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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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01-19-19 | Flyers +110 v. Canadiens | Top | 5-2 | Win | 110 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #69 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - If you ever want to see what it looks like when a team truly "leaves it all on the ice" you should see that Saturday night with the Flyers at Montreal. Due to Philadelphia's bye week being scheduled just prior to the All Star break this is the Flyers final game until January 28th! Philly also has had two days off coming into this one and is looking to make it 3 straight wins prior to their extended break. The Canadiens also have been playing well and are on an even longer winning streak. However, Montreal's scheduling situation is a tough one as they were at Columbus last night. The Habs get a big 4-1 upset win at Columbus last night and have now been outshot by a combined 131-76 margin in their last 3 games. That makes this the ideal spot to fade Montreal. Even though the Canadiens have gotten strong goaltending of late from both Niemi and Price, Flyers rookie Carter Hart has been playing great between the pipes and the rested Flyers hold a huge scheduling edge here. Additionally, Philadelphia has won each of their last 4 meetings with the Habs. Prior to yesterday's win, the Canadiens were 0-3 this season when they entered a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. On their longest winning streak of the season but in a tough scheduling situation tonight, Montreal falls short in this one to a very hungry and aggressive Flyers team. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-17-19 | Jets +140 v. Predators | Top | 5-1 | Win | 140 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This is phenomenal line value on one of the best teams in the NHL. Yes, the Jets did knock the Predators out of the post-season last May but the Preds already got revenge for that with a shutout win in Nashville in October. In fact, that game truly sets this up as a revenge game for Winnipeg. The Jets remember all too well that shutout loss at Nashville early this season and are hungry for revenge. Also, while both these teams are off key wins against strong opponents, note that the Predators played nearly the perfect game versus the Capitals while the Jets know they were very fortunate to beat the Golden Knights Tuesday as they were outshot 44-27 in that game. As a result, Winnipeg knows they must play much better here, they must make up for the shutout loss at Nashville earlier this season, and they need to protect their lead at the top of the division. The fact the Jets catch the Predators off a win over the Stanley Cup Champion Caps is simply an added bonus to the value in this spot. Keep in mind too that the Preds, prior to that win, had lost 11 of their 16 previous games. As for Winnipeg, they've been one of the hottest teams in the league the past month and a half. The Jets have won 17 of their last 23 games. It is not often you get a high quality team like this at a +140 range underdog price and I'll gladly grab the Jets in this superb spot. 10* WINNIPEG |
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01-15-19 | Ducks -102 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -102 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Tuesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (-) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Ducks have lost 10 straight games (6 in regulation and 4 post-regulation). That said, most won't be backing Anaheim in a spot like this. But, ladies and gentlemen, why do you think the odds makers made this game a pick'em on the money line even though the Red Wings have a couple wins in their last five games and are on home ice? Of course it is because they will not be surprised, just like I won't, when the Ducks snap their skid and win this game. For one thing Detroit has been mired in nearly just as awful of a stretch as Anaheim has. However, with Red Wings off huge upset win at Minnesota and Anaheim off a tough OT loss at Winnipeg, you know will be hungrier here. That said, hunger certainly matters in a rather "even match-up" like this. The Ducks want it more and will be harder on the puck, stronger on the forecheck and backcheck, and overall be much more "dialed in" then the Red Wings in this one. Detroit does have revenge here but they've actually lost 20 of 30 this season when playing with revenge. The Ducks have won 36 of 58 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* ANAHEIM |
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01-07-19 | Blues v. Flyers -110 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #36 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers show the betting public a current 6-game losing streak. However, they've certainly been playing better than that fact would lead you to believe. They never trailed against Calgary Saturday but gave up a very late goal for the tie and then lost in OT. The good news for Philly is they go from facing one of the best teams in the league to facing a struggling Blues team likely to be a giving a goalie his first-ever NHL start. St Louis is likely to start Jordan Binnington tonight. He got called up from the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL where he has played well of late. However, Binnington would be making his first ever NHL start on enemy ice against a desperate Flyers team that is going to pepper him with shots early and often. As soon as the crowd gets into it (which they will) it is going to be a helluva rough atmosphere for Binnington. In his only NHL appearances (3 games, 0 starts) he has an ugly .828 save percentage and 3.70 GAA. The Flyers have been getting solid goal-tending from young phenom netminder Carter Hart whom has showed poise and skills beyond his years. The Blues have lost 3 of their last 4 and goal-tending has been an issue for them whereas the Flyers goaltending has absolutely been on an uptick. Home ice and a very small price to lay makes this a top choice investment. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-06-19 | Rangers +115 v. Coyotes | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 13 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - I like to look for dogs when they're matched up with false favorites and, that said, this one certainly fits the bill. The Coyotes are favored because they're on home ice and both Arizona and the Rangers have been struggling this season. However, the Coyotes have won just 7 of their 21 home games this season. That is just 33% and no NHL team has won fewer home games than Arizona this season. Also, the Coyotes are dealing with a rash of injuries right now. Not only are the Rangers the much healthier team, they also will have Henrik Lundqvist back in goal after he was given a night off in their most recent game. Keep in mind, he and the Rangers also are seeking revenge for a home loss 3 weeks ago suffered at the hands of the Coyotes. That was a 4-3 defeat and New York is used to dominating Arizona. In other words, they are hungry for payback here and I look for the Rangers to take full advantage of an injury-depleted Arizona team. The Coyotes have been held to 2 goals or less in 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. The Rangers couldn't stay out of the penalty box in their most recent game and are ticked off as they've struggled in their last 3 games. Prior to this the Rangers had scored 3 or more goals in 9 of their 10 previous games. If you can't score it is tough to win and New York definitely has the edge over Arizona in the goal-scoring department as the injuries mount for the Coyotes. The Rangers have won 44 of their last 76 non-conference games. The Coyotes have lost 54 of their last 82 non-conference match-ups. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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01-04-19 | Jets +117 v. Penguins | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have won 7 straight games, are on home ice, and they've been priced as a small favorite by the odds makers. Do you think the odds makers are stupid? Of course they are not and the Pens are priced this way because the sharp money (including mine) is going to be on the Jets in this one. Winnipeg is 9-5 this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Also, they're playing this game with home loss revenge from November. The Jets are 13-6 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Winnipeg is also 10-5 in non-conference match-ups this season. The Penguins are off a huge win over the Rangers where they exploded late in the game and erupted for a 7-2 win. However, the Pens are an ugly 5-7 (DOWN $6,300) this season when off a divisional game. The Jets have an extra two days of rest compared to Pittsburgh and the fresher legs get the road win in this revenge match-up. 10* WINNIPEG |
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12-31-18 | Flyers +112 v. Hurricanes | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 6:05 ET - The Hurricanes continue to be hurt by the absence of Jordan Staal. The Canes have lost 7 of their last 9 games. Also, Carolina has had only 1 game in their last 5 where they actually had success finding the back of the net. In the Hurricanes other 4 games they've scored a TOTAL of only TWO goals combined! The Flyers, conversely, have been playing much better hockey since they fired their head coach. Philly has only 1 regulation loss in their last 6 games (a 3-1-2 stretch) and they've also enjoyed success against the Canes in recent seasons. This is their first match-up this season and the Flyers have won 3 of their last 4 games at Carolina. Philly is off a tight 2-1 loss at Florida but previously scored an average of 3.2 goals per game in their 5 prior games! The Flyers also have received a boost in their own end of the ice as Carter Hart has played well in goal since the young rookie got called up in the midst of this coaching change and after the firing of GM Ron Hextall. Philly is simply a different team now and also is coming off of some great performances in the face-off circle and that is a big key as puck possession is, of course, so important. I like having the underdog and going against a team that has lost 45 of its last 69 divisional games including 8 of 11 this season! Also, Carolina has lost 17 of their last 28 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-17-18 | Bruins +125 v. Canadiens | Top | 4-0 | Win | 125 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Monday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins are in a tough back to back spot here but, of course, the trip from Buffalo to Montreal is not a long one. Boston lost to the Sabres yesterday but, arguably, deserved better. Give credit to Buffalo but the Bruins did hold the edge in shots on goal and, in fact, now have an 88 to 55 edge in shots on goal the past two games even though both were losses by multiple-goal margins. The result is line value in this spot as Montreal will get some attention from the betting markets considering the Canadiens have won 5 of their last 6 games and have the rest edge. The problem for the Habs is that the Bruins have their number. In fact, Boston has won 4 of its last 5 games at Montreal. While the Canadiens are off a win, it came against Ottawa. Prior to that game the Habs allowed a total of 11 goals in their two prior games. Montreal is playing this game with home loss revenge but that is a situation that has seen them go 18-31 including 2-5 this season! Boston has won 10 of 14 this season when off a divisional game and the Bruins actually have won 5 of 6 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back! Grab the road dog value. 10* BOSTON |
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12-15-18 | Flyers +115 v. Canucks | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Vancouver Canucks @ 10:05 ET - The Flyers are playing for their season here. They need a win on the western leg of a lengthy road trip that saw them begin with a win at Buffalo but then lose 3 straight ever since heading deeper and deeper westward through Canada. After an unbelievable loss at Calgary where they gave up 2 goals in the final minute of regulation and lost just 30 seconds into OT on Wednesday, Philly was a bit shell-shocked and lost 4-1 last night at Edmonton. Truly playing for their future tonight and with two days off on deck, I expect the Flyers to play one of their best games of the season at Vancouver tonight. They are catching the Canucks at the right time as they are off a successful road trip and the last two games of the trip featured big late rallies for Vancouver. Off a Western Conference foe and with a divisional foe, Edmonton, on deck don't be surprised if the Canucks end up flat tonight as they overlook a Flyers club that everyone knows has been struggling. That is the danger of a match-up like this for Vancouver and that is why their money line is priced so low. The odds makers feels pretty certain too about what is going to take place tonight. Note that the Flyers are 10-3 their last 13 at Vancouver and the road team did win both meetings between these clubs last season. Also, the Canucks are 3-7 this season in games against teams with a winning record and also on a long-term 28-50 run in non-conference games! Look for the Flyers to improve to 4-2 on the season when they are on the road and entering a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-12-18 | Golden Knights v. Islanders +131 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 55 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #64 Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - Coaching is an important aspect in all sports but often gets overlooked by the betting markets. The Islanders current head coach is Barry Trotz. Yes that is the same head coach that less than 6 months ago was leading the Capitals to become Stanley Cup Champions as they took 4 out of 5 games from the Golden Knights. Washington scored an average of 4 goals per game in those 5 games and Marc-Andre Fleury was between the pipes for Vegas for all of those games. Not only does coach Trotz know a thing or two about beating Fleury and the Golden Knights, his players do as well. The Islanders won both meetings with Vegas last season and remain the only team in the league that the Golden Knights have yet to beat. Maybe that changes next week when these teams meet in Vegas but I don't see it changing tonight. The Golden Knights have lost 11 of their 18 road games this season. Also, Vegas has lost 7 of 11 this season when they're off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Islanders have won 43 of 71 (+$23,200) when off a divisional game and the fact that divisional game was a 2-1 loss where they were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation will strengthen their resolve here. New York has allowed just 2 goals in 4 of their last 6 games. Vegas, prior to a 4-2 win Sunday, had allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of their last 6 games. I am fading the masses and grabbing the home dog here. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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12-10-18 | Kings +105 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 3 m | Show |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Kings are undervalued at this point in the season as they have underachieved thus far. They now have Jonathan Quick back between the pipes and he has had just one bad start in 5 starts since he returned. In the 4 quality efforts from Quick, Los Angeles has allowed an average of just 1.5 goals per game! Even though the Kings are off a big win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Red Wings pay a visit to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Capitals tomorrow. In other words, Detroit is off an Eastern Conference foe (Islanders) and has another one (Washington) on deck. Coming into this season many experts expected the Kings to contend for a playoff spot in the West and the Red Wings to have to battle to stay out of the cellar in the East. The point is that you start to get value in spots like this. For example, the Kings are now a small dog here at Detroit whereas earlier this season (just two months ago) they were a 2 to 1 favorite on home ice over the Red Wings! That said, I love the road dog value here as Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty (played with LA his entire career) has been very vocal of late about it being time for this team to step up. Look for the win over the Golden Knights to spark a run for LA as the return of Quick from injury is also big and you can feel the momentum shifting with this hockey club right now. By the way, the Red Wings have lost 5 of their last 6 home games! The Kings have split their last 6 road games. Just like last season, look for the Kings to earn the sweep of the Red Wings. Detroit is only 7-13 this season when playing with revenge. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS |
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12-08-18 | Maple Leafs -120 v. Bruins | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -120 | 8 h 27 m | Show |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Saturday NHL 10* Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs were knocked out of the post-season in Game 7 of a series with the Bruins last spring. That game took place here in Boston...that is where the Leafs season ended. Though the Maple Leafs got some measure of revenge with a home win over the Bruins about two weeks ago, their only meeting at Boston this season was a loss. This is the perfect time for payback. While the Leafs are getting healthier the Bruins are still dealing with injury injuries as Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Kevan Miller are out right now. Boston has lost 3 straight games and they've been struggling to score goals for an extended stretch. Amazingly, the Bruins have managed to score more than 2 goals just ONCE in their last TEN games! That spells trouble against a Maple Leafs team that has scored at least 4 goals in 6 straight games! In their 5-4 OT loss to Detroit, the Leafs got caught looking ahead to this big game. The Maple Leafs had won 5 straight games before that defeat and they bounce right back here with a huge road win. Take advantage of the value with the small line here as the Bruins injury situation continues to plague them against a top tier (and much healthier) team! 10* TORONTO |
