Rating: 2 Units

Bit of a tough call here as you know the Lightning would prefer to clinch the Cup on home ice and the players might be a little tired of being in that Montreal bubble due to COVID restrictions. One figures the Habs come out firing with nothing to lose -- that also could weaken their defense in front of Carey Price. He's a future Hall of Famer but has been very shaky in this series with a 4.38 GAA and a .835 save percentage. Some had speculated Jake Allen might get the call in Game 4, but it will be Price. I simply can't come up with enough reasons to justify picking Montreal with the talent gap between these teams. Maybe if the Canadiens had a full building of fans. And the puckline on the Habs at -200 is simply not worth it. Tampa sweeps to repeat

Rating: 2 Units

Montreal won't have a huge home-ice advantage because Quebec rejected the team's request to increase attendance from 3,500 to 10,500 for the Stanley Cup Final. That might matter a bit because Tampa played and won in very hostile environments in south Florida, Raleigh and Long Island. This game may feel like nothing in that regard. The Habs will get back coach Dominique Ducharme as he comes out of COVID protocols. While the Canadiens played vastly better in Game 2, they still couldn't solve Andrei Vasilevskiy. I simply can't pick the Canadiens because of how good Vasilevskiy has been. Tampa is the better team and having to only pay -127 is worth it.

Rating: 2 Units

These two teams obviously have not played each other this season although they do know each other well from the Atlantic division. Carey Price and Andrei Vasilevskiy have been the two best goalies in the playoffs and I don’t think that will change for the Stanley Cup Finals. There should be a good amount of time spent feeling each other out in this game, so while I do think there is a risk to push with the total at 5, there shouldn’t be too many goals. The Canadiens penalty kill didn’t allow a power play goal to the Knights all series. The Lightning have one of the best power plays in the league but if the Canadiens hold them off the scoreboard on the power play they should hit the under.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the Over is 6-1-3 in Islanders last 10 games playing on 1 days rest, 8-2-2 in Islanders last 12 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game, and 7-3-3 in Islanders last 13 playoff games as an underdog. While the over is 3-1-1 in Lightning last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

While the Lightning expect a far better effort from the Islanders in front of what will surely be a raucous crowd at Nassau Coliseum, New York's task might be even tougher considering that Tampa Bay has not lost back-to-back playoff games since being swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2019 Eastern Conference first round. Today, the Lightning will be looking to extend the dominance it began displaying in the third period of Game 4 Saturday night, when Tampa Bay scored twice and Ryan McDonagh was robbed of a game-tying goal when Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock slid across the crease to deflect the puck just before time expired in New York's 3-2 win. The 10 goals in the last four periods are three more than the Lightning scored in the first 11 periods of the series. Consider that Tampa Bay is 13-5 in their last 18 playoff games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

I was originally thinking I wanted to go with the Knights to take the 3-2 series lead coming into the game, but after seeing the odds I am going with the Canadiens. The Canadiens have shown this whole series that they can play with the Knights and especially in the last three games where they went 2-1 in games all decided by one goal. We know Carey Price is more than capable of stealing a game and the Canadiens were actually better on the road all season. Most importantly, the Candiens have absolutely shut down the Knights power play holding them scoreless in 11 power play chances this series, and they lead the playoffs killing penalties over 91% of the time. The Knights should be no more than -200 here, take the value in the Canadiens.

Rating: 2 Units

The Islanders have played 16 post-season games thus far and only 2 of the 16 games resulted in a New York loss by more than a 1 goal margin.  That means 88% of the time, the Islanders have either won the game or lost by just a single goal in this post-season.  The Lightning have played 15 post-season games and only 6 of the 15 (40%) have been a Tampa Bay win by more than a single goal margin.  This series is tied at 2 games apiece and these semi-finals series (this one plus Vegas/Montreal) have both been so tight it is certainly hard to argue against having the +1.5 goals on your side when it is priced within a reasonable range.  In this particular case, grabbing the 1.5 goals (and laying about a -175 price in doing so) with road underdog NY Islanders is absolutely worth a look here as we expect a huge game from the road team in this one after seizing momentum in this series Saturday with a crucial win

Rating: 2 Units

Fleury's gaffe notwithstanding, his value to the Golden Knights can't be diminished in getting the team this far. Besides, his teammates outplayed the Canadiens by a huge margin all game and likely should have created more goals to own a bigger lead. On top of having a perfect 4-0 record in overtime games, the Canadiens have been perfect while shorthanded in 10 consecutive contests. A big factor has been the play of goaltender Carey Price, who made 43 saves on Friday and has stopped 98 of the 106 shots he's faced in the first three games of the series. Consider however, that Vegas is 19-7 in their last 26 games as a road favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

The first game had a final score of 4-1. That said, I am expecting a relatively low-scoring affair. Getting the under five goals, at an underdog price, is providing very fair value. Both goalies are highly capable. While the Habs have seen the 'under' go 14-9-1 after allowing four or more goals, the 'under' is also a lucrative 8-1-2 when Vegas has played in the Conference Finals.

Rating: 2 Units

The Tampa Bay Lightning trail in a Stanley Cup playoff series for the first time his spring. However, the defending champions are not in uncharted territory as they look ahead today's home clash with the New York Islanders for Game 2 of their semifinal series. En route to last year's crown, the Lightning twice dropped the series opener before winning a series, including the Cup final against the Dallas Stars. Therefore, they are not all that fazed after Sunday's 2-1 loss and well aware of the task at hand. "They've shown the ability to dig their heels in," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "You'll get a hell of an effort from our guys." Effort wasn't the issue for the Lightning in Sunday's loss. Their decision making and puck management were substandard, with turnovers -- especially at the bluelines -- a major problem. Consider that Tampa Bay is 61-16 in their last 77 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

Vegas appeared to have discovered a hole in Colorado’s defense during its 5-1 victory in Game 4. They were held off the scoreboard until the third period in Game 5, but they’ll once again have last chance playing at home tonight. Philipp Grubauer has been steady for the Aves all season, but Colorado’s backs are also against the wall. If the Aves are trailing in the third, we could see them pull Grubauer relatively early and give the Golden Knights multiple empty-net attempts.

Rating: 2 Units

Ball Arena has been good to the Avalanche. They went 16-0-1 at home to end the regular season and have won their first four playoff games there, including a 3-2 overtime win in Game 2 against Vegas. Colorado went an NHL-best 22-4-2 at home during the regular season.  Consider also that the Golden Knights are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings in Colorado. While the favorite is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings and the home team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

Rating: 10 Unit NHL Total of the Month

Consider that the over is 5-2 in Lightning last 7 games as a favorite and 12-5 in Lightning last 17 games as a road favorite. While the over is  7-3-2 in Hurricanes last 12 games a home underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

Boston's top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak also were held without a goal in Game 4. Marchand had an assist and Pastrnak, who whiffed on a wide-open net late in the first period, also logged a helper. Bergeron, who was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the 10th straight season on Sunday, did not record a point. Adding insult to injury, Bruins center David Krejci was fined $5,000 on Sunday for slashing Barzal -- which the Islanders' center called "a tad vicious" -- midway through Saturday's second period. Krejci had scored Boston's lone goal earlier in the period. Defensemen Brandon Carlo (head injury) and Kevan Miller (upper body) will be game-day decisions for the Bruins after both missed Game 4. Carlo was injured on a hit in Game 3 and did not skate Sunday at the Bruins' practice. Consider that New York is 19-8 in their last 27 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The road team has won 5 of the last 7 meetings between these clubs. The Jets have won 2 of the last 3 at Montreal. Those victories came by a combined score of 9 to 2. Needing to get back into this series after dropping back to back tight games on home ice, I just do not see Winnipeg being denied here. The Jets want to get this series to a Game 6 when Scheifele will be back from his suspension. Strong determined effort from a hungry road dog here. I'll grab the solid plus money price.

