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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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05-07-16 | Blues +109 v. Stars | 4-1 | Win | 109 | 7 h 3 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* St Louis Blues Money Line +110 @ Dallas @ 1:05 ET - Home ice just hasn't been that big to either one of these teams in this post-season and knowing that the Blues are the team that is better built for playoff hockey also has me backing the road team here and grabbing the value with the underdog just like I did with Dallas in Game 4. The road team has won 2 of the last 3 games in this series now. As for the first round, the Blues series with the Blackhawks saw the road team win 4 of the last 6 games in the series. In the Stars first round series with the Wild, the road team took each of the last 3 games in the series. Similar to those series, we are seeing the value in the road team as the series has gone on and I expect another road win here. The Stars are expressing their commitment to Kari Lehtonen between the pipes after going back and forth between he and Antti Niemi so far in this post-season. However, I am not sold on Lehtonen. Prior to coming up big in the Game 4 road win Thursday, the last 4 games that Lehtonen started saw Dallas end up allowing 4 goals or more in 3 of the 4 starts. He's simply been inconsistent and, the fact is that there is actually more pressure on he and the Stars here. than there is on the Blues. St Louis knows they still have a home game coming up and they come into this game loose and looking to 'steal' a road win. Conversely, the Stars know that if they lose this game they must take to the road where they will then face elimination on the road. That's tough on a team's mentality...especially a team with as shaky of goaltending and defense as the Stars have displayed at times. The Blues are the more battle-tested team having already gone 7 games with the Blackhawks in round one. The Stars almost had it "too easy" in their first round match-up with the Wild. Dallas is 0-2 the last 3 years when tied in a playoff series. St Louis is already 3-0 in this post-season when tied in a playoff series and Brian Elliott has been rock solid between the pipes for the Blues throughout the post-season. The Blues have won 26 of 41 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season and I expect these types of gritty games to continue to favor the Blues as they notch another road win Saturday. *8* ST LOUISÂ |
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05-06-16 | Lightning -105 v. Islanders | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 11 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 @ NY Islanders @ 7:05 ET - All the pressure is on the Islanders here after losing Game 3 in overtime. The Isles now trail 2-1 in the series and they know that a home loss puts them in a 3-1 hole heading back to Tampa Bay for Game 5. This is a lot of pressure for a club and goalie (Thomas Greiss) that is not accustomed to playoff success. Keep in mind, the only game that the Islanders won in this series was Game One and that had a lot to do with catching the Lightning off of a long layoff between series as Tampa Bay had made quick work of the Red Wings in the first round. That said, the Lightning are truly starting to "impose their will" in this series and they have the better (and more playoff seasoned) goaltender with Ben Bishop between the pipes. Tampa Bay is outshooting the Islanders by an average of 9 shots per game so far this in series. The Lightning know they can put a stranglehold on this series with the win tonight and Tampa Bay is 3-1 this postseason when leading in a series. Also, in all 2nd round playoff games, the Lightning have a long-term record of 17-5. For the Islanders, this is their first second round series they have played since they made it to the conference finals 23 years ago! Playoff experience is huge and the Lightning are hungry to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals after losing to the Blackhawks last spring. They continue their "mission" tonight. *10* TAMPA BAYÂ |
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05-05-16 | Sharks +100 v. Predators | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 48 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line +100 @ Nashville @ 9:05 ET - Despite outshooting the Predators 27 to 25, the Sharks ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 final in Game Three. They are still up 2-1 in the series. Also, San Jose has won 21 of 27 games this season when they are on the road and the posted total is 5 goals or less. They have been road warriors all season long and I fully expect them to respond tonight. The Predators long-term history in second round playoff games is not good as they have lost 10 of 14. Also, Nashville has lost 15 of 24 games this season when they are off of a win by a multiple goal margin. The Sharks won all 3 of their first-round playoff road games as they dispatched of the favored Kings in the 5 game series even though they split at home. The Sharks this entire season have been beasts on the road compared to at home. So, after a rare road loss, San Jose is going to come out flying tonight. They know they still have the home ice edge no matter what happens tonight but they also know it's time to "impose their will" and avoid allowing the Predators to knot this series at two games apiece. The Preds finally got their special teams going in Game 3 but, prior to that, Nashville's special teams play had been struggling while the Sharks had been playing very well on the power play and on the penalty kill. That said, I look at Game 3 as more of an aberration than anything else. The Sharks have not lost two straight games since late March. The Predators had lost 10 of their last 16 games before getting the key win in Game 3. Give credit to Nashville for notching that big win but the Sharks now answer the call tonight. *10* SAN JOSE |
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05-05-16 | Stars +130 v. Blues | 3-2 | Win | 130 | 13 h 49 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Dallas Stars Money Line +130 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - Everyone saw the Blues annihilate the Stars in Game 3. That said, no one wants to take Dallas here which is leading to even more value with the underdog in this Game 4 spot. Everyone is pronouncing the Stars as dead and that this series is over as the Dallas goaltending and defense continues to take a beating in the eyes of prognosticators everywhere. Let's not forget that the Stars proved to be one of the best teams in the regular season and they are not just going to roll over and die here. They know that with one win they are right back in the series and, in fact, would have wrestled back the home ice advantage AND be headed back to Dallas for Game 5. The Stars won 16 of 19 games this season when they were off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. Also, Dallas won 23 of 37 this season when playing with revenge. The Blues have a history of post-season struggles and, when leading in a playoff series, St Louis has gone 1-3 this post-season and 2-5 the last three years. Look for the Blues to face the wrath of the Stars tonight and that means we are getting great line value with this underdog because there won't be any quit in this road team tonight. Huge effort from the Stars here. *8* DALLAS |
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05-04-16 | Capitals +102 v. Penguins | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line +100 @ Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - The suspension of Kris Letang is hugely impacting to this game. The Penguins were already short-handed on defense and Letang is so important in so many aspects of the game. He is so important in fact that the Pens lost 9 of the 11 games that he missed this season! It is a key loss and certainly he deserved the suspension. Look for the Capitals to take advantage as, even with Letang on the ice in game three, the Caps completely outplayed Pittsburgh but they came up on the wrong end of a 3-2 final. The Capitals will push hard again tonight as they know they can still wrestle back the home ice edge and even this series up with the win tonight. Washington outshot the Penguins by a 49-23 margin in game three. Give credit to goalie Matt Murray for "stealing" that win for the Pens but his job will get even tougher tonight with the Penguins defense corps even further decimated by the absence of another key player. The Pens are a money burning -3.8 net units (4-5 record) when leading in a playoff series. The Capitals have won 18 of 28 when playing with revenge and I look for them to improve their 3 year mark to 3-0 when trailing in a playoff series. *10* WASHINGTON |
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05-03-16 | Stars +122 v. Blues | Top | 1-6 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 59 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line +122 @ St Louis @ 9:35 ET - The Stars outshot St Louis by a 76-57 margin down in Dallas but had to settle for a 1-1 split. The Blues played an excellent game in game two but, even then, they sat back on their heels and allowed Dallas to come back. However, give credit to the Stars for continuing to bear down and managing to get the two goals needed to send that game two to overtime. The fact is that had goalie Antti Niemi played the whole game for the Stars they might have gotten the win. If Kari Lehtonen is back between the pipes tonight I do expect him to bounce back. But I also would not be surprised to see Niemi getting the start in St Louis tonight. The fact is that Stars head coach Lindy Ruff has done a good job of managing the goalies so far in the post-season and the goalie change during game two certainly seemed to spark Dallas. Lehtonen bounces back tonight or Niemi makes the most of his opportunity. Either way the Stars should be good between the pipes in this one. The key will be continuing to use their speedy and talented forwards to create excellent scoring chances. Though the Blues got by the Blackhawks in round one, they are facing a much tougher challenge with the higher seeded Stars in this series. Tonight's game three is offering excellent line value to the Stars because they are on the road so we get an underdog price on arguably the top team in the conference. The situation is perfect as Dallas has won 10 of 14 when playing with home loss revenge this season. Also, the Stars have won 16 of 22 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Blues playoff struggles are well documented and though they are 2-0 in this post-season when tied in a playoff series, they came into this post-season having lost 12 of their last 18 in playoff games when the series was tied up. Knotted at 1 game apiece here look for the Stars to wrestle back the home ice edge by notching the road win tonight. *10* DALLAS |
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05-03-16 | Lightning -105 v. Islanders | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 30 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 @ NY Islanders @ 7:05 ET - Yes the Islanders got the split down in Tampa Bay and that certainly is a key to having a shot at winning this series. However, even though the series now shifts to New York, I feel the Lightning have all the edges here. Tampa Bay outshot the Isles 67 to 42 in the two games down in Florida and, in my opinion, the only reason the Isles won game one is that the Lightning suffered from too much time off after their big series win over the Red Wings. Tampa Bay is starting to get a little healthier and this bad news for the Isles as the Islanders were already having trouble keeping up with the speed of the Lightning in this series. The healthier they get, the faster the Lightning will play. The two days of rest in between games adds even more benefit for Tampa. The Isles have lost 31 of 58 the past three seasons when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Lightning have won 34 of 53 when playing with 2 days of rest between games the past three seasons. Tampa Bay is starting to get to Thomas Greiss and the Lightning definitely have the goalie edge in this series with Ben Bishop between the pipes. Tampa has held their opponent to 2 goals or less in 6 of their 7 playoff games! The Islanders have allowed 3 goals or more in 5 of their last 8 playoff games. We get line value here since the Lightning are on the road and we'll take it. *8* TAMPA BAY |
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05-01-16 | Blues -107 v. Stars | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 55 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* St Louis Blues Money Line -107 @ Dallas @ 3:05 ET - The Patrick Eaves injury certainly hurts the Stars as the were already without Tyler Seguin. The Blues will do a better job in Game Two of slowing down Dallas and, truly, St Louis goalie Brian Elliott very nearly "stole" Game One for the Blues. The Stars got a huge game from goalie Kari Lehtonen but he had allowed 4 goals in each of his two prior starts. I would not be surprised to see him struggle here as the Blues are quite likely to play much better in Game Two than they did in Game One. St Louis seemed to be impacted by the emotional high of winning the grueling Round One battle with the Blackhawks in a battle that went 7 games. The Blues have won 33 of 57 the past three seasons combined when they are off of a game where they scored 1 goal or less. Also, St Louis won 25 of 40 road games this season that had a posted total of 5 goals or less. The Stars have lost 9 of their last 13 games when they are off of a game where they allowed 1 goal or less. After Friday's surprising 2-1 final score, look for the Stars to struggle to stave off a determined Blues club this afternoon. *8* ST LOUIS |
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04-30-16 | Penguins +105 v. Capitals | Top | 2-1 | Win | 105 | 12 h 36 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line +105 @ Washington @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins lost in OT at Washington in Game One and I expect a big response in Game 2. Of course this is a tightly contested battle involving two solid hockey clubs. It truly is a battle that the entire hockey world was looking forward to. Crosby and the Pens against Ovechkin and the Caps. We must pick our spots to find value on the side in this series and that's why I went with the over in Game 1 which certainly ended up being the best play to have in Game 1 as no one enjoys sweating out side plays that are decided in OT. One of the keys to this play today is that Pittsburgh has been playing so well that they have not lost back to back games in 3 and 1/2 months! That's right...all the way back in mid-January was the last time the Penguins lost back to back games. The Capitals are off of back to back wins and only ONCE in the past 2+ months have the Caps managed 3 straight wins. That was when they won the first 3 games of their series with the Flyers. Prior to that, the Caps hadn't won three straight games since February! The Pens have won 12 of 16 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Even with the Capitals win in Game one, Washington is only 50/50 in their last 22 games against teams with a winning record. The Pens are very hungry and even this series up. The outshot the Caps 45 to 35 in Game One. *10* PITTSBURGH Money Line |
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04-29-16 | Predators +149 v. Sharks | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 35 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Nashville Predators Money Line +150 @ San Jose @ 10:35 ET - Tremendous line value with the Predators here. The Sharks got past a divisional nemesis by knocking off the Kings. San Jose also hasn't played in a week since dispatching of Los Angeles. There could be some rust for the Sharks tonight. Conversely, Nashville just finished up their series with the Ducks by winning Game 7 at Anaheim for the upset victory. Many will now likely be looking to fade the Preds here but Nashville is simply rolling right now and is in a perfect cycle. Ever since April 15th it's been game day, day off, game day, day off, etc. So the fact the Preds only have one day off between series here is actually a good thing and the Predators were already in California from playing near LA so they just have gone up the coast to near San Fran for this one. A key about this match-up is that the Predators have good team speed so they match up well with the speedy Sharks. That bodes well for success tonight too as San Jose tries to shake off the rust. A lower-scoring game is expected and the Sharks have lost 16 of 24 HOME games this season with a posted total of 5 goals or less. The Predators won 3 of their 4 road games in the first round and held the Ducks to a total of 5 goals in those 3 road wins. Also, in the critical final two games of the series, Pekka Rinne was on top of his game as the Nashville netminder allowed just a single goal in each game! Rinne beat the Sharks in both match-ups he started against them this season and, overall, has allowed just 6 goals in his last 4 meetings with San Jose. A lot of people are faulting the Ducks for another playoff series collapse but not enough credit is being given to this Predators team for what they did and they are simply "in a zone" right now where there is no way I would lay big juice against this team with confidence surging and a perfect one day on, one day off schedule that has been going on for two weeks. Perfect schedule for top level play from the Preds and it continues Friday. *8* NASHVILLE |
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04-27-16 | Predators +155 v. Ducks | Top | 2-1 | Win | 155 | 14 h 52 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line +155 @ Anaheim @ 10:05 ET - The Ducks have done it again. They've failed to avoid the situation that haunts them as they now have a Game 7 situation against a team they were supposed to get past rather handily in the first round. Not only have the Ducks been outworked and outplayed through much of this series, they also have the added pressure of having Game 7 on home ice and knowing that they've lost in this same situation for three straight post-season appearances! That's right it's been a Game 7 on home ice that has eliminated the Ducks each of the past three seasons. This is a huge mental burden to bear and the coach's burden is also there. Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau is 1-6 in Game 7's in his coaching career. Predators coach Peter Laviolette has a 4-1 career record in Game Sevens. The Ducks won Game 5 in Anaheim but they lost the first two games of this series here and, overall, had lost 4 of their past 5 home games dating back to the regular season. The late season slump, the history of post-season failures, and the overall struggles to dominate in this series like they should...it has all caught up with the Ducks here. This means we are getting great line value with the Predators as a sizable dog especially when you consider how well Pekka Rinne is playing between the pipes right now. *10* NASHVILLE Money Line |
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04-27-16 | Islanders v. Lightning -150 | 5-3 | Loss | -150 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -150 vs NY Islanders @ 7:05 ET - Long-time followers know I like to play totals and dogs in the money line sports of baseball and hockey. I rarely lay much "juice" on a favorite. However, when it is playoff time, there are some instances where laying a mid-range price (like Tampa Bay -150 in this case) absolutely makes sense. The Lightning are hosting the Islanders in Game One on Wednesday and the Isles didn't have much of a break between series as they just finished a very tough battle with Florida. The Islanders scored very late in Game 6 to tie their game with the Panthers and then they won it in overtime. Fortunate? Yes! Did they work hard for it and earn it? Of course the Islanders did. The issue here is that the Isles are a little tired both physically and mentally and another concern is that they were truly outplayed 5 on 5 by the Panthers throughout that series. I look for the Lightning to take advantage of home ice and having fresh skating legs and I expect Tampa Bay to get a big home win in Game One as a result. Yes the Lightning are still missing a couple of key players but they overcame the absences of Stamkos and Stralman to defeat the Red Wings and I look for the Lightning to get off to a fast start here against the Islanders. Tampa Bay is an amazing 7-0, 100% PERFECT this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Also, the Lightning are a long-term 15-4 in second round playoff games. The Lightning allowed just 8 goals in their entire 5-game series against Detroit. The Islanders allowed 8 goals in their THREE road games against the Panthers. Greiss played well overall in the series but struggled some on the road and Bishop was magnificent for Tampa in the Red Wings series and Bishop gives the Lightning the edge in goal with his career playoff experience compared to the Isles Greiss. *7* TAMPA BAY Money Line -150 |
