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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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04-27-19 | Stars +127 v. Blues | Top | 4-2 | Win | 127 | 7 h 38 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 3:05 ET - The Stars limited the Blues to just 20 shots on goal in Game 1 but lost a tight game 3-2. Look for Dallas to bounce back strong here. Keep in mind, the Stars had won 6 of their 7 prior games against the Blues and that includes each of their 2 prior visits to St Louis. Overall, the road team had taken 3 of the last 4 games between these teams before that Game 1 home ice win for the Blues. In the last 5 meetings between these games, St Louis has scored a total of only 7 non-power play goals. Conversely, the Stars have scored a total of 12 non-power play goals in the last 5 games between these hockey clubs. Despite the Game 1 result, I still feel that Dallas has the advantage in 5 on 5 hockey and I still prefer having the veteran Ben Bishop in goal on my side over the rookie Jordan Binnington for the Blues. St Louis has lost 12 of 20 when they enter a game having stayed under the total in 3 straight games. The Stars have won 7 of 10 games when in a road game with a posted total of 5 or less goals. Look for another tight low-scoring game here with the road team again having the edge in shots on goal but this time it properly translates to a road dog win. 10* DALLAS |
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04-26-19 | Avalanche +111 v. Sharks | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 20 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Friday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 10:05 ET - The Avalanche have a lot of speed and their top line of Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Landeskog is going to give the Sharks trouble. This is particularly true with the Sharks coming off their emotional and physically grueling hard-fought series win over the Golden Knights. Keep in mind, Vegas has become a big rival for San Jose and I would not be surprised to see the Sharks a little flat or listless here after working so hard to get past the Knights. That Game 7 win featured San Jose coming all the way back from a 3-0 third period deficit and also featured overtime. That said, I like the underdog Avalanche in Game 1 as the Sharks are likely to still be "spent" from their first round series. Additionally, Pavelski (San Jose captain) is unlikely to play tonight while Colorado could have both Brassard and Girard available for this one. The Sharks are at home, have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these teams, and yet are priced very low in Game 1. Do you think the odds makers do NOT know what they're doing? Of course they know! Don't be fooled by the low line here as the play is to go contrarian and take the small road dog and that is precisely what I am doing in this one. 10* COLORADO |
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04-26-19 | Hurricanes +125 v. Islanders | 1-0 | Win | 125 | 11 h 56 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Friday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders are a great team and have been fantastic under head coach Barry Trotz. Of course it was Trotz that led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Championship last season before coming to the Islanders. That said, as strong as New York truly is, they are going to be rusty in this opening game. Practice is one thing but live game action is another and the Isles haven't played since wrapping up their sweep of the Penguins all the way back on the 16th! That is why, even though the Hurricanes are off an emotional upset win over the Capitals Wednesday, they are arguably better positioned for this opener than the Islanders are. Look for Carolina to be the crisper team and get the upset in Game 1. The Hurricanes are 12-6 (+$8,900) in 2nd round playoff games so they have some history on their side. Conversely the Islanders lost their most recent 2nd round playoff series in 5 games. Also, the Isles lost 5 of 7 games this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games and this one in particular is a VERY lengthy layoff! 8* CAROLINA |
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04-24-19 | Hurricanes +145 v. Capitals | Top | 4-3 | Win | 145 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Wednesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - As long-time followers know, I am a contrarian. In this series the home team has won all 6 games. So who do I have in Game 7? The road team of course! But it is certainly not without good reason. The Hurricanes, arguably (but many hockey experts would agree), have outplayed the Capitals in this series. Carolina has been physical and has seen their star players step up as this series has gone on. It is so hard to repeat as champions in the NHL and that is the uphill battle that Washington is in as they're simply trying to get out of the first round and I feel they won't make it. Very few series in playoff history go 7 games and see the home team win all 7 games. Amazingly this one has gone 6 with home ice prevailing every time. That streak ends tonight. The Hurricanes have stolen the momentum in this series by winning 3 of the last 4 games. The Canes also have won 21 of 32 games this season when off a game which they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. Overall, the Capitals have won just 10 of their last 19 games. Included in that stretch was winning just 3 of their last 6 home games in the regular season. The Hurricanes have outshot Washington 192 to 153 in this series and that includes outshooting them in 2 of the 3 games played in DC. More of the same tonight but this time it translates to a victory for the road team. 10* CAROLINA |
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04-23-19 | Maple Leafs +125 v. Bruins | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 27 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Tuesday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Why would this year be any different? The Bruins have had the Maple Leafs number in recent playoff meetings but this Toronto team is stronger than those while Boston is actually a step down from those teams. Additionally, the home team went 5-2 in last spring's post-season series but this season these teams enter Game 7 with the road team having won 3 straight games in this series and also 5 of the last 7 meetings overall! Home ice has not been a positive of late and I like the value with the Leafs as a sizable dog here. The Bruins are just 1-4 when tied in a playoff series. The Maple Leafs are 21-10 this season after allowing 4 or more goals. 10* TORONTO |
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04-22-19 | Capitals v. Hurricanes -109 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 13 h 10 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #90 Monday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - This is one series where home ice has actually mattered. The home team has won all 5 games and I don't expect that streak to end tonight. Carolina is off an embarrassing 6-0 loss at Washington in Saturday's Game 5 and they're ready to respond here. The Hurricanes are 9-1 this season in home games with posted total of 5.5 goals. Also, the Capitals have lost 5 of their last 9 road games. The Canes have won 18 of their last 24 home games. Included in that stretch for Carolina is 4 straight wins on home ice by a combined score of 17-4. Look for a big response here after the embarrassing Game 5 loss. Note that the Hurricanes did actually outshoot the Caps in that game but were done in by Washington going 3 for 4 on the power play. The Canes have outshot the Capitals by an average margin of 5.6 shots on goal per game in this series. The special teams problems for the Hurricanes Saturday are unlikely to be repeated here as they have held opponents to just 2 for 15 on the power play in their last 6 home games. Look for the home team to make it 6 in a row in this series. There are some injury issues for each side but one could argue the TJ Oshie injury for the Capitals is the biggest one. 10* CAROLINA |
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04-21-19 | Sharks +165 v. Golden Knights | Top | 2-1 | Win | 165 | 10 h 48 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #83 Sunday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 7 ET - Great line value here as the Sharks are back in business with the 5-2 win in Game 5. With just one upset win (here on the road in Vegas), the Sharks can send this series to a Game 7 where San Jose would also have the benefit of home ice. That said, there is a lot of pressure on Marc Andre Fleury and the Golden Knights to bounce back and close this series on home ice. Vegas certainly doesn't want to even think about having to play Game 7 on the road at San Jose but that is what will happen should they fall short today. The point being the pressure is not just on the team facing elimination here. The Golden Knights also know (and feel) what it as stake here. San Jose did drop the two games in this series played at Vegas but they wrapped up the regular season 10-5 in their last 15 road games. The Golden Knights, after the loss in Game 5, have now lost 9 of their last 13 games. Also, goalie Martin Jones got his confidence back with his performance Thursday and the Sharks also have some added confidence after handing Fleury his second sub-par performance in the 5 games in this series. Look for 3rd one here and grab the huge value available with this big dog. 10* SAN JOSE |
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04-21-19 | Bruins +111 v. Maple Leafs | 4-2 | Win | 111 | 6 h 8 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Sunday 8* Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 3:05 ET - No team has won back to back games in this series. Also, the road team has won 3 of the 5 games so home ice certainly hasn't proven to be a big edge. I look for the Bruins to get the win at an underdog price here and even this series up. Boston has outshot Toronto in 4 of the 5 games. The Bruins are a long-term 27-14 (including 9-2 this season) when they enter a match-up off a game in which they were held to one goal or less. The Maple Leafs are a long-term 8-17 ATS including 0-3 ATS in recent seasons when they are leading in a playoff series. Taking a look at the 10 games between these teams the Maple Leafs have not won back to back games a single time. I don't expect that to change here either as the Bruins are fighting for their playoff live and won't be denied here. 8* BOSTON |
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04-20-19 | Jets +130 v. Blues | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Saturday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - A home team has won only one game out of the 5 games so far in this series and that was the most recent one which featured an amazing comeback from the Blues. Down 2-0 from the first period on St Louis managed to scored 3 third period goals (including one with just 15 seconds left) to steal Game 5. Look for the Jets to respond huge in Game 6. Winnipeg is very confident playing at St Louis and they really got to Blues rookie goal Binnington in Game 3 action here. Winnipeg has won 6 of the last 10 meetings and the only 4 wins for St Louis each have come by a single goal margin. As for the Jets, their 6 wins have come by an average victory margin of 3 goals per victory which of course shows a huge difference in terms of which team has shown the ability to dominate for longer stretches in meetings between these teams! St Louis has only 3 goals in the past 3 games that have come in 5 on 5 hockey. The Jets 10 goals the last 3 games have only included 1 goal that came on the power play. The point is that, without the man advantage, the Jets have been the much more dangerous team in terms of goal-scoring ability and I look for that to key a road win to send this series back north of the border for a massive Game 7. Grab the road dog at a great price! 10* WINNIPEG |
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04-20-19 | Stars +130 v. Predators | 5-3 | Win | 130 | 7 h 8 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #77 Saturday 8* Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 3:05 ET - The Stars are off a 5-1 home win and now the series returns to Nashville where the Predators got the best of Dallas in Game 2. However, prior to that defeat, the Stars had won 8 of their last 10 road games. In other words, we're getting great line value here because this series (just as in many of the other first round series) has proven to show that home ice is not a key factor. The Predators have won just half their games on home ice since Christmas! Nashville has scored only 2 power play goals in their last 15 games! The Stars scored more than that in just the last game alone. In fact, Dallas is a red hot 13 of 40 on the power play in their last 11 games! Special teams can play a key role in tight low-scoring games and that is the type of match-up expected here on Saturday in this key Game 5 with the series knotted at 2 games apiece. Long-term the Predators have lost 15 of 23 games when knotted up in a playoff series and one could argue the pressure is all on Nashville here as they are at home and off an ugly Game 4 loss and losing on home ice would put them in a tough spot heading to Dallas for Game 6. I look for the Stars surge to continue here. 8* DALLAS |
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04-18-19 | Capitals v. Hurricanes -120 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 34 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Thursday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (-) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - It is so hard to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. Now of course I know Washington is a long way off from that as this is only the first round of this post-season but that is noteworthy for a couple reasons. The strong hunger that you saw from Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals last spring is simply not there this spring. After finally reaching the ultimate prize you certainly want to do it again but it is just the same. This is especially true when you lost your head coach to a division rival. The Islanders now have coach Barry Trotz and he just led them to a sweep of the Penguins and the Isles, of course, are loaded with players very hungry to taste post-season success. So the key point being, the Capitals are not the same team they once were and the Hurricanes are ready to even this series up. Keep in mind the only game Washington outshot the Canes was Game 2 but that was by a very slim margin and the Capitals managed to get an OT win. In the other two games the Caps have been outshot 74 to 36. You read that right, the Hurricanes had more than DOUBLE the amount of shots that Washington had in those 2 games. The point is that the Capitals are fortunate to even be up in this series. After Thursday's game, they won't! Look for the home team to improve to 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. 10* CAROLINA |