Rating: 2 Units

Once again, I feel that selection offers value. While both teams can score, they're also each extremely stingy. In fact, both teams are allowing an average of 2.3 goals per game. That's tied for the best record in the NHL, in that category. The Avs are allowing a paltry 1.8 goals per game during the playoffs. Factoring in the Game 2 result, the 'under' is now 4-1-1 the past six times that the Knights were trailing in a playoff series. Consider the Under 5.5.

Rating: 2 Units

Going against the Avs may seem like a daunting proposition. Indeed, they're playing very well right now. The Knights are a much better team than we saw in Game 1 though and they're typically at their best off a game like that. They're 29-14 (+11.4) vs. the moneyline the past couple of seasons, after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. That includes a 10-3 mark in that situation this season. Here, we're not even asking them to win. Simply to hang within a goal. Note that prior to the Game 1 beatdown, two of the three previous meetings were decided by a single goal. Another close one won't surprise.

Rating: 2 Units

The champs are playing well and will be tough to beat. Still, the Canes have enjoyed an outstanding season and they're not about to go down without a fight. Carolina is a healthy 30-17 (+9.6) the past couple of seasons, after scoring one goal or less in its previous game. While the Lightning were somewhat mediocre on the road during the season, the Canes played well at home. The Bolts allow 3.0 goals per game on the road while the Canes allow 2.0 goals per game at home. The pick'em price offers fair value.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that Vegas is 11-25 in their last 36 games as a road underdog and 2-5 in their last 7 playoff games as an underdog. While Colorado is 46-13 in their last 59 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game, 20-8 in their last 28 playoff games as a favorite, and 45-20 in their last 65 games following a win.

Rating: 2 Units

The Islanders posted a 5-2-1 record against the Bruins this season, but Boston claimed the final three meetings. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but the Bruins won all three meetings after acquiring forward Taylor Hall, which gave them a potent second line that also includes David Krejci and Craig Smith. That takes some of the offensive pressure off the top trio of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. The Bruins also will receive a boost to their defense corps led by Charlie McAvoy, who is from Long Island. Injured defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (lower body), who was hurt in the playoff opener, appears ready. Consider that Boston is 10-1 in their last 11 home games.

Rating: 2 Units

The value is there as the price is moderate on Carolina since they are on the road.  The Canes did win the first two games of this series by a 3-goal margin with each victory.  The only two victories that Nashville has in this series each came in the 2nd overtime.  Carolina is clearly the better overall team but yet we have some line value to work with here because of the way the last 3 games have played out (all needing extra time) and because the Hurricanes are on the road.  The Canes have outshot the Predators in all but one game in this series and have outshot Nashville by an average margin of 15 shots in the last two games.  The proven better team, the Carolina Hurricanes are worth a look.

Rating: 10 Unit NHL Total of the Week

Consider that the over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game and 10-3 in Penguins last 13 road games. While the over is 3-1-1 in Islanders last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. In addition the over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in New York.

Rating: 2 Units

Consider that the under is 7-2-1 in Hurricanes last 10 vs. a team with a winning record, 13-5-2 in Hurricanes last 20 games as a home favorite, and 7-3 in Hurricanes last 10 home games. Also the Under is 9-3 in Predators last 12 vs. a team with a winning record and 11-4-2 in Predators last 17 games as an underdog. In addition, the under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Carolina and 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

With their East Division series knotted at 2-2 and essentially down to a best-of-three beginning today, the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for buy-in. The Islanders felt they got that Saturday in a 4-1 win at home, playing their signature tough defensive style while seizing on opportunities to score. "If you look at when we have success, everybody contributes and we rely on each other," New York coach Barry Trotz said. "There's a great brotherhood in our (locker) room, and there's a style that we play. Everybody has a piece of the big picture." The Islanders also recognize that Pittsburgh, the top seed in the division, can be expected to rebound Monday at home. "Whatever we did (in Game 4), they've probably already forgotten about it, and they're going to be fresh for Game 5," Islanders center Mathew Barzal said. And, apparently, ready to return to their noted style of playing a speed game that relies on getting the puck deep in their opponent's end and attacking the net. "We can't kind of wait and see, and have that type of approach," Penguins center Sidney Crosby said. "We've got to go in there and dictate the pace." Pittsburgh missed its chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead Saturday in large part because of an uncharacteristic lack of offense. "It's just going to take hard work and stick-to-itiveness," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "We've just got to stay with it. "I don't think we were quite as sharp (Saturday). We didn't have as many looks as we had in the first few games. We're going to have to work for those moving forward. But these guys are good offensive players."

Rating: 2 Units

Boston leads their series with the Washington Capital’s 3 games to 1 but this series could be easily 3-1 to Washington. The Bruins trailed at least once in each of the first three games and were down to the final couple of minutes before getting the equalizer and winning in overtime. Washington did not play well in game four allowing the Bruins to score on three of five power-play chances. Rask looks great between the pipes for the Bruins and Washington hasn't been able to solve him when it counts. I like Boston to close this one out.

Rating: 10 UnitNHL Game of the Week

For the Islanders, the intrigue extends beyond the growing disdain between the teams. Trotz expressed disappointment Thursday night with goalie Semyon Varlamov, who allowed the five goals on just 27 shots. Varlamov had missed Sunday's Game 1 due to an undisclosed injury and watched rookie Ilya Sorokin registered 39 saves in a 4-3 overtime win. In Tuesday's Game 2, Varlamov surrendered two goals in the first 13:07 of a 2-1 loss that tied the series. Varlamov was the Islanders' goalie for each of their first 14 games in the playoff bubble last summer. But after back-to-back losses in Games 5 and 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia Flyers, Trotz benched Varlamov for Thomas Greiss, who authored a shutout in a 4-0 win in Game 7. Varlamov started all six games of the conference finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Trotz wasn't about to publicly identify his goalie Friday afternoon ahead of Game 4. But while he said upon reviewing the game he was less critical of Varlamov's performance, he also sounded like someone still contemplating a goalie change.

Rating: 2 Units

After three straight games decided by a razor-thin margin, the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins know what to expect when they converge on the ice. Craig Smith's goal early in the second overtime of Game 3 Wednesday night continued that trend, giving the Bruins a second straight overtime victory, 3-2, in the NHL-record 12th consecutive one-goal game between the teams in the playoffs. Samsonov was thrust into action Wednesday after coming off the COVID-19 list with Anderson sitting out for a maintenance day. The former No. 22 overall draft pick settled in nicely and smothered the majority of Boston's chances in his 40-save effort. One momentary lapse proved costly, though, as Samsonov was slow to get back into position after playing the puck behind the net and Smith took advantage to score the overtime winner.

Rating: 2 Units

Taking nothing away from the performance of Colorado goaltender Philipp Grubauer, but the Blues didn’t generate many scoring opportunities in Game 1. Vladimir Tarasenko had a couple of prime opportunities in the first period but couldn’t convert, then the rest of the time the Aves did a tremendous job of clearing the puck out of their zone in quick fashion. The Blues are also expected to be without David Perron again, as he remains on the COVID-19 list. St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong released a statement on Wednesday that stated the team had “discovered discrepancies in Covid test results relating to multiple players” and is working with the league to address said discrepancies. Whether or not that means Perron will be cleared to play by game time is not known, but assuming he’s out again, the Blues will struggle offensively. Meanwhile, Jordan Binnington was sensational in net for the Blues in Game 1. I expect the Blues to tighten things up defensively in front of Binnington tonight but even if they don’t, he has proven to raise his level of play in the postseason. I’m confident he’ll play well again tonight.

