Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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06-21-24 | Panthers +101 v. Oilers | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 26 m | Show | |
The Oilers are the flashier team and of course they have Connor McDavid. Credit to them for not giving up after the Panther won the first three games of this Stanley Cup Final. But I don't see Florida losing three in a row to Edmonton. |
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06-13-24 | Panthers v. Oilers -131 | 4-3 | Loss | -131 | 9 h 44 m | Show | |
The bad news for the Oilers is they are down 2-0 in their Stanley Cup Final against Florida. The good news is they finally get to play in Edmonton and 11 of the past 14 Stanley Cup finalists who trailed 2-0 in a series won Game 3. |
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06-10-24 | Oilers +121 v. Panthers | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 46 m | Show |
I get that Sergei Bobrovsky is a problem for Edmonton, a serious problem. He's an outstanding goalie and he's hot having given up two or fewer goals in 11 of his last 12 games. |
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06-08-24 | Oilers v. Panthers -138 | 0-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 22 m | Show | |
The Oilers lack the Panthers' Stanley Cup Championship Series experience. The Panthers have the superior goaltending with Sergei Bobrovsky and are the better 5-on-5 team. They've gone against stronger goaltending in the playoffs, too. |
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06-01-24 | Rangers +150 v. Panthers | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 19 m | Show | |
So far in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Rangers beat the Capitals twice on the road and also defeated the Hurricanes two times on the road. They defeated the Panthers earlier this series in Florida and certainly are capable of doing it again. |
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05-31-24 | Oilers +113 v. Stars | 3-1 | Win | 113 | 10 h 8 m | Show | |
This Western Conference Stanley Cup Finals is tied 2-2 with the teams now playing in Dallas. But I'm convinced the Oilers are the better team. I backed them in Game 4 and they came through scoring five unanswered goals in a 5-2 home victory two days ago. |
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05-29-24 | Stars v. Oilers -128 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 22 h 51 m | Show |
The Oilers have been down this road before. They trailed the Canucks, 2-1, in their previous Stanley Cup playoff series. Edmonton won that crucial Game 4. The Oilers also won Game 4 in their opening-round series against the Kings. |
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05-03-24 | Stars -108 v. Golden Knights | 0-2 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
Dallas finished with the best record in the Western Conference and the Stars have taken over this series against Las Vegas winning three in a row. The defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights are on the verge of elimination now. I don't see them getting up to make the count. |
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05-02-24 | Bruins +100 v. Maple Leafs | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 50 m | Show | |
Credit Toronto with a gutty, 2-1, road win against the Bruins in Game 5 to stay alive in their Stanley Cup series. |
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04-25-24 | Panthers v. Lightning -105 | 5-3 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 37 m | Show | |
After a pair of one-goal road losses to the Panthers, the price is right to back the Lightning at home for Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Series. The frustrated Lightning probably should have won Tuesday's Game 2, but were defeated in overtime. |
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04-24-24 | Bruins v. Maple Leafs -107 | 4-2 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 17 m | Show | |
Normally I don't care to back the Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup playoffs given their sad postseason history. But this is a good spot for Toronto. The Maple Leafs' confidence is up after they evening the series at 1-1 with a 3-2 victory against the Bruins this past Monday. That victory also snapped an eight-game losing streak to Boston. Now the Maple Leafs are at home. They could get William Nylander back. That would be huge. Nylander, second on the team in goals and points, has missed the first two games because of injury. The Bruins are down a defenseman in their rotation with Andrew Peeke suffering an injury.
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04-21-24 | Predators +129 v. Canucks | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 51 m | Show | |
There's a lot of built-in pressure on the Canucks hosting their first Stanley Cup game in nine years. I believe the Predators - an excellent road team at 24-14-3 - can steal this first one in Vancouver. |
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04-21-24 | Avalanche v. Jets -104 | 6-7 | Win | 100 | 7 h 53 m | Show | |
The oddsmaker is giving Colorado too much respect with this line. The Avalanche is a much better home than road team. Winnipeg is a blazing 8-0 in its last eight games. This includes a 7-0 road win against the Avalanche just eight days ago. That victory also meant a season sweep against Colorado for Winnipeg.
The Avalanche enter Stanley Cup play with a losing record during their last 11 games. I don't see the Avalanche having a big scoring game on the road against the Jets, who tied the Panthers for fewest goals allowed during the regular season at 2.4 per game. |
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04-20-24 | Maple Leafs v. Bruins -120 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 59 m | Show | |
Boston owned Toronto during the regular season winning all four games, including capturing the last two meetings by three goals apiece in each game. |
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04-18-24 | Blackhawks +312 v. Kings | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 47 m | Show | |
At this price, I'm going to take a shot on the Blackhawks. The Kings have clinched a playoff berth. So they could be resting players to get ready for the Stanley Cup. |
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04-17-24 | Oilers v. Coyotes +156 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 156 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
I'm going to accept this price on the home underdog Coyotes, who are likely playing their final game in Arizona. The team is expected to move to Salt Lake City next season. |
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04-08-24 | Golden Knights +106 v. Canucks | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 28 m | Show | |
Vancouver is leading the Pacific Division. But the Canucks have been struggling since losing their top goalie, Thatcher Demko, to a lower body injury. |
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04-03-24 | Canucks v. Coyotes +130 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 28 m | Show | |
The Coyotes have a winning record at Mullett Arena. They've won five of their last seven home games. |
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03-26-24 | Golden Knights v. Predators -139 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 20 h 42 m | Show |
Nashville is a blistering 15-2 in its last 17 games with five consecutive victories. The Predators are riding a franchise-record 17-game point streak. |
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03-25-24 | Golden Knights v. Blues +134 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 3 m | Show | |
The home 'dog Blues are not getting enough respect here. All the Blues have done is go 6-1 in their last seven games with the only loss during this span coming to the Avalanche by one goal. St. Louis has scored at least three goals in each of its last seven games. The Golden Knights' defense is down from last season. |
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03-19-24 | Avalanche v. Blues +188 | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 3 h 28 m | Show | |
Colorado is fat and happy having won the first three games of its road trip. This is the Avalanche's final game of that road trip. The Avalanche also are going with backup Justus Annumen in net. The Blues are playing well having won four in a row. They've given up only six goals during this four-game span. |
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03-08-24 | Red Wings -133 v. Coyotes | 0-4 | Loss | -133 | 5 h 59 m | Show | |
This is more than a fair price to back the Red Wings, off an embarrassing nationally televised road loss to the Avalanche two days ago. You couldn't ask for more of a step down spot for Detroit as the Coyotes have dropped 16 of their last 18 games. Arizona is playing without rest and the team is in a transition stage due to trades. |
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02-14-24 | Panthers v. Penguins +118 | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 7 m | Show | |
Florida is coming on again, playing well. But I'm going to take a plus price to back the Penguins at home in a very important game for them. The Penguins are getting to a crucial stage following consecutive one-goal road losses to the Wild and Jets. They need this game - and they've had three full days to get ready. Pittsburgh is 9-2-3 in its last 14 home games. I trust the Penguins' resolve - at least for now. Florida doesn't figure to be as desperate as Pittsburgh after shutting out the Avalanche, 4-0, in its last game.