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04-25-16 | Blackhawks -106 v. Blues | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -106 | 13 h 23 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line -105 @ St Louis @ 8:35 ET - All the pressure is on the Blues here. Yes, it's a classic Game 7 so both teams should be feeling the pressure. However, the Blackhawks have plenty of experience in this situation. As for the Blues, their post-season experiences have been defined by failures to close out teams. I feel strongly that St Louis already blew their shot to eradicate those post-season demons when they blew a huge 3-1 lead after one period in Chicago on Saturday. The Blues know they let a great chance get away and now they have all those questions in their own mind about when they're going to finally be able to "seal the deal" with post-season success. The added pressure for the Blues is having this Game 7 on home ice. Note that home ice hasn't meant a lot in this series as the road team won 4 straight games from Game 2 to Game 5. The Blues are 1-3 the past three seasons and 7-12 long-term when they are tied in a playoff series. The Blackhawks are 11-7 overall in first round playoff games the past three seasons while St Louis is 7-11 in the same span. With the return of Duncan Keith after that Game 1 loss the Hawks have been the better team in this series. They have the experience edge tonight and don't have the same "self-doubt" going in their minds like the Blues do. That raises this play (with favorable odds available because Blackhawks are on the road) to my highest rating. *10* CHICAGO |
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04-25-16 | Ducks v. Predators +100 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 54 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Nashville Predators Money Line +100 vs Anaheim @ 8:05 ET - With the Predators having lost three straight in this series it may seem that the pressure is on them. However, the Ducks have a history of blowing 3-2 series leads and losing in 7 games to the pressure is mounted squarely on the shoulders of Anaheim in this one. They know a "winner take all" Game 7 looms so the Ducks feel the pressure to get the win Monday at Nashville. As for the Predators, they should rally on home ice here as they feed off the energy of the home crowd. The 5-2 loss in Game 5 marked just the 2nd time since the first half of January that the Preds have lost more than 2 straight games. Nashville is 214-172 (+43.6 net units) long-term when they are playing with revenge. The Ducks have a history of struggling in this spot. Anaheim was up 3-2 in their series against the Blackhawks in the 2015 Western Conference Final, but lost the next two games, and Chicago went on to win the Stanley Cup. In 2014, the Ducks had the 3-2 edge on the Kings but then lost twice and Los Angeles ended up winning the Cup. In 2013, the Red Wings were down 3-2 to Anaheim then sent the top-seeded Ducks packing early for the summer. This is a lot of playoff pressure and Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau is 1-6 in Game 7's so he and the Ducks are "under the gun" to close this out tonight. Anaheim ended the run of road dominance in this series with their Game 5 win on home ice. Now I expect the Preds to "return the favor" on their home ice and force a Game 7 back in Anaheim where the Ducks know all too well that anything can happen. The Ducks won only 10 of 22 regular season road games that goalie Frederik Andersen started. The Preds won 22 of 37 regular season home games with Pekka Rinne between the pipes. *8* NASHVILLE |
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04-24-16 | Stars -125 v. Wild | Top | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 58 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line -125 @ Minnesota @ 3:05 ET - The Stars are fired up after the way they lost Game 5 on home ice and they want to close this series out in Game 6 and not risk an "anything can happen" Game 7. Why should there be confidence that they can do that? For one thing the Stars have not lost two straight games since mid-March. For another thing, the Wild have not won two straight games since the end of March. In fact, before their win in Game 5, Minnesota had lost 8 of their last 9 games! In those 8 losses Minny averaged 1 goal per game! That's not going to get it done against the Stars and, after Antti Niemi struggled in Game 5, I would not be surprised to see Dallas go back to Kari Lehtonen who had played so well early in this series. Look for the Stars to tighten up the defense again and shut down the Wild. As for the Dallas offense, they are among the top teams in the league and the Wild have struggled to slow them down throughout this series. Even in the loss in Game 5, the Stars totally outplayed the Wild and Dallas has scored an average of 3.2 goals per game in this series. Minnesota has lost 12 of 21 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Dallas has won 14 of 20 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Stars also won 8 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge and they are a bargain at this small price on the road. *10* DALLAS |
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04-24-16 | Capitals v. Flyers +160 | 1-0 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 59 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +160 vs Washington @ 12:05 ET - The Capitals are living out their worst nightmare and it could continue Sunday. That's why the Flyers are well worth an investment as a big dog here. Even though the Caps outshot the Flyers by a ridiculous 4 to 1 ratio in Game 5 and were on home ice, Washington lost again. Why? They've run into a hot goalie. The Flyers made the goalie change after the Game 3 loss dropped to a 3-0 deficit in the series. The goalie is now Michal Neuvirth who originally came up through the Capitals organization. Like I said above, nightmare situation for the Caps. Neuvirth is loving every minute of this. The Flyers are further buoyed by the death of found Ed Snider. Full of emotion and back on home ice, Philadelphia is going to be very hard for the Capitals to put away. More about the nightmare? The Flyers overcame a 3-0 series deficit against the Bruins back in 2010. More about the nightmare? Alex Ovechkin and his Capitals are well known for their playoff struggles. The Caps have all the pressure on them here in Game 6 as a result. The Flyers have been playing with no pressure ever since they fell behind 3-0 in the series. They are playing loose and just battling as they have had "nothing to lose" ever since the "sweep talk" started. *8* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-23-16 | Predators +130 v. Ducks | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line +130 @ Anaheim @ 6:05 ET - The road teams continued their dominance in the post-season last night as ALL FOUR road teams won. This series has been leading the way in road dominance as the away team has taken all four games. With the series tied at 2 and with the Ducks now back on home ice, many will be looking to back Anaheim. However, I see no reason for this trend to stop. The pressure is truly now back on the Ducks. They know that if they lose this game they will be just a game away from elimination and heading back to Nashville for Game 6. That puts a lot of pressure on a team because, in Anaheim's mind, they are at home and they are expected to win and must win to retain the home ice edge in this series. As for the Predators, they come into this game with a chip on their shoulders after what happened in Nashville, but they also come in very confident and ready to put that frustration to positive energy because they won the first two games at the Honda Center to take a 2-0 lead in this series. The Preds know they can win here and they are confident they will get back on track. It's not like the Ducks totally dominated the Predators in Nashville. Despite the final scores looking a little ugly note that it was Nashville who actually outshot the Ducks by a dozen shots combined in the two games. The Preds have now outshot Anaheim in three of the four games and I look for a big game from Pekka Rinne between the pipes. The Preds have won 10 of his last 14 road starts! For Anaheim, though Frederik Anderson has played well since the Ducks made the goalie switch, this will be his first home start since March 18th. The pressure is intense in a situation like this for the netminder. The Predators are 34-24 (+$9,200) the past three seasons when they are off of a game where they were held to one goal or less. They respond in a huge way here. *10* NASHVILLE Money Line +130 |
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04-22-16 | Islanders +145 v. Panthers | Top | 2-1 | Win | 145 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play NY Islanders Money Line +150 @ Florida @ 8:05 ET Friday - Home teams continue to be overvalued in these playoffs. The road teams have won more games than home teams in this post-season so far. That trend continued last night and it was a night where all four teams should have won. The only road team to lose was the Red Wings and they actually outplayed the Lightning before losing on a goal with just 2 minutes to go in that game. The point is that road teams continue to provide value and I believe this game will prove to be another example of that tonight. The Islanders lost on home ice to Florida on Wednesday. The Isles managed just 1 goal in that game. This season, the Islanders have won 15 of 21 games when they are off of a game where they were held to one goal or less! The Isles will again be in 'bounce back" mode here and, so far in this series, neither team has managed to string together back to back wins! The Panthers have lost 65 of 107 games against teams with a winning record the past three seasons. Florida also has a long-term mark of 6-14 in first round playoff games. The pressure is on the Panthers here honestly. If Florida loses they then must travel to Brooklyn for a game that could end their season. This is a lot of pressure for a Panthers club that hasn't enjoyed much post-season success. The Islanders know they "let up" some in Game 4 after getting the home ice edge with their Game 3 win. The Isles just didn't seem to have the same energy and emotion in Game 4 that they had in prior games in this series. Remember that they won Game 1 here in Florida plus outshot the Panthers in Game 2 by a 42-31 count. Coming off of a loss in Game, the Isles will be fired up and play another strong game on the road. Tremendous line value for the road dog here. *10* NY Islanders Money line Friday |
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04-21-16 | Ducks -105 v. Predators | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line -105 @ Nashville @ 8:05 ET - The Ducks were heavily favored in this series but then dropped the first two games on home ice and suddenly things were looking grim. Both of those defeats on home ice were tight games though and Anaheim certainly turned the tide in this series with a big 3-0 shutout win in Game 3. The Ducks can now regain home ice edge with another big road win tonight and I love the value of having them at a pick'em price since they are on the road rather than having to lay a big price at home (which I rarely ever will do). That said, there is great line value here and consider that home ice often is overvalued. So far in these playoffs the road team has won more of the games than has the home team. This series is a prime example of the value that can often be had with road teams as the road club has won all 3 games in this series. I look for that streak to reach 4-0 in this series tonight. Anaheim has won 12 of their last 19 games against teams with a winning record. The Preds have lost 14 of their last 24 games against teams with a winning record. The Ducks have won 52 of 81 the past three seasons when they are off of a win by a multiple goal margin. The Predators have lost 28 of 48 first round playoff games while the Ducks have won 9 of 13 first round playoff games and this is even with dropping the first two games of the series. Look for the Ducks to continue to frustrate the Predators tonight as they tightened up the defense in Game 3 and I look for that to continue here. Head coach Bruce Boudreau has his team's full attention right now after what happened in Anaheim and the Ducks will build on the momentum that is a direct result of the dominating Game 3 win. *10* ANAHEIM |
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04-21-16 | Red Wings +150 v. Lightning | 0-1 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 26 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Detroit Red Wings Money Line +150 @ Tampa Bay @ 7:05 ET - Not including power play goals, the Red Wings have "won" the last two games against the Lightning by 2-0 counts. Now, of course, power play goals do count but for Tampa Bay to have three of them in one game (as they did in the Game 4 win) is quite unusual. Heading into that game the Red Wings had outshot the Lightning 98 to 81 in the first three games of this series. That said, I feel there is excellent line value here in being able to grab Detroit at a nice underdog price range of +145 to +150 considering how evenly matched these teams have proven to be in this series. Also, the Red Wings have won 27 of 47 this season when playing with revenge. Detroit has their backs against the wall and desperate times means desperate measures. You can bet that the Red Wings are going to play their strongest game of the series tonight. That should be enough to eke out a road win and send this series back to Detroit. Remember that the Lightning have had trouble closing out series in the past when in situations similar to this one. Great line value with the Red Wings here. *8* DETROIT |
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04-20-16 | Kings v. Sharks -115 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line -115 vs Los Angeles Kings @ 10:35 ET - After taking a 2-0 series lead in Los Angeles, though this sounds strange, San Jose scoring 30 seconds into Game 3 on Monday was, quite simply, too soon! It seemed to 'set off' the Kings and Los Angeles was able to tie up the game and ended up outshooting the Sharks 13 to 7. What I liked about what the Sharks did from that point on though is that they truly outplayed the Kings even though they ended up losing in overtime. San Jose outshot Los Angeles by a 23 to 11 count the rest of the way. That's an incredible ratio of about 2 to 1 which is a huge edge in shots. Keep in mind that this was in a tie game. It is not like those statistics were skewed by the Kings holding a lead and simply trying to protect it. When you couple this key factor with the fact that the Sharks already won both games in LA in this series, you can see why I am looking for San Jose to respond in a big way on home ice tonight. If the Sharks blow this game they give the home ice edge right back to LA and I just don't see that happening. San Jose is such a speedy and attacking team that I look for them to again use that to their advantage in this game. The Kings won't intimidate them with physicality. We've already seen that this will not be the case in this series. Los Angeles is 12-15 (-10.1 units) in April games the past three seasons combined. The Sharks have won 28 of 41 when playing with revenge this season and also have won 13 of their last 17 games against teams with a winning record. Great, low odds to back the home team in a revenge spot here. I'll take it! *10* SAN JOSE |
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04-20-16 | Panthers -105 v. Islanders | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 49 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Florida Panthers Money Line -105 @ NY Islanders @ 8:05 ET - The Panthers blew a multiple goal lead multiple times in their eventual overtime loss to the Islanders on Sunday. Now Florida has had two full off days to "stew" about the defeat and you can bet that the Panthers are going to be ready to go here. Florida very nearly went up 3-0 in Sunday's game in Brooklyn but what would have been the third goal was challenged and overturned and that prevented what would have been the nearly insurmountable 3-goal lead in a playoff game! Instead the Panthers now are down 2-1 in this series and must win this game to earn back the home ice edge. I like their chances considering they are a fantastic 21-13 this season when playing with revenge. The Islanders already have experienced this first hand as they were up 1-0 in the series before losing game two by a 3-1 final. The Isles are now 0-3 the last three times they have had a lead in a playoff series. Look for that record to drop to a "perfect" 0-4 Wednesday as Luongo again responds between the pipes just like he did in Game two. The Panthers had a fantastic regular season and they're not about to let it slip away from them now. The Isles, before the Game 3 win, had lost three of their last four home games and the three defeats came by a combined score of 14 to 5. I look for another deflating home loss here as the Panthers bring their "A game" tonight. *8* FLORIDA |
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04-19-16 | Blues v. Blackhawks -155 | 4-3 | Loss | -155 | 14 h 2 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line -155 vs St Louis @ 9:35 ET - When leading in a playoff series the Blues are 1-3 in recent seasons. The Blackhawks, when trailing in a playoff series, are 9-2 in recent seasons. Despite outshooting the Blues by a 46 to 36 margin the Hawks lost game three here on home ice to fall behind 2-1 in this series. That makes tonight a payback game and though I don't play big favorites and rarely even play moderately priced favorites this is one rare case where I make an exception and play a fave in the 155 range. I simply do not see the Blackhawks losing two straight games on home ice and falling behind 3-1 in the series. Remember they lost game one without Duncan Keith. He's back now and helped lead them to the 3-2 win in game two and to to the big edge in shots on goal in game three. He's a key player for the Hawks and he and the other playoff-tested veterans are going to lead the charge in tonight's critical game four. Chicago has won 42 of their last 68 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. The past two seasons the Blues have gone 4-8 in first round playoff games. That doesn't bode well for them rising up and getting another road win tonight in this tough match-up. The Blackhawks fight back to even the series up. *7* CHICAGO |
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04-19-16 | Penguins -111 v. Rangers | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 29 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line -111 @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are off of a rare loss. Yes they lost their regular season finale against the Flyers but that was a game they truly did not care about. Prior to that game the Penguins had won 8 games in a row. Then, after destroying the Rangers 5-2 in game one, the Pens fell short in game two and I look for a big response here. Pittsburgh is 13-5 this season when off of a loss by a margin of two goals or more. The Penguins had won four straight against New York (by a combined score of 17 to 8) before the game two loss to the Rangers. Now, because the series shifts from Pittsburgh to New York we get line value with the road team seeking revenge. I look for the Penguins to bounce right back here. They outshot the Rangers in game three and they had two power play goals while holding the Rangers without one in their three chances with the man advantage. The Pens have been strong on the kill this season while the Rangers have been one of the league's worst on the penalty kill. That should be a difference maker as this series goes on and prior to that "meaningless" loss at Philly at the end of the season the Penguins had won eight straight road games! The Rangers have split their last 14 home games. Pens have been given great line value here on the road. I know their goaltending situation is uncertain but the skaters are going to be the difference makers in this game. The Penguins are fired up off of a loss and they have too much firepower for the Rangers. *10* PITTSBURGH |
