College Football Free Picks - Winning College Football Picks Against the Spread

Stephen Nover NHL Money Lines Picks

Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
07-02-21	Lightning -130 v. Canadiens	Top	6-3	Win	100	18 h 6 m	Show
The Canadiens did a fantastic job pulling off one of the great playoff series upsets when they eliminated the Golden Knights. But Montreal doesn't match up nearly as well against defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay. The Lightning have defeated the Canadiens in 14 of the last 17 meetings. This includes outscoring the Canadiens by an 8-2 margin to go up 2-0 in this Stanley Cup Final. Switching venues to Montreal isn't going to change that. The Canadiens are limited to just 3,500 fans. The Lightning didn't come close to playing its ''A'' game two days ago in Game 2 yet still won, 3-1. The Lightning are capable of playing far better. Montreal lacks the offense to stay with Tampa Bay. The Lightning not only have their top scorers back, but their defense and goaltending have been superb. Tampa Bay has surrendered just four goals in regulation during its last five games. Andrei Vasilevskiy trumps Carey Price in net.
06-24-21	Golden Knights -138 v. Canadiens	Top	2-3	Loss	-138	18 h 33 m	Show
As strange as it sounds, maybe beating the Canadiens, 4-1, in the first game of this series after overcoming the Avalanche in a tough series was the worst thing that could have happened to the Golden Knights. Since that decisive opening game victory, the Golden Knights have lost three of four to Montreal. Now the Golden Knights are on the verge of elimination down 3-2 in the series. How will they respond? Certainly the letdown factor has long since disappeared. Las Vegas is the superior team. But that doesn't mean that much now as the Canadiens' confidence is sky-high, Carey Price has stayed hot in net and Montreal is on house money. Those make for a dangerous combination. Yet I see Las Vegas winning this game and the price finally has come down enough to back the Golden Knights. Las Vegas has overcome adversity. The Golden Knights trailed in their series against the Wild and Avalanche before coming back to eliminate those teams. The Golden Knights are off a 4-1 loss from two days ago. They are 9-1 the past 10 times following a loss of three goals or more. Las Vegas has done the job as a road favorite winning 20 of the past 27 times in that role. Key center Chandler Stephenson is back in the lineup for Las Vegas. That gives the Golden Knights' four solid lines. So they own a depth edge, which increases in importance as the series grows longer. The Golden Knights ranked first defensively in the NHL and were third in scoring at 3.39 goals per game. However, they've managed just seven goals during their past four games. Price has a 2.01 goals above average when facing an average shot distance of 39.82 feet, a metric courtesy of NaturalStatTrick.com. Price has played well this entire postseason, but he's far from the best goalie in the league like he was a few years ago. The top six forwards on the Golden Knights have combined for only one goal in the series. Las Vegas is a much better scoring team than that. The Golden Knights are way overdue. They've also had plenty of time to see and adjust now to Montreal's 1-1-3 neutral zone blockage style of play. So I see Las Vegas making the proper adjustments - both on the ice and in their heads - while their overdue scorers finally break out with the season on the brink.
06-19-21	Lightning v. Islanders +114		2-3	Win	114	5 h 50 m	Show
This has been an extremely tight series. So taking a plus price with the home Islanders makes sense. The Islanders controlled much of the action during the last two periods of Game 3 on Thursday, but lost, 2-1. I trust Islanders coach Barry Trotz to make a few adjustments, especially at home where he has last say on the lines, to get this series evened up. New York is 7-2 the past nine times when playing on one day rest. The Islanders also are 25-10 during their past 35 home contests.
06-09-21	Bruins -130 v. Islanders		2-6	Loss	-130	16 h 40 m	Show
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy may be a crybaby. But I do see the Bruins evening this series at 3-3 having lost the last two games. The oddsmaker does, too, making Boston a road favorite. The Islanders nipped the Bruins, 5-4, in Game 5 two days ago thanks to three power-play goals. Boston dominated, outshooting New York, 44-19, and controlling play for much of the game on the Islanders' side of the ice. The Bruins have taken 53 more shots than the Islanders during the series. A frustrated Cassidy was fined $25,000 for complaining about the Islanders getting more calls than his team. Perhaps the refs might subconsciously favor Boston a bit because of that. Certainly I'm not counting on that. But I do think Boston is going to play well here. So does Islanders coach Barry Trotz, who predicts the Bruins will produce their "A" game.
06-06-21	Jets +124 v. Canadiens		1-5	Loss	-100	12 h 59 m	Show
The Canadiens rode the momentum of upsetting the Maple Leafs after being down 3-1 in that series to upset the rusty Jets in Winnipeg in Game 1 of this series. Montreal won that game, 5-3, scoring an empty net goal during the final minute to account for the two-goal final. Still riding their momentum and steaming mad about Mark Scheifele's cheap shot of Jake Evans in Game 1, the Canadiens nipped the Jets, 1-0, in Game 2 despite being outshot. But with the scene shifting to Montreal, I see the Canadiens being a little fat-and-happy returning home as heroes while the Jets are in must-win mode. The series obviously has been very close. So I'm going to take a plus price with the Jets, who have been excellent in this role. They are 6-0 the past six times as underdogs. They've also won 11 of their last 15 road games. Montreal has failed to win six of the last eight times it was favored. Sunday Free Play Avalanche at Golden Knights Over 5 1/2 plus $1.09 I understand this is Stanley Cup hockey and that both teams' goalies are playing well. But I see this Game 4 of the Avalanche-Golden Knight series breaking the norm of the past two games where just five combined goals were scored. Colorado is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL averaging 3.5 goals a game. The Avalanche also were No. 2 in shots on goal. Their top line of superstar Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen gets my vote as being the best line in the NHL They are going to be unleashed here since the Golden Knights have outplayed the Avalanche during most of the past two games. The Avalanche have produced at least three goals a game in 10 of their last 12 contests. They are averaging 4.57 goals in their seven Stanley Cup games. The Golden Knights are going to do their part to get this game to go Over, too. Las Vegas is the No. 3 scoring team in the league at 3.4 goals. The Golden Knights took the fourth-most shots on goal. Getting Max Pacioretty back from injury is huge for Las Vegas. He was the Golden Knights' leading goal scorer during the regular season, while averaging a point-per-game. This will be his third game in the lineup after missing the previous dozen contests. The Golden Knights should have scored more than two goals in Game 2, firing 31 shots on net during the last two periods and hitting the post three times. Las Vegas stayed on the assault in their 3-2 Game 3 victory with 43 shots on goalie Philipp Grubauer, who has held up well this season but who I don't consider an elite goaltender. While the Avalanche have a dominant first line, the Golden Knights are that rare hockey team with four solid lines. Their fourth line of William Carrier, Patrick Brown and Keegan Kolesar have managed 24 shots on goal during the last two games. Having the last say on line changes being the home team has allowed the Golden Knights to effectively mix-and-match getting needed edges.
06-05-21	Bruins v. Islanders +131		1-4	Win	131	7 h 18 m	Show
Boston probably is the superior team here. But this is nearly last stand time for the Islanders, down 2-1 in the series and playing at home with Game 5 set for Boston. The Islanders showed their resilience and tenacity in taking out the Penguins. During this series, two of the three games have been decided in overtime. You know with the Islanders you're going to get a well-disciplined defensive effort and good coaching. New York is 23-9 in its last 32 home games. The Bruins also are unlikely to have one of their better defenseman, Brandon Carlo. He suffered a head injury in Game 3.
06-04-21	Avalanche v. Golden Knights +105		2-3	Win	105	12 h 42 m	Show
I don't expect the Golden Knights to beat the Avalanche in this Stanley Cup series, but I'm not expecting Las Vegas to get swept either. This is the Golden Knights' game to win, returning home to a full capacity of 18,000 fans down 0-2 in the series. The Golden Knights should have tied the series, but lost 3-2 in overtime to Colorado two days ago. Las Vegas outshot the Avalanche, 31-12, during the last two periods. The Golden Knights had three shots hit the post during the third period. Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson are overdue to produce points. Both are scoreless so far in the series. Las Vegas has a strong home ice advantage going 21-5-2 at T-Mobile Arena.
06-02-21	Canadiens v. Jets -132		5-3	Loss	-132	15 h 13 m	Show
Perhaps the Jets will come out rusty. But I'd much rather have Winnipeg's situation than Montreal's here in this opening round series game. The Jets made quick work of the Oilers. Their reward is they've been idle for nine days. So they certainly will be rested. Yes, rust is a concern. But the Canadiens' are in a terrible spot having come back from a 3-1 series deficit to stun the Maple Leafs with a Game 7 victory two days ago. That rivalry series had to have drained the Canadiens. This will be their sixth game in 10 days. Montreal is 6-15 the last 21 times following a victory. Winnipeg went 6-3 against Montreal during the regular season.
06-01-21	Lightning v. Hurricanes -110		2-1	Loss	-110	5 h 8 m	Show
The Hurricanes are extremely tough at home winning 23 of the past 32 times. This includes a 3-1 playoff mark this season. But that one loss came this past Saturday, 2-1, to the Lightning in the opening game of their second-round Stanley Cup series. Carolina fired 38 shots on Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning hold a playoff experience edge and an edge in net because of Vasilevskiy. The Hurricanes, however, can match the Lightning's quickness and speed and also have the necessary depth. This is a very even series and I don't see the Hurricanes losing twice in a row at home.
05-27-21	Hurricanes v. Predators +125		4-3	Loss	-100	19 h 2 m	Show
To say this is a huge home ice series would be to understate the case. The home team has won the past 11 times! Now it's Nashville's turn to host Carolina. The Predators have won 13 of their last 16 home contests, including both Stanley Cup games at Bridgestone Arena against Carolina. The Predators are in must-win mode down 3-2 in the series. They should get a huge boost from more than 12,000 spectators allowed into the arena and from the return of veteran forward Victor Arvidsson, who has missed the past couple of games with an upper body injury. Carolina has lost the last four times it has played on the road. The past three games all have been decided in overtime. Given the closeness of the series and Nashville having home ice, I'll certainly accept a plus price on the home 'dog.