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12-07-18 | Sharks -120 v. Stars | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -120 | 11 h 45 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Friday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (-) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - The Sharks are seeking revenge here as they lost at Dallas earlier this season plus the Stars beat them in San Jose in their final match-up last season. The fact this game is on the road is keeping the line at a very reasonable range and I'll gladly lay the short money line price with the Sharks as they seek payback in this one. Dallas has lost 8 of 12 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Also, the Stars have lost 33 of 50 when they're off a game they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. The Sharks have won 10 of 15 when off a non-conference game this season. San Jose has won 18 of their last 29 December games. The Sharks have been better on the power play than the Stars this season. Also, prior to the big win for Dallas Monday, they had been held to scoring 2 or less goals in 7 of their 10 previous games. The Sharks have scored 3 or more goals in 18 of their last 23 games! The small road favorite is also the much healthier team in this match-up. Lay it! 10* SAN JOSE |
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12-06-18 | Blue Jackets v. Flyers -105 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #6 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is the Flyers ONE AND ONLY home game in a span of 3 weeks (Nov 27th through Dec 18th). That said, Philly wants to make this one count and they also have extra motivation after all the changes going on. The changes at General Manager and in the assistant coaching ranks means that it is "put up or shut up" time for the Flyers. They already responded in positive fashion with a big win at Pittsburgh over the rival Penguins to get December off to a winning start. Though it may seem like a bad idea to grab Philly off a win over the rival Pens, keep in mind they have been off for 4 full days since that game and the home ice factor here is a big one here too given their schedule. The other key to the play is catching the Blue Jackets in a tough spot. Not only is Columbus off an embarrassing 9-6 loss that will be tough to regroup from due to blowing a 4-1 lead, the Blue Jackets have a huge game on deck. Columbus has a game with the Stanley Cup champion Capitals on deck. While it is true the Jackets already got some measure of revenge for losing to the Caps in the post-season by virtue of a win at Washington, this will be the first time since that spring series that Columbus will be hosting the Capitals. In other words, it is a clear lookahead spot for the Jackets. Conversely, there is no way the Flyers look past CBJ here as the Blue Jackets did defeat Philly earlier this season so this is a revenge game for a Philly team that is hell-bent on turning their season back around while it is still early enough in the season to do so! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-05-18 | Hurricanes +130 v. Sharks | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 19 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Wednesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 10:35 PM ET - The Sharks are in a tough situational spot. San Jose is off a road trip back east that wrapped up in Montreal. On deck they have another road trip - a quick 2-game trip that begins two time zones over in Dallas. This stand alone home game is a tough one as a result and, prior to defeating the Canadiens, San Jose had lost 4 straight games and allowed an average of 5 goals per game. The Hurricanes are off back to back losses but they previously had won 4 of their last 5. Also, unlike the Sharks, the Canes have been playing great in their own end. Carolina has allowed 2 or less goals in 6 of their last 7 games. In other words, this is great line value on the road dog! The Hurricanes are 3-0 the last 3 times they've been off a loss by a multiple goal margin. San Jose is 3-6 this season when playing with two days of rest between games and the Sharks are 5-10 in non-conference action this season. 10* CAROLINA |
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12-01-18 | Flyers +160 v. Penguins | Top | 4-2 | Win | 160 | 9 h 11 m | Show |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers blew a 3-1 third period lead against the Senators in a 4-3 loss hosting Ottawa Tuesday. This is likely rock bottom for Philly. They have fired their general manager (and others!) and have been cleaning house at the management level. Suffice to say, the players know it is time to respond. Getting goalie Michal Neuvirth back is a positive plus another positive is that #1 goalie Brian Elliott is likely to be back in the near future. The Penguins have goalie issues of their own here as Matt Murray is out with an injury. The Pens have been struggling too and that is what I like about the big dog value here with the more desperate and hungry team, the Flyers, on the road and looking to avenge the playoff ouster at the hands of the Penguins last season. The road team has won 5 straight meetings between these teams and 7 of the last 9. Also, Pittsburgh is 1-5 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. The Penguins are also 1-6 this season in games against teams with a losing record! The Flyers have won 17 of 27 December games the past two years. Look for them to get this December off to a positive start as well as they get a measure of revenge against their hated in-state rivals! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-30-18 | Ducks +170 v. Hurricanes | Top | 2-1 | Win | 170 | 9 h 20 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Friday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - Both teams have won 4 of their last 5 games but it is the Ducks whom are a huge dog here just because the game is being played at Carolina. Keep in mind, the Ducks have won 4 straight meetings with the Hurricanes and, also, Anaheim has won each of their last 4 visits to Carolina. In other words, this is phenomenal line value on the Ducks and I love this big dog opportunity because we also have a goal-tending edge here. Carolina is likely to go with Curtis McElhinney between the pipes. He has just an .854 save percentage against Western Conference teams this season. Anaheim is likely to go with John Gibson in the crease for this one. The Ducks have won 4 of his 6 starts against Eastern Conference teams this season and Gibson has a stellar .941 save percentage in those games. Carolina has lost 22 of 38 when playing with 2 days of rest between games. While the Canes are off two days of rest and playing what is just a standalone home game, Anaheim is in a rhythm right now and making the most of their season long 5-game road trip. The Ducks make it 5 in a row against the Canes! 10* ANAHEIM |
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11-28-18 | Sharks +140 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 3-5 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Wednesday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - I am well aware of the fact that Auston Matthews may come back for Toronto tonight. However, the Maple Leafs are off back to back wins including a key divisional win over the Bruins in their most recent game. That said, look for San Jose to prove to be the hungrier team tonight. The Sharks are in a back to back spot here but are off a loss last night at Buffalo where they rallied from a 2-goal deficit in the 3rd period to earn one point before falling in OT against the Sabres. San Jose is fired up after it was too little too late last night and they also are playing with revenge here because the Maple Leafs beat the Sharks 5-3 out west two weeks ago. Now meeting again back east look for payback for San Jose. The Sharks are off back to back losses and that certainly holds significance here as they are a perfect 3-0 this season when off back to back losses. The combined score of those 3 victories was 12 to 5. Also, San Jose has won 8 of 11 games this season when off a non-conference game. The Maple Leafs are off back to back home wins but previously were just 5-5 in their last 10 home games. Truly they've been a better team away from home this season and I feel we've got great line value here with a Sharks team that has underachieved so far this season and is in the perfect spot for a bounce back. Yes, #2 goalie Aaron Dell struggled in his most recent start but this two prior starts saw him produce a shutout each time! 10* SAN JOSE |
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11-27-18 | Hurricanes v. Canadiens +103 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 57 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #56 Tuesday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - The Canadiens have lost 4 straight games but they have faced a tough slate of games and I expect Montreal to bounce back strong here on home ice. Keep in mind the Hurricanes are an ugly 2-6 in their last 8 road games! As for the Habs, they were 6-3 in their last 9 home games prior to losing by a single goal to both the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals and tough division rival Bruins. Tuesday I look for Montreal to get sweet revenge for getting swept last season in their three games against Carolina. The Canadiens have won 6 of 8 games this season when off a divisional game. The Hurricanes have lost 34 of 56 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Also, Carolina has lost 30 of their last 43 Tuesday games. More road struggles expected for the Canes tonight against a VERY hungry revenge-seeking Canadiens team. 10* MONTREAL |
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11-26-18 | Capitals v. Islanders +101 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 35 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #8 Monday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - I love this match-up with Coach Barry Trotz on home ice with the Islanders taking on the club that wouldn't reward him for his work leading the team to the Stanley Cup Championship last season. So Trotz ended up with the Islanders and is doing a great job there showing the value of his coaching. Though Washington is starting to turn the corner after a slow start, I feel this is a bad spot for them. The Capitals have lost 4 of 5 this season when off a divisional game plus they are likely without Evgeny Kuznetsov tonight as the center is listed as doubtful. The Islanders have won 9 of 10 divisional games this season and you know Trotz (and other coaching staff he also brought from the Caps) have had this particular divisional game circled in red! Also, the Isles have won 42 of 67 (including 6 of 9 this season) when they are off a divisional game. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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11-25-18 | Flames -117 v. Coyotes | Top | 6-1 | Win | 100 | 6 h 29 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 3:05 ET - The Flames lost their last visit to Arizona by 3 goals. Calgary also lost their most recent game against the Coyotes and that was on home ice in April. The point is that the Flames have plenty of motivation here and I also like backing them off a shutout loss. Calgary lost at Vegas Friday and needs to bounce back here. The Flames will take advantage of facing a Coyotes team that has lost 3 straight games and 7 of their last 9. Calgary, prior to being shutout by the Golden Knights, had won 3 straight games and 8 of their last 11. Look for the Flames to improve to 6-2 this season when off a divisional game. As for the Coyotes, they have lost 60 of 89 games when they face a team with a winning record. Also, Arizona has lost 60 of 88 long-term when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. They Coyotes have scored an average of only 1.4 goals per game their last 5 games. The Flames, prior to the shutout loss in Sin City, had scored an average of 5.7 goals per game their last 3 games. This one has the makings of a road rout. 10* CALGARYÂ |
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11-21-18 | Flyers +100 v. Sabres | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7 ET - Oftentimes the first game back on home ice after a lengthy road trip is the toughest. That said, though Buffalo has won 6 straight games (including all 3 on a just-completed road trip), this is likely a tough spot for the Sabres. The Flyers are making a change at goalie to Alex Lyon and I like this move. Philly has been generating a lot of offense in recent games but troubles between the pipes have been a big issue for Philadelphia and I expect this move to pay immediate dividends. Many times a goalie change can spark a team and the Flyers need that change inside their own zone to complement how well they've been playing in the offensive zone. Philadelphia is 3-0-1 in their last 4 road games and they come into this game extra hungry off an OT loss to the Lightning on home ice. As for Buffalo, they just beat the Penguins in comeback fashion and that type of win over a perennial Stanley Cup contender could leave the Sabres flat here. All in all, a very nice set up for the Flyers. Philly has taken 2 of 3 games with Buffalo each of the past two seasons. The Sabres have lost 34 of 50 when off a game where they scored 4 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-09-18 | Blue Jackets +115 v. Capitals | Top | 2-1 | Win | 115 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Friday 10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Revenge game for Columbus as the Capitals eliminated from the post-season last year. The Blue Jackets actually had a 2-0 lead in the series before losing 4 straight games. The road team won 5 of the 6 games in the series and I am happy to grab the underdog money line value here with the road team in this first match-up of this season as well. Columbus catches the Capitals off a win over the Penguins and that is always a big game for the Caps. Washington won 2-1 thanks to a late goal but they were outplayed in the game and were outshot 42-22. The Blue Jackets are well-rested here and have won 29 of 44 when they enter a game having had two days of rest between games. The Capitals are off back to back wins for the first time this season but, as you can see from the shots on goal, they were fortunate to beat the Penguins. Also, prior to these back to back wins in Washington, the Caps had lost 3 of their last 4 on home ice and 6 of their last 9 overall. Fiery Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella will have his boys ready to go here and I don't see them being denied in this key revenge opportunity. 10* COLUMBUS |
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11-06-18 | Stars +140 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 13 m | Show |
Next Level - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Stars are off a tough loss at Boston last night where they allowed the game-winning goal late in overtime when the Bruins were on a two-man advantage. This will only strengthen the resolve of Dallas here as the Stars have been playing extremely well and they have revenge on their minds here. Columbus has held the upper hand in recent seasons against the Stars. However, the Blue Jackets just returned from a West Coast trip. The first game back east after a trip out west is often the toughest and Columbus wasn't overly impressive on their trip. In fact they were fortunate to salvage a point out of the final game of the trip and easily could have ended up 1-2 on the 3-game roadie. Dallas is 5-1-1 their last 7 games and is going to take advantage of a Blue Jackets team that has lost 5 of its last 8 games. So far this season the Stars power play has been much better than that of Columbus. Additionally, the Dallas penalty kill also rates the edge over that of the Blue Jackets. It has been over two weeks since the Stars have lost B2B games and I expect them to get right back on track tonight. 10* DALLAS |
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10-30-18 | Bruins +115 v. Hurricanes | Top | 3-2 | Win | 115 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - This is the perfect spot for a big play on Boston. The Bruins are off a home shutout loss versus the Canadiens despite having a double digit edge in shots on goal. Boston has had two days of rest since then and this game is followed by 3 days of rest which precedes a game against a Western Conference foe. In other words, there is no doubt that the Bruins are fully focused on this game. That is bad news for the Hurricanes as Carolina lost all 3 games with Boston last season and the Canes allowed an average of 5.7 goals per game in those 3 contests. Carolina has lost 4 of its last 6 games and they have lost 53 of their last 88 against teams with a winning record. The Hurricanes also have lost 28 of 41 Tuesday night games. Boston is the much better team on special teams in comparison with the Canes as they have a strong edge early this season both on the power play and on the penalty kill. The Bruins also have won 20 of 27 when playing with two days of rest between games. Look for a road rout here. 10* BOSTON |
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10-28-18 | Sharks -135 v. Ducks | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 1 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (-) @ Anaheim Ducks @ 8:05 ET - On the season it is a miracle that the Ducks even have the "decent" record they do. No team is putting fewer pucks on net and no team is allowing more shots on goal than Anaheim. That said, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Ducks have lost 4 straight games and 6 of their last 8. Now they must face an angry bunch of Sharks on Sunday and I don't expect this to go well for Anaheim. San Jose is off a road loss at Carolina (in OT) where they had leads of 2-0 and 3-1 and yet only could earn a point with the regulation tie. Coming off a loss is not the only motivation of the Sharks here. San Jose lost 5-2 to the Ducks to ruin their home opener and that was despite a 33-15 edge in shots on goal. Of course Anaheim was seeking revenge for last season's playoff sweep at the hands of the Sharks and they got it even though they were outshot by a more than 2 to 1 ratio! The fact is San Jose deserved better in that game and they will get the better of the Ducks in "round two" of their regular season match-ups tonight! Prior to the early October loss to the Ducks, San Jose had won 6 straight games against them. Also, the Sharks are 5-1 in their last 6 games at Anaheim. Lay it! 10* SAN JOSE SHARKS |
