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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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01-16-20 | Canadiens +123 v. Flyers | Top | 4-1 | Win | 123 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #33 Thursday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - The situation is ideal for an upset win for the Habs in this one. Montreal got embarrassed 4-1 on home ice last night. The Flyers are off a huge OT win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blues in St Louis. Situations don't get much better than this because the goalie situation also strongly favors the Canadiens. They used back up Charlie Lindgren last night so they could save Carey Price for this game. Price has a .935 save percentage this month and has allowed a total of only 1 goal in his past 2 starts combined! As for the Flyers, #1 goalie Carter Hart - so strong at home - is currently out with an injury and that is why Brian Elliott started last night. Note that Elliott hung on for the win last night but was not overly impressive and has been in an extended stretch of struggles. Now Philadelphia is either forced to go with him again in the 2nd night of a back to back or use Alex Lyon whom was just called up from the minors. Neither option is a good one truly and the Flyers will be dealing with an angry Canadiens team that has been better on the road than on home ice this season. 10* MONTREAL |
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01-13-20 | Bruins v. Flyers +120 | Top | 5-6 | Win | 120 | 13 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #66 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Home dog value too strong to ignore. The Flyers are off a tough 1-0 home loss to the red-hot Lightning. Carter Hart continued his phenomenal home ice play between the pipes. That loss, as you can see 1-0, was no fault of his and Hart entered that game 12-1-2 with a 1.52 GAA and a .945 save percentage on home ice this season! I expect to see him between the pipes again here as then the Flyers have a back to back coming up and that is when Brian Elliott would likely be between the pipes again. That said, and with Boston off a tight OT win and the Flyers off a tough 1-0 home loss, I like Philly on home ice here. The Bruins are in the front end of a back to back here so the scheduling situation certainly favors the Flyers. I am aware of the injury situation with Braun and Gostisbehere for the Philadelphia blue line but the Flyers have been solid in their D zone and that strong play continues here. The Bruins will drop to 4-7 this season when playing with home loss revenge (by the way they have another revenger on deck at Columbus tomorrow). As for Philly, they improve to 9-2 in their last 11 home games as they bounce back off a rare home loss. The Flyers had one 3-game home ice losing streak this season. Other than that they have NEVER lost back to back games on home ice. They'll respond tonight after a rare home shutout Saturday that came at the hands of the hottest team in the league. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-12-20 | Predators v. Jets +107 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
Early Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #52 Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) vs Nashville Predators @ 2:05 ET - The Predators are going to try and get going and build momentum again after the coaching change. They got it started with a big win at Chicago Thursday. However, this is not the place for Nashville to maintain momentum. They are on the road and facing a Jets team that has beaten them 4 straight times. Also, Winnipeg comes in angry off a loss at Boston Thursday. The Jets will be in bounce back mode here. Broissoit got the start in goal against the Bruins but now it will be Hellebuyck back in the crease for this one. He has looked very sharp in his last two starts and is having a strong season overall. Additionally he has been fantastic in his recent starts against the Predators. Overall, Hellebuyck and the Jets have had the Preds number of late and I see that continuing here and won't pass up on the great line value being offered for this one. 10* WINNIPEG |
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01-11-20 | Canadiens -142 v. Senators | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 20 h 47 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #35 Saturday 8* Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) @ Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - Two struggling teams in this one but there is a reason the Habs are favored in the -140 range on the road despite having lost 8 straight games. The fact is that the Senators are in a horrible spot here. Ottawa is in a back to back and lost in the shootout last night at Detroit. That makes this a very tough spot for the Sens as they finally got some better goaltending and yet still ended up losing. The Senators have now lost 6 straight games and it is their goaltending that is a big concern particularly in this back to back spot. Ever since they lost goalie Anders Nilsson to a concussion they have not been the same team. Ottawa entered last night's game against the Red Wings having allowed an average of 5 goals per game in regulation time of their preceding 5 games. Look for more of the same here as the Canadiens, though also enduring losing, have been getting the better goaltending and they hold a key rest edge in this match-up. Since the price is a little moderate for my tastes I am NOT going with a top play here but this is a must play situation for me. 8* MONTREAL |
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01-10-20 | Penguins +144 v. Avalanche | Top | 4-3 | Win | 144 | 13 h 39 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #27 Friday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) @ Colorado Avalanche @ 9:05 ET - On the surface this may seem like a great spot to back the Avalanche off back to back losses and fade the Penguins off a huge road win at Vegas. However, Colorado has been struggling for an extended stretch and has been getting shaky goaltending from both of their netminders. Conversely, the Penguins are getting great work between the pipes from Tristan Jarry and certainly enter this game as the much hotter team. Additionally, Sidney Crosby has been practicing again with the team which, in and of itself, is already a boost to team morale. However, more than just a morale boost, here is a chance he will be back in game action tonight. Either way though, even if he does not play in this game, Crosby's Penguins are simply offering far too much value to pass up on here. Again, they are the team getting solid goaltending for weeks on end and they also have won 12 of their past 16 games. As for the Avalanche, they have lost 7 of their past 10 games! Even at home Colorado has lost 4 of its last 5 games and the Avs have allowed 5.3 goals per game their past 4 on home ice! Pittsburgh has allowed just 2.3 goals per game in going 3-0 in their past 3 road games. More of the same on tap here and I like the big dog value being offered with the Pens. I'll take it! 10* PITTSBURGH |
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01-09-20 | Oilers +119 v. Canadiens | Top | 4-2 | Win | 119 | 15 h 14 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Oilers do have a revenge game against their provincial rival, the Flames, in Calgary on Saturday. However, Edmonton is taking on a Canadiens team mired in a losing streak and the Oilers are playing with plenty of confidence right now. They are 3-0-1 their last 4 games and their goaltender Smith has been playing well between the pipes. Montreal feels a ton of pressure here because the losing is taking a toll on them and, when playing at home in hockey-crazed Quebec, the pressure is even more intense! Montreal has lost 7 straight games and also 4 straight games on home ice. Of course the Habs get some shading here by the odds makers because they are on home ice but, the point is, it really is not justified given the way they have been playing. Montreal has averaged just 1.8 goals per game their past 5 games. The Canadiens have allowed an average of nearly 4 goals per game their past 7 games. The Oilers have averaged scoring 4.8 goals per game their past 4 games. Also, in meetings between these teams th Oilers have taken 4 of the last 5. More of the same on tap here! 10* EDMONTON |
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01-08-20 | Capitals v. Flyers +116 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 116 | 15 h 21 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #70 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers used Brian Elliott in goal in last night's 5-4 OT loss at Carolina. That means Carter Hart is expected to get the start in goal for the Flyers tonight. He has struggled all season on the road but Hart has been stellar at home where he has an 11-1-2 record on the season! Look for another strong effort from here and I like the fact that the Capitals are also in a back to back spot but off a 6-1 win over Ottawa. Look for the Flyers to be the hungrier team here as they have endured a recent tough stretch and also have revenge from a 2-1 shootout loss to the Capitals in Philadelphia earlier this season. The Caps have lost 3 of their past 5 road games and the 3 defeats have come by an average margin of 3 goals per game and there is certainly nothing "average" about that. Look for the hungry, revenge-minded Flyers to deliver a huge win in this one on home ice. This is Philly's first home game since Christmas Eve and they are sure to make the most of it. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-07-20 | Flyers +155 v. Hurricanes | 4-5 | Loss | -100 | 16 h 50 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are on a 3-game losing streak but are 3-1 the last 4 times they have entered a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Ironically the last time they faced the Hurricanes was at Carolina and Philadelphia was on a losing streak and yet won 5-3. The Flyers have won both games with the Canes this season by a combined score of 9-4. I like the way they have bounced back in this type of situation this season and Philly is happy to be back on the east coast even though they are not quite yet back at home. They do begin a 3-game homestand tomorrow. After struggling out west (as they so often do), the Flyers will be better back east and they offer great value in this spot! The Hurricanes are over-priced when you consider that they have lost 5 of their past 7 games. Grab the big dog value. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-06-20 | Jets +133 v. Canadiens | Top | 3-2 | Win | 133 | 15 h 16 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #41 Monday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Great line value here because the Jets are on the road and the early line move has been toward Montreal. Note that these teams met two weeks ago at Winnipeg and the Jets were thoroughly embarrassed by the Canadiens. The Habs have now won 3 straight meetings and Winnipeg is ready for payback here after getting embarrassed 6-2 on home ice. The Jets were thoroughly outplayed in that game and it is the kind of defeat teams don't forget. Winnipeg will be ready to go here and I like the big plus money being offered. Both teams have endured a recent tough stretch. That said, it is hard to justify Montreal being favored this much on home ice. This is particularly true when you consider the revenge factor. Additionally, the road team has taken 6 of the last 7 meetings so home ice is not worth anything close to the way it is being favored by the betting markets in this match-up. Grab the underdog. 10* WINNIPEG |
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01-04-20 | Flyers +117 v. Coyotes | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 15 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #19 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 8:05 ET - The Flyers are very hungry for a win as this road trip out west has not gone well at all for them. I feel they are catching the Coyotes at the perfect time for an upset win on the road. Arizona is off a divisional win over Anaheim and that was preceded by a huge win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion St Louis Blues. This is the perfect spot to fade the Coyotes as a result. Philadelphia will be treating this game like a playoff game in terms of intensity and determination. Arizona, on the other hand, could get caught resting on their laurels a bit too much as they have had multiple consecutive big game wins. The Flyers had won 3 straight meetings between these teams but then lost at home to the Coyotes last month. It is payback time here. Philly had a 29-18 edge in shots on goal in that defeat last month. Arizona has lost 10 of 14 this season when off a divisional game. More of the same expected here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-03-20 | Capitals +109 v. Hurricanes | Top | 4-3 | Win | 109 | 17 h 44 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #75 Friday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - Perfect set up here. The Capitals are off a home loss to the Islanders while the Hurricanes are off a home win versus the Canadiens. Not only that, Washington has lost both games to Carolina this season and this was after getting knocked out of the post-season in the first-round by the Canes in April. In other words, the Caps have probably never been more ready for a game this season than this very strong revenge spot here. Washington is hungry, motivated, and offering line value here since this game is at Carolina. Ironically the Hurricanes have the two wins against the Capitals but are 1-8 against the rest of the division. The Capitals have the two losses against the Canes but have a winning record against the rest of the division. Washington also has won 16 of 22 road games this season. I look for the Capitals to finally get the big revenge win over the Hurricanes in their 3rd meeting this season. The set up for this one is ideal. The Caps have won 9 of 12 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Also, the Capitals have won 8 of 9 Friday games this season. The Hurricanes are off back to back wins including a big win at Washington a week ago but, prior to that, had lost 3 straight games. Capitals get back on track here. 10* WASHINGTON |
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12-29-19 | Flyers -106 v. Ducks | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 14 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #17 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Anaheim Ducks @ 8:35 ET - The Flyers didn't just lose yesterday at San Jose, they ended up getting embarrassed 6-1 when things fell apart in the 3rd period. Keep in mind, Philadelphia had been hot and won 4 in a row before that embarrassing loss. As for the Ducks, they are off a big win over Vegas 4-3 on Friday. They also have another game with those same division rival Golden Knights on deck. for Tuesday. That said, this is the ideal "flat spot" situation in which you would to fade Anahiem. Fading the Ducks makes even more sense when you consider that this is a team that lost 16 of 22 games prior to that rare win over the Knights. With the Flyers chomping at the bit to get on the ice and shake off that loss and the Ducks in a perfect fade spot, the road team at a pick'em price is offering fantastic line value here. Look for Philly to improve to 10-5 this season when off a non-conference game. Look for Anaheim to drop to 2-8 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Also, the Ducks are 0-6 in Sunday games this season. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-28-19 | Flyers -123 v. Sharks | Top | 1-6 | Loss | -123 | 13 h 28 m | Show |
Annihilation Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #73 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ San Jose Sharks @ 10:35 ET - The Sharks lost again last night! Not only does that make this a back to back spot for them, it also means that San Jose has lost 10 of its last 11 games. Conversely, the Flyers come into this game well rested and they have won 4 straight games. The Sharks have been held to 2 or less goals in 9 of those 10 losses! The Flyers have scored 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 13 games. You can see, based on those stats alone, why it is highly probable that Philly outscores San Jose here. Also though the fact is that Philadelphia is highly motivated here. The Flyers have lost 3 straight match-ups with the Sharks including an embarrassing 8-3 loss in Philly last season. It is payback time here and this is a very fair price to lay on Philadelphia. I am looking for the Flyers to improve to 13-7 this season when facing a team with a losing record. Look for the Sharks to drop to 5-13 this season when facing a team with a winning record as the scoring struggles for San Jose continue in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-27-19 | Blues v. Jets +111 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 27 m | Show |
Divisional Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #46 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) vs St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues won the Stanley Cup last season and knocked off the Jets in the first round of the playoffs on the way to doing so. St Louis has carried momentum from last season's huge finish to the regular season and huge post-season by now getting off to a red hot start this season as well. However, teams are now coming from the Christmas break and, for a team that has won 6 straight, the last thing you want is a break. But that is the situation here with St Louis. They had won 6 straight games prior the Christmas break. Now they make their return in a very tough situation and tough locale. Winnipeg is tough on home ice and you know they're going to bring their "A game" and then some in this big time playoff revenge spot. I am riding with the Jets on home ice as I fully expect them to avenge their first round playoff exit that occurred in April. It is payback time here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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12-23-19 | Flames v. Wild -115 | Top | 0-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 59 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #12 Monday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (-) vs Calgary Flames @ 5:05 ET - The Wild are off a 6-0 home blasting they took at the hands of Winnipeg on Saturday. The Flames are off a huge upset win by a 5-1 count at Dallas yesterday! That means the set up here is perfect. Calgary is in a back to back spot and off an upset win while the Wild are rested and at home and off one of their worst games of the season. That means all signs point to a huge home win for Minnesota in this one. The Wild, prior to their loss to the Jets, were a fantastic 9-1-3 at home this season. The Flames had lost 3 straight by a combined score of 12 to 4 before the big win over the Stars last night. Calgary's next game is also against their provincial rival Edmonton so this is a bad situation all the way around for the Flames. Look for the Wild to resume their home dominance after being embarrassed in front of their home fans Saturday. 10* MINNESOTA |