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04-17-19 | Bruins +109 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 6-4 | Win | 109 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs got the best of the Bruins in Game 3 in a very tight battle. However, entering that game Boston had taken 5 of the last 7 meetings. It has been awhile since Toronto has won 2 straight in this rivalry match-up and it is not something that happens frequently. I look for the Bruins to get back on track with a determined effort on the road as they know falling into a 3-1 series hole would be very tough to come back from. Keep in mind, the Maple Leafs have not been a great team on home ice. Toronto actually was better this season on the road than at home. Prior to the win in Game 3, the Leafs had lost 5 of their last 7 games on home ice. The Bruins, prior to their loss in Game 3, had won 5 of their last 7 games on enemy ice. Long-term, when trailing in a playoff series the Bruins are 26-18 while the Maple Leafs, when leading in a playoff series, are a poor 8-16. When Boston enters a game against Toronto playing with revenge from losing to the Leafs in their prior meeting, the Bruins have won 5 of the last 6 times. I look for that trend to continue here as the Bruins top line is bound and determined to have a huge game after, for the most part, being held in check so far in this series. 10* BOSTON |
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04-16-19 | Lightning v. Blue Jackets +125 | 3-7 | Win | 125 | 9 h 38 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher Side - Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Tuesday 8* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - This is a great home dog opportunity. I know the Lightning now get Nikita Kucherov back but they still are likely to be without Victor Hedman plus Anton Stralman is still dealing with a lower body injury. Also, Alex Killorn is listed as questionable for this game. The Bolts are banged up both physically and mentally and now they're still laying a sizable price here on the road. You know the Blue Jackets badly want to end this now and avoid going back to Tampa Bay. They want to win this on home ice. Also, lets not kid ourselves, the Lightning are a very strong team and highly motivated here after dropping each of the first three games. However, are there not some match-up issues here? Note that since Tampa jumped out 3-0 in the first period of Game 1, Columbus has outscored the Lightning by a count of 12 to 2. In other words, the Jackets haven't just been winning the battles, they've been dominating! When the Blue Jackets enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games, they've won 34 of 47 games! No one wants to believe it will happen but John Tortorella has his team coming together fully at the perfect time and they finish off the Bolts tonight. 8* COLUMBUS |
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04-15-19 | Bruins v. Maple Leafs -115 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #30 Monday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 7 ET - I am well aware of the possible suspension of Nazem Kadri for this game and that it would have some impact on the Maple Leafs. However, Game 2 was very physical and the Bruins actually ended up taking the worst of it and have a couple guys banged up for this game. Also, the Maple Leafs have won 7 of the last 9 meetings with the Bruins in Toronto. I fully expect a strong Leafs response here as Boston surprised them early on with their physical response in Game 2. Though the Maple Leafs ultimately fell short it had a lot to do with digging themselves into an early large deficit. I don't expect that to happen again here and I expect Toronto to carry momentum from having weathered the storm as the game went on. The Leafs will be ready to respond here on home ice and are still feeling confident courtesy of getting one win down in Boston. Keep in mind, the Bruins won each of the first two games on home ice in last spring's playoff series with Toronto. However, after that, Boston never again was able to win two straight. Coming off a win in Game 2, look for that trend to continue here as the Bruins fall short in Game 3. Boston is very focused on playing a physical game and they have a strong top line too. But I like the skating ability of the Leafs and expect them to again use that to their advantage here like they did in the Game 1 victory. Long-term Boston has lost 101 of 175 road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Maple Leafs have won 19 of 29 games this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* TORONTO |
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04-14-19 | Jets +140 v. Blues | 6-3 | Win | 140 | 11 h 59 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher (Best in the West) - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Sunday 8* Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 7:35 ET - There is simply a ton of value here on the Jets. Yes Jordan Binnington has been the better goalie thus far compared to Connor Hellebuyck. However, that doesn't mean the latter won't respond here and, keep in mind, Winnipeg led most of Game 1 but then lost on a goal with about two minutes to go in the game. In Game 2, it was a tight game throughout and entered the 3rd period tied at 3. Once again, St Louis got the deciding goal in the 3rd period. Additionally, in terms of special teams play, the Jets are 2 for 4 on the power play in this series while the Blues are 0 for 7. So you can truly see how mis-priced this line is when you consider how tight this series has been as well as the fact that the Jets are going to go extremely hard in this game as they are desperate to avoid the dreaded 0-3 hole. Winnipeg has deserved better than to be an 0-2 hole at this point and the Jets will play like it here and finally get what they deserve, a win to get back into this series. 8* WINNIPEG |
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04-14-19 | Lightning -135 v. Blue Jackets | 1-3 | Loss | -135 | 11 h 52 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher (Beast in East) - Rickenbach NHL Game #23 Sunday 7* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Coming into the post-season everyone talked about the domination the Lightning had over the Blue Jackets in the regular season. However, it was based on the scoreboard results. Upon further review, Columbus actually led Tampa Bay by a wide margin in shots on goal cumulatively for the regular season. Now some of that edge was due to playing from behind and having to get shots on goals while the Bolts backed off. However, it wasn't the pure domination it looked like. The reason I bring that up here is because the same thing holds true in this playoff series. Yes, the Blue Jackets are up 2-0 and the Lightning are in one helluva predicament (also, Nikita Kucherov suspended for this game) but note that the shots on goal in this series are dead even so far. If any team can come back from an 0-2 hole on home ice it is the team that was the regular season's best. Tampa Bay also is offering great line value here because they are on the road and they are without Kucherov. Also, lets not forget the Blue Jackets had a 2-0 lead on the Capitals last season and then lost 4 straight games! 7* TAMPA BAY |
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04-13-19 | Hurricanes +145 v. Capitals | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 17 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Saturday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 3:05 ET - So far the home teams have only won 5 of the 12 games played so far in this post-season. Home ice always gets a lot of extra shading in the line and yet, year after year, especially in these first round series, it proves to be not so critical to the outcome. One of those 5 home wins that did show up was the Capitals knocking off the Hurricanes in the opener of this series. However, the Hurricanes outshot the Caps 29-18 in that game. Washington got a pair of power play goals plus jumped out to a 3-0 lead but Carolina didn't play nearly as badly as the 4-2 final score might lead you to believe. That said, I feel we're getting great line value here with the hungry Canes looking to even up this series with a big win in Game 2. Washington has lost 21 of 39 (-$8,400) this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Hurricanes had won 30 of their last 44 games prior to that loss and bounce back strong here. 8* CAROLINA |
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04-10-19 | Blues v. Jets -114 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -114 | 9 h 41 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #6 Wednesday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues finished the season as the hottest team in the NHL over the last 3 months. The Jets finished the season with some struggles. However, all that has done for us here is lead to some great line value. Keep in mind, Winnipeg is laying just -115 here on home ice and a lot of has to do with the current betting market appeal of these two teams. This is great line value on a Jets team whose blue line is suddenly healthy again. They just got Dustin Byfuglien back at the end of March and now Josh Morrisey is back for tonight's game after being out for an extended stretch. Additionally I like the playoff experience that the Jets have as they are still ultra hungry from being knocked out of the playoffs by Vegas last year as Winnipeg truly was (and still is) considered a viable Cup contender. I know the Blues are hot and have a hot goalie but playoff time can be a different animal entirely and St Louis goalie Jordan Binnington is getting his first taste of that. The Blues lost 12 of 21 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Jets have won 42 of 65 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals the past three seasons. Also, Winnipeg has won 28 of 42 April games long-term and the Jets have won 15 of 19 April games the past 2+ seasons. I am grabbing the hungry and undervalued home team at a great price here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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04-10-19 | Penguins -103 v. Islanders | 3-4 | Loss | -103 | 9 h 32 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 8* Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - This is a payback series for the Penguins. That doesn't mean they're necessarily going to win the series and get their revenge. But I do expect their hunger and motivation to lead to a Game 1 win and the price is right since they are on the road. The Islanders are coached by Barry Trotz and, of course, he led the Washington Capitals to the Stanley Cup Championship last year. Along the way his Capitals eliminated Pittsburgh from the post-season. The Islanders are the stingiest team in the NHL in terms of goals allowed but the Penguins have plenty of star power and those stars raise the level of their game come playoff time. The Islanders have lost 5 of 6 games this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Pittsburgh, long-term, has won 19 of 25 games when playing with 3 or more days of rest. The Penguins also have won 8 of their last 11 first round playoff games. 8* PITTSBURGH |
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04-06-19 | Hurricanes v. Flyers +127 | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 18 m | Show | |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #38 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - Yes the Flyers have struggled since being eliminated from post-season contention but, at the end of the day, these are still professional players whom still play for pride especially when the situation is right. Here they are on home ice and off one of their most embarrassing games of the season and are looking to finish the season on a positive note. They catch a Hurricanes team that has defeated them in all meetings this season and that is going to the post-season. Yes the Canes still have some motivation here because they can improve their playoff positioning. However, don't be surprised when the Flyers play one of their best games of the season for their home fans and wrap up the season a positive note. The home dog, behind a strong start from rookie goalie Carter Hart, finish the season the right way after pure embarrassment at St Louis in their most recent game. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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04-04-19 | Islanders v. Panthers +100 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #10 Thursday 10* Top Play Florida Panthers Money Line (+) vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This is one of those contrarian situations that leads to superb line value. We are getting Florida at home and not having to lay any juice and it is because the Islanders are the team that "needs to win" while the Panthers will soon be on the golf course rather than battling in playoff hockey. The point is that this often leads to false market perception and this is another case of that. The team that "needs to win" often is pressing a little bit harder while the other team is playing loose and relaxed and often becomes truly a "dangerous dog" as a result. That is precisely the case we have here with the Panthers. Note that Florida has won 3 straight games and the victories have included wins over two of the top teams in the East - the Bruins and Capitals! Overall, the Panthers continue to be tough on home ice as they have won 4 of their last 5 games as a host. The Islanders come into this game off a loss and they have lost 8 of their last 14 road games. I am aware that Roberto Luongo is expected to start in goal in Saturday's season finale and that Samuel Montembeault is expected to get the start tonight. However, prior to recent struggles in his last 2 starts (and one very short outing), Montembeault went 6 straight starts without ever allowing more than 3 goals. The Panthers have beaten the Islanders 3 straight times. Florida also is one of the best power play teams in the league while the Isles are one of the worst. The Panthers are 5-1 the last 6 times they've been off a win by a multiple goal margin and they stay hot here. 10* FLORIDA |
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04-03-19 | Senators +155 v. Rangers | 4-1 | Win | 155 | 9 h 58 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Wednesday 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - The Rangers have lost 14 of their last 18 games and yet they have risen to the 175 range on the money line in this game. Simply put, it is not warranted. New York has divisional games on deck with playoff-bound Columbus (potentially headed to post-season) and Pittsburgh to close out the season. If the Rangers were going to step up and do something it might be one of those last two games against a division rival including their home finale coming up next versus the Blue Jackets. The point is that, to be expect a huge effort here versus the team in last place in the Eastern Conference standings is asking a lot. This has led to great value here because the Senators have been playing respectable hockey of late. They have won 5 of their last 9 games games and 2 of the 4 losses came against the top team in the east and top team in the west - TB and Calgary, respectively. The Sens won 10 of 18 April games the past two seasons. The Rangers enter this game having lost 16 of 24 games this season when off a loss by a multiple-goal margin. 8* OTTAWA |