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04-18-16 | Capitals v. Flyers +123 | Top | 6-1 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 54 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +123 vs Washington @ 7:05 ET - Shorter write-ups today due to bad storms here in Texas. The Flyers outshot the Capitals by a big margin (42-23) in Game Two so the final score (an ugly 4-1 defeat) is certainly deceiving. I look for another huge effort from the Flyers tonight as this is their last chance to crawl back into this series. The loss of Sean Couturier for the series (hurt on Alex Ovechkin hit in Game One) certainly hurts the Flyers. However, they proved in Game Two that they certainly are not going to lay down in this series. They know they can tie the series up on home ice by winning each of the next two games. But that must start with a victory tonight. The Flyers have won 4 of their last 5 home games and that included a win over Washington just a few weeks ago. Philly is 14-9 when off of a game where they were held to one goal or less and the Flyers offer great line value as a home dog in this spot tonight. *10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-17-16 | Lightning v. Red Wings -120 | Top | 0-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Detroit Red Wings -120 vs Tampa Bay @ 7:05 ET - Although it was by the slimmest of margins, Detroit did outshoot the Lightning in both games down in Tampa. Of course all that matters is who wins or loses but the point is that the Red Wings have played better than their 2-0 series deficit is telling the betting markets. That said, there is fantastic line value here with the Wings as a very small home favorite. It is going to be tough for the Lightning to go into Joe Louis Arena and go up 3-0 in this series. That is asking a lot. The 5-2 final score is deceiving as the Red Wings were tied with the Lightning in the third period Friday. Note also that Detroit was tied at 2 with Tampa Bay in the third period of game one on Wednesday as well. The point is that the Red Wings have been "right there" in each of the first two games and yet they have nothing to show for it. I expect all that to change today. The Lightning have a couple of wingers injured and J.T. Brown is out for sure and he is one of those guys that is more important than his stats would lead you to believe. Remember that TB was already lacking some key personnel with Steven Stamkos and Anton Stralman out. The Lightning have gotten 7 of 8 goals from their top line so far in this series. That is not necessarily a good thing because you can bet the Red Wings will be making some adjustments and are fully focused on shutting those guys down in this game. Detroit will force Tampa to try and beat them with more balanced scoring. The Lightning will have to prove they can do that and I don't see that happening in this ultra-important game three. Fully focused, motivated, and intense Detroit club should get back into the series with a big win Sunday. The Lightning lost 16 of 29 games this season when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Red Wings won 13 of 23 games this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. That situation intensifies huge too with this being a playoff game. *10* DETROITÂ |
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04-16-16 | Sharks +130 v. Kings | Top | 2-1 | Win | 130 | 14 h 10 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line +130 @ Los Angeles @ 10:35 ET - The Kings lost the opener of this series and now the natural reaction would be to back Los Angeles to bounce back. However, there are a few very good reasons not to do that. The Sharks have been fantastic on the road all season. True road warriors. The Kings are likely to be without key defensemen Alec Martinez. The underdog price on San Jose. Add it all up and the value is with San Jose AGAIN here in Game Two just like it was in Game One. The road team has won 5 of the 6 meetings between these teams (5 regular season and 1 postseason) dating back to the beginning of this season. In road games where the posted total on their game is 5 goals, the Sharks have won 19 of 24 this season! San Jose also has won 12 of their last 15 games against teams with a winning record. The Kings did get a power play goal in the series opener but that was just their 4th power play goal in their last 17 games. Contrast that with the Sharks who have 15 power play goals in their last 16 games. All the pressure is on the Kings here as they know they can't afford to lose both games on home ice to open up this series. Unlike Los Angeles, San Jose comes into this game loose and simply looking to "steal" another road win. The way the Sharks are playing they are fully capable of winning yet again on the road. They have great skill and quickness which they can use to frustrate the Kings who will again try to slow them down but again will likely be unsuccessful. The Sharks come into this game having won 8 of their last 9 road games! *10* SAN JOSE |
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04-15-16 | Predators +155 v. Ducks | Top | 3-2 | Win | 155 | 14 h 58 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line +155 @ Anaheim @ 10:35 ET - When this line opened up it opened at a -145. It has since been driven up to as high as a -170 and this huge line move has simply been pushed too far. It is offering such extreme line value to a talented Predators team that I am elevating this play to my top rating. Of course both clubs come into this game well-rested and the Predators have won 12 of 19 games the past three seasons when they enter a game off of three or more days of rest. The Ducks lost 3 of 5 (and were a -2.4 in units) in their games this season that were played after three or more days of rest. Nashville won two of the three games between these teams this season and the Predators outshot the Ducks 42-28 in the one game they lost which was played here in Anaheim. The Ducks only won 12 of goalie John Gibson's 22 home starts so is this situation really worthy of a -170 price on the Ducks. In my opinion it is absolutely not and Anaheim split their last 18 games of the season with 9 wins and 9 losses and that's even with winning the final two games. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne is fully capable of not only stealing a game but also stealing a series. This is especially true since the Preds added the offensive punch of Ryan Johansen and are solid on the blue line with Shea Weber and Roman Josi. *10* NASHVILLE +155 |
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04-15-16 | Islanders v. Panthers -155 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 22 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *6* Florida Panthers Money Line -155 vs NY Islanders @ 7:35 ET - The Panthers outshot the Islanders 46 to 26 and it certainly was no fluke. Florida actually had a 1 goal lead 3 times in that game. In other words, it's not like the Panthers were playing 'catch-up' all game and that is what caused the shot disparity. It was a legitimate shot disparity in favor of Florida and it shows the Panthers are absolutely capable of winning this series. In fact, the last time the Islanders won a series, 44 year old Jaromir Jagr (a current Panther) was on the opposing roster 23 years ago as a young player for the Pittsburgh Penguins. No other team in the league has gone as long as the Isles without winning a playoff series. I certainly don't seem them going up 2-0 on the road in this series and that's why I am willing to lay the price with the Panthers on home ice and reduce my star rating to *6* since I rarely play favorites in this price range. If you watched the game last night Florida certainly had some very nice, well-executed plays lead to some great scoring chances as well as solid goals. For the Isles, they scored off of turnovers and/or on an odd-man rush or on a fortuitous crazy bounce. I am not taking anything away from the skill that the Islanders have but they were very fortunate to win that game last night and I don't see "lighting striking twice" this early in the series. That shot advantage of 46 to 26 shows just how ready the Panthers are for this series and I expect them to even this series up tonight. *6* FLORIDA -155 |
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04-15-16 | Blackhawks +105 v. Blues | Top | 3-2 | Win | 105 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line +105 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - In Game One, even without Duncan Keith, the Blackhawks started strong and finished strong. Chicago outshot the Blues 11-4 in the first period and by a combined count of 15-4 in the third period and overtime. That is a 26-8 edge in shots in those critical periods of the game. The Blues still managed to win the game 1-0 as Brian Elliott had a huge game between the pipes. However, St Louis will now be facing a more determined and also strengthened lineup on Friday night. The Blackhawks will have Keith back and he has fresh legs after serving the final game of a 6-game suspension when he sat out game one of this series. He can't wait to get back on the ice and help his teammates and I don't see the Hawks going down 2 games to none in this series. They played stifling defense in game one, they are even in better shape now with the return of Keith for game two, and Chicago is 8-2 the last 3 seasons when trailing in a playoff series. Also, the Hawks lost their final two games of the regular season so they are on a 3-game losing streak. Note that Chicago has won 3 of 4 this season (and 11 of 15 the last three seasons) when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. The Blues had lost 8 of their last 12 first round playoff games before winning game one by the slimmest of margins despite being outplayed. Look for the Blues first round problems to resume Friday. *10* CHICAGO +105 |
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04-15-16 | Red Wings +140 v. Lightning | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 29 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Detroit Red Wings Money Line +140 @ Tampa Bay @ 7:05 ET - The Red Wings lost a tight game one Wednesday at Tampa Bay despite holding a 20-12 edge in scoring chances. After blowing a 2-1 second period lead look for Detroit to even this series up as they make a few lineup changes and add some physicality in game two Friday. Last year in the playoff series between these clubs they alternated wins and losses through the first 6 games of the series. In my opinion, these teams are even more evenly matched this season and I just don't see the Lightning going up 2-0 in this series. The Red Wings had their chances in game one as you can tell from the stat above and, in game two, they'll cash more of those in. There is great line value with Detroit as a sizable dog considering how last spring's series was a back and forth affair from game to game. Tampa Bay has lost five of their last eight when trailing in a playoff series. The Red Wings have won five of seven when they enter a game on a losing streak of three games or more. Detroit lost their final two regular season games before dropping the opener in this series. The Red Wings respond tonight. *8* DETROIT +140 |
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04-14-16 | Sharks +125 v. Kings | Top | 4-3 | Win | 125 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks +125 @ Los Angeles @ 10:35 ET - As long-time followers know I like to look for underdog value in the money line sports. This is another classic case as the Sharks are a fantastic team but, because of the reputation of the Kings they are getting sold a little short here. San Jose won 18 of 23 road games this season that had a posted total of 5 goals. What that tells you of course is that the Sharks are absolutely capable of winning road games that are projected to be tight, low-scoring games. Yes, the Kings are a big, physical team that is built well for playoff success. However, lets not forget that the Sharks skate extremely well, are very skilled up front, and they can cause some match-up issues for the opposition. The Sharks come into the post-season having won 11 of their last 14 meetings with teams with a winning record. By contrast, Los Angeles only took 10 of 18 games against teams with a winning record. I know LA has had tremendous success in recent seasons and I know the Sharks are known for playoff frustration but this series could end up quite different than many expect as so many prognosticators are already saying the Kings are the team to win it all this year. The Sharks won the most recent meeting between these teams in late March and that game was in San Jose. Prior to that the road team won each of the first four meetings this season. That said, there is tremendous line value here with a determined road dog and divisional rival that is absolutely sick of hearing about the LA Kings all the time. You can bet on that. The Sharks have won 22 of Martin Jones' 32 road starts this season! The Kings have won only 15 of Jonathan Quick's 26 divisional starts this season. The Kings are simply over-valued here and the Sharks will prove to be the hungrier team. *10* SAN JOSE |
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04-14-16 | Wild +165 v. Stars | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 29 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* Minnesota Wild +165 @ Dallas @ 9:35 ET - The good news if your a Minnesota Wild fan is that this game is NOT being played on their home ice. All kidding aside, the fact is that the Wild have been much better on enemy ice than on home ice ever since the coaching change was made back in mid-February. In fact, if you include the game played outdoors versus the Blackhawks (not a traditional home game for the Wild), Minnesota has won 9 of 15 games not played in their home arena since the coaching change. The last two of those road losses came late in the season so Minnesota had won 9 of 13 road games prior to then. The point is that taking a "road warrior" like this and being able to get a +165 come back price is nothing to sneeze at. There is value in this road dog. These teams met five times this season and the road team has won 4 straight meetings since the Stars took the first on home ice. While Dallas certainly finished the season much stronger than did the Wild, goalie Devan Dubnyk has played well in his last two starts at Dallas and overall versus the Stars he has picked up victories in 2 of his last 4 starts against them. Look for defenseman Ryan Suter to play a key role in slowing down the top lines of Dallas. He may wear down as the series goes on as he may be asked to play 30 minutes a game but he's ready to go early in this series. If the Wild are successful in slowing down the Stars offense some they certainly have a great shot at the upset because Minnesota is taking on a Dallas team that ranks in the lower half of the league for goals allowed. Also, Tyler Seguin - a key offensive stalwart for the Stars - is expected to be out for tonight's game. Value in the big dog for this series opener. Dallas is a great team but don't be surprised if the Wild are able to frustrate them by slowing the game down and stealing a low-scoring win in Game One of this series. *7* MINNESOTA |
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04-14-16 | Islanders v. Panthers -140 | 5-4 | Loss | -140 | 8 h 60 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Florida Panthers -138 vs New York Islanders @ 8:05 ET - Starting goalie Jaroslav Halak is expected to miss round one of the playoffs for the Islanders. One of the back-ups, Jean-Francois Berube is dealing with a lower body injury. That leaves the duties to Thomas Greiss for now and certainly he has some solid overall numbers for the season but he was the #2 guy for a reason. I don't expect him to be a match for Roberto Luongo of the Panthers who is a playoff veteran and for whom Florida compiled 21 wins in his 33 home starts this season. The Panthers have won 6 of 8 games this season (and 14 of 21 the past 3 seasons) when they enter a game off of 3 or more days of rest. The Panthers closed the season winning 7 of their last 9 games to take the Atlantic Division title. That is no small feat considering they had to battle it out with the Bruins, Red Wings, and Lightning in the highly competitive division. The Panthers wrapped up the season with a big 5-2 win and are 17-8 this season when off of a win by a multiple goal margin. Also, Florida had won four straight meetings with the Islanders before losing at New York last month. That is significant not only because it shows that the Panthers have dominated this series but also it is noteworthy that the Panthers will be seeking revenge and they are 20-12 when playing with revenge this season. Grab the revenge-seeking home team with the goal-tending edge in this one. *8* FLORIDA |
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04-14-16 | Flyers +195 v. Capitals | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 0 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *6* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +195 @ Washington @ 7:05 ET - As anyone who follows hockey knows, the Capitals are a fantastic hockey club. After all, they didn't finish with the top record in the league by accident. However, with that said, it would be hard to argue the fact that the Flyers played some of the best hockey of any of the teams in the league over the last few months of the season. Philadelphia really kicked into a higher gear and, though many teams may not admit it, the upstart Flyers are the last team that anyone wanted to face in the opening round of these playoffs. This team is playing far better than a typical 8 seed. With that said, there is extreme value here in being able to grab the Flyers as a big underdog in this match-up. Philadelphia went 17-11 in road games with a posted total of 5 goals this season. The Flyers went 25-16 in their games against teams with a winning record this season. While great teams are certainly capable of "turning it on" that is often easier said than done. In other words, the fact that the Capitals lost 12 of their last 24 games should not just be brushed aside. Last, but certainly not least, the Flyers have won 8 of the last 13 meetings between these clubs. This series is going to be anything but easy for the Capitals and a Game 1 upset would not surprise in the least. The Flyers have really gotten comfortable in Coach Dave Hokstol's systems as the season has gone on. We only have to lay 6 units here to get a profit of 12 units. That's well worth the risk. *6* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-13-16 | Blackhawks v. Blues -115 | Top | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 37 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* St Louis Blues -115 vs Chicago @ 9:35 ET - The opening line on this game was way too small in my opinion. Already as I put this write-up together the Blues are attracting some attention and their price has moved upward from -115 to -130 and even higher and I would not be surprised to see it climb as the day goes on. Yes the Blackhawks are the defending Stanley Cup champions but the absence of defenseman Duncan Keith for Chicago in Game One (as he serves the final game of a 6-game suspension) is a key one. The Blackhawks rely heavily on Keith and he will be sorely missed Wednesday. The Hawks also rely heavily on goalie Corey Crawford and he missed nearly a month of time very late in the season and that is bad news for the netminder. He only returned in time for the season finale and it's evident he has lost his rhythm between the pipes as he was not sharp at all against the Blue Jackets. Now he faces an even taller order today as he takes on a Blues team that is back to full strength. Yes, just in time for the playoffs, St Louis does have "all hands on deck" and this is going to present even more of a challenge here in Game One for Chicago. The Blackhawks have lost 18 of 33 games since mid-January so their problems have not just been a short-term problem. I am not saying they won't turn things around during this series but what I am saying is that with a "rusty" Crawford and a blueline without Keith, I do expect the Blues to take care of business on home ice in game one. The Blues seek revenge for a first round playoff exit at the hands of Chicago two years ago. *10* ST LOUIS |
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04-13-16 | Red Wings +142 v. Lightning | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 9 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Detroit Red Wings +142 @ Tampa Bay @ 7:05 ET - Big revenge series for the Red Wings after losing in 7 games to the Lightning last year. Detroit did what needed to be done to get here when it looked like their long streak of playoff appearances was in jeopardy. In and of itself, that was an impressive late season push from Detroit. I look for them to carry some momentum from that strong late season push right into the post-season. As for Tampa Bay, they lost 5 of their last 8 games to close out the season. They have a number of injuries that are concerning. A few guys that will play are hurting while a couple of key players, Steven Stamkos and Anton Stralman have already been announced as being out for this series. Those are key absences. As for the Red Wings, forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg might possibly open up the series by playing on a line with Justin Abdelkader. With Datsyuk announcing a likely return to Russia when the post-season ends I look for the "Magic Man" to come up huge in this series and that starts right away in Game One with coach Jeff Blashill sparking the Red Wings with changing up the lines a bit. The Lightning won Game 7 on their home ice in this series last spring but 4 of the first 6 games in the series were won by the road team. This included the Red Wings taking Game One in Tampa. I expect the same result in Game One this season as they are the healthier and hungrier team and offering great underdog line value in this spot. *8* DETROIT |
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04-10-16 | Ducks -105 v. Capitals | Top | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line -105 @ Washington @ 7:30 ET - For those of you that like day of the week trends the Ducks have won 9 of 11 Sunday games this season and an incredible 34 of 44 Sunday games the past three seasons! The key here for Anaheim is motivation as they can win the Pacific Division title (and become the #2 seed in the Western Conference) by knocking off the Capitals Sunday. Rest assured the Ducks want to overtake their hated division rival, the Kings, and take the division from them after Los Angeles squandered their chance to lock it up by losing to the Avalanche. It's not just an Anaheim versus LA "thing" it is also the better playoff positioning that is key here. Look for Anaheim to give it their all on Sunday while the Capitals (long ago having clinched the top spot in the NHL playoffs) are simply wanting to rest up for the post-season and not get anyone hurt as the Caps prepare to host the upstart Flyers in the first round of the NHL post-season. Washington is likely to rest Holtby for this game and start Grubauer. This is significant because he's 0-3 with an ugly .864 save percentage in his last 4 games (3 starts). Grubauer will prove to be no match for a Ducks team that has allowed an average of just 2 goals per game in their last 8 games! This game means nothing to Washington and it means a lot to the Ducks. We get a very favorable price since Anaheim is on the road. Beautiful situation and I won't hesitate to step in and take advantage by going with my highest rating on this play. *10* ANAHEIM |
