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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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03-27-17 | Blackhawks +100 v. Lightning | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 37 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Monday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Blackhawks are off of an embarrassing loss at Florida (7-0 Saturday) and I fully expect a response here. Adding to the likelihood of a big response here is the fact that the Lightning hammered the Hawks 5-2 in Chicago two months ago. The revenge-seeking Blackhawks have won 12 of 17 games this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, Chicago has only lost back to back games once since January. Dating back to a win on February 2nd, the Blackhawks had won 18 of 22 games prior to the ugly loss to the Panthers Saturday. Amazingly, the Bolts are currently on a 7-game run where the road team is 7-0. This includes the Bolts current 3-game losing streak on home ice and Tampa gave up 5 goals in EACH of those 3 home defeats. Tampa Bay has lost 16 of 26 non-conference games this season and also the Lightning have been defeated in 14 of their last 23 home games that had a posted total of 5.5 goals. With TB having given up 15 goals in their last 3 home games, they're in trouble here as they face an angry Blackhawks team off of a 7-0 beating. Last, but certainly not least, the Bolts are quite banged up right now and those injury issues will be magnified when facing one of the top teams in the league. Great line value here since the Hawks are on the road. Grab it! 10* CHICAGO |
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03-27-17 | Predators v. Islanders +106 | 3-1 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 30 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Monday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - Preds off of a third straight win, 7-2 vs San Jose, and have lost 6 of 7 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Also, Nashville has lost 18 of 27 this season (and 50 of 78 the L3 seasons when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Predators are facing a revenge-seeking Islanders team that last 4-2 the last time these teams met and the Isles will be hungry to respond off of a 2-1 loss to Boston in their most recent game. The Islanders have won 17 of 28 times this season in home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Preds have a game at Boston on deck for tomorrow night while the Isles have 2 days off after this. Look for the revenging home team (off of a loss) to catch this road team still celebrating their big win over the Sharks (remember San Jose knocked them out of post-season last year!) 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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03-25-17 | Sharks +122 v. Predators | Top | 2-7 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 59 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - San Jose lost badly at Dallas last night. As followers know I had the underdog Stars in that game and the Sharks went with back-up goalie Aaron Dell and also appeared to clearly be looking ahead to this playoff rematch from last May. Even though San Jose did get the better of Nashville to knock them out of the post-season last year, that doesn't prevent this from being a revenge spot for the Sharks. Why? Because San Jose recently lost at home to the Predators by a 3-1 count and that arguably was the beginning of some tougher times for the Sharks as they've now lost 6 of their last 8 games. The point is that San Jose needs to snap the skid before the two-day break they have coming up prior to a home date with the Rangers. That means this game is circled in red on the Sharks calendar and they'll be looking to avenge the home loss from earlier this month. #1 goalie Martin Jones will be back between the pipes for the Sharks tonight and he has been very strong in recent games but just hasn't gotten much support from the offense. That should change tonight as San Jose has scored 20 goals the last 5 times that Preds goalie Pekka Rinne has started against them. The Sharks have won 8 of 11 games this season when off of a loss by 2 goals or more in their prior game. The Predators have lost 12 of 17 Saturday games this season. Also, Nashville has lost 41 of 66 (and cost their backers 30.1 net units) the last 3 seasons when they are off of a win by a multiple goal margin. After beating Calgary 3-1 Thursday, look for the Preds to fall flat here. 10* SAN JOSE SHARKS |
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03-25-17 | Senators +150 v. Canadiens | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 3 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Saturday 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - A lot of line value being given to a revenging road dog in this one. Couple that with the fact that this isn't too much of a road game (to go from Ottawa to Montreal) and the fact that he Senators were off yesterday and have two days off after this and you have a great spot to back the underdog Sens. Ottawa has won 12 of their last 17 road games and this is a key game in terms of supremacy at the top of the Atlantic Division. The Senators got swept in a back to back "home and home set" last weekend and it's now time for payback. Ottawa has won 18 of 29 games against teams with a winning record this season while Montreal has lost 18 of 35 games against teams with a winning record on the campaign. Also, the Canadiens have scored just 16 goals in their last 11 home games. Not surprisingly given the tough time scoring goals on home ice, the Habs have lost 8 of the 11 games! More of the same on Saturday evening. 8* OTTAWA |
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03-24-17 | Sharks v. Stars +145 | 1-6 | Win | 145 | 7 h 19 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Friday 8* Dallas Stars Money Line +145 vs San Jose Sharks @ 8:35 ET - This is a revenge game for the Sharks as they just lost here 1-0 on Monday. However, San Jose is actually down 2.2 net units on the season when playing with revenge. Not only has revenge not been a money earner for the Sharks, the other issue is simply that they just aren't playing well right now. San Jose has lost 4 straight games and is feeling the playoff pressure while the Stars come into this one loose and relaxed and have been coming with upsets on home ice. Overall, before their loss at Chicago yesterday, Dallas had won 7 of its last 13 games. Also, the Stars have won each of their last two games as home dogs with wins over the Sharks and the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins the last two times they've been a home dog. San Jose has averaged just 1 goal per game during their 4-game losing streak and they're facing a Stars team that has averaged 3.6 goals per game in their 17 home games since the calendar flipped a page to 2017. The Sharks have lost 7 of 13 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Stars have won 4 of their 5 Friday game this season and you bet that the American Airlines Center in Big D will be rocking tonight. Great value with this home dog here! 8* DALLAS |
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03-23-17 | Flames +127 v. Predators | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 24 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+125) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - Great spot to grab the Flames as they've been one of the hottest teams in the league but are coming off of a loss. That means you can expect a supreme effort from Calgary tonight and this is a Flames club that has not suffered back to back losses in TWO MONTHS! The Flames had won 17 of their last 21 games prior to a 4-2 loss at Washington on Tuesday. Adding to the line value here is the fact that the road team has taken 6 of the last 7 meetings between these clubs as the Predators have won 2 of the last 3 games played in Calgary while the Flames have won 4 STRAIGHT meetings at Nashville. The Preds come into this game off of a win but had lost 5 of their 8 prior games. Even though the Predators are playing this game with home loss revenge, that is a situation that has seen Nashville lose 10 of 15 times this season. Also, when off of a win by 2 goals or more, the Preds have lost 14 of 21 times this season and 41 of 65 times the last 3 seasons combined. The Flames, considering how hot they have been and the fact they're off of a loss and have had a ton of success at Nashville, are offering a lot of line value in this spot. The Predators are known for their struggles off of a big win and they have the Sharks on deck and San Jose is the team that knocked the Preds out of the post-season last spring. Tremendous situational edges here. 10* CALGARY on the money line |
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03-22-17 | Islanders +133 v. Rangers | 3-2 | Win | 133 | 6 h 53 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Wednesday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET -The Rangers, off of a hard-fought loss at New Jersey last night, has lost 6 of their last 11 games. This includes 3 of their last 4 games and this has been part of a stretch since losing their #1 goalie. With Lundvist still out for the Rangers, Raanta is getting a lot of work and this is the back-end of a back to back. Raanta is a solid goalie but there's no denying the absence of Lundqvist is having an effect on this hockey club. Also, the Rangers are very nearly stuck in terms of of their playoff postion while the Islanders need points badly as they are battling for a playoff spot. That makes this rivalry game a great spot to take the sizable road dog! The Isles have won 6 of their last 10 road games while the Rangers have lost 6 straight games at Madison Square Garden. The Islanders also have taken 6 of the last 7 meetings between these teams and they have the rest edge in this match-up as they've been off since Saturday. The Isles have won 14 of 22 games when playing with 3 or more days of rest. Also, the Islanders have won 4 of 5 games this season when they enter a match-up off of 3 or more consecutive unders. The Rangers have lost 15 of 24 games this season when they are off of a divisional game. Though the Blueshirts have played well when in the 2nd game of a back to back spot, the situation is a little different now with Lundqvist out with an injury and, overall, they've lost 4 of 6 games since Lundqvist's last start! 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS money line Wednesday evening |
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03-21-17 | Rangers v. Devils +135 | 2-3 | Win | 135 | 7 h 4 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Tuesday 8* New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - At this point in the season the Devils are playing for nothing more than pride and that means they really get up for games like this. New Jersey would to knock off New York in this spot and they're catching the Rangers at the perfect time to do just that. New York is off of a big road win at Minnesota and they have a game against the Islanders tomorrow night. Of course the Rangers perceive the Isles to be a much tougher game than the Devils and the Rangers had lost 5 of their last 9 games before sneaking past the Wild Saturday. New Jersey has certainly been in a bad slump and has had a tough season but, similar to how they rose up and beat the Flyers 6-2 last week, the Devils are capable of stepping up their game for a rivalry match-up like this. These teams last met in late February and the Rangers got the win at New Jersey. However, prior to this the home team had won 5 straight meetings between the teams. That said, and considering the situational dynamics here, the home dog Devils are offering fantastic line value in this match-up. With Lundvist still out for the Rangers, Raanta is getting a lot of work and this is the front-end of a back to back. I'll take the home dog! 8* NEW JERSEY DEVILS money line early Tuesday evening |
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03-20-17 | Sharks v. Stars +135 | 0-1 | Win | 135 | 8 h 22 m | Show | |
Bulldogs Best - Rickenbach NHL Monday 8* Dallas Stars Money Line (+) vs San Jose Sharks @ 8:35 ET - The Sharks have lost 10 of their last 19 games. San Jose is laying a sizable price here considering they are on the road and have a big game at Minnesota on deck for tomorrow night. They could easily look right past the Stars in this spot. As frustrating as the season has been for Dallas, they are still likely to bring a strong effort here. It is a matter of professional pride and, after losing 5-1 at San Jose a little over a week ago, some payback is on order here. Dallas has won 4 of its last 7 home games and have scored 59 goals in their last 16 home games. That's an average of about 3.7 goals per game and tonight they host a Sharks club that has been held to just a single goal in 3 of their last 5 games. The Stars are 26-14 (65%) the last 3 seasons combined when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. Keep in mind Dallas had won their prior game 4 to 2 and this game, from a situational standpoint (lookahead for Sharks and revenge spot for Stars) absolutely is offering value to the fired up home dog. 8* DALLAS STARS money line |
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03-19-17 | Hurricanes +131 v. Flyers | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 56 m | Show | |
Value Smash Pass - Rickenbach NHL Sunday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:35 ET - Both of these clubs have fading playoff hopes that are flickering flames at this point in the season as it would take a magical run to get to the post-season. However, that said, the Canes certainly still have a better chance than the Flyers as they do have one extra game left and the other key to my selection here (besides the road dog value) is that the Hurricanes have been playing much better than Philadelphia. Carolina has earned a point in 6 straight games with a solid 4-0-2 run. The Flyers have lost 4 of their last 5 games and just got embarrassed at New Jersey Friday night in an effort that was truly unacceptable given the playoff implications of that game. Yes, the Flyers were off of a big win versus Pittsburgh but with their playoff hopes on the line, an effort like the Flyers gave against the Devils is inexcusable. This shows how far the Flyers have fallen and I love the Canes in this spot given that they are the team that is still fighting hard and playing with big effort each and every night on the ice. The Hurricanes have won 7 of 10 games this season when they enter a match-up having played each of their three prior games at home. Philadelphia, though rested, has lost 31 of 51 the past 3 seasons combined when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Philly also has lost 14 of 21 divisional games this season. Two teams going in opposite directions and the Hurricanes are the value side here. 8* CAROLINA |
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03-18-17 | Blackhawks -101 v. Maple Leafs | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 7 h 40 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (-) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off a huge shutout win at Tampa Bay and have a big game against the rival Bruins on deck. Couple that with the fact that the Leafs have lost 8 straight games against teams with a winning record and you have a great spot to fade a Toronto team off of a 5-0 win, looking ahead to Boston, and in an 0-8 situation. Hawks are in a great price here as they have won 25 of 36 games against teams with a losing record this season and they're currently one of the hottest teams in the league. 8* CHICAGO |
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03-18-17 | Capitals v. Lightning +130 | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 17 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Saturday 8* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning are off of an embarrassing 5-0 home loss to the Maple Leafs and this followed a 4-game winning streak and, overall, a stretch where there Bolts had won 12 of 17. Couple that with the fact that Tampa Bay is seeking revenge for a 4-0 shutout at Washington earlier this season and you have the perfect spot for a bounce back effort from the home dog Lightning here. TB does have injury issues at center but look for the Bolts to "rally the troops" in this critical game as everyone steps up. While the Caps are off of a loss too are they really going to respond here? The Capitals are slumping and have now lost 5 of their last 6 games. Amazingly, as strong as Washington has been this season, they are 0-9 overall this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Bolts have won 42 of 66 games when off of a loss by a multiple goal margin and they'll respond off of their recent ugly defeat. 8* TAMPA BAY |
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03-16-17 | Wild -131 v. Hurricanes | 1-3 | Loss | -131 | 7 h 12 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Minnesota Wild Money Line (-) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Wild are off of back to back losses and their 4-2 loss at Washington Tuesday was the first time this season that they lost when coming off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. Minnesota has now won 6 of 7 on the season when in that role which is again in play here. Also, the Wild have lost 3 straight games only once this entire season and I don't expect that to happen here! Minnesota is on the road at Carolina and the fact the Wild are away from home is helping to keep this line in check. Very reasonable road price here and Minny has swept the season series from the Canes each of the past two seasons. The Hurricanes are off of a loss to the Islanders and have lost 15 of 23 this season when off of a divisional game. This game is wrapping up a 5-game road trip for Minnesota and the Wild have won 9 of 12 this season (and 23 of 34 long-term) when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on the road. 8* MINNESOTA money line |