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04-02-19 | Bruins +122 v. Blue Jackets | 6-2 | Win | 122 | 6 h 22 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Tuesday 8* Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Great line value with one of the best teams in the NHL getting solid plus money. Keep in mind the Bruins still want to lock up the best playoff position they can and, off back to back losses, they have not done that. Boston needs a couple more points in the standings before they can let up. Also, there is another reason they won't "let up" here. The Blue Jackets, though they haven't clinched a spot, are very likely to make the post-season and a match-up in the playoffs between these two clubs would not be a surprise. The Bruins will want to assert themselves right here. I am grabbing one of the best teams in the NHL at a plus money price as they are still playing with plenty of motivation here. The Bruins are 8-3 the last 11 times they've enter a game off 2 or more losses. Columbus is on a 5-game winning streak, their 2nd of the season, and they've also had two 4-game winning streaks. All 3 of those prior winning streaks ended on home ice AND the Blue Jackets have not won 6 straight this season. As you can see, this is the perfect spot for their streak to end again...and it will! 8* BOSTON |
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04-01-19 | Avalanche +147 v. Blues | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 6 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Monday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Yes I am aware of the Mikko Rantanen injury and the fact that he is still out. However, the Avalanche have won 3 of the 4 games since he's been out. Overall, Colorado has won 6 of its last 7 games. This is a contrarian play of course because everyone will back the playoff-bound Blues on home ice over the playoff-hopeful Avalanche. However, the Avs will prove to be the hungrier team. Yes this game still matters to St Louis but they've at least clinched a playoff berth. As for the Avs they are still in a fierce battle to clinch the final spot. There is some history between these teams and playoff hopes but that only goes so far once the puck drops on the game. The fact is that the Blues are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights while the Avalanche come in well rested as they have had each of the last two days off! Colorado has allowed only 1.6 goals per game their last 7 games! The Blues have given up 2.6 goals per game their last 7 games. Both numbers are solid but you can see why I like the huge road dog value with the Avs here. The Avalanche got a big win in April last season but the Blues have taken all 3 meetings this season. That said, the scheduling situation here and playoff implications here make this one ripe for road dog payback! 10* COLORADO |
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04-01-19 | Rangers +108 v. Devils | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 28 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Monday 8* New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Rangers have not only won all 3 games with the Devils this season, they've dominated play. New York has outshot New Jersey by a combined 100 to 67 shots on goal in their 3 games this season. Both teams have long been eliminated from post-season contention but the Rangers are still giving effort as they've won back to back games and 3 of their last 5. As for the Devils, they have been a dumpster fire since late February! New Jersey has now lost 12 of its last 16 games! The Devils have scored an average of only 1.5 goals in their last 6 games. The Rangers have averaged 3.3 goals in their last 3 games and get another win over a division rival Monday. 8* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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04-01-19 | Maple Leafs +100 v. Islanders | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 18 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Monday 8* Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off back to back losses while the Islanders are off back to back wins. Toronto is an incredible 11-1 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. As you can see with that stat, their worst losing streak of the season is only 3 games and that only happened once. Don't look for it to happen again. The Maple Leafs have been one of the best road teams in the league this season and they are out for payback here in New York. The Islanders have taken it to the Leafs this season but this situation suggests revenge happens tonight. The Isles are 0-5 the last 5 times they've entered a game off 2 or more consecutive wins. 8* TORONTO |
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03-31-19 | Hurricanes +135 v. Penguins | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 33 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Sunday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 5:05 ET - Couple contrarian angles work very well in this one and we get line value with the money line underdog as the contrarian angles favor the road dog! The fact is that Carolina is in a back to back spot and that would seem to hurt them. But this Hurricanes team is an incredible 10-0 the last 10 times they have played the 2nd game of a back to back. The Canes have averaged scoring 3.9 goals per game in those 10 games! The Penguins are on home ice which would seem to favor them. However, Pittsburgh has lost 3 straight games on home ice and they've been held to scoring just a single goal in EACH of those 3 games. This game has huge playoff implications and while I do expect the Penguins offensive production to be better here, I expect the Hurricanes to be even stronger and make it 11 in a row when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. 8* CAROLINA |
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03-30-19 | Flyers +173 v. Hurricanes | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 42 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 1:35 ET - Though their hopes are slim, the Flyers still have playoff life and it certainly helps their cause that they're facing one of the two teams their chasing on Saturday. Not only is Philly at Carolina this afternoon, they host them again in the final game of the season. The fact is the Flyers know that with a win today they stay alive and this is a tremendous value spot based on the money line. Philadelphia's road record is nearly equivalent to their home ice record this season and yet Carolina is a 2 to 1 favorite in this spot. The point is that this is a high value spot to grab a road dog. The Hurricanes are feeling the pressure of trying to secure a playoff spot and have lost back to back games. The Canes are only a modest 4-3 in their last 7 games on home ice and they've been outscored by a combined 23-20 in those 7 games. Overall, Carolina is just 6-6 their last 12 games. Does that justify this -200 price? Absolutely not when you consider their facing a desperate and hungry Flyers team that just will not quit on this season. By the way, the Flyers have won 5 of their last 7 road games and they enter this game off a key home win over the Maple Leafs where they rallied from an early multiple goal deficit. Like I said, this team won't quit and they remain alive in the race with an upset win today. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-29-19 | Predators v. Penguins -123 | 3-1 | Loss | -123 | 7 h 42 m | Show | |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 8* Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (-) vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are getting healthier. Even if all guys aren't back on the ice yet tonight, the fact that they are back skating on the ice and very close to returns is also a mental boost for Pittsburgh. Both the Pens and Preds enter this game with 3 days of rest between games and the game is important for both teams in terms of playoff positioning. That said, I love the value here with the small home favorite as the Penguins were as high as a -145 on the money line but have dropped down to the -120 range this morning. Note that Pittsburgh has won 19 of 24 when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. Also, the Penguins are a perfect 5-0 the last 5 times they've hosted Nashville. The Predators are off a win at Minnesota but previously the Preds had lost 4 of their past 7 including losing to the Pens in Nashville. The Predators have lost 9 of their last 15 games against teams with a winning record. The Penguins are happy to be back home and they've won 8 of 11 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 8* PITTSBURGH |
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03-26-19 | Islanders +142 v. Blue Jackets | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 50 m | Show | |
Early Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Tuesday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This line on the Blue Jackets has gone from a -140 (which was already aggressive) all the way up to a -160 and it simply is not justified. The game is being priced as if the Islanders are not motivated here and that is absolutely not the case. The Islanders currently sit in the #5 spot in the Eastern Conference but if they top the Capitals for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division they can jump all the way up to the #2 seed! Of course this would be a huge benefit for the Islanders as they would be guaranteed of home ice throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs against every club except the #1 seed Lightning of course. That said, New York has plenty of motivation here and absolutely their situation is better than that of Columbus. That is because the Blue Jackets are playing with playoff pressure. While the Isles are very close to locking up at least a spot, Columbus is playing with a ton of pressure as they are currently just outside the playoff field and had been collapsing for quite some time before finally notching a win over the Canucks on Sunday. By the way that game was at Vancouver so now the Blue Jackets are off a Western Canada trip and the first game back east after a trip out west tends to be the toughest game AND this is especially true with only one off day in between! Before that win Columbus had lost 7 of their last 11 games and been held to 2 or less goals in 8 of those 11 games! The Islanders enter this game off back to back wins and are playing with confidence again after winning 7 of their last 11 games. They are back to playing "Islanders Hockey" and also have the Blue Jackets number. They've won all 3 match-ups with Columbus this season and it has been domination - combined score of 8 to 2. More of the same expected here but, even better, at a sizable underdog price! 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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03-25-19 | Predators -125 v. Wild | 1-0 | Win | 100 | 9 h 36 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Monday 7* Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Predators are off an ugly 5-0 loss at Winnipeg. Look for a big response here. Nashville has won 37 of 60 (including 11 of 17 this season)Â after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. The Wild are also off an ugly loss but a response is unlikely. Minnesota has simply been struggling for many weeks now. They've lost 8 of their last 11 games. The Wild have been held to 2 or less goals in 7 of their last 8 games! It is hard to win when you don't score goals! As for the Preds, they are off back to back losses but had scored 3 or more goals in 7 of their 8 prior games. We get line value here because Nashville is on the road. The fact is that Minnesota has lost 12 of their 19 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. Also, the Wild have lost 29 of their last 44 March games and their typical late season fade is well underway! Minnesota has revenge here but they have lost 22 of 35 this season when playing with revenge and Nashville has had their number to say the least! The Predators have won 4 straight over the Wild. Make that 5 in a row. 7* NASHVILLEÂ |
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03-24-19 | Coyotes +148 v. Islanders | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 11 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Coyotes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 3:05 ET - The Coyotes and Islanders both play this game with plenty of playoff implications. However, I like the fact that Arizona lost in the shootout yesterday in another non-conference game while New York is off a win in a divisional game against the Flyers. In terms of the set-up here, it is a nice one in which to back the Coyotes off a tight loss and fade the Islanders off a key win. Note that the Islanders entered yesterday's game having scored an average of 1.4 goals per game their last 7 games. Also, yesterday's game against the Flyers was one of the most poorly officiated games of the season with all the call going the Islanders way. They won't have that same benefit today and the officiating certainly impacted the outcome yesterday. Arizona enters this game on a 4-game losing streak and they are 3-1 this season when they enter a match-up on a losing streak of 4 or more games. The Islanders had lost 9 of their last 16 games prior to yesterday's win over the Flyers. The Isles are on a putrid 1 for 36 run on the power play in their last 15 games! The Coyotes power play hasn't been great but at least it has been substantially better than that as Arizona has notched 3 power play goals in its last 5 games. Prior to this rare tough 4-games stretch, the Coyotes had won 13 of 17 games and this is great line value here on the sizable road dog. The Islanders have lost 27 of their last 43 games played in the month of March. 10* ARIZONA |
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03-23-19 | Sabres +186 v. Canadiens | 4-7 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 36 m | Show | |
Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Saturday 8* Buffalo Sabres Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens are a 2 to 1 favorite here on the money line but, in my mind, it is not justifiable. Montreal is in a very tricky scheduling spot here as they are off back to back wins against two other teams in the playoff race and the Canadiens have a huge game on deck with another playoff-caliber team Carolina. That makes this a potential "pitfall game" for the Habs and, keep in mind, they had lost 11 of their last 17 games prior to those back to back wins. The fact is that Montreal has a knack for folding under late season playoff pressure and the Sabres come into this game as a division rival that would love to have a hand in keeping the Canadiens out of the post-season. Keep in mind, Buffalo is already a perfect 3-0 against the Habs this season and it is no fluke as the Sabres have outshot them by an average margin of 7 shots per game. While Buffalo will be playing loose and relaxed, the Canadiens are squeezing the sticks a little too tight as they feel the pressure. This is particularly true in hockey-crazed Montreal where the Habs essentially play under a microscope. The Sabres have shown the ability to surprise teams as their 4 most recent wins have come against the Blues, Capitals, Penguins, and Islanders. They were a dog in all 4 of those games and, though wins have been infrequent for Buffalo of late, this is the type of "step up" game in which the Sabres have excelled. Though some will argue that Montreal has revenge here, the fact is that the Canadiens have lost 80 of their last 131 (-$33,400!) when they're playing with revenge. 8* BUFFALO |