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04-09-16 | Penguins v. Flyers -122 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 8 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -122 vs Pittsburgh @ 3:05 ET - Though this is a bitter in-state divisional rivalry, the Penguins may rest some players today. Simply put, there is no reason not to. Pittsburgh is in good shape in terms of the post-season picture and the last thing they would want to see happen is for a key player to get hurt in a game that just doesn't carry enough meaning for them. That said, the low line on this game is offering fantastic line value to the Flyers. Philadelphia must get points if it wants to make the post-season and the Flyers still control their own destiny. It's very simply for Philly as they don't have to rely on anyone else's help as long as they just win their games. Win both games and the Flyers are in. Tomorrow they face the Islanders but today it's all about taking care of business and getting revenge against the Penguins. Coming into this season the Flyers had the Penguins number in recent seasons. That all changed this season as the Pens have swept all games with Philly so far this season. Not that the Flyers needed any extra motivation but they truly do hate their in-state rivals and had won 8 of 9 meetings with the Pens before losing all 3 so far this season. The Flyers had won 3 of the last 4 home meetings with the Penguins before an ugly loss on home ice last month. In road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals Pittsburgh has lost 7 of 12 this season. In home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals the Flyers have won 8 of 11 this season! Based on Philadelphia's 3-game losing streak and the Penguins recent run of having won 14 of their last 15 games, this certainly would look like a "mismatch" at first glance. The key here is that Pittsburgh truly wants to be careful here with their key players while Philly must go "all out" as they desperately need the two points. *10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-07-16 | Red Wings +142 v. Bruins | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Detroit Red Wings +142 @ Boston @ 7:05 ET - The Red Wings got a huge win last night versus Philly. They are now in the drivers' seat in terms of their playoff hopes for this season as they look to make it 25 seasons in a row earning a playoff spot. While the puck definitely bounced their way against Philadelphia last night, the Red Wings certainly deserve credit for the way they played against the Flyers and there should be no let up here. Yes it is a back to back spot for the Wings but this is the most important time of the regular season. Players are going to give it their all in situations like this and the Red Wings want to secure a post-season spot by knocking off the Bruins tonight. Even though Boston has the advantage of home ice and scheduling in their favor here, the Bruins have simply been choking under pressure for weeks while the Red Wings have been thriving. Boston has just 2 wins in their last 10 games. Also, in home games with a posted total of 5 goals this season, the Bruins have lost 16 of 24 games! Boston, oddly enough, has been much better on the road than at home this season so the fact that the Red Wings offer a solid money line return even though they have won three straight and seven of their last ten games means solid line value is being offered here. The Red Wings have scored 11 power play goals in their last 9 games and they got a key short-handed goal versus the Flyers last night. The current state of special teams play for the Wings and Bruins also favors the road dog in this match-up. *8* DETROIT |
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04-07-16 | Islanders +126 v. Rangers | Top | 4-1 | Win | 126 | 10 h 40 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play New York Islanders +126 @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Huge battle for playoff position and the Islanders, though they trail the Rangers in the standings, still have a game in hand. They also know that the Rangers have a tough game on deck with Detroit (who could still be battling for their playoff lives) while the Isles have lowly Buffalo on deck. With all that said, this game is huge in the playoff race and the Islanders have already proven to be a huge challenge for the Rangers this season. The Isles have won all 3 games between the clubs and the victories have come by a combined score of 11 to 6. The Islanders come into this game having won 5 of their last 6 games overall and the red hot run could lead to a 4-0 series sweep here. The Rangers are off back to back wins but they had lost three straight games prior to that and two of those defeats were at the hands of non-playoff teams. Though both teams have injuries the Rangers truly have some key ones and that could be a difference maker here. The Islanders have won 5 of the last 6 meetings that the Rangers have hosted so home ice has not been an edge in recent series history. The Rangers have lost 10 of 16 this season when playing with home loss revenge. That said, there is solid line value here with the road dog as certainly there is not much of a road trip for the Isles in this one! *10* NY ISLANDERS |
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04-06-16 | Flyers +109 v. Red Wings | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 8 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +110 @ Detroit @ 8:05 ET - The Red Wings are off of back to back wins but they've managed to win three straight games just TWO times since mid-January! Detroit also has lost 3 of their last 5 games against playoff teams. The three losses, including one at Philly on March 15th, have come by a combined score of 17 to 7. The loss to the Flyers by a 4-3 final wasn't as close as the score would lead you to believe either. Philadelphia had 46 shots on goal in that game and they led by two goals most of the game. The Flyers come into this game off of a disappointing effort at Pittsburgh. They've had two full off days to recover since the loss and note that Philadelphia hasn't lost two straight games since mid-February! Also, since the calendar turned the page to 2016 the Flyers have been among the top teams in the league. The loss to the Pens was just the 6th Flyers loss by a multiple goal margin since January 1st. What happened after the first five losses by 2 or more goals in 2016? The Flyers won the next game ALL FIVE times! PERFECT 5-0 for Philly this YEAR! By the way, the combined score of those games was 24-7. Utter and complete domination for the Flyers when they are off of an ugly loss. They will respond here as they are in a battle to secure a playoff spot and still have the edge over the Bruins and Red Wings based on still having 4 games left on the season (including tonight's game). The Flyers, before the loss to the Pens, had won 23 of 37 games against teams with a winning record this season. The Red Wings are also well-rested here but is it too much rest? The Flyers have been off since Sunday but Detroit has been off since Saturday and the Wings have lost 5 of 7 games this season when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest! The Flyers have won 6 of their last 8 meetings with the Red Wings and they have been the much better team in recent weeks. Look for that to continue here. *10* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-05-16 | Sharks +107 v. Wild | Top | 3-0 | Win | 107 | 11 h 11 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks +107 @ Minnesota @ 8:05 ET - The Wild continue to crumble under the pressure of trying to secure their playoff spot. Minnesota is squeezing the sticks a little too tight and now has lost three straight games. The Sharks have been one of the top road teams in the NHL this season and they are an incredible 17-5 in road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. They also have the goaltending edge in this match-up. James Reimer is expected to get the start and he's saved 92% of the shots he's faced as San Jose has won three of his last four starts. The Wild are expected to go with Devan Dubnyk between the pipes and he's saved only 89% of the shots he's faced as Minnesota has lost three of his last four starts. While the Wild are motivated but also under pressure, the Sharks are motivated but without the pressure. San Jose has already secured a playoff spot but certainly is looking to improve their playoff positioning and coach Peter DeBoer was even discussing their desire to finish with the best road record in the league. The Sharks are currently 27-10-3 away from home this season and this is San Jose's final road game of the season. They will make it count as they push for better positioning in the standings while the Wild continue to falter under "playoff pressure" as another Avalanche loss is going to be the likely way that Minny secures their post-season spot. *10* SAN JOSE |
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04-04-16 | Rangers v. Blue Jackets +145 | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 41 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Columbus Blue Jackets +150 vs NY Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Rangers are still trying to clinch a playoff spot and they could be facing the wrong team to get that done. John Tortorella is now the head coach of the Blue Jackets but just a few short years ago he was the coach of the Rangers before being abruptly fired after they lost to the Bruins in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Rest assured, he has not forgotten that. With that said, you can bet he'll have his Blue Jackets team ready to go here as the last thing they want to allow to happen is for the coach's former team to clinch a playoff spot on their home ice! Columbus got a big win at Carolina on Friday to get back into the win column and, though they're eliminated from the post-season, the Jackets certainly want to build off of that win and finish the season the right way. The Rangers are stumbling into this game with three straight losses. Things certainly won't be easy for the Rangers in this one away from home. In fact, the Rangers have lost 21 of 32 road games this season when they are on the road in a game with a posted total of 5 goals or less. The Blue Jackets have won 13 of 21 April games and coach Tortorella has lit a fire under his club for this game. The result is fantastic home dog line value here. *8* COLUMBUS |
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04-04-16 | Lightning -110 v. Islanders | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 41 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +100 @ NY Islanders @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that Lightning leading scorer Steven Stamkos is out. However, that is part of what is driving the line value on this play as the money line certainly has been adjusted for his absence. That said, we're still talking about an extremely deep and talented Tampa Bay team that still needs another victory to clinch a playoff spot. Additionally, we're talking about a New York Islanders team that has won some games recently but only against non-playoff teams! They take a major step up in class today to face a tough Lightning team and the Isles are 0-6 in their last 6 games against playoff-level teams. The worst part of it, if your an Islanders fan, is that they have lost these games by a combined score of 25-8. That means the average score for the Islanders in their last 6 games against playoff-level competition was 4-1. NOT GOOD! Now the Isles will try to slow down a Lightning freight train that has won 5 of their last 7 games and that averaged 4 goals per game in the 5 wins. Tampa Bay has won 27 of their 40 games since the mid-way point of the season and the Lightning, when off of a stretch where their past 3 games were at home, have won 28 of 44 the last 3 seasons combined. In other words, after the nice homestand, look for the Lightning to be fully focused on the task at hand here on the road. As for the Islanders, they have lost 15 of 24 when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. The goalie match-up today should be Bishop versus Greiss and the Lighting netminder has saved 94% of shots his last 4 games while Greiss has only saved 89%. *10* TAMPA BAY |
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04-03-16 | Blues v. Avalanche +140 | 5-1 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 39 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Colorado Avalanche Money Line +140 vs St Louis @ 8:05 ET - While the Blues certainly still view these games as absolutely relevant, the fact is that they still can't match the intensity of a team like the Avalanche in a spot like this. The Avs are absolutely fighting for their playoff lives here while the Blues are simply "worrying" about positioning and, honestly, St Louis may not even be that worries about positioning. They know they are pretty well set. With all that said, I think an angry and determined Colorado team will take the ice in Denver today. The Avalanche have lost 4 of their last 5 games and are desperate to bounce back after an ugly 4-2 loss to Washington on Friday. The Avs have won 16 of 24 this season (and 41 of 63 the past three seasons) when they are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. The Blues are off of a loss to Boston where a team desperately trying to get to the post-season took it to them. I look for the Avs to play with the same type of desperation and urgency to get to St Louis (and goalie Jake Allen) in the same way that the Bruins did. The Blues have lost 16 of their last 27 April games and cost dime players nearly $10K in the process. They are known for "fades" at this time of the year and this is another ideal opportunity to fade St Louis as fantastic line value is being offered here with the hungry home dog Avalanche. The Avs have been "giant killers" this season as they have won 19 of 32 (earning dime players $12,600 in net profits) in their games against teams with a winning record this season. Look for another upset on Sunday. *8* COLORADO |
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04-03-16 | Wild v. Jets +130 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 130 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line +135 vs Minnesota @ 8:05 ET - Hockey is huge in Manitoba. Certainly the Winnipeg faithful are disappointed about missing out on the post-season but that does not mean the Jets won't give a huge effort in their home finale for the season. I expect a massive effort from the hometown team in this one as it's the final game for Winnipeg on home ice this season. The game does carry some extra meaning since they can help prevent their neighbors to the south from having a shot at clinching a post-season berth tonight. The Jets, on their home ice, certainly don't want to allow that to happen for a divisional foe. Winnipeg can put some extra stress on Minnesota by getting the win tonight. Winnipeg will give a huge effort undoubtedly and, even though the Jets have suffered some losses recently it certainly hasn't been for lack of effort. Winnipeg's last 5 losses have all come by a single goal. The Jets had a couple of home wins sprinkled in their and those two victories came by a combined score of 6 to 1. The Wild are feeling the pressure of the race for a playoff spot as they've lost back to back games entering this contest. The Jets are likely to put additional pressure on Minnesota as Winnipeg has taken 6 of the last 8 meetings between the teams. Excellent line value here with the hungry home dog definitely showing "no quit" in this match-up. A huge divisional home finale for the Jets so they will leave it all on the ice for sure! Every ounce of energy and effort. *10* WINNIPEG |
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04-02-16 | Stars +128 v. Kings | 3-2 | Win | 128 | 10 h 13 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Dallas Stars Money Line +130 @ Los Angeles @ 4:05 ET - Even though the Kings are off of a win, LA had lost four of their five prior games and allowed at least four goals in four of those five games. The Stars have been heading the opposite directions as red hot Dallas has won 6 of their past 7 games. Dallas has allowed just 10 goals in their past 6 games and the streaking Stars are battling hard to hold off St Louis for the central division title. Spirits are up for Dallas after seeing the Blues lose to the Bruins last night which certainly helped the cause for the Stars. Dallas also plays this game with double revenge as they have lost each of the past two meetings with LA and that includes an embarrassing home loss to the Kings two weeks ago. Dallas is 7-4 this season when playing with home loss revenge and of excellent underdog line value is available for this match-up. The Stars are 20-14 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Kings have lost 73 of 131 (and lost 27.8 units) when they are off of a shutout win. This includes losing 3 of the last 5 occurrences (which all happened this season) and those three defeats came by a combined score of 12 to 4. LA just hasn't been playing with the hunger that Dallas has of late and I look for the Stars to get their revenge at a great underdog payback price here. *8* DALLAS |
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03-31-16 | Predators +122 v. Penguins | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 50 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Nashville Predators Money Line +122 @ Pittsburgh @ 7:05 ET - The Predators are trying to clinch a playoff spot. They are fully focused and will give a huge effort here after dropping two straight games when they had to chance to clinch. Tonight they are catching the Penguins at the right time. Pittsburgh has a big weekend up ahead with facing two of their their hated division rivals. The Penguins visit the New York Islanders Saturday and then host the Flyers Sunday. The full focus simply may not be there for the Pens as they prepare for this non-conference match-up. Conversely, the Preds are absolutely focused here as they seek revenge for a tough OT loss to the Penguins earlier this season plus Nashville has the added motivation of being so close to clinching and yet having not gotten the job done yet. After a home loss to Colorado and a loss at Dallas early this week the Predators will get back on track. Nashville had won 5 of their last 6 before those two losses and the Preds also won their last visit to Pittsburgh by a 4-0 count. The Penguins have been struggling on the power play and that could be a difference maker here as the Pens have scored power play goals in only 2 of their last 8 games while the Preds have scored power play goals in 5 of their last 7 games. Nashville has won 10 of 16 this season when they are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin and the Predators are offering great underdog line value here. The Penguins have lost 50 of 89 (and cost dime players $33,100) the last 3 seasons when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Pens off a big win, Preds off of a bad loss. This one sets up perfectly. *8* NASHVILLEÂ |
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03-31-16 | Rangers v. Hurricanes +122 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 122 | 14 h 49 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line +122 vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes are now relegated to playing the role of spoiler and the last thing they want to see is the Rangers clinch a playoff spot in Carolina. Why does this mean so much to the Canes? Former captain Eric Staal is returning to Carolina for the first time since the trade with the Rangers. The Hurricanes can make a statement tonight and they have earned at least a point in 4 straight games. Carolina has been a bit of a "hard luck loser" this season as their 16 post-regulation losses leads the NHL and, of course, leading that category is not what you want. But the hard work and playing teams tough has paid off recently with Carolina notching a few wins recently and playing with the kind of resolve you don't always see from a team that already knows the golf course looms rather than playoff hockey. There will be no shortage of motivation tonight as the Hurricanes have struggled in recent seasons, including this one, against the Rangers. That said, keeping the Rangers (including the Canes former captain) from clinching a playoff spot tonight makes this a bit of a "game of the year" for the Hurricanes in this late season match-up. In road games with posted total of 5 goals, the Rangers have lost 20 of 31 games this season! This is expected to be a tight, low-scoring battle away from home for the Rangers and, as you can see from that stat, they have not fared well in these types of games this season. The Rangers have been off since Sunday but the extra rest hasn't helped them as they've lost 5 of 7 this season when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest. The Canes did allow a power play goal in their shootout loss to the Islanders but they entered that game having NOT allowed a power play goal in 13 of their 14 prior games. Conversely, the Rangers have allowed 18 power play goals in their last 27 games so basically 2 pp goals every 3 games. Look for the hungry and disciplined (few penalties and excellent penalty killing) Hurricanes to score the upset here. *10* CAROLINA |
