing home performance in front of the home fans. We feel they will do everything in their power to put forth a better defensive game here. Their offense isn’t likely to break out against the No. 3 defensive team. Four of the last five meetings have gone under, and the last meeting saw a 2-1 final, and we think we could see that type of game here on Monday.

These are two teams that trend heavily to the under this season, and we feel like those trends will continue here on Sunday. This one is simple. Montreal has the worst offense in the league and is coming in on a back-to-back after scoring only one against the Islanders on Saturday. They are facing one of the best defensive teams today, and we don’t see them scoring much, if at all. They have one or fewer goals in three of their last five games. These teams met 10 days ago and Montreal could only muster one goal in a 4-1 home loss.

These teams are a combined 52-28 to the over this season. That this total isn’t up to 7 is a head-scratcher, and there is great value here at 6.5, even with the heavy juice. We love the over even if it moves to 7. San Jose averaged more than three goals per game at home, and we think they can get that or more tonight. Edmonton comes in with the No. 5 scoring offense and No. 1 power play, and that is a big reason that they have gone over so many times. We don’t see the Sharks slowing them down, especially with Kahkonen likely in net tonight. The over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in San Jose and 18-7-3 in the last 28 meetings overall.

Four of the last five meetings in LA went under the posted total. These teams are big rivals and will probably pick up the defensive intensity to a playoff level. It hurts the Sharks chances here, however, being on a back to back. They probably won’t get many goals here. They have only four goals in the last three meetings and were shut out once.

Seattle has scored 26 goals in their last five games. They have the No. 3 offense in the NHL. Tonight they take on the No. 1 scoring offense in the NHL, and we expect both teams to get their goals in what should be a very competitive match. Both teams enter on a back to back so we don’t see the defenses playing up to normal standards.

Montreal’s defense has been a sieve as they have given up at least four goals in seven straight matches. They have given up 36 total goals during that stretch. That’s a real good sign for the Kraken. They have 18 goals in their last three games, including eight last time out at Ottawa. All signs point to them having another big offensive night tonight. Montreal scored five goals last time out vs. St. Louis, and they should be able to get their share here at home to get this one over the posted number.

The Canadians have allowed 30 goals in their last five matches, and we expect the Rangers to be able to light up the scoreboard tonight. Montreal has scored seven goals in their last three. While that isn’t a lot, they should be able to contribute enough goals here at home to get this one over the posted total. The over is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings in Montreal, and we think that trend will continue here on Thursday.

Both teams are trending heavily to the under with a combined 14-5-1 to the under in their last 20 combined games. We think that trend will continue tonight. Tampa Bay’s defense has been elite lately and they have allowed only six goals in their last four games, so the Wild will have to work hard for goals tonight. We don’t see either team lighting up the scoreboard tonight and think this will be mostly a defensive battle.   

These teams are a combined 41-29 to the under on the season. These are two solid defensive clubs, and we expect this to be a defensive match. It usually is when these teams meet up, as seven of nine meetings have gone under the posted total, including four straight. The last three for Colorado have gone over, due mainly to opponents scoring, but that followed a long string of unders, and the under is 21-13 for Colorado as a whole this season. Vegas has been trending to the under, with two of the last three going under the posted number.

Six of the last seven have gone under for the Devils. They are having offensive issues right now and their defense has been just good enough to keep the opponent from lighting up the scoreboard. Only one of the past six meetings have gone over this posted total. Both teams trend to the under on the season, and we think this will be another low scoring contest.

Both teams are trending to the under recently. The Canadiens are in a big time offensive drought and they have only four goals in their last three games. We are shocked this line isn’t at 5.5, and there is very nice value here.

These are two of the top OVER teams in the NHL this season and they are a combined 40-25 to the over this season. These teams are rested after the break and we think there will be more fireworks tonight in Vancouver. These teams played early this month, and the scoring came early and often, with at least three goals in each of the three periods. That game made the over 5-0-1 in the last six meetings. We expect another close matchup and we think both teams will get their share of the total here.

Both teams are struggling offensively. And the better team, Montreal, is on a back to back, which hampers their chance for a breakout game offensively. Anaheim has just one goal in their last three games, and they have been shut out in the last two. Montreal has five goals in their last three games. So add up the total of regulation goals scored by these teams in six games combined, and it wouldn’t get over this posted number. The under is 3-1 for the Canadiens on back to backs this season.

Ottawa has been an under team lately but this is the lowest total they have faced in awhile. The Senators have a poor defense already but will be coming in on a back-to-back and playing their third game in four nights. The Sharks have been somewhat inconsistent on the offensive end recently, but there is no denying that they are playing better on that end while the season goes on, and they will have some opportunities here. The over is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings.