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03-16-17 | Flyers -106 v. Devils | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -106 | 7 h 43 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Off of a big win over in-state rival Pittsburgh it may seem tough to take the Flyers here but, keep in mind, they're still fighting hard for a playoff spot and have been a very streaky team this season. Also, they get the added edge of facing a Devils team that has lost 10 straight games! Additionally, the Flyers are a respectable 8-6 (+3.0 net games) when in a back to back spot this season and also Philly is a perfect 3-0 this season when off of a shutout win! When off of a divisional game this season the Flyers have won 12 of 19. As for the Devils, they have lost 5 of 6 when they are playing with three or more days of rest between games. New Jersey has been off since Saturday at Arizona because the northeast snowstorm cancelled their most recent game. Look for the Devils to be "rusty" coming off of a west coast road trip and having not played in 5 days! The Flyers should be skating circles around the Devils here as they ride the momentum of last night's key win over the Pens as Philadelphia looks to remain alive in the playoff chase. New Jersey has lost 51 of 80 divisional games the past 3 seasons combined and the Flyers get revenge tonight for losing the first two games to the Devils this season by a combined score of 8 to 1. Payback time. 10* PHILADELPHIA on the money line Thursday |
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03-15-17 | Penguins v. Flyers +125 | 0-4 | Win | 125 | 11 h 51 m | Show | |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Wednesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers have been struggling, to say the least, and even though playoff hopes are dwindling unless they turn it around quick, Philadelphia is always going to be "up" for a game with the in-state rival Penguins. The good news for the Flyers is they are still "alive" in the playoff race and they also are catching the Penguins at the perfect time for an upset. Pittsburgh was in Calgary Monday and so they are coming back from a road trip out west and they are also quite banged up. A multitude of injuries is effecting the Pens both up front and on the blue line. This certainly is effecting the depths of the Penguins and the Flyers will test that depth with a hard nosed effort on home ice against a hated rival. Philly lost at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago and this revenge spot on the Flyers home ice is a huge game for Philadelphia. The home team has outscored the road team 17-10 in the last 4 games with 3 of those resulting in home victories. However, the lone loss in those meetings was when the Flyers lost 5-4 to the Pens early this season in October despite a 42-27 edge in shots on goal. Time for a little payback here. Philly has won 5 of 7 games this season when they enter on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Pittsburgh has lost 13 of 23 this season (and 36 of 61 the last 3 seasons) when they are on the road in a game with a posted total of 5.5 goals. 8* PHILADELPHIA money line Wednesday |
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03-14-17 | Blackhawks v. Canadiens -117 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -117 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 7:35 ET - The Blackhawks are off of a key divisional win over Minnesota and could be caught flat here at Montreal. Chicago had lost two straight games before knocking off the Wild and, though they've been playing well overall, the Blackhawks are arguably not as hot as the Canadiens. Montreal comes into this game having won 7 of its last 8 games. They needed to get hot after some mid-season doldrums and they've done just that as they've won 8 of 10 the last 4 weeks. While Chicago has been solid overall defensively, they have given up 2 goals or more in 6 of their last 9 games while Montreal, amazingly, has given up 1 goal or less in 5 of their last 6 games. In fact, other than ugly loss at Calgary, the Canadiens last 6 games have seen them allow a total of 4 goals in the 5 games not against the Flames. While the Hawks are off of that big win over the Wild, the Habs have had this game circled as it is their only game between the 12th and the 18th and picking up 2 points is critical for them in this one. Look for them to get revenge for a loss at Chicago earlier this season as the Canadiens have fallen victim to the Blackhawks in recent seasons and this is the perfect spot for payback. 10* MONTREAL |
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03-14-17 | Wild +125 v. Capitals | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 34 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Tuesday 8* Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Wild have double revenge here as they were swept by the Capitals last season. Now they have Bruce Boudreau behind the bench as he came from Anaheim in the off-season. Of course he was a long-time coach for the Capitals and will want to make the most of this opportunity. Certainly he and Minnesota are catching the Caps at the right time to get a little payback. Washington has lost four straight games and the combined score of the games was 17-6 so it's not like the Capitals are just getting nipped. The Wild are off of a loss at Chicago Sunday and that is very significant because, dating all the way back to early December, Minnesota has lost back to back games just once - a span of 3+ months. Also, the Wild are a perfect 6-0 this season when off of a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. The Capitals have lost 8 of 12 this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. 8* MINNESOTA |
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03-13-17 | Hurricanes v. Islanders -140 | 8-4 | Loss | -140 | 10 h 15 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - Even though the first game back after a long road trip can be tough on a home team, there are simply too many edges here for the Islanders and that is giving us great line value with the Isles available at a favorable price here on Monday. The Islanders has lost both games with the Hurricanes this season (including 5-4 here at home) so they have plenty of motivation for this game. Also, the Isles come into this game off a 4-3 loss at St Louis so they'll have plenty of hunger for a victory here. The Islanders, prior to the loss to the Blues, had won 16 of 25 games and the Isles have scored 3 goals or more in 21 of their last 27 games. Conversely, the Hurricanes have trouble scoring goals and that certainly could prove to be a difference maker here. The Canes have been held to 2 goals or less in 17 of their last 22 games! It's no wonder that Carolina has lost 16 of their last 22 games! On the season the Hurricanes have won just 6 of 17 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals and the Islanders have won 17 of 27 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Two teams going in opposite directions and a reasonable price being offered on the home fave here. Lay it! 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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03-13-17 | Blue Jackets -110 v. Flyers | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 17 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (-) @ Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets have had plenty of success against the Flyers in recent seasons but one rare exception to this long-term trend was in their most recent visit to Philly when they took a 6-0 beating from Philadelphia. That was in March of last season and certainly is a recent enough manhandling to know that Columbus hasn't forgotten. Couple that with the fact that the Blue Jackets are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin and you have a nice set up here. Columbus has won 7 of 10 this season when off of a loss by 2 goals or more. Also, the Jackets have won 22 of 34 games against teams with a losing record this season. The Flyers are back home after a 4-game road trip and that first game back can be tough. Note that Philly is 0-6 this season when they enter a game off of 3 or more consecutive road games. Also, the Flyers have lost 18 of 28 games against teams with a winning record this season. A lot of value with the short money line fave here. 8* COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS |
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03-12-17 | Wild +115 v. Blackhawks | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 2 h 42 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Sunday 8* Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 12:35 ET - The road team has won all 3 match-ups this season and the Wild are looking to extend their lead in the division. I like the fact that Minnesota is in the midst of a road trip and off of a big comeback win at Florida where they rattled off 4 unanswered 3rd period goals. The Wild are in full "road trip mode" while the Blackhawks are back home after a quick one game trip and they've been bouncing around this month from home to Nashville then home again before going to Detroit and now home for a single game again before embarking on a 3-game road trip. The quirky schedule seems to have thrown Chicago off as they have lost 2 straight and what had been a red hot offense has stalled. Facing Minny is unlikely to help get that back on track as Minnesota knows the road to making the Stanley Cup Finals often goes through Chicago in the Western Conference. After losing each of the last two match-ups with the Blackhawks (both in Minny), look for the Wild to respond on the road here. Chicago has lost 8 of 13 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Wild have won 17 of 23 games against teams with a winning record this season. By comparison, the Blackhawks have only won 11 of 23 games against teams with a winning record this season. Value with the road dog here. 8* MINNESOTA |
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03-11-17 | Islanders +100 v. Blues | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Saturday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - This line looked a little "funny" as it opened up at a pick'em price even though Blues have the home ice edge. Sure enough, many are now backing the home team here as the St Louis money line is getting plenty of attention from the betting markets. I am well aware of the fact that the Blues have won 3 straight games and have actually fared well in most back to back situations this season. However, St Louis more recently has not impressed. Prior to this 3-game mini-run the Blues had lost 5 straight games. Also, believe it or not, St Louis has not won consecutive home games since November 28th and December 1st. Overall, the Blues have lost 8 of 13 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season and I look for the high-scoring Islanders to give them trouble here. The Isles have excelled as it relates to longer road trips and have won 21 of 29 the last 3 seasons combined when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on the road. Look for more of the same tonight as the Isles have scored 4 goals or more in 9 of their last 18 games. By comparison, prior to scoring 4 goals last night, the Blues had averaged only 1.6 goals per game in their last 7 games! Road rout on tap with the more rested team here as St Louis again fails to win a home game when they enter having won their most recent home contest. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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03-11-17 | Predators +140 v. Sharks | 3-1 | Win | 140 | 6 h 48 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Saturday 8* Nashville Predators Money Line (+140) @ San Jose Sharks @ 4:05 ET - Essentially this is the Predators game of the year. They have lost four straight games (many tight defeats) and they are desperate for points in the standings. That said, facing a nemesis should bring out the best in the Preds. Nashville was eliminated from the post-season by the Sharks last season and then lost bad, 4-1 at San Jose, in their only match-up so far this season. That said, the Predators are going to bring a "game of the season" type effort here and I love the underdog value here with a quality hockey club! The Preds tight loss at Los Angeles Thursday night was the 1st time this season that they have lost a 4th straight game. Nashville had been 3-0 in that situation so far this season. Look for the Predators to respond big here. The Sharks have been hot but, from a situational perspective (off of a win over a top tier opponent - Washington), San Jose is simply not going to be able to match the intensity of the Preds in this game and that will prove to be the difference here. Who wants it more? You guessed it! 8* NASHVILLE |
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03-09-17 | Flyers +133 v. Maple Leafs | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 10 m | Show | |
NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - Both teams are off of wins but, for the Flyers it appears they could be turning the corner with wins in 3 of their last 4 games. As for the Maple Leafs, they had lost 5 straight games before the win over division rival Detroit on Tuesday. That said, and considering the Red Wings are "tanking the season" anyway at this point, I am not impressed with Toronto's current level of play and feel they are way over-priced here. In addition to line value here, we certainly have some technical support for this play as well. The Leafs have lost 49 of 80 the past 3 seasons combined when they are off of a divisional game. Also, Toronto had allowed 31 goals in their last 9 games (an average of 3.5 goals per game!) before holding the floundering Red Wings to just 2 goals Tuesday. As for the Flyers, they have allowed a total of only 6 goals in their last 4 games - an average of just 1.5 goals per game. Grab the solid underdog value here. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-08-17 | Senators +102 v. Stars | 5-2 | Win | 102 | 10 h 9 m | Show | |
Sweeper Pass - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Wednesday 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - Both teams are off of big wins but the Senators have now won 3 straight and 9 of their last 13. That is in stark contrast to a Stars team that just won back to back games for only the 3rd time in 2017. Indeed it's been tough times for Dallas and the Stars have managed 3 straight wins only 1 time this entire season! Though they are trying to rectify things late in the season they are facing a tough Ottawa club here that is offering us great line value as a small road dog in this spot. The Sens are the much better team in terms of goals allowed per game and the Stars come into this one having lost 12 of 13 games this season when they are off of a game they won by a margin of 2 goals or more! Also, Dallas has lost 19 of 27 games this season against teams with a winning record. The Senators have won 44 of 78 (+$16,500) non-conference games the past 3 seasons combined and I look for the Sens to again hold the upper hand here as they can go "all out" here with only Arizona and Colorado (2 of the worst teams in the league) on deck. 8* OTTAWA |
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03-07-17 | Hurricanes v. Avalanche +145 | 1-3 | Win | 145 | 10 h 18 m | Show | |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #12 Tuesday 8* Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 9:05 ET - These are two of the worst teams in the league and the Hurricanes are over-priced in my opinion. Though it may seem hard to back the Avs, note that prior to their home loss to the Blues Sunday, Colorado had been a respectable 3-3 in their last 6 games on home ice. The Hurricanes are a pricey favorite here considering that they had lost 9 of 10 before sneaking by the Coyotes on the road Sunday. Carolina is over-priced here considering they are on the road where they have lost 13 of 15 games with a posted total of 5 goals this season. Colorado is 10-1-2 in its last 13 home games against the Hurricanes and the Avalanche also just won at Carolina about 2 and a half weeks ago. There is not enough disparity or motivational differences between these two clubs to justify the Canes being priced the way they are. Look for the Canes to bounce back off of a home shutout loss by getting the big home win here. 8* COLORADO money line |
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03-05-17 | Blues v. Avalanche +165 | 3-0 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 45 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #12 Sunday 8* Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) vs St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Avalanche have struggled badly this season and there is no doubt about that. However, at home as a dog in this price range and facing a team that will be squeezing the sticks too tight (Blues have lost 5 straight and are feeling the pressures of a playoff race), there is now way I am passing up the value on the undervalued home dog in this one! Colorado is "only" 3-3 in their last 6 home games but they won all 3 of those games by multiple goal margins. Historically the Avs are a "different team" on home ice and they've been showing that again over the past month. The Blues have averaged scoring just 1.2 goals per game during their 5-game losing streak and this type of offensive futility truly plays hell with a team's psyche. That makes the Avalanche a very dangerous undervalued dog in this spot. The Blues have lost 10 of 15 this season when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. St Louis also has lost 11 of 15 this season in road games where the total is posted at 5 goals. Colorado is "only" 32-27 the past 3 seasons combined when they are off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less but, as a dog in many of those situations, the results has been $15,400 in net profits for Avs backers in that situation. 8* COLORADO AVALANCHE on the money line Sunday evening |
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03-04-17 | Lightning -105 v. Sabres | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 2 m | Show | |
8* TAMPA BAY money line - Lightning off of loss that followed strong stretch where they won 7 of 10. Sabres off of a win that followed a 4-game losing streak. Tampa Bay will be hungrier than Buffalo as the Bolts come in off of last night's loss at Pittsburgh and Buffalo quickly reverts to some sub-par play typical of what had led to the four straight losses. TB has won 45 of 69 the L3 seasons when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Sabres have lost 11 of 15 when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. |