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12-22-19 | Flames +127 v. Stars | Top | 5-1 | Win | 127 | 8 h 22 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 7:05 ET - The Flames have lost 3 straight games but this was preceded by a 7 game winning streak. Look for them to get back on track now that they are back on the road. Not only has Calgary won 3 straight road games, the road team is on a solid 5-1 run in Flames games. Additionally, in meetings between Calgary and Dallas, the road team has won 3 straight. Dallas enters this game having lost 7 of its last 12 games. The Stars have lost 3 of past 6 home games and I like the underdog money line value being offered here with Calgary. The Flames have won 16 of their past 23 Sunday games. The Stars have lost 14 of 18 Sunday games including all 3 games on Sundays this season. More of the same expected here. 10* CALGARY |
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12-21-19 | Lightning -110 v. Capitals | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 38 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #65 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Perfect set-up here. The Capitals are in a back to back as they were at New Jersey last night where they got a big win. The Lightning are rested and coming off a very tough OT loss to Dallas Thursday as they lost despite a huge edge in shots on goal. The Stars goalie won that game for them and Tampa Bay can't wait to get on the ice after that unfortunate result in a game in which they actually played very well but only ended up with 1 point to show for it. A big key here too is that Washington beat the Bolts at Tampa Bay last week. This is a revenge game for the Lightning and they are one of the best teams in the NHL and they're catching the Caps at the perfect time to exact revenge. At the same time, since this game is at DC, great line value here because that is why the Lightning are in the -110 price range for this one. I'll take it! 10* TAMPA BAY |
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12-20-19 | Stars v. Panthers -116 | Top | 4-7 | Win | 100 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Friday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (-) vs Dallas Stars @ 7:05 ET - I had the Stars last night and will be the first to admit I got a fortunate win. After scoring the first goal Dallas fell behind 3-1 but got to 3-2 in 2nd and 3-3 in 3rd and then won in OT despite being at a huge disadvantage for the game in shots on goal. The set-up here is perfect. Dallas is in a back to back and off a huge upset win at Tampa Bay plus on the road again tonight. The Panthers, on the other hand, are well-rested as they have been off since 16th and have been at home and this is their final home game until the 28th. In other words, they put a lot of energy and focus into this game. This is made even more true by the fact that the Stars swept the Panthers last season. Florida is out for revenge. Remember Dallas just beat a team last night that had swept them last season including a home ice shutout. The Panthers now are the team in that advantageous revenge situation as they lost both games to the Stars last season including a home ice shutout here in Florida. Time for payback tonight. Dallas has lost 18 of 28 games when on the road in a game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Panthers have won 44 of 75 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Stars had lost 3 of last 4 road games prior to last night's win. The Panthers have enjoyed the luxury of playing at home the past 3 weeks! 10* FLORIDA |
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12-19-19 | Stars +141 v. Lightning | Top | 4-3 | Win | 141 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #29 Thursday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - Hockey is really no different than the other sports when it comes to analyzing line movement. In this specific case we have a game that opened up with Tampa Bay at about a 180 price and it is now down to as low as 155 as of game day morning despite the vast majority of tickets begin written on the Lightning. What does that tell you? The sharp money and bigger bets are coming in on the Stars here! I love this situation for Dallas. The Stars are off a loss on Monday so they are ready to respond and they are well rested. Note that Dallas entered that game having won 18 of their last 25 games! As for the Lightning, they are off a win versus Ottawa and it took OT. Not a very impressive win for sure and Tampa Bay's prior game was a 5-2 loss to the rival Capitals. Guess what is on deck for the Bolts? That's right, a trip to Washington. You know TB can't help but to be thinking about that revenge match-up with the Caps. Speaking of revenge, the Stars were embarrassed by a combined score of 8-0 in their two games against Tampa Bay last season. Dallas outshot the Lightning by 20 shots on goal in those two games. Deceiving results to say the least and I love backing the Stars as a big dog in this spot. The Bolts had lost 5 of their last 7 home games prior to barely getting by the Senators in Tampa on Tuesday. 10* DALLAS |
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12-18-19 | Ducks +106 v. Devils | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #23 Wednesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Ducks are in a back to back spot but off a 4-1 loss. The Devils are rested and off a 2-1 win. I like Anaheim to bounce back here as New Jersey also recently dealt Taylor Hall to the Coyotes. The Devils are in a full-on rebuild mode and yet they are off a rare win. Anaheim has been scratching and clawing for wins and yet they ran into a very determined Flyers hockey club last night that was desperate for a win after 3 straight losses. That said, the Ducks ran into a buzzsaw last night but they'll bounce back tonight. The Devils had lost 7 straight games prior to the win at Arizona Saturday. The Ducks had won 3 of 6 before the loss at Philly last night. Anaheim has won 3 straight over New Jersey. The Ducks have won 4 of 6 this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. The Devils have lost 9 of 11 games this season when facing a team with a losing record. 10* ANAHEIM |
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12-17-19 | Blue Jackets v. Red Wings +123 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #12 Tuesday 10* Top Play Detroit Red Wings Money Line (+) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - Perfect set up here from a situational perspective. The Blue Jackets are off an upset win (3-0) over the Capitals last night. Prior to that huge divisional shutout win, Columbus had lost 6 of 7 games. However, because the Red Wings have such an ugly record on the season, the Jackets are a sizable road favorite in this Tuesday clash. Not only is this a tough back to back spot for Columbus, it is Detroit that is in the perfect bounce back spot too. They had won back to back games by a combined score of 7-3 before getting throttled on home ice by the LA Kings on Sunday. That stinging 4-2 defeat saw the Red Wings trailing by 4 goals at one point in the 3rd period of that game. Detroit is determined to bounce back here and they are catching the Blue Jackets at the right time to get right back on track. The Red Wings had been starting to build a little momentum and this is their only game between Sunday and Saturday. In other words, Detroit is going to "leave it all on the ice" in this one! The Blue Jackets have lost 4 of 5 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Red Wings have revenge from a 5-4 loss at Columbus a month ago. They'll get it as a nice home dog here! 10* DETROIT |
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12-16-19 | Capitals v. Blue Jackets +145 | 0-3 | Win | 145 | 9 h 56 m | Show | |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #70 Monday 8* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are off an OT loss at Ottawa Saturday. The Capitals are off a huge win at Tampa Bay on Saturday. The set up here is perfect with Columbus off a disappointing loss and Washington off a huge win over last season's Presidents Cup winner (most points in standings in regular season). Not only do we get a good situational set up here we also get the Blue Jackets on home ice and with a nice comeback price! The Blue Jackets have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these clubs and they always seem to be the more motivated team when these clubs have squared off recently. Why? It is because Columbus was up 2 games to none on the Capitals in the first round of the 2018 NHL Playoffs. The Caps went on to win 4 straight games though to knock the Blue Jackets out of the post-season while Washington went on to win the Stanley Cup two months later. The Jackets haven't forgotten and the situation here is perfect to grab the home dog as they look to make it 5 out of 6 over the Capitals. 8* COLUMBUS |
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12-15-19 | Canucks +185 v. Golden Knights | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 49 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #63 Sunday 8* Vancouver Canucks Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - This one is all about the line value. The Golden Knights are simply over-priced here. Yes this is a back to back for the Canucks but they have actually won 2 of 3 this season when the 2nd game of their back to back was on the road. Also, Vegas actually has more losses than wins on home ice this season. Vancouver had won 3 of its last 5 road games before a loss at San Jose last night. With the Golden Knights home ice simply not being what it use to be in terms of an edge for Vegas, the betting markets have been slow to catch up to this fact. It offers unique opportunities just like this one that are filled with line value. This is the 5th back to back for the Canucks this season and only one time have they lost both games of the back to back and, again, when that 2nd game was on the road they've actually won 2 of 3. Also, last night's loss came by 2 goals for Vancouver and they are 3-0-1 the last 4 times they have entered a game off a loss by a multiple goal margin. Vegas could be flat after their OT win at Dallas as the Stars are one of the better teams in the league and the Golden Knights got the upset win there. The Golden Knights entered that game with just 5 wins in their past 11 games. Keep in mine Vegas started the season with 6 wins in 9 games. That means they entered their win at Dallas having lost 15 of 25 games. The recent losses can't be blamed on Fleury either as Subban actually played well between the pipes. The fact is this Knights team is not what it used to be and they are priced too high here. I am taking a shot with the big dog. 8* VANCOUVER |
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12-15-19 | Flyers +136 v. Jets | 3-7 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 13 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #57 Sunday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Winnipeg Jets @ 5:05 ET - This is a rally the troop game for the Flyers. There is also an old adage that has come into play here and it is an expression that has a strong tendency to hold true. It is the wounded dog that bites the hardest. Philadelphia is dealing with injuries, in a back to back spot, off a 2nd straight road loss last night, and wants to avoid a winless road trip before heading back home. That said, look for a very strong effort from the Flyers as they leave it all on the ice for this one. Certainly I respect the Jets but the 5-2 loss that Winnipeg just had at Detroit as they allowed the Red Wings to end a 12-game losing streak could leave the home team a little lacking in the confidence department. One puck to bounce the Flyers way and, just like we saw with some fortunate bounces for the Red Wings against the Jets, the upset will be on the way once again. Look for Philly to improve to 8-4 this season when off a non-conference game. The Jets have lost half their dozen home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals this season. Value with the money line dog here. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-14-19 | Flyers +109 v. Wild | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 56 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #41 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - Both teams dealing with injuries and the Flyers injury situation certainly a little more significant than that of the Wild. However, I am still backing Philadelphia here because they played very well in their loss on Wednesday night and that was at Colorado. The Avalanche are one of the best teams in the league and the Flyers outshot them 33-27 in their own barn. Philadelphia entered that game having won 6 of 7 and they are a perfect 3-0 the last 3 times when off a loss. As for the Wild, they hung on for a 6-5 win over Edmonton but Minnesota truly hasn't been playing all that well of late. That was preceded by a game in which the Wild fell behind 2-0 and were fortunate to even earn a point. Minnesota has allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game their past 4 games. Conversely, the Flyers have allowed an average of only 2.1 goals per game their past 8 games! Grab the hungry road dog here off a loss and playing with a rest edge too (Wild were in action Thursday). 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-12-19 | Oilers +113 v. Wild | Top | 5-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #11 Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Oilers are off a disappointing homestand but have actually been better on the road than at home this season. I like the fact too that Edmonton battled back to tie Buffalo and earn a point in their 3-2 OT loss Sunday and then on Tuesday they battled back to tie the Hurricanes after a falling into a 3-0 hole. Carolina then on to win the game 6-3 with 3 very late goals but that final score was not indicative of how the game really played out. Look for the Oilers to avoid an early hole here and get revenge for a 3-0 loss at Minnesota in their most recent meeting two months ago. It is payback time here and, unlike Edmonton, the Wild are coming off earning a very fortunate point in their most recent game. They got a point in the shootout loss against Anaheim Tuesday but Minnesota dug a 2-0 hole and was outshot 14-1 early on and really never recovered. The Wild simply did not play well but got away with it and still earned a point they really didn't deserve. I like fading teams when they're off a game like that and Edmonton also is extra hungry here plus motivated by revenge. Look for a strong road win for the determined Oilers in this one. Edmonton has the edge on the penalty kill and also a huge edge on the power play in comparison with Minnesota. The Wild had lost 4 of last 6 to the Oilers before the big win in mid-October. Edmonton is off back to back losses but is a PERFECT 4-0 this season when off consecutive defeats! Conversely, Minnesota has already had a 4-game losing streak and 3-game losing streak. The Wild enter this game off B2B losses as well. The Oilers are 8-2 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. 10* EDMONTON |
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12-11-19 | Bruins +118 v. Capitals | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #65 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - I like the value here with the underdog Bruins. Of course the early line move was on the Capitals as everyone sees them on home ice and laying a short price and that is what attracts peoples attention. Keep in mind these are two of the best teams in the NHL and I love having the underdog in a spot like this. I am aware of that the Bruins have a game with the Lightning on deck for tomorrow night but there is no way they're overlooking this match-up with Ovechkin and the Capitals. Keep in mind it was Washington that handed the Bruins a rare home ice loss in their first meeting this season. In that game the Capitals rallied to tie the game with just a minute remaining and then went on to win in the shootout. Boston has not forgotten that defeat and I love the revenge angle here as they look to return the favor in DC. Note that the Capitals have a strong reputation on home ice but have actually won only 8 of 15 games there this season. The Bruins, prior to their loss at Ottawa, were 8-3-1 on the road this season so they have certainly been strong on enemy ice this season. The road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams and I look for that trend to continue here as the road team makes it 4 in a row. The fact that the Bruins will have Patrice Bergeron back (he was on the ice and scored a goal against Ottawa in his first game back Monday) is also a big plus for the road team here. Grab the underdog value here. 10* BOSTON |