Rating: 10 Unit Total of the Week

Consider that the over is 18-5-3 in Capitals last 26 games playing on 1 days rest and 6-2-1 in Capitals last 9 games as a road underdog. While the over is 4-1-1 in Bruins last 6 games as a home favorite and 4-1-1 in Bruins last 6 home games

Rating: 2 Units

The Minnesota Wild and the Vegas Golden Knights meet in game two of their West division First round matchup. The Wild came away with a hard-fought 1-0 win in overtime in game one. They will look to get a 2-0 lead with a win tonight. Vegas outshot Minnesota 19-5 in the first period but couldn't find the back of the net. This is a must-win for the Knights and I like them to do just that in a big way.

Rating: 2 Units

Having gone to OT, Game 1 could have easily gone either way. Down a game, the Bruins are going to fight with everything they've got tonight. They're 15-9 in the 'revenge' role. They're also 5-2 (+3.1) the past seven times that they were trailing in a playoff series, 30-20 (+5.9) their last 50 in that situation. The Caps, meanwhile, are 25-31 (-13.2) over the years, when leading in a series. Consider Boston.

Rating: 2 Units

Two years ago, the Islanders swept the Penguins in the first round of the postseason. But this season, featuring a lineup with a mix of veterans and young talent, Pittsburgh went 6-2 against New York and won the division. After being swept by New York in 2019 and then stumbling through a stunning loss to Montreal in the qualifying round of the COVID-19-altered playoffs in 2020, the Penguins' three franchise players -- centers Sidney Crosby, 33, and Evgeni Malkin, 34, and defenseman Kris Letang, 34 -- are hungrier than ever to win their third Stanley Cup together. Consider that New York is 16-36-2 in the last 54 meetings in Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

Foligno wasn't satisfied with how the Leafs performed in their most recent game, though Toronto still secured a point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. The Maple Leafs have gone nine games (7-0-2) without a regulation loss. The Jets hope Tuesday's 5-0 shutout of the Vancouver Canucks has already served as their turn-around game. Winnipeg entered that game amid what team captain Blake Wheeler described as "as adverse of a stretch as I've been through." The Jets were 1-9-0 with only 17 goals scored in their previous 10 outings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blues took last night's game by a score of 4-0. While tonight's game is essentially now meaningless, last night's poor effort should bring out the best in the Wild. Though staying healthy is key, teams also want to turn up the intensity before the playoffs. The Wild didn't do that last night. While the Blues are 5-6 (-3.1) when playing the second of b2b games, the Wild are 7-3 (+3.2) when doing so. Consider Minnesota.

Rating: 2 Units

The Predators were the last team to clinch a postseason spot in the division, doing so with a 3-1 home victory against the Hurricanes on Saturday night. That result ended Carolina's 13-game points streak, a string that had matched the franchise's all-time mark. The Predators appeared to be the more motivated team Saturday. The Hurricanes clinched the top seed in the Central Division on Friday when the Tampa Bay Lightning lost to Dallas. Nashville has won only one of the seven meetings with Carolina this season. Some adjustments are to be expected from both teams. Carolina has lost consecutive games -- including Thursday night in overtime to Chicago -- for just the third time since mid-March. "More importantly is going to be for us to finish strong," Brind'Amour said. "We don't want to pick up any (bad habits). We don't want to derail a real good season we've had to date by kind of finishing iffy."  Consider that Carolina is 35-16 in their last 51 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

In a season that started with turmoil with the eventual season-long absence of captain Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks will end 2021 in sixth place, but the club is coming off the momentum of Thursday's 2-1 overtime win over the Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C. Despite the absence of its captain, goaltending that ranks in the lower half of the league, a host of injuries and a ton of youth, Chicago can find some solace in the reemergence of right winger Alex DeBrincat. Consider that the over is 6-1-5 in Stars last 12 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game, 6-1-2 in Stars last 9 vs. a team with a losing record, and 11-2-3 in Stars last 16 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. In addition the over is 6-2-1 in Blackhawks last 9 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game and 5-2 in Blackhawks last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Capitals are locked in a battle for the top spot in the East Division and will finish the regular season with a three-game homestand, the first of which comes tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. Washington (34-14-5, 73 points) is tied with Pittsburgh (35-16-3, 73 points) for the division's top spot. The Capitals do have a game in hand on the Penguins while Boston (31-14-7, 69 points) and the New York Islanders (31-16-6, 68 points) sit right behind. All four teams have already clinched playoff spots. The Flyers (23-23-7, 53 points) have been eliminated from the playoff race. Consider that Philadelphia is 7-18 in their last 25 games as an underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Sabres scored the upset last night but the Isles should bounce right back this evening. Prior to last night, the Isles had beaten the Sabres, by multiple goals, in three straight meetings. While the Sabres managed four goals last night, they're just 1-11 the past 12 times that they scored four or more in their previous game. While the moneyline is expensive, we're able to get a positive money return, when laying -1.5 goals. Expect the Sabres to have trouble scoring against the stingy and revenge-minded Isles

Rating: 2 Units

Pittsburgh won't be taking the Flyers for granted, as they've lost four of six in the season series thus far. Pittsburgh also needs to keep the foot on the gas until the final game, as both the Islanders and Capitals are hot on their heels. Pittsburgh comes in with plenty of momentum as well, holding on for an OT win at Washington, before then dominating in every facet two nights later in a 3-0 shutout win. The Flyers allow 3.5 GPG this year. Philly enters off two straight losses to the lowly Devils.

Rating: 2 Units

The skidding Islanders will look to steady their position in the East Division playoff race tonight when they are scheduled to visit the New York Rangers in the opener of a home-and-home series between the Big Apple-area foes. Both teams were off Wednesday after continuing streaks Tuesday, when the islanders suffered their third straight defeat with a 1-0 loss to the Washington Capitals and the Rangers earned their third consecutive win by beating the Buffalo Sabres 3-1. The results tightened the back half of what was once a mostly suspense-free race for the final playoff spot in the East. The third-place Islanders (29-15-5, 63 points), who were tied for first with the Capitals entering the opener of a three-game series against Washington on April 22, suffered their second 1-0 loss of the set to fall five points out of first while their lead over the fourth-place Boston Bruins shrank to a point by virtue of the Bruins' 3-1 win over the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins. And the Islanders are just five points ahead of the fifth-place Rangers (26-18-6, 58 points), who have gone 16-6-3 since March 13 to gain 12 points on their long-time rivals.

Rating: 10 Unit NHL Game of the Month

The Washington Capitals hold a one-point lead over Pittsburgh in the East Division, and they can add to that in a key late-season matchup with the visiting Penguins tonight. The Capitals (32-13-4, 68 points) took over the top spot after a 1-0 victory over the Islanders on Tuesday completed a sweep of the three-game series with the New York Islanders -- with two of the wins coming on the road. Daniel Sprong, filling in for the injured Alex Ovechkin (lower-body injury) on the top line, scored the game's only goal just 89 seconds in, and goalie Vitek Vanecek (18 saves) plus a strong defense kept the Islanders at bay. Pittsburgh (32-15-3, 67 points) fell out of first after a 3-1 loss to Boston on Tuesday. That ended a four-game winning streak for the Penguins. Jeff Carter scored the lone Penguins' goal, which came in the third period after the Bruins were up 3-0, and Tristan Jarry finished with 28 saves. The Islanders (29-15-5, 63 points) fell to four points behind the Penguins while Boston (28-14-6, 62 points) sits in fourth. Washington has one game in hand over the Penguins, and the two teams also will meet on Saturday in D.C. Consider that Pittsburgh is 20-8 in their last 28 overall.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Kings appear to have found the right combination against the Anaheim Ducks, winning the past three meetings by a combined score of 13-3. They'll see if they can unlock their offense again on Wednesday night when they host the Ducks in the second of four games in six days against their struggling rival to the south. Los Angeles (18-22-6, 42 points) had seven defensemen in their lineup against the Ducks on Monday night, one more than usual, and two scored in the 4-1 victory that kept its slim playoff hopes alive. Sean Walker scored his second goal of the season and Mikey Anderson tallied his first to help the Kings to an early 2-0 lead.