05-25-21	Maple Leafs v. Canadiens +151		4-0	Loss	-100	10 h 5 m	Show
This is strictly a value play. The Maple Leafs lead the series, 2-1, with two of the outcomes being decided by one goal. Toronto nipped Montreal, 2-1, on the road Monday night. The Canadiens were the clear aggressor, though, in the third period outshooting Toronto, 15-2. The Maple Leafs were able to hold on for dear life. The Canadiens hit a post and came close to scoring on several other occasions. I see the Canadiens keeping up that same pressure since they can't afford a second straight home loss and fall down, 3-1, in the series. Toronto has lost six of the past eight times when playing for the fourth time in six days. I think this line should be more in the pick range so I'll go ahead and take a big plus price.
05-18-21	Lightning v. Panthers +119		3-1	Loss	-100	15 h 39 m	Show
The Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions and have gotten healthy. But they've had trouble with the Panthers. Florida won the last two regular season meetings and nearly beat Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the series two days ago. The Panthers led, 4-3, midway through the third period before falling, 5-4. Florida outplayed Tampa Bay during regular -5-on-5 action, but gave up four special teams goals. Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning's star goalie, is 1-3 in his last four starts against Florida. He's allowed 4.7 goals a game against the Panthers during this span. This is close to must-win territory for the Panthers because a loss puts them in an 0-2 hole with the next two games at Tampa. The Panthers have won 13 of their past 16 home games.
05-16-21	Islanders v. Penguins -125		4-3	Loss	-125	11 h 31 m	Show
This is a fair price to back the Penguins at home. Pittsburgh finally has gotten healthy and is primed for a serious Stanley Cup run. The Islanders don't enter the Stanley Cup playoffs with momentum, losers of seven of their past 10 games. They are 2-8 in their past 10 road contests and lost six of eight times to the Penguins during the regular season. Pittsburgh is a dominant 39-14 in its last 53 home games for 73 percent. The Penguins haven't forgotten the Islanders sweeping them in the first round of the playoffs two years ago.
05-15-21	Canucks +180 v. Oilers		4-1	Win	180	7 h 59 m	Show
Vancouver managed to upset Edmonton, 6-3, on the road nine days ago. But this handicap is all about taking a huge price going against the Oilers, who are locked into their playoff spot and thinking more about the Stanley Cup than this meaningless matchup. This is a day game for the Oilers. They have their focus on meeting the Jets in their first-round Stanley Cup series starting Wednesday. The Canucks have endured a bizarre schedule and season because of COVID. But they've had a full day to rest and prepare after losing, 4-1, to the Flames this past Thursday. The Canucks still are playing hard. They may run out of gas with games Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday against the Flames. But they should be somewhat fresh here.
05-13-21	Wild v. Blues -103		3-7	Win	100	9 h 16 m	Show
Both teams are locked into their respective playoff spots in the West Division. The feeling I get, though, is the Blues want this game more. St. Louis blanked Minnesota, 4-0, two days ago behind backup goalie Ville Husso. It was the Blues' fourth straight home win against Minnesota. The Blues could get back a couple of key contributors, winger Vladimir Tarasenko and defenseman Vince Dunn. Center Tyler Bozak could see action, too, after being rested this past Wednesday. The Blues also are expected to go with their starting goalie, Jordan Binnington. The Wild, whose hopes to finish higher than third in the West, were dashed by Wednesday's defeat to the Blues, are expected to go with backup Kaapo Kahkonen in goal and could be resting a number of other regulars.
05-12-21	Maple Leafs v. Senators +170	Top	3-4	Win	170	18 h 30 m	Show
This is a huge Ontario rivalry. Given the circumstances, the Senators probably should be the favorite instead of a massive home 'dog. The Maple Leafs have nothing to play for in this game. They have already clinched the North Division and the No. 1 seed in the division. Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe has made it clear his intention and priority is to rest healthy players and get his injured players slowly back into form if they are able to play. Another priority is getting rusty goalie Frederik Andersen up to speed. Andersen has been the Maple Leafs' first string goalie. However, he hasn't played in the NHL since March 19 due to a knee injury. Andersen didn't look good in a couple of AHL appearances, but Keefe wants to prepare him for the playoffs. He has this game and the Leafs' final regular season game on Friday against the Jets to do that. Ottawa has been playing well going 8-3 in its last 11 games. The Senators, though, are off a bad 6-1 road loss to the Flames this past Sunday. This is Ottawa's final game of the season since it won't be in the playoffs. The Senators want to close their season looking good. So this is a much more important game for them. This has been a home team series, too, lately with the host winning four of the past five times.
05-10-21	Blues v. Kings +120	Top	2-1	Loss	-100	15 h 11 m	Show
You may think this is a cheap price for the Blues to lay against the Kings, who won't be making the playoffs. This is all about the situation, though. St. Louis clinched a playoff spot this past Friday. The Blues are locked into the fourth spot in the Pacific Division regardless of this outcome. So Blues coach Craig Berube isn't going to risk an injury to any of his players. He's going to be resting his regulars and getting ready for the postseason. The Blues have eight regulars who are 30 or older. The Kings won't be letting up. This is their final home game so a strong effort should be forthcoming. LA coach Todd McLellan has made it clear to his team - both youngsters and veterans - that they are playing for their jobs and futures. The Kings have shown determination and competitiveness in their last four games beating the Coyotes - who still held playoff hope at the time - twice and losing to the powerful Avalanche twice by one goal in each loss.
05-09-21	Stars v. Blackhawks +140		2-4	Win	140	17 h 56 m	Show
The Blackhawks showed a little life pulling out a 2-1 overtime road win against Carolina this past Thursday in their last game. But really my entire handicap here is a fade on the Stars. Dallas has to be demoralized. The Stars were impressive in a 5-2 win against the Lightning this past Friday. But on Saturday the Stars found out their playoff hopes were ended by the Predators defeating the Hurricanes. So I don't see how the Stars get motivated for this meaningless matchup. The Blackhawks have played Dallas tough this season going 2-2-2. The Stars have lost four of their last five road games. At this big of a 'dog price, I'll take a shot with Chicago.
05-03-21	Kings v. Coyotes -134	Top	3-2	Loss	-134	18 h 41 m	Show
This late in the regular season, it's vital to find out which teams have incentive AND are playing hard and which teams have packed it in. This contrast between these two teams was made obvious this past weekend. The Coyotes showed life and energy nearly sweeping the powerful Golden Knights at home. Arizona is pushing for the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Coyotes ended Las Vegas' 10-game win streak this past Friday with a 3-0 victory and then nearly upset the Golden Knights again on Saturday losing, 3-2, in overtime. The Kings were the complete opposite. Even though mathematically their playoff hopes are alive, the players and coach know they aren't achieving the impossible. They are not making the postseason. LA nipped the Ducks, 2-1, this past Friday by scoring in the final minute. The Ducks, who have the second-fewest points in the NHL, then soundly whacked the listless Kings, 6-2, Saturday night. Following that loss to the Ducks this is what Kings coach Todd McLellan had to say, "We're not going to make the playoffs. I just don't see how that's going to happen." Now both teams have to suck it up and play their third game in four days. The Coyotes are 4-0 the past four times when favored. The Kings are 2-7 the past nine times when playing for the third time in four days.
05-03-21	Capitals -110 v. Rangers		6-3	Win	100	14 h 2 m	Show
The Rangers are banged-up, in a scoring slump and drawing the Capitals, who are likely to be reinforced with Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson returning from injuries. Those are the Capitals' two best players. Their return makes this even more of a bad matchup for the Rangers, who are not a physical team. New York has surrendered 3 or more goals in seven of its last nine games. The Capitals are the second-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.4 goals per game. The Rangers have been shut out in their last two games. They have been down multiple players, including Chris Kreider, Brett Howden, Ryan LIndgren and Jacob Trouba.
05-01-21	Stars v. Predators -103		0-1	Win	100	7 h 10 m	Show
I like the way this game sets up for Nashville. The Predators are home and have had ample time to rest and prepare since they last played on Tuesday, a game they lost, 7-4, at home to the Panthers. It's rare this late in the season for a team to get a three-day break like that. Dallas, on the other, is coming off a 3-0 shutout loss to the Lightning two days ago. This will be the Stars' fourth game in six days. The Stars have lost 21 of the last 29 times against above .500 opponents. Nashville has defeated Dallas in four of the last five meetings.
04-28-21	Avalanche v. Golden Knights -127		2-5	Win	100	11 h 47 m	Show
Going to ride with the Golden Knights being home and playing in what they consider to be their biggest game of the season. Las Vegas has won a franchise-record nine in a row. The Golden Knights are 40-16 in their past 56 home games. Colorado has dropped two in a row, losing to the Blues, losing 4-1 two days ago and 5-3 this past Saturday. The Golden Knights are the healthier team. Colorado will be missing its leading goal scorer, Mikko Rantanen, right winger Joonas Donskoi and No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer, who has had a huge season. Not seeing Rantanen on the ice makes it easier for the Golden Knights to key on Nathan MacKinnon. The Golden Knights own a depth edge and have the size and brawn to take advantage of the Avalanche's undersized defensive corps.