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02-08-24 | Canucks v. Bruins -129 | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 30 m | Show | |
No disrespect to the Canucks, who have been playing great hockey. But I want the Bruins going for me after their coach, Jim Montgomery, was highly critical of his team following Boston's 4-1 loss to the Flames coming off break. |
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02-06-24 | Avalanche -109 v. Devils | 3-5 | Loss | -109 | 3 h 47 m | Show | |
The Avalanche are the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL. They were held to just one goal by the Rangers last night coming off break. Colorado got the rust off with that game. The Devils, though, haven't played in 10 days. They ranked 27th defensively. New Jersey also has a losing home record. |
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01-31-24 | Senators v. Red Wings -106 | 3-2 | Loss | -106 | 6 h 2 m | Show | |
This is a huge revenge game for the Red Wings. They lost 5-1 to the Senators on Dec. 9 when Dylan Larkin was injured. The Red Wings haven't forgotten about that. Detroit has been playing much better since then going 9-2-1 this month. Ottawa, by contrast, is 5-7-2 this month. |
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01-29-24 | Predators +101 v. Senators | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 18 m | Show | |
Nashville is one of the better road teams in the NHL and has a goalie edge with Juuse Saros back in net. Saros was rested in the Predators' last game, a 4-1 loss to the Oilers this past Saturday. Edmonton has won 16 in a row. The Predators held the Oilers to only 21 shots on goal. That was the second-fewest shots Edmonton took all season. |
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01-26-24 | Kings v. Avalanche -140 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show | |
The Kings are becoming a near auto-fade under Todd McLellan as the All-Star break draws near. LA is 2-12 in its last 14 games. The Kings just lost at home as huge favorites to the Sharks and Sabres this past Wednesday blowing a 3-1 lead. |
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01-21-24 | Stars v. Islanders -101 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show | |
The Islanders are home, off a frustrating overtime road loss to the Blackhawks from two days ago and most important now have a new head coach. The Islanders fired Lane Lambert after the loss to the Blackhawks. Patrick Roy will make his New York coaching debut in this game.
That's the major part of my handicap - backing the home Islanders in their first game under their new coach. Obviously a strong, motivated effort should be forthcoming from the Islanders. Dallas is the better team, but it's not a great situational spot for the Stars. They are playing without rest and a bit fat and happy after a 6-2 road win against the Devils on Saturday. It's also the Stars' fourth game in six days and fourth straight game at a different arena. |
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01-20-24 | Stars -130 v. Devils | 6-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 6 m | Show | |
I'm looking for a strong bounce back game from Dallas after the Stars lost, 5-1, to the Flyers at home two days ago. That was the Stars' most lopsided defeat since Dec. 9. |
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01-18-24 | Predators +135 v. Kings | Top | 2-1 | Win | 135 | 23 h 60 m | Show |
This is a mystifying line. Since when is a team that has lost nine of their last 10 games, carries a high fatigue rating and is in a terrible situational spot a mid-sized favorite against an above .500 quality opponent? |
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01-15-24 | Predators +105 v. Golden Knights | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 47 m | Show | |
Losers of eight of their last 11 games and thin at center without injured leading scorer Jack Eichel, the Golden Knights can not be favored. Certainly not here against Nashville. |
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01-05-24 | Hurricanes v. Capitals +152 | 6-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 31 m | Show | |
Carolina is riding a four-game winning streak. But I'm going to step in against the Hurricanes based on the spot. |
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01-04-24 | Flames +105 v. Predators | 6-3 | Win | 105 | 8 h 16 m | Show | |
I'm going to ride Calgary, which is 5-2 in its last seven games and getting excellent net play from Jacob Markstrom, who has a .936 save percentage in his last six games. The Flames have given up two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games. |
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12-27-23 | Panthers v. Lightning +100 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Tampa Bay has been inconsistent, but coming out of the Christmas break this is a good spot for the Lightning. The price is right to back them. Tampa Bay has been better at home and Andrei Vasilevskiy is coming around to his superstar form in his return from back surgery. |
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12-22-23 | Oilers v. Rangers -145 | 4-3 | Loss | -145 | 20 h 8 m | Show | |
The Rangers are hot and in an excellent situational spot here. New York is riding a three-game winning streak, including scoring impressive consecutive road victories against the Maple Leafs and Bruins. New York last played on Tuesday. So the Rangers have had ample time to get home and be ready for this matchup. |
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12-19-23 | Golden Knights v. Hurricanes -128 | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show | |
This is a circle-the-wagons game for the Hurricanes. They've been pointing to this marquee matchup and I believe they get it done. |
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12-16-23 | Canucks v. Wild -107 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show | |
Vancouver is playing well with four wins in a row. However, those were all at home. The Canucks haven't played a road game in two weeks. This is only their second away game since Nov. 25.
It's a tough situational spot for the Canucks. They just played Thursday night and had to make the long trip to Minnesota. They are not helped by the early start time here. Minnesota also is playing well with two consecutive victories. The Wild has really tightened their defense since the coaching change, giving up two goals or fewer in seven of their last eight games. The Wild also have short revenge for a 2-0 road loss to Vancouver nine days ago. |
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12-15-23 | Predators +151 v. Hurricanes | Top | 6-5 | Win | 151 | 19 h 1 m | Show |
These teams are closely matched. Nashville is the better defensive team. But Carolina is a solid favorite because of being the home team. |
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12-07-23 | Stars -135 v. Capitals | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 13 m | Show | |
When you have to count on Tom Wilson to do most of your goal-scoring your offense is in trouble. That's what's going on with the Capitals, who rank second-to-last in goals scored at 2.2 per game. Wilson, more goon/enforcer than scorer, has produced four of Washington's last six goals. |
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12-06-23 | Golden Knights -158 v. Blues | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 36 m | Show |
I want the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights in this short revenge spot. St. Louis nipped the Golden Knights, 2-1, in overtime at Las Vegas on Monday. Las Vegas had a number of good looks, but were thwarted by Jordan Binnington's excellent goaltending.
I know the Golden Knights will play strong defense here. They've allowed three goals in regulation during the last three games and haven't given up more than two goals a game in six of their past seven games. I can't say the same for the Blues and Binnington. Both are extremely inconsistent. St. Louis had allowed an average of 4.3 goals in its previous six games before Monday's narrow victory. |
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11-14-23 | Lightning -125 v. Blues | 0-5 | Loss | -125 | 8 h 40 m | Show | |
The Blues are 4-1 in their last five games. They stunned Colorado, 8-2, on the road in their last game this past Saturday. Tampa Bay lost its last two games, both at home to the Blackhawks and to the Hurricanes in their last game four days ago. |
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11-13-23 | Islanders v. Oilers -152 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 7 h 11 m | Show | |
The Oilers are off to a slow start this season after leading the NHL in goals last season. I see things starting to turn around for them after they beat the Kraken, 4-1, in their last game this past Saturday and now have made a coaching change to Kris Knoblauch. Connor McDavid is off to a slow start, too. But being reunited with Knoblauch, his old coach, should ignite him. The Oilers draw the struggling Islanders, who have lost four in a row and could be on the verge of making their own coaching change. The Islanders have scored the third-fewest goals in the league. The spot and opponent set up well here for Edmonton.