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12-10-19 | Lightning -103 v. Panthers | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 13 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #43 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - This line is right around a pick'em. Some may be surprised to not see Florida as a sizable favorite considering they are at home and they catch the Bolts in the 2nd game of a back to back. However, the Lightning (even without Tyler Johnson) are loaded with firepower and have plenty of motivation here. Tampa Bay is fired up off a 5-1 loss last night, they saved #1 goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy for this game, and they're catching Florida off a rare event. The Panthers have actually allowed 2 goals or less in each of their last two games for the first time this season! That was very unlikely and I look for goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and company to come back down to earth in this game. I know Florida is a solid team but Tampa was the #1 team in the league in the regular season last year and I feel the Bolts are going to continue a resurgence this season after last year's early 1st round playoff sweep exit. Tampa Bay is a determined team ready to respond against a division rival here. The Bolts have won 53 of their last 71 divisional games and also are a perfect 5-0 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin. Long term the Lightning have won 32 of 42 when off a loss by multiple goals and also have won 26 of their last 31 December games. The Panthers have lost 5 of 7 this season when off a win by a multiple goal margin. Look for the above trending to hold true tonight and the hungry road team gets revenge by notching a solid enemy ice victory in this one. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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12-08-19 | Sharks +132 v. Panthers | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 40 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #25 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 5:05 ET - I like the set up here to result in a road dog win! The Sharks are off an embarrassing 7-1 loss at Tampa Bay and are fired up to get their first win of December. Keep in mind they wrapped up November having won 11 of their past 13 games. Now, after hitting a tough stretch and running into a very tough Lightning team, San Jose responds big at Florida tonight. The Panthers are off a huge win versus Columbus yesterday. That was the first game for former Blue Jackets netminder Sergei Bobrovsky against his prior team. That means if he plays tonight I would not be surprised to see him struggle in between the pipes after such an emotional win last night. If he doesn't play the Panthers are likely to got with Chris Driedger in the crease and he has only 5 games (2 starts) of NHL experience. The set up here is perfect for the Panthers off a satisfying 4-1 win to fall flat against a Sharks team fired up off a 7-1 loss. Adding to the value here in my opinion is the fact that the Sharks were swept by the Panthers last season. The road dog is going to be flying all over the ice in this one and I don't see them being denied. 10* SAN JOSE |
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12-07-19 | Avalanche +135 v. Bruins | Top | 4-1 | Win | 135 | 10 h 40 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Saturday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - If you play with fire long enough, you're eventually going to get burned. That is what finally happened to the Bruins Thursday as they went to the 3rd period down 3-0 on home ice but rallied to tie it only to then fall short in OT. Still it kept Boston as the only NHL team without a regulation loss on home ice. I am predicting that will change on Saturday but, of course, keep in mind we don't have to win in regulation to win our bet and the Bruins have already lost 5 home games post-regulation this season. Boston is still without Patrice Bergeron while the red hot Avalanche are healthier again with all key players back in the lineup. Colorado was already surging but now the Avs are even more dangerous than ever because they played very well even when missing key players and now those guys are back! That is why I won't pass up this opportunity to have one of the best teams in the NHL, and the healthier team in this match-up, at a +135 underdog price. The price makes sense because the Bruins are a very good hockey team. But, without a doubt, the Avalanche are playing even better hockey than Boston right now. Keep in mind the Bruins only scored 2 goals in their most recent home win. Also, the game prior to that they were down 1-0 in the 3rd period before rallying for that win. The Bruins won't find it so easy to rally against a team like the Avalanche and the Avs already beat them 4-2 in Colorado earlier this season too. The Avalanche are viewing this game as an opportunity for a statement road win against one of the top teams in the East. Look for the Avs to make that statement loud and clear behind MacKinnon, Rantanen, and Landeskog in this one. 10* COLORADO |
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12-06-19 | Blackhawks v. Devils -133 | 2-1 | Loss | -133 | 10 h 31 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #64 Friday 7* New Jersey Devils Money Line (-) vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 7:05 ET - Nice set up here. The Devils are hungry off a 4-3 loss versus Vegas on Wednesday so they were off yesterday. The Blackhawks are off a huge upset win in OT at Boston last night. You have the ideal scenario here of a team playing without rest (drained physically) and off a big upset in OT (drained mentally) and now on the road again facing a rested and hungry home team. It has been a frustrating season for New Jersey but look for them to respond after the firing of head coach John Hynes. Already the Devils played better in their first game after the coaching change but they ran into a red hot Golden Knights team. Interim head coach Alain Nasreddine leads the way tonight and New Jersey should get back into the win column. Prior to their win last night, the Blackhawks had lost 6 of 7. I am reducing my rating here since there is a bit of a price to lay with the Devils but they should prove well worth it given the situation. 7* NEW JERSEY |
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12-06-19 | Canadiens -103 v. Rangers | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #67 Friday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - This one sets up perfectly. While both teams were in action last night, the Rangers enjoyed a 3-2 upset win at Columbus while the Canadiens are off a home loss to a streaking Avalanche hockey club that is getting healthier. There is no shame in losing to Colorado considering how they have been playing as well as how healthy they are again now. However, there is shame in blowing a 4-0 lead on home ice and losing 6-5 and that is what happened to Montreal when they hosted the Rangers last month. That said, it is now payback time and I look for the Habs to avenge that loss tonight. The Canadiens had endured a long losing streak but they snapped that the game before the tight loss to the Avs last night and they have looked a little better on the ice lately. For the Rangers this is a standalone home game prior to a West Coast road trip and coming off an upset win of the Blue Jackets the night before. I could see the Bluehshirts being flat in this game and the Habs are hell bent on revenge here. Look for them to get it in a big way! 10* MONTREAL |
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12-05-19 | Avalanche +102 v. Canadiens | Top | 3-2 | Win | 102 | 8 h 15 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Thursday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - I know this is the 2nd night of a back to back for the Avalanche but they are off a 3-1 win last night at Toronto and continue to look extremely sharp on both ends of the ice. Not only that, the Avs are getting healthier too and could get a couple more players back tonight as well. Last but not least, back-up goalie Pavel Francouz has been great between the pipes and has allowed only 4 goals the last 89 shots he has faced! Now Colorado faces a Montreal team that finally got back into the win column Tuesday but just barely. The Canadiens had to hang on for dear life in their 4-2 win over the suddenly struggling Islanders. The Habs go from facing an inconsistent team to one that is playing with a ton of confidence plus getting healthier and absolutely looks like one of the best teams in the league especially as their health returns. As for Montreal, they had lost 8 straight games prior to their win over the Isles. Keep in mind the Canadiens have lost 9 of 16 home games this season. The Avs are a stellar 9-5-1 on the road this season. On a 4 game winning streak and facing a team that has lost 8 of 9, the Avalanche are a great value here as we can grab the superior team and not even lay juice in this one! 10* COLORADO |
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12-03-19 | Islanders v. Canadiens -117 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 15 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #26 Tuesday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (-) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens were up going to the 3rd period at Boston on Sunday but then lost 3-1. Montreal is hungry to get back on track on home ice and we're getting line value here because many will look to back the red-hot Islanders as an underdog in this spot. I am going contrarian and backing the Habs here because this is a tough spot for the Isles. They were at Detroit last night and got a win over the Red Wings. Varlamov was in goal for that one and had a strong game. That means Greiss is available tonight but he left his last start with dizziness and was not feeling well. That makes this not only a back to back spot for the Islanders but also a situation in their goaltending situation is not exactly ideal. I would not be surprised to see New York have some struggles in the crease tonight and the Canadiens are so desperate for a win here I just do not seem them being denied on home ice in this one. The Habs have endured a recent losing streak but it is no mistake that they are favored here on home ice by the odds makers. In other words, lay the small price and look for the Islanders to lose for the 4th time in their past 5 road games. The Canadiens have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams. 10* MONTREAL |
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12-01-19 | Canadiens +165 v. Bruins | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 19 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #3 Sunday 8* Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Long-time Original Six rivalry and divisional match-up. I look for the Habs to get the upset win here. This is a revenge game for Montreal as they got blasted 8 to 1 at home last week versus the Bruins despite having a 37-24 edge in shots on goal. The Canadiens actually have outshot Boston 68 to 49 in their two meetings this season. Montreal won the first match-up between these teams and that was north of the border. Even though this game is in Boston note that the road teams (early November meeting notwithstanding) have dominated recent meetings. The road team has won 5 of the last 6 meetings and those 5 away wins have come by an average victory margin of 3.2 goals per game. Boston has lost 13 of their past 23 Sunday games and that has cost their backers $11,500 at $1,000 a game. The Canadiens have won 6 of 10 games against teams with a winning record this season so despite some struggles this season they tend to be at their best when facing a challenge. However, that 8-1 loss last week versus the Bruins was a rare exception and the Habs most certainly haven't forgotten about the beatdown and now it is payback time. By the way, Boston has lost 5 of its last 12 games plus 2 of the 7 wins came after regulation. With just 5 regulation wins in their past dozen games, the Bruins have not been dominant like they were in the first month of the season. Even though the Canadiens are enduring a losing streak and have struggled of late they have only 3 regulation losses in 11 road games this season. They'll be in this game all the way and an upset is what I am forecasting as they seek revenge here. 8* MONTREALÂ |
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11-30-19 | Flyers +131 v. Canadiens | 4-3 | Win | 131 | 5 h 42 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 3:05 ET - Too much value to pass up on here. Yes it is a back to back situation for the Flyers but no team in the NHL has earned more points in the standings in the month of November than Philadelphia has. They entered this game playing very strong hockey and off a dominating 6-1 win over the Red Wings yesterday. The Flyers are getting solid goaltending from their tandem of Hart and Elliott. Conversely, both Price and Kincaid are struggling for the Canadiens. Also, Montreal enters this game on a lengthy losing streak and they have allowed 6 or more goals in 3 straight games! All were losses for the struggling Habs and the red hot Flyers won't show any mercy here. Montreal has beaten Philly just twice in their last 8 meetings. Also, the Canadiens penalty kill has been a major weakness this season while it has been a strength for the Flyers. Yes it is a back to back for Philly but they are a sizable underdog here and are 4-0-1 their last 5 games while the Habs are 0-4-2 their last 6 games. Philly is playing solid hockey on both ends of the ice while Montreal continues to be plagued by defensive breakdowns and sub-par goaltending. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-27-19 | Blues v. Lightning -146 | 4-3 | Loss | -146 | 8 h 7 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #10 Wednesday 7* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The fact that Steven Stamkos is doubtful for tonight has certainly made headlines and this money line is dropping. Certainly Stamkos is a fantastic player but he had a dreadful performance against the Blues when these teams met last week. He ended up with a -2 rating and lost 85% of his face-offs! The point is that I am putting a lot of weight on many other factors rather than Stamkos missing this game. The Lightning are red hot ever since the loss to St Louis as they have won 3 straight games and the victories have come by an average margin of 5-2. As for the Blues, they have been struggling. They are off back to back losses to the division rival Predators and St Louis has just 2 wins in their past 7 games. Keep in mind last season the Blues were in last place in the NHL standings with the fewest points as of January 3rd but went on to win the Stanley Cup. The Lightning, on the other hand, ended up with the most points in the regular season last year but then got swept out of the playoffs in the first round by the Blue Jackets. The point is that this game does carry a little extra meaning for the Bolts and this is particularly true after they lost at St Louis last week by a count of 3-1. It is payback time here and that is why I am willing to lay more of a price than I usually do in money line sports. With this game in the -150 range, I'll reduce my rating to 7* and invest here as I just can't pass up on this situation. 7* TAMPA BAY |
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11-27-19 | Flames -123 v. Sabres | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 3 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #17 Wednesday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - The Flames will be without head coach Bill Peters for this game as he is under investigation for an incident that occurred about a decade ago in the American Hockey League. Calgary has been struggling but actually played a solid game in earning a point in an OT loss at Pittsburgh Monday. Keep in mind, even with the news about Peters the Flames have been a popular choice among smart bettors today. The reason for that is the anticipiation that Calgary will respond well on the ice to assistant coach Geoff Ward whom will take over head coaching duties behind the bench tonight. I fully expect this to be a positive situation for the Flames as well as they rally around this situation. Certainly Calgary is facing the right team to rally against. The Flames are facing a Sabres team that has lost 10 of its past 12 games. There is a reason a Calgary team that has won just 5 of 16 road games this season is favored over a Buffalo team that has a 6-3-2 record on home ice this season. In other words, jump on the Flames in this one just like the sharp bettors are. The Flames have won 3 of 4 this season after playing 3 consecutive road games. The Sabres have lost 45 of 63 when off a divisional game. 10* CALGARY |
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11-26-19 | Wild +120 v. Devils | Top | 3-2 | Win | 120 | 8 h 50 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #1 Tuesday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Ironically it was the Devils with a goalie issue in their most recent game and now that is the case for the Wild. For New Jersey, they were in the 2nd game of a back to back and had recently released Cory Schneider so Louis Dominique got his first start of the season. As is usually the case when a team knows it really needs to play strong in front of its goalie, the Devils allowed just 19 shots in that game and won 5-1. Now it is Minnesota that is playing the 2nd night of a back to back and with goalie Devan Dubnyk out and Alex Stalock having played last night, Kaapo Kahkonen will be making his NHL debut. He has been playing great in the American Hockey League and look for the Wild, hungry off back to back OT losses, to play a very strong game in front of him and limit shots on goal. Minnesota is desperate for a win here and has two off days after this game so they will go all out in this one. New Jersey is having a tough season and had been outscored 9-2 in their two prior games before getting that big win over a bad Red Wings team. Now the Devils face a much tougher challenge here and the Wild had won 5 of 8 before back to back OT losses. Minnesota will bounce back big here. Home ice has NOT mattered in this series as the road team has won each of the last 5 meetings. I look for that trend to continue here. 10* MINNESOTA |
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11-25-19 | Canucks v. Flyers -134 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 22 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #70 Monday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Vancouver Canucks @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are off a tough loss in the shootout while the Canucks are off a huge shootout win over the 2018 Stanley Cup champion Capitals on Saturday. That sets this one up well plus Vancouver's next game is at another perennial cup contender in Pittsburgh. The point is that this could be a "flat spot" in the road trip for the Canucks and I am sure the Flyers are going to come out flying all over the ice. Philadelphia gave up a late goal to Calgary on Saturday when the Flames pulled their goalie and the the Flyers went on to lose in the shootout. It was another tough loss in a string of them but Philly had been solid on home ice this season and they are determined to earn the two points tonight on Monday. They're catching Vancouver off the upset win of the Caps so it is the perfect time for Philadelphia to play their game and impose their will. The Canucks could still be without a key penalty killer in Jay Beagle and are dealing with a couple other injuries as well while the Flyers are arguably as healthy as they have been all season. The Canucks had been having a tough time this month until they got rare back to back wins and they still have lost 28 of their past 41 November games. The Flyers get back on track here. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-23-19 | Maple Leafs -107 v. Avalanche | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