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03-21-19 | Islanders +136 v. Canadiens | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 43 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Thursday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - Yes the Islanders have a couple injury issues right now but the line move here simply isn't justified. The Isles are coming off a 5-0 loss where they generated just 13 shots on goal. Do you really think New York isn't going to come to play tonight after that abysmal effort? At the same time, the Islanders are one of the best defensive teams in the league and they're taking on a Canadiens team that has managed only 15 goals in their last 8 games! Montreal is off a key 3-1 win over the Flyers that helped solidify the Habs as contenders for a playoff spot. The Canadiens could have trouble coming up big again here and, keep in mind, the Islanders playoff possibilities range anywhere from winning the division to not even making the post-season. In other words, the Isles are plenty motivated here. The Islanders are 10-5 this season after being held to 1 goal or less in their prior game. Montreal has lost 13 of 21 this season when coming off a win by a multiple goal margin. Also, the Canadiens have lost 7 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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03-20-19 | Lightning v. Capitals +123 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 46 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #24 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Lightning already clinched home ice for the entire post-season. The Capitals will prove to be the much hungrier team here. Certainly Tampa Bay is not going to lay down in this game but the fact is that Washington is still in a dog fight for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division while the Bolts wrapped up the Presidents Trophy for this season by knocking of the Coyotes 4 to 1 on Monday. The Caps also are seeking revenge for their loss at Tampa Bay last week. Even though this is a back to back spot for Washington they'll be ready as they have had this game circled after losing 6-3 down in Tampa. That game was closer than the final score would indicate as the Lightning got two empty-net goals. Also, the Capitals went with Phoenix Copley between the pipes last night so that Braden Holtby would be ready to go tonight. The dog had won 6 of the last 9 meetings between these teams prior to the favored Bolts getting the win in the most recent match-up. The Capitals are 25-6 including a superb 9-3 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 10* WASHINGTON |
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03-19-19 | Canadiens v. Flyers -113 | 3-1 | Loss | -113 | 8 h 48 m | Show | |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #8 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - It isn't always a thing of beauty but the fact is the Flyers continue to find a way to stay alive in the race for a post-season spot. One of the teams also alive is the Canadiens but this is clearly a case of two hockey clubs going different directions. The Habs play in high-pressure hockey-crazed Montreal and the extra intensity of a late-season push for the playoffs certainly is getting to them. The Canadiens have lost 11 of their last 17 games. Also, Montreal has lost 8 of their last 11 road games! The Flyers have won 20 of their last 29 games and Philly has been particularly tough on home ice. Also, the Canadiens have lost 21 of 35 road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Flyers have won 13 of 22 this season when off a divisional game and, though off a big game with the Penguins, they've gone 2-0 L2 in their game immediately following the Penguins. More of the same expected here. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-16-19 | Blues +126 v. Penguins | 5-1 | Win | 126 | 1 h 29 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday 8* St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 1:05 ET - Pittsburgh has big game on deck with rival Flyers tomorrow. The Penguins are 0-3 this season in that situation (Philly game on deck) and have been outscored by a margin of 8 goals in those 3 defeats. The Blues are highly likely to be the more motivated and hungrier team here as St Louis enters this game off 3 straight losses and also they've lost their last two match-ups with the Pens by a combined score of 10 to 2. Definitely time for a little payback here. In a road game with a posted total of 6 or more goals, the Blues have won 12 of their last 18. In Saturday games this season, Pittsburgh has lost 13 of their last 20. Road dog value here. 8* ST LOUIS |
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03-15-19 | Golden Knights v. Stars +127 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher – Rickenbach NHL Game #26 Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - Too much value to pass up on here with this home dog. Yes it is true that Dallas is in a back to back spot but the Stars are battling for a playoff spot just like the Golden Knights are. That said, Dallas is tough to beat because they just don't allow many goals at all. The Stars have allowed a TOTAL of only FOUR goals in their last SIX games! Goalie Bishop was in between the pipes yesterday and Dallas has won each of his last 5 starts. Goalie Khudobin lost his most recent start despite playing well and each of his 3 prior starts were winners. As you can see, the Stars have been getting solid goaltending. As for the Golden Knights, they have been getting solid goaltending most of the time too but certainly not as consistently as Dallas has. Vegas is actually off a 6-3 loss that marked the 3rd time in their last 8 games that they've allowed 5 or more goals. People are grabbing the Golden Knights here due to their scheduling edge but, keep in mind, the Stars also have revenge on their side in this game. Dallas has been the better team in their own zone of late and the Stars are making a playoff push and are starting to believe! That makes for a dangerous home dog. 10* DALLAS |
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03-15-19 | Flyers +180 v. Maple Leafs | 6-7 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 6 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Friday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - Yes the Flyers are in a back to back spot and they did not get the job done last night at home against the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals. However, there is way too much value here with Philadelphia to pass up on. The Maple Leafs are a 2 to 1 money line favorite but the Flyers are 4-0 since the All Star break when they are playing the 2nd game of a back to back! Toronto enters this game having gone 1-3 its last 4 games. Philadelphia also is 9-1 in its last 10 games when off a divisional game! Combined 16-2 trending here favors a very sizable underdog. Won't pass this up! 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-14-19 | Capitals v. Flyers +120 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Double revenge spot for the Flyers as they've lost each game by a 5-3 count this season even though Philadelphia has outshot Washington by a combined count of 70 to 60 in the two games this season. The Flyers are still very much alive in the playoff race and have won 6 of their last 8 games. Even though the Capitals have also been hot, they are off a loss at Pittsburgh and are just 13-13 in their last 26 games. Look for the Caps to drop to 9-9 this season when off a game which they lost by a margin of 2 or more goals. The fact is that Washington is overvalued here as a road favorite here against a hungry division rival home dog! Other than the loss to the Capitals last week, the Flyers have won 8 of last 12 against teams with a winning record. They've been playing their best hockey of the season as they continue to make a push for the post-season. With Carolina and Columbus matched up tomorrow, the Flyers know they can pick up two points here plus see one of those two teams they are chasing fail to do so tomorrow on Friday. That means Philly can continue to gain ground with a win here and I look for them to do just that as the Flyers improve to 12-4 in their last 16 games on home ice. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-12-19 | Bruins -110 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-7 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Each of these teams are coming off a loss. However, while that is newsworthy for the Bruins, it truly is nothing new for the Blue Jackets. The fact is that Columbus is playing with playoff pressure and they continue to, more often than not, wilt under that pressure. The Blue Jackets have now lost 4 of their past 6 games and they've scored an average of only 1.3 goals per game those 6 contests! As for Boston, prior to their 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh, they had won 15 of their past 17 games! High-powered Boston had averaged scoring 3.8 goals per game in their last 13 wins. While the Bruins were off yesterday, the Blue Jackets were at New York getting shutout by the Islanders. That said, Boston has the rest edge here and Columbus has lost 8 of 12 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Bruins have won 25 of 37 Tuesday games including 9 of 11 this season. Columbus took 2 out of 3 meetings last season and it is time for a little payback here! 10* BOSTON |
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03-10-19 | Jets v. Capitals -130 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 40 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #28 Sunday 7* Washington Capitals Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals have won 6 straight games and have allowed only 1.6 goals per game their last 5 games. The Jets are off a big 8-1 win but previously gave up an average of 4 goals per game in their 9 prior games. That was part of a rough 3-6 stretch for Winnipeg. Now the Jets are playing right into the teeth of revenge as the Caps lost at Winnipeg early this season. Washington is the much hotter team, has been playing better in their own zone, and has been getting the better goaltending of late in comparing these two clubs. The Jets are 12-12 and down $4,400 this season after a game which they won by 2 or more goals. The Capitals are on a red hot 24-10 run in March games. 7* WASHINGTON |
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03-09-19 | Penguins +119 v. Blue Jackets | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 21 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Saturday 8* Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins continue to dominate the Blue Jackets. They won 3-0 Thursday at home and that makes it 13 of the last 16 games between these teams that Pittsburgh has gotten the W over Columbus. Overall, the Penguins enter this game as the hotter team as the Blue Jackets appear to be wilting under the playoff pressure. Pittsburgh has won 3 straight games and 8 of its last 12. Columbus has lost 4 of its last 6 games. Also, the Penguins have averaged 3.6 goals per game his last 13 games. The Blue Jackets have been held to 2 or less goals in 8 of their last 12 games. Once again, look for the Pens firepower to be too much for a Columbus team that continues to be guilty of squeezing the sticks too tight. The fact is that the pressure of trying to make the post-season appears to be impacting the Blue Jackets in recent weeks. The Penguins have won 6 of 8 this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Blue Jackets have lost 8 of their last 13 games against teams with a winning record. 8* PITTSBURGH |
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03-09-19 | Flyers +129 v. Islanders | Top | 5-2 | Win | 129 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - This line looks a little "off" and you know what that usually means. The fact is the Islanders are a very small favorite here considering they are on home ice. This is no mistake though. The game is priced this way because the odds maker sees the same thing I do here. The Flyers are very much alive in the playoff race but off a bad home loss to the Capitals. Philly needs to respond here and surely should. The Flyers had won 17 of 23 games prior to that loss. The Islanders won their most recent home game but previously lost 3 of their last 4 home games! They were held to just a single goal in all 3 of those losses! The Flyers have won 7 of their last 9 road games! The road team is also a perfect 2-0 in the match-ups between these teams this season and the games were decided by a combined score of 10 to 2. Look for the road dominance to continue here. The Islanders have home loss revenge here but have lost 10 of 17 in that situation this season. The Flyers have won 11 of their last 12 games when off a game in which they allowed 3 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-08-19 | Jets +135 v. Hurricanes | Top | 8-1 | Win | 135 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - The Jets have won 17 of 32 road games this season. The Hurricanes have won 18 of 32 home games this season. The point is that, of course, home ice gets factored into these lines but oftentimes that home ice factor is overvalued and I firmly believe that is the case here. Yes these teams are nearly equal on points on the season in the standings (Winnipeg slightly more) but while the Jets are battling for the top spot in their division, Carolina is playing with a lot of pressure on their shoulders. That's because the Hurricanes may not even make the playoffs. So with the Canes playing with playoff pressure and also having lost 4 of last 5 meetings with the Jets, I won't hesitate to back the sizable road dog in this match-up. In home games with posted total of 6 or more goals, Carolina actually has a losing record this season. Also, the Hurricanes have lost 27 of their past 47 games when playing with two days of rest between games. The Canes have lost 4 of 5 this season when they enter a game on an O/U streak of 3 or more overs. Winnipeg has won 25 of 39 when they enter a game with 2 days of rest between games. Also, after a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals, the Jets have won 11 of 17 this season. Look for the Jets to bounce back after a 5-2 loss to the best team (Lightning) in the NHL. 10* WINNIPEG |
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03-06-19 | Capitals v. Flyers +110 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #42 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - Home ice has been important in meetings between these divisional foes. The home teams has won 7 of the past 9 meetings. Even though the Capitals enter this game having won 4 straight games, they had previously lost 12 of 19. The Flyers, long-term, have certainly been the hotter team. Philadelphia enters this match-up having won 16 of their last 21 games. Even though Voracek is expected to miss this game tonight and Patrick also might not be back just yet for the Flyers tonight, they are off a huge 4-1 win over the Islanders Sunday that was played (essentially) without both of them. Voracek missed the entire game and Patrick got hit within the first few minutes of the game. Philly did get good news on both players and I would not be surprised to see Patrick back on the ice tonight. As for Voracek he is likely out until Thursday at least. But the point is the Flyers continued to play very well even without these guys Sunday. The Capitals enter this game off back to back road wins. Since the calendar turned the page to 2019 however, Washington has never managed 3 straight road wins. In fact, prior to these back to back road wins, the Caps had lost 7 of their past 12 road contests. The Flyers have won 10 of their last 13 games on home ice and one of those 3 losses was to league-leading Tampa Bay. Great value here with the home dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-04-19 | Oilers +114 v. Sabres | 4-3 | Win | 114 | 9 h 59 m | Show | |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Monday 8* Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres have more points in the standings on the season than the Oilers do. However, because these teams are in opposite conferences, Edmonton enters Monday's action closer to a playoff spot than Buffalo. Additionally, the Oilers psyche is the better of the two teams right now as Edmonton is winning again while the Sabres are mired in a long slump that has them headed into a downward spiral. Buffalo has lost 7 of its last 9 games while the Oilers enter this game having won 4 of their last 6. Last season the Sabres swept Edmonton by a combined score of 8 to 1. The Oilers got some measure of revenge with a mid-January win by a 7-2 win in Alberta but now they seek the road payback for last year's loss at Buffalo. Both these teams (including SO and OT losses) have more losses than wins this season. That is noteworthy from a technical standpoint because the Sabres have actually lost 10 of their last 11 games against teams with a losing record. Look for the Oilers to improve to 4-1 on the season when they enter a game off a shutout win. 8* EDMONTONÂ Â |