Rating: 5 Units

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins aren't in the playoffs yet, but they are offering a preview of postseason play during their two-game set that concludes Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The Penguins (32-14-3, 67 points) moved into first place in the East Division with a 1-0 win Sunday, seven points ahead of the Bruins (27-14-6, 60 points), who sit in the fourth and final playoff spot in the division. The two-game set could be a preview of a first-round playoff matchup, and the teams played like it -- tight, smart, with strong defense and good goaltending. That means not cheating defensively despite both clubs having explosive offensive players. Consider that the favorite is 20-7 in the last 27 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Nashville Predators have struggled all season against teams currently ahead of them in the Central Division standings ... particularly, the Florida Panthers. Nashville (26-21-2, 54 points) holds the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central after going 2-0-1 during three straight games with sixth-place Chicago. The Predators own a five-point lead over the Blackhawks, but just two on fifth-place Dallas, which holds two games in hand. Now, the Predators host second-place Florida (31-13-5, 67 points), a team Nashville is 2-4 against this season. The Panthers' Chris Driedger, who made 16 saves on Saturday for his 13th win of 2020-21, has stopped 45 of 46 shots and posted a shutout in two starts against the Predators this season. Teammate Sergei Bobrovsky, who has 17 victories, owns a 3.47 goals-against average while going 2-1-1 against Nashville in 2020-21.

Rating: 2 Units

Bergeron missed Friday's game after he blocked a shot with his left foot/ankle on Thursday. He finished that game but was a late scratch Friday. "He'll be day to day until we hear differently," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy, who juggled the personnel on his top three lines with Bergeron unavailable. Without Bergeron out Friday, Boston fell behind 5-1, rallied furiously to trail by 5-4, but allowed an empty-netter in the final minute. The Penguins, who went with backup Casey DeSmith on Saturday, are likely to start No. 1 goalie Tristan Jarry today. Consider that the home team is 23-6 in the last 29 meetings between these two.

Rating: 2 Units

The Flames (20-23-3, 43 points) claimed a 4-2 win Friday to start a three-game home set with the Canadiens, a victory that leaves Calgary six points behind Montreal in the battle for the fourth spot in the North Division. The teams also will meet Monday in Calgary for the ninth and final time this season, and the Flames, who have 10 games remaining overall, can't afford any setbacks in their head-to-head meetings if they want to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Canadiens (20-16-9, 49 points) have lost three of their past four games and are struggling to hold on to fourth place in the North. The top four teams in each division will advance to the playoffs. The Flames have won five of seven meetings this season but know those wins won't matter much if they lose today's game. Consider that Montreal is  5-11 in the last 16 meetings in Calgary.

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota has gone 5-2-0 against the Kings so far this season with three wins coming in overtime. The Wild entered Thursday three points behind the Colorado Avalanche for second place in the West. Wild goalie Cam Talbot is 3-0-0 against Los Angeles this season and will likely get another opportunity to continue his hot streak, both against the Kings and overall. Talbot is 5-0-1 in his past six starts. Also consider that Los Angeles is 9-24 in their last 33 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dallas Stars are peaking at an ideal time, and they'll try to keep their late-season surge going when they visit the Detroit Red Wings today. The Stars are unbeaten (6-0-2) in regulation play over their last eight games, and a victory today would give Dallas a season-high five-game winning streak. The last four of those wins came as part of a 4-0-1 homestand that concluded with back-to-back wins over Detroit. The Stars won a 3-2 shootout on Monday before earning two more points in a 5-2 victory over the Red Wings on Tuesday. As a result, the Stars' postseason chances have been revived. Dallas (19-14-12, 50 points) now sits just outside the four playoff positions in Central Division, sandwiched between the fourth-place Nashville Predators and the sixth-place Chicago Blackhawks. The Stars are 5-1-0 against the Red Wings this season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wild (28-13-3, 59 points), who play tonight against the host Arizona Coyotes (20-21-5, 45 points), have won four consecutive games to build a sizable lead over the teams -- Arizona and St. Louis -- battling for fourth place in the West Division. The Wild won the opener of the two-game series against the Coyotes 5-2 Monday as Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist and Cam Talbot stopped 22 shots. The Coyotes are 1-6-0 against Minnesota heading into today's game, the last between the teams in the regular season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Panthers topped the Blue Jackets 4-2 on Monday for their third win in four games. Columbus lost its sixth consecutive game and fell to 2-11-2 in the past 15 games. The Tuesday night contest will wrap up the teams' eight-game season series, with the Panthers now 6-0-1 against the Blue Jackets. The Panthers have won their past two games and are 3-0-1 in their past four. Columbus comes into today with losses in six consecutive games and 13 of its past 15. Consider that Columbus is 7-22 in their last 29 vs. Central.

Rating: 10 Unit NHL Game of the Year

Carolina got a strong performance from goalie Petr Mrazek (33 saves), but the addition of newcomer Jani Hakanpaa appears to have solidified the defense. In his only move at last week's trade deadline, Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell set out to find the missing piece of the team puzzle. To shore up the rear guard, Waddell traded defenseman Haydn Fleury to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the right-handed-shooting Hakanpaa and a 2022 sixth-round draft pick. Consider that Carolina is 5-1-2 in its past eight games while Tampa Bay is 4-4-0 in that same span.

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona needs to show it can beat a playoff-bound team such as the Wild (27-13-3), who have won five of six games against the Coyotes this season. Minnesota comes in having won three in a row, a streak that began with a 5-2 win against the visiting Coyotes on Wednesday. Minnesota goalie Kaapo Kahkonen has started two of the previous games against the Coyotes and held them to a combined one goal on 56 shots. Kahkonen most recently held the San Jose Sharks to two goals on 28 shots in a 5-2 Minnesota win on Saturday night. Kahkonen's 13 wins this season is a single-season rookie record for Minnesota, moving him past Darcy Kuemper, who likely will be in goal for the Coyotes tonight after he made 20 saves in the win over St. Louis on Saturday. Consider that Minnesota is 16-5 in their last 21 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bruins have gotten back on track. They've won their last three games by a combined score of 10-3, getting stingier each time out. They followed up a 3-2 win with a 4-1 victory. Last time out, they won 3-0. Now, they get a chance to avenge an embarrassing 8-1 loss. They should be highly motivated to get some payback and to close out the homestand with another win. While Boston had yesterday off, the Caps are off a win at Philadelphia. While Washington has admittedly fared well in b2b spots, its still not ideal. Schedule and venue in their favor, the Bruins should improve to 7-2 their last nine, when attempting to avenge a home loss.