Rickenbach NHL Rotation #37 Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) @ Colorado Avalanche @ 7:05 ET - So why is a team that has won 4 of 11 on the road priced at pick'em against a team that has won 6 of 9 at home this season? Exactly! Don't be fooled by the line here. The road team is the play in this one. The Maple Leafs began the post-Mike Babcock era with a huge 3-1 win against the stingy Coyotes at Arizona. That was an impressive win and this is a team that is looking to go on a tear after their head coach became the first casualty of this NHL season. The Leafs are using this as a spark and motivation and, the only trouble is, after this game Toronto has 3 full days off. The Maple Leafs don't play again until Wednesday. They are well aware of this and this is a team that is hungry and wants to build a streak now. The last thing they want here is a loss and then to sit around for 3 days lamenting that defeat. So look for the Leafs to take advantage of a short-handed Colorado team here and make it two straight. The Avalanche are a very good hockey club but they are certainly not the same team when they are missing not only one but two of their best players. Yes, the Avs still have one of the best in the game with Nathan MacKinnon on the ice but the current absence of Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen are big losses for this Avalanche team. The Maple Leafs played without their captain John Tavares earlier this season but he is back and this is a hungry team that is also loaded with firepower. I don't see them being denied here and it is also apparent that other sharp bettors in the markets are seeing what I am as well. That is why this line is a pick'em. Again the Avs are not the same team right now without those key players and the Maple Leafs are a talented bunch that are going to be a team to keep an eye on for quite awhile now. 10* TORONTO |
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11-21-19 | Flames +125 v. Blues | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Thursday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - You know where the sharp money is on this game. The Blues opened up at nearly a -160 favorite and yet are down to nearly a -130 price in morning market trading on game day. That is sharp money folks because the Flames are on a 0-4-1 streak and the Blues are on an 8-1-2 run. Why are people backing Calgary here? For one thing the Blues just put together a very strong game and battled hard for the full sixty to knock off the team that was the #1 team in the regular season last year. After that big win over Tampa Bay, St Louis might end up a little flat in this game. As for Calgary, they are off a tight 3-2 home loss and they are fired up. They are hungry and viewing this road trip as a chance to get back on track. What better way to prove they are ready to make positive headway than by knocking off the defending Stanley Cup champs. In my opinion, the set-up is perfect for them to do just that. 10* CALGARY |
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11-19-19 | Flyers +125 v. Panthers | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 11 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #41 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - I am not going to pass up on the opportunity to take the Flyers at plus money here considering they are off 3 straight tight losses and just suffered a brutally tough loss on home ice. Philadelphia blew a 3-0 third period lead at home against the Islanders on Saturday and then lost in the shootout. Philly has had to wait two days off to now get back on the ice for a game and they're going to be flying all over the ice against the Panthers tonight. Philadelphia has been getting much better goaltending this season than Florida has and I look for that to be the difference in this one. Also, while the Flyers have come up just short in 3 straight games, the Panthers are off a home win in their most recent game. Florida has lost 7 of 11 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Before their collapse against the Isles, the Flyers had allowed 2 or less goals in 6 straight games! Comparatively, the Panthers have allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their past 4 games. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-16-19 | Islanders v. Flyers +101 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #20 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - Perhaps looking ahead to this divisional revenge opportunity, the Flyers were a bit lackluster in last night's 2-1 loss at Ottawa. Yet, even with an "off night", Philadelphia still outshot the Senators in the disappointing defeat. Look for Philly to respond in a big way. I am well aware of the fact that the Islanders have been playing very well but they also have benefited from a home-heavy schedule and that is about to change. Also, they enter this game with a home and home set up next against the Penguins plus the Islanders are talking about how hot the Capitals have been and how they're still up there at the top of the division. The point is that the Isles are thinking more about their great record and getting ready for a B2B battle with the Pens and battling it out with the Caps early this season for the divisional top spot. The Islanders are overlooking the Flyers here and that will prove to be a mistake. The Flyers were 5-0-2 their 7 games (no regulation losses) prior to last night's loss. Also, Philly will have Brian Elliott in goal here and he has just 1 regulation loss in 15 career decisions against the Isles. Additionally, the Flyers have just 1 regulation loss in their 9 games as a host this season and they have been performing better in OT and SO situations should either of those arise tonight. The fact is that the Isles have played just 5 road games so far this season and they are a great team but they are a little overvalued here by the betting markets. The Flyers opened up as a -120 fave but the betting markets have flipped the fave here and I am happy to grab the hungry revenge-minded home dog in this one given all of the above. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-15-19 | Flyers -143 v. Senators | 1-2 | Loss | -143 | 9 h 56 m | Show | |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #71 Friday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Ottawa Senators @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers tied their game in the 3rd period versus a tough Washington team Wednesday but then lost in the shootout. The Senators tied their game in the 3rd period in New Jersey against the struggling Devils and then rallied even further for the 4-2 win. In other words, the set up here is perfect. Philadelphia won the most recent game between these teams and though that was on home ice, note that the road team had won each of the 4 prior meetings. Of course the above is all part of the reason that Philly is a moderately priced favorite in this match-up but really I like the odds with them here and have reduced my rating accordingly. Instead of a 10* top play or even an 8* regular play rating, I have dropped it to a 7* since the price is in the 140 range here. I always am mindful of risk in money line sports and, as long-time followers have seen first-hand, I play a lot of money line dogs. In this case the edges are strong for the favorite including the better penalty kill and much stronger power play so far this season. Also note that the Flyers are 4-1 the last 5 times they have been off a game in which they were held to 2 or less goals in regulation. Ottawa has lost 7 of its 8 games this season against teams with a winning record. Also, the Senators are 0-5 this season when off a win by a multiple goal margin. After beating the Devils 4-2 Wednesday, look for the Sens to drop to 0-6 on the season when in that situation of being off a victory by a margin of 2 or more goals! 7* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-14-19 | Jets +145 v. Panthers | Top | 4-3 | Win | 145 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #51 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Situations don't get much better than this. The Jets are off an embarrassing 4-0 home shutout loss. Prior to that Winnipeg had won 4 of its last 5 games and the only loss had come in a shootout. The Panthers are off a huge 5-4 shootout victory at Boston! Not only is that a key win over a division rival, Florida rallied from a 4-0 deficit to win it! How improbable was that? It was the first time ever in franchise history that the Panthers had come back from a deficit of more than 3 goals to win a game! The fact it came against a division leader and last year's Eastern Conference champs make it even that much more improbable. In other words, this is now the perfect "flat spot" in which to fade Florida. Keep in mind, that win over the Bruins was the 3rd time in 4 games that the Panthers have allowed at least 4 goals. The Panthers have lost 3 of their past 5 home games and have allowed at least 4 goals in 3 of their past 5 games as a host. Conversely the Jets have actually been solid on the road this season and Connor Hellebuyck is having a strong season between the pipes. This money line is offering phenomenal line value given the situation. I respect the Panthers and coach Joel Quenneville but this is a very tough spot for Florida and I expect a tremendous game from the road dog Jets here! 10* WINNIPEG |
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11-13-19 | Senators +150 v. Devils | 4-2 | Win | 150 | 8 h 24 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #37 Wednesday 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - I can't pass up on the underdog line value here. We can get +150 and fade a team that has won only 2 of its 8 home games this season! Granted the Senators have struggled this season too but the Devils have won just 25% of their home games and yet because of Ottawa's struggles on the season, New Jersey is a pricey favorite here. I like the value in this one because the Senators are off an embarrassing 8-2 loss at Carolina. Note that this was preceded by a solid recent stretch for the Sens though as they had been playing their best hockey of the season. As for the Devils, they are off a 2-1 win at Vancouver but that followed back to back ugly losses and now New Jersey is back home where they have struggled so badly this season at protecting leads. Also, the first game back after a trip out west often tends to be very tough on East Coast teams. Look for the Senators to respond after the beating they just took as they get the upset win here at a great price as a road dog. 8* OTTAWA |
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11-11-19 | Coyotes +165 v. Capitals | Top | 4-3 | Win | 165 | 9 h 32 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #15 Monday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The NHL is no exception. On any given night in any of the big 4 professional sports leagues, any team can rise up for the win because these are professionals and they play with a lot of pride. In this case you have an Arizona team that is a scrappy hard-nosed team that is entering this game off 3 straight losses. They are taking on a Capitals team that is the hottest team in the NHL this season. Washington is on home ice here too and yet they opened up as low as a -165 favorite in this one. The odds makers are sharp folks. They know what they are doing. Of course that looked easy to take the Caps and the line got driven up nearly -200 on Washington. It has since settled back down as some sharp money is now coming in on the underdog Coyotes in this one. Why? Hungry teams when games in a situation like this and this one is set up perfect for an upset. Arizona comes in very hungry and viewing this game as a chance to knock off the 2018 Stanley Cup champs on their own ice. The Capitals come into this game rather complacent as they are off a huge win versus the Golden Knights Saturday in a game that was a rematch of those 2018 Stanley Cup finals. Also, Washington has a big divisional game on deck against the upstart Flyers. That said, this is looks like a flat spot for the Caps while the fact is the Yotes are going to bring their A game here. Twice they had a 2-goal lead in their home loss to Minnesota and yet they let the game slip away. They are fired up here and are very dangerous dog as, Saturday notwithstanding, they are generally very tough to come back on once they get the lead on you and I look for the Coyotes to get an early jump in this one. 10* ARIZONA |
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11-09-19 | Flyers +145 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 3-2 | Win | 145 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher – Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7 ET – This is a contrarian play because about 2/3 of the tickets are coming in on the Maple Leafs but I am betting the Flyers. Why? First lets talk about where the sharp money is going in this one. Even though the Leafs are getting most of the bets the bigger money is coming in on Philadelphia. We know this because the money line on Toronto has been dropping all morning. This is a revenge game for the Flyers too because they lost at home against the Maple Leafs last Saturday. That was a tight defeat in an 11-round shootout so Philly is hungry for revenge here. Both teams enter this game off wins Thursday night but the Leafs allowed a lot of shots on goal in their win over Vegas while Philadelphia dominated shots on goal in their win over Montreal. If not for Canadiens goalie Carey Price having a huge game the Flyers would have won the game easily rather than having to win it in OT. In any event, Philadelphia continued their season long trend of outshooting foes by a wide margin and I expect that to continue here. The Flyers are very hard on the puck and the hard work and strong skating is paying off as they also have outscored opponents 23-13 in the 3rd period. They wear them down as games go on and I expect that to be the case again here and am grabbing the big dog value with the road team in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-07-19 | Canadiens v. Flyers -111 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #28 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Both teams are off divisional wins but the Canadiens victory was a true rivalry win. The Habs and Bruins are both Original Six teams and they have a rivalry that dates back many decades. Also, Boston was in the Stanley Cup Finals last season and Montreal getting the win on Tuesday was a huge victory for the Canadiens. The key to the value here in my opinion is that the Habs were sloppy in that game and yet got away with it and a lot of that had to do with the Bruins being off a hard-fought crazy win over the Penguins the night before. Montreal is catching the Flyers in a much different situation here and plus the Canadiens are on the road for this one. Not only have the Habs lost half their road games this season, Philadelphia is a solid 5-1-1 on home ice this season! The Canadiens are a quality team no doubt but this is a classic flat spot (perfect to fade them) as they are off a hard-fought late-game win over their fiercest rivals. As for the Flyers, this is the finale of a 3-game homestand and they want to make the most of it. For the Canadiens, this is their only road game between the 2nd and 15th of this month as they go back home for a pair of games after this one. I could easily see Montreal having trouble getting going in this one and the Flyers will take advantage. The Canadiens have lost 37 of 60 when off a division game and have also lost 34 of 57 after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game. Look for the Flyers to improve to 5-1 on the season when in a home game where the total is posted at 6 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-05-19 | Hurricanes v. Flyers +102 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 102 | 10 h 0 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #2 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes got off to a fast start out of the gates this season as they won 5 straight. However, the Canes have since lost 5 of 9 games and they are over-valued in this spot in my opinion. Keep in mind, the 4 wins Carolina has in their past 9 games have included 3 against struggling teams (Chi, LA, Det) whom have a combined 13 wins in 43 games this season! The Hurricanes have won just half their road games and have lost 3 of their 5 divisional games this season. You can see why I am liking the home dog Flyers in this one. They are off a tough shootout loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday but this is a Philly team that entered that game having won 4 of 6 games overall. Also, the Flyers are 4-1-1 in home games this season. Coming off a loss and available at a value price here, Philly is offering super value in this spot. I rate this teams about equal in my power ratings and that means that getting the home team and not having to lay juice is a strong value. Look for Carolina to drop to 0-3 this season when they enter a game after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. As for the Flyers, they have one of the best shots on goal differentials in the league. Look for Philly to improve to 3-1 this season in home games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-03-19 | Flames +156 v. Capitals | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Revenge game for the Flames as they lost at home to the Capitals less than two weeks ago. That actually marked the 3rd time in the last 4 meetings that the road team has won and that is what I am forecasting here at a very attractive plus money price. Calgary is in a back to back spot here, 3-0 shutout at Columbus last night, but they have won 41 of 69 when off a non-conference game. Also, the Flames have won 16 of their last 21 Sunday games. The Capitals penalty kill has been strong this season but Calgary's has been even stronger! The Flames big rally for a 6-5 win at Nashville Thursday has lit a fire under this team and it continued to burn bright in their 3-0 shutout win over the Blue Jackets. Other than the high-scoring win over the Predators, the other 3 Flames games on the first 4 games of this road trip have seen Calgary allow an average of just 1.3 goals per game! As for the Capitals, they are off a big 6-1 win over Buffalo but previously allowed 3 or more goals in 11 of 13 games! The Caps allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their 4 games prior to the win over the Sabres. Look for the stingy Flames to hold the Capitals high-powered offense in check and that will be the difference in this one as Washington's struggles in its own zone resume here and the road dog takes advantage and stays hot. I know the Capitals have a great season record and are off a big win but the value is with the road dog in this one as they will again hold a team "in check" for the 4th time in 5 games on this road trip. 10* CALGARY |