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03-30-16 | Capitals v. Flyers +108 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 108 | 9 h 15 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +110 vs Washington @ 8:05 ET - Look for a playoff type atmosphere in this game. However, I feel it is the Flyers that have the edge for two reasons. One of course is home ice and the other is that Philadelphia absolutely still needs to win while the Capitals have already locked up the Presidents Cup trophy for most points in the league for this season. Certainly Washington is not going to "lay down" here as they know this is also a potential first round playoff match-up. However, it is virtually impossible - given the situation - for the Capitals to match the intensity the Flyers will have here. Philly needs to keep piling up points to make sure they lock up a post-season spot. The Flyers have been one of the hottest teams in the league for quite some time now as Philadelphia has won 11 of their last 16 games including 7 of their last 9 home games. Washington has lost 3 of their last 5 road games and the Caps, overall, had been held to 2 goals or less in 8 of their last 11 games before exploding for 4 goals in their win over Columbus Monday. Conversely, the Flyers have scored 3 goals or more in 12 of their last 16 games! Philadelphia has won 22 of 36 games against teams with a winning record this season and they've been playing their best hockey of late. That said, there is great home dog value in this spot as you can get the Flyers at plus money on home ice in a revenge spot. Philly lost to Washington in early February but the Flyers had won the prior meeting at Washington. Also, prior to a home loss to the Capitals in November, Philly had won 4 of the last 5 meetings on home ice. They resume that series dominance on home ice Wednesday. *10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-29-16 | Blackhawks +110 v. Wild | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 49 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line +110 @ Minnesota @ 8:05 ET - The last time the Wild swept a season series from the Blackhawks was nearly 10 years ago! It was all the way back in the 2006-07 season. Needless to say the Hawks are fully focused on this match-up  at Minnesota. It doesn't just have to do with Chicago wanting to erase the taste of the bitter defeat of losing all four match-ups this season. It also has to do with the fact that the Blackhawks swept the Wild out of the post-season last spring and certainly there is a chance these teams could meet again in the upcoming playoffs. With that said, the Hawks want to re-establish themselves in this series by getting the win in their final regular season match-up for this season. The Wild are off of a big divisional win at Colorado as they won in a shutout but Minnesota has lost 16 of 26 this season when they are off of a divisional game and that was a big win filled with playoff implications. Minny has lost 10 of their last 16 games against teams with a winning record. The Blackhawks have gotten back on track after a tough patch as Chicago has won back to back road games by a combined score of 7-3. Even though the Wild have been hot of late they have lost 39 of their 76 games this season and the Hawks have won 25 of 36 games this season against teams with a losing record on the season. Even though Crawford is still out for the Blackhawks, Darling has been playing quite well between the pipes and has allowed just 2.25 goals per game in his last 4 starts. More of the same here as the Hawks get a big revenging win. *8* CHICAGO |
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03-29-16 | Bruins v. Devils +139 | 1-2 | Win | 139 | 11 h 50 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* New Jersey Devils +140 vs Boston @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins have been a great road team overall on the season. But recently Boston has struggled no matter where they have played. Prior to the win over the Maple Leafs Saturday the Bruins had lost 5 straight games and that included 4 straight road games! Boston allowed 18 goals in those 5 games and one win over one of the worst teams in the league does not change the fact that the Bruins have been choking under pressure here late in the season. While Boston has had trouble keeping the puck out of their own net the Devils have allowed just 5 goals in their last 4 games as Scott Wedgewood has played very well in between the pipes and Cory Schneider is very close to returning. That makes New Jersey a great home dog in this spot. They have nothing to lose with no playoff pressure and yet they can relish the role of spoiler. The Devils lost their most recent home game but that was by a 1-0 count to the #1 team in the league as the Capitals beat them. Prior to that game the Devils had won their previous two home game by a combined score of 9-5 and I look for New Jersey to upset the Bruins here as well. Boston is dealing with some key injury and illness issues as well and will be short-handed tonight. *8* NEW JERSEY |
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03-27-16 | Devils +108 v. Hurricanes | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 56 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* New Jersey Devils +110 @ Carolina @ 5:05 ET - Scott Wedgewood has been fantastic between the pipes for the Devils. He has started their last 3 games and gone 2-1 with the only loss being a tough 1-0 shutout at home versus Washington Friday. Now the Devils catch the Hurricanes in a tough back to back spot. Carolina hosted the Islanders yesterday and gave up the tying goal in the 3rd period and then allowed the game-winning goal late in overtime. The Canes are hanging their heads a bit after that loss and now have the quick turnaround for this early game (5 ET start) Sunday. The Devils were off yesterday and they are ready to bounce back off of the shutout loss to the top team in the NHL! New Jersey had won 5 of their last 7 before the loss to the Capitals. The Canes loss to the Isles was their 6th loss in their last 7 games. The Devils have been playing better overall hockey, definitely getting better goaltending, have the better scheduling situation here, and they are plus money as well. All in all it is great line value for New Jersey in this spot. The Devils have won 16 of 27 games this season when they are off of a game where they were held to one goal or less. NJ also has won 7 of their 10 Sunday games this season. The Hurricanes have now lost 28 of 42 March games the past three seasons combined. *8* NEW JERSEY |
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03-26-16 | Flyers -125 v. Coyotes | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -125 | 14 h 56 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers -125 @ Arizona @ 10:05 ET - The Flyers continue their big push for a playoff spot and they should enjoy success here at Arizona. They catch the Coyotes off of rare back to back wins. Prior to these two victories Arizona had lost 21 of their past 30 games. The Coyotes have lost 23 of 30 home games with a posted total of 5 goals the past 3 seasons. Arizona also has lost 43 of 62 non-conference games the past three seasons. The Flyers crushed the Coyotes 4-2 last month in Philly but, even though Arizona will be looking for revenge, the Coyotes have lost 57 of their last 80 games when playing with revenge. The Flyers have won 16 of 26 this season when on the road in a game with a posted total of 5 goals or less. They are playing their best hockey of the season right now and have outshot the opposition in 14 of their last 18 games. By comparison, Arizona has been outshot in 5 of their last 6 games. The Flyers have earned at least a point in 9 of their last 10 games. The lineup is healthier than it's been in quite some time for Philly and they know it's key to wrap up this road trip properly tonight before heading home for a nice 3-game homestand this coming week. These team is playing like a playoff team and will take advantage of facing an Arizona team that is going for its' 3rd straight win but that has only managed a winning streak of 3 games or more TWICE in the past FOUR months! *10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-26-16 | Stars v. Sharks -128 | 4-2 | Loss | -128 | 8 h 58 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* San Jose Sharks -128 vs Dallas @ 4:05 ET - Both teams are looking to bounce back here as the Stars are off of a 3-1 loss at Arizona while the Sharks are off of rare, back to back losses. It is only the 2nd time since early January that San Jose has lost back to back games. The Sharks have not lost 3 straight games since the first part of December! In fact, that tough stretch in the first half of December was one of just two times this entire season that the Sharks have lost more than two games in a row. As you can see, the odds are in San Jose's favor for a win this afternoon. That makes the low money price well worth it. Of course the reason the price is low is because, like San Jose, Dallas is a solid team. However, I believe strongly that the Sharks have a key edge here in terms of their defense and in goal. Prior to their 6-3 loss versus Edmonton (which Reimer was in goal for), San Jose had allowed two goals or less in 9 of their last 12 games! Compare that to a Stars team whose loss to the Coyotes marked the 14th time in their last 19 games that Dallas has allowed at least 3 goals. With Jones expected to be back between the pipes this afternoon and with the home team looking to improve to 3-0 in this series this season, there is great line value with San Jose here. The Sharks have won 10 of their last 12 games against teams with a winning record while the Stars have lost lost 9 of their last 16 games against winning teams. *8* SAN JOSE |
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03-26-16 | Jets +113 v. Sabres | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 58 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Winnipeg Jets +113 @ Buffalo @ 1:05 ET - The Sabres are off of a win but Buffalo has not won back to back games since mid-February. The Jets come into this game off of back to back wins and Winnipeg is showing they are still willing to play hard no matter what the standings say. Of course Buffalo is also in an ugly spot in the standings and their play on home ice has had a lot to do with it. Included in their season record is an ugly mark of losing 17 of their 25 home games with a posted total of 5 goals this season. The Sabres also have lost 58 of 83 non-conference games the past 3 seasons combined. Buffalo is a young team that will have even more youth on the ice tonight with a couple more players set to make their NHL debuts. Overall, the Sabres will prove to be no match for a Jets team that is proving they are going to play hard to close out the season. Look for the Jets to win their third straight overall and get revenge for a 4-2 home loss to Buffalo earlier this season. *8* WINNIPEG |
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03-24-16 | Flyers -104 v. Avalanche | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 14 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -104 @ Colorado @ 9:05 ET - The Flyers blew a late 2-goal lead at Columbus on Tuesday and ended up losing in the shootout period. Philadelphia still got an all important point in the standings but they Flyers are fired up as they know they let a golden opportunity slip away. Philly should have earned the full two points in the game and they are fired up to respond properly at Colorado on Thursday. The Flyers are a stellar 9-2-2 in their last 13 games as they continue their March toward notching a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. While the Avalanche have also been a "team on a mission" the Avs certainly have been hurt by bad news on the injury front in recent days. That is going to make it tough for short-handed Colorado team to hold off a "bound and determined" Flyers team that has won 15 of 25 road games this season with a posted total of 5 goals or less. Also, Philly has won 21 of 35 games this season against teams with a winning record. The Avalanche are well rested here as they have been off since Sunday's win at Edmonton. However, the first game back after a lengthy road trip to Canada is often the toughest. The Avs also have lost 14 of 24 games the past three seasons when they enter a game off of 3 or more days of rest. Look for Colorado to struggle getting back into proper form on home ice. The absence of key personnel Matt Duchene and Nathan McKinnon, the two leading scorers for Colorado, really hurts the Avalanche Thursday. The Flyers have revenge for a 4-0 home loss to the Avs in November and they avenge that loss tonight. *10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-23-16 | Bruins +122 v. Rangers | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 39 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Boston Bruins Money Line +122 @ NY Rangers @ 8:05 ET - Bruins #1 goalie Tuukka Rask is unlikely to play tonight due to illness. However, that means Jonas Gustavsson is expected to be between the pipes and he's compiled a .927 save percentage away from home this season. Boston is 8-3 in his road starts this season! The Bruins come into this game very hungry as they've lost three straight games and they've had three full off days to think about it. As a result, there is no doubt Boston will come out strong tonight as they can't wait to get back on track after an ugly road swing to the west that saw them drop all three games. Of course tonight's game is still a road game for the B's but they are certainly happy to be back on the east coast. Boston is a perfect 4-0 this season when they enter a game on a 3-game losing streak. The Rangers enter this game off of a big win over Florida but, prior to the victory, the Rangers had lost 6 of their 9 prior games. New York has lost 18 of 31 games against teams with a winning record this season. Of course they are favored tonight because they are on home ice but the Rangers are hosting a Bruins team that is off of a loss in the most recent meeting here but had won 6 of their last 7 overall meetings with the Rangers. Also, the Bruins are 23-10-3 on the road this season! Only one team, Washington (with 9), has fewer road losses in regulation this season. Look Boston to improve to 5-0 this season when they enter a game on a 3-game losing streak. Look for the Bruins to get back to being road warriors after the disappointing west coast road trip. *10* BOSTON |
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03-22-16 | Red Wings v. Lightning -155 | 2-6 | Win | 100 | 11 h 26 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -155 vs Detroit @ 7:35 ET - Big battle in the Atlantic Division Tuesday and the Red Wings are expected to start goalie Jimmy Howard. This is after Petr Mrazek had a 103 fever and is still trying to recover from his illness. Mrazek has been the better of the two goalies of late and that is why he's seen the majority of the action. The Red Wings have lost 9 of Howard's 14 road starts this season. The Lightning will have Ben Bishop between the pipes and Big Ben has a stellar .944 save percentage in his last 4 starts as he's been on top of his game to say the least. The Red Wings won the first two match-ups between these teams this season. However, the Lightning are playing the better hockey right now and it's now "crunch time" at this point in the season. Tampa Bay knocked Detroit out of the post-season last spring and the Lightning beat the Red Wings in their most recent meeting last month. Detroit enters this game off of back to back wins but they previously had lost five of their last seven games. Tampa has won 11 of their past 16 games. Also, the Lightning have lost their last two home games and this followed a stretch where they had won 12 of their past 14 games on home ice. The Lightning have talked about (and are fully focused on) getting back on track in their home games. Tampa begin this season losing 5 of 8 home games but they followed that up by winning 18 of their next 25 before dropping their most recent pair of games on home ice. As you can see, for the majority of the season the Lightning played at a high level on home ice. They are the more talented team in comparison with Detroit. They also are the healthier team and they are off of a 2-0 win at Arizona Saturday. This season, when off of a shutout win, the Lightning are 4-1 (80%) in their next game. When playing with two days of rest Tampa has won 31 of 49 games the past three seasons combined. During this same stretch, Detroit has lost 24 of 41 when playing with two days of rest between games. The Red Wings are off of a big 5-3 win at Florida Saturday but have lost $15,300 for dime-playing backers the last 3 seasons when they are off of game where they scored 4 goals or more. That was a big win for Detroit but they now face a much taller order on Tuesday and the Lightning are well worth the price here. *7* TAMPA BAY |
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03-22-16 | Sabres +140 v. Hurricanes | Top | 3-2 | Win | 140 | 11 h 57 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Buffalo Sabres +140 @ Carolina @ 7:05 ET - Quick...name the three Eastern Conference teams that currently have more road wins that home wins on the season...got it? Boston, New Jersey...and Buffalo! The Sabres? Yes, Buffalo is one of the few "road warriors" in the NHL in that they actually have notched more victories away from home than on home ice. With that said, there is too much line value here to pass up on this opportunity. Buffalo has played 35 road games this season and Carolina has played 35 home games so far this season. The Hurricanes have won 17 home games and the Sabres have won 15 road games on the season. With that said, there is great line value here with underdog Buffalo. Not only have the Sabres won 3 straight meetings between these clubs, the Canes are hanging their heads right now as they've seen their post-season chances slip away thanks to an unsightly stretch that has seen Carolina lose four straight games and 8 of their last 11. The Sabres lack of a shot at the post-season was truly decided long ago so there is no "drop off" in emotional intensity for Buffalo here. In fact, they are likely to get a boost with the return of Jack Eichel tonight. Even though goalie Robin Lehner is likely to miss tonight's game that is actually good news as Chad Johnson has a phenomenal .933 save percentage in his last 4 games (3 starts). Also, Johnson has been in goal for Buffalo in both of their games with the Hurricanes this season and both were victories! Though the Canes are playing this game with revenge, Carolina has lost 27 of 43 this season when playing with revenge. Also, the Hurricanes are back home after a five game road trip and Carolina has lost 20 of 29 the last three seasons when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games away from home. With the Canes struggling mentally after seeing the road trip kill their post-season chances, they simply do merit being in this price range and I'll grab the big dog value with a Sabres team still playing hard and looking to respond after a rare, ugly game at Toronto on Saturday. *10* BUFFALO |
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03-21-16 | Flyers +130 v. Islanders | Top | 4-1 | Win | 130 | 11 h 12 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +120 @ NY Islanders @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers are looking up in the standings at the Islanders right now and both of these teams are coming off of a loss in their most recent game. The difference is that the Islanders have now lost 5 of their last 6 games while, for the Flyers, losses have truly been few and far between for many weeks now. In fact, Philadelphia hasn't had back to back losses since mid-Feb. Over the past 5 weeks since then the Flyers had won 10 of their last 14 games before their embarrassing home loss to the Penguins on Saturday. Fired up by that defeat, I look for the Flyers to respond in a big way on Monday against the Islanders. The Isles have been outshot in 8 of their last 10 games. They haven't been slim margins either as the Islanders have been outshot by 60 in those 8 games combined. The Flyers were badly outplayed by the Pens Saturday but Philly had previously outshot their opponent in 12 of their last 14 games! The Flyers average edge in shots on goal in those 12 games was 8 shots per game. A significant edge just like the Islanders have been allowing most of their opponents a significant edge too. In other words, it's evident which team has been playing harder and outworking the opposition and I have no doubt about the effort the Flyers are going to bring tonight as they flight for their playoff lives! They want in to the post-season and have been proving that with the way they've been playing - the Saturday game notwithstanding. The Flyers have won 12 of 19 this season when they are off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. Even though the Islanders are playing with revenge here they have been a losing proposition in this situation this season costing their backers 6.5 units (i.e. dime players down $6,500). The Flyers have won 5 of Mason's last 7 starts. The Islanders have lost 4 of Greiss' last 5 starts. *10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-20-16 | Ducks v. Jets +150 | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 3 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line +150 vs Anaheim @ 3:05 ET - The Ducks are off of a big 4-0 win versus Boston but they had lost 4 of their 5 prior games. Also, Anaheim is now facing a Winnipeg team that they knocked out of the playoffs last spring. So, if the Jets can't make the playoffs this spring what is the next best thing they could do? Knock off the Ducks today and try to hurt Anaheim's playoff positioning while also garnering some revenge for last postseason's series sweep in April. The Jets are off of a 4-0 loss to Chicago but Winnipeg has gone 49-40 (+$14,600) when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Jets also are a solid 45-34 (+$14,600) when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. The Ducks five games prior to the big win against Boston included a huge 7-1 win versus New Jersey. However, Anaheim only scored a TOTAL of 4 goals in the other 4 games...all losses. For Winnipeg, this is their game of the year as they get a shot at the team that ruined their spring last year. With that said, even though the Jets have struggled of late, I look for them to play one of their best games of the season this afternoon and get the upset win. *8* WINNIPEG |