04-27-21	Red Wings v. Blue Jackets -130	Top	0-1	Win	100	14 h 27 m	Show
This could be the first time I've ever laid a mid-size price with a team that has lost nine in a row. But I really see the Blue Jackets halting their losing skid. Columbus is home to Detroit. That's the reason. Columbus nearly ended its losing streak this past Sunday falling to defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay, 4-3, in overtime. The Red Wings have been an underdog in each of their last 56 road games. Their record in these contests is 9-47 for 16 percent. Detroit has lost in six of its last seven visits to Columbus. Detroit last played on Saturday falling, 2-1, to the Stars in overtime. That score was misleading, though. The Red Wings were outshot, 52-17. Detroit goalie Jonathan Bernier played well over his head. Elvis Merzlikins is likely to be in net for Columbus. I prefer him over either of Detroit's goalies, Bernier or Thomas Greiss. Discounting a freak 7-3 home win against the Stars, the Red Wings have scored five goals in their last four games. The Red Wings have limited firepower and that has been reduced with injuries to three centers, including Dylan Larkin, and right winger Bobby Ryan.
04-26-21	Coyotes -104 v. Sharks		4-6	Loss	-104	17 h 52 m	Show
The price is right to get on the Sharks fade train. San Jose has lost eight in a row. Only once during their last eight games have the Sharks scored more than two goals in a game. Defense isn't going to bail out the Sharks. They rank 28th defensively allowing 3.3 goals per game. Arizona is holding on to the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Coyotes looked good in their last game, a 4-0 blanking of the Kings in LA two days ago. The Coyotes have problems when stepping up in class. But they are 8-1 the past nine times against sub .500 foes. Arizona has beaten San Jose in five of the past six meetings.
04-23-21	Canadiens v. Flames -105		2-4	Win	100	15 h 21 m	Show
The Flames have had four days to rest, regenerate and think about a 4-2 loss to the cellar-dwelling Senators from this past Monday. Calgary is in must-win mode for this series. A loss to the Canadiens here, really seals the Flames' fate of not making the playoffs. I have to believe no-nonsense coach Darryl Sutter will have the Flames sky-high for this first of three straight crucial games against Montreal. The Flames have defeated the Canadiens in four of the last five meetings this season. Montreal nearly blew a 4-1 late lead against the Oilers this past Wednesday. The Canadiens held off the Oilers, 4-3. That was just Montreal's fourth road win in its past 14 away contests. Prior to scoring four goals versus Edmonton, the Canadiens were averaging a puny 1.5 goals in their last eight games.
04-23-21	Predators -121 v. Blackhawks		3-1	Win	100	14 h 29 m	Show
Maybe it was too easy. The Predators were on their way to beating the Blackhawks for the seventh consecutive time this past Wednesday leading, 4-1, with 10:03 left. The Blackhawks ended up pulling the game out, 5-4, in overtime. Nashville has outscored Chicago, 23-13, in its seven meetings this season. The Predators are 13-3 the last 16 times they've been favored. So I see them bouncing back and beating Chicago. Certainly the Predators won't be overconfident again. Chicago's rookie goalie, Kevin Lankinen, probably has hit the wall. He's had a tough month. Malcolm Subban was in net against the Predators and stopped 36 of 40 shots. No matter who's in net for Chicago, I like the Predators' defense better.
04-17-21	Blue Jackets +163 v. Stars		1-5	Loss	-100	10 h 21 m	Show
I'm not going out on a limb to say there aren't going to be many goals scored here with the total at 5. This is last stand time for the Blue Jackets if they want to maintain any playoff hope. Columbus isn't going to lack incentive following a 4-1 loss to the Stars from two days ago. The Blue Jackets had been competitive in their previous four games splitting two with the Lightning and losing two to the Blackhawks by one goal each. Columbus grabbed an early lead against Dallas, but couldn't hold it. The Stars have a below offense. This huge underdog price puts me on the Blue Jackets in what shapes up as a one-goal type of dogfight game.
04-17-21	Capitals -133 v. Flyers		6-3	Win	100	3 h 26 m	Show
The Capitals are 18-4 the last 22 times they've been favored. They should bring their "A" level intensity to this matchup following a 5-2 upset loss to the Sabres this past Thursday, while the Flyers stunned the Penguins, 2-1, in a shootout this past Thursday. The Flyers haven't won two in a row during their past nine games. Washington has defeated Philadelphia in four of five meetings this season. The Capitals are the No. 2 scoring team in the league while the Flyers surrender the most goals per game in the NHL.
04-13-21	Panthers -108 v. Stars		3-2	Win	100	16 h 5 m	Show
The Panthers have had two full days to stew about a poorly-played 4-1 road loss to the Stars. Now it's rematch time and I expect Florida to be ready. Florida is the better team and has proven road-worthy going 12-8-1. The Panthers have won in eight of their last 11 visits to Dallas. Dallas is not a good home club. The Stars are 4-13 in their last 17 home games. This marks their fourth game in six days so they carry a high fatigue rating, too. Prior to this past Saturday's loss to the Stars, the Panthers had swept two games at Dallas on March 27-28 winning, 4-3 and 4-1. The Panthers also took two of three from the Stars at home in late February. Chris Driedger will be in net for Florida. He's 2-1 with a 1.34 goals against average in three career matchups versus Dallas.
04-11-21	Rangers v. Islanders -118	Top	2-3	Win	100	16 h 54 m	Show
The Islanders don't often lose at home. But they are coming off a bad 4-1 defeat to the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum this past Friday. That halted a five-game home win streak for the Islanders. The Islanders, though, had been playing with fire narrowly winning their previous home game, 3-2, against the Flyers in a shootout. The Islanders have won 23 of their last 31 home contests. They are 17-2-2 at Nassau Coliseum this season, tied with the Avalanche for most home victories. Barry Trotz is one of the top coaches in the NHL. I don't envision the Islanders playing a third consecutive flat game at home. The Rangers were beaten by the lowly Sabres in their previous road game prior to defeating the Islanders. Depth is going to factor here since both teams are in action for the fourth time in six days. The Islanders are 7-0 the past seven times they were in a 4-in-6 situation.
04-10-21	Oilers v. Flames +101		0-5	Win	101	14 h 55 m	Show
Last chance Calgary. The Flames desperately need this home victory if they realistically harbor any playoff hope. There's going to be hell to pay in Calgary if the Flames don't get it with some of the team's mainstays possibly being traded before Monday's trade deadline passes. Calgary certainly should be well prepared having last played on Monday. The Oilers, on the flip side, will be in action for the fourth time in six days. The Oilers were fortunate to get past the last-place Senators, 3-1, this past Thursday. Edmonton will be minus injured Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He's fourth on the Oilers in goals and points.
04-10-21	Jets v. Canadiens -128		5-0	Loss	-128	11 h 36 m	Show
I want the Canadiens going for me in this quick revenge spot. The Jets overcame not having Blake Wheeler to beat Montreal, 4-2, on the road two days ago. Wheeler remains out. Montreal had a terrible first period in that loss. I look for the Canadiens to be much sharper this time. I'm more than fine with Jake Allen in net. He's been more consistent this season than Carey Price, who isn't the super goalie of years past.
04-08-21	Stars -113 v. Blackhawks		5-1	Win	100	16 h 51 m	Show
Sparked by strong goaltending from Kevin Lankinen, the Blackhawks held off the Stars, 4-2, this past Tuesday scoring an empty-net goal with seven seconds left to account for the final score. I don't see Chicago being so fortunate in the rematch. The Stars have the stronger defense and the Blackhawks are 1-6 following a victory. Dallas ranks 10th defensively permitting 2.4 goals per game. The Stars give up the fourth-fewest shots on goal. The Blackhawks, by comparison, rank 21st on defense yielding 3.1 goals a game and give up the most shots on goal.
04-07-21	Avalanche v. Wild +170		3-8	Win	170	15 h 35 m	Show
The Avalanche is a blistering 13-2 in their last 15 games. They are off a 5-4 road win against Minnesota this past Monday night. But I'm going to get involved with the Wild at this generous price because the Wild are a great home team and will be extremely motivated for this matchup. Minnesota had won 11 consecutive home contests before falling to the Avalanche. Among the Wild's home victories during this span were two against the Golden Knights and one against Colorado. The Wild outplayed the Avs in the first period and especially in the third period during Monday's contest. But they couldn't overcome a horrendous second period. This will be just Colorado's fourth away matchup during its last 16 games. So the majority of the Avs' hot 13-2 mark has occurred at home. Colorado is a far more mundane 8-6 in its last 14 road contests. The Avs are high-scoring, but Minnesota has the necessary defensive talent and schemes to frustrate them.
04-06-21	Predators -150 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	8 h 54 m	Show
Nashville is playing its best hockey of the season winning nine of its last 11 games. This includes a 7-1 home win against the Red Wings from March 25. Little chance of Nashville taking the Red Wings lightly, though, after Detroit stunned defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay. The Red Wings beat the Lightning, 5-1, on the road this past Sunday taking advantage of Tampa Bay going with a third-string goalie. That stopped a Detroit 17-game road losing streak to the Lightning. The Red Wings still could be celebrating. This is Detroit's first home game since March 28. The Predators last played on Saturday. They have held their last seven opponents to 10 goals. Only once have they surrendered more than two goals in a game during this span.
04-03-21	Sharks v. Kings -112		3-2	Loss	-112	7 h 38 m	Show
The Sharks are going for their fourth win in a row. They have not won four consecutive games all season and I don't see that changing here. San Jose defeated the Kings, 3-0, on Friday night in a game that was closer than the final score. The Sharks are 1-6 the last seven times when playing on zero rest. Prior to blanking the Kings last night, San Jose was 0-4 in its past four road games. The revenge-minded Kings are likely to break out of their scoring slump with Devan Dubnyk expected to be in net for San Jose. Dubnyk is not in good form allowing 14 goals in his last four starts - all losses - for an 88.2 percent save percentage during this span. On the season, Dubnyk is 3-9-2 with a 3.18 GAA and .898 save percentage.
04-03-21	Penguins v. Bruins -113		5-7	Win	100	3 h 44 m	Show
Credit to the Penguins. They are playing very well despite missing two/thirds of their second line and starting goalie Tristan Jarry. But I don't see the Penguins getting a road sweep of the Bruins after beating Boston, 4-1, this past Thursday. Pittsburgh was 0-8-2 in its previous 10 visits to Boston before that Thursday victory. Boston coach Bruce Cassidy ripped his team after that loss. So I'm expecting a strong revenge effort from the home Bruins.