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10-26-18 | Lightning -108 v. Golden Knights | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 0 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 6:05 ET - This is a special early start game (3:05 PT) Friday in Vegas as it is Nevada Day which is a holiday celebrating Nevada's statehood anniversary. In any event the early start time only helps Tampa Bay as it is played at 6 PM on their body clocks (ET) and, the fact is, the Lightning didn't really need any help here! They are playing fantastic hockey and limiting opponents chances and have been superb on special teams. TB has a 97% penalty kill rate and a 25.8% power play conversion rate. The Golden Knights have been solid on the penalty kill at 84% but are only scoring on 10.9% of their power plays! Vegas also is in trouble here from a double revenge standpoints. The Golden Knights won both games with the Bolts last season including on a late goal with 3 seconds left in their lone meeting in Vegas. The point is that the Lightning have plenty of motivation and this is a very strong hockey club that many expect to challenge for the Stanley Cup this season! The Lightning have won 29 of 42 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Vegas has lost 4 of their 6 games against Eastern Conference foes this season and are definitely in a "sophomore slump" in their 2nd season in the league. It will be tough for them to repeat last year's success as everyone is gunning for them this season and that includes these Bolts! 10* TAMPA BAY |
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10-24-18 | Panthers +101 v. Islanders | Top | 3-2 | Win | 101 | 10 h 53 m | Show |
NHL Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Panthers, last night notwithstanding, have played much better than their record so far this season indicates. Of course that is why the odds makers (much sharper than the public) opened up with Florida as the favorite in this one! Now the line, as of early game day morning, has swung around to the Islanders as the favorite. This comes as no surprise to me and I love the Panthers in this spot. Even though this is a back to back for Florida, the situation absolutely favors them. The Islanders have been complaining about too much time off between games and they enter this one having been off for 3 straight days. Too much rest can take away your "game legs" and you just tend to not skate as well and you don't adjust as quickly to the action on the ice. Look for the Panthers to get the early jump on the Isles here and then keep their foot on the gas on the way to a big road win. Florida is so hungry for a strong performance after the tough one against the Rangers last night. The Panthers outhshot the Rangers but came up on the wrong end of the scoreboard but look for a stronger effort between the pipes tonight. In home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals, the Islanders have lost 24 of 36 games! The road team has won 5 of the last 6 meetings between these teams and the Panthers won their two games here last year by a combined score of 7 to 1. Look for another road rout here. 10* FLORIDA |
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10-23-18 | Sharks +116 v. Predators | Top | 5-4 | Win | 116 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #59 Tuesday NHL 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - Of course this money line will entice people to take Nashville on home ice laying a short price. After all, the Sharks have lost 11 of their last 12 games in this building and the one win came in the shootout. However, San Jose is a very strong hockey team that is catching Nashville at the perfect time. The Predators are off a great road trip where their head coach challenged them and they delivered. I suspect they may not have enough left in the tank here to get past the hungry Sharks. Keep in mind, Nashville's Juuse Saros has been playing great between the pipes as Pekka Rinne is out right now but there is a reason Saros is the back-up and not the starter. Also, the Preds have the best record in the NHL at 7-1 so far but Nashville has played only 2 playoff teams from last season. In fact the non-playoff teams they've faced all finished 11th or worse in their respective conference standings last season. Though the Predators have a great goal differential this season note that their shot differential is only +1.6 a game while the Sharks have dominated in shot differential as they've registered a +12.3 shots per game. This is a great value spot with the Sharks and they catch the Preds feeling over-confident after the great road trip they just had. Nashville has lost 12 of 20 (-7.9 units!) when off a shutout win. Sharks have won 23 of their last 34 Tuesday games. 10* SAN JOSE |
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10-20-18 | Lightning -133 v. Wild | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -133 | 9 h 6 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Saturday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8 ET - This is a back to back spot for Minnesota so that means back-up goalie Alex Stalock is likely to get the start. If the Wild do instead decide to go with Devan Dubnyk it would be a tough spot for him as he'll be going on back to back nights and with travel involved and with coming off a tough game at Dallas that definitely involved exerting a lot of effort. This is Tampa Bay's first road game of the season and they are one of the top teams in the NHL and ready to use this 5-game road trip to the north and then west as a proving ground that this team is ready for "next level". Truly the Bolts have been close in recent seasons and they are very healthy right now (also got Ryan Callahan back) and, unlike Minnesota, they are well rested here too. The Lightning are 0-5-1 in their last 6 trips here so it is time to prove themselves on the road against the Wild. They did beat Stalock when they hosted Minny early last season. The Wild have lost 27 of 45 Saturday games and also have lost 18 of their last 31 when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Lightning have won 47 of their last 78 games against teams with a losing record and they are priced very well here as a rather small favorite. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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10-11-18 | Avalanche -104 v. Sabres | Top | 6-1 | Win | 100 | 13 h 5 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Thursday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7 ET - The Avalanche are in the pick'em price range here and that is offering great line value with the much better team. Of course we get the low line here because the Avs are on the road and I love this spot for a bounce back for Colorado. The Avalanche started Phillip Grubauer in Tuesday's loss at Columbus but Semyon Varlamov should be back between the pipes for this one. Colorado is 2-0 with him in the crease this season and the Avs have won those two games by a combined score of 9-3. The Sabres are off rare back to back wins but note that Buffalo was oushot by a combined tally of 81 to 46. In other words, give some credit to the Sabres but also note that they've been quite fortunate. Sure there have been some changes for both hockey clubs coming into this season but, keep in mind, Buffalo was dead last in the standings last season out of all 31 NHL teams while the Avalanche made the playoffs last year. This is a tremendous value spot for taking the Avs at a great price and I won't pass it up and, in fact, am raising this one to Top Play status due to the superb line value. Sabres off B2B wins and Avalanche off a bad loss where they know they played poorly combines for a great situational spot. 10* COLORADOÂ |
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10-09-18 | Sharks v. Flyers -101 | Top | 8-2 | Loss | -101 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs San Jose Sharks @ 7:05 ET - Even though James van Riemsdyk, the Flyers prized off-season acquisition, is out for this game there is still plenty of positive buzz around this team right now. This is Philadelphia's home opener and the Flyers are in a great scheduling spot here as they've been off since Saturday. Philly is hungry as that Saturday game was a loss at Colorado which followed a fantastic effort on the ice in Vegas on Thursday as they upset the Golden Knights in a very tough barn to play in! Now the Flyers are in bounce back mode and while it is true that the Sharks are also in bounce back mode. It is also true that San Jose is in a tough scheduling spot. This is a back to back spot for the Sharks after they lost 4-0 against the New York Islanders yesterday. The scheduling situation certainly favors the Flyers. Also, San Jose will likely go with back-up goalie Aaron Dell between the pipes in this one as Martin Jones was in goal last night. Though Dell has had success against the Flyers in the past there is certainly a reason he has always been the back-up to Jones in San Jose. Big scheduling edge and great line value here for the home team as the Flyers opened up as the dog in this match-up. Also note that, in terms of special teams, the Sharks have yet to score a power play goal in their 3 games while they've also allowed a 25% conversion rate for their opponents on the power play this season. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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06-07-18 | Capitals +130 v. Golden Knights | Top | 4-3 | Win | 130 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:10 ET - This line was a low as -130 when it first came out and it has now moved to as high as a -150 as of game day morning. This has opened up great value with Washington. Yes, everyone expects Vegas to bounce back because they are on home ice but home ice truly hasn't been that critical in Capitals games this post-season. The fact is the Golden Knights have already had two chances to bounce back and they haven't done it. The result has now been 3 straight losses this season. Although Vegas has never lost 4 straight games this season, Washington is 3-0 in potential close-out games in this post-season and ALL 3 of those wins came on the road. Also, the last 7 times the Capitals have entered a game on a 3-game winning streak, they are a perfect 7-0. Washington hasn't just won the last 3 games against Vegas, they've dominated. The 3-2 win they led 3-0 and the final score didn't reflect how well the Capitals played throughout the game. Then the past two games the Caps have won by a combined score of 9 to 3. As I have said throughout this series, the Capitals and Alex Ovechkin are so hungry for the Cup that has eluded them throughout his great career with Washington. As great of a story as Vegas has been this season, the Capitals have another thing going for them that the Golden Knights absolutely don't and the markets have overlooked this throughout this series. The Caps have a key core group that has played together for many seasons (including post-seasons) in their quest for the Cup. Of course for the Knights this is their inaugural season so it is a much different situation for them. They simply can't match the cohesiveness that the Capitals have. The players on the Caps know each others tendencies so well from playing together for many seasons. That is why their passing and ability to look crisp on the ice and "make the plays" has been so much better than the Knights throughout this series. With how well that the Capitals have played on the road throughout these playoffs, it is only fitting that the series will indeed end tonight with yet another Caps victory on enemy ice. The Capitals have allowed 2 goals or less in 5 of their last 6 games. The Golden Knights have not held the Caps to less than 3 goals in any of these games as Vegas is allowing an average of 4 goals per game. More of the same in what proves to be the final game of this post-season. 10* WASHINGTON |
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05-30-18 | Capitals +135 v. Golden Knights | Top | 3-2 | Win | 135 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - The Capitals are 4-1 (80%) in this post-season when trailing in a playoff series. Washington is a long-term 71-37 when playing with revenge and that includes 28-14 (67%) this season. After a loss by 2 goals or more, the Caps are 34-18 the past 3 seasons combined. While credit must be given to the Golden Knights for certain, I have never seen a team have so much "puck luck" throughout a post-season. Vegas has had "lady luck" on their side to say the least and a critical missed penalty in the 3rd period directly resulted in the Golden Knights game-tying goal. They never should have won Game 1. They won't win Game 2. They were out-hit in Game 1 and the Capitals are going to again "lower the boom" in Wednesday's game and Vegas gets pummeled in this one because you can not even begin to imagine the hunger that Alex Ovechkin and Company have for this game. The Golden Knights literally "stole" Game 1 and "payback" comes in a big way Wednesday and I am thrilled to have the generous underdog payback on my side in this one. 10* WASHINGTON |
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05-28-18 | Capitals +130 v. Golden Knights | Top | 4-6 | Loss | -100 | 24 h 41 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Monday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - One may think that the Golden Knights have a rest "edge" here since they certainly have had more rest than the Capitals heading into this game. However, as has been stated many times in the past, rest can lead to "rust" when it is excessive. In this case, Washington has had 3 days off which is a nice break and adequate to heal up. As for Vegas, they have had a full week off! This is the perfect amount of time off to lose your edge, lose crispness of passes, lose the "flow of the game" because no matter how much a team practices it is simply not the same as doing game time "battle" on the ice. Keep in mind the Golden Knights lost Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Winnipeg and it had a lot to do with a sluggish start to the series because Vegas had been off for nearly a full week. Also, note that Washington is off of back to back shutouts and they are now 16-4 in recent seasons (including 3-0 this season) when they enter a game off of a shutout win. Also, Caps games have recorded 3 straight unders and the Capitals are 16-6 in recent seasons (including 6-1 this season) when they enter a game on a totals streak of 3 or more consecutive unders. Since the calendar turned the page to 2018, the Golden Knights have had 10 games where they were playing with 2 or more days of rest between games. They've won only 4 and lost 6 of those games. Much has been made of the Capitals success on the road in these playoffs and the fact is that it is no fluke as Washington actually is on a 15-3 run in road games dating back to early March! Overall, in the Caps playoff games this post-season, the road team has prevailed in 13 of 19 games! That said, there is great line value here as the home ice "edge" always bears a "price" and yet in this case it certainly is not justifiable given the factors above. 10* WASHINGTON |
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05-23-18 | Capitals v. Lightning -140 | Top | 4-0 | Loss | -140 | 27 h 37 m | Show |
THE Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Wednesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - Yes I am going "big" here considering I do play many underdogs in money line sports. However, this situation is so strong in my opinion (with this line dropping from as high as a -155 now down to as low as a -140) as of Tuesday afternoon, that this one demands being played large. The Lightning didn't play all that poorly in Game 6 it was just that the Capitals played out of their minds and certainly a couple breaks went their way as well. Credit is absolutely due to Washington for playing very physical as the game went on and for fighting hard for the home fans and forcing this Game 7. But don't be surprised if that game leaves them spent here. Yes I know it is just "one more game" for each team but the Caps really laid it all on the ice in Game 6 whereas Tampa Bay certainly didn't seem to have that same energy or jump in their skates. Rest assured you will see that from the Lightning Wednesday in Game 7. Lets not forget that Game 6 was Braden Holtby's first shutout of the ENTIRE season not just post-season. As for Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, the loss was certainly not on him as he continued to play great and lets not forget that the Bolts had won 3 straight in this series before that loss. Also, Tampa Bay has won 24 of 34 when playing with revenge this season. Additionally, the Lightning have won 15 of 21 this season when they are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. Washington is 2-4 their last 6 when they are on the road following a game they won by a margin of 3 or more goals. The Capitals notched 34 shots on goal in Game 6 and the Bolts are a fantastic 6-1 the last 7 times they've allowed their opponent 33 or more shots on goal. The Lightning respond, as usual in this type of situation, and this time it means a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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05-21-18 | Lightning +115 v. Capitals | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 3 m | Show |