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03-03-17 | Lightning +160 v. Penguins | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 42 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Friday 8* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have lost back to back games and have now lost 4 of their last 6 overall. The Lightning have won back to back games and how now won 7 of their last 10 games. The kicker here is that the Pens ousted the Bolts from the post-season in the Eastern Conference finals last May. Tampa Bay has wanted revenge for a long time because they failed to get the job done in their first two games against the Pens this season (one early Dec and one early Jan). Now Tampa has finally been playing the way they've been expected to after struggling for much of the season. As for the Pens, they've stumbled a bit of late. The result is that this is the perfect spot for a big upset. Tampa Bay has already won 9 of 14 road games this season with a posted total of 5.5 goals. 8* TAMPA BAY money line Friday |
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03-02-17 | Predators +112 v. Canadiens | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 38 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Thursday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - Both teams come in on winning streaks but the Predators have averaged 4 goals per game their last 11 games while the Canadiens have scored a TOTAL of just 4 goals in their last 5 home games! As you can see from those numbers we are getting great line value here with underdog Nashville. The red hot Preds have revenge on their minds as they lost at home to Montreal in early January. Prior to that Nashville had won the last 2 meetings by a combined score of 7-2. A lot of value is given to home ice in NHL match-ups but the road team has outshot the home team in each of the last 3 meetings by a combined tally of 109-71 in shots on goal. The Predators have won 12 of 19 when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more this season. The Preds also have won 8 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. The Habs have lost 10 of 16 (and cost backers $6,700 at $1K a game) when they are off of a shutout win. After a revenging 1-0 win over Columbus on Tuesday, look for Montreal to fall flat tonight against the red hot offense of the revenge-minded Predators. 10* NASHVILLE money line Thursday |
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03-02-17 | Coyotes +155 v. Sabres | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 14 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Thursday 8* Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - This is as much a play against the Sabres as it is a play on the Coyotes. The fact is that Buffalo is laying a very sizable price here considering that the Sabres have lost 4 straight games plus allowed 18 goals in those 4 games. While it may be tempting to back Buffalo and look for them to stop their losing streak, they've actually lost 35 of 53 games when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Also, the Sabres have lost 11 of 14 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more! The Coyotes are off of a loss at Boston but, as bad as their full season record is, Arizona had won 9 of its last 16 games before that loss to the red hot Bruins. The point is that the Coyotes have been a much better team over the last 6 weeks than what their full season record shows. The Sabres are simply over-priced here and I am going to grab the underdog value with Arizona. The Coyotes just beat Buffalo last week out west and just because the Sabres on home ice does not mean things will change. In fact, Buffalo has allowed 4 goals or more in 5 of its last 7 home games! 8* ARIZONA COYOTES money line early Thursday |
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03-01-17 | Hurricanes +151 v. Lightning | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 28 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Wednesday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - I lost with the Hurricanes last night as they tied the Panthers in regulation but, after a scoreless OT, lost in the shootout. I won't hesitate to come right back with the "ugly dog" again tonight as they catch the Lightning in a tough spot. Even though this is a back to back spot for Carolina, one could argue that the scheduling situation favors the Canes. The Lightning are off of a huge 5-1 home win versus Ottawa Monday and the Bolts have not done well in this situation this year. When off of a game where they won by a margin of 2 goals or more, they've lost 14 of 19. There is simply a natural tendency for a team to let up after a big win like that. Compounding the tough situation for the Lightning however is that they have a huge game on deck with the Penguins. Not only are the Pens the defending Stanley Cup champions but Pittsburgh got there by knocking off Tampa Bay in an Eastern Conference finals that went the full 7 games last year! Tampa can't help but to be peeking ahead and the big game that looms with the Pens for Friday night. The Lightning got a big performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes Monday but they have lost 11 of 14 (including 8 of their last 9) when they are off of a game where they allowed 1 goal or less this season! Even though the Canes are off of a tough loss last night, they've certainly had some tough "puck luck" in recent games as, prior to losing in the shootout last night, they had outshot 4 straight opponents by a combined margin of 146 to 111. Also, the Hurricanes have won 7 of 10 this season when in the 2nd game of a back to back situation. Indeed this is the perfect spot for an upset Wednesday night. 8* CAROLINA |
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02-28-17 | Oilers +113 v. Blues | 2-1 | Win | 113 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Tuesday 8* Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+115) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - St Louis has now lost 3 straight games as playoff pressure seems to be getting the best of them. I'll gladly fade the Blues here with an Oilers team that is playing their final game until Saturday and that has fit the definition of "road warrior" this season. Edmonton has 18 road wins this season and only one team in the West (Chicago) and one team in the East (Rangers) has managed to amass more wins away from home. The Oilers are off of a tough 5-4 loss to the Predators and Edmonton has won 11 of 17 games this season when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Blues have lost 94 of 158 when they enter a game off of 3 or more consecutive losses. In other words, when things start to disintegrate for the Blues they often find it tough to pull it back together. What makes this situation even stronger for Edmonton is the fact that they scored 4 goals and yet still lost their most recent game. They'll be fired up here. Also, the Oilers have won each of the last 3 meetings between the clubs including the most recent battle in St Louis so there is no shortage of confidence here. The road team has outshot the home team 70 to 50 in the last two meetings between these clubs and I look for the Oilers to "carry play" in this one as well. 8* EDMONTON +115 on the money line Tuesday night |
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02-28-17 | Hurricanes +140 v. Panthers | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 2 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Tuesday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+140) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Panthers are laying a sizable price here considering they have lost 4 straight home games. After a loss in their last home game before a long road trip, Florida rattled off 5 straight wins for a perfect 5-0 road trip. Now that the Panthers are back home, it's almost as if they're putting too much pressure on themselves and squeezing the sticks a little  too tight. Until that trend reverses, there is value in going against them. Carolina comes into this game off of a 3-1 home loss to Calgary but that followed a 3-0 shutout win over Ottawa. For the Hurricanes the loss to the Flames Sunday was just the 2nd time in 9 games this season that they've lost a game when they enter the match-up having played each of their 3 prior games at home. Look for the Canes to make it 8 out of 10 on the season with a win here as getting back on the road rejuvenates this team. The Panthers have lost 13 of 21 this season when off of a divisional game. Look for slumping Florida to drop to 3-9 on the season in Tuesday games as they continue to feel the pressure of the playoff race while the Canes come into this one relaxed and happy to play the role of spoiler. 8* CAROLINA +140 on the money line early Tuesday evening |
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02-27-17 | Senators +164 v. Lightning | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 40 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Monday 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - Even though this is a back to back spot for the Senators they have actually won 5 of 8 this season in the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, even though the Lightning are on home ice here I am not so sure the dealing of Ben Bishop to the Kings is going to have such a positive impact on Tampa Bay! Yes, the Bolts are officially giving the starting goalie spot to Andrei Vasilevskiy and, while that may not be an issue per se, what I believe is an issue is that the Lightning (whether they admit to it or not) are being told they are sellers rather than buyers as the trade deadline approaches. As a result, I would not be surprised to see the Lightning come up with a somewhat disappointing effort tonight and that will likely lead to a major upset here. The line has risen all day long on Tampa Bay in this one but the Bolts are hosting a Sens team that has significantly closed the gap in the division at the top. Ottawa is making a serious run at Montreal and the Senators won't slow down here. After all, the Sens have a couple days off after this game and then settle in for some home games. So they'll go all out tonight and this is a Senators team that has won 6 of its last 9 games. The Lightning have lost 25 of their last 39 games and they've lost 17 of 28 this season against teams with a winning record. The road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams and the Bolts have lost 8 of 13 this season when playing with home loss revenge so look for the recent road dominance in this series to continue here. Grab the tremendous value with the big dog. 8* OTTAWA SENATORS money line early Monday evening |
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02-27-17 | Canadiens v. Devils +110 | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 55 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Monday 8* New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Montreal is off of an OT win versus a divisional rival plus they have a tough game on deck tomorrow night at Columbus. New Jersey is off of an OT loss and they don't play again until Thursday so they're fully focused on getting a W here in what is their final game before the trade deadline. Also, the Devils have lost 3 straight meetings with the Habs so they have payback on their minds here. Another reasons to like the Devils here is they have not allowed more than 2 goals in back to back games since it happened 4 weeks ago. That is significant here because they are off of a 4-3 loss to the Rangers where they blew a 3-2 lead and so I look for the Devils to bounce back (as they have been) and allow 2 goals or less in this game. The key with that magic number of 2 is that the Canadiens have lost 14 straight games when they are held to 2 goals or less. This is the Devils final home game until Sunday and, off of 3 straight losses, look for New Jersey to come out with plenty of energy and emotion in this one. The Canadiens, before a tight win over the Leafs, had lost 8 of their last 10 games and they'll get caught looking ahead to a shot at revenge tomorrow night as they host the Blue Jackets for the first time this season. Remember at Columbus they got thoroughly embarrassed 10-0 earlier this season and they have lost both match-ups with the Jackets so far on the season. 8* NEW JERSEY DEVILS money line early Monday evening |
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02-25-17 | Canadiens v. Maple Leafs -115 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 7 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #10 Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The reason this is a contrarian play is because many will back the Canadiens here simply based on their long history of success against the Maple Leafs. This is actually helping to make this the perfect spot to back Toronto because the line is being held lower than it should be because of Montreal's past successes in this match-up. The Maple Leafs have a great shot at finally getting into the win column against the Habs as Montreal still "can't get right" even after the coaching change. Overall it is a long, ugly stretch that has seen the Canadiens lose 8 of their last 10 games. The Leafs come into this game off of a tight loss that has them fired up as they previously had won a respectable 16 of their last 28 games. For the Leafs, that type of a stretch is progress and Toronto has won 9 of 13 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Conversely, Montreal has lost 8 of its last 12 games against teams with a losing record! The Maple Leafs have outshot the Habs in all 3 match-ups this season so they've been on the cusp of turning the corner against a hated rival. On Saturday I foresee them indeed finally turning the corner! Great line value here with the team playing the better hockey and not going through a transitional phase! 10* TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS money line |
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02-25-17 | Islanders +129 v. Blue Jackets | 0-7 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 1 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Saturday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 5:05 ET - The Islanders have won 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, truly haven't been the same team since their long winning streak ended in early January. Since then, Columbus has lost 12 of its last 22 games. That is giving us some nice underdog value here with a confidence and focused Isles team that is playing its best hockey of the season. The Islanders have won 6 of the last 7 meetings between the clubs and home ice hasn't meant a lot to the Blue Jackets either as the Isles have won 4 of the last 6 meetings in Columbus. The Islanders also come into this game having won 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning record. The Jackets have lost 46 of 75 when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more and I look for their struggles to continue here. 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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02-22-17 | Capitals v. Flyers +145 | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 38 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #54 Wednesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - Many will be flocking to back the Capitals here as they are off of back to back losses. Of course Washington certainly is the better team as they are one of the top teams in the league while the Flyers are fighting hard just to remain relevant in the playoff race at this point in time. However, in typical contrarian fashion here (with quality reasoning to support it of course), I am fading the masses and backing Philadelphia in this one. In addition to the value of being a sizable dog on home ice, Philly also has revenge on their minds here. Not only were they knocked out of the post-season by the Capitals last April (Flyers did play them very tough by the way), Philadelphia also is looking to make up for one of the worst performances of this season. That occurred last month at Washington when the Flyers were drilled 5-0 in a listless effort right before going on their bye week. Philly and the Caps both come into this game well rested as the Flyers are playing just their 2nd game in the last 6 days while Washington just recently completed their bye week. However, I like catching Philadelphia off of a much-needed confidence boosting win and catching the Capitals questioning themselves a bit after back to back losses where they scored a total of just 3 goals. Believe it or not, the Caps do actually have a losing record in divisional action this season costing their backers 7.4 net units in those games! Philly has won 6 of their 9 home games with a posted total of 5 goals this season and Michal Neuvirth is expected to be between the pipes tonight. The Flyers are 7-3 in his home starts this season and he delivered phenomenal performances against the Capitals in last season's playoff series. Look for more of the same here on Wednesday! 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-21-17 | Flames +140 v. Predators | 6-5 | Win | 140 | 11 h 38 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Tuesday 8* Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - Big battle in terms of the playoff race and there is great line value with the underdog given the situation here. Nashville is off of a tight 4-3 win at Columbus Sunday and will now be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights! Also, the Predators haven't won back to back games since they were hot back in mid-January. Over the last 4 weeks Nashville has not been able to string together consecutive victories. The Flames come into this game off of a tight 2-1 loss at Vancouver Saturday. Prior to the loss to the Canucks, Calgary had won 5 of its past 7 games and the Flames have not lost back to back games since a poor stretch wrapped up about 4 weeks ago. When playing with 2 days of rest between games this season, Calgary has won 6 of 7 games. The Flames also have won 8 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge and they did lose to the Preds in Calgary last month. That was the 3rd time in the last 4 meetings between the clubs that the road team won and, in fact, the Flames have won each of their last 3 visits to Nashville. Off of a 2-1 loss to the Canucks, look for Calgary to respond here as they have won 12 of 17 this season when off of a game where they scored 1 goal or less. As for the Predators, they have lost 16 of 20 this season (and 48 of 71 the past 3 seasons) when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. 8* CALGARY |