04-01-21	Penguins v. Bruins -129		4-1	Loss	-129	14 h 0 m	Show
Pittsburgh enters this matchup fat and happy having won four in a row - all at home. Now, though, the Penguins take to the road where they have lost six of the last seven times as an underdog. Oh, yes, Pittsburgh is playing in Boston. The Penguins are 2-14 (12 percent) during their last 16 visits to Boston. The Bruins have the firepower and defense to take advantage of the Penguins' many injuries. Out for Pittsburgh is second-line center Evgeni Malkin, second-line left winger Kasperi Kapanen and starting goalie Tristian Jarry, who isn't likely to play after missing Wednesday's practice after suffering an injury in Pittsburgh's Monday 2-1 victory against the Islanders.
03-29-21	Islanders -105 v. Penguins		1-2	Loss	-105	8 h 6 m	Show
Kudos to the short-handed Penguins who rolled to an easy 6-3 victory at home against New York this past Saturday. The Islanders haven't had a game that bad since late January. I'm expecting a strong effort in short revenge from the Islanders, who draw the Penguins minus a number of forwards and centers. The Penguins' long injury list, includes Evgeni Malkin and Brandon Tanev. Basically the Penguins are missing their No. 2 line. The Islanders were riding a three-game winning streak while going 14-2-1 in their last 17 games prior to Saturday's loss.
03-27-21	Lightning -117 v. Hurricanes		3-4	Loss	-117	15 h 47 m	Show
I want the Lightning going for me at this price coming off a 4-3 loss to the Stars two days ago where Tampa Bay blew a two-goal lead. That snapped goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy's 12-game win streak. Carolina is off a 4-3 overtime victory against Columbus this past Thursday. The Hurricanes rank eighth in goals scored and goals allowed. Impressive, but trumped by the Lightning ranking No. 1 in goals scored while giving up the fifth-fewest goals per game. Carolina hasn't scored more than 3 goals in regulation during its last six games. The Hurricanes scored fewer than 3 goals in four of those contests. The teams last met for three games from Feb. 22-25. The Lightning held the Hurricanes to three goals in those three games winning all three by multiple goals.
03-26-21	Sharks v. Coyotes -120	Top	2-5	Win	100	20 h 34 m	Show
The Coyotes are coming off perhaps their biggest win of the season, 5-4 in a shootout, at home against Colorado. I don't see a letdown. Instead I see the Coyotes building off their win knowing they are in the playoff hunt and can't afford a home loss here. A loss to San Jose would nullify the victory over Colorado, which occurred this past Tuesday. Arizona is 11-4 the last 15 times when playing on two days rest. San Jose enters this matchup fat and happy having swept two close games at home against the Kings. The Sharks are 3-10 the past 13 times following a win. The Sharks' defense has shown improvement. San Jose, though, still is among the bottom-three in goals allowed and shots on goal. The Coyotes are riding with third-string goalie Adin Hill. I'm fine with that after how well Hill looked against the high-powered Avalanche. No team fires more shots on goal than Colorado. Hill made 35 saves, including seven in overtime several of which were huge. San Jose is averaging just 2.2 goals in its last four games. The Coyotes have picked up their scoring producing 11 goals in their last three games.
03-25-21	Panthers -113 v. Blackhawks		0-3	Loss	-113	11 h 5 m	Show
Florida hasn't lost three in a row all season. But the Panthers could have that happen if they lose this game having lost 5-3 to the Lightning this past Sunday and to the Blackhawks, 3-2, two days ago in an upset. The Panthers fell behind Chicago, 3-0, before rallying to get within one goal before falling. Prior to that game, Florida had won all four meetings against Chicago this season, outscoring the Blackhawks by a combined nine goals in those four games. Florida is the superior team and I see the Panthers getting their quick revenge. It would be an added plus if team captain and team points leader Aleksander Barkov played for Florida. Barkov was scratched during warmups on Tuesday due to a lower-body injury. It was just his fourth missed game during the past two seasons.
03-25-21	Rangers v. Flyers +107		8-3	Loss	-100	10 h 44 m	Show
It's a score that will live in infamy with the Flyers. Rangers 9, Flyers 0. That happened eight days ago at Madison Square Garden. It was the Flyers' worst road shutout loss in franchise history. Philadelphia hasn't been playing much better since. The Flyers are 2-6 in their last eight games. But I can't pass up this all-time revenge spot. So I'll back Philadelphia. Note, Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin is the probable starter for the Rangers. He's been out with a groin injury the last three weeks so he could be rusty making his first start since then.
03-25-21	Islanders +107 v. Bruins		4-3	Win	107	10 h 43 m	Show
Boston hasn't played in a week due to COVID-19 protocols. The Bruins still may be minus starting goalie Tukka Rask, who has been out since March 7. I'm factoring that the Bruins are going to have some rust. That won't be the case with the Islanders. This is New York's fourth game in six days. The Islanders happen to be 7-0 the past seven times when playing a 4-in-6 situation. The Islanders have been one of the hotter teams in the NHL winning 10 of their last 12. They have the No. 2 defense in the league. They also have defeated the Bruins in each of the last four meetings.
03-25-21	Devils +170 v. Capitals		3-4	Loss	-100	10 h 40 m	Show
New Jersey is 4-1 in its last five games. That's the Devils' best stretch of the season. Washington also is in good form. However, the Capitals haven't played in five days. That's too much time in between games. Washington also might be missing its top goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin. He's questionable with a lower-body injury. The Devils haven't given up more than 3 goals in each of their last seven games. I see the Devils hanging in and at this price worth taking a shot on.
03-22-21	Kings v. Sharks -115		1-2	Win	100	13 h 30 m	Show
I think I'd almost rather be in the water with a real shark than back the Sharks as a favorite. But this spot sets up for San Jose. The Kings are off an exhausting 3-1 upset home win against the powerful Golden Knights. Calvin Petersen made 41 saves for the Kings, including 24 during the final period when LA was outshot, 24-7. The Kings managed to hold off the Golden Knights, though. I doubt the Kings have much left for this quick turnaround road game. LA has lost the past four times following a victory. The Kings also are a bad road team having won just 31 percent of their last 65 away contests. San Jose has lost four in a row. The Sharks, though, haven't been playing bad. Those defeats are misleading. Two of them occurred to the Golden Knights by one goal each. Both of them were in Las Vegas. The Sharks then hosted the Blues and fell, 2-1 in a shootout, and 5-2 in a game that was far closer than the final score indicates. The Sharks were hurt and lost momentum in that loss because of a controversial faceoff violation that resulted in two late St. Louis goals that broke the game open.
03-20-21	Jets +119 v. Oilers		2-4	Loss	-100	12 h 11 m	Show
Edmonton was sharp in beating Winnipeg, 2-1, two days ago. Yet the Jets still almost forced overtime despite how well the Oilers played. Here's a stat I really like about the Jets and this revenge situation: Winnipeg is 8-1 in regular season games following a loss with the lone defeat being a 4-3 shootout loss to the Flames. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl draw all the publicity. They deserve it being superstars. However, the Jets have some excellent offensive performers, too. Edmonton averages 3.4 goals a game. Winnipeg averages 3.3 goals per game.
03-20-21	Coyotes -122 v. Ducks		5-1	Win	100	10 h 16 m	Show
Arizona has lost five in a row scoring a meager four goals during its losing streak. Yet the Coyotes are road chalk against Anaheim. What does that say? It says the Ducks are dreadful, which they are and they know it. The Ducks already have gone to rebuild mode this season. They did manage to get past the Coyotes, 3-2 in overtime, this past Thursday. It was just Anaheim's third victory in its last 16 games. The Ducks are 2-8 in their past 10 home games. The Coyotes blew a 2-0 lead. Don't look for the Coyotes to let up in this rapid revenge spot. They are the better team here and overdue to prove it.
03-20-21	Flyers v. Islanders -129		1-6	Win	100	10 h 34 m	Show
After the Flyers were thoroughly humiliated by the Rangers, 9-0, this past Wednesday they came back to beat the Islanders, 4-3, on Thursday. Previous to beating upsetting the Islanders, the Flyers had lost the past seven times they were underdogs. That Philadelphia victory also snapped a six-game Islanders home win streak. Islanders coach Barry Trotz was not happy with that loss, New York's second in a row following a nine-game win streak. Trotz, one of the top coaches in the league, publicly expressed his disappointment and displeasure with his team. Now it's the Islanders' turn to respond. They are home and superior to the Flyers. So I believe they will respond.
03-17-21	Blues -138 v. Kings		1-4	Loss	-138	19 h 47 m	Show
The listless Kings lost 4-1 to the Avalanche in Denver on Sunday and then couldn't get out of Denver due to a snowstorm causing Monday's scheduled matchup to be postponed until today. So this will be the Kings' first home game in 11 days. They draw the Blues in stop-the-pain mode. The Blues own the best road record in the West Division at 10-2-2. St. Louis, though, has lost a season-high four games in a row. Note, however, three of these defeats occurred in overtime. The Blues' last two games were against Las Vegas so this is a major drop in class. While the Kings have been dealing with traveling nightmares, the Blues have been on the West Coast since the end of February. St. Louis is more than ready, having been idle since Saturday. St. Louis also is getting healthier. Vladimir Tarasenko, the Blues' leading goal scorer from 2014-19, has produced four points in four games since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. Tyler Bozak is expected to play against the Kings. He's been out 21 games due to a concussion. There's also the possibility the Blues get back Jaden Schwartz from a lower-body injury. Meanwhile the Kings could be minus their leading scorer and key cog on their power play, Dustin Brown. He didn't play Sunday due to an upper-body injury and is questionable here.