East Beast - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Monday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - Bolts goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is playing extremely well now after struggling in the series. Certainly he has helped lead the way to 3 straight Tampa Bay wins and I expect his success to continue tonight. Prior to Tampa's Game 5 home win (much more dominant than the final score indicates by the way), the road team in Capitals games was on a 12-4 run! That said, even with Saturday's result included, there has been a strong trend toward no home ice edge in Washington's post-season games. Of course odds makers still give shading to the home team as long-term history supports that. However, that is where value comes into play and we have it again here as the Bolts are the better team, getting better goaltending, and playing with a ton of confidence right now. The Capitals are enduring another one of their famed post-season collapses in a series and that sets this one up well for a road rout. The Lightning are 10-4 (including 5-1 this season) when leading in a playoff series. Dating back to March 30th, the Capitals have lost 7 of their last 11 home games. Also, in their last 8 games the Capitals have scored only 5 power play goals but have allowed 10. The Bolts surge continues and the Caps season ends tonight. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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05-20-18 | Golden Knights v. Jets -133 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -133 | 15 h 45 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #8 Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (-) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 3:05 ET - The very first money line that came out on this game was in the wee hours of the morning Saturday soon after Vegas had won Game 4 on Friday night. The opener was a 170 and this line is now down to as low as a 133 as of the wee hours of the morning on game day. This is offering insane value to the home team. Yes the Golden Knights have won 3 straight in this series but the Jets are known for responding on home ice. That said, while credit is certainly due to Vegas and particularly goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for his fantastic goaltending performance of late, the fact remains that Winnipeg has made mistakes that have led to easy goals for the Knights. I don't see those same mistakes continuing and that is particularly true on home ice where Winnipeg has been so dominant all season. In fact, when the Jets are playing on home ice following a loss, they have won 14 of 15 games this season. I just don't see them being eliminated north of the border. The Golden Knights are going to get the Jets "best" in this game and that means a result similar to the Game 1 blowout here in Winnipeg. The big drop on the price from the opener has allowed me to raise this play to my highest level. Tremendous value here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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05-18-18 | Jets +107 v. Golden Knights | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 1 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - The Jets are 8-2 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. Winnipeg is going to carry momentum to Game 4 from their huge effort in the 3rd period of Game 3 on Wednesday. In that game the Golden Knights scored early on a bit of a "fluke" play that led to a turnover. Then Vegas was buoyed by some incredible saves by Marc-Andre Fleury as well as some help from the pipe making saves and there have been quite a few that have rung off the post or cross-bar in this series. The Jets have won 12 of 16 Friday games. They have won 32 of 46 when playing with revenge and also Winnipeg has won 13 of 19 when coming off of a loss by a margin of 2 goals or more. Even with the win on Wednesday, Vegas is just 2-4 the last 6 times they've been off of a victory by a margin of 2 or more goals. The Jets are known as a high-scoring team and, prior to these past two games, Golden Knights goalie Fleury had allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of his last 6 games. The Jets are an incredible 10-1 this season when they enter a game having been held to 2 goals or less in 2 or more consecutive games. 10* WINNIPEG |
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05-17-18 | Lightning +103 v. Capitals | Top | 4-2 | Win | 103 | 12 h 32 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #59 Thursday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - The road ice edge belongs to Tampa Bay in this one. All kidding aside, road teams continue to dominate in Washington's post-season games. The road team has won 11 of the Capitals 15 playoff games. As for the Lightning, they lost their first road game of the post-season but they certainly haven't looked back nor dwelled on it. The Bolts have since won 4 straight playoff games away from home! Long-term, Tampa Bay is 24-11 when trailing in a playoff series and the way they played in Game 3 has the Capitals feeling like "oh no...here we go again" as they've been known for playoff collapses in recent seasons. It is because of this key factor that all the pressure is on the Caps here. Washington knows they can ill afford to go back down to Tampa Bay with this series now tied. This is a lot of pressure to deal with and the Capitals are likely to be squeezing the sticks a little tight in this one! Conversely, the Lightning are feeling rejuvenated and alive with energy and confidence after getting back into the series with a resounding Game 3 win. The Bolts are 34-15 this season when off of a game where they scored at least 4 goals. Look for TB to stay hot here. Dating all the way back to December 1st there have been only two occurrences where the Lightning won only 1 game. In other words, they've been consistently building streaks over the past 5 and 1/2 months. When they win a game it is usually the beginning of at least a 2-game streak and I expect that to prove to be the case again here. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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05-16-18 | Jets +125 v. Golden Knights | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 20 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 9:05 ET - The Jets are a perfect 3-0 in this post-season when tied up in a series. Also, Winnipeg is 32-13 this season when playing with revenge. When off of a loss by a multiple goal margin this season the Jets have responded by going 13-5 in their next game. The Golden Knights are off the big 3-1 road win Monday but previously were just 18-14 in their 32 prior games. The Jets have not lost back to back games since mid-March. Since then, Winnipeg is a perfect 6-0 when off of a loss. Also, the Jets were a long-term 20-5 their last 25 games before that poor result in Game 2 on home ice. Winnipeg responds big here. Yes Vegas is a tough venue to play in but the Jets are 7-2 in their last 9 road games and the Golden Knights have lost 6 of their last 15 home games. In other words, it is not like Vegas is unbeatable on home ice and I love getting the plus money value here with the team I absolutely expect to represent the Western Conference in the Finals. The Jets had more regular season points than any other team that still remains in the playoffs and, keep in mind, they won that huge Game 7 at Nashville (the #1 seeded team) to get to this point. The Jets will be ready here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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05-15-18 | Lightning +107 v. Capitals | Top | 4-2 | Win | 107 | 21 h 39 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - Though the Capitals pleaded with the league front office to allow them to play Game 3 in Tampa Bay, NHL officials demanded that the game game take place in Washington. I jest of course but the fact is that the Capitals have been great on the road in these playoffs and certainly have not played well on home ice. The road team has won 10 of the Caps 14 post-season games thus far. The Lighting, embarrassed by the way they played on home ice thus far in this series, are certainly going to come to play tonight on the road at Washington! The Bolts are 22-9 this season when off of a loss. That includes 6-2 when Tampa Bay is entering a game off of 2 or more consecutive defeats. The Lightning went 23-10 this season when playing with revenge and that includes 11-4 when it is home loss revenge. After a loss by a margin of 2 goals or more the Lightning went 14-6 this season. When off of B2B losses by 2 or more goals (RARE!) the Bolts went 3-1 this season. When the Capitals enter a game on a winning streak of 4 or more games they went 2-6 this season! The Lightning are simply too strong of a hockey team to not "circle the wagons" and get back into this series with a win. I look for that win to come tonight in Game 3 and we're getting great line value since they are on the road. 10* TAMPA BAYÂ |
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05-10-18 | Jets +140 v. Predators | Top | 5-1 | Win | 140 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - The Jets are 30-13 this season when playing with revenge. After getting blasted 4-0 on home ice Monday, they've had two days in between games so there is plenty of aggression ready to be unleashed on the ice Thursday. That said, in this Game 7 I look for Winnipeg to come out flying. Keep in mind the Jets have scored at least 3 goals in 6 of their last 7 visits to Nashville. There is certainly not a big home ice for the Predators here. The Jets have averaged 4 goals per game in their last 7 games here. The Preds have actually been held to 2 goals or less in 3 of their last 4 home games. In this series the road team has actually outshot the home team in 5 of the 6 games. I feel we're getting excellent line value here with the sizable road dog. The net edge in shots on goal in this series is 10 extra shots per game for the road team. On average every 10 shots usually equates to 1 goal. Give the road team the 1 goal edge here and look for Winnipeg to fire back strong after what happened in Game 6 north of the border. The Predators have lost 14 of 21 when tied in a playoff series. Also, Nashville has lost 14 of 24 (-$7,800) when off of a shutout win. The Jets are 12-5 this season when off of a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals this season and they bounce back strong here to advance to the Western Conference finals. 10* WINNIPEG |
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05-07-18 | Predators v. Jets -145 | Top | 4-0 | Loss | -145 | 14 h 25 m | Show |
Best Bet Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Monday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (-) vs Nashville Predators @ 9:35 ET - Many books opened this one up in the -160 range and yet the markets had pushed this as low as a -140. As of game day morning there are still some books as low as a -145 on this one. The fact is that the markets are still grasping on to the fact that the Predators made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals last spring. However, Nashville is not the hockey club they were last year and the Jets are on home ice where they've dominated. Winnipeg lost their most recent game on home ice (in Game 4) but the Jets had previously won 13 straight at home! What is amazing about this 13-1 run is that Winnipeg has allowed an average of just 2 goals per game! It is no wonder they've dominated on home ice with numbers like that because this is a Jets team that has averaged 4 goals per game on home ice this season! While Winnipeg is so tough on home ice, note that the Predators have now allowed 4 or more goals in 4 of the 5 games in this series! Pekka Rinne is struggling between the pipes and the Preds production on offense is also down as they've been held to 2 goals or less in 4 of their last 7 games. The home team has had more shots on goal in 4 of the 5 games in this series and the average margin has been 14 shots in those 4 games! With the Jets being the best team on home ice all season long (and yet losing their most recent game here), they are well worth laying the price here as they bring their top effort of the series in an effort close it out tonight at home. 10* WINNIPEG |
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05-06-18 | Golden Knights v. Sharks -140 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -140 | 11 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #66 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (-) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:35 ET - No team has won 2 straight games in this series and I look for that pattern to continue here. The Sharks are 21-9 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 or more goals. Also, when on home ice in that situation, it has been a perfect 4-0 run the last 4 occurrences. The Golden Knights are 4-5 their last 9 road games. Vegas has been held to 1 goal or less in 5 of last 9 road games. The Golden Knights have allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of last 7 games away from home. In Game 5 on home ice Vegas won the shots on goal battle but that was the first time since Game 1 and that first game had an edge of only 1 shot for the Golden Knights. The Sharks actually had outshot Vegas by 27 shots on goal in Games 2 through 4 and they'll wrestle back the momentum here on home ice where San Jose has won 13 of their last 18 games. With a very fair price here (moderate favorite), the Sharks are well worth the investment in this elimination game situation. 10* SAN JOSE |
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05-05-18 | Jets +145 v. Predators | Top | 6-2 | Win | 145 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Saturday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 9:45 ET - The Jets won Game 1 in Nashville as Pekka Rinne had a bad game. Since then these teams have alternated wins and losses but Winnipeg has actually outshot the Predators in all 3 games. The Jets hold an edge of 128 to 100 in shots on goal over the Preds in the last 3 games. The road team has won 4 of the last 8 meetings between these teams and clearly there has been no home ice edge in recent match-ups between these teams. Keep in mind, in 2nd round games for all these series, the road team actually has won more than the home team. There continues to be value with road teams in the right spot and that is particularly true when they are the better team. I am convinced that Winnipeg is the better team in comparison with Nashville and we're getting a sizable plus money return here. Keep in mind, the Jets have held the Predators to 2 goals or less in 2 of the 4 games in this series. As for the Preds, prior to their Game 4 win, they had not held the Jets to less than 4 goals in any of the 4 prior games. In fact, Winnipeg averaged scoring 5 goals per game in those 4 games. Look for another offensive explosion from the Jets here as they come out firing on all cylinders after the 2-1 loss in Game 4 snapped a 13-game winning streak on home ice. The Jets are 29-13 this season when playing with revenge. Nashville is a long-term 7-13 when tied in a playoff series. 10* WINNIPEG |
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05-04-18 | Lightning +145 v. Bruins | Top | 4-3 | Win | 145 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The public is going to be all over the Bruins here. After all, they are on home ice and down 2-1 in this series. It is basically a must win for Boston. Here is the problem with that theory. The Lightning have proved throughout this series that they are the better and much deeper team. The only reason Tampa Bay lost Game 1 was because goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy had a rare poor game between the pipes. He certainly has bounced back, as expected, since then and the Bolts have dominated play throughout this series. Not only have the Bolts outshot the Bruins in every game in this series, it has been a decided edge. Tampa Bay has a 104-73 edge in shots on goal and yes that averages an edge of 10 extra shots on goal per game compared to Boston. I look for more of the same here. The Lightning are 21-6 in second round playoff games and also 8-4 (including 3-1 this season) when leading in a playoff series. Look for the Bruins to drop to 1-3 when trailing in a playoff series. Also, Boston is only 29-34 (-$15,100) when playing with home loss revenge. 10* TAMPA BAYÂ |
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05-03-18 | Capitals +150 v. Penguins | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 30 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The public is going to be on Pittsburgh here. The Penguins are the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions and are in a 2-1 hole on home ice. Of course with the public backing Pittsburgh you know where my money is but it is not without good logic. The fact is that the Tom Wilson suspension for the Capitals could have an interesting impact here. Are the Penguins ready to battle back in this series or will they get caught playing too physical trying to retaliate for the Wilson hit that broke the jaw of Zach Aston-Reese? The fact is that this could actually prove to be a bit of a distraction for the Pens. As for the Caps, they've had so much playoff disappointment there is no way Alex Ovechkin and Company aren't coming out strong in this one. Washington knows they can not afford to take their foot off the gas and what I particularly love about the value in this play is that there is always significant shading toward the home team in hockey and yet it doesn't add up here! The road team has won 7 of the last 10 playoff games in this match-up. With their win in Game 3, Washington now has wins in 3 of their last 4 playoff games played at Pittsburgh. Remember last year's series went 7 games and the road team won 5 of those. The road team is 2-1 so far in his year's series and the Capitals Braden Holtby has been sharper than the Penguins Matt Murray so far in this series. 10* WASHINGTON |
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05-02-18 | Lightning +120 v. Bruins | Top | 4-1 | Win | 120 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Wednesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Bolts outshot the Bruins by a combined 67-44 in the two games in Tampa. However, they only have a 1-1 split to show for it and that means TB must get at least 1 win in Boston to wrestle back the home ice edge in this series. Look for that win to come tonight. The Lightning are 7 for 25 (28%) on the power play in road games dating back to late March. In their last 19 penalty kills on the road, the Bolts have conceded just 2 goals! The Bruins are on an overall 3 for 16 run on the power play their last 7 games. Very few chances and a conversion rated below 20%! Also, Boston has allowed 5 power play goals on their opponents last 15 chances with the man advantage. Allowing opponents to convert 33% of power play opportunities is bad news! The Bruins are 15-17 (-$10,600) when tied in a playoff series and I feel they are again over-priced in that role here at home. In second round playoff games, the Lightning are an incredible 20-6 (+$13,200) and I'll gladly grab the underdog value here with the team playing better overall hockey, getting better goaltending, and playing better on special teams as well. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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05-01-18 | Capitals +120 v. Penguins | Top | 4-3 | Win | 120 | 9 h 21 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Tuesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - The Capitals got the Game 2 win on home ice. However, road teams have dominated the post-season games involving BOTH the Caps and the Pens in these playoffs. Prior to the Game 2 result, the Penguins prior 6 post-season games had seen the road team go a perfect 6-0! As for Washington, the road team had won 6 of their 7 prior post-season games! Pittsburgh is the more banged up team entering this contest. While Washington's Tom Wilson is probable (no suspension), the Penguins have 3 players listed as questionable for tonight's game. Brian Dumoulin, Carl Hagelin, and Evgeni Malkin are all dealing with injuries. The Pens are just 1 for 15 on the power play their last 5 games. The Capitals have converted 10 of their last 31 power plays. Look for the road dominance involving both of these hockey clubs to continue here. 10* WASHINGTON |