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11-04-23 | Canadiens +104 v. Blues | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 53 m | Show | |
The Canadiens are improved this season. They are 4-3 in their last seven games with two of those losses during this span occurring by one goal. |
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10-30-23 | Panthers v. Bruins -159 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 39 m | Show | |
The Bruins are off to a great start at 7-0-1. They rank first defensively giving up the fewest goals per game. They also have the No. 1 penalty kill unit. |
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10-28-23 | Golden Knights +103 v. Kings | 4-3 | Win | 103 | 13 h 13 m | Show | |
The Kings figure to get the Golden Knights ''A'' game tonight and the situation isn't ideal for them. |
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10-26-23 | Rangers -125 v. Oilers | Top | 3-0 | Win | 100 | 22 h 58 m | Show |
The Rangers were outstanding on the road last season going 24-9-8 and they've started off well this season winning three of four away contests. I like the Rangers to keep hot on the road against the struggling Oilers. |
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10-22-23 | Flames -129 v. Red Wings | 2-6 | Loss | -129 | 7 h 60 m | Show | |
The Red Wings are the home team. But it's Calgary that has been practicing at Detroit's home facility. While the Flames were in Detroit on Saturday, the Red Wings were pulling off an impressive upset against the Senators in Ottawa on Saturday. |
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10-21-23 | Islanders v. Sabres -117 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 46 m | Show | |
Early revenge spot here for Buffalo. The Islanders scored a goal with fewer than seven minutes left to nip the Sabres, 3-2, at home last Saturday. |
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10-19-23 | Coyotes v. Blues -109 | 6-2 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 50 m | Show | |
I like the spot and low lay price for the Blues.
St. Louis has been idle since Saturday. Arizona, though, is playing its third road game in four days. The Coyotes have lost 44 of their last 55 away games. The Coyotes are struggling to score and get shots on net. They've managed only one goal in their last two games. They only had 14 shots on goal against the Islanders on Tuesday. Jordan Binnington has looked much improved in goal for St. Louis stopping 63 of 65 shots he's faced this season. |
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10-17-23 | Lightning v. Sabres -108 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 44 m | Show | |
The 0-2 Sabres are due to get their first win. The situation sets up for them here drawing the struggling Lightning, who still could be missing team captain Steve Stamkos. |
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10-11-23 | Avalanche -110 v. Kings | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 19 h 24 m | Show |
Colorado won't have team captain Gabriel Landeskog as he still is recovering from knee surgery. But I like the rest of the makeup of the Avalanche as they begin the season highly motivated after an early playoff exit last season. |
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10-10-23 | Seattle Kraken +149 v. Golden Knights | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 23 h 11 m | Show |
It will be a festive opening night of the hockey season for the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. There will be a special ceremony prior to the game raising the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup banner. The Vegas players will enter on a special gold carpet. |
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06-10-23 | Golden Knights +105 v. Panthers | Top | 3-2 | Win | 105 | 27 h 41 m | Show |
The Cinderella Panthers raced through the East knocking off the Bruins, Maple Leafs and Hurricanes. But the Golden Knights are turning the Panthers' carriage into a pumpkin, exposing Florida for the eighth-place team it was in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. Las Vegas clearly has established itself as the superior team. If it weren't for getting some fortunate breaks in Thursday's Game 3 the Panthers would be down 3-0 in the series. The Panthers being favored in Saturday's Game 4 puts me on the underdog Golden Knights. The Golden Knights are the deeper team able to keep the pressure on Florida without a break having four strong lines. Florida can't match that. Las Vegas also has the better defense, special teams and hasn't made nearly as many mistakes as Florida has. Las Vegas has proven itself on the road, too, winning 15 of its last 21 away games. Las Vegas dominated the first two games, outscoring the Panthers, 12-4. The Panthers needed a late goal after they had pulled their goalie to force overtime in Game 3. The Golden Knights had a 15-8 advantage in scoring chances. Vegas shots hit the crossbar and post. Sergei Bobrovsky had his best game of the series by far for Florida. A metric showed Bobrovsky stopping 1.89 goals above expected. Bobrovsky is better than he showed in the first two games, but it's probably a reach to expect him to produce another ''A'' game. The Panthers, constantly stymied by the Golden Knights' tall and physical defensemen, managed only four shots on goal during the third period in Game 3. The Panthers continue to take stupid penalties. The Golden Knights have made them pay for this scoring on six of 17 power play chances for 35 percent. Florida, on the other hand, has yet to produce a goal in 12 power play opportunities against Las Vegas. |
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06-08-23 | Golden Knights v. Panthers -118 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 22 h 13 m | Show |
Is there a zig/zag in this Stanley Cup Finals with Las Vegas traveling to Florida up 2-0 in the series? Yes. Key signs point to a Panthers' victory. The home team has won 11 of the last 12 in this series. Florida has beaten Las Vegas four of the past five times it has hosted them. The Panthers have won 69 percent of their past 109 home games. Those are strong trends, but it takes more than trends to fully get behind the Panthers, who were dominated in a 7-2 Game 2 loss this past Monday. The Panthers have proven their resilience overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate the Bruins, the record-setting regular season points leader. The Panthers have gotten quality looks and shots on goal. They've been hurt by lack of discipline on the defensive end and Sergei Bobrovsky's mediocre play in net. Bobrovsky was pulled after 27 minutes in Game 2. I expect a strong performance from the prideful Bobrovsky in this Game 3 along with a much cleaner defensive effort from the Panthers, who will get back defenseman Radko Gudas, who missed much of Game 2. Bobrovsky went into this championship series with a collective 18.95 saved goals above expectations. That was the best playoff mark since 2008. I'm also expecting the Panthers to produce their ''A'' game. |
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05-27-23 | Stars v. Golden Knights -142 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -142 | 22 h 25 m | Show |
Down 3-0 against the Golden Knights in their Western Conference Finals series, the Stars went all out at home this past Thursday to stay alive. They fired 42 shots on goal, received an outstanding goalie performance from overdue Jake Oettinger and out-hit the Golden Knights, 46-23. The Stars won - barely. They prevailed in overtime, 3-2. Now the scene shifts back to Las Vegas where I see the Golden Knights ending the series. Teams that have taken a 3-0 lead in the playoffs before the Stanley Cup final round are 47-0. The Golden Knights are 11-1 after scoring two goals or less during their previous game. Dallas is 1-4 in its last five road games and also 1-4 following a victory. The Golden Knights outplayed the Stars in the third period in Game 4. They outshot the Stars, 14-8, in the third period and looked like they were going to win in regulation. So even taking the Stars' best shot, the Golden Knights nearly clinched the series on the road. The Stars can't match the Golden Knights' four-line depth - especially missing suspended team captain Jamie Benn and injured right winger Evgenii Dadonov - nor can they match Las Vegas' solid core of six reliable defensemen. Adin Hill has also outplayed Oettinger in net. Las Vegas is an NHL-leading 6-2 at home during the postseason. Unlike Game 4, the Golden Knights will be in control of the matchups having the final line say being the home team. These many edges are too much for the Stars to overcome. |