Rating: 2 Units

The Philadelphia Flyers' chances of earning a playoff spot have been reduced significantly this week, but thanks to a shootout victory in Pittsburgh on Thursday they retain a glimmer of hope heading into this afternoons game against the visiting Washington Capitals. The Flyers have gained only two of a possible six points in their past three games and sit comfortably behind the Boston Bruins for the final spot in the East with 13 games remaining. Goaltender Carter Hart, who has struggled immensely over the past few weeks, made 31 saves -- 13 in the third period and overtime in the 2-1 shootout triumph over the Penguins. It was Hart's first win eight starts. Washington is 4-1-0 against Philadelphia this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Pittsburgh has won three straight games and eight of the past 10 to sit in the thick of the East Division title chase. Perhaps the rivalry with the Penguins will provide some motivation for the Flyers, who have nearly gone into freefall -- 8-13-3 in 24 games after being in strong contention for a playoff spot with an 11-4-3 start. They have lost two straight and four of their past five. That includes watching last-place Buffalo come back to win 5-3 Sunday and then being less than competitive Tuesday in a 6-1 loss at Washington. Consider that Pittsburgh is 20-8 in their last 28 vs. East.

Rating: 2 Units

The West Division-leading Avalanche have won eight of their last nine games while gunning for a top playoff seed. Meanwhile the fourth-place Blues are just trying to make the postseason bracket after struggling for much of the season. Their current three-game winning streak convinced general manager Doug Armstrong not to sell off players before the trade deadline. But the Blues' schedule is loaded with showdowns against the Avalanche (four games), the second-place Vegas Golden Knights (two) and the third-place Minnesota Wild (five), making for quite a gauntlet in the last month of the regular season. That means 11 of their remaining 15 games are against teams currently bound for the playoffs, and one against the Arizona Coyotes, who are one point behind them. Consider that the Avalanche won have three of four games against the Blues this season while building a 14-7 scoring margin. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer (25-8-1, 2.00 GAA) is 2-1 with a 1.68 GAA against them this season.

Rating: 2 Units

With the Rangers favored on the moneyline, we're able to get an extra +1.5 goals (puckline) with the Devils for a relatively fair price. Considering that the Rangers are off an OT win and that three of their past six games have been tied after regulation, those extra +1.5 goals could well come in handy. The Devils are a respectable 6-6 (+3.3 vs. the moneyline) when off a loss by two or more goals. They know that they'll face these same Rangers, at MSG, on Thursday and Saturday. In other words, they better take care of business on home ice tonight. Look for them to bounce back and give their guests all they can handle in this one. Consider NJ on the puckline.

Rating: 2 Units

Winners of six consecutive games, the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs will look to extend their hot streak against the slumping Montreal Canadiens today. The Leafs are 9-0-1 over their last 10 games and are one victory away from matching the franchise's longest winning streak since an eight-game run during the 2003-04 season. The goaltending situation is a concern in Montreal, as Carey Price (upper-body injury) is still questionable after missing the team's last three games. Jake Allen has started all three contests and posted an 0-3-0 record with an .867 save percentage. Allen has won just once (1-5-4) in his last 10 starts, but he might still be the choice on Monday if Price is still unavailable. The interim backup goalie is 21-year-old Cayden Primeau, who has played just two career NHL games. Allen allowed five goals on 25 shots in Saturday's 5-0 home loss to the Winnipeg Jets, though goaltending was far from Montreal's only issue. The Canadiens recorded their second-lowest shot total (19) of the season. After 30 scoreless minutes, Winnipeg scored five times in the final 30 minutes of play.

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

It's a quick turnaround for the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings as the teams prepare for a rematch tonight in San Jose. Today marks the final regular-season matchup between the teams. San Jose leads the series 6-1-0 following a 5-2 victory over Los Angeles on Friday night, their fifth win in six games. While Friday's effort wasn't their cleanest, Sharks captain Logan Couture acknowledged his team's push to dig out a win. The Sharks' recent success is due in large part to starting goaltender Martin Jones, who improved to 15-8-2 for the season after Friday's 32-save performance. Jones has tallied a win in seven of his past 10 starts, five of which have been against the Kings. Consider that San Jose is 33-16 in their last 49 vs. a team with a winning % below .400

Rating: 2 Units

Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils enter tonight's game at Newark, N.J., buoyed by winning performances Thursday night. The visiting Penguins topped the New York Rangers 5-2, allowing just 24 shots and snapping out of a defensive funk during which they allowed 15 goals over two games, both losses. The Devils ended an 0-2-2 slide with a 6-3 road win over the Buffalo Sabres. New Jersey is languishing in also-ran territory in the East Division, while the Penguins are in contention for the East title. Consider that Pittsburgh is 18-4 in their last 22 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

Thanks to a stretch of 10 wins in their last 12 games, the Predators are alone in the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division, and they will look to strengthen their position in a rematch with the Red Wings after claiming a 3-2 shootout win in Detroit on Tuesday. Considering how bleak Nashville's playoff hopes looked three weeks ago, it's been an incredible turnaround for the Predators. Nashville, which has won two straight games and taken five of seven meetings with the last-place Red Wings. The injury-riddled and rebuilding Red Wings are destined for another high draft pick and struggling with one win over their last five games (1-2-2). Consider that Detroit is 18-54 in their last 72 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Ottawa Senators have faced the Edmonton Oilers seven times this season, and seven times they have lost. The Senators will get two more chances against the Oilers, hosting matchups tonight and tomorrow night. Overall, Edmonton holds a 34-15 scoring edge and will look to tie a franchise record today for longest winning streak against one team in a season, set against the original Winnipeg Jets in 1983-84. Ottawa has one victory in its past four games and just four in 12 outings in the past month (4-5-3). Monday in Winnipeg, the Senators rallied from three goals down in the third period but still lost 4-3. Meanwhile, the Oilers are on a 5-1-2 run but are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss Monday in Montreal, a game in which they blew a 2-0 lead after two periods. Consider that Edmonton is 17-5 in their last 22 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

The San Jose Sharks look to extend their season-long winning streak to five games tonight as they host the Anaheim Ducks. It marks the sixth meeting of the season between the two teams and the first of three in San Jose over the next nine days. The Sharks lead the season series 4-0-1. San Jose, which is just three points out of playoff position, has swept its last two two-game series matchups against the Minnesota Wild and the Los Angeles Kings. In last weekend's series in LA, the Sharks outscored the Kings 6-2 over the two games. The Ducks, on the other hand, are looking to snap a three-game skid. In their last outing on Sunday, the Ducks had a 2-1 lead after two periods against the Arizona Coyotes before Arizona's Jakob Chychrun scored the tying goal with 4:51 left in regulation and then registered the game-winner 1:47 into overtime. Consider that Anaheim is 6-20 in their last 26 vs. West.

Rating: 2 Units

The season series between the team wraps up with games Monday and Wednesday. Colorado has won four of the six games, losing one in overtime. With the end of the regular season rapidly approaching, the teams are battling for playoff positioning. The Avalanche lead the West Division and the Wild are in third, six points behind. The two games in St. Paul could either tighten the gap or expand it. If Minnesota is going to gain ground, it won't be easy. Colorado is 12-0-2 in its last 14 games, sweeping St. Louis on Friday and Saturday nights. Both wins were one-goal games, and Saturday night's outcome wasn't decided until defenseman Cale Makar's goal with 41 seconds left. Every line is producing for the Avalanche and the defensive corps is pitching in. Over the last 14 games, Colorado has outscored opponents 62-25 and has posted two shutouts. The Avalanche are the hottest team in the league and have justified the predictions that they have a good chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Rating: 2 Units

Goaltender Jack Campbell is on the verge of making some franchise history with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who open a two-game set against the host Calgary Flames tonight. Campbell has been the winning goaltender in all eight of his starts this season, most recently Friday night when he stopped 31 shots as the Maple Leafs (24-10-3) defeated the host Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in a shootout. The Flames (16-19-3), meanwhile, lost 3-2 to the host Edmonton Oilers Friday night. Connor McDavid scored the winning goal on a third-period power play. The Flames are 2-5-0 this season against Edmonton and 2-3-1 against Toronto. Consider that Toronto is 12-4 in their last 16 road games