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04-30-18 | Bruins v. Lightning -145 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 10 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NHL Game #16 Monday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning lost game one badly on home ice but actually outshot the Bruins 36 to 24. Off of a rare sub-par game, Andrei Vasilevskiy will bounce back between the pipes tonight for Tampa Bay. The Bolts are 10-3 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, the Lightning are 43-25 (including 13-5 this season) when off of a loss by a margin of two goals or more. The Bruins are a long-term 64-87 in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Also, Boston is 2-4 when leading in a playoff series. The Lightning are 4-0 the last 4 times they've been held to two goals or less in a game. I just don't see TB going down 2 games to 0 on home ice to open up this series. That said, even though -145 is a moderate price range, I am fully comfortable elevating the rating on this one to my Top Play level. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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04-27-18 | Jets +136 v. Predators | Top | 4-1 | Win | 136 | 14 h 23 m | Show |
Top Play Special - Rickenbach NHL Game #83 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - The home team will get plenty of love here from the markets but the Jets have won 4 of their last 5 road games and I was more impressed with the Minnesota club they beat then the Avalanche team the Predators got past in the first round. Yes the Avs have some talent but they didn't have their starting goalie and then they lost their #2 goalie during the series and yet the Predators still were taken to 6 games in that series. What the Jets did against the Wild was much more impressive as, keep in mind, Colorado barely even made it into the post-season and their goalie situation was troublesome. Both Winnipeg and Nashville enter this series off of shutout wins to end their prior respective series. The Predators have lost 13 of 23 (-$6,200) when off of a shutout win in recent seasons while the Jets have won 6 of 8 this season when off of a shutout victory. The Preds only 11-11 in Friday games in recent seasons while Winnipeg has won 11 of 15 Friday games this season. The Jets enters this series having converted 3 of last 12 power plays while the Predators are 0 for 9 with the man advantage in their last 3 games. Also, Pekka Rinne had a couple of rough games in the Avs series while Connor Hellebuyck has had only 1 bad start in his last 7 starts. I like the value with the underdog here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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04-26-18 | Penguins v. Capitals -120 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -120 | 10 h 29 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #88 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are without Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin for this game. The Capitals have playoff revenge from last year when they rallied back against the Penguins (after being down 3-1 in series) but lost Game 7 on home ice. The Caps will be ready here and they have plenty of momentum after the way they battled with Columbus. Sometimes it actually helps a team to keep playing and not have any extended time off. Right now Washington is in a good cycle with game day and off day basically alternating perfectly. The Capitals did get some extra rest with their clinching win coming Monday. The Penguins wrapped up their series even though as they wrapped up Sunday with the Flyers. The Pens also have extra rest but the losses of Malkin and Hagelin are definitely impacting. The Pens have lost 16 of 29 (-$7,900) this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Both teams have been strong on the penalty kill in this post-season but the Capitals have the edge on the power play. Pittsburgh has converted 6 of 31 with the advantage dating back to their regular season finale. The Capitals have scored on 9 of their last 27 power plays! 10* WASHINGTON |
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04-25-18 | Maple Leafs +155 v. Bruins | Top | 4-7 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 58 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Wednesday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - The Maple Leafs are rolling with confidence right now. Yes the first two games of this series were ugly losses at Boston. However, they won Game 5 here and, overall, have now won 3 of the last 4 games in this series. In those games Toronto has outscored Boston 12-9. After falling behind 3-1 in the series, the Leafs have rallied back to force a Game 7. The confidence of this team, the way that goalie Frederik Andersen has responded after some tough times, the fact that the pressure is on Boston here to avoid another collapse in a playoff series...it all adds up to quite a lot of line value on the underdog Maple Leafs in this one. Toronto has won 8 of the last 12 match-ups between these teams. Andersen was in goal for all but one of those dozen games. Look for him to be a difference maker here. He has a .936 save percentage the last 4 games. As for the Bruins Tuukka Rask, he has an .894 save percentage in the last 4 games. Boston is just 1 for 9 on the power play in the last 4 games while the Maple Leafs are 3 for 10 on the power play in the last 5 games. Of course the Bruins have revenge here after dropping back to back games in this series but they have lost 66 of 119 (money burning -$34,800) when playing with revenge in recent seasons. 10* TORONTO |
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04-23-18 | Capitals v. Blue Jackets +100 | Top | 6-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 44 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #20 Monday 10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - The Blue Jackets outplayed the Capitals in Game 5 but lost. It happens. However, that doesn't change the fact that we're now getting great line value with Columbus on their home ice and their backs against the wall. The Jackets won the first two games and yet now have lost three straight games. However, no one could truly argue that the Capitals are the better team in this match-up. In fact, Columbus was the better team in Game 5 and now they are on home ice and yet they're not even favored. This is the true definition of line value and a spot that is a perfect one to step up big. When leading in a playoff series the Capitals have lost 25 off 44 (-$14,600). Washington, when on the road and on an overall streak of 3 or more consecutive wins, have lost 4 of 6 this season! The Blue Jackets have won 22 of 35 home games with posted total of 5.5 goals this season and they'll get another one here after the bounces of the puck (and the calls) really went against them in Game 5 Saturday. 10* COLUMBUS |
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04-22-18 | Predators v. Avalanche +163 | Top | 5-0 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 34 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #76 Sunday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Avalanche have received an incredible boost from the play of Andrew Hammond between the pipes. He came on in relief of Jonathan Bernier in Game 4 and then got his first start in Game 5 and all Hammond has done is save 52 of 53 shots! Playoff teams are known for riding hot goalies and Colorado is certainly "feeling it" right now. That said, and with this game also at home, the Avs are in a great spot for a huge upset win at a great comeback price. Keep in mind, these teams have alternated wins and losses in the last 4 games and the only win by a multiple goal margin in the last 4 games was when Colorado dominated the Predators in Game 3 on home ice. The Avalanche are an incredible 17-6 on home ice in games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Nashville has a losing record (13-14) long-term when leading in a playoff series and they are simply very over-priced here given that they are on the road, Hammond is red hot between the pipes, and the Avs are looking to stave off elimination in their own barn. 10* COLORADO |
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04-15-18 | Blue Jackets +140 v. Capitals | Top | 5-4 | Win | 140 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Sunday 10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - Common thinking will have most bettors backing the Capitals in this one. Of course that is why we've seen the money line on Washington moving even higher for Game 2 since it first opened up. As long-time followers know, there is nothing common about my thinking when I analyze games. The reason, of course, that most people will back the Caps here is because they lost Game 1 on home ice and the common man's thinking is there is no way they can lose a 2nd game on home ice and fall into an 0-2 hole in the series. However, the reality is that there is tremendous value on the road dog side in a situation like this because they have absolutely no pressure. They already stole 1 game on the road and now have a chance to just go out and go for that dagger to the heart of taking 2 straight games on the road to open up the series. All the pressure is on the home team. They know they can ill afford to go down 0-2 in this series. That pressure has been exasperated by the fact that there has been a 2-day layoff between games 1 and 2 of this series. This was even more time for the Blue Jackets to become more relaxed and confident while also giving more time for extreme pressure (and nervousness) to build up for the home team down 0-1. The only other home team that lost Game 1 (Anaheim) in this post-season sure enough lost game 2 too last night. I expect a repeat of that here. Keep in mind, the Capitals aren't quite what they once were as they lost some key contributors heading into this season. They are a quality hockey club but so too is Columbus and the Blue Jackets are more of an up and comer! Anything can happen on any day as we all know but this is a case where the road dog is offering fantastic value for all the reasons noted above. The Caps lost 5 of 8 Sunday games this season and the Blue Jackets have won 15 of 24 this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. 10* COLUMBUS |
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04-14-18 | Maple Leafs +155 v. Bruins | Top | 3-7 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 8 ET - The Maple Leafs suffered an ugly loss in Game 1 and they'll respond big here in Game 2. Keep in mind, 3 power play goals for the Bruins certainly made a huge difference in the game. It was a tight game for quite awhile and then suddenly Toronto imploded. That is unlikely to happen again. While Boston certainly is worthy of credit for how that game played out the fact is that the Bruins also had some good "puck luck" on their side with the bounces. The Maple Leafs know they can't afford to again spend so much time in the penalty box in this one and I expect a much smarter game from them in Game 2. Boston is a long-term 22-22 when leading in a playoff series while Toronto is 18-9 long-term when trailing in a playoff series. I fully expect a huge bounce back in this game and feel we're getting exceptional value continuing the Leafs do have a good recent history of winning games in Boston. The Maple Leafs also won 9 of 13 games this season when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. Payback time for the Leafs and for us as there is a nice comeback price on this money line dog. 10* TORONTO |
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04-03-18 | Coyotes +120 v. Flames | Top | 4-1 | Win | 120 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Tuesday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ Calgary Flames @ 9:05 ET - Nice set up here. Arizona has been one of the hottest teams in the league even though they're not going to the playoffs. The Coyotes are 16-8-2 since February 8th and they're taking on a slumping Flames team that had lost 7 straight games before finally winning Saturday. Whom did Calgary beat? Only their biggest rivals in a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The point is that the Flames could definitely be flat here after knocking off their provincial rivals, Edmonton, on the final day of March. Calgary also has bigger games on deck as they play at Winnipeg and then host Vegas in their season finale. The Flames are not going to be fully focused here and the Coyotes are motivated by losing 3-0 in their last visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome. Arizona goalie Antti Raanta went 3-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .964 save percentage in his 3 most recent starts and he and the Coyotes are motivated to continue this strong finish to the season and continue building for next season. While Arizona has been getting great goaltending, the Flames have allowed 4.4 goals per game their last 8 games! Ignore the full season numbers as, while neither of these hockey clubs are going to the post-season, the Coyotes are playing like a playoff team and Calgary most certainly is not! 10* ARIZONA |
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04-01-18 | Predators +133 v. Lightning | Top | 4-1 | Win | 133 | 8 h 8 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Sunday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 6:05 ET - Beautiful set-up here as the Predators are off of an embarrassing home loss to Buffalo. The Preds were clearly looking ahead to this big game at Tampa Bay as these two teams battle it out for the Presidents Cup as they are both at the top of the standings. Nashville has won 10 of 11 this season when they enter a game off of 3 straight home games. Also, Tampa Bay is off of a big win at the Rangers but of course the Blueshirts are just playing out the string on a disappointing season. The Lightning are in for a much different challenge here and they truly haven't been playing all that well. The Bolts had lost 5 of 8 prior to the win over the Rangers. Also, TB's Andrei Vasilevskiy has allowed 3 or more goals in 15 of his last 21 starts. That pales in comparison to the way Pekka Rinne has been playing. The Predators #1 netminder is coming off of a rare disastrous start versus the Sabres and will certainly respond here. Rinne is on a 22-3-1 run in which he has compiled a 2.02 goals-against average and .934 save percentage those 26 starts. Rinne has an overall record of 41-11-4, with a sparkling 2.25 GAA, fantastic .929 save percentage and his eight shutouts lead the league. The Lightning have lost 9 of their last 17 games versus teams with a winning record. The Preds have won 14 of their last 20 versus teams with a winning record! Also, even though this is a back to back for the Predators, they have won 7 of 10 this season in the 2nd game of a back to back. 10* NASHVILLE |
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03-28-18 | Flyers +125 v. Avalanche | Top | 2-1 | Win | 125 | 13 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Colorado Avalanche @ 10:05 ET - The Flyers are on a 6-game point streak. However, they continue to suffer some bad beats with losses in OT or the SO. Last night, despite completely outplaying the Stars, they lost in OT at Dallas. Philly was happy to earn at least a point (for the 6th straight game) but they are hungry to get a win and pick up two points in the standings. This is their final game this month and they have not been outshot in a game since their very first game of the month. Indeed, the Flyers have been playing very good hockey but some puck luck has gone against them of late. With this being their final game until Sunday's Easter match-up hosting the Bruins, Philadelphia is going to "leave it all on the ice" in this one. Yes, it is a back to back but with 3 off-days on deck (and desperate for points in the playoff race) look for the Flyers to go very hard at Colorado tonight. Like the Flyers, the Avalanche also need points in the playoff race but they're off of 3 straight huge divisional games (versus the Kings once and the Golden Knights twice). Against playoff caliber teams, the Avs have scored a total of only 5 goals in their last 3 home games. That won't get it done against a Flyers team that has averaged scoring 4 goals per game in its last 7 games. Philly, when in the 2nd game of a back to back where they allowed 3 goals or less in the 1st game, has gone 7-0, 100% the last 7 times. Also, 6 of those 7 wins came by a multiple-goal margin. Road rout here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-27-18 | Flyers +117 v. Stars | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 27 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:35 ET - The Flyers earned a much-needed point at Pittsburgh Sunday but still left with a disappointing OT loss that has them hungry and fighting for more Tuesday at Dallas. Fighting for more is something the Stars would certainly love to be doing as well but their 8-game slide has left them on the brink of elimination. While they try to stay focused on the task at hand, the 8-game losing streak and the absence of goalie Ben Bishop (knee) has devastated the psyche of a Stars team that once had high hopes for this season. Kari Lehtonen continues to struggle between the pipes and Dallas has been outscored by an average score of 4-2 during this 8-game losing stretch. As for the Flyers, good news is on the horizon at the goalie position with Michal Neuvirth's return imminent. He is on this road trip with Philly so it is expected that he likely starts tonight at Dallas or tomorrow at Colorado. Either way, just the fact he's returning from his injury is a big boost for this Flyers team. Even without him, they've been getting better goaltending than Dallas of late. Philadelphia, before the loss to the Penguins, had allowed 3 goals or less in 6 of their last 8 games. The Stars have allowed 4 or more in 5 of their last 7. The Flyers have won 14 of their last 21 when they enter a game having scoring 4 or more goals in their prior game. The Stars, having dropped 8 straight and down emotionally and physically, are easy to fade given they are priced as a favorite here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-25-18 | Predators +107 v. Jets | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 4 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - This is a huge divisional match-up and, after losing last night at Minnesota, I don't see the Predators losing again here. The Preds enter this game off of back to back losses and that certainly holds significance here as they are 7-1 this season when they enter a game off of B2B losses. Only once this entire season have they lost 3 games in a row. Also, even though this is a back to back spot for Nashville, they are 7-2 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Predators coach Peter Laviolette was ejected from last night's game and Nashville is fired up after back to back losses and a poor effort as the game went on last night. You know they will respond here and I expect them to be the hungrier team here. Also, the Jets have won 4 straight games and are off of a dominating effort versus Anaheim. So often it is tough to duplicate an effort like that and the Preds are very determined here after what has happened. Side note about Winnipeg is a fistfight on the ice in practice yesterday. Sometimes that will help a team that is struggling but it is not necessarily a good sign when you've been going well and players are still having issues among themselves. The Jets have been great at home this season but have lost 9 of 12 games this season when on a winning streak of 3 or more games. Combining that with the Predators streaks noted above and you have a combined 23-6 edge favoring the road dog in this one. The odds makers price this one this way for a reason. Many will be fooled into grabbing the Jets on home ice. Not you and I as we go contrarian for the cash! The hungry road team gets this one. 10* NASHVILLE |