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05-22-23 | Hurricanes -102 v. Panthers | 0-1 | Loss | -102 | 19 h 32 m | Show | |
Down 0-2 to the Panthers - with both losses occurring at home and in overtime - it's maybe best for the Hurricanes they go on the road now. Carolina has to be totally focused and unfazed. The Hurricanes have outshot the Panthers, 103-86, and had good scoring looks. But bad luck and unexpected strong goaltending from 34-year-old Sergei Bobrovsky, who hasn't been nearly that good up to this point of the season, has stymied the Hurricanes. I see that changing in this Game 3, however. Florida is on a tremendous roll winning nine of its last 10. But the Panthers haven't been dominant. They are 6-0 in overtime games during this time frame. Despite the two losses in a row, the Hurricanes are 50-24 in their last 74 games. They also are 7-3 during their past 10 visits to the Panthers. I'm not convinced that the Panthers are the superior team. I certainly don't see Florida sweeping. This is Carolina's game to win. |
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05-20-23 | Panthers +137 v. Hurricanes | 2-1 | Win | 137 | 11 h 47 m | Show | |
Price and value. That's what this Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals comes down to. Florida has played once in eight days. Carolina has played once in nine days. But the last game these two teams played was this past Thursday night/early Friday morning in Carolina. It went within 12 seconds of going into a fifth overtime. The road underdog Panthers won it. Now there's a huge randomness factor with the teams not just playing only once in more than a week, but how they react to that epic four overtime game. Florida is on house money leading 1-0 in the series. The Hurricanes have to be down both physically and more important emotionally. They have little time to regroup. And the pressure is all on them. I see this game as a toss-up. So getting this nice plus price on the Panthers makes sense. The Panthers have more than proven themselves on the road in the postseason winning seven of eight away playoff games. They are on a seven-game road win streak having defeated the Bruins three consecutive times in Boston and Maple Leafs three times in a row in Toronto entering this series. Florida is 13-3 in its last 16 road contests. The Panthers also have beaten the Hurricanes six of the past eight times. |
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05-09-23 | Hurricanes v. Devils -145 | 6-1 | Loss | -145 | 8 h 18 m | Show | |
I'm going to ride the Devils in their Game 4 series matchup hosting the Hurricanes following their 8-4 home win this past Sunday. That win greatly boosted the Devils' confidence after they lost the first two games of the series in Carolina. I'm expecting a strong carryover effect for New Jersey. I'm not sold on any of Carolina's goalies following that Devils' four-goal victory. Frederik Andersen played so poorly in Game 3 he was pulled. Antti Raanta has been sick. He's also been much worse on the road where he's 1-6 the past seven times in net with an .884 save percentage. The Devils were able to establish their speed game at home in Game 3, something they weren't able to do in Carolina when they were too tentative. New Jersey has won eight of its last 10 home games. The Devils also have beaten the Hurricanes seven of the last nine times when hosting them. |
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05-08-23 | Golden Knights +153 v. Oilers | 5-1 | Win | 153 | 20 h 9 m | Show | |
The Oilers have one of the great power plays of all-time. They are home now and coming off an impressive 5-1 road victory against the Golden Knights this past Saturday to even this playoff series at 1-1. But I find the underdog Knights an outstanding value play. Las Vegas has proven resilient all season. The Knights are an excellent road team, much deeper than the Oilers and better than the Oilers when the teams are at full strength. Only twice have the Knights lost two consecutive games since the All-Star break. They are 10-2 after giving up five or more goals in their previous game. Las Vegas tied for the second-most road points during the regular season and are 11-3 in its past 14 away games. The Knights have outscored the Oilers, 5-3, in the series when the teams were skating five-on-five. The Oilers can't match Las Vegas' tremendous depth. The Knights are one of the few teams with four strong forward lines and three solid defensive pairings. Edmonton's strength is its tremendous power play unit. The Knights, though, were the least penalized team in the NHL during the regular season. So the Knights have the right antidote to the Oilers' greatest strength. |
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05-02-23 | Panthers v. Maple Leafs -155 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -155 | 19 h 10 m | Show |
It's going to be extremely difficult for the Panthers to be fully up for this Game 1 series matchup against the Maple Leafs. You can't blame the Panthers either. Florida eliminated the Bruins this past Sunday with an overtime Game 7 victory in Boston. The Bruins had set the NHL regular season record with 65 wins and 135 points. It was a stunning loss for the Bruins and a tremendous victory for the Panthers. Florida matched-up well to Boston. The Panthers haven't matched-well to the Maple Leafs when playing in Toronto losing nine of the past 11 times there. Toronto should feel less pressure now after winning their first playoff series in 19 years by taking out the Lightning this past Saturday. It's a great spot for the Maple Leafs. One that should result in a victory. |
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05-01-23 | Rangers +102 v. Devils | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 30 m | Show | |
The Rangers are right where they want to be - on the road and in a Game 7 playoff series. The Rangers are 8-3 in their last 11 visits against the Devils. Road teams are 31-18 (63%) in the playoffs this season. The No. 1 seeded Bruins and defending champion Avalanche were just eliminated yesterday on their home ice in Game 7 matchups. The Rangers went 2-0 in the Stanley Cup playoffs last year in Game 7's. The Devils haven't won a playoff series in 11 seasons. New Jersey could have won the series this past Saturday, but were soundly thrashed, 5-2, in Game 6. That sets up this Game 7. I like the Rangers' momentum, track record and goalie edge. Rookie Akira Schmid finally was exposed in net by the Rangers in Game 6. Devils coach Lindy Ruff pulled him after Schmid gave up five goals on 29 shots. Vitek Vanecek went back in goal. Vanecek was the goalie for the first two games of the series and was terrible, surrendering nine goals on 52 shots. So Ruff has a tough, unattractive goalie choice. The Rangers, on the other hand, have an elite goalie, Igor Shesterkin, who is playing well. Shesterkin has a 1.79 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage in the series. |
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04-27-23 | Rangers +110 v. Devils | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 38 m | Show |
Perhaps they feel less pressure. Some teams just play better on the road, especially when it counts the most. The Rangers are such a team. New York rolled past the Devils, 5-1 in both Games 1 and 2, in this first-round series. Both wins were at New Jersey. But then the Rangers seemed to play tight and without Stanley Cup playoff intensity when they returned home, losing a pair of close games to the Devils. Now the Rangers go back to New Jersey - and I'm expecting them to win this Game 5 there. New York is 4-1 in its past five away contests. The Rangers have defeated the Devils in eight of the last 11 meetings in New Jersey. Look for a great effort from the Rangers after their coach, Gerard Gallant, ripped them for their poor play at home. The Devils are braced for a strong Rangers' performance. "We are going to see their best game," Devils coach Lindy Ruff said of the Rangers. "There is no doubt, by far, we will see their best game.'' I believe him. |
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04-23-23 | Bruins -148 v. Panthers | Top | 6-2 | Win | 100 | 5 h 2 m | Show |