Toronto has been playing great defense and are trending to the under as a result. The Sharks are coming in on a back-to-back as a huge underdog and we don’t see them scoring much tonight. This is also their third game in four nights. We agree with the oddsmakers on the moneyline that Toronto should be the big favorite here and we don’t see the Sharks being too competitive, so even if Toronto scores a lot, we don’t think the Sharks will contribute their share of the total.

This is a regional rivalry and both teams will try to do what they do best here to get the win, and we think that means defense tonight. Both teams are Top 10 for goals allowed defensively, and the Devils possess the league’s top defense. New Jersey is heavily trending to the under, with only one of their last 10 games going over the posted total. These teams are a combined 26-16 to the under this season. Historically, these teams have played a lot of overs. But we think that trend is moving in the other direction, with two of the last three meetings going under. We expect another low scoring game tonight.

We see this as a very competitive match and think both teams will get their fair share of goals. Four of the last five meetings in San Jose have gone over the posted total. The Shar’s best goalie is out injured here so Kahkonen will get the start. He’s given up an average of four goals per game and gave up seven last time out vs. Seattle. Vancouver has scored at least four goals in five straight games. San Jose has improved on offense as the season has progressed. They had a dud last time out on offense but should bounce back well here tonight in a very winnable game.

These teams are a combined 15-5 to the over in their last 20. Florida is the top shot taking team in the NHL and playing against the worst defense in the league, so the Panthers should rack up a bunch of goals here. And by virtue of being the home team, Columbus should keep things competitive here. The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings.

The Florida offense is No. 1 for shots taken but ranks in the middle of the pack in scoring. Pretty soon more of those shots will translate to goals, and this Capitals defense is vulnerable. We think the home team can possibly put up a big number here. The over is 11-3 in the last 14 meetings.

This series has a strong history for the over, with 15 of 21 meetings in Dallas going over the posted number. San Jose started off very slowly on the offensive end. A season-opening series in Europe didn’t help matters and threw them off their routine. But the offense has really come together recently. The over is 7-0-1 in their last eight games. Dallas has been trending to the over as well and has a Top 5 offense so far. With the Sharks on a B2B, we expect a lot of goals from the home team here.

Florida scored us an easy big play winner Saturday with the over and we are going right back to the well. This team is No. 1 in the NHL for shots taken. They haven’t been able to convert that into the No. 1 offense, but they have been scoring better. Both teams are on a B2B after grueling games on Saturday late, and we don’t see either using the energy required for top-flight defense.

Florida is No. 1 in shots taken this season with an eye popping 40 shots per game. They haven’t translated those opportunities into goals as much as they would like as they are No. 20 in goals scored with 3 per game. They are going to have opportunities to get through this game since the Kings are allowing nearly four goals per game. That’s a big reason the Kings are trending to the over as they are 7-2-2 to the over in their last 11. The over is 4-2 in the last six meetings, and we think this will be a very competitive game and we think both teams will get their goals here. Last time out Florida almost had a massive offensive game if it wasn’t for some great goaltending from San Jose. We don’t think Quick from LA will have the same success. And the Kings aren’t going to get blown out at home. We see a high scoring affair here.

Both teams trend heavily to the over this season. With both teams on a back-to-back we don’t see a lot of defense being played here and we think the offenses will rule the evening. Both teams are Top 10 on offense and Bottom 10 on defense this season, and we think this will be a more competitive game since the Blackhawks are at home and are a bit underrated.  

These teams are a combined 8-2-2 against the total this season, and Toronto hasn’t cashed an over yet. We think there is a good chance this one goes under too. The under has hit in three of the last four meetings, and the only time the over hit in that span was a shootout in the last meeting. Both offenses have started off slow and both defenses are in the Top 10 early, and we expect a hard-fought defensive match here.

Columbus has played over in five straight games. They have been bad defensively but also able to score enough to get their share of the total. We think the same scenario plays out here. The over has hit in 10 of the last 14 meetings here in New York. Columbus allows four goals per game, and we think the Rangers get at least that, and the Blue Jackets will make up the rest.

The Sharks offense has been pitiful, and we don’t see things improving against one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. The Sharks are looking for their first win of the season, and if they are going to get it against New York they will have to perform well on the defensive end. The Sharks have one of the worst offenses in the NHL through five games, not to mention that the last four meetings here have all gone under. San Jose has a total of three goals in the last four meetings.