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03-21-18 | Bruins v. Blues -105 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout NHL Game #6 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - What is making big news here is that the Blues will probably be without leading scorer Vladimir Tarasenko tonight. However, St Louis has shown a lot of resiliency of late as they've been able to rally in the 3rd period of back to back games for key wins and have now won 4 of their last 5 games. Also, the Blues are the healthier team even if Tarasenko is out tonight. The Bruins are very banged up right now. St Louis lost at Boston earlier this season and the Blues also lost the last time they hosted the Bruins. Double revenge spot and a key payback spot for St Louis as they're fighting to earn a playoff spot. Jake Allen (Blues) and Tuukka Rask (Bruins) are both struggling but the key here for each team is on the other end of the ice. St Louis has scored 4 goals or more in 4 of their last 5 games while the Bruins had been held to 3 goals or less in 10 of their last 15 games prior to the 5-4 loss to Columbus. Also, now Boston is back on the road where they've averaged just 2.2 goals per game in their last 9 games. The Blues have won 26 of their last 35 March games and pick up a key 2 points here in the playoff race! 10* ST LOUIS |
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03-19-18 | Kings +135 v. Wild | Top | 4-3 | Win | 135 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Wild opened up as a -135 home favorite here and of course the markets are falling all over themselves trying to get down on Minnesota at home here and the price is now all the way up to a 150 on Minny. The fact is that the Wild have a full 4 days off after this game and then they face the division leading Predators. This is a definite flat spot for Minnesota because they're also coming off of back to back wins on their 2-game road trip to the desert to face Vegas and Arizona. Now they take on a hungry Kings team that is off of a shutout loss versus New Jersey despite outshooting the Devils Saturday. Los Angeles entered that game having won 7 of their last 10 games and Jonathan Quick has allowed a total of only 4 goals in his last 3 starts. As for the Wild, goalie Devan Dubnyk is off of a solid start but previously had struggled badly in each of his two prior starts. Minnesota lost those games by a combined score of 9 to 2 and another bad loss could be on tap here with how hungry LA is. The Kings are 4-1 to the over in road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. The Wild have won only 5 of 9 games this month and the road dog is going to prove to be the hungrier team here as Minny looks ahead to a nice layoff and then the big game versus Nashville. 10* LOS ANGELES |
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02-28-18 | Flames +115 v. Avalanche | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 5 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Wednesday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Colorado Avalanche @ 9:35 ET - The Flames held the Stars to just 2 goals last night but the problem was they didn't score despite outshooting Dallas 38 to 26. It happens and it is frustrating but you can certainly expect a bounce back tonight. In fact, Calgary had won 9 of their 13 prior road games and they've been one of the top road teams in the league this season. The Flames also have won 11 of 16 this season when they are off of a loss by a multiple-goal margin. The Avalanche are off of win but they had previously lost 10 of their last 15 games as they've truly been in a slump the last 5 weeks. That is why this game is priced the way it is so though it may look enticing to take the Avs on home ice at such a small price, look for the "road warrior" Flames to bounce back big here and take out their frustrations in Colorado! The Avalanche are seeking to avenge a loss to Calgary in their most recent meeting but they actually have lost 75 of 130 when playing with revenge. In fact, the Flames have beaten them 5 straight times and this is a key game in the playoff race. 10* CALGARY |
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02-27-18 | Flames +135 v. Stars | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 27 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Tuesday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:35 ET - The Flames are without #1 goalie Mike Smith but actually have been getting fantastic goaltending in his absence and are off of back to back wins by a combined score of 10-3. They also owe the Stars some payback as they've lost both games with Dallas this season and the last one was a 6-4 loss in Texas. The Flames haven't forgotten that and they are riding the momentum here of two straight wins and two days off between games. By the way, Calgary has won 7 of 9 this season when they enter a game with 2 days of rest between games. The Stars are off of a loss but expecting a bounce back here could be asking a lot. Dallas is scuffling a bit and has lost 4 of its last 6 games! The Flames have scored 3 goals or more in 11 of their last 13 games. Dallas scored 3 goals in their home loss to Winnipeg Saturday but previously was held to 2 goals or less in 5 straight games. With the Stars scoring a total of just 9 goals in their last 6 games while the Flames have scored 10 goals just in their last 2 games alone (plus also have been bolstered by the addition of veteran Chris Stewart) I look for the road dog to maintain their momentum here. 10* CALGARY |
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02-26-18 | Flyers -125 v. Canadiens | Top | 1-0 | Win | 100 | 10 h 53 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Monday 10* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers have won 9 of their last 10 games and have their sights set on the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. The Canadiens have lost 7 of their last 8 games and have their sights set on next season already! The fact is that Montreal has had an extremely disappointing season after entering the new campaign with plenty of promise. Making matters even worse for the Habs entering this one is the fact that goalie Carey Price is now out with a concussion. As for the Flyers, they've also dealt with goalie injury issues but that is why they acquired Petr Mrazek from the Red Wings and he has been solid in his first two games between the pipes for Philly. The Flyers have won 7 of their last 9 games against teams with a losing record while Montreal has lost 8 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. Two teams going opposite directions right now and I am well aware of the fact that the home team has dominated this series in recent seasons but that is helping to keep this line lower than it should be. I am happy to back the road fave Flyers and lay the small price as they are simply "in a zone" right now and believe they can win every game when they set foot on the ice. Montreal is certainly nowhere close to that type of feeling right now and the Canadiens are a very fragile team right now. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-25-18 | Oilers +155 v. Ducks | Top | 6-5 | Win | 155 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Sunday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Anaheim Ducks @ 8:05 ET - Both teams are in a back to back but while the Oilers were already in the Anaheim area (faced Kings in LA yesterday), the Ducks were actually in another state as they faced the Coyotes in Arizona. Certainly not a big travel difference but truly if there is any edge here it belongs to the Oilers. Edmonton will certainly be the hungrier team. The Ducks knocked the Oilers out of the post-season last May and Edmonton got some measure of revenge with a home win early this season but they then lost on the road at Anaheim two weeks ago. Southern California is where the Oilers season painfully ended last spring and also where they lost again two weeks ago. You can bet Edmonton wants this game badly and I like their chances to get it! The Ducks have averaged scoring just 1.9 goals per game their last 7 games. The Oilers have won 3 of their last 4 games thanks to offensive production equating to 3.3 goals per game. Anaheim goalie John Gibson just went on the IR and Ryan Miller was between the pipes yesterday at Arizona. That means a Ducks short-handed goalie situation is very tenuous here and 3rd string Reto Berra is likely to get the call between the pipes for Anaheim. The Oilers have won 11 of 18 divisional games this season and I love the big payback price offered on them here as the Ducks are in a bad spot goalie-wise and also not scoring many goals. 10* EDMONTON |
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02-22-18 | Blue Jackets v. Flyers -110 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #56 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are off of a win but they were outshot 31 to 19 in the victory. That certainly holds significance here because this match-up is a classic case of hot versus not. Columbus, prior to that win, had lost 8 of their last 10 games and certainly the Jackets were not that impressive in the victory. As for the Flyers, they continue to find a way to win games and that resiliency is unlikely to go away in what is their final home game of February. Indeed, look for Philadelphia to leave it all on the ice tonight and give a strong effort as they wrap up the home portion of their February schedule. The red hot Flyers have won 7 of their last 8 games and long-term have won 23 of their last 34. Look for Philly to take advantage of a Blue Jackets team that is undergoing their typical late season fade. Columbus, in the 2nd half of a season, when facing a team with a winning record has lost 32 of their last 45 games! The Flyers have won 39 of 63 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Philly, on the season, has the much better power play than Columbus. As for the penalty kill, though both teams have struggled this season, the Flyers have done a much better job of staying out of the box of late! The result, another home win here is in the forecast at a great price as Petr Mrazek makes his debut between the pipes for Philly after they acquired him from Detroit. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-20-18 | Blue Jackets -110 v. Devils | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 44 m | Show |
Early Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Tuesday 10* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are hungry after 3 straight losses. The Devils might get caught feeling a little too good about themselves as they are on home ice and riding a 4-game winning streak. Though it is true that New Jersey is seeking revenge here, the fact is that the Blue Jackets have dominated this series of late with 5 wins in the last 6 meetings. By the way, the last 7 meetings have all been decided by a multiple goal margin with an average decision by 3.1 goals! In other words, don't be surprised if Columbus wins this one in another blowout just like their last 5 victories over the Devils. Keith Kincaid is expected to be in goal for the Devils and he has a save percentage of only .891 at home this season. The Blue Jackets will have Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes and he is coming off a poor start but had been red hot in his 3 prior starts. Columbus has won 13 of 19 this season when off of a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. The Devils have lost 18 of 30 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Also, New Jersey has lost 11 of 18 (including 5 of 8 this season) when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The road team will prove to be the hungrier hockey club in this one and the Blue Jackets should win in a road rout. 10* COLUMBUS |
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02-19-18 | Bruins -110 v. Flames | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 6 h 60 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Monday 10* Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ Calgary Flames @ 4:05 ET - Both teams off of bad losses and, even though the Flames have revenge here, the Bruins are the much more likely club to bounce back for multiple reasons. For one thing, Boston has their top two goalies available in Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin. As for the Flames, their top goalie Mike Smith is dealing with an injury and, if he plays today, may not be 100%. Another distraction for Calgary is that they have a trip to Vegas on deck. Now of course Vegas is Vegas and that means the players are looking forward to going there but adding to the intrigue for the Flames is the fact that the Golden Knights are at the top of their division, the Pacific Division. That said, it is a big game on deck for Calgary. So, while Boston is simply in the middle of a non-conference road trip out west, the Flames have a divisional road trip on deck. The Bruins have won 14 of 20 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Flames have a losing record in home games on the season! Boston has won 9 of 13 this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Calgary has lost 28 of 42 games the past 2+ seasons when they are facing a team with a winning record and the Flames are past the midway point of the season. The Bruins have been one of the hottest teams in the league and they bounce back here. 10* BOSTON |
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02-18-18 | Devils +149 v. Hurricanes | Top | 3-2 | Win | 149 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Sunday 10* New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 5:05 ET - Most will be looking at the Hurricanes here since they are on home ice and playing with revenge and because the Devils are in a back to back spot. However, New Jersey beat Tampa Bay yesterday even though they played poorly and allowed far too many scoring chances. Still it was their 3rd straight and they'll shore those things (allowing too many shots to the Lightning) in today's match-up with the Canes. Keep in mind, for each of these teams it is their 3rd game in 4 days so the rest situation isn't too much different here for these clubs. Also, the big key is that the Devils used Eddie Lack between the pipes yesterday. They saved Keith Kinkaid for this game and he has dominated the Hurricanes throughout his career. He did it again in Thursday's home win and there is no reason to believe that he won't do it again here and stone the Canes in Carolina. New Jersey has won 3 straight and 6 of 10. The Hurricanes have lost 2 straight and 5 of 8. The Devils have scored 3 goals or more in 8 of 10. The Canes have been held to 2 goals or less in 7 of 10. NJ has won 5 of 6 this season when they are on an over streak of 3 or more games. Carolina has lost 11 of 17 divisional games this season and also has lost 20 of 32 when facing a team with a winning record. 10* NEW JERSEY |
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02-15-18 | Capitals +125 v. Wild | Top | 5-2 | Win | 125 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - Bruce Boudreau is the coach of the Wild and his head coaching career began with the Capitals. However, more recently he was with the Ducks and Minnesota does have a game on deck with Anaheim. Whether or not the Wild are already peeking ahead to a Western Conference match-up or not, the fact is that Minnesota has struggled in recent meetings with Boudreau's former team. The Capitals swept the Wild last season and already won the first meeting this season. Washington enters this game having lost back to back games so they'll be ready to go. We are into the 5th month of the season already and only twice this entire season have the Caps lost 3 straight games. In other words, expect the bounce back here! As for Minny, they are are off of back to back wins but have only managed to win 3 or more consecutive games twice this season! In fact there have been 10 times this season that the Wild started a winning streak with consecutive wins, two of those extended to 4 wins in a row. The other EIGHT all ended as a 2-game winnings streak. The odds are in favor of the Capitals here and they have won 24 of 36 when they enter a game on an "over streak" of 3 or more games. The Wild have lost 5 of 7 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home. More of the same here! 10* WASHINGTON |
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02-09-18 | Flames -120 v. Rangers | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -120 | 7 h 48 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Friday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Two teams going in opposite directions right now and, that is why, even though this is a back to back spot for the Flames, it is the perfect spot to back them. Calgary has won 3 straight games and is looking at this east coast road trip as an opportunity to make a move in the standings. As for the Rangers, they've lost 7 of their last 8 games and have allowed an average of 4.4 goals during this rough stretch. Showing just how poorly New York has been playing, their last 9 losses have come by an average margin of defeat of 3.1 goals! Now there is talk of major changes for the Rangers and a youth movement as they're on the cusp of throwing in the towel on this season and starting to rebuild for the future. Calgary has won 14 of 23 games this season when facing a team with a losing record. The Flames also have won 5 of 8 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Rangers have lost 7 of their last 8 games when facing a team with a winning record. Also, on the season, New York has lost 8 of 10 games when they are off of a contest where they were held to 1 goal or less. 10* CALGARY FLAMES |