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03-03-19 | Jets +116 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 5-2 | Win | 116 | 7 h 6 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - Great value spot here with the Jets. The Blue Jackets are in a back to back spot. Columbus got blasted 4-0 on home ice yesterday. The Jackets are feeling the playoff pressure as they've lost 5 of their last 9 games. Columbus also has lost 7 of 11 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Winnipeg has won 8 of 9 games on Sundays this season and has the added edge here as they were off yesterday while Columbus was in action. The Jets have won 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. The Blue Jackets have lost 6 of last 11 games against teams with a winning record. Winnipeg still has a legitimate shot at being the #1 seed in the West this season. Conversely, Columbus may not even make the playoffs. I am aware that the Jets have struggled some of late but they are still the superior team in comparison with the Blue Jackets and the situational edges for Winnipeg are big here. Columbus has lost 4 of its last 6 on home ice. The Jets are 25-10 in Sunday games last 3 seasons combined so their ability to get it done (8-1 this season) on Sundays is not a fluke. Grab the value with the road dog here. 10* WINNIPEG |
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03-03-19 | Flyers +142 v. Islanders | 4-1 | Win | 142 | 4 h 7 m | Show | |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 3:05 ET - The Flyers continue to be under-valued by the marketplace. They lost a tough one in OT at Columbus Thursday and responded Friday with a huge 6-3 win. Philadelphia has won 15 of its past 20 games. Certainly the Islanders deserve a lot of respect but to get a "live dog" in this healthy price range, when they are battling for their playoff lives, is a great value. Keep in mind New York has lost 4 of its last 6 games and they've averaged scoring only 1.7 goals per game in those 4 defeats. The Flyers enter this game having won 3 of their last 4 games and they've averaged scoring 4.5 goals in this 4-game stretch. In the only meeting between these division rivals so far this season (all the way back in October!) the Flyers got throttled 6-1. But they are a much different team now than they were then. This is payback time. The Islanders have lost 22 of their last 32 March games. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-01-19 | Flyers -129 v. Devils | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Friday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are off a tough shootout loss at Columbus last night. They at least picked up a point to stay alive in the playoff race. What has kept Philly alive is they rarely have back to back losses. Since a tough stretch that wrapped up in early January, there has only been one single time that Philadelphia has lost two straight games. In other words, the odds certainly favor a bounce back winning effort for the Flyers at New Jersey tonight. The Devils are off a home loss and have now lost 7 of their last 11 games on home ice. Overall, NJ has been outshot 104 to 63 in their last 3 games. The Flyers have won 8 of their last 10 games against a team with a losing record. 7* PHILADELPHIA |
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03-01-19 | Canadiens v. Rangers +110 | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 31 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #52 Friday 8* New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Montreal is off a huge 8-1 win at Detroit but the Canadiens entered that game having lost 6 of their last 8 games. Keep in mind, Montreal is a hockey-crazed city and the pressure to make the playoffs seems to be getting to the Habs. As for the Rangers, they'd love nothing more than to play the role of spoiler here and they've been playing quite well of late despite what their record shows. New York is 2-1-2 in their last 5 games so they've earned at least a point in 4 of their last 5 games. Also, the two losses that came post-regulation came against the defending champion Capitals and this season's league-leading Lightning. That said, the Rangers are certainly playing well enough of late to hold their own against the Canadiens. I also like the fact that Montreal has lost 47 of 80 when off a divisional game. The home team is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings between these teams and I look for that perfect trend to make it 7 in a row here. Grab the home dog. 8* NEW YORK RANGERSÂ |
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02-28-19 | Flyers +155 v. Blue Jackets | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 52 m | Show | |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Thursday NHL 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - You guys ever watch how many NHL games are very close in the latter stages of a match-up? The fact is there is not much separation between the haves and the have-nots in this league. That said, this match-up is simply priced way too high and offers tremendous underdog value as a result. The fact is the Blue Jackets are only slightly ahead of the Flyers in the playoff race and the fact is Columbus would likely be better off if this game was in Philly! Why do I say that? Because believe it or not, the Jackets are better on enemy ice than at home. Columbus has 19 wins away from home and only 2 teams in the entire league have more than that! However, on home ice the Blue Jackets have been just a 50-50 betting proposition with 16 wins in 32 games. Does that sound like the type of a team that should be a nearly 2 to 1 favorite against a Flyers team that has won 14 of its last 18 games. Would I be surprised if the Blue Jackets win this game? Of course not but I am telling you the value is HUGE with the Flyers here and I am betting this game expecting a big dog money line return when the final seconds tick off the clock in this one! The Blue Jackets, with their loss to a short-handed Penguins team Tuesday, have lost 6 of their last 8 home games. If they deserve to be a 2 to 1 favorite on the money line in this spot, I have got some oceanfront property for sale in Arizona for all those interested. All kidding aside, this is a tremendous value spot that is too good to pass up on. The "never say die" Flyers are very much alive in the playoff race and Columbus is the team directly in front of them. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-26-19 | Sharks +107 v. Bruins | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Tuesday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play as many will be looking to the Bruins on home ice. However, the Sharks have been red hot just like Boston has. Additionally, San Jose just suffered a tough (and controversial) 6-5 home loss to the Bruins last week and now it is payback time. The Sharks have actually lost 6 straight to Boston but, keep in mind, San Jose has outshot the Bruins 75 to 40 in their last two meetings. Finally, on Tuesday night in Boston, the Sharks will get what they deserve in the form of a well-earned meeting. While it is true that the Bruins have a rest edge here, it is also true that Boston just returned from a trip out west and oftentimes that first game after returning back east can be the toughest. As for San Jose, they were off yesterday so that helps and also they've been in the eastern time zone for each of their past 3 games (at Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Detroit). The Sharks are 2-1 so far on this road trip and this is the finale. Extra motivation here for San Jose to finally knock off the Bruins and to also make it a winning road trip. Boston also has the #1 team in the league, and a division rival, on deck as they host the Lightning on Thursday. From a situational standpoint (as well as value standpoint), this is a superb spot for the Sharks! 10* SAN JOSE |
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02-25-19 | Canadiens v. Devils +126 | 1-2 | Win | 126 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #68 Monday 8* New Jersey Devils Money Line (+) vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Habs are off a 6-3 loss at Toronto in which they blew a 3-0 lead as they wrapped up the game allowing 6 straight goals! While some may be expecting a Canadiens bounce back here, the problem is that Montreal just can't get the job done on enemy ice. The Habs are 0-4 in their last 4 road games and have been outscored by a combined score of 18 to 7. Now they face a Devils team so it may look like a bit of an easier match-up. However, looks can be deceiving. New Jersey has actually been quite tough on home ice this season and would love to play the role of spoiler here. The Devils are on the outside of the playoff race while the Canadiens are currently in a wild card spot but certainly a precarious one. New Jersey has won 3 of its last 4 home games and averaged scoring 3.5 goals per game during this stretch. The Devils have held their opponents to 2 or less goals in 3 of those 4 games. Montreal has home loss revenge here but that is a situation that has seen them lose 37 of 60 long-term (including 11 of 18 this season). The Devils, long-term, have won 61 of 99 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals and that includes 15 of 25 this season. Considering they are a sizable home dog here we've got great value in this one. 8* NEW JERSEY |
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02-24-19 | Blues v. Wild -113 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #64 Sunday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - This is a situation that strongly favors the Wild. While the red hot Blues were at Boston yesterday Minnesota was at home resting. The Wild are back from a road trip that saw them get back on track and get their confidence going again with a pair of wins. Minnesota also has an edge here in that the Blues used their red hot goalie, Jordan Binnington, yesterday and it was a fierce battle for a 2-1 win in the shootout. St Louis is likely spent after the hard-fought win at Boston and now their choices are to start Binnington in the 2nd game of a back to back or go with Jake Allen whom hasn't started in over a week and has had some struggles this season. Minnesota will take advantage and get payback for a 4-0 home ice shutout to the Blues last Sunday! Keep in mind, prior to that loss, the Wild had won 5 straight games over St Louis by a combined score of 24 to 9. Minnesota had shown they had the Blues number in recent meetings and, after getting embarrassed on home ice last Sunday, it is payback time this Sunday. The Blues are in the midst of a brutal stretch that has seen them play 10 games in 16 days without playing consecutive home games a single time. The point is it has been road road road for St Louis or just one off home games here and there. Tough stretch catches up with them here. The Blues are 2-7 this season in the 2nd game of a back to back. 10* MINNESOTA |
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02-23-19 | Kings +155 v. Panthers | 1-6 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 1 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Saturday NHL 8* Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 5:05 ET - With the Kings dead last in their division it would seem their season is dead while the Panthers season is much more alive. However, in the race for a Wild Card spot, Los Angeles is actually only 9 points out of the final spot in the West while the Panthers are 11 points out of the final spot in the East. That said, hungry LA is the play here. They have lost 6 straight games which ties a season-high and they have played much better than the results have shown. As for the Panthers, look for them to struggle to get over the extreme disappointment of blowing a 3-2 lead and losing to Carolina on Thursday. Florida has lost 18 of 29 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Panthers also have lost 13 of 20 non-conference games this season. When the Kings face a team with a losing record this season they actually do have a winning record. As for the Panthers, they are 9-12 (and DOWN $7,600) in games against teams with a losing record this season. Simply put, Florida is over-priced here and the dog is well worth a VALUE play in this one. 8* LOS ANGELES KINGS |
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02-21-19 | Sharks +102 v. Penguins | 4-0 | Win | 102 | 9 h 42 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Thursday 8* San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Great set-up here as many will be looking to back the Penguins on home ice at a short price and playing with revenge. However, Pittsburgh is off back to back wins and the Penguins have not had a 3 game winning streak since their long winning streak that wrapped up in early January. In fact, prior to this current 2-game winning streak the Penguins had lost 9 of their past 14 games. The Sharks enter this game hungry off a loss. Since Christmas, San Jose has only lost consecutive games once! That was a 3-game losing streak in mid-January. The point is that you can see why the odds strongly favor the Sharks avoiding a two-game losing streak and the Penguins not being able to make it 3 in a row. Prior to their home loss to Boston, and a bit of a controversial one at that, the Sharks had won 16 of their 21 prior games. Also, San Jose has won 16 of 24 this season when off a non-conference game. Pittsburgh has lost 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning record and the Sharks are one of the top teams in the league! 8* SAN JOSE |
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02-20-19 | Bruins +116 v. Golden Knights | Top | 3-2 | Win | 116 | 13 h 39 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 10:05 ET - The magic of the Golden Knights first season is long gone. Vegas is basically a lock to make the playoffs but also has nearly no chance of winning the division. Their playoff positioning is almost locked up and that means it is even more difficult for Vegas to stay motivated. They've also seen Marc Andre-Fleury struggle between the pipes for an extended stretch and that is why Malcolm Subban is off back to back starts. The fact is that this is simply not the same Knights team it was last season and they enter this game having lost 9 of their last 13 games. Though Vegas won their most recent game on home ice, that was preceded by 5 straight HOME losses! Now the Golden Knights have to host one of the best teams in the league. The Bruins already beat the Knights in Boston earlier this season and they come into this game red hot. Boston has won 6 straight games and 8 of their last 9. Also, the Bruins are 7 for 25 on the power play their last 7 games. Boston has killed off 15 of 17 power play opportunities for their opponents in their last 5 games. The Bruins will take advantage of a struggling Golden Knights special teams. Vegas is just 2 for 18 on the power play in their last 8 games. Also, the Golden Knights penalty kill has surrendered 4 power play goals in 14 chances for their opponents in their last 4 home games. Tons of value here with the road dog and the Bruins are highly motivated as the Maple Leafs are right behind them for the #2 spot in the Atlantic Division. 10* BOSTONÂ |