03-12-21	Golden Knights -108 v. Blues		5-4	Win	100	18 h 11 m	Show
This marks the Blues' first home game since Feb. 24. Being back in St. Louis, though, hasn't necessarily been good for the Blues as they are 1-6 in their past seven home contests. St. Louis draws an angry Las Vegas squad that was swept two games against the Wild in Minnesota. The Golden Knights haven't lost three in a row all season. It's step-up time for the Blues as in their last 19 games they've played just four teams - Sharks, Kings, Ducks and Coyotes. Those are the bottom-four teams in the West Division. The Blues are playing short-handed minus several key forwards, including Jaden Schwartz, and without their top defenseman, Colton Parayko. Las Vegas holds a strong goalie edge with Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been one of the three-best goalies this season. St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington is having a disappointing season. The Golden Knights have scored 3 or more goals in seven of their last eight games.
03-11-21	Canadiens v. Flames -114	Top	1-2	Win	100	17 h 27 m	Show
Calgary is close to being in must-win mode and this spot sets up beautifully for the Flames. Montreal just beat the Canucks in Vancouver, 5-1, late Wednesday night. So Montreal didn't get into Calgary until the wee hours of the morning. This will be the Canadiens' third game in four days and they will be playing without rest. Backup goalie Jake Allen likely will be in net since Carey Price played Wednesday. The Canadiens lost key defenseman Ben Chiarot to injury in that victory. The Flames are six points behind the Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the NHL's North Division. So this is a crucial matchup for the Flames with a potential four-point swing at play. Calgary certainly isn't going to lack motivation and preparation. No-nonsense Darryl Sutter has taken over as coach at Calgary. This will be his first game behind the bench. Flames assistant coach Ryan Huska acted as the team's head coach during the last two games following the firing of Geoff Ward a week ago. The Flames lost those games to the Oilers and lowly Senators. Calgary hasn't played since Sunday. Sutter has put the Flames through intense practices in anticipation of winning this game and getting his underacheiving team on track. This is what Sutter was quoted as saying on Wednesday, "Montreal is in our division and they’re a very good hockey club. Right now, we’re behind them in the standings so we know the importance of tomorrow night and the bottom line is we’ll be ready for it.” I don't doubt him.
03-06-21	Wild v. Coyotes +136		2-5	Win	136	10 h 53 m	Show
Arizona outshot and outhit Minnesota during their home game on Friday night. You wouldn't know that by the score, though. The Wild embarrassed the Coyotes, 5-1, leaving Arizona coach Rick Tocchet fuming. Tocchet ripped a bunch of his best players following the game, although he didn't name names. Still, the message got across. So I'm going to get behind the home 'dog Coyotes in this spot. Arizona's record hasn't been very good this season. Keep in mind, though, teams have played funny schedules because of the pandemic. The Coyotes, for instance, have met the Golden Knights and Blues 11 times already. That has been 48 percent of their games. Las Vegas and St. Louis rank first and second, respectively, for most points in the eight-team West Division that features the Wild and Coyotes.
03-06-21	Panthers v. Predators +126		6-2	Loss	-100	6 h 49 m	Show
The Predators have been disappointing this season. But I see them playing with a great deal of urgency in this rapid revenge scenario. Florida built up 3-goal leads twice against the Predators this past Thursday and had to hang on to win, 5-4. Following this matchup, the Panthers travel to Carolina for a Sunday game against the Hurricanes. Carolina nipped the Panthers, once in overtime and once in a shootout, before Florida beat Nashville two days ago. The Panthers could get caught looking ahead to that double revenge game against the Hurricanes on Sunday, while the Predators have their own revenge spot right here. Nashville has been looking better lately winning four of its last seven games, while the Panthers are 3-4 in their last seven games.
03-02-21	Canucks v. Jets -129		2-5	Win	100	15 h 35 m	Show
Jets minus $1.32 hosting Canucks The Jets are the superior team and I see them getting it done at home after being blanked, 4-0, in Winnipeg by the Canucks on Monday night. Winnipeg had won four in a row - two against the Canucks - until losing last night. The Jets seemed overconfident, perhaps because of that win streak, as they fell behind 3-0 in the first period. Winnipeg came back to fire 15 shots on goal in the third period, but the game had been decided by then. If the Jets come out with more urgency - which they should do in this rapid revenge spot - they should be fine. Vancouver is 3-8 in its last 11 road games. The Canucks were 1-9 at Winnipeg before last night's game. The Jets take to the road for 12 of their next 14 games following this matchup. So they can't afford not to pick up two points with a home win here. The Canucks return to Vancouver for five games following this one so their concentration might not be at peak efficiency.
02-28-21	Red Wings v. Blackhawks -159		2-7	Win	100	11 h 46 m	Show
A few things about the Red Wings' 5-3 upset road win against the Blackhawks on Saturday: The Red Wings scored their first power play goal in 15 games. Not only do the Red Wings have the worst power play in the NHL, but they also are the worst at killing penalties. Chicago had just one power play opportunity. It was Detroit's second consecutive victory. The Red Wings have not won three in a row all season. The Blackhawks played their backup goalie, Malcolm Subban. He isn't very good. Chicago's starting goalie, Kevin Lankinen, is a rookie-of-the-year candidate. The Red Wings played without their most dynamic offensive player Dylan Larkin. He's out again today. Tyler Bertuzzi also remains sidelined for Detroit so the Red Wings are without two-thirds of their top line. Detroit ranks 30th in scoring averaging two goals a game. Even with that victory, Detroit is 12-45 in its last 57 road games. It was the first time in five tries this season the Red Wings defeated the Blackhawks. They are 2-8 in their past 10 games versus Chicago. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks have won eight of their last 11 games. So, yes, I want the Blackhawks going for me here.
02-25-21	Canadiens -120 v. Jets		3-6	Loss	-120	7 h 51 m	Show
This will be Montreal's first game under new coach Dominique Ducharme after Claude Julien was fired after the Canadiens lost a second straight one-goal game to the Senators two days ago. I'm expecting a lot of energy from the Canadiens to mark the event. Winnipeg last played at home back on Feb. 13. The Jets haven't scored more than three goals in regulation during nine of their last 10 games. Montreal averages 3.4 goals a game, seventh-best in the league. The Canadiens rank No. 1 in shots on goal.
02-25-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets -122		2-0	Loss	-122	6 h 54 m	Show
I want the Blue Jackets going for me in this short revenge spot. Columbus came back from a late 5-3 deficit against Chicago two days ago, but lost 6-5 in a shootout. It was just the Blackhawks' third win in 14 tries as a road 'dog. The Blue Jackets' defense should be improved with Michael Del Zotto back in the lineup after missing Tuesday's game with an injury. The Blackhawks are going with backup Malcolm Subban in goal. That's another plus for Columbus.
02-25-21	Devils -107 v. Sabres		4-3	Win	100	6 h 49 m	Show
Twice within the last six days Buffalo defeated New Jersey on the road. Yet the Devils are favored at Buffalo in this one. What does that tell you? It tells me the oddsmaker regards the Devils in higher esteem than the Sabres. New Jersey has quick double revenge and catches the Sabres playing their first game in Buffalo since Feb. 16. The Sabres are 0-3 in their last three home games, outscored by seven goals during these losses. They also are 0-5 the past five times as a home 'dog.
02-23-21	Blackhawks v. Blue Jackets -115		6-5	Loss	-115	6 h 6 m	Show
The price is low enough to back the Blue Jackets against the Blackhawks, who have lost 18 of the last 24 times they've been a road 'dog. Chicago has fattened its record by going 4-0 against the hapless Red Wings. Columbus coach John Tortorella ripped his team following a 4-2 home loss to Nashville this past Saturday. The Blue Jackets haven't played since. They should be raring to go. Rookie goalie Kevin Lankinen has been a revelation for the Blackhawks with a 2.42 GAA and .927 save percentage. I'm expecting some regression, though. The Blackhawks aren't good defensively and they have a lot of youth. Lankinen has given up five or more goals in two of his last four games. Columbus has scored at least three goals in seven of its last nine games.
02-22-21	Wild v. Sharks +133		6-2	Loss	-100	12 h 51 m	Show
I'm not buying the Sharks as a home 'dog to the Wild just because Minnesota has won two in a row. Those two victories happen to come against the Ducks, who have the worst offense in the NHL. Minnesota is getting healthier. But the Wild are not at full strength and their players haven't had nearly enough playing time together to be fully in sync yet. Until defeating Anaheim, 5-1, this past Saturday the Wild were averaging 1.5 goals during their last four games. The Sharks are 2-1 in their last three games, coming off a confidence-building, 5-4, road win against the Blues from Saturday night. This is just San Jose's third home game of the season. The Sharks have played a tough schedule drawing the Blues, Avalanche and Golden Knights for seven of their 16 games. This mark's Minnesota's fourth game in seven days. The teams split a two-game series in Minnesota earlier this season. The Sharks have defeated the Wild in six of the past eight meetings.
02-20-21	Lightning -145 v. Hurricanes		0-4	Loss	-145	7 h 39 m	Show
The combination of the price on the Lightning dropping and the Hurricanes announcing they will be starting third-string goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is enough to push me into laying this price with Tampa Bay. The Lightning have been idle since Monday when they were upset at home by the Panthers, 6-4. Tampa Bay is anxious to atone for that defeat. The defending Stanley Cup champions are averaging 4.3 goals in their last nine games and have star Steven Stamkos back in their lineup. Nedeljkovic has a 3.23 goals against average and an .886 save percentage. Carolina is playing for the third time in four days and second in two days. The Hurricanes defeated the Blackhawks, 5-3, on Friday. Tampa Bay has won 68 percent of his last 103 road contests.