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03-19-16 | Penguins v. Flyers +101 | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 10 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +101 vs Pittsburgh @ 1:05 ET Saturday - Both of these clubs have been hot as the Penguins have won 8 of their last 11 and the Flyers have won 8 of their last 10. However, the Flyers have more than just home ice as an edge in today's ultra-important game in the playoff race. Philadelphia is seeking revenge for a loss at Pittsburgh in January in the clubs only meeting so far this season. Note that the Flyers had won 8 of 9 in the series prior to that loss. Look for Philly to take advantage of the absence of Evgeni Malkin today. The Penguins, even without Malkin, did come back from a 2-1 second period deficit to top Carolina by a 4-2 final Thursday. However, the Pens have lost 14 of 24 this season (and 49 of 85 the last 3 seasons) when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Flyers have won 20 of 33 games this season when facing a team with a winning record. *8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-18-16 | Canucks +132 v. Oilers | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 19 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Vancouver Canucks Money Line +135 @ Edmonton @ 9:05 ET Friday - The Oilers have lost 15 of 21 divisional games this season and 61 of 79 divisional games the past three seasons combined. Edmonton also comes into this game off of a rare win as they had previously lost 28 of their last 39 games. With all that said, I see great value in fading a sizable favorite that simply doesn't merit being in this price range. Vancouver has won 9 of the last 12 meetings between these clubs and that includes 4 of the last 5 in Edmonton. Simply put, the Oilers just don't have big edges in matching up with the Canucks and Vancouver hasn't thrown in the towel yet on the season. The Canucks are still 10 points out of a playoff spot but they have 2 games in hand over the team in the #8 spot so Vancouver certainly is not totally "left for dead" yet. Markstrom is expected to get the start between the pipes and he has a stellar .932 save percentage in road games this season. The Canucks have won 16 of 25 Friday games the past three seasons combined while, over this same period of time, the Oilers have lost 21 of 32 Friday games. Certainly Edmonton impressed in scoring 6 goals versus the Blues Wednesday but the Oilers previously had been held to 2 goals or less in 15 of their last 20 games - a 75% futility rate. Additionally, when the Oilers are off of game where they scored 4 goals or more, they have lost 43 of 60. Underdog VALUE here. *8* VANCOUVER |
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03-17-16 | Red Wings v. Blue Jackets +111 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets +110 vs Detroit @ 7:05 ET - The Red Wings have lost 5 of their last 7 games. The Blue Jackets have won 3 of the last 4 meetings with Detroit and have held the Red Wings to an average of just 1.5 goals per game in the 4 games. With Sergei Bobrovsky back between the pipes for Columbus (and now having a few games under his belt since his return), I look for a huge game from the home team in this one. Columbus is off of an embarrassing home shutout against the Lightning but the Jackets had won 4 of their 5 home games prior to the defeat. Also, Columbus has had a full 3 days off to gather energy and emotion from the loss as they now prepare to take on one of their biggest rivals. Yes, with Columbus proximity to Detroit these match-ups have always meant a lot to the Blue Jackets and you can bet that John Tortorella will have his guys ready to go in this one. The Jackets have won 22 of 35 (+$12,500) in the month of March the past three seasons combined. The Red Wings late season fade continues as they have lost 23 of 37 (-$16,500) in the month of March the past three seasons combined. Detroit has just 2 wins in their last 11 road games. The Niklas Kronwall injury is not helping matters for the Red Wings. Blue Jackets coach Tortorella mixed his lines up some in practice and I expect to see a huge effort at home here as Columbus responds off of a shutout loss. *10* COLUMBUS |
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03-16-16 | Flyers +175 v. Blackhawks | 3-2 | Win | 175 | 15 h 50 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *6* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +175 @ Chicago @ 8:05 ET - The Flyers are in a back to back situation but they are so hungry and playing so well right now that the huge plus money being offered here is too good to pass up. Last night's 4-3 win over Detroit is not even as close as the final score would lead you to believe as the Flyers had a 2-goal lead for much of the game. Philadelphia has won 7 of its last 9 games and the Flyers now, after last night's win over the Red Wings, certainly control their own destiny in the race for a playoff spot. The Blackhawks are "shaking up their lines" heading into this game and they also are expected to start back-up goalie Scott Darling as they are looking for a spark. The Hawks have won just once in their last five games and only 9 times in their last 21 games. The Flyers lost in the Stanley Cup finals to Chicago a few years back and this has intensified this rivalry for Philadelphia. While the Blackhawks certainly are hungry to get back on track they simply are not playing nearly as well as the Flyers are right now. That said, as tough as back to back situations can be, Philadelphia knows they have two off days coming up after this game and they had two off days prior to last night's win over the Red Wings. Without any shadow of a doubt you will see an intense effort from the Flyers tonight where they will "leave it all on the ice" in terms of their hustle and hard work. The Blackhawks are likely to continue to struggle in their efforts to get back on track and the Chicago has only won 6 of Darling's 13 starts this season. *6* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-15-16 | Red Wings v. Flyers -130 | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 23 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Philadelphia Flyers -130 vs Detroit @ 7:35 ET - The Red Wings continue to struggle and continue to have issues. Already without Niklas Kronwall, Darren Helm could miss tonight's game due to the flu. Although Pavel Datsyuk will play he is coming off of a lower body injury in the 1-0 loss to the Maple Leafs Sunday. That was Detroit's 8th loss in their last 13 games and they're taking on a Flyers team that has been red hot. Philadelphia will be fired up after the shootout loss to the Panthers on Saturday. The Flyers had previously won 6 of their last 7 games. Philadelphia goalie Steve Mason had been playing very well prior to the Florida game as "Mase" had allowed a total of just 3 goals before the Panthers erupted on Saturday. Philadelphia has won 5 of its last 7 meetings with Detroit and also 10 of its last 13 home games against the Red Wings! Even though Detroit is playing this game with home loss revenge, that is a situation that has seen the Red Wings lose 36 of their last 62 games. Also, just because Detroit is off of a shutout loss does not mean a bounce back should be expected here. In fact, the Red Wings have lost 11 of 19 this season when they are off of a game where they were held to one goal or less. The Flyers recent surge has seen them playing their best hockey of the season. The same can not be said for Detroit and this game is a critical game in the post-season race. That said, the value is with the hotter, healthier, and more rested team on their home ice laying a short price. *8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-15-16 | Wild -120 v. Senators | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -120 | 11 h 22 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Minnesota Wild -120 @ Ottawa @ 7:35 ET - The Wild are off of a win at Montreal and now have won 6 of their last 8 road games. Minnesota certainly has been playing much better hockey since the coaching change but the interesting factor has been they've been better away from home. That said, excellent line value is being offered here with Minny as a small favorite since they are on the road at Ottawa tonight. Had this game been a home game for Minnesota the price on the Wild would have been much higher of course. The Senators are in a perfect spot to fade as the Sens are off of a shutout win over the Maple Leafs. Ottawa caught Toronto at the perfect time as the Leafs and coach Babcock were looking ahead to their showdown with his former team, Detroit, on Sunday. The Sens took advantage and got the big win but now look for the Senators losing ways to resume as they face a team fighting for a playoff spot. Ottawa, prior to the win over the Leafs, had lost 5 of its last 6 games. Also, the Senators #1 netminder (Craig Anderson) has won just 4 of his 13 career decisions against the Wild. The Sens other option is Andrew Hammond but Ottawa has won just 1 of the 7 starts he's made on home ice this season. The Wild have a big edge in net tonight as Devan Dubnyk has won 3 of his last 4 starts with only 7 goals allowed on 101 shots! The Sens have lost 11 of 18 this season when they are off of a game they won by a margin of 2 goals or more. Ottawa has also lost 47 of 76 games the last three seasons when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Wild have won 6 of 9 this season when playing with two days of rest. Minny also has won 21 of 35 March games the past three seasons. It's crunch time again and the Wild again get the job done. *10* MINNESOTA |
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03-14-16 | Predators -144 v. Oilers | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 16 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Nashville Predators Money Line -145 @ Edmonton @ 9:05 ET - Losing streaks have been few and far between for the Predators this season. That said, when off of back to back losses, the Preds have won 6 of 9 this season. They came into their ugly 4-2 loss at Vancouver having earned a point in 14 straight games. The Predators will respond in a big way tonight as they resume their upward march in the standings. Nashville has won 13 of 22 games this season when they are off of a loss by four goals or more. Also the Predators haven't lost more than two games in a row since mid-January! The total on this game has been posted at 5 goals and the Oilers have lost 19 of 25 home games with a posted total of 5 goals the past 3 seasons combined. Edmonton is hoping to respond after a 4-0 home loss to Arizona Saturday but an Oilers win is truly unlikely. Not only are they catching the Predators in a spot where Nashville's emotions are running high, the Oilers have lost 72 of their last 104 games when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. As you can see, horrible stretches like those above plus the fact that the Oilers are on an overall stretch where they've lost 27 of their last 40 games is why the Predators are well worth the moderate price on the road in this one. *8* NASHVILLE |
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03-14-16 | Blues -160 v. Flames | 4-7 | Loss | -160 | 13 h 16 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* St Louis Blues Money Line -150 @ Calgary @ 9:05 ET - The Blues offense has been on fire and the result has been a 6 game winning streak where the over has gone 5-0-1. The significance in the high-scoring games is that the Blue have flourished during runs like this. When they enter a game on a streak of 3 or more consecutive overs, St Louis has won 5 of 6 this season and 17 of 21 the past three seasons combined. It is highly unlikely that Calgary will be able to slow the Blues down. The Flames are off of an embarrassing 4 to 1 home loss to Arizona but a bounce back is unlikely as that was Calgary's 9th loss in their last 11 games. Simply put, they just can't get back on track. The Flames have lost 7 of their last 8 meetings with the Blues and that includes 3 of the last 4 in Calgary! The Blues have scored at least 3 goals in each of their last 4 meetings with the Flames and St Louis comes into this game averaging an incredible 5 goals per game during their 6 game winning streak. Joni Ortio is expected to get the start for Calgary and the Flames have lost 5 of his 6 home starts this season! On home ice Ortio has compiled an ugly .874 save percentage. After scoring one goal or less in their prior game, the Flames have not had much of response as they've lost 12 of 19 this season in that situation. The Blues offense is simply too hot and every two points is simply too important at this time of year. Flames are not playing well enough to notch the upset at this point in time. *7* ST LOUIS |
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03-14-16 | Kings +109 v. Blackhawks | Top | 5-0 | Win | 109 | 12 h 17 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line +110 @ Chicago @ 8:05 ET - Both teams are off of a loss and both clubs certainly know this is a very important game as the push for positioning for the playoffs continues. The difference maker here is that, even though both the Kings and Hawks are off of a loss, the Blackhawks have truly been struggling whereas Los Angeles had been red hot. Prior to their 2-1 home loss to New Jersey, the Kings had won 7 of their last 9 games. Conversely, Chicago's 5-2 loss at Dallas was the Blackhawks 5th loss in their last 8 games! That said, there is solid line value here with LA available at plus money. While the Blackhawks have only split their 26 games against teams with a winning record this season, the Kings have won 15 of 24. Also, Los Angeles has won 10 of 13 this season (and 27 of 43 the last 3 seasons) when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home. The home stand, even though it finished up with a loss, certainly did some good for the Kings as their only "road" game in the past 3 weeks was at neighboring Anaheim! Los Angeles now views this road trip as critical and they should jump start things with a big win against a Blackhawks team that simply hasn't been right for weeks now. Chicago has allowed a power play goal in 12 of their last 15 games. By comparison, the Kings have held 5 of their last 8 opponents without a power play goal. Overall, LA has held 8 of their last 11 opponents to 2 goals or less. Conversely, the Blackhawks have allowed at least 3 goals in 8 of their last 12 games! *10* LOS ANGELESÂ |
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03-14-16 | Panthers +120 v. Islanders | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line +120 @ NY Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Panthers are in a big battle for the top spot in the Atlantic Division and can move into first place with a win Monday against the Islanders. The Isles may start #3 goalie Jean-Francois Berube since this is the first game of a back to back. Overall, the goalie position for the Islanders has been weakened due to Jaroslav Halak's groin injury. The Panthers should have the edge between the pipes tonight Roberto Luongo in goal. Florida has won 6 of their last 8 meetings with the Islanders and this has included 3 of the last 4 in New York with the last two visits resulting in a pair of dominating wins by a combined score of 9-3. While the Isles come into this game having scored just 6 goals in their last 3 games, the Panthers come into this one having averaged 5 goals per game in their last 3 games! Even though the Islanders are playing this game with home loss revenge they have lost 12 of 19 games in this situation this season. The Isles also have a huge game on deck with Pittsburgh and that's why they are expected to save goalie Thomas Greiss for that game. The Panthers have won 13 of 20 games this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. There is great line value here with the potential Atlantic Division leader available at plus money. *10* FLORIDA |
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03-13-16 | Lightning -138 v. Blue Jackets | 4-0 | Win | 100 | 8 h 47 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Tampa Bay Lightning -138 @ Columbus @ 3:05 ET - After winning 9 straight games the Lightning have now lost 3 straight. However, the defeats all came against quality competition and I expect Tampa Bay to get back on the winning track here after having an off day yesterday to refocus and prepare to get right back to their winning ways. The Lightning know that 3 of their next 4 games are against teams unlikely to make the post-season and they know this is a critical stretch to put an end to their mini-losing run as they need to right the ship and make sure they get solid seeding for the post-season. The Blue Jackets have lost 3 straight meetings with the Lightning and Tampa Bay's last 4 wins in this series have come by a combined 9 goals as they have dominated Columbus. The Jackets are off of a loss to Pittsburgh and have dropped 14 of 21 this season when off of a divisional game. Columbus has been struggling against quality opposition as the Blue Jackets have lost 7 of their past 9 games against teams with a winning record. The Lightning did not play well at all when they hosted the Flyers on Friday and they very nearly were shutout. Ultimately the 3-1 final brings into a play a solid stat as Tampa Bay has won 10 of 15 games this season when they are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. Also, the Lightning have won 12 of their past 16 games against teams with a losing record. The road fave is well worth the price in this one. *8* TAMPA BAY |
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03-12-16 | Flyers +140 v. Panthers | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +145 @ Florida @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are simply flying under the radar right now even though they are one of the hottest teams in the league. They are playing very well on both ends of the ice and they're not just winning games, they are dominating. Philadelphia has won 6 of their last 7 and in their last 11 wins dating back to early February, the Flyers have won by a multiple goal margin in 9 of the 11 victories. In fact the combined score of the Flyers last 11 wins is 51 to 23. This works out to an incredible average score of nearly 5 to 2 in the Flyers last 11 victories. Even though this is a back to back situation for Philadelphia, they had 3 full off days prior to yesterday's win at Tampa and they have 2 full off days coming up after tonight's game at Florida. In other words, the Flyers will "leave it all out on the ice" Saturday as they continue to give tremendous effort and outwork their opponents on a night in and night out basis. The Flyers continue to be undervalued on the road as they have won 13 of 22 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. Also, Philly has won 19 of 31 games this season against teams with a winning record. While the Flyers have been red hot, Florida has been slumping. The Panthers have lost 5 of their last 7 games and this is not just a short-term issue for Florida either. Ever since their epic 12 game winning streak ended in mid-January, the Panthers have been mediocre at best. Florida has lost 14 of 25 games since that streak. By contrast, mid-January is when the Flyers turned things up a notch and they haven't looked back since then. Even though back-up Michal Neuvirth is likely to get this start since it's a back to back, he shutout the Panthers the last time he faced them. Also, the Flyers have won 3 of his last 4 starts and he's been phenomenal on the road this season with a .922 save percentage. Florida is expected to start Roberto Luongo between the pipes and he has struggled with an .892 save percentage in his last 4 starts. Maybe it's the night life in south Florida that has played into the follow stat but the fact is that the Panthers have lost 66% of their Saturday games the past three seasons combined with an ugly 33 wins in 50 Saturday contests. Florida's only recent wins have come against struggling teams like Winnipeg (twice), Arizona, and Ottawa. Against true playoff-caliber teams the Panthers have not fared well. That said, there is fantastic line value in this situation here with the big road dog that has been playing top hockey for weeks now! *10* PHILADELPHIAÂ |