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02-20-17 | Ducks -135 v. Coyotes | 2-3 | Loss | -135 | 9 h 52 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Monday 8* Anaheim Ducks Money Line (-) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 9:05 ET - After opening up in the 160 range this line quickly dropped to the 135 range and, as long time followers know, I love dogs in the NHL but I also am all about line value. In this case, the drop in the price on the Ducks is offering fantastic line value. Even though Anaheim is in a back to back situation it is a very quick trip from southern California to Arizona and the Ducks are one of the top teams in the west while the Coyotes are one of the worst teams in the league. I am well aware of the fact that Arizona has been notching a few victories of late but, before outshooting the Sharks in Saturday's loss to San Jose, the Coyotes had been outshot in 6 straight games! The average margin of shots on goal in those 6 games saw Arizona at a deficit of 11 shots per game! This shows you how badly the Coyotes are often beaten in terms of getting pucks on net and the Ducks are hungry for back to back wins here. Anaheim has struggled recently for consistency but I look for them to make the most of this opportunity against a team they've beaten 5 straight times by an average score of 4 to 1. As you can see from those numbers, many of the wins have been blowouts and I am expecting a road rout here. Even though back-up goalie Jonathan Bernier is likely to get the start here, he has been rock solid in his 3 starts over the past 5 weeks. The Ducks, off of a 1-0 win yesterday, have won 10 of 14 this season when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. The Coyotes have lost 17 of 25 divisional games this season and also have lost 28 of 40 games when playing with revenge this season. Amazingly, when playing with home loss revenge the past 3 seasons combined, Arizona has lost 43 of 56 games. They are looking to the trade deadline as an opportunity to sell, sell, sell while the Ducks are focused on moving up the standings in the post-season race. That proves to be a big difference maker here in terms of focus and motivation on the ice in this one. 8* ANAHEIM DUCKS money line |
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02-19-17 | Blackhawks -120 v. Sabres | Top | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Sunday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 6:05 ET - It has been amazing how poorly teams have done after the mandatory bye week this season in the NHL. The Blackhawks won 5 straight games through last Saturday and then they were off all week and, sure enough, lost yesterday. That defeat for Chicago (versus Edmonton) will have the Hawks fired up to bounce back here. They're catching the Sabres red hot heading into their bye week which starts tomorrow. The Sabres have been getting strong goaltending from Robin Lehner but this is a back to back spot and he was in goal for yesterday's home win versus St Louis. With Buffalo playing a lot of games recently, this is a tough spot in terms of the goalie situation. Also, the Sabres are 0-2 this season (and 1-7 the L3 seasons combined!) when they enter a game on a 3-game winning streak. As you can see, Buffalo is not known for long losing streaks and they're in trouble here with Chicago coming into this game angry off of a loss. Also, the Sabres have lost 30 of 44 when in the 2nd game of a back to back and the Blackhawks also have a long winning streak going against Buffalo. Chicago comes into this game having won 22 of 32 games against teams with a losing record this season. Also, the Blackhawks have won 7 of 10 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back and the Hawks have won 32 of 45 Sunday games the past 3 seasons combined. 10* CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS on the money line |
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02-18-17 | Panthers +150 v. Kings | Top | 3-2 | Win | 150 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Saturday Florida Panthers Money Line (+) @ Los Angeles Kings @ 10:05 ET - Even though this is a back spot for Florida, they are the play here. They are on a tremendous surge thanks in part to the recent return of two of their top players, Jonathan Huberdeau and Alexander Barkov. Â The Panthers have now won 6 of their last 7 games and the lone loss was to the Kings in Florida. In other words, this is a revenge spot for Florida and I expect them to get it. Keep in mind, even though this is a back to back LA and Anaheim are right next to each other in Southern California so no true travel was involved here. The Kings have but one win (that victory over the Panthers) in their last 4 games and Los Angeles has been outscored 15 to 3 in their other 3 games. Both of these teams are battling for playoff spots (one in the East and one in the West) but only one team is currently playing like a true contender and that is the Panthers. That said, I'll gladly grab the underdog value in this revenge spot. The Panthers have already won 9 of 13 Saturday games this season. The Kings have also fared well on Saturdays but they come into this game struggling and their goaltending has been a major issue of late. 10* FLORIDA PANTHERS money line |
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02-18-17 | Senators +125 v. Maple Leafs | 6-3 | Win | 125 | 10 h 34 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Saturday 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - These teams met twice last month and the road team took both meetings. Ottawa has actually won three straight games at Toronto and I expect them to make it 4 straight here against their division rival. The key is goaltending. While the Senators have allowed a TOTAL of only 5 goals in their last 4 games combined, the Maple Leafs have given up 5 goals or more in 5 of their last 9 games! Overall, Toronto has won just 3 times in their last 10 games while the Senators come into this game with 3 wins in their last 4 games! The Leafs are known for going into "swoons" at this time of year and have actually lost 22 of their last 32 February games. Toronto also enters this game winless in in its last 3 games against teams with a winning record. With these rivals located only a couple hundred miles apart, it is not much of a road trip and I look for the Sens winning ways to continue here as the Maple Leafs feel the pressure of needing this win on home ice while the Senators come in loose and relaxed for this game. That type of scenario makes for a dangerous underdog and the Sens certainly fit the bill in that regard for Hockey Night in Canada Saturday. 8* OTTAWA SENATORS money line |
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02-17-17 | Penguins v. Blue Jackets -116 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 47 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Friday 10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights and this is a tough back to back situation for them. Pittsburgh had to battle hard to get past Winnipeg 4-3 in overtime last night. The Penguins also saw a couple of players leave yesterday's game with injury as both Justin Schultz and Olli Maatta were forced out with injuries in the 2nd period last night. Whether those players are able to go tonight or not the fact remains that the Penguins players are in a tough spot here considering the scheduling situation. The Blue Jackets were off yesterday, they are at home for this game, and they're playing it with revenge. The Pens did knock off the Jackets earlier this month but the Penguins have won just once in their last five visits to Columbus! The Blue Jackets will have #1 goalie Sergei Bobrovsky ready to go for this one after resting him Wednesday and he is 4-1 with a solid 2.16 GAA in his 5 home starts versus Pittsburgh since he came to Columbus in 2013. Certainly tonight's big divisional battle means a lot to both teams but certainly it is even bigger for the Blue Jackets as they want to make the most of hosting the Stanley Cup Champions just like they did in their only other home game with the Penguins this season: a 7-1 win on December 22nd. The Pens have lost 15 of 28 (-$8,600) Friday games the past 3 seasons while the Blue Jackets are a stellar 9-1 (+$9,400) on Fridays this season. Also, Columbus is a perfect 6-0 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on home ice. Look for the Jackets to get the job done in what is game 5 of a 7-game homestand as that record extends to 7-0 on the season. 10* COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS |
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02-16-17 | Flyers +143 v. Oilers | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Edmonton Oilers @ 9:05 ET - Even though this is a back to back spot for the Flyers it is not a tough travel spot as they Calgary to Edmonton is a short trip. Also, the Flyers schedule has been light prior to this and, after this game, the Flyers have 2 days off then a game then another 2 days off then a game and then yet another 2 days off before their outdoor game at Pittsburgh. That said, with the Flyers off of a loss last night and desperate to pick up points in the standings, I expect a huge game from them here. They catch Edmonton off of a win but the Oilers had previously lost 4 of their last 5 games and averaged only 1 goal per game in those 5 games. That said, the Oilers also have a big game road trip on deck which begins with a revenge game versus the Blackhawks in Chicago on Saturday. Don't be surprised if the Flyers come out as the better skating team and much more aggressive hockey club given the scheduling dynamics of this situation. Philly has won 8 of their last 12 when playing the 2nd game of a back to back this season and the Oilers have lost 21 of their last 32 February games. The Flyers have allowed just 1.9 goals per game in their last 10 games while Edmonton, before their win over Arizona, had lost 3 straight home games by a combined score of 13-5. This situation is set up perfectly for the upset. 10* PHILADELPHIA FLYERS |
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02-15-17 | Blues -101 v. Red Wings | Top | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 7 h 1 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (-) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 8:05 ET - This is a classic case of hot versus not and I look for St Louis to keep rolling. The Blues have responded well since the firing of Ken Hitchcock and they head to Joe Louis Arena on a 4-game winning streak. Also, the Blues have not just been winning they've been getting the job done in blowout fashion. St Louis has won 4 straight by a combined score of 14-3 and the Blues last 6 wins have been by a combined margin of 18 goals (22-4). While the Red Wings will do their best to put up a fight (particularly on home ice) they are short-handed with some injury issues (and a possible suspension) and note that the road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these clubs. Detroit has lost 4 straight games and the Red Wings have given up 4 goals or more in 6 of their last 9 games. Conversely, Blues goalie Jake Allen comes into this game on a red hot run. The Red Wings have lost 32 of their last 48 games while the Blues are playing some of their best hockey this season. Even though Detroit is well rested here, they have actually lost 27 of their last 43 when they enter a game with 2 days of rest. The Blues have won 21 of 33 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals and they are positioned well to get another one here. 10* Top Play ST LOUIS BLUES money line |
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02-14-17 | Ducks +137 v. Wild | Top | 1-0 | Win | 137 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Tuesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Wild are coached by former Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau and so far the Minnesota head coach has gotten revenge on his former team twice already this season. I expect the 3rd time to be the charm for the Ducks players as they now get revenge on the former Anaheim coach. The Ducks are off of an ugly 6-4 loss at Washington Saturday but may have been peeking ahead at this game. Anaheim has won 9 of 11 games this season when they are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. The Ducks did outshoot the Wild in their loss at Minnesota in late January. Make no mistake the Wild have been playing solid hockey but they have been giving up quite a few goals. In other words, they've been on the edge of getting knocked off had they not scored a pile of goals themselves. That is significant here because the Ducks had allowed an average of only 2.4 goals per game in their 5 games prior to losing badly at Washington. As for the Wild, even though they've won 4 of their last 6 games they've allowed an average of 3 goals per game during this stretch. Look for the revenge-minded Ducks to prove to be the hungrier team here and Minnesota has had some injury issues become quite impacting to their blue line as some defensemen are dealing with injuries. This is definitely a contrarian play but it is a situation offering tremendous line value and appears to be the perfect spot for an upset! 10* Top Play ANAHEIM DUCKS money line |
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02-13-17 | Rangers +113 v. Blue Jackets | 3-2 | Win | 113 | 12 h 11 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Monday 8* New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets - The Rangers come into this game on fire with 5 straight wins. Coincidentally the last time New York lost it was to the Blue Jackets two weeks ago. The Rangers will be out for revenge here and they have won 18 of 23 this season when playing with revenge. The Rangers also have been known for huge February performances in recent seasons as they kick things into high gear at this time of year. In fact, not only are the Rangers 5-0 this month so far, they have now won 25 of 33 February games over the past 3 seasons combined. The Rangers also have excelled in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals as they have won 16 of 22 this season and 35 of 49 the past 3 seasons combined. As for the Blue Jackets, they have been struggling since their 16 game winning streak ended very early last month. Columbus is off of a win but note that they have won back to back games just 1 time in the last 6 weeks! In fact, since the Blue Jackets big winning streak ended at the turn of the calendar, Columbus has lost 10 of its last 18 games. Line value with the revenging road dog here in a divisional battle involving two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. This is a classic case of two teams heading in opposite directions. 8* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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02-12-17 | Sharks -120 v. Devils | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 3 h 52 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Sunday 8* San Jose Sharks Money Line (-) @ New Jersey Devils @ 12:35 ET - Even though this is a back to back spot for the Sharks, San Jose has won 6 of 9 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the Devils are likely to be rusty. Off of rare back to back wins, New Jersey then went on their "bye week" and have been off for nearly a full week. Many teams have come back a little "off" in their first game back from their bye week and I expect that to be the case with New Jersey here. Conversely, the Sharks are fired up off of another loss yesterday on what has been a tough road trip for them. San Jose finally has a home game on deck (Wednesday) but the last thing they want to do is finish this current 4 game road trip without a victory. That said, look for a very intense effort from the Sharks in this one. San Jose has won 5 of 7 this season (and 27 of 43 the past 3 seasons) when off of a game where they scored one goal or less. The Devils have lost 16 of 24 this season (and 66 of 104 the last 3 seasons) when they are facing a team with a winning record. New Jersey has also lost 3 of 4 this season when they are enter a game off of 3 or more days of rest. 8* SAN JOSE SHARKS money line very early Sunday |
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02-11-17 | Saint Louis Cardinals +145 v. Canadiens | Top | 4-2 | Win | 145 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Saturday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Blues recently fired coach Ken Hitchock and it certainly has grabbed the club's attention. St Louis enters this game having won 3 straight and the Blues have allowed 1 goals or less in 4 of their last 5 games. The scheduling situation here is ideal for St Louis to stay hot and yet we're able to get a big plus money price on the underdog Blues here. Montreal just got back from a trip out west and the first game back is often the toughest. Not only that, unlike the Blues, the Canadiens have been struggling in their own end as they've allowed 3 goals or more in 4 of their last 5 games. The Habs were somewhat fortunate to escape Arizona with a 5-4 win and that snapped a 4 games losing streak for slumping Montreal. The Canadiens had lost 10 of 15 prior to defeating the Coyotes and this a Montreal team that has not managed to win consecutive games since early January. The Habs have lost 15 of 25 games against teams with a winning record and I feel strongly that they are not priced properly here. The Blues have won 39 of 60 Saturday games the past 3 seasons combined and they'll be fired up for Hockey Night in Canada. Grab the big dog value here. 10* ST LOUIS BLUES MONEY LINE early Saturday evening |
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02-09-17 | Kings +100 v. Panthers | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - Even though the Panthers have won 3 straight and also welcomed back some key personnel in their most recent game, the trouble for Florida is their last game was Friday! After their mandatory "bye week" that became part of the NHL schedule this season for each team, the Panthers are likely to come out a little sluggish here. That is going to spell trouble against a Kings team that, inexplicably, is off of back to back 5-0 shutout losses! Another key to the motivation for Los Angeles here is the fact that they don't play again until next Thursday as their bye week starts after this game. Look for LA to bring plenty of resolve to the rink tonight and "leave it all on the ice" because the last thing the Kings want to do is go into their bye week off of a 3rd straight poor effort! Keep in mind, Los Angeles had won 5 straight games before their 2-game skid while the Panthers had lost 4 straight games before their 3-game run prior their bye week. The Kings entered Tuesday's game at Tampa Bay having won 9 of 13 this season when off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. They were unable to get the job done. They are in the same spot again here and you will see a Kings team going "all out" this time. Given the situation, the Kings will prove to be the much hungrier team in this spot. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS money line early Thursday evening |