02-18-21	Predators v. Blue Jackets -123		0-3	Win	100	10 h 44 m	Show
Nashville is 0-7 the last seven times it has been an underdog. The Predators are a 'dog here. They catch a frustrated and angry Blue Jackets squad. Columbus has gotten better since dropping its first two games of the season - to the Predators. The Blue Jackets are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but off an embarrassing, 7-3, road loss to the Hurricanes this past Monday. Columbus is anxious to put that defeat behind it and also has double revenge against Nashville. The Predators have gone 4-9 since sweeping the Blue Jackets. Aside from Flip Forsberg, the Predators have no scoring threats. They have scored two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games and now rank 29th in the league in scoring at 2.3 goals a game. The Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals in all but one of their last seven games. Nashville hasn't had a chance to get its offense on track either having been idle since Saturday. The Predators were supposed to play two games against the Stars in Dallas, but those were postponed due to bad weather and power outages.
02-17-21	Blackhawks v. Red Wings +120		2-0	Loss	-100	14 h 52 m	Show
The Blackhawks are the better team, but not that much better. Chicago was extremely fortunate to nip the Red Wings, 3-2 in overtime, this past Monday. Chicago is 3-0 versus Detroit this season. The Red Wings are improving, though, especially defensively. They have allowed just 2.1 goals per game in regulation during their past six games. The Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last six games. They could easily be 1-5 in those games having won four of those matchups in overtime and the fifth by two goals scoring an empty-net goal in the final minute. Just one goal determined the winner in nine of the Blackhawks' last 11 games. The other two games were decided by two goals with one occurring on an empty net goal in the final minute. This is a triple-revenge spot for the Red Wings. They outplayed the Blackhawks in their last game two days ago. I look for Chicago's luck to run out this time.
02-16-21	Wild v. Kings +123	Top	0-4	Win	123	16 h 34 m	Show
If there's a non-West Coast team the Kings most would like to beat it probably is Minnesota. The Wild beat the Kings twice in heart-breaking fashion earlier this season in LA winning both, 4-3, in overtime. The teams then met twice in Minneapolis in late January. The Kings got a split in that series. Now the Kings have a golden opportunity to gain a measure of revenge from those two earlier home defeats to the Wild. LA should be ready and energized, having last played on Thursday. That's nothing compared to the Wild, though. Minnesota has been out of action for the past two weeks due to COVID-19. The Wild are going to be without many of their regular players. The list of those who are include goalie Cam Talbot, defensemen Ian Cole, Jonas Brodin, Brad Hunt and Carson Souch. Forwards Nick Bonino, Victor Rask and Nico Sturm also are out. So the Wild will be rusty and short-handed. Minnesota has managed just one goal in three of its last five games. The Kings have suffered a lot of close losses this season, but they are capable, having won games against the Blues and Avalanche.
02-15-21	Flames v. Canucks +115		4-3	Loss	-100	16 h 1 m	Show
The Canucks ended their six-game losing streak with a 3-1 win against the Flames two days ago. It was the Canucks' best game of the season and the close score was not indicative of how much Vancouver dominated. The Canucks outshot the Flames, 43-18. I see the Canucks riding the momentum of that victory to beat the Flames again at home. Vancouver must build on this win if it hopes to have any playoff chance. The Canucks have won four of their past five home games. Calgary is likely to be without Mikael Backlund, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday's game. Backlund is the Flames' fifth-leading scorer and leaves the team thin at center.
02-15-21	Jets +123 v. Oilers		6-5	Win	123	15 h 10 m	Show
Edmonton is due for regression. The Oilers have played the Senators in four of their last six games, beating Ottawa all four times. The Senators have the fewest points in the NHL. The Jets and Oilers split two games in Winnipeg earlier this season. The Jets outshot and outscored the Oilers in that series. Edmonton is 4-4 at home. The Oilers last played on Thursday when they beat Montreal, 3-0. Being idle for a full three days at this juncture of the season is too long and can take a hot team out of their rhythm. The Oilers may be fat, rusty and happy. Not so with Winnipeg. The Jets fell to the lowly Senators, 2-1, this past Saturday giving up the winning goal with nine seconds left on a stupid turnover deep in their own end. The Jets are anxious to put that embarrassment behind them. They have defeated the Oilers in eight of the past 11 meetings, including four of the last five times in Edmonton.
02-15-21	Islanders -140 v. Sabres	Top	3-1	Win	100	14 h 30 m	Show
The Islanders have picked up their game going 3-1 in their last four games with the lone loss during this span coming in a shootout loss to the Penguins following a late Pittsburgh goal in regulation. The Islanders have their confidence back up after upsetting the Bruins in their last game, 4-2, this past Saturday. Because of COVID-19, the Sabres have yet to play this month. Buffalo finally is back in action, but will be without defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen, Jake McCabe and Brandon Montour along with forwards Dylan Cozens and Tobias Rieder. All are in COVID protocols. The Sabres have a losing home record. They entered their long layoff having allowed at least three goals in five of their last six games. The Islanders have dominated this series winning eight of the past 10 times.
02-13-21	Bruins v. Islanders +122		2-4	Win	122	12 h 55 m	Show
The Bruins are good. But they've also been lucky. They've won their past four games all by a single goal, including nipping the Rangers, 1-0, on Friday. This marks the end of Boston's seven-game road trip. It's the Bruins' third game in four days and first time this season they are playing without rest. Boston was 1-4 in that role the past five times last season. The Islanders are the Islanders. They remain a tough out. They are well-coached and strong defensively ranking sixth. The Bruins have first-hand evidence of that losing to the Islanders, 1-0, in the team's initial meeting this season on Jan. 18. The Islanders should be in a foul mood after blowing a lead with 30 seconds left in regulation this past Thursday, which cost them a 4-3 shootout home loss to the Penguins.
02-12-21	Blues -135 v. Coyotes		4-1	Win	100	19 h 45 m	Show
The Blues were mid-sized to heavy home favorites in each of their last three games - all of which came against the Coyotes. Arizona defeated St. Louis in each of those contests, winning those matchups by a combined four goals. The latest occurred this past Monday with Arizona nipping St. Louis, 4-3, in a shootout. Now, four days later, the two teams meet in Arizona. Nothing has changed my viewpoint that the Blues are the better team. St. Louis dominated 5-on-5 action this past Monday outshooting Arizona, 43-26, while recording 21 hits showing its effective physical style of play. So what's been the problem for the Blues? Special teams. St. Louis was 1-for-12 in power play chances the past three games, while Arizona scored on four of 13 power play opportunities during this span. The Blues have had three days to work out their special teams issues. They have beaten the Coyotes 10 of the last 13 times in Arizona and are 6-1 the last seven times they were road chalk.
02-11-21	Flames v. Canucks +132		3-1	Loss	-100	14 h 60 m	Show
Saddled with a five-game losing streak and last in the league defensively, Vancouver is getting no respect. This is a huge game, though, for the Canucks and they are back home after six consecutive road games. They've been idle since Monday. Calgary is slightly below average both offensively and defensively. The Flames have a losing record in their last nine games. They also are 2-4 on the road, while the Canucks are 4-2 at home. Vancouver has double-revenge having lost in mid-January to the Flames, 3-0 and 5-2. Both of those games were in Calgary. The Canucks have firepower. The key for them is defensive improvement. I believe that will happen here. During their current losing streak the Canucks played the Jets, Canadiens and Maple Leafs. Winnipeg ranks ninth in scoring, Montreal is the highest scoring team in the NHL and Toronto has scored the fourth-most goals. Now the Canucks are dropping down in class. The season has gone on long enough where the Canucks' many new faces are more acclimated. This is their spot.
02-09-21	Lightning -160 v. Predators		6-1	Win	100	10 h 47 m	Show
There's a clear class difference here. It was shown when the two teams met yesterday and Tampa Bay won by three goals despite going with its backup goalie. Now Andrei Vasilevskiy, who I would argue is the best goalie in hockey, will be back in net. The Lightning are 7-1-1 with Vasilevskiy in goal. He has a 1.88 GAA and a .931 save percentage. Tampa Bay hasn't allowed more than two goals in seven of his nine starts. While the Lightning are already in peak form, the Predators are having a down season going 3-7 in their last 10 games. If you discount a 6-5 overtime victory against the Panthers, the Predators have scored just 14 goals in regulation during their last nine games. Tampa Bay ranks fourth in scoring at 3.6 goals per game.
02-08-21	Lightning -152 v. Predators		4-1	Win	100	14 h 40 m	Show
The defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning are out of the gates fast going 7-2. They've hosted Nashville twice this season going 2-0 winning by a combined four goals. Tampa Bay has proven itself on the road winning 68 percent of its last 99 away contests. The Predators are not playing well and just lost Ryan Johnson, the center on their top line, to an upper-body injury this past Thursday. Nashville is 3-6 in its last nine games after a split of its two-game series against Florida. The Predators were lucky not to have gotten swept by the Panthers. They were outshot, outhit and lost the faceoff battle by a considerable margin during that series. Tampa Bay is much the superior team. So laying this price doesn't bother me.
02-08-21	Hurricanes v. Blue Jackets +127		2-3	Win	127	13 h 50 m	Show
The Hurricanes ended a four-game losing streak in Columbus by nipping the Blue Jackets, 6-5, on Sunday. They were aided by a controversial goal. I don't see the Hurricanes being so fortunate in this rapid revenge spot for Columbus. The Blue Jackets' scoring is starting to pick up with Patrik Laine getting comfortable with his new team. Laine scored two goals on Sunday. This will be just his fifth game of the season. Carolina is likely going to have to go with third-stringer Alex Nedeljkovic in net for the first time this season. Starting goalie Petr Mrazek is out long-term and veteran backup James Reimer played yesterday and is in need of rest. The Blue Jackets are 5-2 versus Carolina in the past seven meetings despite Sunday's loss.