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03-11-16 | Flyers +152 v. Lightning | 3-1 | Win | 152 | 12 h 40 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +152 @ Tampa Bay @ 7:35 ET - This is simply way too much value to pass up on with the hungry Flyers. This is expected to be a tight, low-scoring game. Playoff hockey if you will. This is why the total is a 5 rather than a 5.5 for this match-up. Note that the Flyers have won 12 of 21 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. The Lightning have won just 11 of 20 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. Philadelphia comes into this game having won 5 of its last 6 games. They have been off since beating Tampa Bay in Philly on Monday. As for the Lightning, though they seek revenge here, they have been a streaky team this season and, after a 2nd straight loss (including being shutout by Boston), the Lightning might be squeezing the sticks a little tight tonight. While Tampa Bay is feeling the pressure, the Flyers have never been more confident. They outshot the Lightning 40-18 in Philly and they also seek revenge for an opening night loss (post regulation) in their most recent visit to Tampa Bay. The Flyers have scored at least 3 goals in 7 of their last 10 games. The Lightning have been held to 2 goals or less in 4 of their last 8 games. The Flyers have won 4 of Mason's last 5 starts and the Lightning are over-priced here. While Tampa Bay made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals last year, the Flyers didn't even make the post-season. That was the 2nd time in the past 3 seasons that the Flyers did not qualify for the playoffs. That said, they are the hungrier and more rested team in this match-up and have a great shot at the upset here. *8* PHILADELPHIAÂ |
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03-10-16 | Sabres +144 v. Canadiens | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 35 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Buffalo Sabres Money Line +144 @ Montreal @ 7:35 ET - Great underdog value with the Sabres here. Montreal has been decimated both physically and mentally as the season has gone on. The played so well the first two months of the season but it's been a different story ever since. Injuries have also piled up and are impacting the Habs. I see value here in fading a team that has lost 29 of its last 41 games! Even with playing on home ice tonight, Montreal does not merit the price range they are in. This is especially true when you consider that Buffalo has been a much more dangerous team on the road rather than at home. The Sabres have won 10 of their last 19 road games and this has included many in tough venues. Buffalo's 3 most recent wins on the road have come by a combined score of 11-4 so it's not like the Sabres are only winning "squeakers". Buffalo also has plenty of confidence in facing Montreal as the Sabres have won 5 of their last 6 meetings with the Canadiens. That includes victories in each of their last three visits to Montreal. The Sabres have won 15 of 26 games against teams with a losing record this season. The Habs have lost 18 of 30 games against teams with a losing record this season. Value on the underdog here. *8* BUFFALO |
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03-09-16 | Blackhawks +105 v. Blues | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 52 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks +105 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - The Blackhawks are expected to have Marian Hossa back in the lineup tonight. That means their top line will be "set" and that means one should expect some problems for the Blues in terms of stopping the hungry Hawks. This is a key battle in the divisional race and the Blackhawks are off of a huge win over an Eastern Conference foe as they annihilated the Red Wings 4-1 on Sunday. Note that Chicago has won 23 of 28 games this season when they are off of a non-conference game. Though the Blues have won 3 straight games they all come against teams that are unlikely to make the post-season. Two of those opponents for sure should miss the post-season and the other one is a question mark in terms of making the play-offs. Prior to these 3 games is when St Louis was tested by playoff-caliber opposition in three straight games. The result? The Blues lost all 3 games. The scary thing if you're a St Louis fan is not just that the Blues lost, it is also the fact that the defeats came by a combined score of 13-4 even though 2 of the 3 games were on home ice! The fact is that the Blues have been "out of sync" against quality opposition while the Blackhawks have recent wins over quality opposition like Detroit (twice) and the two top teams in East - Washington and the Rangers! The Blues have lost 6 of 9 games this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. The Blackhawks have won 7 of 10 games this season when playing with two days of rest. The extra rest and the return of Hossa makes the Hawks a great play at a nice value on the road Wednesday night. *10* CHICAGO |
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03-08-16 | Predators -145 v. Jets | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 52 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Nashville Predators Money Line -145 @ Winnipeg @ 8:05 ET - This is a classic case of two teams heading in opposite directions and that makes the Predators well worth the investment at the moderate price on the road Tuesday. The Preds have won 6 of their last 7 games and they visit Winnipeg to take on a Jets team that has lost 8 of their last 10 games. Winnipeg is playing this game with home loss revenge for a loss to Nashville in late January but the Jets have lost 8 of 13 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Winnipeg also has lost 15 of 24 divisional games this season. The Predators have averaged 4 goals per game in their four games against the Jets this season. Also, the Preds come into this game having averaged nearly 4 goals per game during their current, red hot 6-1 run. Nashville has won 6 of its last 9 games against teams with a losing record. The Predators also have been road warriors of late. With their 5-2 win at Colorado Saturday, the Preds have won 5 straight road games by a combined score of 18-6. It is that kind of road domination that has me siding with the Predators again here as they look to continue their push to solidify a playoff spot. *8* NASHVILLE |
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03-08-16 | Stars -125 v. Canadiens | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -125 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line -125 @ Montreal @ 7:35 ET - The Stars are back on track with back to back wins. However, there undoubtedly will be no "let up" here at Montreal. Dallas caught an earful from their coach after the 2-1 win at Ottawa on Sunday. In terms of puck movement, they were told it was arguably the worst game he had seen since he took over in Dallas. Look for the Stars to play a much better game with crisp passing and great puck handling. Dallas will take advantage of a Canadiens club that has lost four straight games and has been held to just two goals in each of the four defeats. The Habs have not fared well against the west this season. Montreal got hammered by Dallas (6-2) in December and that is one of 19 losses in 24 non-conference games this season for the Habs. The Canadiens have been plagued by injuries and, even though the absence of John Klingberg for the Stars does hurt Dallas tonight, the Canadiens overall cluster of injuries is a much more significant issue. Montreal has lost 7 of their last 9 games against teams with a winning record and the Habs have lost 14 of 19 this season when off of a loss by a margin of two goals or more. In other words, even when off of a bad loss, the Canadiens still do not respond well. The Stars have won 21 of 33 (and 8 of their last 12) games against teams with a losing record. The Habs started so well this season but now have 36 losses in their 66 games this season. The long slump continues here against a Stars team that has been implored by their head coach to play a complete game tonight! *10* DALLAS |
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03-07-16 | Lightning v. Flyers +111 | 2-4 | Win | 111 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +111 vs Tampa Bay @ 7:05 ET - A 9 game winning streak is certainly impressive but it is definitely worth noting that 7 of Tampa Bay's 9 wins have come against opponents that are unlikely to make the playoffs. The Flyers also may not make the playoffs but they are certainly doing the best they can to make a push and they are currently in the #9 spot in the East. The Flyers have won 6 of their last 9 games and what has been most impressive is that Philadelphia has averaged nearly 5 goals per game in the 6 victories. With that said, Philly is proving they have the firepower necessary to knock off a talented team like Tampa Bay. The fact we can get the Flyers on their home ice as an underdog is adding even more value to the equation. In home games expected to be high-scoring (posted total of 5.5 goals or more on the game), the Flyers have won 6 of 8 this season and 40 of 66 the past three seasons combined. Philadelphia is seeking payback for a loss in the shootout at Tampa Bay way back in early October so revenge is in order here. The last time the Flyers hosted the Lightning they won the game 7-3. While I am not expecting such a blowout tonight I do expect the Flyers to take this one as they continue their playoff push. The Lightning could get caught looking ahead to a big home game with the Bruins on deck for tomorrow as those teams are battling it out near the top of the Atlantic Division. *8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-06-16 | Red Wings v. Blackhawks -162 | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 25 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* Chicago Blackhawks -162 vs Detroit @ 5:05 ET - Even though this is a revenge game for the Red Wings (Detroit lost at home to the Blackhawks on Wednesday), Chicago is the play here. While the Wings have been off since the loss, the Hawks suffered a road loss at Boston on Thursday by a 4-2 count. The Blackhawks have won 10 of 14 games this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Chicago is also has won 22 of 27 games this season when they are off of a non-conference game. The Blackhawks have also won 10 of 12 Sunday games this season. The Red Wings have lost 5 of their last 8 games overall. Even though Detroit is well-rested here, as I have mentioned many times before, too much rest can be a bad thing for a hockey club. The Red Wings have lost 4 of 6 games this season when they are off of 3 or more days of rest. Detroit has lost 35 of 61 games the past three seasons when playing with home loss revenge. The Wings have also lost 19 of 31 Sunday games the past three seasons. Detroit has won half of their road games this season but this is a tough place to try and bounce back. Chicago has won 23 of their 33 home games this season and that is another reason I am willing to lay the moderate price here with the Blackhawks. They had their back-up netminder in between the pipes in the loss at Boston but Crawford will be back in goal Sunday and he as a phenomenal .942 save percentage in home games this season. Conversely, the Red Wings will either be going with Howard (they are 3-8 in his road starts this season) or Mrazek (they have lost 3 of his last 4 road starts). It is that point in the season when it is "crunch time" and every point matters. The Blackhawks will respond off of the loss to the Bruins. *7* CHICAGO |
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03-05-16 | Wild -145 v. Sabres | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 5 h 32 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* Minnesota Wild Money Line -145 @ Buffalo @ 1:05 ET - The Wild are getting healthier and that has brought back speed to their lineup. Speed is dangerous on the ice and that means it is tough to defense and I look for Minnesota to fly right past Buffalo in this one. The Sabres knocked off the Wild in Minnesota in a tight win in January. That makes this a revenge spot for the Wild who had won the prior two games with the Sabres by a combined score of 13 to 3. Minnesota comes into this game on an overall winning streak of three games and they have won 7 of their last 10 games. The Sabres are off of a win over Calgary but that victory was preceded by four losses in their five prior games. Buffalo has lost 16 of 23 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. This is no fluke as the Sabres have lost 54 of 81 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less the past three seasons combined. Minnesota has been a different team since the coaching change and this is a good line value to have the superior team at a reasonable price and seeking revenge. We are getting a fair line because they are on the road and the Wild have won 4 of 6 road games since the coaching change. *7* MINNESOTA |
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03-03-16 | Sharks -163 v. Canucks | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 15 h 49 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* San Jose Sharks Money Line -163 @ Vancouver @ 10:05 ET - As long-time followers know I play many dogs in the money line sports and when I do play favorites they are generally on the small side. I rarely ever get up into the 160 range unless a situation is especially strong. I absolutely feel that is the case here. The Sharks have won 5 of their last 7 road games. All but one of those victories was decided by a margin of at least two goals. The Canucks come into this game having lost 6 of their past 8 games. 5 of those 6 losses have come by a margin of 3 goals. As you can see, Vancouver hasn't just been losing, they've been getting crushed. A key in a situation like this, before laying a price like this, is to make sure there is no lookahead spot or letdown situation in effect. There is neither in this case as the Sharks are off of a non-conference win and, on deck, San Jose has another game with the Canucks. This is the front end of a home and home set and this has been a road dominated series. The road team has won 6 in a row and that includes the Sharks pummeling the Canucks right here in Vancouver on Sunday. Of course that makes this a revenge spot for the Canucks but the Sharks haven't forgotten about the recent home losses to Vancouver and there is no way the superior San Jose club will overlook a divisional foe. That means the Sharks again bring their A game tonight. Vancouver has lost 7 of their 10 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Canucks also have lost 20 of their 29 games this season against teams with a winning record. While the Sharks have scored 3 goals or more in 7 of their last 10 games, Vancouver has been held to 2 goals or less in 7 of their last 9 games. The road team simply has the upper hand here and is well worth the price. *7* SAN JOSE |
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03-03-16 | Oilers v. Flyers -156 | 4-0 | Loss | -156 | 12 h 50 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -156 vs Edmonton @ 7:05 ET - After knocking off the Sabres in Buffalo on Tuesday, the original plan for the Oilers was to come into Philly Tuesday night and be able to practice and prepare on Wednesday for the Thursday game with the Flyers. However, those plans were scrapped due to weather that forced the Oilers to remain in Buffalo Tuesday night. That certainly doesn't help Edmonton and I also expect the Oilers to be somewhat "distracted" by seeking a "physical" game against the Flyers because this is the team that inflicted the broken collarbone of Connor McDavid earlier this season. As for the Flyers, there is no distraction here. They simply have their sights set on revenge for the early November loss at Edmonton and Philadelphia is seeking to win it's fourth straight and has the edge of being in the midst of a 6-game homestand and having had 2 days off coming into this game. Philadelphia has knocked off Edmonton in each of the Oilers visits to Philly the past two seasons. The Oilers have won each of their last two meetings hosting the Flyers. As you can see, home ice has been important in this series and, in this particular situation, it is ultra important based on the Oilers travel complications and the Flyers being well-rested and well-prepared at home. Edmonton has won two straight games heading into this match-up but they haven't been able to manage more than a 2-game since streak since they had their longest winning streak of the season back in early December. As for the Flyers, they have won 11 of their past 17 home games and there is nothing that is a fluke about their current win streak as they have been making a playoff push ever since they got hot starting in early January. While I rarely play favorites in this price range, the situation tonight makes me very comfortable in doing so. Edmonton has lost 10 of 12 road games this season with a posted total of 5 goals or less. *7* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-02-16 | Blackhawks -110 v. Red Wings | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 8 h 38 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line -110 @ Detroit @ 8:05 ET - The Blackhawks have revenge here as they lost both meetings to the Red Wings last season including a match-up in Chicago in February of last year. The Hawks come into this game having gotten back on track with a key home win over Washington. The Red Wings do have a concern here in goal. Although Jimmy Howard played well in goal at Dallas he had previously struggled badly. One start does not erase all the recent rough performances he's had. That said, he is indeed likely to be the back-up tonight but it's because Petr Mrazek is rushing back from his groin injury. I don't expect him to be at 100% tonight and I do feel this will be an issue for Detroit. The Red Wings have won 3 straight but they previously had lost 4 straight. Note that Detroit has lost 5 of 6 games this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. In other words, look for this to be their streak-buster today as the probability is quite high. Chicago is ready for another non-conference game after knocking off the Capitals and note that the Blackhawks are 21-4 this season when they are off of a non-conference game. That is an incredible 84% winning percentage favoring the Hawks while we've got the 83% angle going against the Wings. Couple that with having the defending Stanley Cup champs at the "crunch time" of the regular season along with the Red Wings goalie concerns and you have the makings of a solid play here. *8* CHICAGO Money Line |
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03-01-16 | Stars +122 v. Predators | 3-5 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 26 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Dallas Stars Money Line +125 @ Nashville @ 8:05 ET - Make no mistake about it, the Stars have been struggling of late but this has created a true value spot in my opinion for Tuesday night action. Dallas got a point in the standings last night by getting the tying goal with just a couple minutes left in the game. Even though the Stars went on to lose in OT to the Red Wings, that was a key point for Dallas and gives them something to build on as they head to Nashville. The Stars have won 4 of their past 6 road games and, oftentimes, the best thing for a struggling team is to go on the road. Granted this only a quick one game road trip but it's a different setting for a hockey club when away from and I look for the Stars to rally around an "us against the world" mentality for tonight's game. Look for Kari Lehtonen to get the start between the pipes and his recent numbers have been skewed in particular by one ugly start. That said, he has played quite well overall between the pipes and I look for the players in front of him to give an "A game" effort tonight as well. The Predators have won four straight games but this type of stretch can also lead to over-confidence and the Stars have had their number as Dallas has taken four straight meetings in this series. Nashville is off of a huge 5-0 win and they have lost 11 of 16 this season when they are off of a win by a margin of two goals or more in their prior game. Dallas has won 14 of 22 divisional games this season and the Stars have won 17 of 26 when they are off of a non-conference game. Dallas has also won 5 of 6 this season when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. The Stars are on a 3-game losing streak but they have won 3 of 4 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Once again it is time for Dallas to stop the bleeding and, once again, the Stars stop the bleeding on the road just like they did at Winnipeg a week ago. *8* DALLAS |