Rating: 2 Units

The Blue Jackets have dropped six of their past seven games, including Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Panthers. They are in seventh place in the Central division with 36 points, five points the fourth-place Nashville Predators. Saturday's Panthers victory featured the first career hat trick by ex-Blue Jackets forward Alex Wennberg, who also had the overtime goal that beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Thursday.  Wennberg scored three goals on four shots to help the Panthers extend their season-best win streak to five games. The Panthers are now 17-0-1 when they have the lead after two periods. Consider that Florida is 38-14 in their last 52 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Capitals returned to form Friday night against an opponent with whom they are well acquainted. The result was far too familiar for the New Jersey Devils, who are down to their last chance this season to earn a win over the Capitals. The visiting Capitals will look to complete a sweep of the Devils this afternoon, when the East Division rivals are scheduled to finish a two-game series in Newark, N.J. Some late dramatics helped the Capitals remain perfect against the Devils on Friday night, when Dmitry Orlov capped a chaotic overtime by scoring with 21 seconds left to lift Washington to a 2-1 win. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the Capitals, who allowed their most goals in more than two years in an 8-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday night. It was the first time Washington surrendered eight goals since an 8-5 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 20, 2019. Consider that Washington is 36-16 in their last 52 games as a road favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

The eight goals by the Islanders were tied for the most they've scored since coach Barry Trotz arrived prior to the 2018-19 season. New York beat the Detroit Red Wings 8-2 on Jan. 14, 2020. The win, despite a shaky defensive performance, was equally notable for the Islanders, who allowed more than three goals in a win for the first time this season Thursday. The Flyers were not in nearly as jovial a mood following the lopsided defeat to the Sabres, who'd lost their previous 18 games (0-15-3) dating back to Feb. 25 -- the 14th-longest losing streak in NHL history and the longest skid since the Pittsburgh Penguins lost 18 straight games in 2003-04, the season before the NHL instituted the shootout. The defeat Wednesday capped a tumultuous month for the Flyers, who went 6-10-1 in March and gave up 75 goals, the most surrendered in a single month in franchise history. Philadelphia lost four games by at least five goals and gave up at least four goals 11 times. Consider that New York is 20-7 in their last 27 home games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Oilers have pressed on with the task at hand, preparing to face the Flames for the seventh time this season. Edmonton has won four of the previous six games, the most recent a 7-3 shellacking on St. Patrick's Day. In those six games against Calgary, McDavid has racked up six goals and 14 points, and part of the preparation was to separate him and Leon Draisaitl to provide scoring depth. McDavid on Thursday practiced on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jesse Puljujarvi. Draisaitl skated with Dominik Kahun and Kailer Yamamoto. As much as the Flames had to adjust their plans on the fly, the more important quest is to cobble together a winning streak. Calgary has lost five of six games and is falling further outside a playoff spot. The Flames -- who are 10 points behind their Alberta rivals -- have been guilty of blowing leads and losing control of close games at the first sign of trouble.  Consider that Edmonton is 19-9 in their last 28 vs. North. 

Rating: 2 Units

Its important to remember that not all "first game back" situations are equal though. Tonight, the Isles are playing their first home game since 3/20. In this case, however, they actually only played four road games (as opposed to seven) and, unlike the Jets, the Isles never had to leave their own time zone. Also, the trip was not entirely successful, as they lost the final two games. What I'm trying to say is that I don't expect them to struggle the way that Winnipeg did. Its worth mentioning that the Isles are a perfect 5-0 their last five home games, following a road trip of seven or more days. More? The Isles are also 9-1 their last 10, after allowing two goals or less, in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

Leading 3-0 after two periods Monday night, Buffalo seemed headed to its first victory since Feb. 23. Instead, Kevin Hayes, captain Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier scored third-period goals, and defenseman Ivan Provorov came through 42 seconds into overtime, as Philadelphia completed a stunning 4-3 comeback victory. While the Flyers have won back-to-back contests for the first time since a three-game run from Feb. 24-28, the Sabres are mired in an 0-15-3 rut. That's NHL's longest such slide during the shootout era. The 1993-94 Winnipeg Jets were the most recent club to go 19 in a row without a win. Consider that Philadelphia is 24-8 in their last 32 games as a road favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

Columbus enters off a poor 4-1 loss in Detroit on Monday and I have a hard time seeing it keeping up with the defending champs in this difficult road venue. The Jackets have lost four straight, allowing three or more goals over that span. Tampa's defense has been a bit shaky of late, but after two straight losses, clearly the Lightning will come in focused on the task at hand this evening. The Bolts are 7-1 in their last eight at home and I think they can not only win this game, but win by a sizeable margin.

Rating: 2 Units

Off a 3-2 overtime win in St. Louis just last night, we think the Ducks, who have won two in a row now, are going to have a predictable letdown here in this difficult road venue and in the second game of the back-to-back. Despite yesterday's win, note that the Ducks have still scored two goals or less in six of their last nine games. And although Anaheim was decent on the defensive end vs. St. Louis yesterday, it's still allowed four or more goals in six of its last tne games. Off a 3-2 OT loss to the Knights, the Avs will be eager to take advantage of this favorable spot. Despite losing last time out, Colorado has still scored four or more goals in seven of its last eight games. The Avs have also turned things around in net, conceding one goal or less in seven of their last ten outings. Anaheim is only 1-4 in its last five road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of more than .600. Everything is in place for the Avalanche to not only win tonight, but to win big.

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory on Saturday. The Red Wings had mustered just one goal during the slide, and that goal came in a 7-1 thrashing by the Nashville Predators on Thursday. Columbus was starting a six-game road trip. With two games apiece against Central Division leader Tampa Bay, followed by a pair against Florida, the game today takes on added importance. "Unacceptable, but what good is it for me to sit here and start saying all these things?" Foligno said. "We just have an opportunity (today) to rectify that and learn from it and know that we gave one away today, which better (upset) some guys off in that room, because we don't have any games to give away. We don't have any cushion right now." Consider that Detroit is 9-22 in their last 31 vs. Central.

Rating: 2 Units

Vegas and Colorado viewed their two-game set in Denver as a prelude to a possible postseason clash later in the spring. After one game, it's the Avalanche who look playoff ready and have the Golden Knights looking for answers. Colorado dominated the first matchup, winning 5-1 Thursday night with a big second period that turned a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. While players talk about moving on after a loss, it won't be so easy for Vegas. The Avalanche have been outclassing their opponents lately, winning eight of their last nine and earning at least a point in all nine of those games. The games with Vegas come a week after another key matchup against Minnesota, and Colorado won both of those games by a combined score of 11-1. Consider that Colorado is 40-15 in their last 55 games playing on 1 days rest while Vegas is 10-25 in their last 35 games as a road underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

Prior to losing 5-4 in Arizona on Tuesday, the Avalanche had put together arguably the best six-game run we've seen from any team all season. They won all six games by a combined score of 27-7 and did so by completely dominating shots on goal: 42-31, 55-20, 36-22, 41-28, 46-18 and 46-14. They outshot the 'Yotes 39-32 in that loss Tuesday, which went to a shootout after falling down 0-2 in the first period. We look for the Avs to bounce back on home ice this evening. They are playing the first place Golden Knights, not an easy matchup by any means, but Colorado being such a sizable favorite here should tell you what the oddsmakers think of them. A win tonight would pull the Avs even with the Knights and we think they get the two points.