The Bruins set the NHL regular season record for wins and points. Until proven otherwise, they are the best team in the NHL. They have taken control of their first-round series against the Panthers going up 2-1 following a 4-2 road win against the Panthers two days ago. I don't see the Panthers getting back into the series after that loss. The Bruins exposed 30-year-old career minor league goalie Alex Lyon, who allowed several soft goals in Friday's loss. Lyon had been a major surprise for the Panthers down the stretch. But the team may have lost confidence in him now. That could mean a pivot to Sergei Bobrovsky, who hasn't played since March 27. So there would be plenty of rust if the Panthers go with Bobrovsky in net. The Panthers may not have their best defenseman, Aaron Ekblad, either. He's questionable after getting hurt in Game 3. The Bruins are 41-11 the past 52 times when playing on one day's rest. |
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04-22-23 | Maple Leafs -114 v. Lightning | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 47 m | Show | |
We know the Maple Leafs' choking playoff history. They haven't advanced past the first round since 2004. But the buy sign is on Toronto now. The Maple Leafs came back from a 7-3 Game 1 embarrassment to blow out the Lightning, 7-2, this past Thursday. It's not just renewed confidence for the Maple Leafs. The Lightning are down from years past. They are not in particularly good form having lost five of their last seven games and they could be missing key defensemen Victor Hedman and Erik Cernak for a second straight game. Both were injured in Game 1. Hedman, in particular, is important. |
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04-21-23 | Hurricanes v. Islanders -114 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 17 h 27 m | Show |
Surprised the Islanders are favored against the Hurricanes? Don't be. The oddsmaker has it right. After two close road losses, the Islanders get to host their first playoff game at UBS Arena. Carolina nipped New York, 2-1, in Game 1. The Hurricanes nipped the Islanders, 4-3, in overtime in Wednesday's Game 2. The Islanders had 12 penalty minutes in Game 2. Carolina wasn't whistled for a penalty. The Hurricanes scored the overtime winner on a sequence after the referee failed to call an obvious high stick penalty on Carolina's Jordan Martinook. The Islanders have won their last four home games. They are due to get some breaks. The Hurricanes' forward depth took another hit when left winger Teuvo Teravainen suffered a broken hand late in Wednesday's game. Teravainen had 37 points playing on Carolina's top line. |
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04-19-23 | Wild v. Stars -146 | 3-7 | Win | 100 | 21 h 46 m | Show | |
The Wild played a gutty game in upsetting the Stars, 3-2, in double overtime this past Monday in Dallas to win Game 1 of this Stanley Cup series. Dallas had won six in a row prior to Monday's game. I like the Stars to come back and win this Game 2 at home. The Stars dominated the Wild during the third period and in the overtimes with more shots and scoring chances. But the Wild were able to withstand the pressure despite missing two key players, defenseman John Klingberg and forward Joel Eriksson, their third-leading goal scorer. Both are questionable for this Game 2. |
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04-12-23 | Stars -155 v. Blues | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 44 m | Show | |
The Stars are looking to win the Central Division. I don't see the Blues tripping them up. Dallas is 6-1 in its last seven games, riding a four-game win streak. The Stars have a strong history against bad teams going 45-21 the past 66 times for 68 percent. The Blues, by contrast, are 8-20 the past 28 times they've played above .500 opponents. |
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04-11-23 | Seattle Kraken v. Golden Knights -145 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 26 m | Show | |
The Golden Knights have playoff seeding incentive and this spot sets up well for them. Las Vegas last was in action this past Saturday, losing on the road to Dallas, 2-1. The Golden Knights have been home since. Seattle, meanwhile, is in action for the fourth time in six days and playing without rest after beating Arizona on the road, 4-1, last night. The teams meet again in the final regular season game Thursday. That game will be played in Seattle. The Golden Knights are 11-3 in their last 14 home games. They are 5-1 in their last six games against the Kraken. This is their spot to win. |
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04-08-23 | Devils v. Bruins -128 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 22 h 56 m | Show |
The price is low enough to strongly back the Bruins, the best team in hockey. Boston gives up the fewest goals while scoring the second-most. The line is low because the Devils are a strong team, too, and unlike Boston - which has already clinched the No. 1 seed - are playing for playoff seeding. So motivation factors. The Bruins haven't taken their foot off the gas winning 10 of their last 11 games. They have incentive. This is a nationally televised game courtesy of ABC and a victory would allow Boston to match the highest win total in NHL history. The Bruins are 61-12-5 on the season, including 32-4-3 at home. New Jersey is just 2-4 in its last six road contests with one of those victories occurring versus the lowly Blackhawks. The Devils also are 2-5 the past seven times they've played an above .500 opponent. Boston has defeated New Jersey 17 of the past 22 times when playing at home. |
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04-03-23 | Golden Knights v. Wild -130 | 4-3 | Loss | -130 | 9 h 17 m | Show | |
The Golden Knights are a strong road team. But the Wild are a strong home team, playing with short revenge and have dominated the Golden Knights at Xcel Energy Center going 7-1-2. Minnesota coach Dean Evason questioned his team's energy following the Wild's 4-1 loss to Las Vegas on the road this past Saturday. I'm expecting a great amount of intensity from the Wild here especially from goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, going against his former team. The Wild have won 16 of their last 22 games. They are 24-11-3 at home this season. Long-term, Minnesota has won 70 percent of its last 108 home contests. |
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03-30-23 | Golden Knights -158 v. Sharks | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -158 | 24 h 36 m | Show |
Getting an elite team off a home loss against a bottom-feeder off a rare home victory sets up a great spot here for taking Las Vegas against San Jose. The Golden Knights are off a 7-4 home loss to the Oilers this past Tuesday. Las Vegas was 11-2 in its previous 13 games prior to that loss. The Golden Knights have the most points in the Western Conference. Their 17-4-2 record in their 23 games is tied for the second-best mark in the NHL during this span. San Jose snapped a nine-game losing streak in its last game, beating the Jets, 3-0, this past Tuesday. The Sharks have the worst home mark in the NHL with only seven victories. Before defeating the Jets, the Sharks hadn't won at home since Feb. 20. San Jose, already eliminated from the playoffs, has lost 43 of its past 57 home games. Las Vegas is a top road team with a 24-7-5 away mark. The Golden Knights have won seven consecutive road games. They consider San Jose an arch-rival. The Golden Knights won't lack motivation. They've beaten the Sharks eight straight times in San Jose. The Golden Knights are expected to go back to Laurent Brossoit in net after Jonathan Quick struggled in goal against the Oilers. Brossoit has allowed just 11 goals in his last five appearances. Las Vegas is giving up an average of 2.4 goals during its last seven road contests. |
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03-22-23 | Penguins v. Avalanche -154 | 5-2 | Loss | -154 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
The defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche are showing definite signs of peaking. They've won six in a row. The Penguins, on the other hand, have lost four in a row. They are making the long flight to Denver after getting upset at home by the Senators this past Monday. Pittsburgh has lost 13 of its last 19 road games. Colorado has been home the past few days. The Penguins are giving up an average of 4.5 goals in their last four games. Colorado has scored five goals in each of its last three games. The Penguins could be down three defensemen. Colorado shouldn't lack motivation. The Penguins nipped the Avalanche, 2-1, in overtime in Pittsburgh last month. The Avalanche lost superstar defenseman Cale Makar to a concussion in that game after he took a shot to the head by the Penguins' Jeff Carter.