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11-01-19 | Sabres +155 v. Capitals | 1-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 51 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #19 Friday 8* Buffalo Sabres Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres have been waiting for this one. It has been a long wait since they blew a 2-goal lead and lost on home ice against the Coyotes on Monday. Buffalo lost that game in the shootout and when you lose a tough one like that you absolutely can't wait to get back on the ice and make up for it. That said, the Sabres have been chomping at the bit for this game and they'll come out flying. Buffalo is catching the Capitals at the perfect time for an upset too because the Caps rallied against the Leafs on Tuesday night at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto and got the win in overtime. With the type of win that Washington is off of and the type of loss that Buffalo is off of, it really sets this one up perfectly for a play on the big underdog. Both these hockey clubs are off to strong starts this season but the Capitals have won just 2 of their 5 games on home ice and the Sabres (a solid 9-2-2 on the season) offer tremendous underdog value in this spot. There is no way I would pass this one up in this situation. 8* BUFFALO |
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11-01-19 | Flyers +108 v. Devils | Top | 4-3 | Win | 108 | 8 h 28 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #17 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are angry off back to back ugly losses as they lost to the Islanders 5-3 and then the Penguins 7-1. Considering Philly now gets to take on a Devils team that has won just 2 of 10 games this season (no team has fewer than the 7 points New Jersey has), I have no hesitation in grabbing the Flyers at a value price here. Philadelphia already beat the Devils this season about 3 weeks ago at home. In their most recent trip to New Jersey the Flyers also won and the combined score of these 2 Philly victories was 10-3. Philadelphia already made some early season roster changes meant to deliver a wake-up call to everyone on this team and I expect them to respond very well on Friday night after getting thoroughly embarrassed by the Penguins on Tuesday night. The Devils have allowed 12 goals in their last 2 games and are hoping to turn things around this month. However, New Jersey actually has lost 44 of 72 games (including 5 of 6 this season) when they are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Also, the Devils have lost 19 of 29 November games the past two seasons combined. Both teams in bounce back mode here but the Flyers are the better team early this season and that shows up again on the ice on Friday evening. Play PHILADELPHIA |
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10-31-19 | Flames +140 v. Predators | Top | 6-5 | Win | 140 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Thursday NHL 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - The Flames blew a 3rd period lead and then lost at Carolina Tuesday. This was the 2nd straight tight loss for Calgary after having won 4 of 6 games. The difference was that the Flames felt like they let the game against the Hurricanes get away as they did not play that well and were especially outplayed in the 3rd period. That is the type of game teams respond to in their next game and, particularly coming off back to back losses, the Calgary will be bring a huge effort at Nashville tonight. They are catching the Predators at the right time for an upset. The Predators are on a winning streak and feeling a little too good about themselves at the moment. This is the type of situation when another team that is a quality club but coming off tight losses can absolutely sneak up on you for the upset win. Nashville is off a shutout in over a struggling Blackhawks team. The Predators lost 11 of 20 (-$6,200) when off a shutout in the past 2 two seasons before getting a win in that role for the first time this season against the Lightning on Saturday. In other words, off a shutout win, the Preds generally make for a good play against spot! Known for solid starts in recent seasons, the Flames are actually 24-16 (+$9,000)Â when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season. The big road dog also has a huge edge in the penalty killing department so far this season. The Flames will prove to be the hungrier team in this match-up and will be relentless as they bounce back to avoid what would be their longest losing streak of the season. 10* CALGARY |
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10-30-19 | Wild +160 v. Blues | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 28 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Wednesday 8* Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - This is a great value spot to back the Wild. Yes, it is true that Minnesota has struggled on the road this season and they are in a back to back spot, but there is a lot to like in this match-up including a +160 return price on the Wild. Note that Minnesota was up 3-0 last night at Dallas before the Stars got a goal late in the 2nd period that changed the complexion of the game. Dallas then was able to rally in the 3rd period and, of course, that strengthens the hunger of the Wild for tonight's game as they are very hungry to end their road woes. Note that Devan Dubnyk is expected to be between the pipes tonight since Alex Stalock was in the crease last night. That is noteworthy here as Dubnyk is the #1 netminder for Minnesota and he went 3-0 with a 1.32 GAA versus St Louis last season. The Blues are short-handed tonight too and off a 5-4 OT win at Detroit Sunday that could leave them a bit flat here. Goalie Jordan Binnington was not impressive in that start and now St Louis is taking on the Wild without Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues star is one of the best players in the NHL and could miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, St Louis is dealing with injuries to Alexander Steen and Sammy Blais. Teams are always gunning for NHL champs and with the success Dubnyk and the Wild have had against them recently as well as all the injury issues the Blues are dealing with (especially Tarasenko being a major loss), an upset is quite possible tonight. Minnesota is ready to bounce back after letting a 3-0 lead slip away last night and the Wild offer tremendous value in the +160 money line range for this one. 8* MINNESOTA |
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10-29-19 | Flyers +140 v. Penguins | Top | 1-7 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #69 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The road team has won 8 of the last 9 meetings between these divisional in-state rivals. Included in that run is the fact that Philadelphia has won each of its last four visits to Pittsburgh! The Penguins come into this game off a win but they had previously lost 3 straight games. Also, the Pens just returned from a 3-game road trip and often the first game back home is the toughest. While Pittsburgh is off a win, Philly is off an ugly loss to a red hot Islanders team. Though the Flyers Carter Hart again struggled in goal in that game, it is likely that the surging Brian Elliott gets the start in this one and he has been fantastic between the pipes for Philadelphia. Also, in regulation time this season, the Penguins have been held to 2 or less goals in 5 of their 7 home games! Overall, the Pens enter this game having averaged just 1.7 goals per game in their last 4 games. As for the Flyers last 4 games, they have won 3 of them and Philadelphia has averaged scoring 5 goals per game in those 4 contests. The Flyers production on offense has been the much more impressive of these two hockey clubs. Considering that as well as the road dominance in this series and there is no way I am passing up on a +140 price being offered to the Flyers here. I know the Penguins are getting a little healthier but they still have a ways to go and it takes guys awhile to get back to 100% even when they do get back on the ice in game situations and they have to get back to being a cohesive unit with the other guys on their line, etc. Look for Philly to make it 5 in a row at Pittsburgh with another solid road victory. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-28-19 | Coyotes +107 v. Sabres | 3-2 | Win | 107 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #65 Monday 8* Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - Similar to other sports, NHL wagering also involves an understanding of line theory to be successful long-term. That said, nothing is fool-proof nor does it work 100% of the time but the angle I have here is something that works more often than not. In this case we're talking about the "too easy" angle. In this match-up it looks "too easy" to take the Sabres on home ice laying a very short price. Even though the Coyotes are off to a solid start this season too, Buffalo has been even stronger and is leading the Eastern Conference standings and also a perfect 5-0 at home! That said, the odds makers know all this too and the reason Buffalo was set as such a short priced home favorite is because Arizona absolutely has a great shot at the upset win here. Long-term Arizona has won 23 of 40 (including 3 of 4 this season) when off a win by a margin of 2 or more goals. The Sabres are also off a big win but Buffalo has lost 24 of 33 after a win by 2 goals or more. Also, though the Sabres are off a win they had lost 2 of their 5 prior games and had allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their 3 previous games. The Coyotes are allowing just 2.2 goals per game on the season and they enter this game having won 4 of their past 5 games. 8* ARIZONA |
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10-26-19 | Blue Jackets v. Flyers -155 | 4-7 | Win | 100 | 9 h 11 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #40 Saturday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is about the upper limit of the money line range that I will go into. Note that as a result I dropped the rating down a little on this one (to a 7*) to help mitigate the risk in terms of laying a moderate money line price on this one. Even though both the Blue Jackets and Flyers come into this game having won consecutive games, Philadelphia has been the much more dominant team. Their last two wins came by a combined score of 10-3. Also, prior to this they outhshot their previous two opponents by a combined 91 to 38 in shots on goal. At the other end of the spectrum, Columbus has played 8 consecutive 1-goal games including 4 straight that were decided post-regulation. The Flyers also have revenge on their side here as they were swept by the Jackets last season. Look for Philly to make the most of this opportunity on home ice after building up plenty of momentum with back to back dominating wins including the most recent one on the road. 7* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-25-19 | Avalanche +145 v. Golden Knights | Top | 6-1 | Win | 145 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #21 Friday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 6:05 ET - The value is incredible here and that is why I have no qualms about going contrarian and releasing a top play in this spot. The markets are funny sometimes as this line opened up at a -135 with the odds makers fully aware of the fact Mikko Rantanen got hurt in the Avs game Tuesday and that he would miss this game. However, the betting markets still have pounced all over the Golden Knights here and driven this line up all the way to a -165 as of very early game day morning. It is Nevada Day today here in Vegas where I reside and that is why we have a special start time here with this one as it starts at 3 PT locally. The fact is that the Golden Knights were fortunate to rally for the tie and notch a shootout win at Chicago earlier this week. Keep in mind this was preceded by Vegas getting blasted in Philadelphia by the Flyers. In their most recent home game it was also a victory that came after regulation and that was against Ottawa. The Senators are considered by many to be the worst team in the NHL. So the point is that the Golden Knights have not been that impressive of late and yet their laying a very sizable price here against an Avalanche team that just suffered its very first regulation loss of the entire season! I'll gladly grab the big dog value here with a Colorado team that is one of the best in the NHL even without Rantanen on the ice. The Avalanche are particularly hungry coming off a loss and they've had to wait a few days to erase the taste of defeat. They'll be flying all over the ice in this one as a result! 10* COLORADO |
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10-24-19 | Flyers -106 v. Blackhawks | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 45 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #15 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Many will be backing the Blackhawks here as it is their lone shot at revenge against the Flyers this season after Chicago lost to Philadelphia in Prague, Czech Republic earlier this month. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am backing Philly in this one. The Flyers have been playing better than their record shows. They finally got what they deserved with a dominating win over Vegas in their most recent game. It was what they deserved because Philadelphia had outshot their prior two opponents 91 to 38 but come up short on the scoreboard in both games. The fact is the Flyers are playing better than their record would indicate early this season. Also, Philadelphia is getting strong goaltending from Brian Elliott and he'll be back between the pipes tonight. That is a luxury for the Flyers to have a strong veteran presence in addition to the young phenom Carter Hart. That said, it comes as no surprise that head coach Alain Vigneault is riding the hot hand here! As for the Blackhawks, goalie Corey Crawford is struggling this season as he is 1-3 with a 3.58 GAA. If Chicago chooses to start Robin Lehner, he has a 3.01 GAA in his 10 career starts against the Flyers. In fact he and Crawford have a combined record of 6-13 versus Philadelphia! Additionally Connor Murphy had been moved to the top defensive pairing for Chicago as he was next to Duncan Keith. However, Murphy now got hurt and the Blackhawks had to recall a defenseman from the AHL. Chicago is off a disheartening loss to Vegas Tuesday as they gave up a late tying goal and then lost in the shootout. The Blackhawks slump continues here as I am forecasting them to lose for the 6th time in 8 games this season while the Flyers continue dominating in shots on goal differential (+9 per game is #2 in NHL!) and get the win here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-23-19 | Red Wings v. Senators -122 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 28 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #62 Wednesday 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line (-) vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - Tough spot for the Red Wings as they are in a back to back situation. Making matters worse is how they lost last night's game on home ice. Detroit entered the 3rd period up 2-0. The final score of the game was 5-2 and the Red Wings were on the wrong end of that as they gave up 5 goals to the Canucks in the 3rd period. Those are the type of defeats that are very tough to bounce back from and this is particularly true when you're facing a rested team that is also desperate for a win. The Senators on home ice will be ready to go here and they have the fresher legs. Also, Detroit could be a little short-handed in this one as they lost Danny Dekeyser to injury in last night's game versus Vancouver. Since this is a back to back, it is expected that Jonathan Bernier will get the start in between the pipes for the Red Wings. He has made 4 starts this season and continues a pattern of alternating good starts with bad starts. For what its worth he is off a good start so you know what is likely here. Keep in mind he lost 23 of his 32 decisions last season and compiled a 3.16 GAA. This season Bernier has a 3.02 GAA and he'll likely be opposed by Senators red hot goalie Anders Nilsson whom has stopped 93 of 97 shots he has faced in his last two starts. Detroit has lost 47 of 66 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Red Wings also have lost 17 of 27 when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. In a road game with a total posted at 6 or more goals, Detroit has lost 28 of 41. The home team has won 7 of the last 10 meetings and that trend continues here. Lay the short price! 10* OTTAWA |
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10-22-19 | Golden Knights -121 v. Blackhawks | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #57 Tuesday 10* Top Play Vegas Golden Knights Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - I successfully went against Vegas last night as they used a #3 goalie and the desperate Flyers (had outshot each of their last two opponents by huge margins but lost both games) were in a great spot for a big home win. Philly got the big home win and sent the Golden Knights out of town with plenty of motivation for their next game. The Knights had defeated the Penguins Saturday in Pittsburgh and they want to finish with a successful road trip. To do so they'll have to get the W tonight at Chicago. Even though this is a back to back spot for Vegas they will have Marc-Andre Fleury back between the pipes for this one. Also, their only prior back to back situation this season saw the Golden Knights win the 2nd game of the back to back and that one was on enemy ice as well as it was at Los Angeles. The Knights have a big edge in special teams as, last night notwithstanding, they have been great this season. As for the Blackhawks, they have struggled with the man advantage and on the penalty kill this season. Look for the Golden Knights to improve to 3-0 this season when off a game which they lost by a margin of 2 or more goals. Chicago has lost 55 of its last 85 games against teams with a winning record and they are hosting the Knights at the absolutely wrong time (off ugly loss) and that leads to another defeat for the Blackhawks when facing a quality team. 10* VEGAS |