Both teams come in on a back-to-back. While it’s early in the season and players are still fresh, they aren’t conditioned as they would be midseason and we think this will affect the defense tonight. Toronto played in Montreal against their biggest rival. They scored three goals despite a very strong defensive effort from Montreal, so we think they could light up the scoreboard tonight. They also gave up four goals to what is a middling Montreal club. Washington gave up five goals to Boston. They scored only two, but we think we will see a much better offensive effort from them tonight, and we see a competitive game where both teams hit the back of the net multiple times. The over is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings and 4-1 in the last five meetings in Toronto.

This is a rematch of the playoff series from last season where the Lightning bounced the Rangers in six games. That sets up a revenge scenario and also both teams will want this game and these fresh squads will step up the defense on Opening Night on Tuesday. In that playoff series, Game 1 went over then the rest of the five games all went under. Two of the three regular season meetings went under. On Opening Night these teams are going to be hyped up and they should both have a lot of defensive energy. This is the only 5.5 total so far for the first two days of a full schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday, and there is a good reason for that. We expect this one to go comfortably under the posted number.

 The under is 10-3 in the Lightning’s last 13 games in these playoffs. Tampa is back at home after a very embarrassing Game 2 blowout in Colorado. We are confident that the Lightning will do everything in their power to play a top defensive game tonight. They have a great chance to accomplish that goal with the players to do it and the goaltending.  

 The under is 10-1 in the Lightning’s last 11 games in these playoffs. We think they will continue right where they left off. They have been playing amazing defense in these playoffs and have had amazing goaltending. Colorado has been off for too long and we expect they are going to come into Game 1 cold. The Avalanche also did play some pretty good defense against the Oilers, a strong offensive team. These matchups have been pretty low scoring, and these teams played to five goals last time they met.

We have been big on the under in this series so far, with great results, but we think it’s time to go the other way here in Game 5. The series moves back to New York for this one, and the Rangers offense should benefit from the venue change. They scored nine goals in the two games at home. Tampa Bay seems to have shaken off the rust that was probably caused by the long layoff, and their offense has played well against the tough Rangers defense and we think that will continue here. The Rangers have stated they will be making adjustments on offense after not playing well in Tampa Bay. We see a competitive game here with both teams getting their share of goals.

We have done the Zig Zag Theory for some of these totals in the postseason with some good success, but we think this series will continue to stay under, at least for this Game 4. The last two games both finished 3-2, but we think this one could be even lower scoring. Tampa Bay is firmly back in this series with a win and the Rangers will be heading home for an elimination game if they win, so both teams have a lot on the line and both will really tighten on the defense here for this crucial game. Seven of eight games for Tampa Bay have gone under the posted number, and the under is 8-2 for the Rangers last 10 as a road underdog.

Edmonton has nothing to lose here on the verge of elimination, so they have no choice but to push the pace and take chances. We think this will result in multiple goals for each team. The scoring has gone down since that Game 1 where we saw 14 goals scored. There have been 10 combined goals in the last two games. But we expect this to be the second highest scoring game of the series and we think that the road team has a great chance to close things out, but we expect a competitive game where both teams get their goals.

We saw some crazy scoring in Game 1, and we think that bettors and oddsmakers won’t forget that, hence the 7 line here. We had this one handicapped at 6.5, so we think there is excellent value here. Colorado played amazing defense in a Game 2 shutout. We think they have figured the Oilers out a bit and we don’t see the home team breaking out for a big offensive game. We think if they are to challenge for the win here that they will have to do it on the defensive end, and the home crowd should help them with the energy needed to play a strong defensive game. Four of the last six meetings have gone under the posted total. This season has been all about scoring, and we have seen some high scoring playoff games, too, but we think the defenses are going to be the dominant force in this series, and the teams did those of us that like the under a favor with the flurry of goals in Game 1, to keep the odds with value for us here in Game 3.

Tampa Bay was embarrassed in Game 1 and they have to be very embarrassed after they had had ample time off and the Rangers were coming off a grueling series. But this team has seen and done it all the last couple years in the postseason, and they know that is just one game and that with a win here that lousy performance will be far in the rearview mirror and they will be decent favorites to reach their third straight Stanley Cup Finals. Both of these teams have top defenses, and we think that will be on display here, and we especially expect Tampa Bay to batten down the hatches after an abysmal Game 1 performance. It’s telling that the bookies didn’t adjust this total after a high-scoring Game 1, and we still have to pay extra juice here on the Under.

The Lightning have gone under in five straight games, and the Rangers have gone under in five of seven. We see a defensive battle here. We have two of the best goaltenders in the game here for Game 1. We think after the Rangers brutal series against Carolina that this is too quick of a turnaround for them to play their best, while Tampa Bay should be primed for a top performance tonight. We think the moneyline if more than fair for the defending champs here and they will win a low scoring game.