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02-08-18 | Flames -108 v. Devils | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 54 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Thursday 10* Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - This is definitely a contrarian spot as most will see a "pick 'em" line on a home team playing with revenge and will jump all over it. The fact is that this game is priced this way with good reason. The Flames are starting to turn the corner and the Devils over-achieved early this season and are coming back to reality now. From a situational perspective, this is also a poor spot for New Jersey as they are off of a string of games against Eastern Conference foes including divisional rivals like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Additionally, the Devils have another divisional game on deck with plenty of tough Eastern Conference battles to follow. As for the Flames this is merely the 2nd game of a 6-game road trip where this is the 1st of 4 against Eastern Conference foes. In other words, Calgary is certainly fully focused here. The Devils have scored an average of just 2 goals per game in their last 8 games and, not surprisingly, 5 of the 8 games resulted in a loss. The Flames are off of back to back wins and they've averaged scoring 3.7 goals per game in their last 3 games. In home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals New Jersey has lost 17 of 28. The Flames have won 11 of 19 and, more impressively earned 5.4 net units, in their road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. Look for them to get the job done again here. 10* CALGARY |
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02-07-18 | Bruins v. Rangers +121 | Top | 6-1 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 37 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - The fact that the Bruins have been so hot may make it seem tough to back them here. However, this is a tough back to back spot for them and the Rangers will have the edge between the pipes, the home ice edge, as well as the scheduling edge. The Rangers will have Henrik Lundqvist guarding the cage and he bounced back with a strong start in his most recent game even though New York still fell short 2-1. Also, he is 27-12-2 in his 41 games versus the Bruins. As for Boston, the netminder will be Anton Khubodin and his most recent start was also Boston's most recent loss (3-1 vs Anaheim). The Bruins have lost 5 of the last 8 starts he has made. Also, Khubodin has gone winless (0-2-2) in his 4 career starts versus the Rangers. Boston has lost 5 of 8 this season (and 21 of 33 long-term) when they are playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Even though the Bruins are playing this game with revenge, they've actually lost 13 of 21 this season and 63 of 109 the last 3 seasons combined when they are playing with revenge. The Rangers have lost 3 straight games but are happy to be back on home ice and the Blueshirts have won 10 of 12 the last 2+ seasons when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games! This match-up is featuring home dog value at it's greatest. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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02-06-18 | Wild +130 v. Blues | Top | 6-2 | Win | 130 | 13 h 28 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Tuesday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Wild are expected to have Devan Dubnyk between the pipes and Minnesota has won 17 of his last 23 starts. Minny is off of an embarrassing loss at Dallas but likely got caught looking ahead to this game. The Wild were eliminated from the post-season by the Blues last spring. Even though Minnesota got some measure of revenge in their most recent game versus St Louis, they still "owe" the Blues as they lost their first regular season match-up there this season plus have the added motivation of losing April's playoff series 4 games to 1. The Blues have been held to just 1 goal in each of their last two games. Though the Wild are off of a 6-1 loss, they have won 6 of 8 this season when off of a game where they scored 1 goal or less. Also, Minnesota had won 6 of 8 prior to that loss and the Wild have not lost back to back games in 4 weeks and that one occurrence is the only time Minny has lost two consecutive games since prior to Christmas. St Louis, due to some troubles finding the back of the net, is on a 5-game under streak. That holds significance here as the Blues have lost 7 of 11 this season when they enter a game on an under streak of 3 or more games. The Wild had been playing very well prior to getting blasted by the Stars and I fully expect a big bounce back here. 10* MINNESOTA |
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02-04-18 | Sharks +111 v. Hurricanes | Top | 3-1 | Win | 111 | 16 h 32 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 1:05 ET - The Hurricanes are off of a loss and now have lost 9 of their last 15. Also, the Canes have been held to 2 goals or less in 6 of their last 8 games. San Jose has also had some recent struggles but it had a lot to do with poor overall play in their own end. Now, having allowed a total of just 3 goals in their last 2 games, the Sharks appear to have turned that around. San Jose is coming off of a big win Friday and they've averaged 3.6 goals per game in their last 11 games. The Sharks won 6 of those 11 games and they're offensive production will prove to be too much for this punch-less Carolina team early Sunday. The Hurricanes have lost 19 of 29 versus teams with a winning record this season and 14 of 21 in non-conference action. The Canes also are playing with revenge here (for a loss at San Jose in December) but they've lost 15 of 24 when playing with revenge this season. Grab the road dog Sharks here as Carolina's struggles in the offensive zone continue. 10* SAN JOSE |
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02-01-18 | Golden Knights +110 v. Jets | Top | 3-2 | Win | 110 | 6 h 20 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Thursday 10* Vegas Golden Knights Money Line (+) @ Winnipeg Jets @ 8:05 ET - The Golden Knights are seeking revenge for an early December loss in their first-ever visit to Winnipeg. They are likely catching the Jets at the perfect time to get payback as Winnipeg is off of a big home win versus Tampa Bay Tuesday and they have a divisional game versus Colorado on deck. Additionally the Jets are a banged up team right now. Vegas is the healthier team and this is the first time they'll have #1 goalie Marc-Andre Fleury available to face the Jets. The veteran netminder has simply been spectacular for the Golden Knights this season. Vegas is off of a divisional win at Calgary but the revenge factor insures no letdown here. Also, the Golden Knights have won 10 of 13 this season when off of a divisional game. I am well aware of the Jets fantastic home record this season. However, in February games the past two years, Winnipeg has lost 15 of 23. Also, other than a recent 5-goal outburst at San Jose, the Jets have been held to an average of only 1.8 goals per game in their other 6 games the past 3 weeks. The Golden Knights have averaged scoring 4 goals per game in their last 4 road games and they get their revenge at Winnipeg in this one! 10* VEGASÂ |
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01-30-18 | Lightning -108 v. Jets | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 50 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Winnipeg Jets @ 8:05 ET - While the Bolts will have #1 goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes, the Jets are without #1 goalie Connor Hellebuyck and #2 netminder Steve Mason. That means Michael Hutchinson, whom has spent this season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, will get the call in the crease for Winnipeg in this one. Of course the Jets have been great at home this season and I am well aware of that. However, the goalie situation as well as the fact that top defenseman Jacob Trouba is out with an injury really hurts Winnipeg here. The Jets are hosting one of the top teams in the league and the Lightning have won 16 of 21 in recent seasons when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. Also, Tampa Bay has won 18 of 23 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 or more goals. The Jets have lost 48 of 82 non-conference games including 10 of 18 this season. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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01-18-18 | Stars -110 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 47 m | Show |
Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Thursday 10* Dallas Stars Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - A lot of edges for Dallas here! The Stars will be playing their 4th game since their bye week while the Blue Jackets will be playing their 1st game since the bye week and certainly could be rusty as a result. Also, Columbus has lost 9 of its last 14 games. Dallas has won 8 of its last 11 games. The Blue Jackets have lost 25 of 35 games when, in the 2nd half of a season, they face a team with a winning record. The Stars lost both games to Columbus last season and also suffered a home loss to the Blue Jackets earlier this month. Time for payback here and Dallas has won 3 of 4 this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Stars have been much better on the power play than Columbus has this season and they've also been superior on the penalty kill. Additionally, the Blue Jackets are expected to have their #2 goalie Joonas Korpisalo between the pipes while the Stars have their #1, Ben Bishop, in the crease! 10* DALLAS |
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01-16-18 | Flyers +100 v. Rangers | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are red hot and on a 12-4-1 run their last 17 games. The Rangers are slumping badly and have just 3 wins in their last 10 games! Philadelphia has won 4 straight games and 5 of their last 6. In those 5 victories the Flyers have scored an average of 5.2 goals per game and have scored at least 4 goals in all 5 wins! That certainly holds significance here because the Rangers have been struggling to find the back of the net. New York has been held to 3 goals or less in 10 straight games and have averaged scoring just 2 goals per game during this stretch. This is the 1st meeting between these rivals this season and it will be intense but the Flyers are the more confident team and the Rangers have allowed 12 goals in their last two games overall and 12 goals in their last two home games as well. Look for the road dog to stay hot in this one! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-15-18 | Sharks +115 v. Kings | Top | 4-1 | Win | 115 | 5 h 38 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Monday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Los Angeles Kings @ 4:05 ET - The Sharks have won 8 of their last 9 visits to Los Angeles. With both teams, of course, located in California, there is not a lot of home ice edge in this series. Also, San Jose got their 2nd half of the season off to the start they needed with a win over Arizona. It may not have played out exactly as they wanted but the Sharks got the much-needed W. As for the Kings, they'll still searching for their "game" as they have lost 3 straight and 8 of their last 12. LA has scored just 2.2 goals per game in their last 4 games. Los Angeles has allowed 4 goals in each of their last 3 games. Unlike the Kings, the Sharks have scored a solid 3.6 goals per game in their last 5 games. With their long-term success in LA, the Sharks are very confident when facing the Kings in southern California. Los Angeles has lost 13 of their 17 games against teams with a winning record this season. Also, when off of a loss by a multiple-goal margin, the Kings have lost 5 of 6 this season. While the Sharks have won 9 of 14 divisional games this season, Los Angeles has lost 9 of 14 divisional match-ups. Also, San Jose has won 11 of 15 this season (and 41 of 64 last 2+ seasons) when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Look for the road dog to tighten things up in their own zone for this one and continue their road success at LA. 10* SAN JOSE |
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01-13-18 | Flyers +105 v. Devils | Top | 5-3 | Win | 105 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - There is certainly no love lost between these two division rivals and the Devils have had the upper hand on the Flyers for many years. That makes this a big game for Philadelphia coming out of the break. Both teams have been off since the 7th and the Flyers entered the break rejuvenated with 3 straight wins while the Devils entered the break wondering what went wrong as they lost 5 straight games. Look for the momentum to carry over here as Philly get revenge for having lost 3 straight at New Jersey after winning their two prior visits to the hated Devils. This is their first meeting this season and the Flyers have been waiting for this for a long time after losing 1-0 in their final meeting last season. Philly has scored 4 goals or more in 4 of their last 5 games. The Devils have allowed 4.2 goals per game in their last 5 games while the Flyers have allowed just 2.7 goals per game in their last 3 road games. New Jersey has lost 43 of their last 68 divisional games and the Flyers get some highly-motivated revenge here! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-10-18 | Wild v. Blackhawks -114 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -114 | 14 h 36 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Wednesday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (-) vs Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET -Â This situation sets up very nicely for a Blackhawks team that got a great start out of Anton Forsberg in a 4-1 win versus Edmonton Sunday and Forsberg followed that up with another solid game in last night's 8-2 blowout at Ottawa. Also, Jeff Glass (expected to get the start here) has proved serviceable in between the pipes for Chicago while they continue to march forward without #1 goalie Corey Crawford. The Blackhawks are now 4-1-1 in their last 6 games and they are on a mission (as per the pre-game speech from Jonathan Toews before facing the Oilers) to win each game leading into their mid-season bye week coming up. They get two days off after this game before playing two more games before that bye week. That said, everyone is still "all in" with effort for tonight's game against a division rival. One of the most impressive things about last night's rout of the Senators was that the Blackhawks continued to pour it on even after they had a huge lead. They outshot the Sens in every single period. This Chicago team is proving they are heeding Toews words and are making a much needed mid-season move up the standings! The Wild have lost 7 of their last 12 games after a tough home loss last night and they'll struggle to regroup here. Minnesota has lost 5 of its last 6 road games. On the season, in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals, the Wild have lost 11 of 17 games. In home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals, the Blackhawks have won 34 of 50 (including 9 of 13 this season). Ride the hot team on home ice. 10* CHICAGO |
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01-09-18 | Blackhawks -102 v. Senators | Top | 8-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show |
Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Tuesday 10* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (-) @ Ottawa Senators @ 7:35 ET - The Senators, between sickness and injuries, are likely to be short-handed tonight. Even if a few of the wounded and ailing players are able to go they won't be 100%. This situation sets up very nicely for a Blackhawks team that got a great start out of Anton Forsberg in a 4-1 win versus Edmonton Sunday. Also, Jeff Glass has proved serviceable in between the pipes for Chicago while they continue to march forward without #1 goalie Corey Crawford. The Blackhawks are 3-1-1 in their last 5 games and they are on a mission (as per the pre-game speech from Jonathan Toews before facing the Oilers) to win each game leading into their mid-season bye week coming up. Though the Hawks have a big game with the Wild on deck for tomorrow, one could certainly argue that the Sens have an equally big game on deck as they face the division rival Maple Leafs tomorrow night. The point is that both teams are in a bit of a precarious scheduling situation here but the key to the value is that the Senators are truly a wounded and ailing team at this point in time. Also, the road team did win both meetings last season and there is not a lot of home ice value in this one. The Sens have been held to 1 goal or less in 4 of their past 7 games. The Blackhawks have averaged 4 goals per game in their last 5 games. The Hawks have won 66 of 102 when facing a team with a losing record. The Senators have lost 9 of 12 this season when facing a team with a losing record. Blackhawks have lost 21 of 41 games this season while the Senators have lost 26 of 40 games. 10* CHICAGOÂ |
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01-02-18 | Kings +116 v. Oilers | Top | 5-0 | Win | 116 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Tuesday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Edmonton Oilers @ 9:35 ET - The Oilers have lost 3 straight games and have allowed 14 goals in those 3 games. Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot is on the fade again. Conversely, Kings goalie Jonathan Quick has been playing well. The Kings have only won 3 of his last 5 starts but Los Angeles has allowed an average of just 2 goals per game in those 5 starts. Quick has been solid between the pipes and certainly rates the edge here over the struggling Talbot. The Kings have won 7 of their last 10 meetings with the Oilers but those 3 losses have come in their last 3 games at Edmonton. In other words, LA is hungry to put an end to that nonsense with a big win in Edmonton Tuesday night. Note that the Oilers have lost 27 of their last 39 Tuesday games! Also, Edmonton has lost 10 of 16 (-$7,100) this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. LA has won 9 of 14 this season when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, the Oilers have lost 22 of 39 games on the season overall. That said, it is certainly noteworthy that Los Angeles has taken care of business this season against the teams they are supposed to beat. The Kings are a stellar 15-4 this season against teams with a losing record. 10* LOS ANGELES |