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02-09-17 | Islanders v. Flyers -110 | 3-1 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 35 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #12 Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are at home off of back to back shutout losses. Scoring goals has been a problem for Philadelphia of late but a breakout game can be expected here. That's because Philly is hosting a division rival that has allowed 15 goals in its past 3 games. The Islanders are indeed struggling to keep pucks out of their own net but managed to sneak out a 6-5 win over Toronto Tuesday. The Isles have lost 2 of their last 3 road games and allowed 12 goals in the 2 defeats. The Flyers have allowed a total of only 4 goals in their last 3 games. Michal Neuvirth has been fantastic but he is dealing with an illness that caused him to miss practice yesterday. The key here is that Neuvirth will either be healthy enough to go tonight (and he's been red hot between the pipes) or it will be veteran Steve Mason. Mase hasn't started since the last day of January and that was a sub-par game for him but vets like him know how to respond and he'll be ready to go after watching Neuvirth get all the starts since then. Keep in mind, Mason had allowed a total of just 2 goals in his 2 starts prior to the tough outing on January 31st. Both those games were Flyers wins and, no matter who is between the pipes here, look for Philly to respond huge off of back to back shutout losses. Philadelphia has won 4 of 5 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home. The Flyers also have won 37 of their last 61 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Philly also has won 5 straight over the Islanders and the Isles come into this one having lost 8 of 12 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. 8* PHILADELPHIA FLYERS money line early Thursday evening |
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02-08-17 | Blackhawks -102 v. Wild | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 5 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Wednesday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - This is a very strong situation for the Blackhawks. Even though Minnesota is a quality hockey club and is on home ice, there is a reason that this game is basically priced as a "pick'em" and that is the fact that the Blackhawks have a huge scheduling edge here and certainly have revenge on their minds. Even though Chicago has dominated the Wild in recent playoff meetings, these teams have played a lot since their most recent post-season meeting and the Minnesota has held the upper hand. In fact, Minny has now won 8 straight regular season meetings with the Blackhawks! Not only is that enough to have Chicago fired up for this game, the Hawks also are looking up in the standings at Minnesota in the top spot in the Central Division right now. That is certainly atypical as well and the Blackhawks have had this game circled as "their game of the year" for the past few weeks. Keep in mind Chicago lost at home to Minnesota in mid-January. That immediately added to the intensity of this revenge game for the Blackhawks as they know they must gain ground on Minnesota in the division and head to head match-ups tonight and in two weeks from now give the Hawks the coveted opportunity to pick up 4 points on their division rivals. The big scheduling edge here is that the Blackhawks have had a full 3 days off to get geared up both physically and emotionally for this game whereas the Wild had to play at Winnipeg last night! Minnesota is only a .500 team in back to back spots this season. Chicago is off of a big win at Dallas Saturday and the Blackhawks have won 8 of 12 this season when off of a win by a multiple goal margin. Also, Chicago has won 14 of 19 when they are off of a divisional game this season! When playing with home loss revenge the Blackhawks have won 9 of 14 games this season and they want this one badly! 10* CHICAGO on the money line Wednesday night |
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02-07-17 | Blue Jackets v. Red Wings +106 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 6 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #12 Tuesday 10* Top Play Detroit Red Wings Money Line (+) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The Blue Jackets are off of a 5-1 home loss to New Jersey so many may be looking to back them here. However, that was the 4th loss for Columbus in their last 5 games and the Jackets have now allowed 4 goals or more in 6 straight games! That spells trouble against a Red Wings team that is seeing Petr Mrazek start to get hot between the pipes. He's been playing better over the past month but it didn't always show up in the box score. Last week at Nashville it certainly did as Detroit got a 1-0 win over the Predators. A team can ride a hot goalie and, even though the Red Wings have been outshot 78 to 43 in their past two games they won both games thanks, in part, to Mrazek. This is the Red Wings final home game for more than a week as they have a tough road trip on deck. That further increases the important of this game for Detroit. Conversely, the Blue Jackets a have a long homestand on deck and could get caught peeking ahead to that as I am predicting they'll get outplayed by a hungry Red Wings team looking to make sure they make a run toward notching a 26th straight playoff appearance. Detroit was embarrassed at home by the Blue Jackets in December and the Red Wings have won 9 of 13 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Columbus has lost 46 of 74 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. 10* Top Play DETROIT RED WINGS on the money line Tuesday evening |
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02-06-17 | Blues v. Flyers -118 | 2-0 | Loss | -118 | 11 h 23 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Monday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Blues recently made a coaching move with the firing of Ken Hitchock but, as shown in the 4-1 home loss to Pittsburgh, their problems are more than just coaching. St Louis has been struggling between the pipes as they have lost 8 of their last 12 games and, incredibly, the Blues have given up an average of 5 goals per game in their 14 losses dating back to mid-December. Conversely, the Flyers have been getting great goal-tending. Other than one recent bad game (5-1 loss at Carolina Tuesday) in their most recent stretch of 6 games the Flyers went 4-0-1 in the other 5 games and allowed an average of just 1 goal per game in the 5 games! Off of a tough 1-0 OT loss at home Saturday, Philadelphia will be ready to respond here. The Flyers have won 37 of 60 home games with posted total of 5.5 goals. Philly also has won 10 of its last 13 home games versus the Blues. St Louis has lost 8 of 12 this season when they are off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. Also, the Blues have lost 14 of 23 games against teams with a losing record this season. The Flyers have 27 losses in 53 games this season but look for them to get back to .500 with a W here. 8* PHILADELPHIA FLYERS money line early Monday evening |
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02-05-17 | Flames +141 v. Rangers | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 8 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 2:05 ET - The Rangers beat the Flames in Calgary early this season but New York comes into this one struggling a bit. The Rangers have lost 5 of their last 9 games. New York is off of a win but it came by a 2-1 count and the Rangers are averaging just 2 goals per game in their last 5 games. The Flames have won 8 of 11 this season when they are playing with home loss revenge. Even though the Rangers come into this game with 2 days of rest, surprisingly they have lost 5 of 9 this season (-3.7 net units) when they enter a game off of 2 days of rest. The point is that, even with fresh legs, the Rangers really don't belong in this price range here. The Flames have won 3 straight games heading into this one and have averaged 4 goals per game during the hot streak. Overall, Calgary has scored at least 3 goals in 6 of their last 8 games. With the hotter offense and their goal-tending rounding into form, the Flames are well worth the investment here as a road dog. Calgary did outshoot the Rangers by 8 shots on goal in the loss earlier this season and the Flames come into this one having outshot their opponents by an average of 7 shots per game in their last 8 games. I look for their strong play to continue here and for the result to be an upset win on the road as the Rangers lookahead to what they perceive to be a tougher match-up Tuesday when Anaheim will be in town. 10* Top Play CALGARY FLAMES money line Sunday afternoon |
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02-04-17 | Kings v. Flyers +100 | 1-0 | Loss | -100 | 2 h 43 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #54 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Los Angeles Kings @ 1:05 ET - The Kings are off of a shutout win and have lost 13 of 21 (-12.0 net units) when they are off of a shutout. The Flyers knocked off the Kings in Los Angeles early this season so LA is seeking revenge here but they've lost 12 of 20 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. In home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less the Flyers have won 6 of 8 this season. The Flyers made some lineup changes that paid off big in their win over Montreal Thursday and they have been very strong at home where they have won 11 of their last 14 games. Keep in mind, the Kings have lost 16 of their 27 road games this season and traveled cross country for this one. 8* PHILADELPHIA FLYERS money line |
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02-03-17 | Blue Jackets +125 v. Penguins | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 37 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Friday 8* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins will be seeking revenge for a 7-1 beatdown at Columbus in late December but I don't see them getting it. The Pens have some significant injury issues right now. Evgeni Malkin has been downgraded to doubtful for tonight's game with a lower body injury. Also, Pittsburgh recently lost Conor Sheary to injury. That means 40-year old Matt Cullen could end up being a winger on the top line with Sidney Crosby and, no disrespect intended to Cullen but he's not the player he was in his younger years of course. Also, Cullen normally is the 4th line center so he's out of position here and moved up to a top line. I don't see that going well against a Blue Jackets team that, although off of a win, was not happy with their performance on defense against the Rangers Tuesday in the 6-4 victory. Look for the Jackets to tighten things up on the blue line tonight and this is a Columbus team tat is a perfect 5-0 this season when they enter a game off of three consecutive road games. Additionally, the Jackets are 3-0 in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Also, the Blue Jackets are a perfect 9-0 this season in Friday games. The Penguins have lost 15 of 27 on Friday nights the past two seasons and that has cost their backers 9.6 net units at the betting window. As you can see we've got one of the top teams in the league in a spot supported by angles that are combined 17-0, 100% ATS and they're facing a Pittsburgh team dealing with significant injury issues. Revenge or not, the Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup champs and a division rival of Columbus and the Blue Jackets will be "amped up" for this game. I'll gladly grab the Jackets at the underdog price here! 8* COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS money line |
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02-02-17 | Senators v. Lightning -130 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -130 | 11 h 58 m | Show |
Early Blowout - Rickenbach NHL Game #56 Thursday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -130 vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:35 ET - Former Lightning coach Guy Boucher, now the head coach for the Senators, makes his first return to Tampa Bay since being fired about 4 years ago by the Bolts. In his time with Tampa, Boucher worked closely with Jon Cooper (current Lightning head coach) for more than two years and that makes this game even bigger for Cooper. The Bolts need this game in more ways than one but especially with Cooper going up against Boucher this game has extra meaning for the Tampa Bay organization. The Lightning have won 4 of the last 5 meetings overall and also have won 3 of the last 4 match-ups in Tampa. The Senators come into this game having lost 3 of their last 4 games and allowing 5.3 goals per game in the 3 defeats. Though Tampa Bay has also certainly been under-performing they know it is not too late to make a run at getting into playoff position and this is the 1st of 3 remaining games on this critical 4-game homestand for the Lightning. After dropping the first game 4-3 to Boston, look for the Bolts to respond here. Tampa Bay has won 43 of 66 games the past 3 seasons when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. On the other hand, Ottawa has actually underperformed against teams that are struggling this season as they have lost 12 of 20 games against teams with a losing record this season. I like the low price on home ice with Tampa in this one. They got back to the basics in yesterday's practice and had great practice sessions. Physically they are certainly ready here and the Lightning also are ready mentally after "clearing their heads" a bit in good working sessions with coach Cooper yesterday. He has this team ready to defend their home ice against a former coach in Boucher. The Senators run into a buzzsaw in this one tonight as the Bolts will be flying all over the ice at home. 10* TAMPA BAY on the money line |
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01-31-17 | Jets +125 v. Blues | 5-3 | Win | 125 | 9 h 32 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Tuesday 8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Home ice always gets extra "shading" in the NHL and that's understandable but oftentimes it pays to be a contrarian and grab the road dog and this looks like another great spot for just that. The Blues won a "home game" earlier this month in the outdoor game played at Busch Stadium. However, in their last 9 games inside their home arena they have actually lost 7 of their last 9. St Louis has been struggling badly on home ice as the worst part about it is that 6 of those 7 losses have come by multiple goal margins. In other words, the Blues aren't just losing at home, they're getting hammered. Now they have to deal with a Winnipeg team that his hungry and has given St Louis a lot of trouble in recent meetings with 3 straight wins! Also, even though the Jets are "only" 3-2 in their last 5 games, they have averaged scoring 4.2 goals per game and their 3 wins all came by multiple goal margins while the two losses came by just a single goal each. By the way this stretch included games against the Ducks, Sharks, and Blackhawks in addition to the Blues. Unlike St Louis, Winnipeg has been playing gritty, tough, resilient hockey and, after their comeback win at Chicago on Thursday before the All Star break, they now bring plenty of momentum into "part two" of the season as they have their eyes on trying to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. The Blues have lost 7 of 11 when they are off of a game where they were held to one goal or less. The Jets have won 11 of 16 divisional games this season and I look for another road win here! 8* WINNIPEG |
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01-31-17 | Flyers +119 v. Hurricanes | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 57 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers have won 3 in a row while the Hurricanes have lost 5 straight games. The concern for Carolina is not just the losing but they way the are being defeated! The Canes have lost those 5 games by a combined score of 23 to 5 so it has been complete domination. Speaking of domination, Philadelphia has won 5 of its last 6 against Carolina and Philly is also 7-2 this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. The Hurricanes have lost 13 of 17 divisional games this season and the Flyers are further amped up by Wayne Simmonds taking home the MVP in the All-Star game. Sure it's all in fun but it showcases the talent the Flyers have on this team with players like he and Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, and Brayden Schenn. The Flyers, in comparison with the Hurricanes, have also been getting much better play between the pipes of late with solid goaltending. Look for more of the same Tuesday. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-26-17 | Jets v. Blackhawks -150 | 5-3 | Loss | -150 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #20 Thursday 7* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 8:35 ET - As long-time followers know, I will rarely lay much juice in money line sports but this situation on the Blackhawks is moderately price and is a very fair price considering how strong this situation is for Chicago. The Hawks, of course, are a solid hockey club and they don't want to go into the All-Star break with back to back losses. Before their 5-2 home loss to Tampa, Chicago had won 3 straight games and 7 of their last 9. They now host a Winnipeg team that is off of back to back losses and has lost 6 of its last 8 games. The Jets are stumbling, to say the least, and they now face a revenge-minded Chicago team that is fired up about getting back on track. Look for Scott Darling to be between the pipes for this one for the Blackhawks and he has a phenomenal .951 save percentage in his last 4 games (3 starts). The biggest key of all here is revenge. After taking the final four meetings last season, the Hawks have lost all 3 match-ups this season with the Jets and the defeats have come by a combined score of 9-2 including a pair of home losses! To say Chicago is fired up for this rematch at the United Center doesn't even begin to do justice to how hungry the Blackhawks are for divisional revenge in this one. This is the perfect setting for the Hawks to win huge right before the All Star break. It is rare for me but, in this case, lay it! 7* CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS |
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01-26-17 | Canadiens v. Islanders +111 | 1-3 | Win | 111 | 8 h 59 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #10 Thursday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders continue to be a "play on" team as they have responded well after the firing of head coach Jack Capuano. The Isles come into Thursday having won 5 of their last 7 games and the 5 victories all have come by multiple-goal margins so it is not as if the Islanders are just eking out tight wins. New York has plenty of motivation here as the Canadiens have owned this series in recent seasons. It is time for a little Islanders payback here and they are catching the Habs at the right time as Montreal is off of a big 5-1 home win over Calgary. The Canadiens had lost 3 of their 4 prior games and averaged scoring just 1.5 goals per game in those 4 games. As for the Isles production, they have averaged scoring 3.7 goals per game in their last 7 games! The Islanders have won 48 of 81 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals and the Canadiens have lost 20 of 35 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. I'll gladly take the home dog price in this one. 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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01-25-17 | Flyers +129 v. Rangers | Top | 2-0 | Win | 129 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
TV Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Wednesday - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 8:05 ET - This is a revenge game for the Flyers as they were demolished by the Rangers 5 to 2 in Philly earlier this month. Though a lot of value is given to home ice when lines are made, the fact is that provides value in certain situations and this is one of those spots. It is the road team that is seeking revenge, these teams are close in proximity, and the road team has won 5 of the last 6 meetings. That said, home ice tends to be overemphasized in games like this and we can take advantage by grabbing the value on the other side. The Flyers have had two days off after a much needed win (in OT) over the Islanders Sunday. Look for Philadelphia to build off of that win and the Flyers have outshot their opponents 83 to 67 in their two games since returning from their "bye week" which is new to the NHL this season. Philly has come back from the bye rejuvenated and refreshed and playing with good energy again. As for the Rangers, they enter this game on a 3-game winning streak but they've lost 6 of 8 this season when they enter a game on a winning run of 3 games or more. Also, the Rangers have been outshot 59 to 36 in their past 2 games and this will be their 3rd game in 4 days. Look for the recent road domination in this series tonight. 10* PHILADELPHIA on the money line Wednesday |
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01-24-17 | Lightning +140 v. Blackhawks | Top | 5-2 | Win | 140 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Two years ago the Bolts lost 4 games to 2 in the Stanley Cup Finals. Needless to say this is the kind of revenge that doesn't go away easily and, as they enter this game off of 3 straight losses (despite outshooting their foes by a combined 101 to 68), look for the Lightning to "bring it" tonight. It should be a huge effort from a Tampa Bay team that has under-performed this season but was hopeful of "kicking things up a notch" on this road trip. The Bolts have won 6 of 9 (including 4 of 6 this season) when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Also, Tampa Bay has won 33 of 49 (including 5 of 6 this season) when they enter a game off of 2 days of rest. When the Lighting are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more, they have won 42 of 65 the past 3 seasons combined. Tampa Bay lost badly at Arizona Friday despite outshooting the Coyotes 48 to 23. Chicago is off of a 4-2 home win over Vancouver but don't be fooled by the final score. That game was a 2-2 game very late. Also, the Blackhawks scored very late to win their prior game 1-0. Previous to that the Hawks had lost 4 of their 9 prior games so it's not like Chicago has been rolling of late. That said, we are getting tremendous line value here with a very hungry revenging road dog. I'll take it! 10* TAMPA BAY |
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01-24-17 | Blue Jackets v. Islanders +116 | 2-4 | Win | 116 | 9 h 49 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Tuesday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is a revenge game for the Islanders as they were blown out 6-2 at Columbus earlier this season. The Isles won all 5 meetings with the Blue Jackets last season so certainly that result was unexpected. The Islanders are off of a tough OT loss versus the Flyers so they're fired up to quickly resume the winning here. The Isles seem rejuvenated by the coaching change and had won 3 straight (by a combined score of 11-2) before the loss to Philadelphia Sunday. Even though the Blue Jackets are off of back to back wins they had lost 5 of their 8 prior games so they certainly have cooled off since their epic winning streak ended after their 1st game of January. The Jackets have lost 42 of 69 when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Islanders have won 47 of 80 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Look for the Isles to resume their resurgence with a home dog win here. 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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01-22-17 | Predators +117 v. Wild | Top | 4-2 | Win | 117 | 9 h 10 m | Show |
Divisional Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Sunday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Predators are finally heating up. They have won 5 of their last 6 games including 3 of 4 so far on this road trip. They also just go PK Subban back which is also a huge boost for this hockey team. The Preds wrap up this 5-game road trip with this game here in Minnesota and they have the scheduling edge as Nashville was off yesterday while the Wild were locked into an intense battle with a Ducks team that was hell-bent on extracting some revenge. The fact that Minny fought off Anaheim in their revenge bid and got the W yesterday makes this spot even stronger for the Predators. The Preds are now catching the Wild off of a win and in a back to back spot. Minnesota has lost 2 of 3 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on home ice. Nashville has won 4 of 6 this season (and 21 of 34 the past 3 seasons) when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on the road. Nashville took 3 of the 4 meetings last season but Minnesota has now beaten the Predators in each of the first two match-ups this season and both of those were at Nashville. That makes this a huge revenge spot for the Preds and, with the way their playing right now coupled with scheduling edge, this looks like the perfect spot for a road rout. 10* NASHVILLE |
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01-22-17 | Flyers +110 v. Islanders | 3-2 | Win | 110 | 7 h 10 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach Sunday NHL 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 6:05 ET - This is a back to back spot for both clubs but it favors the Flyers in a big way. The key is that Philadelphia just had their bye week before yesterday's game so they are well-rested. Though they lost 4-1 yesterday, they did outshoot the Devils and two New Jersey power play goals were certainly a big difference-maker in the game. Make no mistake about it, Philly has been struggling but this looks like a good spot for them to get back on track. The Islanders are off of an underdog win yesterday but they have lost 5 of 7 back to backs this season. Also, the Flyers have won 4 straight against the Isles and the average score of those games has been 4-1 as they have been dominating wins. The Islanders are winless this season when they enter a game off of 3 or more consecutive wins and their long-term numbers in that situation aren't good either with 19 losses in their last 30 and 74 losses in their last 114 when they enter a game on a run of 3-0 or better. Look for the hungry Flyers to make it 5 in row over the Islanders. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-21-17 | Ducks +155 v. Wild | Top | 3-5 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 59 m | Show |
No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 9:05 ET - This line has been going up, up, up all morning long as everyone is grabbing the Wild at home. I'll gladly grab a revenging Ducks team that had won 3 straight games before losing at home to Minnesota on January 8th. Since that game, Anaheim has gone 5-0-1 their last 6 games. As you can see, the only regulation loss that the Ducks have in their last 10 games came at the hands of the Wild but their revenge goes far deeper than just that. Minnesota is coached by their former coach, Bruce Boudreau, and the Ducks players want this game badly and it looks like their catching the Wild at the perfect time to get revenge. Minnesota has given up 13 goals in their last 4 games. The Wild ended up winning but they did blow a 3-1 lead against the lowly Coyotes. Also, they just lost defenseman Jonas Brodin to injury. Overall there is no debating the fact that Minny has been one of the top teams in the league this season. However, they have allowed 3.1 goals per game in their last 10 games and, on Saturday, they host a Ducks team that has only given up 2 goals or less in 9 straight games! Speaking of Saturday, that is the one day of the week where, oddly enough, things have not gone well for Minnesota with 7 losses in 11 Saturday games this season. Anaheim has won 4 of 5 this season when playing with home loss revenge and the Ducks have won 23 of their last 32 January games. I love the revenge angle here as well as the line value as I'll gladly grab the hungrier team that is also doing a better job of keeping pucks out of their own net. 10* ANAHEIM on the money line Saturday night |
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01-20-17 | Blackhawks +140 v. Bruins | Top | 1-0 | Win | 140 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET Friday - There has been a big line move on this game for two reasons and none of them is a completely "justifiable" reason in my opinion. That said, we are getting fantastic line value in being able to take the Blackhawks as a big dog in this game. The Bruins opened up as a -125 favorite in this game and the line is now as high as -160 on Boston. This is because there are rumors floating around the Bruins as to the possible firing of head coach Claude Julien. Of course now the betting markets are viewing this as "Boston must bring their A game or else" and I see it differently. The last thing this Bruins team needs is more pressure and this is only going to put more pressure on them. Tuukka Rask has been struggling badly between the pipes and now there is added pressure of what is swirling through the media in Boston and it truly would be better for the Bruins if they were on the road rather than "under the microscope" at TD Garden. The other reason for the big line move is because the Blackhawks are going with their back-up goalie Scott Darling this evening. But that is actually good news for Chicago as Corey Crawford has been struggling between the pipes. The fact that Darling is getting the start tonight is actually a positive if you're backing the Hawks and I am doing just that tonight! Chicago is off of a win at Colorado Tuesday and the Blackhawks have won 13 of 17 this season when they are off of a divisional game. Also, Chicago has won 7 of 10 this season when off of a win by a multiple goal margin and the Hawks have won 17 of 25 games against teams with a losing record on the season. The Bruins have lost 6 of their last 9 games and they've allowed at least 3 goals in 7 of those 9 games. Boston is off of a demoralizing loss at Detroit where they blew a huge lead and those expecting a bounce back here should keep in mind that the Bruins have lost 9 of 12 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, Boston has lost 42 of 70 non-conference games the past 3 seasons combined. The Bruins also have the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins on deck as well. Tremendous situational line value on the road dog in this one. 10* Top Play CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS on the money line early Friday evening |
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01-19-17 | Capitals -131 v. Blues | 7-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show | |
No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL 8* Washington Capitals Money Line (-) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET Thursday - We catch a break here considering the Capitals are on the road and facing a respectable foe. After watching the Caps score 7 goals Monday, and yet lose, I knew I would want to play on them in their next game. With Washington on the road, there is line value as this is a very manageable money line. As long time followers know I don't lay big prices in money line sports so, the fact this line is around a -130 as of early gameday morning, is an exceptional value. The Capitals had won 9 straight before their loss at Pittsburgh and had allowed 2 goals or less in 9 of their last 10 games prior to the ugly result against the Penguins where the Caps blew a 3-0 lead! They are catching the Blues at the right time as St Louis has lost 4 of its last 5 home games. The Blues have given up 22 goals in those 5 games as both Allen and Hutton have been struggling between the pipes. Washington has won 9 of 11 non-conference games this season and also has won 13 of 18 when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Blues have lost 10 of 16 games this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. With the Capitals hungry to get right back on track and with the Blues struggles on home ice, I'll gladly lay the moderate price here with the road fave. 8* WASHINGTON on the money line Thursday |
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01-17-17 | Stars +150 v. Rangers | 7-6 | Win | 150 | 10 h 29 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL 8* Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET Tuesday - The Rangers are having goaltending issues and that means we get tremendous line value here with the Stars. New York's better goalie this season has been Antti Raanta but he is now out with a lower body injury. The Rangers still have their #1 guy, Henrik Lundqvist, but he has been struggling badly. Lundqvist is 3-4 in his last 7 starts and he has allowed 4 goals or more in 5 of those 7 games! Overall, his save percentage in his last 7 games is an unsightly .859 as Lundqvist just hasn't been able to establish any consistency between the pipes. The Stars come into this game off of a loss at Buffalo yesterday afternoon as a pair of power play goals were the difference - the Sabres also scored an empty netter. Dallas has lost three straight games to the Rangers including a home shutout last month. The Stars will be out for revenge and they have won 46 of 72 road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. The Rangers have lost 89 of 159 home games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. As you can see, oddsmakers posted a 6 on this game, a lot of offense expected in this one and the line value is with the road dog. Even though the Rangers have the rest edge here they have actually lost 5 of the last 6 times when they have entered a game with rest of 2 days or more. 8* DALLAS |
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01-16-17 | Lightning +134 v. Kings | 2-1 | Win | 134 | 4 h 13 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL 8* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Los Angeles Kings @ 4:05 ET Monday - No one will want Tampa Bay here which is just how I like it. That is why we're getting such good value with a team that is poised to make a move. The Lightning are a quality team that just recently got goalie Ben Bishop back. It's been a frustrating season so far for Tampa Bay and they certainly still miss Steve Stamkos (still out with injury) but this road trip is the perfect spot to "get right" and the Bolts have had this circled on the calendar. After a home loss to Columbus the Lightning are now embarking on a 6-game road trip and don't play at home again until the final day of this month AFTER the All Star break. In other words, the Bolts know this road trip is critical for them and they catch the Kings in a lookahead spot. Los Angeles has a home game on deck with division rival San Jose on Wednesday and, after that the Kings go on a long road trip. That makes the Sharks game ultra important for the Kings and they may overlook a Tampa Bay team that is much better than their record would lead one to believe. The Bolts also get the benefit of catching LA still without #1 goalie Jonathan Quick. The Lightning have won 4 of 5 this season (and 32 of 48 the past 3 seasons) when playing with 2 days of rest between games and I'll grab the underdog value with this very hungry road dog Monday afternoon. 8* TAMPA BAY |
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01-14-17 | Predators -145 v. Avalanche | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 3 h 23 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL 8* Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Colorado Avalanche @ 3:05 ET Saturday - With the Predators having just acquired Cody McLeod from the Avalanche, there will be a little extra intensity with this match-up. The Predators are off of back to back wins and trying to gain traction in the playoff race. The Avalanche are clearly already looking ahead to next season and continue their youth movement this season. The strength of the Preds is they keep their opponents off of the scoresheet. The weakness of the Avalanche is they struggle mightily to score goals. The result, as you can see, is that this situation strongly favors Nashville. The Avalanche have lost 18 of their last 22 games and, amazingly, have been held to 2 goals or less in 11 of their last 12 games! The Avs have averaged a paltry 1.4 goals per game in their last dozen games. The Predators have allowed 2 goals or less in 6 of their last 7 games! Also, the Preds have won 4 of their last 6 road games and have averaged 3.33 goals per game in those 6 games! 8* NASHVILLE |