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10-21-19 | Golden Knights v. Flyers +110 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 110 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #34 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers hit a tough stretch after opening up the season 2-0. A trip to western Canada did not go well but Philadelphia did outshoot Edmonton 52-22 in the road trip finale. The Flyers then followed that up by outshooting Dallas 39-16 on Saturday night in their first game back on home ice after the road trip. Inexplicably Philly lost BOTH these games despite a combined 91-38 edge in shots on goal. These types of things happen but they are head-scratchers for sure and look for the Flyers to finally be rewarded for their efforts tonight. On Monday, Philadelphia catches Vegas off a shutout win over Pittsburgh Saturday. Vegas is 6-3 this season and off B2B wins but they have yet to win 3 straight this season as they are 0-2 both times they entered a game off B2B wins. Also, extending back to last season (and including their first round playoff exit at the hands of the Sharks), the Golden Knights have lost 8 of their past 12 road games! Superb home dog value here as the Flyers next home game is not until Saturday and they have a road game against a Western Conference foe on deck for Thursday. In other words, there is no way they are overlooking the Golden Knights and they also have revenge for a 1-0 home shutout to the Knights last October. Philadelphia held the edge in shots on goal in that game. Prior to that one the Flyers had won 2 of their 3 prior meetings with Vegas and Monday night they will get right back into the win column against the Golden Knights. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-19-19 | Stars v. Flyers -147 | 4-1 | Loss | -147 | 9 h 16 m | Show | |
No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #6 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Dallas Stars @ 7:05 ET - This one is in the upper limits of my typical price range as I shy away from going above -150 when laying a price in money line sports. In this case, I'll absolutely lay this price range as the situation is so strong. While the Flyers have been off since Wednesday, and that was a game they lost despite registering 52 shots on goal, the Stars will now be playing their 3rd game in 4 days as they played Wednesday and then also played last night at Pittsburgh. Tonight Dallas will become the first team to play a 10th game this NHL season and yet they have but 1 win on the season thus far which ties them for worst in the NHL. Now the Stars have to play a back to back and their playing a Flyers team that is officially 2-0 at home on the season (though one "home" game was in Czech Republic). The fact is that Philly will be extra hungry here after a disappointing road trip to western Canada. The Flyers have been waiting two days to get back on home ice and they're going to make the most of this opportunity. Phenom goalie Carter Hart was pulled in the game at Edmonton and he is a native of Alberta so was particularly disappointed in that performance and he can't wait to redeem himself here. The last time he was on home ice Hart delivered a shutout win. Also, he got the win and allowed just 1 goal in his lone career home start versus the Stars. When these teams most recently met (in Dallas), the Flyers lost 6-2 however and now it is payback time here in the absolute ideal situation favoring a home team in terms of tremendous scheduling edge. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-18-19 | Stars +123 v. Penguins | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 8 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #61 Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Stars are off a tight 3-2 loss at Columbus Wednesday and are a much better hockey club than their early season record would indicate. The Penguins are a off a tight OT win over Colorado where they won on a short-handed goal. Give Pittsburgh credit for sure but it was an unlikely win and I love the value we're getting with underdog Dallas here as this has a lot to do with their early season record that, as noted above, does not come anywhere close to being a true measurement of this hockey club. When on a losing streak of 3 or more games, the Stars have won 75 of 128. Pittsburgh, when on a winning streak of 3 or more games, is actually just 13-13 and that has cost Penguins backers $6,300 at a dime per game when in that role. The Stars end their losing streak and, in the process, put an end to the Pens streak! Penguins have been able to get it done without the injured Evgeni Malkin but the determined and hungry road dog will be the more intense team in this one. The Stars have dealt with a number of tight losses and are so much better than their record shows. Grab the underdog value here. 10* DALLAS |
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10-15-19 | Flyers +130 v. Flames | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 5 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #21 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Calgary Flames @ 9:05 ET - The Flames are off back to back losses and, in regulation time, Calgary has totaled just 5 goals in its last 3 games! The Flames have given up a total of 9 goals in its past two games, both losses, and now takes on a Flyers team that is fired up after their first loss of the season. While Philadelphia has had plenty of rest early this season (only 3 games thus far), Calgary is in a 3 games in 4 nights situation here after visiting Vegas Saturday and San Jose Sunday. The Flyers have announced they will start top goalie Carter Hart in Edmonton on Wednesday. That means the back-up, Brian Ellliott, will get the start here. However, Elliott is certainly not a big drop-off between the pipes. The veteran netminder is 127-68-22 in his NHL career with a 2.41 GAA and a .915 save percentage. I liked what I saw him from in the preseason too! The Flyers special teams work has been excellent early this season and, off a shootout loss, Philly is going to be highly motivated after having the past two days off. They want to get right back into the win column and continue their hot start to the season. Their puck possession and overall structured game has looked great early this season. The road team has won 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams and the Flyers offer strong underdog value in this spot. Calgary has lost 22 of 38 when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-12-19 | Flyers +103 v. Canucks | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 0 m | Show | |
Value Smash Pass - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #81 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Vancouver Canucks @ 10:05 ET - The Flyers have been playing very well early this season and also have fresh legs as this will be just their third game of the new campaign. They played even better in their season opener than the 4-3 final score shows and then were very strong again in their 4-0 win over the Devils in their 2nd game of the season. Now they take on a Canucks team off a massive 8-2 win. That huge home win leads to a little extra line value here because one should not forget that Vancouver lost their first two games of the season and scored only 2 goals in those 2 games. The Canucks have lost 34 of 52 when they are off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Also, that was a divisional game and Vancouver has lost 41 of 59 games when they're coming off a divisional match-up. The Flyers are a different team with the new coaching regime (Alain Vigneault and assistants combining for NHL leading tenure in experience) and I look for the road team to continue their rock solid start to the season tonight in British Columbia. Look for Carter Hart to have another superb game between the pipes tonight as he has been "in the zone" early this season as evidenced by his shutout (including unbelievable save) against the Devils in the big win over New Jersey. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-11-19 | Islanders +160 v. Hurricanes | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #55 Friday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - This is simply way too much value to pass up on. Yes the Hurricanes are 4-0 on the season but EACH of their first THREE wins came AFTER regulation! Now, finally off their first truly impressive win of the season (6-3 at Florida), the Canes take on a revenge minded Islanders team fully capable of an upset road win here. Last spring in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, Carolina swept the Isles right out of the play-offs. Keep in mind the Islanders are coached by Barry Trotz. Yes, the same Trotz whom led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Championship over the Golden Knights the season before! The Isles probably got caught looking ahead to this game as they are off their worst game of this young season as they lost 5-2 to Edmonton. New York is known for being stingy when it comes to allowing goals. That said, the fact the Oilers got 5 on them isn't sitting well with the Isles. So here you have a situation where you get a huge underdog price on a quality team that is playing with revenge and off a bad game and facing a team that is off their best game of the young season and definitely over-valued at this point. I'll grab the dog in this type of situation every single time and note that Carolina also just lost Jordan Martinook to injury. Not only is he a solid right-winger he also is an alternate captain. His loss will be felt and he is out for 8 weeks or so most likely. Payback time here for an undervalued angry road dog ready for revenge. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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10-09-19 | Devils v. Flyers -129 | Top | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #20 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers are well rested as this will be just their 2nd game of the season. Of course that is because their first game was played in Prague, Czech Republic and the fact it was on Friday means they have had plenty of time to adjust since returning to Philadelphia. The Flyers certainly weren't perfect in their season opener but they did look quite sharp and easily could have won the game by more than a single goal. Carter Hart looked sharp in goal and Philly really skated well in the game. I expect more of the same here and I expect Philadelphia to take advantage of a divisional foe that is off to a shaky start this season. After blowing a 4-goal lead and losing their season opener 5-4 to Winnipeg, the Devils then preceded to get blasted 7-2 at Buffalo. Unlike Philly, New Jersey has early season issues between the pipes as the Flyers certainly hold the edge in goal with Hart in the crease! This is Philadelphia's home opener and their only game on home ice until Saturday the 19th when they host the Stars! In other words, the Flyers surely want to make the most of this opportunity and I fully expect they will do just that. Both the Devils and Flyers are expected to be improved teams this season but, early on, it is the latter that is looking like they have gelled more quickly coming out of training camp. That said, the Flyers are the play here at a very reasonable price on home ice. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-08-19 | Stars +135 v. Capitals | Top | 4-3 | Win | 135 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #3 Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Capitals get Evgeny Kuznetsov back from his suspension tonight. However, I am also well aware that each of these teams has been involved in 1-goal games for each of their first 3 games of the season and yet the results are much different! Washington is 2-0-1 as they have yet to lose in regulation. Dallas is 0-3 as they have yet to even earn a point despite being involved in tight games in each of their first 3. I feel this has led to great underdog line value here with a Stars team that is much better than their record shows. You can also bank on them playing with a lot of emotion here as they are hungry to snap their winless skid that has opened this season. They have never even started a season with 3 consecutive regulation losses since over 20 years ago when the franchise was the Minnesota North Stars! Keep in mind, this is a team that is a top Stanley Cup contender this season. The Stars have had to battle with Boston and St Louis (whom battled for the Cup in June) and so an 0-2 start was not out of the question. However, Dallas is particularly fired up after Sunday's loss at Detroit to the upstart Red Wings and now the Stars, in my opinion, will play with plenty of "fire on ice" in this one! Grab the tremendous underdog line value here. 10* DALLAS |
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10-07-19 | Blues v. Maple Leafs -121 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -121 | 12 h 48 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #84 Monday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The situation here is set up perfectly. The Maple Leafs are off a home loss to the Canadiens on Saturday in which Toronto let a 4-1 third period lead slip away. The Leafs were playing the 2nd night of a back to back and it showed. Now, having had Sunday off with a day to rest physically and recharge mentally, the Maple Leafs will come out with plenty of fire tonight as they look to knock off the Stanley Cup Champs. This money line has dropped to the -120 range as of very early game day morning. I understand the move as the Blues are the defending champions and people witnessed the Toronto collapse versus Montreal on Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada. However, did you know that coming into this season the Leafs are projected to finish with more points in the season standings than St Louis. The fact is that Toronto is a legit Stanley Cup contender this season while the Blues are down a few steps from last season's team where everything clicked. Don't get me wrong as St Louis is still a great team but with them off a win and now facing a Maple Leafs team that will be very determined off a frustrating loss, I see this one going to the home team in a big way! The Leafs have won 37 of 60 non-conference games the past two seasons but the Blues have held the upper hand in this series. That said, the motivation is "off the charts" for the home team in this one and they have the talent and skill to finally "get over the hump" when it comes to knocking off St Louis. That said, lay the short price. 10* TORONTO |
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10-06-19 | Jets v. Islanders -129 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 54 m | Show |
NHL Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #80 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Unlike the Jets, the Islanders actually play a little defense. However, it is the Islanders that sit winless on the season (they have played just 1 game) as they lost their season opener to the Capitals. As for Winnipeg, after allowing 6 goals in their season opener (and looking soft in their own zone in that one), the Jets proceeded to then fall into a 4-0 deficit at New Jersey in their next game. However, in one of the most miraculous comebacks you will ever see, the Jets took advantage of the Devils goalie leaving with an injury and overall questionable play by a NJ club that has some young players, and Winnipeg rallied for the win. The Jets rallied to tie it in regulation and then won in the shootout. I love backing the Islanders here off a tough, hard-nosed 2-1 loss and facing a Jets team that is very fortunate to be 1-1 on the season as they are allowing an average of 5 goals per game. The stingy Islanders aren't going to allow the Jets to move so freely in the offensive zone. At the same time, Winnipeg's struggles in their own zone continue and the result here is a dominating home win. Lay the very fair home ice price in this one. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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10-04-19 | Blackhawks v. Flyers -114 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 22 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #26 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Chicago Blackhawks in Prague, Czech Republic @ 2:05 ET - Season opener for both clubs take place across the pond. Both already played a preseason contest in Europe to gear up for this game. The Blackhawks are known for their top line but there is quite a drop off from the top line to the remainder of the units. The Flyers also have a strong top line but there is less drop off to the #2 line from the #1 line. Philadelphia also has a goalie edge with Hart over Crawford and/or Lehner in my opinion. Coaching edge also goes to the Flyers with a veteran bench boss in Alain Vigneault giving them the edge over Jeremey Colliton. Considering these factors as well as the low price available on the Flyers, I won't hesitate to grab Philly here. The Flyers have not only won each of the last 3 meetings between these clubs, they have won those games by a combined score of 10 to 2. Look for another big win here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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10-03-19 | Jets +111 v. Rangers | Top | 4-6 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 11 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Sure these teams each made changes over the off-season but, even with all that, the Jets are projected to earn more points in the standings than the Rangers this season. Also, in terms of this non-conference match-up, lets talk about some home/road facts that also equate so solid value here. Only one team in the entire Eastern Conference had fewer home wins than the Rangers (18) last season. Also, only one team in the entire Western Conference had more road wins than the Jets (22) last season. That said, you have one of the top road teams going against one of the worst home teams and you're also getting plus money here. This is an opportunity I absolutely will take advantage of every time it comes up. In this case too I like the fact that New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist is coming off a tough season and I have the better overall team in this match-up. Winnipeg has won 37 of their past 65 non-conference games. The Rangers have lost 35 of their past 60 non-conference games. In terms of head to head match-ups, the Jets have won each of the past 3 meetings and have generated an average of 9 more shots on goal per game in their last 4 meetings. More of the same expected here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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06-12-19 | Blues +155 v. Bruins | Top | 4-1 | Win | 155 | 16 h 5 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - History favors the Bruins since they have home ice in Game 7 of this Stanley Cup Final. However, history truly doesn't decide games and the road team has won 4 of the last 5 games in this series. In fact, throughout this entire post-season, the road team in Blues playoff games has won 16 of 25 games! That is 64% winners for the road team and, as always, the line is shaded heavily for home ice. The result is huge value for the team that is playing on enemy ice. In this case we get St Louis in a +150 range which is a huge value when you consider that the Blues had won 3 of the last 4 games in this series before the Game 6 loss. Also, St Louis is 23-7 the last 30 times they were off a loss. The Blues are an incredible 9-1 the last 10 times they have been on the road off a loss! St Louis is also 23-10 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. When tied in a playoff series, Boston is a long-term 18-22 (DOWN $14,300). Truly they are over-priced in this spot when you consider how strong the Blues and goalie Jordan Binnington have been when coming off a loss. I am grabbing the big dog value in this one. 10* ST LOUIS |