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12-28-17 | Flyers +100 v. Panthers | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers, after being hot, lost 2 straight games and 3 of 4 before the Christmas break. They needed the break. The Panthers, after being cold, won 3 straight games before the Christmas break. The break was the worst thing that could have happened for Florida as it took away their momentum. Now the Panthers face a team that has beaten them 4 straight times by a combined score of 13 to 5. Of course we're getting line value here because this game is in Florida. Keep in mind the Flyers have a similar road record to their home record so it is nice to have the added value here with Philly being on the road. The Panthers have been nothing special at home this season. Also, Florida's Vincent Trocheck is dealing with a rib injury while the Flyers are expected to have Michal Neuvirth available tonight to back-up Brian Elliott between the pipes. So Philly is getting healthier while the Panthers have some question marks. The Flyers have won 5 of 8 this season after a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. The Panthers have lost 60 of 91 long-term when they were off of a shutout win. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-23-17 | Blackhawks -110 v. Devils | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Saturday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (-) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Perfect set up here. The Devils are off of a big divisional win over the Rangers Thursday and have won 3 straight games. The Blackhawks are off of an embarrassing 4-0 road loss at Dallas Thursday that ended a stretch in which Chicago had won 5 straight games by a combined score of 18 to 7. Also, the Blackhawks have revenge from a 7-5 home loss to the Devils last month! Remember that Chicago did sweep New Jersey last season and the Hawks were actually a 2 to 1 favorite in last month's embarrassing home loss. Payback is on order here and the Blackhawks have won 7 of 9 Saturday games this season and 24 of 36 the past 2+ seasons. Also, Chicago has won 19 of 26 when on a streak of 3 or more consecutive unders. That's because unders mean solid goaltending and certainly the Blackhawks were getting stellar play between the pipes prior to the loss to the Stars. Bounce back time here for the road team. As for the home team Devils, they are winless all 3 times they've entered a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more this season. Also, when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more, New Jersey has lost 28 of 45. Great money line value price on the hungry road team here. 10* CHICAGO |
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12-21-17 | Jets v. Bruins -115 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 36 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Game #54 Thursday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Jets have a solid record on the season and that is keeping this line on the Bruins lower than it should be. Boston is a great value on home ice at a low price here. Winnipeg is off of a huge win at Nashville that the Jets won late in dramatic fashion. That can't help but leave the Jets a little "spent" here after such a big road win against a division rival. Also, Winnipeg had lost 6 straight road games before that victory over the Predators. Also the Jets franchise (previously the Atlanta Thrashers) have lost 13 of their last 14 visits to Boston. The Bruins are expected to start Tuukka Rask between the pipes tonight and he is 6-0-1 in his last 7 starts overall. Additionally, versus the Jets/Thrashers franchise he has a stellar 1.99 GAA in his career. Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck is 0-2 in his career starts versus the Bruins. Boston enters this contest having won 11 of their last 15 games. The Jets have lost 8 of 13 non-conference games this season and 46 of 77 versus the East the last 2+ seasons combined. The Bruins last 6 wins have come by an average margin of 3 goals per game and their strong run continues here. 10* BOSTON |
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12-07-17 | Stars +137 v. Blues | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach NHL Thursday 10* Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - There is tremendous line value here because the Stars are on the road and going with Kari Lehtonen between the pipes. The fact is Lehtonen truly has NOT been a big drop off from #1 goalie Ben Bishop this season. Also, the Stars are fired up off of a loss where they outshot the Predators by a 45-32 margin. Prior to that defeat Dallas had won 7 of their 8 prior games! As for the Blues, they are off of a win at Montreal. However, St Louis previously had lost 3 straight games. The Stars detest the Blues. Not only are these guys division rivals, St Louis eliminated Dallas from the post-season in a testy 7-game series in May of 2016. This is a great spot to back the revenge-minded Stars. Dallas has won 6 of 8 this season (and 40 of 58 the last 2+ seasons) when they are off of a loss by a margin of 2 goals or more. St Louis has lost 18 of 33 (-$10,300) December games the past 2+ seasons. The Blues scored 4 goals Tuesday but had scored a TOTAL of only 4 goals in the 3 prior games. The Stars recent run of 7 wins in 8 games saw them average scoring 4.6 goals per game in the 7 victories. Give me the hotter offense, the hungrier club, and an underdog price all day every day! 10* DALLAS |
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11-17-17 | Rangers +129 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 14 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Rangers are off of a bad loss at Chicago as the Blackhawks exploded in the 3rd period in a 6-3 win as New York imploded and goalie Henrik Lundqvist got pulled. Rest assured, he and the Rangers will be fired up tonight. Prior to that loss to the Hawks, the Rangers had won 6 straight games and they scored at least 4 goals in 5 of those 6 victories. Also, the Blueshirts detest Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella as his time in the Rangers organization was tumultuous to say the least. The Rangers beat the Blue Jackets 5 to 3 in New York earlier this month but they lost at Columbus last month and they are looking for payback here. Even though the Blue Jackets have been getting great goaltending, they are struggling to score goals as their offense has been almost non-existent of late. Columbus has scored just ONE goal in regulation in their past four games. Also, the Blue Jackets have not scored on the power play in their last six games - a futility streak that has reached 0 of 15. The Rangers will pepper the Columbus netminder with shots on goal in this one and the result will be a breakthrough of scoring as New York's offense is simply too hot. Couple that with the struggles the Blue Jackets have had on offense and you can see why I am forecasting the road upset here. Also, the Rangers have won 6 of 8 this season and 37 of 59 the last 3 seasons when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Blue Jackets low-scoring ways is bound to catch up with them. In fact, Columbus has an all-time record of 59-94 (DOWN $31,900!) when they enter a game off of 3 or more consecutive unders. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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11-12-17 | Oilers +150 v. Capitals | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Sunday 10* Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - I know this is a back to back for the Oilers but this is the final game of their 4-game road trip. Edmonton was 2-0 on the trip prior to yesterday's loss to the Rangers in New York. The Oilers are hungry to make sure this is a winning road trip and I fully expect them to bounce back tonight. Keep in mind, Edmonton is seeking revenge for a home loss to Washington two weeks ago that saw them blow a 2-goal lead and lose 5-2. They are catching the Capitals at the perfect time to exact revenge too. That's because Washington is off of a monumental win Friday. Not only is Pittsburgh a divisional rival and the 2-time defending Stanley Cup champs, the Penguins also have been a major nemesis of the Caps and knocked them out of the post-season in that epic 7-game series last spring. Suffice to say, that was a VERY satisfying win for the Capitals over the Pens on Friday and I fully expect Washington will be flat here while the revenge-seeking Oilers come into this game VERY hungry! That difference in emotions will reflect on the scoreboard as well and that is why this big dog is also getting my top play rating here. Washington is 0-3 this season when off of a win by a margin of 2 goals or more. Look for the Oilers to win for the 6th time (in 9 games) this season when facing a team with a winning record. 10* EDMONTON |
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11-10-17 | Senators v. Avalanche +120 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 58 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach Friday NHL 10* Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) vs Ottawa Senators @ 2:05 ET - This game is being played in Stockholm, Sweden which is why it is an early start time for Friday. So far this season the Avalanche have over-achieved and the Senators have under-achieved. While that is likely to change over the course of the season I don't expect it to change just yet. The huge Ottawa-Colorado-Nashville 3-way trade that just took place adds some extra intrigue to this match-up as Matt Duchene is now with the Senators. He had wanted out of Colorado since Christmas so, suffice to say, it was a long time coming! The key here is that this is huge motivation for the Avs. The Avalanche now get a chance against a former teammate that essentially told them 'you guys aren't good enough for me to play with'. That is going to bring out the best in Colorado here. As for the Senators, not only is Erik Karlsson still playing at less than 100% (had ankle surgery in the off-season), it also is going to take some time to adjust to Duchene now being an integral part of this hockey club. While the Sens are still trying to 'work out the kinks' look for the hungry and highly motivated Avalanche to exact some revenge in Game 1 of this 2-game Global Series set at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm. Ottawa is off of a 5-4 loss and they've now lost 6 of their past 9 games. When off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more the Senators have lost 5 of 7 this season. The Sens have lost 7 of 11 Friday games while the Avs have won 11 of 17 (+$9,500) Friday games. Colorado has also won 5 of 7 (+$5,100) non-conference games this season. The Avalanche are off of a loss to the Islanders but had previously won 3 straight games and 4 of their last 5. They have a couple injuries but, as noted above, the Sens are not without a couple issues too! 10* COLORADO |
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11-07-17 | Blues v. Devils +116 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach Tuesday NHL 10* Top Play New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Devils are off of a loss (a shootout defeat at Calgary) but now are back home and also will have Cory Schneider back between the pipes for this one. The Devils have won 7 of the 9 starts he has made this season. Also, in his 4 non-conference starts, Schneider has a fantastic .942 save percentage. The Blues Jake Allen has won just 2 of his 5 road starts and has "only" a .901 save percentage away from. I am well aware of the fact that St Louis has won the last 7 meetings with the Devils but the key is this New Jersey club is off to a red hot start this season with a potent offense. Confidence is sky-high for the Devils right now and they just lost back to back games for the first time this season though they were happy to at least get a point against the Flames. In other words, don't look for New Jersey's run to reach three straight here. The Devils have been playing too well this season to drop 3 straight in this spot especially when you consider the Blues could be without leading goal-scorer Vladimir Tarasenko. Even if Tarasenko plays he won't be close to 100%. St Louis has a great overall record this season but they have lost 3 of their last 5 road games and have averaged scoring just 2.2 goals per game in those 5 games. That is certainly significant here as New Jersey has only been held below 3 goals 3 times in 13 games! In fact, the Devils have scored 4 goals or more in 8 of their 13 games this season! 10* NEW JERSEY |
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11-04-17 | Blue Jackets +119 v. Lightning | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets have revenge from a SHUTOUT home loss to the Bolts two weeks ago. Keep in mind, Columbus head coach John Tortorella used to coach in Tampa Bay and there is history here. He wants this game and the Jackets are coming in seeking revenge. Columbus has won each of its last two trips to Tampa and the Lightning have lost each of their last two home games and they scored just a single goal in each game. The Blue Jackets have won 5 of their last 6 road games and they've scored an average of 4 goals per game in those victories! It's payback time here and I am happy to grab the road dog price. 10* COLUMBUS |
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11-02-17 | Flyers +167 v. Blues | Top | 2-0 | Win | 167 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
Top Play Shocker - Rickenbach Thursday NHL 10* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Flyers are dealing with some injuries to the defense but they truly played a rock solid game at Chicago last night and yet have nothing to show for it but a shutout loss. As a result of that we are getting insane line value here with Philly as a big dog and seeking revenge for getting swept by St Louis last season. The Blues are the only team left in the league without a home loss but they also enter this game on an overall 4-game winning streak. St Louis has yet to win 5 straight games this season and, after the big win over a strong Kings team Sunday, the Blues are going to get caught feeling a little too good about themselves here. The Flyers will prove to be the hungrier team and goalie Michal Neuvirth has a stellar .941 save percentage in his two non-conference starts this season. The Flyers have been better on BOTH the power play and the penalty kill in comparison with the Blues early this season. Also, Philadelphia is known for rising for upset wins. The Flyers are already 3-0 this season against teams with a winning record and Philly is a perfect 2-0 this season when they are off of a game where they were shutout. The Flyers have been shut out three times now this season but have averaged 4.1 goals per game in their other 10 games. They truly were swarming the net last night at Chicago but Corey Crawford was fantastic between the pipes for the Blackhawks. The Flyers get some "return on their investment" tonight and catch the Blues lethargic after two days off. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-30-17 | Lightning -113 v. Panthers | Top | 8-5 | Win | 100 | 7 h 17 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach Monday NHL 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Lightning and the Panthers are each off of a loss but there is a big difference between these two clubs! Tampa Bay is a team on a mission this season after they were derailed by injury issues last season. The Bolts had won 8 of their last 9 games prior to losing Saturday versus Anaheim. Now the Lightning visit division rival Florida and they did lose their last game here (early this season before the Bolts 8-1 run). Now it is time for some payback and the Panthers have lost 5 of their last 7 games. Tampa had allowed 2 goals or less in 6 of its last 7 games before allowing 4 to the Ducks Saturday. Florida, on the other hand, has allowed at least 3 goals in 8 of their 10 games this season. In fact, the Panthers allowed 4 goals or more in 6 of their first 8 games this season. In terms of how these two teams play in their own zone and the quality of goalie play these clubs get between the pipes, they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. With that said, I'll gladly grab the value here as the Bolts are available at a small money line price here due to being on the road for this one. It's certainly not much of a road trip and Monday it is payback time! 10* TAMPA BAY |
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10-28-17 | Rangers +133 v. Canadiens | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 38 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Saturday NHL 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - As long-time followers know, I like to fade struggling teams that are favorites. The Canadiens have won just 2 of their 10 games this season. While it is true that the Rangers have also struggled early this season it is also true that New York is not the team laying -150 here! Also, the Rangers continue to have the Habs number. The Rangers knocked Montreal out of the playoffs last April so the Canadiens had revenge against the Rangers when they faced them in New York three weeks ago. The result was still a 2-0 loss for Montreal! The Rangers have now won 4 straight games against the Habs and goalie Ondrej Pavelec sparked the team in their win versus Arizona Thursday. The Rangers have now won 2 of their last 3 games while the Canadiens have lost 8 of their last 9 games. Montreal has been held to 2 goals or less in 7 of their last 9 games. The Rangers have scored 3.4 goals per game in their last 5 games! Also, New York has won 31 of 42 (+22,000) road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Rangers again will thrive in that situation here as the Canadiens continue to feel the immense pressure of the home fans. An upcoming 4-game road trip for the Habs may be what gets them on track. Right now they're in a "pressure cooker" in hockey-mad Montreal! 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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