Rating: 2 Units

Andrei Vasilevskiy is pretty much unbeatable right now. The Tampa Bay goaltender set a franchise record with his 12th straight win in the Lightning's 2-1 victory Tuesday at Dallas in a rematch of last season's Stanley Cup Final. Vasilevskiy is two shy of the NHL record as the Lightning enter today's rematch against the host Stars. The 26-year-old Russian had to make just 16 saves Tuesday to eclipse Louis Domingue's franchise record of 11 consecutive victories from Nov. 29, 2018, to Feb. 19, 2019. After defeating the Stars in six games in last season's Stanley Cup Final, the Lightning have won each of the first four games against them this season. Tampa Bay is only the fourth defending champion in NHL history to accomplish that feat, joining the Montreal teams of 1944-45, 1957-58 and 1976-77.

Rating: 2 Units

The Canucks may fight hard in this one. However, they're badly short-handed. The Jets have been dominating them here, making it a home away from home. The teams last met Monday and Winnipeg won 4-0. That loss was costly, as Vancouver lost captain Bo Horvat to injury. They're calling him day-to-day but if you saw the injury, it'd be surprising if he goes tonight. Keep in mind that Sutter didn't play last game either and that the Canucks were already without Pettersson and Beagle. There are other injuries, too. However, I mention those guys as all four are centers. That's going to make things tough.

Rating: 2 Units

The Avalanche hammered the Coyotes last night and more of the same expected tonight.  Arizona has lost 6 of its last 7 games.  Also, 6 of the Coyotes last 8 losses have come by a margin of 2 or more goals.  In fact, the average margin of defeat in Arizona's last 8 losses is 3 goals!  Colorado is a big money line favorite here for a reason but where we get the value is the puck line.  By laying the 1.5 goals, the Avalanche are actually available at a plus money return (currently in the +115 range) and that is a great value when you consider the above trending for the Coyotes.  Also, the Avalanche have won 7 straight games and each of the last 6 have been decided by a multiple goal margin.  Those 6 victories came by an average margin of 3.8 goals per game! 

Rating: 2 Units

The Arizona Coyotes earned a chance to celebrate a win for the first time in nearly two weeks when they beat Anaheim on Saturday. If they want to keep celebrating, they'll have to figure out how to stop Colorado when they host the Avalanche tonight. It's the first of two games between the teams in Arizona on consecutive nights, and it's a tough task for the Coyotes coming off of a 5-1 road win. The win capped a tough, seven-game trip for Arizona that started with a 3-2 win over Colorado on March 8. The victory was followed by five losses - the first against the Avalanche - with two coming in overtime. Now, they're home for four games after 16 days away from Glendale. The 28 shots Raanta faced Sunday might be a fraction of the total Colorado could throw at him over the next two nights. The Avalanche are averaging 44.3 shots on goal during their current six-game winning streak and completely dominated a Minnesota team that had won five straight before being outscored 11-1 in two losses. Consider that Colorado is 38-15 in their last 53 games playing on 1 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

The Nashville Predators began their season-high eight-game road trip with a spirited 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars on March 7. The Predators saw that momentum come to an abrupt halt with losses in four of their next six contests (2-3-1). Nashville will look to get back on track in the finale of its lengthy trek against the Stars tonight. The lack of offense has been an all-too-common theme for the Predators, who have been shut out on three occasions this season after being blanked just twice in 2019-20. Saros was gouged for five goals on 20 shots before being lifted in a 7-0 setback to Dallas on Jan. 22. He yielded three goals to the Stars two nights later in a 3-2 setback. Anton Khudobin recorded his third shutout of the season on Saturday, courtesy of a 21-save performance in the Stars' 3-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Khudobin turned aside 49 of 51 shots to win the first two meetings with Nashville this season, improving to 6-4-1 with a 2.18 goals-against average in 13 career appearances versus the Predators.  Consider that Nashville is 7-20 in their last 27 games as an underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Capitals have three one-goal wins during their streak, and Ovechkin has tallied seven times in the seven games. Ovechkin also has scored nine times in his past 14 games, a stretch in which Washington is 12-1-1 since a 4-1 home loss to the Rangers on Feb. 20. When Ovechkin takes the ice today and attempts to continue his roll, the Capitals will get winger Tom Wilson back from a seven-game suspension for his hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo on March 5. Wilson totaled seven goals and 10 assists in 21 games before the suspension, and the Capitals are looking forward to his return. "He brings so much to our team -- just his energy, to have him in the room and on the bench with his size and his game and his physicality," Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. "We're certainly going to be happy to see him back." The Rangers are 2-4-1 in their past seven games since winning three straight March 2-6. After a 9-0 romp over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night, New York was held to one goal or none for the seventh time. Consider that Washington is 14-3 in their last 17 vs. East.

Rating: 2 Units

For the second time in this month, the Leafs have lost three in a row. They've lost six of seven overall. But it was a 4-3 win against Winnipeg the last time they were off three straight defeats and we don't see them losing four in a row (for the first time all season) here. Toronto is very much still one of the NHL's best teams. They are tied with Edmonton for first place. With the Oilers facing third place Winnipeg elsewhere tonight, a win here would ensure the Leafs don't fall out of first or into a three-way tie. Calgary was fortunate to win here 4-3 last night, but the likelihood of them making it two row seems small. Toronto had four days off prior to that loss to Calgary and came out rusty. They did rally to tie things up after falling behind by two goals. But then they allowed the game-winner on Flames' power play. Don't overthink this one. Just take the better team.  The Flames are 1-6 this year after scoring 4 or more goals in their last game.

Rating: 10 Unit NHL Game of the Week

The Islanders had moved into first place in the East Division during a nine-game winning streak and 12-game point streak that was snapped in a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. Then they gave up the three goals to the Flyers on Thursday in less than 12 minutes of the second period, when they were outshot 12-5. The Islanders scored their three third-period goals in fewer than seven minutes, but their chances to escape with a point, or the victory, evaporated when the Flyers' Claude Giroux won a faceoff against Mathew Barzal deep in the New York zone. Lindblom, open in the slot, fired a shot past goalie Semyon Varlamov, who was screened by Giroux. Consider that the favorite is 56-22 in the last 78 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado swarmed the Wild from the start with 25 shots in the first period Thursday night and 55 for the game. Minnesota couldn't even match the first-period total for the game, putting just 20 shots on Philipp Grubauer in a 5-1 loss. The bigger loss might be the injury to defenseman Matt Dumba. He left in the second period with what looked like a serious right leg injury after sliding skates first into the boards. The Wild didn't have an update after the game, but coach Dean Evason didn't sound optimistic. Colorado got a boost from the return of young defensemen Cale Makar and Bo Byram. Both had missed multiple games with upper-body injuries and their return gave the Avalanche much-needed depth at the blue line. Grubauer will likely be in net again after his 19-save performance, but his backup has changed. Colorado sent Hunter Miska to the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League and recalled Adam Werner. Miska struggled in his last two starts and was pulled in Tuesday's 8-4 win over Anaheim after allowing four goals on seven shots in the first period. Consider that Colorado is 14-5 in their last 19 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Rating: 2 Units

After their crazy 9-0 win at home over the Flyers last time out, regression seems imminent for the Rangers on the road in the Nation's Capital Friday night. Washington enters on top form, having won six straight, allowing just one goal over its last two games. The Capitals are also 4-0 in their last four vs. clubs with losing records, while New York is just 2-5 in its last seven vs. teams with winning records. The Rangers are also only 1-5 in their last six after scoring five or more goals in their previous game. Considering all of the above information, Washington seems like a bargain at this price.