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06-09-19 | Bruins +110 v. Blues | Top | 5-1 | Win | 110 | 14 h 24 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #11 Sunday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:20 ET - The Bruins lost Game 5 on home ice and everybody is ready to hand the Stanley Cup to St Louis now. But Boston actually outshot the Blues 39 to 21 in that game. Certainly St Louis goalie Jordan Binnington was a key to the win but it is not as if Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask played poorly. In fact, in the last 3 games Rask has allowed a total of only 7 goals while Binnington has allowed 8 goals. The Bruins did not get what they deserved in Game 5 but I expect them to bring the same all-out effort in Game 6 and this time it translates to a win. Keep in mind that the road team is 15-9 in the Blues 24 games thus far in the post-season. Home ice is always factored into the lines but having the home ice edge has been anything but an edge during the Blues run toward trying to notch a Stanley Cup Championship! The Bruins are 11-2 this season when they are off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Boston is also a perfect 4-0 in this post-season when the Bruins are trailing in a playoff series. Look for St Louis to drop to 2-5 on the season when they are on home ice in a game with a posted total of 5 goals or less. Since February 1st, Boston has lost 3 straight games only 1 time. Entering this game off undeserved back to back losses, the odds certainly favor the Bruins avoiding seeing their season end on a 3-game losing streak. 10* BOSTON |
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06-03-19 | Bruins v. Blues -110 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 15 h 31 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #8 Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - After getting demolished by the Bruins 7-2 on Saturday, the Blues would seemingly have no chance here. However, keep in mind, Boston went 4 for 4 on the power play in that game. Getting into the penalty box too often and also then not killing off the penalties led to a snowball effect that St Louis could not recover from. The key factor in Game 4 is that we have seen this Blues team respond after a loss throughout this post-season. When they won Game 2 in Boston, even though it took OT, they truly dominated that game even though it took extra time for the win. St Louis started Game 3 very strong in front of the home fans but then the collapse began and Boston stole the momentum. The Blues won't be so easily discouraged here in Game 4. I have seen the resiliency in this St Louis hockey club throughout the 2nd half of the season and into the post-season as well. Note that the Blues are 4-0 in this post-season when trailing in a playoff series. Going further back, St Louis is 10-2 the last dozen times they've entered a game off a loss. Boston has a losing record and down $3,000 the past 3 seasons combined when they enter a game leading in a playoff series. We saw what happened in Game 2 when the Blues were off a loss and now Game 4 is a similar situation plus St Louis will have the home fans behind them in this one. After allowing 4 or more goals, the Blues are 22-10 this season and Jordan Binnington and company will bounce back big in this one to, once again, even this series up. 10* ST LOUIS |
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06-01-19 | Bruins +105 v. Blues | Top | 7-2 | Win | 105 | 12 h 3 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Saturday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:00 ET - Bad news for the Blues is that they have the home ice "disadvantage" here. All kidding aside, the fact is that road ice has been the "edge" for St Louis in this post-season. The same holds true for Boston as the Bruins are 6-2 on the road in this post-season including a perfect 4-0 their last 4 away from home. The suspension of Oskar Sundqvist also is more impacting than it may seem on the surface. Yes he is on the 4th line but that 4th line has been a key contributing factor to the Blues success in this post-season and he will miss this game. He also is key part of the penalty-killing unit for St Louis. The Bruins are 33-14 including 15-7 this season when they enter a game with two days of rest between games. St Louis is only 6-5 this season with two days of rest between contests. Keep in mind, the Blues also really tilted the ice in their favor after an embarrassing performance in the final two periods of Game 1. Now it is the Bruins turn as they got embarrassed in the Game 2 loss on home ice. Yes it was only a 3-2 loss and it came in overtime but Boston was thoroughly out-played. This was evident in the shots on goal stats as, after those heavily favored the Bruins in Game 1 those stats were heavily tilted in favor of the Blues in Game 2. The Bruins are 7-3 the last 10 times they were off a loss and I expect a huge response here and the price is right for backing them too. Since they are on the road, we have no juice factor here with the road team! 10* BOSTON |
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05-29-19 | Blues +155 v. Bruins | Top | 3-2 | Win | 155 | 13 h 11 m | Show |
Playoff Game of the Year - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are now already left for dead by many because they lost Game 1 of this series. What seems to be forgotten is that Boston was on home ice and they were supposed to win Game 1. After all, the Bruins have now won 8 straight games and were a significant money line favorite in Game 1 and the same holds true in Game 2. However, one should not forget that St Louis entered this series having won 7 of their 9 post-season road games. The Blues have not lost back to back road games this entire post-season. St Louis was solid in the first period of Game 1 and then gave themselves a nice 2-goal lead early in the 2nd period. However, the Blues did not look the same after that and after the Bruins swung momentum by finally getting their first goal it was an ugly game for St Louis. They'll be much better in Game 2. Goalie Jordan Binnington played very well in Game 1 for the Blues. As for Boston goalie Tuukka Rask, he was hardly tested. That changes in Game 2. When the betting masses have already made a decision about a series that is when I like to be on the other side. The point is the Bruins played a great game after being down 2-0 on Monday. As a result, the betting market is already penciling in Boston as the Stanley Cup Champs. I am certainly not saying that won't happen but I look for a much different game Wednesday and I expect the Blues to find a way to even this series up. In recent seasons, when leading in a playoff series, Boston is only 6-6. Over the same time period, St Louis is 5-2 when trailing in a playoff series and that includes a perfect 3-0 in this post-season! The Blues are also 21-10 after a game in which they allowed 4 goals or more. Give me the big dog for a big play here and this game will surprise many! 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-19-19 | Blues +120 v. Sharks | Top | 5-0 | Win | 120 | 8 h 42 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #21 Sunday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 3:05 ET - The Sharks look like an easy choice here, right? They managed to even the series up by winning Game 3 at St Louis and they now have the home ice edge again in the series as a result. However, I love the Blues in this spot. The reasons are multiple. For one thing Erik Karlsson is a key player for San Jose and he does have an injury issue right now. A lot of details are currently known in terms of his availability today but, even if he plays, he is nowhere close to 100%. The key here is that the Sharks had a chance to go in for the kill against the Blues in Game 4 and take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Blues were on the ropes after a frustrating Game 3 loss. In my mind Game 4 was the game for the Sharks to put away St Louis as the Blues would have been fragile mentally after the way they felt they lost Game 3 in OT on a missed call. As it turns out, San Jose failed to take advantage of the situation and St Louis has new life in this series and they will play like it today. Keep in mind the Sharks blew leads of 2-0 and 3-1 in Game 3 of this series and were a bit fortunate to get the win. Then in Game 4 San Jose was down 1-0 right away and eventually 2-0 and they never managed to tie it up. There is a lot to like about the way the Blues have been playing and I am happy to grab them at the underdog price. What about the home ice edge you say? Well the road team is 11-6 in St Louis' playoff games in this post-season! Also, the Blues have won 6 of their 8 playoff road games. 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-17-19 | Sharks +124 v. Blues | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
Playoff Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #17 Friday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - On the one hand, many will be looking at the Blues to bounce back here on home ice in Game 4 after the way Game 3 finished. In that game Wednesday St Louis allowed the tying goal with just a minute to go in the 3rd period and then gave up a controversial game-winning goal in overtime. However, I view this quite differently. First off, the Sharks have all the momentum off that win. Secondly, San Jose twice had a two goal lead in that game (up 2-0 and up 3-1) and they know they never even should have put themselves in that spot. Thirdly, all the pressure on the Blues here as they know that going into a 3-1 series hole with 2 of the next 3 games (if necessary) on enemy ice would likely prove insurmountable. So the Sharks come into this game relaxed and confident while the Blues are putting a lot of pressure on themselves and still distracted by the Game 3 ending. Last, but certainly not least, I feel it can not be ignored that home ice has been a hindrance rather than a help in playoff games involving St Louis is in this post-season. The road team has prevailed in 11 of the Blues 16 games in these playoffs. Look for the Blues to drop to 3-11 in their last 14 games in conference finals action. Contrarian play I know but this has worked very well for me throughout this post-season. 10* SAN JOSE |
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05-15-19 | Sharks +125 v. Blues | Top | 5-4 | Win | 125 | 13 h 29 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #13 Wednesday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - After losing game two on home ice I am fully expecting a huge response from the Sharks in game three as this series shifts to St Louis. When tied up in a playoff series in this postseason San Jose has been fantastic as they have won 4 of 5. The Blues, prior to Monday's win, had lost 9 of their last 11 games in conference finals action. Also, the Sharks, prior to Monday's loss, had won 5 of the last 7 games between these hockey clubs. St Louis playoff games in this postseason have been dominated by the road team. With the Blues upset win in Game 2 the road team has won 10 of 15 games in St Louis postseason action this spring. I look for that trend to continue here with another road upset as the veteran goalie Martin Jones and the Sharks bounce back against the rookie goalie Jordan Binnington and the Blues. 10* SAN JOSE |
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05-14-19 | Bruins v. Hurricanes -110 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
Playoff Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #12 Tuesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - Desperate times bring desperate measures and you will see a desperate Hurricanes team doing everything they can here on home ice to get back into this series. Yes, the first two games ended up being ugly losses at Boston but remember that Carolina was also left for dead after dropping the first two games of their first round series with the Capitals. The Hurricanes responded by winning 4 of the last 5 including all 4 on home ice. In fact, the Canes enter this Game 3 match-up having won 7 straight at home and also 21 of their last 26 games as a host! Yes indeed, Carolina is tough in Raleigh and they also are 10-1 this season in home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Bruins have lost 6 of their last 10 (-$3,600) when leading in a playoff series. Shots on goal were equal in the first two games in this series but Boston won big thanks to special teams play and, arguably, some shoddy goaltending on the part of the Hurricanes. Whether it is Mrazek or McElhinney between the pipes for Carolina you can fully expect a response from the home team in this one and a much better effort both in front of the netminder as well as from the goalie himself. We've seen this before with the Hurricanes and I don't see them being denied here. 10* CAROLINA |
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05-13-19 | Blues +118 v. Sharks | Top | 4-2 | Win | 118 | 12 h 6 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #7 Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 9:05 ET - With Blues rookie netminder Jordan Binnington off a rare awful game between the pipes in Saturday's game one, I fully expect a bounce back here. St Louis was annihilated 6 to 3 and the Blues (and Binnington for that matter) absolutely should respond huge in Monday's game two. Note that St Louis has won 19 of 26 when off a loss. Note also that the Blues won 19 of 29 this season after a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Of course St Louis will be desperate to knot the series at a game apiece by having a strong game here and the Sharks have not won a single time in this post-season when they enter a game with a lead in a playoff series! This situation has occurred 4 times thus far in the playoffs for San Jose and they have lost all 4 times. I am forecasting that streak going to 0-5 for the Sharks tonight as the Blues bounce back after an embarrassing gone one loss. 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-12-19 | Hurricanes +140 v. Bruins | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 11 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #5 Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 3:05 ET - At first glance it looks like the Hurricanes got blown out in Game 1 but those whom watched the game know better. Carolina was up 2-1 going to the 3rd period. Then, early in that final period of the game the Canes made the mistake of becoming undisciplined and ending up in the penalty box. Very quickly a 2-1 lead turned into a 3-2 deficit. Then very late in the game two late goals (including an empty netter) turned the game into a 5-2 final. On Sunday, after an extra day of rest between games for the Hurricanes to become even more fired up about how they let that game get away from them, I look for the Canes to put it together for a full 60 minutes in Game 2! Carolina has won 39 of 57 games since December 31st. The Hurricanes are 11-3 the last 14 times they've entered a game off a loss. The Bruins, prior to winning Thursday's series opener, had actually lost 5 of their last 9 on home ice. The Hurricanes, prior to the Game 1 loss, had won 3 straight road games. That said, there is great value with the road dog in this match-up. Boston has lost 6 of 9 when leading in a playoff series and the Canes have won 3 of 4 when trailing in a playoff series. 10* CAROLINA |
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05-11-19 | Blues +116 v. Sharks | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 5 m | Show | |
National TV Blowout - Rickenbach NHL Rotation #3 Saturday 8* St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are 5-1 in road games in this post-season. In all St Louis playoff games in the first two rounds the road team went 9-4. The Blues are 20-9 their last 29 games against teams with a winning record. On the full season the Sharks went just 21-21 against teams with a winning record. San Jose is 13-11 (down $5,800) when playing with two days rest between games this season. St Louis is 7-3 (up $2,400) when playing with three days rest between games this season. The way the Blues have functioned so well on the road throughout these playoffs as well as the fact they have an extra day of rest here and considering their better performance (compared to the Sharks) against winning teams, the value in this match-up is with the road dog. 8* ST LOUIS |
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05-08-19 | Avalanche +123 v. Sharks | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 17 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Wednesday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 9:05 ET - San Jose has scored only 4 non-power plays goals in the last 3 games of this series! Colorado has scored 7 non-power play goals in the most recent 3 games in this series. One could certainly make a valid argument that the Avalanche are taking better advantage of scoring opportunities in 5 on 5 hockey and that difference is averaging a goal per game since this series passed the midway point. That said, in what is likely to be a tight, hard-fought Game 7 give me the underdog that also is averaging a goal per game more than their opponent in 5 on 5 action the last 3 games. The Avalanche were left for dead when down 2-1 in this series after a home loss in Game 3 but Colorado has battled back and shown their resilience. Keep in mind, the Sharks were a bigger favorite in Games 2 and 5 on home ice that what they are in Game 7. Why do you think that is? Do you think the odds makers made a mistake? Of course not. Anything can happen in a game once they drop the puck of course BUT the fact is the odds makers are expecting the same thing sharp bettors are in this match-up. That is...an Avalanche upset is quite probable hence the lower money line (opened as low as -123 in big books) on this game. Now this line is a high as a -145 in some spots and I love the value with the road dog as the Avs have tilted the ice in their favor in recent games. Also, the back to back 7 game series battles the Sharks are dealing with (remember the crazy Game 7 versus Vegas?) is going to ultimately prove to be too much for San Jose as they get worn down here. Keep in mind, the Avalanche dispatched of the Flames in 5 games in the opening round and had a full week off between the first round and second round. 10* COLORADO |