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02-29-16 | Red Wings +135 v. Stars | 3-2 | Win | 135 | 12 h 47 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Detroit Red Wings Money Line +135 @ Dallas @ 8:35 ET - While the Stars continue to struggle, the Red Wings are back on track as they've notched consecutive victories heading into this revenge game at Dallas. It's a revenge game for Detroit because the Red Wings don't often get beaten badly at Joe Louis arena but they did by the Stars earlier this season. That was an ugly 4-1 loss for the Red Wings in November. Detroit had previously won 3 of their last 4 meetings with the Stars and had scored 12 goals in the past two games against them including 7 in their last visit to Dallas. The Stars are limping into this game as they continue to deal with some injury issues and overall, Dallas has become dejected as they have lost five of their past six games. The Stars have allowed an average of FIVE goals per game in their last five games while the Red Wings have held five of their last eleven opponents to 1 goal or less. In their last four games, three of which have been on the road, Detroit has allowed an average of just TWO goals per game. There is simply too much value here to pass up. We have a nice underdog price here with the hotter team, playing better in their own zone, and also playing very motivated with the revenge angle. The Red Wings have won 19 of 33 this season when playing with revenge and the fact we can get them at +135 adds even more value to that solid season record. *8* DETROIT |
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02-28-16 | Sharks -147 v. Canucks | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 9 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *7* San Jose Sharks Money Line -147 @ Vancouver @ 7:05 ET - Long-time followers know that I rarely lay juice in the money line sports and the situation has to be extra strong for me to step out on a favorite in a price range. In this case, the value absolutely is here for this mid-ranged price fave on the Sunday NHL card. Consider that San Jose has been playing like one of the top teams in the league for weeks now and yet the Sharks are off of back to back losses and have not lost three straight games since early December! It's been well over two and a half months since then and I don't see San Jose dropping three straight considering they had won 14 of 20 before these back to back losses. As for the Canucks, they are off of rare back to back wins. How rare you ask? Consider that Vancouver has not been able to win three straight games all season. I don't expect that to happen today either. Not when the Canucks are hosting an angry Sharks team that also has revenge from a 3-2 home loss to Vancouver in their most recent meeting which was nearly a full year ago. The road team, in fact, has taken 5 straight games in this series and the Sharks have won the last two meetings in Vancouver by a combined score of 11 to 3. The Canucks have lost 10 of 15 this season when playing with two days of rest and they've also lost 18 of 27 games against teams with a winning record this season. *7* SAN JOSE |
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02-28-16 | Blues -101 v. Hurricanes | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 9 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* St Louis Blues Money Line +100 @ Carolina @ 3:05 ET - The Blues need to bounce back after three straight losses and the situation is ideal for them to do just that. Before these 3 straight defeats, St Louis had won 5 straight games. They now visit Carolina and face a Hurricanes team that has had no such winning streak in the past six weeks. In fact, the Canes have lost 10 of their past 18 games since mid-January. The Hurricanes now face a revenge-seeking Blues team that lost 4-1 at home against the Canes last month. St Louis is off of an embarrassing 5-0 loss at Nashville yesterday. Losses are losses but that is certainly the type of loss that gets the attention of a good team and the Blues will respond appropriately today. St Louis is 9-5 this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Blues have won 35 of 58 games in this situation (off of a game allowing 4 goals or more) the past three seasons combined. As for the Hurricanes, they have lost 66 of their past 101 games against teams with a winning record. St Louis also will get a boost today with the return of Alex Pietrangelo while the injury impacting Justin Faulk is expected to keep him out for the Hurricanes and that is a key loss for them. *8* St Louis Blues |
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02-25-16 | Hurricanes v. Maple Leafs +120 | 1-3 | Win | 120 | 11 h 59 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line +130 vs Carolina @ 7:35 ET - Of course this is the classic case of an ugly dog. No one will want the Maple Leafs here as they have the worst record in the NHL. However, this is absolutely the perfect spot to back them and there is nice value with them as a home dog. Carolina is coming off of a big 3-1 win over Philadelphia and that was a key win in the tight battle for a playoff spot. On deck for the Hurricanes is another team battling for playoff position as a visit from Boston is up next for the Canes. Carolina has lost 4 of its past 6 road games and, other than a win at Winnipeg where the Hurricanes had a rare eruption for 5 goals, they've been held to an average of 1 goal per game in those other 5 road games! That included a tight 1-0 win at Toronto in late January and I look for the Maple Leafs to get some payback tonight. Toronto is expected to start Bernier tonight and I look for him to spark the team. The Leafs are off of back to back tight losses and will finally "get over the hump" as they take on a Carolina club that is 2-6 this season when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. That makes this a tough road spot for the Canes after the 3-game homestand and also, the Canes have lost 45 of 62 the past three seasons when they are playing in a road game with a posted total of 5 goals or less. When the Leafs enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more this season they have won 7 of 14. The point is that, as bad as Toronto has been this season, this is a nice value spot for them to snap the streak at home against a foe that is in a spot in which they've had very little success. *8* Toronto |
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02-22-16 | Sharks +104 v. Blues | Top | 6-3 | Win | 104 | 12 h 45 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line +105 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - The Blues certainly are a solid team and deserve credit for their 5 game winning streak. However, St Louis is now hosting a Sharks club that is the top road team in the Western Conference. San Jose has won 20 road games already this season. The Blues, as strong as they have been at home this season, have already lost 13 home games this season. Facing the toughest road team in the West could add another blemish to that record for St Louis. The Sharks got some revenge for a pair of January 2015 defeats by winning earlier this month at St Louis. However, San Jose still hasn't forgotten about the two defeats (each by an identical, ugly 7-2 score) that they suffered at the hands of St Louis a year ago. Rest assured, there is "no love lost" between these two teams and I look for the Sharks to again get another road victory at St Louis just like they did earlier this month. San Jose is fired up because, after 3 straight wins they suffered a road loss at Carolina by an ugly 5-2 count on Friday. They've had all weekend to get even more "worked up" about that loss and, as a result, they'll take the ice with plenty of "jump" in their skates tonight! San Jose has won 6 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record this season. Also, the Sharks have won 13 of 18 road games that the odds makers have set with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. Even though the Blues are playing this game with home loss revenge, that situation has seen them win just 17 of 40 the past 3 seasons combined. St Louis enters with a 5-game winning streak, as noted above, and they have not won 6 straight games this entire season. As for the Sharks off of a 5-2 loss, San Jose hasn't lost back to back games since the Sharks first two games of 2016. The odds definitely favor a Sharks win tonight. |
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02-21-16 | Blackhawks v. Wild -103 | 1-6 | Win | 100 | 8 h 39 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Minnesota Wild Money Line +100 vs Chicago @ 3:35 ET - The Wild have won three straight since they made the coaching change. I don't expect Minnesota to let up here. In fact, not only is this their first home game since the coaching move, it is also an outdoor game that is part of the NHL's Stadium Series. In other words, the Wild want this game badly. Additionally, even though they have already gained some revenge for last spring's playoff ouster at the hands of the Blackhawks, there is no denying that the fact that they are hosting hated Chicago is also a huge motivating factor for this game. The Wild look to improve to 4-0 under interim coach John Torchetti. Minnesota has scored 5 goals in each game since he's stepped in. Chicago is off of back to back wins but previously had lost three straight and six of their last ten. The away teams have dominated in these rare outdoors games but this situation is very unique in terms of the motivational edge based on last spring and the momentum edge based on the recent head coach firing. The Wild have outshot the opposition in 7 of their last 10 games. The Hawks have only outshot their opponent 5 times in their past 18 games. As a result, the recent mediocrity of Chicago the past 12 games should not be a surprise. I respect the Blackhawks but motivation and home ice goes a long way considering the situational edge for a hungry Wild team. |
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02-20-16 | Flyers -108 v. Maple Leafs | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 56 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -108 @ Toronto @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are off another tough loss last night as they lost in the shootout. They still picked up a point but they know they need much more than a point a night if they want to keep their post-season hopes alive. Still the Flyers have been playing much better than the Leafs have and Philly has a big edge in goal with Mason over Bernier tonight. The team has lost 17 of Bernier's 23 starts this season and he was yanked from his most recent start due to ineffectiveness. The Maple Leafs goalie has an ugly .883 save percentage in home starts this season and Toronto has won just 2 of his 8 home starts this season. Mason has a .921 save percentage in his four most recent starts. The Flyers also had won 5 of their last 8 road games before the tough result last night at Montreal. Toronto has lost 5 of their past 6 games overall and goaltending and overall play in the defensive zone continue to be an issue for the Leafs. The Maple Leafs have lost 8 of their 10 home games this season that had a posted total of 5.5 goals. Toronto also has last 13 of their 17 games this season when they are off of a loss by a margin of two goals or more in their prior game. Philadelphia has scored a total of 9 goals in their past two visits to Toronto and, with the way Mason is playing, a big offensive performance from the Flyers here (against a struggling Bernier) should lead to an easy road win. |
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02-20-16 | Jets +130 v. Panthers | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 55 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line +130 @ Florida @ 7:05 ET - The Jets are off of back to back very tight losses. They are the last place team in their division and Florida is in first place in the Atlantic Division. Of course the Panthers are also the home team here. That said, why is Florida such a moderately priced favorite on their home ice? Precisely! I am not saying it's a "trap line" as those don't exist in money line sports in the same way that they do in the point spread sports of basketball and football. However, what I am saying is that the reason Florida is priced so low here is because it would not be a big surprise at all to see the underdog win this game. The Panthers are feeling the pressure of first place. Keep in mind this is not an organization that is use to having success and dealing with the pressure that comes with it. The Panthers made a lot of headlines with their big winning streak earlier this season but, since then, Florida has lost 9 of their last 16 games. Also, the winning streak was preceded by a stretch where the Panthers lost 15 of 26 games. You get the point...the reality is that the Panthers, though streaky, may not be true "first place" material even though that is where this team resides right now. Note that Florida has split their last two games but previously lost four of five and allowed an average of 4 goals per game during that stretch. The Panthers defense and netminding hasn't been the only issue either. Florida has been held to held to 2 goals or less in 5 of their past 7 games. The Panthers have lost 36 of 58 when they are off of a game where they were held to one goal or less. In other words, a response here is unlikely. Especially since Florida is hosting a Winnipeg team that is likely to respond in their situation. The Jets have won 47 of 83 (+15.9 units) when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Winnipeg had won 6 of their past 8 road games before the tight back to back road losses at Carolina and Tampa Bay. The Jets are offering great line value today in this underdog spot that is well worth the taking as Florida continues to squeeze the sticks a little too tight as they feel the "first place pressure". |
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02-19-16 | Sabres +127 v. Blue Jackets | 4-0 | Win | 127 | 10 h 54 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Buffalo Sabres +131 @ Columbus @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres are one of those rare exceptions in the NHL this season in that they actually have more road wins than home wins. As a result, their road record is just as good as the Blue Jackets home record. With the fact that extra advantage (as it should be) is always given to the home team in match-ups, extra "price" here is of course on the Columbus side. In a situation like this where is truly no significant home ice edge in comparing these two teams, it creates value on the underdog side. Couple that with the fact that Sabres have some key personnel back on the ice for tonight's game, and I like my chances here with underdog Buffalo. The Sabres have won 12 of 21 games this season against teams with a losing record on the season so they have been able to take advantage of situations like this. Also, the Blue Jackets have been known to play down to the level of competition this season as they've lost 15 of 25 games against teams with a losing record. Columbus also is winless this season (0-3) when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on home ice. It seems that, in situations like this season, complacency sets in for the Jackets. The Sabres have taken 2 of the past 3 meetings between the clubs and that did include a 4-2 win at Columbus last February. Grab the value with the hungry road dog getting a boost with the return of Evander Kane tonight. |
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02-18-16 | Jets +139 v. Lightning | 5-6 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 2 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line +140 @ Tampa Bay @ 7:35 ET - Tampa Bay is off of a home loss to a tough San Jose Sharks club. While the "quick knee jerk" response may be to back the Lightning in bounce back mode here, the fact is that Tampa has now lost 4 of 5. Not only that, 3 of the 4 losses have come by a multiple goal margin. The Jets also come into this game off of a loss but it was a tight one at Carolina and was preceded by Winnipeg having won 3 of their 4 prior games. The Jets had won 6 of their past 8 road games before the loss to the Hurricanes. They are coming off of a great practice and will be ready to go tonight. I really like the workmanlike mentality the Jets have been showing on the road and, coming off of just their 3rd road loss since the calendar turned the page to 2016, I see great line value with backing Winnipeg here. The Lightning just are not right and yet they still get a lot of favoritism from the betting markets while the Jets are certainly flying under the radar. Winnipeg also has revenge here for a home loss to Tampa Bay earlier this season. The road team won both match-ups last season and I look for that to prove to be the case again this season as the Jets take this rematch on the road. The prior season the road team also won both games so this would make it three straight seasons of road dominance in this series. I am banking on that tonight as the Jets improve to 46-29 when off of a game where they were held to one goal or less. Look for the Lightning to drop to 2-8 this season when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on home ice. |
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02-17-16 | Wild -110 v. Flames | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 30 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line -110 @ Calgary @ 10:05 ET - The Flames are ravaged by injuries right now. Not the least of which is their goalie Karri Ramo. This has forced Jonas Hiller back into action for Calgary and, since the Ramo injury, the Flames have lost two straight games by a combined score of 10-5. Overall, Calgary has lost 7 of its past 11 home games as home ice has been nothing for special for them of late. Hiller has an ugly .879 save percentage in his home starts and the Flames have lost four of his last six starts overall. With injuries hurting Calgary the play here is clearly on the healthy, hungry, rejuvenated Wild. Yes it has only been a single victory since the coaching change but Minnesota did look solid in their win at Vancouver Monday. The Wild have outshot each of their past five opponents and the hard work is going to start paying off. The key is getting that first win after the coaching change and you can tell there is simply a different feel in the Minnesota locker room now. The Wild have an advantage of 182 to 132 in shots the past five games...a big edge of 10 per game in shots on goal. Dubnyk is rejuvenated as well after the 5-2 win over the Canucks and the Wild have won 5 of the 6 match-ups with the Flames the past two seasons. This is their first of this season and the Wild will take advantage of a Calgary team that is reeling and has allowed 18 goals in their past 4 games. The Flames have lost 11 of 17 this season when off of a divisional game. Look for the Wild to improve to 2-0 under interim head coach John Torchetti tonight. |
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02-17-16 | Blackhawks +100 v. Rangers | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 31 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line +100 @ NY Rangers @ 8:05 ET - After snapping a rare 3-game losing streak by pounding the Maple Leafs Monday, look for the Blackhawks to take advantage of another non-conference match-up Wednesday. Chicago is an incredible 20-3 this season when they are coming off of a non-conference game. Also, when the Blackhawks enter a game having played each of their three prior games on home ice, the Hawks have gone 6-1 (86%) this season! Chicago has plenty of motivation here as they suffered a season-opening loss on home ice to the Rangers. That was the 3rd straight time in this series that the road team got the victory and I look for that "road team streak" to go to 4 straight tonight. The Rangers are coming off of a huge divisional win over the Flyers and New York is continuing to battle some injury issues as well. The Rangers have lost 12 of 20 this season (including 3 of their past 4) when facing a team with a winning record. Revenge = payback time for the hungry Blackhawks here. |
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02-16-16 | Jets +111 v. Hurricanes | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 40 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL *8* Winnipeg Jets +111 @ Carolina @ 7:05 ET - Revenge game for the Jets after taking a 5-3 beatdown at the hands of the Hurricanes earlier this month in Winnipeg. The Jets had won both match-ups with the Canes last season by identical 3-1 counts including right here in Carolina as the road team has now taken each of the last two meetings. The Jets struggled because Hellebuyck was between the pipes earlier this month but Pavelec should be between the pipes tonight and he's won 3 straight starts. With Ward doubtful for the Hurricanes tonight it is expected to be Lack in goal and Carolina has lost 6 of his 9 home starts this season. Winnipeg has won 3 of 4 since the loss to the Canes while the Hurricanes have lost 2 of 3 since upsetting the Jets in Winnipeg. Carolina has lost 35 of 58 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less and the Hurricanes have lost 49 of their past 80 non-conference games. Also, the Canes are off of a rare offensive explosion in their win over the Islanders and Carolina has lost 9 of 14 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The Jets have won 4 of their 6 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. Good line value here with the revenging road dog that also has the edge between the pipes tonight. |
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