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02-20-19 | Jets v. Avalanche +100 | 1-7 | Win | 100 | 11 h 24 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #70 Wednesday 8* Colorado Avalanche Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 8:35 ET - On the surface this looks like a great spot for the Jets since they have home loss revenge here and the Avalanche are off a big shutout win over the Golden Knights. However, this is the time of the season where you really have to scratch beneath the surface to get the true value in games and, the fact is, Colorado holds a couple of key edges here. For one thing, the Avs are fighting for a playoff spot and have made some adjustments defensively that are paying dividends plus they're getting great goal-tending from Semyon Varlamov of late. Conversely, Winnipeg is in a slump and they are squeezing the sticks too tight as a result. Yesterday I had a free pick on Anaheim over Minnesota and it worked out with a 4-0 win. Truly it was a similar situation to this one. The Wild are pressing too much and feeling the pressure while the Ducks are very much alive in the playoff race and starting to believe. Same story-line here with the Jets-Avs match-up. Colorado has won 2 of their last 3 games and has allowed a total of just 4 goals in those 3 games. Winnipeg has lost 5 of their last 7 games and the Jets have allowed an average of 4.2 goals per game in those 5 defeats. The Jets have lost 6 of their last 9 road games. The Avalanche get the job done on home ice. 8* COLORADO |
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02-19-19 | Lightning v. Flyers +136 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #50 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - Of course it may seem "tough" to go against the best team in the NHL but, keep in mind, one of the few teams the Bolts have proven to be mere "mortals" in recent seasons is when they are playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Lightning have won just 19 of 36 when playing the 2nd night of B2B games. A key to the value here is the Flyers are rested and on a home ice and have a big edge in goal. Not only is Philadelphia 12-1-1 their last 14 games, Carter Hart has won 10 of his last 11 starts and continues to play like one of the top goalies in the NHL despite his youth. As for Tampa Bay, they are expected to go with Louis Dominque here since this is a back to back spot. Keep in mind, the Lightning netminder has an unimpressive .896 save percentage on the road this season. The Flyers have allowed 2 or less goals in 6 of Hart's last 9 starts. While this game doesn't mean a whole lot to Tampa, it means everything to Philly. This is a chance for the Flyers, on home ice, to prove they can play with the league's best team. Philadelphia is only 6 points out of a wild card spot and continues to play their best hockey of the season. The Flyers, when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games, have won 22 of 33 including 5 of 7 this season. They are catching the Lightning at the right time and get the upset win tonight. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-18-19 | Senators +137 v. Blackhawks | Top | 7-8 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Monday 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Though both teams have had disappointing seasons each hockey club also has shown some glimmers of hope recently. That said, there is no way that it can be justified that the Blackhawks deserve to be this big of a favorite against anyone in the league. This is especially true when they're facing a Senators team that has been playing quite well for weeks now and is finally starting to see their improved play get rewarded as they've picked up some wins recently too! Ottawa has won 3 of its last 5 games and their goalie Anders Nilsson is 7-4 with a 2.27 GAA and a .935 save % his last 11 games. The Blackhawks had been winning too but they appear to be heading for another downturn now and goaltending continues to be shaky for them. Chicago has lost 2 of its last 3 games and the Hawks were outscored 11-5 in the two defeats. The road team has won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams and the Senators are seeking revenge for a 1-goal loss to Chicago in their season opener. Keep in mind that two of Ottawa's 3 recent wins came against Winnipeg. The Jets are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and I have been impressed with the Senators level of play recently to say the least. Also, the Blackhawks have lost 21 of 31 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Tremendous line value here with the sizable road dog. 10* OTTAWA |
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02-18-19 | Lightning -125 v. Blue Jackets | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 32 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Monday 7* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET -Â We're getting some line value here because the Lightning are on the road and that is keeping the line very manageable as Tampa Bay is a small money line favorite here. Another key reason for the value here is because Columbus has won 5 of their last 6 games. Note that those 5 wins came against a slumping Vegas team that had lost 6 of 8, a slumping Capitals team that had lost 10 of 14, and three of the worst teams in the NHL - the Avalanche, the Coyotes, and the Blackhawks. The point is that the Blue Jackets are a little over-rated right now and, keep in mind, their most challenging match-up was against the Islanders and they lost that game 3-0 and that was at Columbus! I had the Islanders in that game and the same strategy has me on the Bolts in this one! Tampa Bay is the best team in the NHL and they have won 5 straight games. Perhaps most impressive about the winning streak is the last 4 wins have come by a combined score of 20 to 5. The point is that the Lightning aren't just winning, they are crushing teams. Additionally, the Bolts have knocked off Columbus 5 straight times and the Lightning have won those 5 games by a combined count of 28 to 6 over the Blue Jackets. This is the type of domination one simply can't ignore and I am making the investment here on the road favorite. 7* TAMPA BAYÂ |
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02-17-19 | Canadiens +119 v. Panthers | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Sunday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - With the Canadiens in a back to back and the Panthers playing this game with double revenge from this season's action, many will back Florida at a small money line price on their home ice. Of course that is what has happened and the line is being driven upward. In typical contrarian fashion I am on the other side of this game and grabbing the extra value but it is certainly not without reason. The Panthers have been alternating their goalies of late and that means Roberto Luongo is likely to get the start here. Florida has been outscored 13 to 9 in his last 4 starts. The Panthers were outshot 43-32 by Calgary Thursday but were able to steal the game from the Flames. They won't be so lucky here. The Canadiens were likely to start Antti Niemi here since Carey Price was between the pipes yesterday at Tampa Bay. By the way, Price and the Habs played great in that game (particularly in the first two periods - both scoreless). Had the Canadiens not had a mid-first period goal taken off the board (overturned by questionable offsides call after upstairs review), Montreal appeared poised for a big upset yesterday. They carry some extra hunger into this game now after a tough loss Saturday led to their 3rd straight defeat. Montreal's Niemi has saved 113 of 119 shots in his last 3 starts against the Panthers and has already beaten Florida twice this season. This is a key game for the Habs in the playoff race and they are 9-3 this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Florida has lost 29 of 47 (including 7 of 11 this season) when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Canadiens have won 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a losing record. 10* MONTREAL |
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02-16-19 | Stars +125 v. Hurricanes | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - The Stars are off an embarrassing 6-0 shellacking at Tampa Bay on Thursday. While Dallas was off yesterday, the Hurricanes were battling it out with Edmonton last night. Not only is this a quick turnaround for Carolina, they have lost 7 of their 8 Saturday games this season! Dallas also has revenge here as they suffered a 5-1 loss in their most recent game against the Hurricanes and that was also here in Carolina. It is payback time for the Stars. The Canes have lost 14 of 21 this season when off a non-conference game. Also, in games against teams with a winning record, the Hurricanes have lost 63 of their last 106 as they have generally struggled in recent seasons when facing quality competition. Dallas could have Ben Bishop back between the pipes for this one. Also, the Stars are 4-1 the last 5 times they were off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals. Keep in mind they lost by SIX goals to the powerful Bolts on Thursday night. Dallas entered that game having won 6 of their 8 prior games. Also, the Stars had allowed just 1.8 goals per game in their last 13 games before giving up SIX against the Lightning. This is a powerful spot for a bounce back from the road team and I'll gladly grab the underdog value being offered here. 10* DALLAS |
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02-14-19 | Islanders +126 v. Blue Jackets | 3-0 | Win | 126 | 8 h 21 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Thursday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is the perfect set up for a value play. Because the Islanders are on the road we're getting a solid money line underdog comeback price on them even though they're leading the division. The Blue Jackets have a history of success against the Isles in Columbus but that was before Barry Trotz became head coach. Note that the Islanders already beat the Jackets in their only meeting this season in New York. We're getting some line value here also because Columbus has won 4 straight games. Note that those wins came against a slumping Vegas team that has lost 6 of 8, a slumping Capitals team that has lost 10 of 14, and two of the worst teams in the NHL - Avalanche and Coyotes. The points is that the Blue Jackets are a little over-rated right now and the Islanders come into this game very hungry as they are off a loss at Buffalo. Prior to that defeat the Isles had won 19 of their last 25 games! The Islanders have won 6 of their lat 7 when off a loss. The Blue Jackets are off a win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Caps. Not only does that make this a letdown spot, also note that Columbus entered that game having lost each of their 3 prior home games. I sense a road rout here! 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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02-13-19 | Oilers +165 v. Penguins | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 4 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Wednesday 8* Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins will be without Evgeni Malkin (suspension) and Olli Maatta (upper body injury) on Wednesday. The Oilers come in fired up hot after an embarrassing 5-2 home loss to the Sharks on Saturday. They have had all day Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to feel the wrath of coach Ken Hitchcock since that embarrassing home defeat. That means you can expect an effort full of energy from Edmonton here. Conversely, not only is the absence of Malkin and Maatta significant for the Pens here, they are also off a big win over a red hot Flyers team Monday. As impressive as the 4-1 final score looks, the Penguins required FIFTY saves from goalie Matt Murray to get that win. The point is that the Pens were not impressive at all in that game but Murray bailed them out. Not only could Pittsburgh be a little flat here after that win, the fact is that their unimpressive play has continue despite the fact they eked out a win there. That victory was preceded by 4 straight losses and was the 7th straight game in which the Penguins have NOT outshot their opponent. The Pens are at an average per game deficit of 9 shots on goal per game in these 7 games. The Oilers are playing with home loss revenge here and that is a situation that has seen them win 10 of 15 this season. The Penguins slump continues and there is fantastic big dog value being offered here given the situation. 8* EDMONTON |
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02-11-19 | Penguins v. Flyers +105 | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 6 m | Show | |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Monday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers have a chance to move within 4 points of a playoff spot today as they face the team that currently holds the #8 spot in the Eastern Conference. Look for Philadelphia to make the most of this opportunity. Not only is Philly at home for this game, the Flyers have won 9 of their last 10 games. While Philadelphia has been red hot, the Penguins have been trending the other direction. Pittsburgh has lost 4 straight games entering this match-up. Also, the Pens have lost 6 of their last 7 road games! Keep in mind the Penguins knocked the Flyers out of the playoffs in April and the series wrapped up with an 8-5 win here in Philly. This will be the first time the Flyers have hosted the hated Pens since that defeat. Philadelphia also got some measure of revenge with a win at Pittsburgh on December 1st but they absolutely want to get some home ice revenge as well! While the Flyers are relatively healthy, the Penguins Justin Schultz and Evgeni Malkin are both banged up. Pittsburgh has won each of the last 5 meetings in Philly and the Flyers have had this game circled in blood since the schedule came out. It is payback time. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-10-19 | Jets -129 v. Sabres | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 5 h 50 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Sunday 7* Winnipeg Jets Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 3:05 ET - We're getting some excellent line value here because the Jets have uncharacteristically struggled of late. Yesterday was Winnipeg's 3rd straight loss while the Sabres got a win over the Red Wings yesterday to improve to 2-1 in their last 3 games. Keep in mind, Buffalo upset the Jets at Winnipeg in November so the Jets are hungry for a win here for more reasons than one. Prior to yesterday's 3-1 win over a disappointing Red Wings team, the Sabres had allowed 4 or more goals in 5 of their 6 previous games. As for the Jets, they have now allowed 5 goals in back to back games after losing to the Senators in a disappointing performance at Ottawa yesterday. However, prior to this Winnipeg had allowed no more than 3 goals in 5 straight games! The Jets have won 21 of 30 games this season against teams with a losing record. Also, Winnipeg is a perfect 7-0 in Sunday games this season. The Sabres have lost 61 of their last 100 games against teams with a winning record. Enough is enough for the Jets and they bounce back strong here and get revenge for the November home loss as, keep in mind, they rarely lose at home! In other words, road revenge here for that rare loss on home ice. 7* WINNIPEG |