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01-12-17 | Bruins v. Predators -105 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET Thursday - The struggling Predators got an improbable victory in overtime versus Vancouver Tuesday as they scored the winning goal short-handed in OT with just seconds left on the clock. That was just the 2nd win in 9 Preds games that have gone beyond regulation this season. This banged-up Nashville team certainly needed that win and I expect them to now use that as a momentum shift as they host Boston tonight and look to string together some wins. Even though the Bruins have been hot on their current road trip, Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has been sharper than Boston netminder Tuukka Rask in recent games. Rinne has a .946 save percentage compared to .902 for Rask over their last 4 starts. The Bruins suffered a couple injuries in their big 5-3 win at St Louis Tuesday and that helps "level the situation" here as the Predators continue to deal with injury issues. The end result is that I'll gladly ride the hotter goalie on home ice in a pick'em situation. The Preds win over the Canucks is the type of momentum-turning victory that Nashville needed. The Bruins have lost 8 of 11 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, Boston has lost 37 of 65 road games with posted total of 5 goals or less the past three seasons. The Predators have won 43 of 71 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less the past three seasons. As hot as the Bruins have been, they have allowed 3 goals or more in 4 of their last 5 games. The Preds have held 5 of their last 6 opponents to 2 goals or less! 10* Top Play NASHVILLE on the money line |
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01-11-17 | Penguins v. Capitals -119 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 22 h 17 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET Wednesday - Both teams come in red hot but the Capitals have the home ice edge, the hotter goalie, and they still have playoff revenge on their minds. Yes, Washington certainly got some revenge with a 7-1 drubbing of the Penguins back in November but the Capitals did lose their first chance at revenge (3-2 loss at Pittsburgh in October) and, overall, there is no way they can not be fired up about any chance to host the defending Stanley Cup Champs. The Caps want to make their move this season and get that top spot. The Pens do have a few concerns heading into this one as goalie Matt Murray has been dealing with a lower body injury and a number of Penguins are also battling an illness that has gripped a few players. Â The Penguins have won 5 straight games but they've allowed 9 goals in their last 4 games while the Capitals have won 6 straight games and have allowed 1 goal or less in 4 of their last 5 games. Including playoff games, the home team has won 6 straight match-ups between these teams. The Penguins have lost 29 of their last 50 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Capitals have won 10 of 14 games this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Caps goalie Braden Holtby is 4-0 and has allowed a total of just 4 goals in his last 4 starts. 10* WASHINGTON money line Wednesday |
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01-10-17 | Bruins +107 v. Blues | 5-3 | Win | 107 | 10 h 30 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET Tuesday - The Blues are off of a big 4-3 win over Dallas where they scored the game winning goal very late. After a big win over a division rival they could be a little flat here as they have lost 9 of 14 this season when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, St Louis has not won back to back games since a 3-game run that began way back on Thanksgiving weekend! As for the Bruins, they'll definitely be hungry for tonight's game. They were embarrassed 6-2 on home ice back in November when they hosted the Blues. Also, Boston comes into this game off of a 4-3 loss at Carolina. The road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these clubs. Tuukka Rask, Bruins goalie, has a .931 save percentage his last 4 games while Jake Allen, Blues netminder, has an .885 save percentage his last 4 games. I'll grab the value with the hungrier team and the hotter goalie. 8* BOSTON |
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01-10-17 | Flyers +100 v. Sabres | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 19 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET Tuesday - The Sabres are off of a big 4-3 win versus Winnipeg and they haven't won back to back games in about 4 weeks. Also, when off of a game where they have scored 4 goals or more, Buffalo has lost 6 of 8 this season! Even though playing with revenge here, the Sabres have lost 90 of 137 when looking to avenge a loss and the Flyers have won 2 straight against Buffalo. The Sabres, in comparison with the Flyers, are also the more banged-up team heading into this game. Philly also has the much better penalty kill on the season (81.8% compared to 74.4%). Look for the Flyers to respond after their 2-1 loss at Columbus Sunday. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-09-17 | Capitals +110 v. Canadiens | 4-1 | Win | 110 | 9 h 18 m | Show | |
NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL 8* Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET Monday - This is a revenge spot for Washington as they lost 2-1 at home against Montreal last month. That was the 2nd straight time the Caps have lost to the Habs in Washington and this has been a road dominated series of late as the Capitals have held the upper hand in Montreal as well with 2 wins in their their last 3 trips there. Both of these teams are riding winning streaks heading into this game as the Canadiens have won 3 in a row and the Capitals have won 5 in a row. The key however is that Montreal has given up 3 goals in each of their past 2 wins and they have allowed 3 goals or more in 5 of their last 8 games. Conversely, the Capitals are off of back to back shutouts and have allowed 2 goals or less in 5 of their last 6 games. Washington has won 13 of 18 this season and 62 of 94 the past three seasons combined when the Capitals are playing with revenge! Montreal has lost 3 of its last 4 home games and they are coming into this game with some injury concerns. The Capitals are the healthier team coming in. 8* WASHINGTON money line Monday evening |
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01-07-17 | Stars +133 v. Blues | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Central Division Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET Saturday - These division rivals are meeting for the last time this season. Dallas won the first game this season and that earned them some measure of revenge for last spring's playoff ouster at the hands of the Blues. However, St Louis has now taken the last two meetings this season and the last thing the Stars want is to lose the season series to the Blues after also getting knocked of out of last season's post-season at the hands of St Louis. That said, there is considerable line value here on the Stars as a sizable dog in this match-up. Dallas wrapped up a 3-game homestand with back to back losses after it began with a 3rd straight overall win for the Stars. The past three seasons combined, when Dallas enters a game having played each of their three prior games on home ice, the Stars have won 19 of 28 games! Also, Dallas has fresh legs here after back to back day off and the Stars have won 28 of 44 games when playing with two days of rest between games. The Blues have lost 7 of their last 11 games and goalie Jake Allen is likely distracted here (if he even plays). He is about to become a father for the first time and is listed as questionable for tonight's game. In losing 7 of their last 11 games, the Blues have allowed an average of 3.6 goals per game during this stretch. More of the same Saturday. 10* Top Play DALLAS STARS money line |
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01-07-17 | Lightning v. Flyers -133 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 3 h 37 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash TV Game - Rickenbach NHL 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 1:05 ET Saturday - A pair of struggling teams match-up here but the advantage clearly belongs to the home favorite in this one. The Flyers get back goalie Michael Neuvirth who will be between the pipes this afternoon and I look for a strong game from him to give Philly a boost. Philadelphia also has made line changes that have impacted their top three lines and I expect the Flyers to get rolling again as they take advantage of a Bolts club that is in a tough spot for multiple reasons here. The Lightning are without injured #1 goalie Ben Bishop and they've allowed 6 goals in back to back games now and, overall, are allowing an average of nearly 4 goals per game in their last 6 games. Tampa Bay also has a huge game on deck tomorrow as they faced the defending champion Penguins in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Of course it was the Pens that knocked the Lightning out in a hard-fought Eastern Conference finals last May. It's hard for the Bolts not to look ahead to that game plus they still are sorely missing Steven Stamkos. The Flyers have lost both games to Tampa Bay this season but that was much earlier this season and it is time for double revenge payback here and the situation is perfect for us to lay the price. 8* PHILADELPHIA money line early Saturday afternoon |
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01-06-17 | Maple Leafs -110 v. Devils | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 23 h 60 m | Show |
No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line -110 vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:35 ET Friday - The Maple Leafs are fired up after "letting one slip away" in a 6-5 loss at Washington on Tuesday. Â Toronto had won 5 straight before that loss and they're also playing this game with revenge on their minds as they lost at New Jersey 5-4 early this season. Â While the Leafs are off of a loss, the Devils have actually won back to back games which is quite surprising considering they had previously lost 19 of their last 24 games! Â The line value here is swaying heavily in favor of the Maple Leafs because we are getting a short price with them since they're on the road and yet the situational edges are largely in their favor. Â Only once this entire season have the Devils had a winning streak of more than 2 games. As for the Maple Leafs, they haven't lost back to back games since mid-December and they have won 8 of 12 this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Toronto also has won 6 of 9 this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Â The Devils have lost 4 of 5 Friday night games this season and 24 of 34 Friday games the past 3 seasons combined. Â They've lost both home games this season that have had a posted total of 5.5 goals. Â With the odds makers calling for a higher scoring game here (hence the 5.5 total) you know it is likely that the better offensively skilled team is the one likely to be doing most of the damage! Â 10* TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS money line Friday |
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01-05-17 | Hurricanes +136 v. Blues | 4-2 | Win | 136 | 28 h 20 m | Show | |
Rickenbach Thursday NHL 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Earlier this season Winnipeg hosted an outdoor game. The Jets lost their next game and only a goal with 10 seconds left made the final score appear like it was a closer game than it actually was. Toronto hosted an outdoor game on New Year's Day, and then the Maple Leafs turned around and lost at Washington Tuesday. St Louis hosted a game on Monday and, especially with the way in which the Blues won that game (an emotional OT victory) I look for them to turn around and lose here. The point is that these outdoor games are a big deal (and especially for the host city) and it is not unusual to see the team that hosted one of these then struggle some in their next game. Also, for the Blues, that was a big divisional win over the Blackhawks Monday. The Hurricanes come into this game hungry as they are off of a 3-1 home loss to New Jersey where the Canes did outshoot the Devils 30-18 in that game. That was a 2nd straight loss for Carolina and I look for them to respond here as the Hurricanes haven't lost 3 straight games in about 5 weeks! As for the Blues off of that big win over Chicago, St Louis has not won back to back games in about 5 weeks. I'll gladly take the dog in this spot. 8* CAROLINA money line Thursday |
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01-04-17 | Rangers v. Flyers -110 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 40 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs New York Rangers @ 8:05 ET Wednesday -This one is a bit of a contrarian play because, even though it will be the 2nd night of a back to back situation, the Rangers have played very well in back to backs this season. Also, New York has excelled in road games this season. However, the Flyers have the big rest edge here as they have been off since a tough New Year's Day loss at Anaheim. The Flyers held a 55-25 edge in shots on goal and yet lost so they're fired up to respond here after playing so well and yet not getting 2 points against the Ducks. Of course no extra motivation is really needed when the Rangers are in town as this is a huge rivalry. The Flyers have the rest edge, they also get a boost with the expected (or imminent) return of goalie Michal Neuvrith, and they get revenge for a 3-2 loss to the Rangers earlier this season where Philly outshot them 42-23. It is payback time here and the situation is perfect. 10* PHILADELPHIA on the money line Wednesday |
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01-03-17 | Canadiens +114 v. Predators | Top | 2-1 | Win | 114 | 22 h 23 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conf Game of the Month - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET Tuesday - Perfect set up here as the Predators are off of a 4-0 shutout win over a divisional rival and have lost 10 of 11 this season when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. As usual, look for the Predators to struggle off of a big game where they scored big goals. As for the Canadiens, they certainly won't be complacent in this one. Montreal lost both games to Nashville last season and they also come into this game fired up because they are off of an OT loss to Pittsburgh where they allowed the tying goal with less than a minute to go in the game! The Habs have won 6 of 9 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Also, Montreal has won 9 of 13 this season in their games against teams with a losing record. Note that the Predators also have lost 11 of 16 this season when off of a game against a divisional rival and the Preds have lost all 3 games this season when they enter with 3 or more days of rest. Nashville hasn't played since Friday and will be rusty here. The fired up revenge-minded Canadiens are the play here. 10* MONTREAL CANADIENS money line Tuesday |
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01-02-17 | Bruins v. Devils +121 | 0-3 | Win | 121 | 19 h 20 m | Show | |
Eastern Conference Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 8* New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET Monday - The Devils are off of an embarrassing 6-2 home loss to the Capitals. Before that game, New Jersey had beaten them in Washington. But of course the ugly home loss hasn't set well with them and you can bet (literally!) on a huge response here from the Devils. Even though New Jersey had been slumping they did get 2 wins in their 4 games prior to Saturday's loss. Also, the Bruins haven't exactly been setting the world on fire. Before back to back wins over Buffalo, Boston had lost 8 of their prior 11 games. Also, off of a big win, note that the Bruins have lost 6 of 9 this season when off of a win by two goals or more. As for the Devils, they have won 9 of 13 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. The point is that New Jersey wins a lot of tight, low-scoring, hard-fought battles at home and they are likely to tighten things up here after the bad loss to the Capitals. Also, the Devils do have revenge here for a tight loss at Boston earlier this season. The Devils did defeat the Bruins the last time they hosted them and I look for them to get the job done again here and will take advantage of the home dog value. 8* NEW JERSEY on the money line Monday |
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01-01-17 | Flyers +133 v. Ducks | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 26 h 54 m | Show | |
NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Anaheim Ducks @ 8:05 ET Sunday - October, November, December NHL action now is all in the books. The Flyers have had ups and downs for sure but one thing that hasn't happened yet is a 4-game losing streak. This entire season Philadelphia is yet to lose 4 in row. They come into this game off of 3 straight losses and, not too far removed from a 10-game winning streak, they are determined to do something about it! The Flyers were shutout at San Jose on Friday and they have gone 4-2 this season (and averaged 3 goals per game) when off of a game where they scored 1 goal or less. The key about the 3 goals per game average is that the Flyers have ranked among top scoring teams in the league this season and they're fired up to get back on track after being shutout. There is a good probability that 3 Flyers goals would be enough for the win here as Anaheim is struggling to score goals. The Ducks have lost 4 of their past 5 games and have been held to just 1.8 goals per game in these 5 games. Anaheim just back from a road trip to Western Canada and this will be their 3rd game in 4 nights. For the Flyers, they've been in California since Thursday and are playing just their 2nd game in 4 days. A lot of value with a hungry underdog that has avoid losing 4 in a row all season long. 8* PHILADELPHIA on the money line Sunday night |