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03-14-23 | Lightning v. Devils -130 | 4-1 | Loss | -130 | 6 h 19 m | Show | |
This matchup may look good on paper, but the Devils are in far superior current form. They have won three in a row and nine of their last 10 home games. They catch the Lightning going through their worst stretch. Tampa Bay is 2-7 in its last nine games. The Lightning's lone wins during this span have come against two terrible teams - the Blackhawks and Flyers. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been cold in net, too, for the Lightning. |
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02-24-23 | Avalanche v. Jets -102 | 5-1 | Loss | -102 | 10 h 37 m | Show | |
Look for the Jets to play well in this spot back home from a 1-3 road trip. Winnipeg is 20-8 at Canada Life Centre, including winning the past three times there. The Jets have won three in a row against the Avalanche, too, including twice this season. Colorado has won three consecutive games, but won't have star defenseman Cale Makar. He's out due to post-concussion symptoms. The Avalanche also hasn't played in four days. That's too much time off this late in the season. So their momentum could be derailed. Winnipeg is 7-1 at home versus Central Division foes. I'm expecting Connor Hellebuyck to be in net. He stopped 40 shots when the Jets shut out the Avalanche, 5-0, when they last met on Nov. 29. |
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02-23-23 | Bruins -165 v. Seattle Kraken | Top | 6-5 | Win | 100 | 22 h 17 m | Show |
The Bruins have a seven-point lead over the Hurricanes for the best record in the NHL. It could prove difficult for Boston to be up for every one of its games. But the Bruins are sure to be heavily motivated for this matchup. It was the Kraken who dealt the Bruins their first home loss of the season with a stunning, 3-0, victory on Jan. 12. It also was the only time this season Boston failed to score. The Bruins have had this rematch circled ever since. It's their only chance to get revenge unless the teams happen to meet in the Stanley Cup Finals. Seattle lost to the Sharks, 4-0, in its last game this past Monday. The Bruins last played on Monday, too, beating the Senators, 3-1, for their fourth straight victory. Boston is 19-6-2 on the road. The Bruins have won their last three away games beating the Predators, Stars and Maple Leafs by a combined margin of 13-4. Linus Ullmark is expected to be in net for the Bruins. He's 29-4-1 with a 1.88 goals against average and a .937 save percentage. Those are Vezina Trophy numbers. Ullmark has surrendered just seven goals in his last four games. The Bruins rank No. 1 in scoring defense and penalty killing. They also are the second-highest scoring team in the league. I would be very surprised if the Bruins lose a second time to Seattle. |
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02-19-23 | Blue Jackets v. Coyotes -115 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 20 m | Show | |
It's not often the Coyotes are favored. But it's justified in this matchup. Arizona is tough at home playing on the Arizona State campus in a small arena. The Coyotes are 12-8-2 at home this season. Columbus is 6-17-2 on the road. The Blue Jackets just upset the Stars, 4-1, as a heavy road underdog on Saturday. They were 1-5 in their previous six games. This marks their fourth game in six days. The Coyotes also played Saturday nearly pulling out a win against the Kings after trailing, 5-1. They should ride that momentum given the poor opponent and being home. |
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02-18-23 | Lightning -120 v. Golden Knights | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -120 | 20 h 22 m | Show |
The Golden Knights are 4-0 this month. But the oddsmaker has it right making the Lightning road chalk. Las Vegas barely edged the lowly Sharks, 2-1, at home two days ago. The Golden Knights' other wins were also against unimpressive foes - the Ducks, slumping Wild and Predators. Las Vegas is not a strong home team. Tampa Bay should come in highly motivated after being upset by the Coyotes, 1-0, in a shootout this past Wednesday. The Lightning played their backup goalie in that game and also outshot Arizona, 47-26. Until that loss, Tampa Bay had won three in a row. The Lightning have won the past six times they've faced an above .500 opponent. |
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02-07-23 | Avalanche +100 v. Penguins | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 17 h 6 m | Show | |
Now that they are healthy, the Avalanche are superior to the Penguins. They also went into the All-Star break playing much better than Pittsburgh. Colorado is 7-1 in its last eight games. Pittsburgh is 1-3 in its last four and 5-12 in its last 17 games. The Avalanche get a boost to their defense with Bowem Byram expected to play after missing three months with a lower body injury. The Penguins aren't likely to have back their No. 1 goalie, Tristan Jarry. Colorado has won 39 of its last 58 road games. I give the Avalanche edges in all three areas - offensive, defense and goaltending. So they are an easy choice at this price. |
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02-01-23 | Hurricanes v. Sabres +145 | Top | 5-1 | Loss | -100 | 17 h 54 m | Show |
Carolina is playing great. But the Sabres also are playing well with five wins in their last six games. The Hurricanes face a brutal scheduling spot here. So I'm going to take this big price on the home 'dog. Buffalo defeated the Penguins on the road this past Saturday night. The Sabres haven't played since. They should be well-rested and well prepared. Not so for the Hurricanes. Carolina gave its all in pulling out a 5-4 overtime home victory against the Kings Tuesday night after trailing by three goals entering the third period. The Hurricanes had beaten the Bruins in a huge revenge matchup this past Sunday in their previous game. So this marks their fifth game in eight days with three of their past four games having gone into overtime. Flying nearly 500 miles to Buffalo to play without rest is a horrible spot for Carolina. |
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01-29-23 | Bruins v. Hurricanes -122 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 14 h 47 m | Show | |
Lost in the glare of the Bruins' brilliant season has been the Hurricanes. Carolina is 21-6 in its last 27 games, including 4-0 in its past four games. The rested Hurricanes host the Bruins, who just suffered a brutal road overtime 4-3 loss to the Panthers on Saturday when Florida tied the game with 2.4 seconds left. The Bruins are banged-up down a couple of starters and playing for the third time in four days and without rest. Carolina has had this game marked since a 3-2 overtime road loss to the Bruins on Nov. 25. The Hurricanes have beaten the Bruins five straight times in Carolina. |
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01-14-23 | Devils v. Kings -110 | 5-2 | Loss | -110 | 22 h 32 m | Show | |