Edmonton has been great offensively in the postseason and we see them scoring some goals tonight in a competitive game. Edmonton has covered the puckline in all of the last three meetings and the over is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings in Colorado. We expect another high scoring game here and the underdog has a decent chance to pull the upset.

We are going to follow the trends for this Game 7 as the home team has won every game in this series, and every game besides Game 6 has gone under. Carolina is almost unbeatable at home this season. We think both teams lock down defensively but we just don’t see the Hurricane losing here at home when they have played so well not only during the long NHL season but during this series.

Both games have gone under so far in this series, but we think things will open up a bit here in Game 3. There were plenty of shots in the first two games and we think some more will go in here on Saturday. Both teams are in the Top 5 offensively for goals per game, and we think Colorado will be very aggressive here as they need to open up the floodgates for scoring to get back into this series. Six straight meetings had gone over the posted number before this series. The over is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings in St. Louis. We expect the highest scoring game of the series so far here tonight.

We think this series is going to be reminiscent of last round’s series between the Stars and Flames. We expect to see many low scoring games. These are the Top 2 defensive teams in the NHL for goals allowed. With a season of serious scoring and high totals in the regular season, the Rangers were one of the bright sports for under bettors as they regularly went under the total, especially when the total was 5.5, as we have here tonight, where they went 29-18 to the under. After the low scoring Game 1, the under is now 4-1 in the last five meetings here in Carolina. We expect another slugfest here on Friday.

These teams combined for 14 goals last time they met. We don’t think we will see nearly that many tonight, but we think we will see more than half that output. Calgary struggled to score against the Stars stifling defense, but Edmonton is one of the worst defensive teams in the postseason and Calgary should see their offense flourish in this series, and we all know Edmonton can score. We expect a competitive game here and think both teams will get their goals.

We expect a very competitive game here and we think the road team has a great chance to win this one. There should be plenty of goals here as these teams have gone over in 20 of 30 meetings (one push). Normally scoring goes down in the postseason, but not this year. We see both teams getting their goals tonight, but in the end Tampa Bay comes out on top.

Three of four games between these two have gone under the posted number, and the one that didn’t was only because of an empty netter with five seconds left. Calgary seems to have taken control of this series and both teams are locking down on defense, and we don’t see the Stars scoring more than one goal here. Still nice value on the under despite the juice.

Edmonton put up a whopping eight goals last time out and 14 in the last two games. The Kings have been one of the best defensive teams all season and they will make adjustments here after being completely embarrassed last time out at home. They will put a premium on stopping a lot of goals and we think we see their best defensive effort of the season. It’s telling after last game that the oddsmakers didn’t move this line to 7.

Dallas is playing great defense in this series, and that does not bode well for a Calgary team that suddenly can’t get the puck in the net. It’s not just in this series, either, where Calgary has been held to one goal in two games. They struggled to end the season too and Dallas will continue to do what they have been doing and we think they have a great chance to win another low scoring game.

After their Game 1 win, Carolina has now won four straight by a margin of 21-2! They obviously match up well with the Bruins, and they ran up the score on Monday night. We think they win this one also, but Boston should play better defense and the game will be closer, but we see the home team going up 2-0 in this series.

Florida had the No. 1 offense in the regular season, averaging more than four goals per game. They were one of the best over teams during the regular season. Washington was even better for over bettors. We see this Game 1 being pretty free flowing and we expect both teams to hit the back of the net early and often. Eight straight meetings have gone over.

Four of the last seven meetings have gone under the posted total, but the two most recent meetings went over. Those weren’t because of Boston, however. They scored only one goal in those two games. Carolina went off on offense. But this is the playoffs. Boston won’t allow the amount of goals we saw in those previous meetings. These are two Top 5 defenses and we think that will be on display here in Game 1 as neither team wants to go down 0-1 to start this thing off. This is the only 5.5 on the board today, and for good reason.

With the playoffs right around the corner, we think this one could have a postseason atmosphere and we think the defense should be amped up. The under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings between these teams in Tampa Bay. The Leafs have been really good offensively and that is why the oddsmakers bumped up this number, but this is one that should have been at 6 in our opinion. We think this will be a low-scoring, defensive matchup.

The Rangers have scored 14 goals in their last three games, so their offense is playing well at the moment. Pittsburgh exploded for 11 goals last time out against Detroit, and sometimes goals come in bunches as a team gets hot and can find the back of the net more easily. The over is 18-5-3 in the last 26 meetings, so this series has a long history of high scoring games. These teams played last week and we saw six goals scored, and we think we could see more than that tonight.