02-08-21	Islanders +100 v. Rangers		2-0	Win	100	13 h 42 m	Show
No great handicap here. I just believe the Islanders are the better and they are back on track after a 4-3 victory against the Penguins in their last game this past Saturday. The Rangers have started to play better. But I'm not sold on them, nor the consistency of their young goalie, Igor Shesterkin. He was in net during the team's first meeting this season, which the Islanders won, 4-0. The Islanders have defeated the Rangers 13 of the last 18 times on the road.
02-06-21	Oilers +113 v. Flames		4-6	Loss	-100	16 h 38 m	Show
The Oilers are playing much better than the Flames right now. Edmonton also is in the better situational spot having not played since Tuesday while Calgary is in action for the fourth time in six days. This also is the Flames' first home game since Jan. 26. This is an intense rivalry. Calgary, though, loses much of its home ice advantage because no fans are allowed in the stands. Edmonton is up to .500 having won three in a row. The Oilers have looked much better on their special teams. Calgary is below .500 on the season. The Flames haven't scored more than two goals in four of their last five games.
02-06-21	Sharks v. Ducks -114		1-2	Win	100	14 h 3 m	Show
The Ducks probably should have defeated the Sharks on Friday night. They blew a 3-1 lead and lost in a shootout. Anaheim outshot San Jose, 37-30. I don't see the Ducks losing a second straight home game at Honda Center to San Jose in this second of consecutive games. The problem with backing the Ducks is their lack of offense They rank last in the NHL in scoring. However, the Ducks have scored a season-best seven goals during their last two games. They also are facing a porous Sharks defense that ranks second-to-last in the league giving up 3.9 goals per game. The Sharks haven't been good enough offensively to overcome their defensive problems ranking 27th in scoring. Anaheim ranks eighth defensively and has the sixth-best penalty killing unit. The Sharks have scored just one power play goal in 26 chances during their past six games.
02-06-21	Coyotes v. Blues -155		3-1	Loss	-155	9 h 55 m	Show
Arizona is not a good road team. But the Coyotes edged the Blues, 4-3, on Thursday. It was their first away victory of the season. I don't see the Coyotes making it two in a row and I'm willing to lay a higher price than normal to back St. Louis in this spot. The Blues had won four consecutive games until falling to the Coyotes. Arizona built a 3-0 lead and held on to win, 4-3. The Blues did not play a good game yet almost pulled out the victory. Following the game, Blues coach Craig Berube ripped his team. So I don't anticipate St. Louis to be flat again in this spot. The Blues have been the only NHL American-based team not to have a player go on the COVID protocol list. Even with that victory, Arizona is just 5-21 in its last 26 road contests.
02-05-21	Sharks +102 v. Ducks		5-4	Win	102	11 h 38 m	Show
The Sharks have played a tough schedule: Eight games all on the road. While the Sharks lost two games to the Avalanche, no shame in that given Colorado was at full strength then and San Jose carried a fatigue rating while playing back-to-back games in high altitude, they managed splits against the Coyotes, Blues and Wild. Due to COVID-19 issues, the Sharks haven't played during the last eight days. That was a needed break. So I'm expecting a strong effort from San Jose. The Sharks have won seven of the past nine times versus the Ducks in Anaheim. The Ducks are playing for the fourth time in seven days. They have the worst offense in the NHL. Anaheim has managed just eight goals in its last five games.
02-04-21	Predators v. Panthers -109		6-5	Loss	-109	8 h 42 m	Show
Florida is playing well. Nashville has yet to show anything on the road. So I'm going to ride the Panthers at a fair line value price. The Panthers are 5-0-1. All but one of their victories has been by one goal. So they've been fortunate. But they've also produced good numbers such as ranking seventh in scoring, seventh in defense and fourth in power play efficiency. Florida is the lone team left that has not lost in regulation. The Panthers also have been idle for the past three days. Nashville is 0-4 on the road. The Predators, in contrast to the Panthers, have bad numbers: 28th in scoring, 24th in scoring defense, 28th in power play efficiency and last in penalty kill efficiency.
02-04-21	Stars v. Blue Jackets +110		3-4	Win	110	8 h 37 m	Show
Until losing to the Stars, 6-3, this past Tuesday, the Blue Jackets had beaten Dallas eight straight times. Dallas had dropped five in a row in Columbus until achieving that win. That game marked Patrik Laine's much-anticipated Columbus debut - and it was a flop. The Blue Jackets stunk and Laine had trouble adjusting to his new team and was rusty having not played since Jan. 14. Laine should have his legs under him and be more comfortable this time around. The Blue Jackets have revenge and history going for them. The Stars have been playing well, but I don't see them keeping this pace up especially 36-year-old Joe Pavelski. He's fifth in the NHL in points. He's averaging two points a game. The only other person at that elite level is Connor McDavid.
02-02-21	Ducks v. Kings -113		3-1	Loss	-113	11 h 37 m	Show
The Ducks average 1.6 goals. That's last in the NHL. They are off two home games versus the Blues where they were outscored, 10-2. Oh, yes, this also is the Ducks' fourth game in six days. By contrast, the Kings are well rested. They last played on Thursday. The Kings are 3-2 in their last five games with victories against the Blues, Avalanche and Wild during this span. The Kings are the better team, home and in the better spot. So this short price is worth laying.
02-01-21	Bruins -135 v. Capitals	Top	5-3	Win	100	13 h 56 m	Show
Despite being short-handed due to injuries and COVID-19 issues, the Capitals have managed to go 6-3. The Capitals' first eight games were two against the Penguins early in the season when Pittsburgh was struggling, four games against the Sabres, who have a losing record, and two games against the 3-6 Islanders. Finally the Capitals stepped up in class this past Saturday. They nipped the Bruins, 4-3, in overtime. I don't see the Capitals doing it again in this Boston revenge spot. The Bruins scored three of the last four goals. They outshot Washington, 43-23. It was clear to me the Bruins were the better team. Alex Ovehckin did return after missing four games due to COVID-19 protocols. But the Bruins also got back their superstar, David Pastrnak. He played more than 20 minutes, while Ovechkin was limited to fewer than 15 minutes of ice time. The Capitals still could remain short-handed. Justin Schultz, Lars Eller, Evgeny Kuznetsov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov are all day-to-day. Washington has lost 12 of the last 16 times following a victory. The Capitals are in action for the fifth time in nine days. All but one of their last seven games have been decided by one goal. So there has been a physical and mental toll on the Capitals. The Bruins are an elite team that should take advantage especially given the situation.
01-31-21	Blues v. Ducks +143		4-1	Loss	-100	8 h 30 m	Show
The Blues are riding high on their 2-0 road trip beating the Golden Knights in overtime this past Tuesday and then burying the Ducks, 6-1, scoring three goals within the first 2:06 of the game. Following this game, the Blues go home for four games against the Coyotes and Avalanche. Those are much tougher opponents than the Ducks. So it's a clear letdown and lookahead spot for St. Louis. It sets up an ambush situation for the home Ducks. I expect John Gibson to rebound from his worst game ever. Gibson had been playing great up until that contest. He didn't get a lot of help from his defense in that game. Even with that loss, the Ducks still rank sixth in defense. They also have the fourth-best penalty killing unit. Scoring is a major problem for Anaheim. The Ducks, though, should play extremely hard here and they have a strong defense. It's a bonus if the Blues decide to rest Jordan Binnington and go with their backup goalie.
01-31-21	Stars +111 v. Hurricanes		3-4	Loss	-100	4 h 27 m	Show
The Stars played their first road game of the season yesterday. It didn't go well. The Hurricanes beat them, 4-1. Dallas was outshot, 26-11. That was embarrassing. It also was a humiliation for Dallas goalie Anton Khuodobin, who had a rare bad game letting in four goals on 16 shots and getting pulled from the game. I want the Stars going for me in this rapid revenge spot. Dallas has won eight of the last 11 times as a road 'dog. The Hurricanes are playing short-handed due to COVID-19 issues. They probably also lost their starting goalie, Petr Mrazek. He was injured against the Stars and isn't likely to play here. Carolina's backup goalie is James Reimer, who I don't hold in high esteem
01-30-21	Avalanche v. Wild +140		5-1	Loss	-100	9 h 54 m	Show
I don't believe the Avalanche should be this big of a road favorite. Each team is 5-3. Colorado is 2-2 in its road games and has been outscored away from home. The Avalanche fattened up their statistics by sweeping two home games from the Sharks this past week. The Wild are 12-5 the last 17 times hosting Colorado.
01-30-21	Islanders +110 v. Flyers		2-3	Loss	-100	8 h 53 m	Show
The Islanders, with Barry Trotz cracking the whip, should feel a lot of urgency after blowing a 3-goal lead to the Capitals in a 6-3 loss this past Thursday. It was New York's third straight defeat. Perhaps the Islands overachieved last season, but they usually prove to be a tough out. They have won in five of their last seven visits to Philadelphia. The Flyers haven't played at home since Jan. 19. They come in fat and happy having just swept the Devils this past Tuesday and Thursday. The Flyers are far from at full strength with injuries to Sean Couturier, Morgan Frost and Phil Myers.
01-29-21	Blue Jackets v. Blackhawks +111		2-1	Loss	-100	19 h 22 m	Show
I'm not often looking to get involved with the Blackhawks in what is a clear rebuilding year for them. But taking a small plus price in this spot puts me on them. Columbus is coming off a 3-2 shootout victory against Florida on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets got revenge for a 4-3 shootout loss to the Panthers from Tuesday. This is their third game in four days and first road contest in 10 days. They are 1-3 on the road losing a pair to the Predators by multiple goals and splitting with the Red Wings, the worst team in hockey and a team that lost a pair of road games to the Blackhawks earlier this week by a combined seven goals. Chicago is 2-0 at home with the victories against Detroit. This is just the Blackhawks' third home game. They have shown improvement. Their last two games were 1-goal road losses to the Predators in overtime and in a shootout. The Blackhawks' young players are showing some potential and Chicago has found a goalie who has been looking good - Kevin Lankinen. He has a .931 save percentage. The Blackhawks are 10-2 the past 12 times hosting the Blue Jackets.