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05-07-19 | Stars +123 v. Blues | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Home ice hasn't meant much at all in this series and that was also the case in the first round series for the Blues when they eliminated the Jets. The fact is that with the St Louis win at Dallas Sunday, the road team is now 9-3 in the Blues 12 playoff games. So simply based on current trending you have a St Louis team laying a -140 price even though the home team has lost 75% of the time in Blues games this post-season. Simply on value alone one could not win an argument that the Stars are not the correct choice in this game from a betting standpoint. There is even more support too however. I like the fact that we have Ben Bishop on our side over Jordan Binnington of the Blues. No disrespect to Binnington but this will be his first Game 7 at the NHL level. His counterpart, Bishop, was originally drafted by the Blues in 2005. Note that in 2005 Binnington was 11 years old. The fact is that Bishop has a massive experience edge compared to the Blues rookie netminder. Bishop is 28-18 with a superb .927 save percentage in his 48 NHL playoff games and took the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Finals four years ago. In terms of trending here, the Stars are 9-3 in their last 12 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. The Blues are 1-5 the last 6 times they were off a game in which they allowed 1 goal or less. 10* DALLAS |
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05-06-19 | Bruins +110 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 3-0 | Win | 110 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Monday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets were a great story this post-season with their shocking sweep of the Lightning in round one. Also, I have always been a fan of Columbus coach John Tortorella and his ways though some may find him abrasive. To me his more of an old-school coach and there is not enough of the old-school mentality left in professional sports and we need it! With all that said however, the Bruins are the better team in this series with more post-season experience and their starting to impose their will in this series. As a result, the Jackets season ends tonight. Boston has now scored 4 goals in back to back games to rally back from a 2-1 deficit and take a 3-2 series lead. To put that in proper perspective, the Blue Jackets haven't scored 4 goals a single time in this series. Also, all the pressure is on Columbus here. They need to win to extend the series while the Bruins come in loose and relaxed as they have won two straight games and still have Game 7 in their back-pockets should it be needed. From the standpoint of the mentality of each team approaching this game, the Bruins hold a huge edge. Also, Boston finally has their top line and big guns going again in this series and that has their confidence level extremely high which, in turn, makes the Bruins very dangerous. Since Game 6 is at Columbus we also get line value here because that makes Boston a dog in this one and that is why I am elevating this play to my highest rating. The Bruins have won 25 of 36 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Blue Jackets have lost 8 of 12 in franchise history when trailing in a playoff series and Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is now officially "rattled" after what has transpired the past two games. 10* BOSTON |
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05-05-19 | Blues +111 v. Stars | Top | 4-1 | Win | 111 | 7 h 47 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Sunday 10* St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 3:05 ET - The recipe for success in the Blues post-season from a wagering standpoint is simply to play the road team in their games. With the Stars upset win at St Louis in Game 5 of this series, the road team has now won 8 of the Blues 11 post-season games. In terms of Dallas matched up with St Louis this season, the road team has won 6 of the 9 games. Considering those factors as well as the pressure on the Stars to close this series out on home ice, I like the road dog Blues in this one. Sometimes the pressure of closing a team out can be hard on a team and this is particularly true in a situation like this where a hockey club has Game 6 on home ice with a chance to end it. Dallas knows if they fall short they then have to go on the road for Game 7 and that is always a tough situation for a road team to win. That said, it may surprise you to hear this but the Stars are likely to be the team squeezing the sticks a little too tight in this one! They feel the pressure of needing to close this out in Game 6 and avoid a Game 7 on the road. For the Blues, they actually feel good about their series chances, despite the Game 5 loss, as they know they just have to win this afternoon and they get a chance to host a Game 7 which is always a nice proposition. Also, St Louis is off back to back losses in this series. The Blues are an incredible 12-3 this season when they enter game off 2 or more consecutive losses. The Stars are actually 2-5 the last 7 times they entered a game off 2 or more consecutive victories. The Blues have won 18 of their last 27 games against teams with a winning record. The Stars have lost 17 of their last 22 Sunday games! 10* ST LOUIS |
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05-04-19 | Blue Jackets v. Bruins -135 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
NBC Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Saturday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:15 ET - The Bruins are off a 4-1 win at Columbus. Not only has this swung momentum fully in favor of Boston as they head back to home ice with this series tied at 2 games apiece, note also that the only Blue Jackets goal that scored should not have even counted. Tuukka Rask has been dominant to say the least. In fact, the Bruins have now gone 7 straight games without allowing more than 2 goals in regulation! Conversely, Columbus has now allowed 3 or more goals in 3 of its last 5 games. Look for that, plus home ice, to combine to be a big difference maker in this critical Game 5. Boston got their top guys going in Game 4 and the shuffling of line combinations appears to have settled back into the Bruins going strong with their big guns now back on track in this series. That is bad news for a Blue Jackets team that has struggled to solve Rask in this series. With that said, though I normally play a lot of underdogs this is one spot where a favorite priced very fair (130 to 140 range) is offering plenty of line value to justify the investment. Boston has won 14 of 20 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Bruins have won 24 of 35 games this season when they are off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Blue Jackets are an all-time 1-3 when a series is tied up. 10* BOSTON |
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05-03-19 | Islanders +120 v. Hurricanes | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Friday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The mindset of the Islanders here is not what you might expect. Certainly they have not thrown in the towel. They know with a win tonight they remain alive in this series and that 2 of the final 3 games (if necessary) would be in New York. Also, although the final score looks ugly in Game 3, that was simply because of 2 late empty net goals. The game was tied 2-2 going to the third period and very easily could have ended up a 3-2 final. The fact is that all 3 games in this series thus far have been tight and the Islanders just haven't been able to get a bounce to go their way. Look for that to change tonight. I just don't see the Isles being denied here as head coach Barry Trotz (led Capitals to Stanley Cup Championship in June) rallies his troops here for this elimination game. The Hurricanes are 0 for 5 on the power play in the last two games while the Islanders are 2 for 5. The point is that the Canes certainly deserve a lot of credit for where this series stands but certain stats do you tell you that it easily could have played out much differently. That said, there is no significant disparity between these teams and I like the healthy underdog price here with the Islanders in a must win game. The Islanders are 14-9 this season after allowing 4 or more goals. The Hurricanes are 11-17 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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05-02-19 | Bruins +108 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-1 | Win | 108 | 12 h 52 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Thursday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins lost Game Three by a 2-1 count but all hope is certainly not lost. Boston's top line hasn't gotten going yet in this series and certainly some credit is owed to the Blue Jackets for that. However, Boston knows that with a win tonight they even the series up plus again have the home ice advantage with 2 of the last 3 games (if necessary) being played at Boston. That said, I see great value here with the underdog Bruins as Boston has gone 28-14 in recent seasons (including 10-2 this season) when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less! The Blue Jackets have been playing great and no one can argue with that considering they have won 8 of their last 9 games. However, Columbus has been outshot in 6 of their last 8 games. The Bruins had won 3 straight games against Columbus (including Game 1 of this series) prior to losing two straight games and now being down 2-1 in this series. I am grabbing the desperate and hungry underdog Bruins and I expect them to have their breakout game here and turn this into a very interesting series as it gets evened up at 2 games apiece. 10* BOSTON |
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05-01-19 | Blues v. Stars -119 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 26 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #74 Wednesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 9:35 ET - It is now or never for the Stars. Although this is not truly an elimination game in the literal sense, it absolutely feels like one for Dallas. The reason is because if they lose this game on home ice they would then be down 3-1 in the series and 2 of the final 3 games (if necessary) in the series would be played at St Louis. The point is that this is about as "must win" as it gets for Dallas. That said, I like the resiliency the Stars showed in Game 3 in constantly battling back all game long even though they ended up a goal short when all was said and done. Dallas had won 4 of their last 5 on home ice prior to the loss Monday. Look for the Stars to improve to 3-0 in this post-season when they are trailing in a playoff series. The Blues are 1-3 the last 4 times they have entered a game leading in a playoff series. Remember that Dallas was down 2-1 to the Predators in the first round before rallying to win three straight games. Similar situation here and, though I am not saying the Stars are going to necessarily take 3 straight again, I certainly do see them responding off that loss. They are 5-1 the last 6 times they've entered a game off a loss. Bounce back time here. 10* DALLAS |
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05-01-19 | Islanders +118 v. Hurricanes | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 36 m | Show | |
East Beast - Rickenbach NHL Game #71 Wednesday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders outshot the Hurricanes 27-18 in Sunday's Game 2 loss and are now down 2 games to none in this series. After that tough loss, New York is going to respond strongly here and take advantage of a Canes team that is dealing with mounting injury issues. The injury list includes goalie Petr Mrazek being listed as out for this game. Curtis McElhinney is expected to get the start here between the pipes and this will be his first start since early April. Of course this gives an edge the Islanders. Additionally, the road team went 7-2 in Isles games in the month of April! Carolina has been strong on home ice but I don't see the hungry and desperate Islanders being denied here after a pair of tight home losses. 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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04-30-19 | Bruins +104 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 57 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Just like yesterday's play with the Blues over the Stars, I like to look for situations where I have the better team, in a favorable spot, and I can get them at plus money. This one checks the boxes on all 3 of those factors. Though there may not be a huge difference between these teams there is no argument really that the Bruins are the better team. The odds makers are telling you that. In Game 1 of this series Boston went off the board priced as high as a -150 favorite on home ice. Now, in Game 3, the Blue Jackets get their shot on home ice and they are priced as low as a -115 favorite. As for the favorable spot, Columbus won Game 2 so the Bruins are highly motivated to bounce back here and return the favor by getting a win on enemy ice in Game 3. As for the plus money price, Boston is available at +105 in some books as of early Tuesday morning. Again, this one checks the box on all 3 variables I like to look for when seeking value in betting. Since mid-March the Bruins are 6-2 when coming off a loss. Also, Boston is 13-6 on the season when playing with two days of rest between games and also 12-3 in Tuesday games. The Blue Jackets have been strong this April but the prior two Aprils lost 14 of 19 (DOWN $9,300 at a dime per game). Road teams were strong in the first round playoff action in the NHL and it has continued in the 2nd round with the road teams going 6-3 so far in the first 9 games. Look for that trend to continue here. 10* BOSTON |
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04-29-19 | Blues +104 v. Stars | Top | 4-3 | Win | 104 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - I like to look for situations where I have the better team, in a favorable spot, and I can get them at plus money. This one checks the boxes on all 3 of those factors. Though there may not be a huge difference between these teams there is no argument really that the Blues are the better team. The odds makers are telling you that. In Game 1 of this series St Louis went off the board priced as high as a -160 favorite on home ice. Now, in Game 3, the Stars get their shot on home ice and they are priced as low as a -115 favorite. As for the favorable spot, Dallas won Game 2 so the Blues are highly motivated to bounce back here and return the favor by getting a win on enemy ice in Game 3. As for the plus money price, St Louis is available at +105 in some books as of early Monday morning. Again, this one checks the box on all 3 variables I like to look for when seeking value in betting. Since mid-March the Blues are 5-1 when coming off a loss. Also, St Louis is 18-9 on the season when off a game in which the Blues allowed 4 or more goals. The Stars have lost 42 of 70 (DOWN $23,200 at a dime per game) when Dallas is off game which they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. Road teams were strong in the first round playoff action in the NHL and it has continued in the 2nd round with the road teams going 5-3 so far in the first 8 games. Look for that trend to continue here. 10* ST LOUIS |
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04-28-19 | Avalanche +125 v. Sharks | Top | 4-3 | Win | 125 | 11 h 0 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Sunday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 7:35 ET - In general, rest is a good thing. However, when it is too much rest it can lead to rust and that was the case with the Avalanche in Game 1 of this series. Colorado was up 2-1 and had a chance to really take over the game with a Sharks double minor penalty leading to a 4 minute power play. When the Avs failed to score on that the entire complexion of the game changed as San Jose really raised their level of play while Colorado, still a little rusty from the layoff, failed to do so. As a result, the Sharks scored the final 4 goals of the game and the history of struggles for the Avalanche in games played at San Jose continued. With full consideration to all of the above, the fact is that it was no fluke that Colorado won 4 straight games against a great Calgary team in the first round. While San Jose was impressive in managing a huge comeback in their first round series with the Golden Knights, the fact is that Vegas was not nearly the team this season that they were last season. The point being that I was much more impressed with the Avs series win over a Flames team that finished the regular season with the best record in the West. The Avalanche really elevated their level of play after dropping Game 1 of their opening round series with Calgary and they'll do the same thing here against San Jose. Grab the solid underdog money line value here. 10* COLORADOÂ |
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04-28-19 | Hurricanes v. Islanders -139 | 2-1 | Loss | -139 | 7 h 12 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Sunday 7* New York Islanders Money Line (-) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 3:05 ET - I don't see the Islanders going down 2-0 in this series on home ice. After losing a tight one in OT 1-0 on Friday, look for a bounce back from the Isles on Sunday. The Hurricanes are a long-term 5-14 in road games with a posted total of 5 or less goals. Carolina is also 4-8 after a shutout win and also 9-17 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Islanders are on a 14-2 run in April games and also 8-2 in Sunday games this season. The Isles are also 13-6 this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Head coach Barry Trotz (led Capitals to Stanley Cup last season) will have his troops ready to respond here on Sunday. 7* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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