The Kings have won three in a row, averaging five goals a game during this span. They've been idle since Wednesday and won't play again for five more days. So LA should have its full focus to defeat the Devils, who beat the Ducks last night. The Devils are 7 -20 the past 27 times they've played without rest. Even with that win against Anaheim, the Devils are 6-8-2 in their last 16 games. Los Angeles has won seven of its last nine home games. The Kings also have defeated New Jersey in four of the last five meetings. Saturday Free Play Blackhawks plus $2.15 hosting Kraken The Kraken are only in their second year in the NHL. Yet they've already accomplished something that hasn't been done since 2015 - win the first six games of a road trip. Seattle has just one game left on its seven-game, 12-day road swing: this one against the lowly Blackhawks. The Kraken just upset the Bruins, 3-0, on Thursday thus dealing NHL-leading Boston its first regulation loss of the season at home. It probably was Seattle's finest game of the season. It also puts the Kraken in a huge letdown spot. At more than 2-to-1 odds, I'll take a shot on the Blackhawks. Chicago is tied with Columbus for the fewest points in the league. However, the Blackhawks are playing well on a three-game win streak. There's a strong chance the Blackhawks get Patrick Kane back. He's their second-leading points producer despite being out since Jan. 3 because of a lower-body injury. The Kraken are anxious to come home. They host the Lightning on Monday. Seattle is 2-8 the past 10 times it has played in a four-game, six-day situation. |
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12-23-22 | Kings v. Coyotes +155 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 155 | 10 h 8 m | Show |
This is a great spot for the underdog Coyotes. They catch the Kings fat and happy after LA just completed a three-game homestand sweep by edging the Flames, 4-3, in overtime last night. So the Kings are playing for the third time in four days and without rest. This also is the first time they will be playing in Mullett Arena, a college hockey rink much smaller than a normal NHL arena. This gives the Coyotes a huge home ice advantage especially for opponents who have yet to play there like the Kings. The Kings aren't likely to have the luxury of a morning skate there either to get used to the place because they played last night. The Coyotes have won three of their last five home games, including upsetting the Bruins during this span. |
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12-17-22 | Sharks +145 v. Kings | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 54 m | Show | |
The Sharks have won two in a row. They are getting healthier and have dominated the Kings in LA winning 15 of the last 19 times there. LA returns home following a huge upset road win against the Bruins two days ago. The Kings are 0-6 following a victory. They also are 1-4 in their last five home games. The Sharks are well rested having last played on Tuesday while this marks the Kings' fifth game in eight days. San Jose could have a goalie edge. James Reimer has been confirmed as its starter. The Kings could go with Pheonix Copley instead of Johnathan Quick. |
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12-17-22 | Islanders +150 v. Golden Knights | 5-2 | Win | 150 | 10 h 23 m | Show | |
The Islanders are in circle-the-wagons mode with six losses in their last eight games. They've played tough against elite foes - a 4-3 shootout loss to the Bruins on the road this past Tuesday for example - but have played down to the level of their competition. That happened to them last night in Arizona when they to the Coyotes, 5-4. The Golden Knights return to Las Vegas fat and happy winning both games of their road trip that concluded Thursday night in Chicago. Las Vegas is 14-2-1 on the road, but just 8-7 on home ice. The Golden Knights are 1-4 in their last five home games with the lone victory during this span occurring in overtime against the Flyers. |
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12-13-22 | Golden Knights v. Jets -124 | Top | 6-5 | Loss | -124 | 19 h 41 m | Show |
Winnipeg is home with double revenge. The Golden Knights are dealing with injuries to their best players. The spot is right for the Jets. So is the price. The Golden Knights are 2-0 against the Jets with both wins coming in Las Vegas, including a 2-1 overtime winner on Oct. 30, where the Jets were playing for the third time in four days. Las Vegas is down their leading goal and points scorer with Jack Eichel going on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Also out is defenseman Zach Whitecloud with a knee injury. Two other important defensemen, Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, have been out, too, for Las Vegas. Pietrangelo hasn't played since Nov. 26 due to an illness in his family, while Theodore missed the Golden Knights' Sunday loss to the Bruins with a lower-body injury. The loss of these players really hurts Las Vegas' special teams both on the power-play and penalty kill unit. Winnipeg has won 10 of 14 home games. The Jets are 7-2 in their last nine games, but coming off a 5-2 home loss to the Capitals this past Sunday that halted a four-game win streak. The Golden Knights haven't maintained their hot earlier pace. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games with three of those five victories coming in a shootout or overtime. Las Vegas also hasn't fared well in Winnipeg losing in its last four visits. |
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12-08-22 | Jets v. Blues +104 | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 17 h 3 m | Show | |
I see a buy sign on the Blues here as they catch the Jets fat and happy. The Blue received a huge needed dose of confidence snapping their four-game losing streak with a 7-4 road win against the Islanders two days ago. St. Louis achieved this despite missing winger Pavel Buchnevich and defenseman Torey Krug. Both are questionable here. The Jets concluded a 3-1 homestand with a highly satisfying 5-2 victory against the Panthers and their former coach Paul Maurice this past Tuesday. This will be Winnipeg's first away game since Nov. 27. |
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12-02-22 | Predators v. Islanders -154 | 4-1 | Loss | -154 | 8 h 36 m | Show | |
The juice is high, but this spot lays out great for the Islanders. New York last played on Tuesday when it was upset on the road by the Flyers. The Islanders have had two full days to stew about that defeat. They are 6-1 in their last seven home games. The Islanders catch the Predators playing without rest and in action for the third time in four days. The Predators upset the Devils, 4-3, in overtime last night scoring the tying goal with nine seconds left in regulation. It was a dramatic and huge win for Nashville. I don't see the Predators pulling off a second consecutive huge upset road win against a rested and motivated opponent. Even with that win last night, the Predators have lost 14 of their last 20 road games. The Predators probably won't start their star goalie, Juuse Saros, since he was in net last night.