01-28-21	Islanders -132 v. Capitals		3-6	Loss	-132	12 h 55 m	Show
Much credit to the short-handed Capitals for pulling out a 3-2 victory against the Islanders on Tuesday scoring the game-winner with 26 seconds left. New York had won seven straight at Washington previous to that game. I'm looking for a bounce back from the Islanders, who blew a 2-1 second period lead against the Capitals. The Islanders' loss did not sit well with their coach, Barry Trotz. He formerly coached the Capitals and is one of the best coaches in the NHL. The Capitals managed to beat the usually well-disciplined Islanders despite missing Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuzntesov, Dmitry Orlov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov. They are all on the COVID-19 protocol list. Enforcer Tom Wilson also missed the game with a lower-body injury. Then during the game, the Capitals lost forward Nicklas Backstrom. I'd be very surprised if the Capitals manage to beat the Islanders again without so many key players.
01-28-21	Panthers v. Blue Jackets -108		2-3	Win	100	12 h 53 m	Show
Scoring a game-tying goal with three seconds left, Florida went on to beat the Blue Jackets, 4-3 in a shootout, two days ago in Columbus. The Panthers outplayed the Blue Jackets and deserved to pull out that win. But I see the Blue Jackets getting their revenge here. They've defeated Florida 14 of the last 17 times at home even with that Tuesday defeat. Columbus may have suffered a letdown in that loss to the Panthers. The Blue Jackets had upset defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay by three goals in their previous game, which also was at home. This will be just the Panthers' fourth game. They are 3-0, but their first two victories occurred at home against the Blackhawks. Note, too, that Florida backup goalie Chris Driedger is expected to be in net.
01-26-21	Islanders -129 v. Capitals	Top	2-3	Loss	-129	15 h 43 m	Show
Surprised the Islanders are a mid-sized road favorite against the Capitals? Shouldn't be because the spot and situation set up well for New York. The Islanders enter this two-game series off a 2-0 loss to the Devils this past Sunday. Islanders coach Barry Trotz was not happy about that defeat and he let his team know about it. Trotz should have his squad ready and fired-up to play his former team. So I'm expecting an all-out effort from the Islanders. The Capitals are 0-7 the past seven times they've hosted the patient and defensive-minded Islanders, a team that has frustrated them with their style. The Islanders are strong again defensively ranking third in fewest goals allowed per game and fourth in penalty kill. Washington is highly vulnerable right now with Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dimitry Orlov and starting goalie Ilya Samsonov all on the COVID-19 list. In addition, enforcer Tom Wilson is likely out, too, because of a lower body injury. The Capitals have managed three victories because they've played four of their six games against the Sabres. They are 3-1 versus Buffalo. Their other two games were losses to the Penguins.
01-24-21	Maple Leafs v. Flames -113		3-2	Loss	-113	12 h 27 m	Show
This is a nice situational spot for the Flames. After sweeping the Canucks in two home games by a combined, 8-2, the Flames have been idle since Monday. That's given them plenty of time to practice, get fully in sync and be prepared for this matchup. The Maple Leafs will be playing for the sixth time in 10 days. They are coming off a 4-2 home win against the Oilers on Friday night despite being short-handed minus Auston Matthews and Joe Thornton, who is out for around a month. Matthews, the Maple Leafs' best player, is questionable due to an upper body injury. I like Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom more than Toronto's Frederik Andersen, who is too inconsistent for my taste. Markstrom has been sharp early with a 1.99 GAA and .935 save percentage in three games. The Flames have won nine of the last 11 times they've been favored, while the Maple Leafs are 6-14 the last 20 times as underdogs.
01-22-21	Golden Knights v. Coyotes +148		2-5	Win	148	16 h 14 m	Show
Las Vegas heads off for its first road trip fat and happy at 4-0, its best start in franchise-history. The Golden Knights play two games against the Coyotes in Arizona before returning back to Las Vegas for a stretch of eight home contests in 10 games. The Golden Knights just swept the Coyotes in Las Vegas. The Coyotes aren't going to lack motivation in this short revenge spot. The Golden Knights not only could be in for a letdown, but also their concentration may be lacking. This is their first time away from home and they have to follow COVID-19 protocols. It's going to be a different experience. Buried by seven penalties, the Coyotes fell behind the Golden Knights early in their 5-2 loss this past Wednesday. I'm expecting the Coyotes to play much better today under favorable situational elements.
01-22-21	Red Wings +115 v. Blackhawks		1-4	Loss	-100	15 h 6 m	Show
Detroit looks improved. Chicago looks horrible. No fans either for the Blackhawks so their home ice is largely negated. This combination lands me on the Red Wings. Detroit is 2-2. If it weren't for a one-goal loss to the Blue Jackets they would be riding a three-game winning streak. Detroit's confidence is up and its puck control has been much better. Jonathan Bernier and Thomas Greiss have played well in net. It's become very evident this is a rebuild year for the Blackhawk - and a big one at that. The Blackhawks are going with a massive youth movement. They miss the leadership and skill set of veteran captain Jonathan Toews and defenseman Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks have surrendered five goals in each of their four games this season in going 0-4 versus Tampa Bay and Florida.
01-21-21	Flyers v. Bruins -130	Top	4-5	Win	100	12 h 29 m	Show
Their defense has been there for the Bruins despite losing two of their first three games. Boston has permitted only five goals in three games. The Bruins very well could be 3-0 and we'd be seeing a much higher price. Boston was nipped, 2-1 in overtime, by the host Devils and fell 1-0 to the Islanders on the road in which they outshot New York, 27-17, during their past two games. I don't see Boston losing a third game in a row especially now that it gets to play its first home game. The Bruins' offense will come around even without injured David Pastrnak. I believe that happens here. Flyers goalie Carter Hart is off to a slow start with a 3.66 goals against average. The Flyers are short-handed on the blue line, too. Philadelphia went 1-1 in its last two games both against the Sabres. Buffalo outshot Philadelphia, 77-52, in those two games.
01-20-21	Canadiens -116 v. Canucks		5-6	Loss	-116	18 h 56 m	Show
The Canadiens have gotten bigger this season on defense - and more aggressive. Montreal's early defensive improvement looks like it's for real after the Canadiens held Edmonton to two goals in two games. Montreal outhit the Oilers, 31-17, in its 3-1 road victory on Monday. If it weren't for blowing a two-goal lead to the Maple Leafs in their opening game, the Canadiens would be 3-0. Montreal has won its last four games on the road against Vancouver. The Canucks aren't playing well. Vancouver has lost three in a row, outscored, 13-4, during this span. The Canucks' young, talented scorers are slumping and their special teams have been atrocious giving up seven power-play goals in 21 times behind shorthanded while failing to score when they've had the man advantage this season.
01-18-21	Bruins v. Islanders +121		0-1	Win	121	3 h 57 m	Show
I'll take the Islanders as a home 'dog coming off an embarrassing 5-0 road loss to the Rangers this past Saturday. The Islanders played a terrible game and backup goalie Ilya Sorokin seemed ill-prepared as a surprise starter in that game, judging by his poor performance, when starter Semyon Varlamov suffered a freak injury during pregame warmups. Word is that Varlamov is able to play today. I'm fine with the Islanders even if Sorokin has to play again. He's better than what he showed in that game. I'm expecting a supreme effort from the Islanders after their coach, the highly-respected Barry Trotz, ripped them following the Rangers' loss. This is a good spot to go against the Bruins being early in the season. Boston doesn't have David Pastrnak back yet and they are in transition defensively minus the departed Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug. The Bruins opened with a split against the Devils, with both of those games behind decided either in overtime or in a shootout.
01-17-21	Blackhawks +138 v. Panthers		2-5	Loss	-100	10 h 51 m	Show
I'm not going to be landing on the Blackhawks too often this season. But this is one of those exceptions. The Panthers finished last season losing nine of their past 11 home games. The key, however, to this handicap to the Blackhawks is the situation. Chicago has played two games. Florida has yet to see action. This disadvantage for Florida is magnified because the Panthers are breaking in many new players and didn't have a preseason to work out the kinks. The Panthers don't have their leading goal scorer from last season, Mike Hoffman. He signed with the Blues. Florida also is likely to be minus veteran defenseman Keith Yandle, who is expected to be a healthy scratch due to issues with management. Starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky won't be in net either. He's still working his way into shape. So the Blackhawks draw Florida backup goalie Chris Driedger. The Blackhawks are stepping way down in class after unfortunately drawing reigning Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay in their first two games. Neither game against the Lightning was close, but the Blackhawks played better in the rematch, which was this past Friday. Chicago has had a nice recent run in Florida beating the Panthers in six of its last eight visits.
01-16-21	Wild v. Kings +118		4-3	Loss	-100	16 h 22 m	Show
I don't see rookie Kirill Kaprizov repeating his season-opening heroics of producing three points, including scoring an overtime goal, in leading the Wild past the Kings, 4-3, two days ago. I look for the Kings, with their veteran players, to bounce back against the youthful Wild. Veteran defensemen Drew Doughty and Olli Maatta had terrible games. They should play much better for LA, whose blue line gets reinforced with Sean Walker and Kurtis MacDermid now available after missing Thursday's game because of COVID restrictions.
01-16-21	Canadiens -108 v. Oilers		5-1	Win	100	14 h 23 m	Show
The Canadiens are still kicking themselves for blowing a two-goal lead in their opener against the Maple Leafs, a 5-4 overtime defeat this past Wednesday. The rested Canadiens felt they were the better team. They catch the Oilers playing for the third time in four days. Edmonton got satisfying home revenge in its last game, beating Vancouver, 5-3, this past Thursday. I expect the Canadiens to be better this season with a rejuvenated Carey Price, who did have several outstanding saves against the Maple Leafs.

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