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12-30-16 | Predators +140 v. Blues | 4-0 | Win | 140 | 7 h 12 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET Friday - It has been a frustrating season thusfar for Nashville but they are offering great line value here as a sizable underdog. Though this is a back to back spot for the Predators that means goalie Juuse Saros is likely to get the start. He has a stellar .950 save % in his 5 starts this season. The Predators have had a pair of tight losses since the Christmas break and have now lost 3 straight game. That certainly insures that the Preds are going to bring the proper focus to this game and note that Nashville has not lost 4 straight games this season. In other words, expect the response tonight! As for St Louis, they rallied for a win over Philadelphia Wednesday after trailing 3-2 in the 3rd period of that game. The Blues have not won back to back games in the past 4 weeks and I am happy to fade them at this price range tonight on Friday. Jake Allen will be in goal for St Louis and he has struggled badly in 3 of his last 5 starts. Look for the Preds to improve to 3-0 this season when they enter a game off of 3 straight losses. Look for the Blues to drop to 3-6 this season when they are off of a win by a margin of 2 goals or more. 8* NASHVILLE money line Friday night |
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12-29-16 | Blue Jackets v. Jets +105 | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 41 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 7* Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 8:05 ET Thursday - The very first lines that came out on this match-up had Columbus as a -145 money line favorite. The Blue Jackets have won 13 straight games so, of course, that makes sense. However, the line is now down to as low as a -115 on the Jackets. You think 'somebody' knows 'something' here? Of course they do! You don't see a 13-game winning streak team like Columbus getting faded drastically unless it is with good reason. Why should you like Winnipeg here? Besides home ice, the Jets also have a great recent history against the Blue Jackets which includes getting series sweeps each of the last two seasons over Columbus. Also, Winnipeg comes into this game having won 4 of its last 5 games and the Jets have allowed only a single goal per game in their last 3 victories. 7* Winnipeg Thursday |
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12-28-16 | Flyers +130 v. Blues | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 37 m | Show | |
Quick note before getting into this NHL Side write-up for Wednesday. The past week in NHL (wrapped around the annual Christmas NHL break) has included the worst 3-day NHL stretch Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach has ever encountered. From Dec. 4th to Dec. 21st with all picks in NHL (including 3-2 on Free Picks), Rickenbach went 21-14 which earned +$10,400 at $1K per game as he does play many dogs. Since then he has given it all back with a rotten 3-day stretch. Overall it has been a tough start to the NHL season but it is a very long season and The Bulldog fully expects to be very successful long-term and is forecasting the next NHL hot streak to begin TONIGHT! Rickenbach NHL Side Wednesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues and Flyers both had a disappointing loss in their final game before the Christmas break. Who bounces back? Philadelphia had won 11 of 13 prior to their shutout loss at New Jersey. St Louis has now lost 5 of their last 7 and 7 of their last 11. Even at home the Blues have lost 3 of their last 5 and St Louis also has a big divisional game (Nashville) on deck while, for the Flyers this is simply the beginning of a road trip against Western Conference foes. The situation certainly favors Philly and they have been the hotter team and are catching a nice underdog price here. In road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season the Flyers have won 7 of 10. When off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less, Philadelphia has won 4 of 5 this season. The Blues have lost 3 of 5 road games (and cost their backers -3.2 net units) in home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Road teams won 7 of the 10 games yesterday and these first games for teams after the Christmas break really don't give the normal scheduling advantage of a home game. There is value on the other side. I'll take it. 8* PHILADELPHIA on the money line Wednesday |
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12-27-16 | Wild v. Predators -115 | 3-2 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 17 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Nashville Predators Money Line (-) vs Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The last thing a hot team needs is a break. Minnesota has won 10 straight games but now, after the Christmas break, it will be tough to resume the momentum. Conversely, Nashville comes into this game off of a shutout loss on Thursday so they've been chomping at the bit to get back on the ice. The Predators had won 3 of the last 4 meetings between these clubs before losing to the Wild 5-2 less than 2 weeks ago right here in Nashville. In other words, payback is on order here in this shot at "right back revenge" on Tuesday. The Preds did outshoot Minnesota by 17 shots in that loss on December 15th and that was the 2nd time in 3 games against the Wild that Nashville has outshot them by that margin. Tonight that edge translates to the scoreboard! Minnesota has lost 2 of 3 this season (and 28 of 47 the past three seasons combined!) when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Predators have won 5 of 7 this season (and 28 of 42 the past 3 seasons combined) when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less! Revenge time on Tuesday as the Preds improve to 7-2 this season on Tuesday nights. 8* NASHVILLE |
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12-27-16 | Bruins +125 v. Blue Jackets | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 46 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL 8* Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The last thing a hot team needs is a break. Columbus has won 12 straight games but now, after the Christmas break, it will be tough to resume the momentum. Conversely, Boston comes into this game off of a loss on Friday so they've been chomping at the bit to get back on the ice. The Bruins have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these clubs including doubling up the Blue Jackets by a combined score of 8 to 4 in taking each of the last two games played at Columbus. 8* BOSTON |
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12-23-16 | Kings +121 v. Stars | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 54 m | Show | |
NHL Game #67 Friday - Rickenbach 8* Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:35 ET - With the Kings in a back to back spot and off of a big shutout win over Nashville last night, Dallas is likely to be a popular choice tonight. However, the Stars are off of a loss to division rival St Louis Tuesday and they have lost 12 of 16 this season when off of a divisional game. Overall, the early season has been a nightmare for Dallas and no team may be looking forward to the Christmas break as much as they are as the Stars have now lost 8 of their last 12 and continue to be missing a number of key players and now Cody Eakin is suspended too. The Stars have struggled so much up front this season due to missing personnel and its no wonder they have been held to 2 goals or less in 9 of their last 14 games. Meanwhile, Los Angeles may not want to see the break come as they have won 4 of their last 7 games and allowed just 1 goal or less in 5 of those 7 games. It is going to be tough for Dallas to find the back of the net in this game as you can see from the above and the Kings have won 5 of 7 this season when off of a win by a multiple goal margin this season. Also, the past 3 seasons combined LA has won 16 of 27 when in the 2nd night of a back to back. Look for the Kings to stay hot here. 8* LOS ANGELES money line |
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12-23-16 | Canadiens +140 v. Blue Jackets | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 51 m | Show | |
NHL Game #57 Friday - Rickenbach 8* Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Revenge is one thing but this is MAJOR revenge here as the Canadiens and goalie Al Montoya were the talk of the NHL early last month when they lost right here at Columbus in a 10-0 beatdown! Needless to say, the Habs have not forgotten and a little payback is on order for Friday night. While it may seem hard to fade a team that has won 11 straight games, the Blue Jackets are off of a huge win versus division rival (and Stanley Cup Champ) Penguins last night. That sets this one up well as the Jackets may not have a lot left in the tank after destroying Pittsburgh 7-1 last night. As for Montreal, they've been counting down the hours to this game ever since the final seconds ticked off the clock versus Minnesota last night. That was a 4-2 loss for the Habs and that just adds even more fuel to the fire for their final game tonight before the Christmas break. Columbus has lost 4 of 7 this season (and 26 of 44 the last 3 seasons combined) in the 2nd night of a back to back. The Canadiens have won 4 of 5 in the 2nd game of a back to back this season. Also, after allowing 4 goals or more this season, the Habs have won 5 of 7. Payback time tonight and the underdog price is right! 8* MONTREAL money line |
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12-22-16 | Hurricanes v. Sabres -110 | 3-1 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 24 m | Show | |
NHL Game #2 Thursday - Rickenbach NHL 8* Buffalo Sabres Money Line (-) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - Not only is this a revenge spot for Buffalo (lost at Carolina on the 17th) but the Hurricanes haven't played since then and so the Canes will be trying to make it back to back wins. The significance in that is that only ONCE this entire season has Carolina managed to win back to back games and that was over 4 weeks ago when the Hurricanes had a 5 game winning streak. As for Buffalo, they are off of back to back losses as they lost at Florida after losing at Carolina. The significance in that is that the Sabres have only lost more than 2 games in a row twice this season. The most recent time was a 6 game losing streak that wrapped up over 5 weeks ago. As you can see, odds are that Buffalo bounces back and gets revenge against Carolina. Adding even more support is the fact that the Hurricanes have lost 11 of 12 this season in road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. Also, the Sabres had won their last visit to Carolina before losing last week's match-up and, overall, Buffalo has won each of the last three meetings in upstate New York. Very fair price here on the Sabres on home ice! 8* BUFFALO SABRES |
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12-22-16 | Flyers +109 v. Devils | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 12 m | Show | |
NHL Game #5 Thursday - Rickenbach 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Yesterday the Flyers had to rally to defeat the Capitals. It was a tight game all the way but Philly had to notch a 3rd period goal to send it to OT and then it took some big shots and big saves to notch the victory in the shootout. Also, that was a revenge game for the Flyers so, the point is, Philly should be faded here, right? Well actually they key is that we're getting value in this back to back spot because, underneath the surface of this match-up, it truly is a case of hot versus not. Supporting the Flyers here is the fact that this is a big rivalry game for them and they won't fall flat off of last night's win because they have huge disdain for the Devils and because Philadelphia also is off until the 28th after this game. The point is that Philly knows they can rest later and they're going to "leave it all on the ice" tonight in terms of their effort as they look to make it 12 wins in their last 14 games. The Devils have been heading the other direction as they have lost 7 straight games and 14 of their last 17 overall! Also, certainly New Jersey will be "up" for facing the division rival Flyers but they have another division rival on deck for tomorrow night in the form of the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins. The point is that this is not exactly and ideal scheduling situation for New Jersey either! Devils have lost 11 of 13 games against teams with a winning record this season. Flyers have won 6 of 8 in the 2nd game of a back to back this season. 8* PHILADELPHIA FLYERS |
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12-20-16 | Sabres +145 v. Panthers | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 30 m | Show |
Contrarian Annihilation - NHL Game #9 Tuesday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Buffalo Sabres Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Panthers are off of a win at Colorado and are now back home in Florida. However, even though the Panthers are certainly happy to be back home, the first game back east after a road trip in other time zones is often the toughest and Florida also visited Minnesota and Winnipeg on that 3-game trip. Also, Florida has not won back to back games in the past month! In fact, before the win over the Avalanche, the Panthers had lost 8 of their past 10 games. That said, they truly don't belong in this price range against an improving Sabres team. Buffalo is off of a loss at Carolina but the Sabres had previously won 7 of their last 12 games. Buff also has won 4 of their 7 Tuesday game this season (up 2.0 net games) while the Panthers have lost 7 of their 8 Tuesday games this season (and lost 6.8 net games). After playing 3 consecutive road games this season, Florida has lost 6 of 8. After a win by a margin of 2 goals or more this season, the Panthers have lost 5 of 6. Buffalo won on home ice earlier this season versus Florida. That 3-0 dominance could be repeated here as, prior to that game, the road team had gone 3-0 in the 3 prior meetings. The situation is right, the price is right (in terms of giving huge value to the dog), and I am raising this one to a top play as this is a case of hot versus not. 10* Top Play BUFFALO SABRES money line Tuesday |
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12-19-16 | Flames -128 v. Coyotes | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 26 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - NHL Game #59 Monday - Rickenbach 8* Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 9:05 ET - The Flames have already beaten the Coyotes both times they've faced this divisional foe this season. Overall it has been 3 straight wins for Calgary in this series and that includes each of their last two visits to Arizona. Of course that makes this a revenge spot for the Coyotes but there is no statistical support for backing Arizona with revenge and, in fact, the numbers show that the Coyotes should be faded in spots like this. Arizona has lost 75 of 104 when playing with revenge and that includes an insane 38 of 48 when playing with home loss revenge! Overall, in a home game with a posted total of 5 goals or less, the Coyotes have lost 26 of 36. Also, Arizona is facing an angry Flames team that has lost back to back games and only TWICE this entire season has Calgary had a losing streak of 3 games or more. As you can see, odds are that the Flames bounce back tonight and note that they have won 4 of 6 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. Look for Calgary to improve to a PERFECT 4-0 this season when they enter a game off of 2 days of rest. The Flames are rested and ready and the Coyotes long-term struggles (have lost 20 of 30 since winning their season opener) should continue here. 8* CALGARY FLAMES money line |
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12-17-16 | Lightning +160 v. Oilers | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 54 m | Show |
Businessman's Best - NHL Game #69 Saturday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Edmonton Oilers @ 10:05 ET - Though there has been some frustration for the Bolts lately, they were fully focused on this road trip to western Canada as an opportunity to "get right" and I look for them to get the key 2nd win in 3 games by notching a victory tonight. Even though they lost at Vancouver last night, they did outshoot the Canucks and #2 goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was between the pipes. #1 goalie Ben Bishop will be in the crease tonight and he helped lead the way to Tampa Bay's 6-3 win at Calgary that began this road trip. The Lightning have outshot their opponents by a 62 to 46 margin so far on this road trip and I feel the Oilers are way overpriced in this spot. Keep in mind, Edmonton started the season hot but, since late October the Oilers have now lost 16 of 24 games! The Oilers simply don't merit being priced as a 2 to 1 favorite based on the way they've been playing for the past SEVEN weeks! Also, even though Edmonton is well-rested here, they have lost 7 of 10 the prior two seasons when they are enter a game with rest of 3 days or more. Additionally, the Oilers are 0-5 this season when they are off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less! In fact, Edmonton has now lost 4 of its past 6 home games and they've averaged just 1.8 goals per game in those 6 home contests! The Bolts are 7-1 this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. That means, taking the 0-5 nad 7-1 marks, we're testing a combined mark of 12-1 in favor of the big road dog in this game. I'll gladly grab that! 10* TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING money line Saturday night |
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12-17-16 | Canadiens +135 v. Capitals | 2-1 | Win | 135 | 8 h 6 m | Show | |
NHL Network Smash - NHL Game #57 Saturday - Rickenbach 8* Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Both of these clubs were in action last night but the Capitals snuck out a hard fought divisional win while the Canadiens fell short in non-conference action. That makes this the perfect spot to back the Habs as Montreal is a quality team coming off of back to back losses and only once this entire season have they lost three straight. As for Washington, they are on a solid winning streak but that was a big revenge win for them against the divisional rival Hurricanes last night and that could leave the Caps a little flat tonight. Also, the road team has taken 4 of the last 6 meetings between the Capitals and the Canadiens. Montreal has won 3 of 4 this season when playing the 2nd night of a back to back and 4 of 6 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Look for the Habs to win for the 8th time in 9 Saturday games while sending the Capitals to their 5th loss in 8 Saturday games this season. 8* MONTREAL CANADIENS money line Saturday evening |
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