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11-30-22 | Rangers -120 v. Senators | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 20 h 21 m | Show |
The Rangers are much superior to the Senators. Yet the line is short here because the Rangers have lost three in a row, while the Senators have won consecutive games. I see the Rangers turning things around against this opponent. New York lost 5-3 to the streaking Devils this past Monday. New Jersey is the hottest team in the NHL winning 19 of its last 21 games. The Rangers went into their matchup against the Devils having lost 4-3 to the Oilers and 3-2 to the Ducks. The Rangers blew a 3-0 third period lead against the Oilers. Rangers star goalie Igor Shesterkin wasn't happy with his performance against the Devils. He's primed for a bounce back effort. The Rangers should be able to release their frustrations against an Ottawa club that ranks 23rd defensively and had lost 11 of 13 games before beating the Ducks and posting an overtime victory against the Kings. This is the Senators' first home game since returning from a four-game West Coast trip that finished this past Sunday. Ottawa is 1-6 in its last seven home games. |
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11-26-22 | Oilers +129 v. Rangers | 4-3 | Win | 129 | 14 h 46 m | Show | |
Note a very early start time here. It's important in fading the Rangers in this spot. The Rangers just concluded a four-game West Coast trip late Wednesday night. So they had to fly cross country on Thanksgiving. This will be their third game in five days. It's almost like playing a fourth game in five days, though, because of the early start time. The Oilers won't be bothered by this. They've been in New York the past few days. They last played at the Islanders on Wednesday. The Rangers are 2-6 in their last eight home games. The Oilers have defeated the Rangers in five of the past six meetings. The Oilers have a winning road mark. |
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11-21-22 | Avalanche v. Stars -109 | 3-2 | Loss | -109 | 7 h 27 m | Show | |
If it wasn't for an overtime road loss to the Lightning, the Stars would be on a four-game win streak. Dallas will have Jake Oettinger in net and catch the Avalanche fat and happy along with being severely short-handed while playing their third road game in five days. Despite missing numerous key players, the Avalanche are 2-0 on their three-game road trip getting past Carolina in overtime and shutting out Washington this past Saturday night. Those two foes outshot the Avalanche by a combined 36 shots. Colorado won't be able to get away with that against the Stars in Dallas. The two teams meet again on Saturday night in Denver. That figures to be a better spot for the Avalanche. |
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11-18-22 | Kings v. Canucks +103 | 1-4 | Win | 103 | 19 h 13 m | Show | |
The Kings are one of the better road teams. But they haven't been able to win in Vancouver, losing the past five times there. The Canucks are 7-1 in their last eight overall games against the Kings. I see the Canucks continuing their dominance against the Kings. Vancouver received a much-needed victory hanging on for a 5-4 win against the Sabres this past Wednesday to close out a five-game road trip in which the Canucks had lost the first four games. Now the Canucks are back home. They should be up for this game with Bruce Boudreau coaching for his job. The Kings defeated the Oilers on the road, 3-1, this past Wednesday scoring an empty-net goal during the final minute to account for the final. The Kings had played five straight one-goal games prior to Wednesday. |
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11-16-22 | Sabres +155 v. Senators | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 22 m | Show | |
This is a case of taking a nice plus price with a pair of struggling teams. Buffalo has lost six in a row. Before the losing streak, the Sabres had been showing good improvement. They rank sixth in the league in scoring. The Senators have been even worse losing eight of their last nine games. I don't see any improvement from the Senators. Things aren't going to be any easier for Ottawa during the next week or so because its top defenseman, Thomas Chabot, is out with a concussion. |
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11-14-22 | Islanders -117 v. Senators | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 5 h 14 m | Show | |
I find this a cheap price to back the Islanders against the Senators, a team they have dominated. The Islanders are 9-1 during the last 10 games in this series. The Islanders are playing well winning eight of their last 10. That's not the case for the Senators, who are 1-7 in their last eight games. Ottawa has lost four in a row at home. The Islanders are 4-1 in their past five road contests. New York should have an edge in net as the projected goalies are Ilya Sorokin and Anton Forsberg for Ottawa. Sorokin has a 2.17 GAA this season. He stopped 56 of 60 shots in two games against the Senators last season. Forsberg has struggled during his last five games posting a 4.46 GAA. The Islanders rank fifth defensively, while the Senators are 26th. |
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10-29-22 | Penguins -110 v. Seattle Kraken | 1-3 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
This is a buy-low spot on the superior Penguins. Pittsburgh is at low ebb having lost three in a row. This is the Penguins' finale on a five-game road trip. Pittsburgh's first two defeats during this losing streak occurred against the Oilers and Flames. No shame in that. But then the Penguins fell, 5-1, to the Canucks last night. Unacceptable and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan called into question his team's effort. That should be a kick in the pants for the Penguins. The energy should be there since they were idle the previous two days. Seattle is 1-4 at home this season. |
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10-25-22 | Lightning -120 v. Kings | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -120 | 21 h 29 m | Show |
The Kings are one of those rare play-better-on-the-road-than-at-home teams. They had a better away mark last season and that pattern has held up early this season as they are 3-2 on the road, 0-2 at home. LA just concluded a five-game, eight-day East Coast trip this past Saturday night. The Kings are 2-10 the past 12 times at home following a road trip of a week or more. Tampa Bay matches up well to Los Angeles. The results prove that. The Lightning have won 11 of the past 12 times. The Kings are likely to draw star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, too. He's expected to start in goal against the Kings with backup Brian Elliott starting on Wednesday when the Lightning plays at the Ducks. So not only are the Lightning the superior team, but they have history and situation going in their favor, too. The price is low enough to back Tampa Bay. |
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10-24-22 | Maple Leafs v. Golden Knights +107 | 1-3 | Win | 107 | 10 h 16 m | Show | |
The Maple Leafs are 4-2 the same as Las Vegas. Toronto has won three of its games by one goal. The Maple Leafs are capable of losing to any team. That was proven when they lost, 4-2, to the Coyotes as more than a 5-to-1 favorite. The Golden Knights are trying to prove they still are a viable playoff team. They've been getting strong goalie play, which was a question entering the season. Las Vegas lost, 3-2, to Colorado at home this past Saturday. Toronto opened its five-game road trip with a 4-1 victory against Winnipeg this past Saturday. I find value on Las Vegas in this spot as a home 'dog. |
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10-21-22 | Red Wings -106 v. Blackhawks | 3-4 | Loss | -106 | 11 h 10 m | Show | |
The Blackhawks aren't going to win many games this season. But they capped off their three-game West Coast trip with a victory against the Sharks. Now they are in Chicago for their home opener, fat and happy. The Blackhawks last played on Saturday. Six days between games is too long, especially so early in the season. The Red Wings are the better team. They've been off for three days after suffering a 5-4 overtime victory against the Kings on Monday. Detroit had won its first two games beating the Canadiens and Devils on the road. The Red Wings will be refreshed like the Blackhawks, but not as rusty. Detroit has improved its depth through free agency and trades. The Red Wings aren't so dependent on just one line anymore. They can handle bad teams such as the Blackhawks. |
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10-20-22 | Stars v. Maple Leafs -160 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 44 m | Show | |
It has been three days since the Coyotes stunned the Maple Leafs on the road, 4-2. Toronto was better than a 5-1 favorite in that game. The Maple Leafs conclude their four-game homestand here looking for redemption following that stunning loss to Arizona. Dallas is playing well. But the Stars are 2-6 in their last eight road games, going back to last season. Toronto is 40-16 in its last 56 home games. The Stars have lost in seven of their past nine visits to Toronto. |
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10-18-22 | Kings v. Predators -150 | 4-3 | Loss | -150 | 9 h 14 m | Show | |
This spot sets up extremely well for Nashville. The Predators last played on Saturday. They host the Kings, who edged the Red Wings, 5-4, in overtime last night. Not only are the Kings playing without rest, but are in action for the fourth time in six days. The rested Predators should be extremely focused having lost both ends of a home-and-away series to the Stars during their two previous games. Nashville has the offense to take advantage of a weak Kings defense that has allowed 18 goals in their last four games. Predators goalie Juuse Saros is superior to either of LA's goalies, Jonathan Quick or Cal Peterson. Nashville has defeated the Kings in nine of the past 11 meetings. The Predators have won the last four times they've hosted the Kings. |