Rating: 2 Units

The New Jersey Devils found a way to give themselves a little confidence going into today's home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. They won a home game. That might sound like a relatively minor thing. Teams are supposed to dominate on home ice. The Penguins, for example, are 12-3-0 at home. But it has been a struggle for the Devils, both at Prudential Center in Newark and elsewhere. Their 3-2 win Tuesday over Buffalo -- the only team beneath them in the East Division -- snapped an 11-game home losing streak. Consider that Pittsburgh is 14-2 in their last 16 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lightning will look to keep zeros on the home side of the scoreboard -- something they have done well against the Stars this season. The two Stanley Cup Final participants last season have played twice in 2021 -- once in Tampa, once in Dallas -- with the Lightning posting shutouts in each contest. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy started both games and frustrated the Stars throughout. The 2019 Vezina Trophy winner backstopped his club to 5-0 and 2-0 victories -- the only games in which Dallas was blanked this season. Vasilevskiy, who has stopped all 48 shots by the Stars, got the day off Monday in the Lightning's 4-1 matinee loss to the visiting Nashville Predators. He is expected back in the crease today.

Rating: 2 Units

Washington has totaled 33 non-shootout goals while winning eight of its last nine contests, and recorded five in each of the last three games. Ovechkin scored his 10th of the season and third in four games during the Capitals' 5-4 win at Philadelphia on Saturday. Buffalo 10-game losing streak (0-8-2) is the franchise's longest winless stretch since dropping 14 in a row from Dec. 29, 2014-Jan. 39, 2015. Though the Sabres snapped a string of yielding five goals in five straight games, they were shut out for the fifth time this season following a 3-0 defeat by Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Sabres have also been outscored 29-9 during an 0-7-1 home slide. They haven't dropped nine straight at home since 2013-14.  Consider that Washington is 20-7 in their last 27 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Rating: 10 Unit 10* NHL Game of the Month

It is likely that Tristan Jarry, who has started 12 of the past 15 games, and DeSmith will split the two games against Boston. For Boston, goaltender Tuukka Rask has been arguably the team's best player. He is 8-4-2 in 14 starts. The Bruins led the East early but are 4-6-2 in their past 12 games. They have not stacked together back-to-back wins since a five-game winning streak over the first two weeks of February. Their 4-0 loss Saturday at home against the New York Rangers emphasized their displeasure with themselves. Consider that Boston is 12-5 in their last 17 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation and 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wings have lost more than their fair share of games, but they rarely get blown out. They just split a two game home series versus Tampa, with the loss coming by a score of 4-3. They host Carolina on Sunday afternoon, and the Canes have won seven straight. Carolina is 9-5 on the road, but four of their last six road wins have come in games decided by one goal. If Detroit can stay out of the penalty box, they should have a chance to win this game.

Rating: 2 Units

Facing the Edmonton Oilers is hard enough at full strength. Now, the Vancouver Canucks have a litany of injury woes to worry about as they ready to host the high-octane Oilers tonight. With forwards Tyler Motte (high ankle sprain), Justin Bailey (separated shoulder) and Elias Pettersson (upper-body injury) already sidelined, the Canucks have another trio of forwards nursing issues. Brandon Sutter, Jay Beagle and Antoine Roussel all missed practice on Friday, and coach Travis Green said only "one or two" were likely to play against the Oilers. Edmonton has won 15 of its past 20 games to move into second place in the North Division.  Consider that Edmonton is 13-3 in their last 16 games as a favorite.

Rating: 10 Unit NHL Total of the Month

Rating: 2 Units

After Cam Talbot had to miss time due to COVID-19 protocols, Kaapo Kahkonen has broken out as the Wild's primary goalie. Kahkonen is 8-0-0 over his last eight starts, the longest winning streak by any goalie in the NHL this season. Overall, Kahkonen has a .922 save percentage and 2.19 goals against average over 15 games. It has been quite the performance for a goalie who entered the season with only five NHL games on his resume. However, Kahkonen's emergence was no surprise to Minnesota defenseman Carson Soucy, who played alongside Kahkonen for the Wild's AHL affiliate in Iowa. Kahkonen's unbeaten run includes a previous victory over the Coyotes, as the goalie stopped 24 of 25 shots in a 5-1 Minnesota win on March 5. Consider that Arizona is 8-20 in their last 28 games as a road underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

The Islanders will get their first chance this season to maintain their NHL-best home record in front of fans tonight, when New York is scheduled to host the New Jersey Devils in a battle of longtime division rivals in Uniondale, N.Y. Both teams were off Wednesday after playing Tuesday night, when the Islanders earned their sixth consecutive win with a 2-1 shootout victory over the visiting Boston Bruins and the Devils came back from a three-goal deficit before falling to the host Washington Capitals, 5-4, in overtime. The win was the 11th at home this season for the Islanders, tying them for the most home victories in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. But at 11-0-2 at the Coliseum, New York is the only team without a regulation loss at home. The Devils have lost nine of 11 (2-8-1) since Feb. 20, a span in which they've suffered five defeats by one goal. Overall this season, New Jersey is 5-4-3 in one-goal games. Consider that New Jersey is 7-20 in the last 27 meetings.

Rating: 10 Units NHL Total of the Mont

The over is 8-2-1 in Islanders last 11 home games, 3-1-1 in Islanders last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.,  5-2 in Islanders last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game, and 5-2 in Islanders last 7 games following a win. In addition, the over is 5-1 in Devils last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona won't have its top goaltender for Wednesday, or for the near future, according to coach Rick Tocchet on Tuesday. Darcy Kuemper made 17 saves before leaving early in the third period of the Coyotes' 3-2 win and Tocchet said Kuemper is heading back to Arizona to be evaluated. Kuemper looked sharp in his second game back from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for four games, but he suffered an undisclosed injury against the Avalanche. While Colorado had possession of the puck Kuemper signaled to an official, and when the puck left the zone play was stopped, and Kuemper was replaced by Antti Raanta. Bednar said Tuesday that center Nathan MacKinnon will be back in the lineup after missing three games.  Consider that Colorado is 20-9 in their last 29 vs. a team with a losing record.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Capitals are riding high on a sizzling 6-1-1 stretch, with three of those victories coming at the expense of the New Jersey Devils. The Capitals aim to continue their mastery of the Devils today when the teams reconvene in Washington, D.C. Ilya Samsonov made 36 saves Sunday night in the Capitals' 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The 24-year-old Russian was making his second start since returning from the NHL COVID-19 protocol list, with the first being a 19-save performance in a 3-2 victory over New Jersey on Feb. 28. Samsonov sports a 3-0-1 record with a 2.53 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in four career meetings with the Devils. New Jersey goaltender, Blackwood, who yielded five goals on 27 shots against the Rangers on Saturday, permitted seven tallies on 46 shots in consecutive losses to Washington on Feb. 27-28. The 24-year-old owns a 1-5-0 record with a 3.48 goals-against average and .878 save percentage in six career meetings with the Capitals. Consider that New Jersey is 25-62 in their last 87 vs. a team with a winning record.

Rating: 10 Unit NHL 10* Game of the Year

The Isles have been playing well. However, they're stepping up in class here. I expect a visit from the talented and hungry Bruins to bring them back down to earth. Off an upset loss to the Devils, the Bruins are going to be in an angry mood. The fact that they're 0-3 against the Isles this season adds further motivation. The last of those meetings was a 7-2 beatdown. Obviously, Boston hasn't forgotten. The Bruins haven't fared well here this season but are still 18-6 their last 24 visits here. While they'll be without Rask, Halak is 5-2 with a 2.24 GAA. I expect them to bounce back with a huge effort