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02-10-19 | Blues v. Predators -139 | 5-4 | Loss | -139 | 3 h 48 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Sunday 7* Nashville Predators Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 12:35 ET - This is the back-end of a home and home set and with St Louis winning on home ice yesterday look for Nashville to return the favor today. Yesterday's goalie match-up was Binnington (Blues) versus Rinne (Predators). Today's goalie match-up is likely to feature Allen (St Louis) and Saros (Nashville). This favors the Preds as Allen is 1-3 with a poor .860 save percentage in his last 4 starts while Saros is 3-1 with a stellar .941 save percentage in his last 4 starts. The Predators have won 14 of 21 this season when playing with revenge. St Louis has lost all 4 of its Sunday games this season. 7* NASHVILLE |
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02-09-19 | Stars -116 v. Coyotes | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -116 | 5 h 7 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (-) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - The Stars have beaten the Coyotes 9 straight times! Dallas is expected to have Anton Khudobin between the pipes while Arizona will likely start Darcy Kuemper. Note that Khudobin has a stellar .924 save percentage on the season and has been very strong of late as he is at .925 his last four games. Kuemper, on the other hand, has an .887 save percentage in his last four starts. Also, the Coyotes enter this game on a 5-game losing streak. Conversely, the Stars are off a loss but that ended a 5-game winning streak. In other words, Dallas has been hot and Arizona has been struggling and I see no reason that won't continue here. The Stars have won 8 of 12 Saturday games this season. The Coyotes have lost 7 of their last 9 games against teams with a winning record. Arizona also has lost 35 of 53 when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. In other words, the Coyotes are known for seeing their slumps turn into lengthy losing stretches. More of the same today as the Stars are 5 for 14 on the power in their last 4 games against the Coyotes while Arizona is 0 for 17 in those 4 match-ups. Special teams, goaltending, situational value, etc. all add up to a road rout here. 10* DALLAS |
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02-08-19 | Hurricanes v. Rangers +109 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 25 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #58 Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - Three significant edges for the Rangers in this one. Obviously one is home ice. Another is that Carolina is in a back to back spot while this host here was off last night. Thirdly, and perhaps most important, Henrik Lundqvist over Petr Mrazek is a key edge between the pipes in my opinion. Lundqvist has a solid .910 save percentage on home ice this season. Mrazek enters this start having a poor .874 save percentage in his last 4 starts. Mrazek has allowed 6 goals in his two February starts and he had a poor 3.30 GAA in his January starts. He is 3-6 with a 3.28 GAA in his 9 starts against Atlantic Division teams this season. The Rangers Lundqvist is an incredible 19-3 in his last 22 starts versus the Hurricanes with a very high save percentage and very low goals against average. Suffice to say he is very confident when facing Carolina. I know the Canes have fared okay this season in back to back spots but, particularly off a dramatic 6-5 win last night at Buffalo that required extra time, I look for the Hurricanes to run out of gas tonight at Madison Square Garden. The rested Rangers take this game as they are still fighting to stay alive in the playoff race and they know this game is a critical one. 10* NEW YORK RANGERSÂ |
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02-03-19 | Flames -115 v. Hurricanes | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 5 h 24 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 2:05 ET - I like to take good teams off a loss and Calgary is one of the best teams in the league this season and coming off a tight last minute loss at Washington on Friday. They can't wait to get back on the ice and atone for that loss. Keep in mind, the Flames were on a 10-2 run prior to that loss to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Capitals. As for the Hurricanes, they are off a big win over the defending Western Conference Champion Golden Knights. That win over Vegas was the 2nd straight for the Canes. However, prior to this 2-game run, Carolina had lost 3 of their 4 prior games and allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game in doing so! The Hurricanes have won just 25 of their 51 games this season and the Flames are 7-0 their last 7 games against teams with a losing record. Also, Calgary is a fantastic 13-2 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Carolina has lost 16 of their last 24 February games and I expect another fade to begin here with this game. Keep in mind, the Hurricanes are also an ugly 6-13 this season when off a non-conference game. We get a short price to lay on a great team coming off a loss here. We get that short price because they are on the road. Grabbing a roadie in a spot like this is a great value and I am going with a top play here. 10* CALGARY |
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02-02-19 | Oilers v. Flyers -145 | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 4 h 37 m | Show | |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #28 Saturday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Edmonton Oilers @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers have the longest current winning streak in the league with a 6-game run. The Oilers are tied with the Golden Knights for the longest current losing streak in the Western Conference as they have lost 3 straight. Considering that as well as the fact that Philadelphia is on home ice here and you have a great spot to lay the price. Notice I reduced the rating from a typical regular play rating of 8* to 7* for this and that is because the current price range is in the -140 to -145 range. The Flyers are well worth the investment here the way they've been playing and with how strong Carter Hart has been between the pipes. Philly has another big edge here in that Edmonton hasn't played since the 22nd of January as this will be the Oilers first game since the All Star break. As for the red hot Flyers, this will already be their 4th game since the break! While Philly is already warmed up and firing on all cylinders, the Oilers are likely to show plenty of rust in this game after the long lay-off! The Flyers also have revenge on their minds as they lost at Edmonton in mid-December despite a double digit edge in shots on goal. The Oilers are 0-4 this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Philly is a long-term 20-10 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. 7* PHILADELPHIA |
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02-01-19 | Predators -117 v. Panthers | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 60 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Friday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Before the All-Star break these teams met in Nashville on the 19th of January and the Panthers got the win despite the Predators holding the edge in shots on goal. The Preds also lost their most recent trip to Florida as well. That makes this a double revenge spot for Nashville and I am happy to lay the small money line to have the better team in a game in which they are highly motivated. The Predators have played better on the road over the past month as they're 6-3 their last 9 games away from home. The Panthers won their final 3 games before the break but that was immediately preceded by a 7-game losing streak. Of course home shading is always priced into the line but Florida is only 7-7 their last 14 home games and I expect Nashville's strong road play to continue here. Additionally, the Predators are 7-3 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Nashville is also a long-term 24-10 (including 10-5 this season) when they are on the road in a game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Panthers have lost 10 of 15 non-conference games this season and Florida has lost 3 of 4 this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. 10* NASHVILLE |
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01-30-19 | Lightning v. Penguins +102 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 102 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Wednesday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:05 ET - We continue with the same system that has worked so well immediately after the All Star break. The key is taking the team that has already played and going against a team that has not and, therefore, still has plenty of rust to work off. In this case, the system is even sweeter because the Penguins got absolutely rolled in their first game after the break on Monday. The Pens got embarrassed in a listless performance versus the Devils. Not only did they work off their rust, they also worked up some anger and emotion for a bounce back performance tonight after that embarrassing home loss. Pittsburgh will be hosting the Lightning for the second time this season. The first time the Bolts got the win. However, not only does that mean this is a home loss revenge situation, it also is worth pointing out that prior to that TB win over the Pens, the home team had won EACH of the last FIVE meetings! The home ice dominance in this series resumes Wednesday as the Penguins take advantage of a Lightning team that hasn't played since the 19th - a span of over 10 days! Tampa Bay is 15-19 (-$10,000) in January games since 2017. The Penguins are 39-19 after a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. The Pens are also 25-14 when playing a game with home loss revenge! 10* PITTSBURGH |
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01-29-19 | Flyers +103 v. Rangers | Top | 1-0 | Win | 103 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - Normally a back to back situation for one team automatically favors the other team. The key word in that statement is normally! Tuesday features one of the exceptions. The reason is that players have a lot of rust to work off when they first come back from the All Star break. The Flyers, in that regard, actually have an edge in this match-up since they were in action last night. Philadelphia got the 3-1 win at home versus the Jets. Not only is Philly now 4-0 their last 4 games, they've also defeated the hated rival Rangers 5 straight times! The Flyers will be ready for this game and will be the more polished team with their passes and overall puck-handling skills while the Rangers certainly could be a little sloppy especially early on in this game. The Flyers James van Riemsdyk has been skating on a line with Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny and this line combination has been a part of Philly's big improvement in recent weeks. The Rangers have lost 8 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, New York has lost 10 of 14 divisional games this season. The Rangers are playing their first game in 10 days. The Flyers take advantage. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-28-19 | Jets v. Flyers +115 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 115 | 9 h 36 m | Show |
PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #72 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Dogs tend to be a profitable play right after the All Star break. This is because teams are a little rusty after the lay-off and that means it is a little more of "anything can happen" which raises the risk that laying any extra juice in these first games after the break is certainly a risky proposition. The Flyers make for a great home dog to back here for multiple reasons. One is that Philly has won 3 straight games entering the All Star break. Additionally the home team has won each of the last 6 meetings between these teams. Overall Philadelphia has won 7 of its last 10 meetings with the Jets. As for Winnipeg, they enter this game having lost 3 of their last 4 road games. With a perceived tougher game on deck at Boston tomorrow night for the Jets, they get caught looking right past a Flyers team that is a dangerous home dog in this spot. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-23-19 | Capitals +155 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 22 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #31 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - When you lose a game 7-6 in OT because you blew a late 2-goal lead including allowing the tying goal in, literally, the final second of the game you are going to be fired up. That is the case with the Capitals here as that is how they lost last night's game against the Sharks. The defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Caps, have now lost 6 straight games! This is their worst losing streak in the past 5 years! However, I am expecting a big bounce back effort here for Washington on the final day of NHL action prior to the All Star break. This is a phenomenal value spot for the Capitals. Though the Caps have won only 3 of their last 9 games, the Maple Leafs also have won just 3 of their last 10 games. Also, home ice is always factored in the hockey money lines but this is where the value really comes in here. Toronto has been a much better team on the road compared to at home this season. Also, the Capitals have been a better road team than home team thus far this season. The point is that we're getting big dog value here with Washington when you consider that the Leafs are basically a .500 team at home this season while the Capitals are 4 games over .500 on the road this season! The Caps did lose at home against the Leafs in October and the Capitals have won 63 of their last 96 when playing with revenge. Toronto has lost 6 of its last 7 home games. More of the same here. 10* WASHINGTON |
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01-21-19 | Blues v. Kings +106 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 106 | 5 h 26 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #14 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) vs St Louis Blues @ 4:05 ET - While the Blues are off a win plus have another game on deck at Anaheim Wednesday, this is the final game for the Kings until after the All Star break. Not only that, Los Angeles is off an embarrassing loss at Colorado Saturday that saw them get pummeled in a 7-1 loss. That is certainly noteworthy here as the Kings are 8-2 this season the last 10 times they have entered a game off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals. Look for a huge bounce back effort from an LA team that is very hungry to erase the bitter taste of that ugly loss to the Avalanche. The Kings know they won't have another chance to get another W until February 2nd! In other words, Los Angeles is sure to "leave it all on the ice" in this one particularly since this game is at home. The Blues have lost their last two road games by a combined score of 7 to 3. St Louis is 3-7 this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Kings are 11-3 the last 14 times they've been off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Big bounce back here for the home dog. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS |
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01-19-19 | Flyers +110 v. Canadiens | Top | 5-2 | Win | 110 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #69 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - If you ever want to see what it looks like when a team truly "leaves it all on the ice" you should see that Saturday night with the Flyers at Montreal. Due to Philadelphia's bye week being scheduled just prior to the All Star break this is the Flyers final game until January 28th! Philly also has had two days off coming into this one and is looking to make it 3 straight wins prior to their extended break. The Canadiens also have been playing well and are on an even longer winning streak. However, Montreal's scheduling situation is a tough one as they were at Columbus last night. The Habs get a big 4-1 upset win at Columbus last night and have now been outshot by a combined 131-76 margin in their last 3 games. That makes this the ideal spot to fade Montreal. Even though the Canadiens have gotten strong goaltending of late from both Niemi and Price, Flyers rookie Carter Hart has been playing great between the pipes and the rested Flyers hold a huge scheduling edge here. Additionally, Philadelphia has won each of their last 4 meetings with the Habs. Prior to yesterday's win, the Canadiens were 0-3 this season when they entered a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. On their longest winning streak of the season but in a tough scheduling situation tonight, Montreal falls short in this one to a very hungry and aggressive Flyers team. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-18-19 | Maple Leafs -135 v. Panthers | 1-3 | Loss | -135 | 9 h 41 m | Show | |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Friday 7* Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off a hellish stretch at home that saw them practically booed off of the ice. They needed this road trip and they didn't come down to Florida to split they came down to get both. Yes, this is a back to back game for Toronto but the Maple Leafs have won 4 of 6 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, with last night's win at Tampa Bay, the road team is now 8-1 in the Leafs last 9 games. As for the Panthers, they've lost 7 straight games. Most concerning is that 3 of the last 5 losses have come by a 4-goal margin. The point is that Florida is not just losing, they're getting blasted. Also concerning is that Roberto Luongo is likely to get the start and the aging veteran is in a helluva slump. The Panthers are 0-4 in his last 4 starts and he has an ugly .868 save percentage during this rough stretch. Florida has lost 15 of 23 games this season against teams with a winning record while Toronto has won 15 of 24 games this season against teams with a losing record. Also, the Maple Leafs have won 15 of 21 road game with a posted total of 6 or more goals this season. The Panthers have won just 2 of their last 6 home games and one of those wins was against the Leafs. The Maple Leafs have now lost each of their last 4 visits to Florida and each of the last 3 defeats have come by a single goal. They're not settling for anything less than 2 points tonight and their strong road play (2nd most road wins in NHL - only TB has more) will be too much for a Panthers team whose 8 home wins puts them in the cellar of the NHL for home victories on the season. Will reduce the rating due to the mid-range price here but love the Maple Leafs in this spot on the money line. 7* TORONTO |
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01-17-19 | Jets +140 v. Predators | Top | 5-1 | Win | 140 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This is phenomenal line value on one of the best teams in the NHL. Yes, the Jets did knock the Predators out of the post-season last May but the Preds already got revenge for that with a shutout win in Nashville in October. In fact, that game truly sets this up as a revenge game for Winnipeg. The Jets remember all too well that shutout loss at Nashville early this season and are hungry for revenge. Also, while both these teams are off key wins against strong opponents, note that the Predators played nearly the perfect game versus the Capitals while the Jets know they were very fortunate to beat the Golden Knights Tuesday as they were outshot 44-27 in that game. As a result, Winnipeg knows they must play much better here, they must make up for the shutout loss at Nashville earlier this season, and they need to protect their lead at the top of the division. The fact the Jets catch the Predators off a win over the Stanley Cup Champion Caps is simply an added bonus to the value in this spot. Keep in mind too that the Preds, prior to that win, had lost 11 of their 16 previous games. As for Winnipeg, they've been one of the hottest teams in the league the past month and a half. The Jets have won 17 of their last 23 games. It is not often you get a high quality team like this at a +140 range underdog price and I'll gladly grab the Jets in this superb spot. 10* WINNIPEG |
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01-16-19 | Bruins v. Flyers +135 | 3-4 | Win | 135 | 9 h 55 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #24 Wednesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers have won 2 of their last 3 as they try to make a push and possibly still salvage their season heading into the All Star break. Philly catches the Bruins off a grueling game with their biggest rival, the Canadiens, on Monday. Also, Boston has a game tomorrow night (versus St Louis) that certainly they may look ahead to considering the Flyers have the worst record in the NHL right now. This game truly falls into "trap game" territory for the Bruins and the Philly scheduling situation is much better. Philly is at home again tonight, just like Monday, and their next game is not until Saturday. The home team is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams and the Flyers have won 2 of their last 3 on home ice against the Bruins. Long-term Boston is 71-95 in road games with posted total of 6 or more goals. The Flyers outshot the Bruins in Boston in October but lost 3-0. It is payback time here. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-16-19 | Avalanche v. Senators +155 | 2-5 | Win | 155 | 9 h 58 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #22 Wednesday NHL 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) vs Colorado Avalanche @ 7:05 ET - The value is off the charts in this game. The Avalanche road record is very similar to the Senators home ice record and yet the line on this game has Colorado as a very high-priced favorite. Keep in mind, the Avs are off a big win at Toronto Monday which certainly could leave them a little flat here. Also, that victory was preceded by the Avalanche having lost 9 of their 10 prior games. The Avs just do not merit this high of a money line price on the road. Sure the Senators have struggled this season but they've actually won 2 of their last 3 games overall and also have won 50% of their home games since mid-October. In other words, getting a big plus money return on a team that truly has a 50% chance of winning the game is a great value proposition. Also, note that Colorado has lost 14 of 21 games this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Senators are a perfect 4-0 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 8* OTTAWA |
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01-15-19 | Ducks -102 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -102 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Tuesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (-) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Ducks have lost 10 straight games (6 in regulation and 4 post-regulation). That said, most won't be backing Anaheim in a spot like this. But, ladies and gentlemen, why do you think the odds makers made this game a pick'em on the money line even though the Red Wings have a couple wins in their last five games and are on home ice? Of course it is because they will not be surprised, just like I won't, when the Ducks snap their skid and win this game. For one thing Detroit has been mired in nearly just as awful of a stretch as Anaheim has. However, with Red Wings off huge upset win at Minnesota and Anaheim off a tough OT loss at Winnipeg, you know will be hungrier here. That said, hunger certainly matters in a rather "even match-up" like this. The Ducks want it more and will be harder on the puck, stronger on the forecheck and backcheck, and overall be much more "dialed in" then the Red Wings in this one. Detroit does have revenge here but they've actually lost 20 of 30 this season when playing with revenge. The Ducks have won 36 of 58 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* ANAHEIM |
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01-14-19 | Blackhawks +136 v. Devils | 5-8 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Monday 8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Great underdog line value here. Chicago has had a tough recent stretch but truly they've been playing much better overall and simply faced a very tough slate of opponents. Look for the Blackhawks to take advantage of catching the Devils off a big divisional win over the rival Flyers Saturday. I watched that entire game. New Jersey did play well but truly no better than Philadelphia did and, keep in mind, the Flyers currently have the least amount of points of any team in the league. That said I am expecting an upset here as the Devils also have another divisional game on deck as they are at Columbus tomorrow. Chicago was swept by New Jersey last year and they are poised to get some payback here in a scheduling situation here that absolutely favors them. This is the Blackhawks only game between the 12th and 17th. They'll make it count! The Hawks have won 14 of 24 when they are off 3 or more consecutive home games. The Devils have lost 41 of 70 games when they are off a divisional game. Underdog line value here! 8* CHICAGO |
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01-14-19 | Wild v. Flyers +116 | 4-7 | Win | 116 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #76 Monday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers made a pair of key mistakes in the loss to the Devils Saturday and that was the difference in the 3-2 loss. Philadelphia now will bounce back and take advantage of a Wild team that is in a tough scheduling spot. This one shapes up to be a "one off" game for Minnesota. The Wild are off back to back home games and they have a 3-game homestand on deck. So in the middle of this home-heavy stretch on their schedule, Minnesota makes a one-game trip east to face a Flyers team that has the fewest points in the NHL standings so far this season. This sets up as a trap game and this is especially true since the Wild are hosting a Western Conference foe, Los Angeles, tomorrow night in Minnesota. The hungry Flyers are also seek revenge for losing both games to Minnesota in shutout fashion last season even though Philly held a combined 62 to 47 edge in shots on goal. On that note, the Wild enter this game having been outshot in 6 straight games! Opponents have outshot Minnesota by a combined 41 shots in their last 6 games. Conversely the Flyers have outshot their opponents in 5 of their last 7 games but, simply put, "puck luck" has not been on their side. That has led to solid home dog line value here. I'll take it. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-12-19 | Flyers +109 v. Devils | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 2 m | Show | |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers finally got back into the win column with their home win versus Dallas on Thursday and, keep in mind, the old saying "all it takes is one" holds true quite often. With their losing streak snapped and with two home games following this very short road trip to New Jersey, Philadelphia is set up quite well to get back on track prior to the mid-season All Star break which is quickly approaching. The Devils were an early season surprise when they won their first four games out of the gate, they've since lost 27 of 39! The Flyers are seeking revenge for a 3-0 home loss to New Jersey in mid-November. Prior to that home shutout Philly had averaged scoring 4 goals per game in their 5 prior meetings with the Devils. New Jersey enters this game off back to back losses in which they were outscored by a combined score of 9 to 3. That is noteworthy here as the Devils have lost 15 of 20 games this season when off a loss in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Flyers are in the black (positive units) when playing with home loss revenge this season and the underdog is the way to go in this match-up as goalie Carter Hart continues to play well for Philly while the Devils have allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 4 losses. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-10-19 | Stars v. Flyers +115 | 1-2 | Win | 115 | 11 h 42 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Dallas Stars @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are desperate to snap their losing streak and they actually showed that in their most recent game despite the final score (5-3 loss) at Washington. Philly outshot the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals by a count of 40 to 26. As for the Stars, this game looks like a definite flat spot. They are off a win at St Louis and then face the Blues again at home in Dallas on Saturday. Of course those games against a divisional foe carry more weight for the Stars then does a game against the Flyers. Also, Dallas could also overlook Philadelphia for the simple fact that the Flyers have lost 8 straight games! From a situational standpoint, this is the perfect spot to back Philly. Also note that the Stars only generated 18 shots on goal in their win at St Louis Tuesday! Dallas has lost 35 of 54 games when off a win by a margin of 2 or more goals. Also, the Stars have lost 8 of 11 this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Look for the Flyers to play their best game of the season Thursday. Their next game is on the road and they proved at DC Tuesday that they want the streak to end asap and that happens tonight on home ice. Carter Hart has actually played well in goal for Philly and is expected to be back between the pipes tonight. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-08-19 | Hurricanes +111 v. Islanders | 4-3 | Win | 111 | 10 h 50 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Tuesday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - Both teams enter this game red hot but not only were the Islanders outshot 32-14 by the Blues in an unconventional win on Saturday, there is also much more than meets the eyes in this match-up with the Hurricanes. The fact is that Carolina has lost all 3 match-ups with the Islanders this season despite an unbelievable edge in shots on goal. The Hurricanes have outshot the Islanders by a combined 112 to 59 in their 3 meetings this season. The points is that the Islanders have been fortunate to win all 3 and payback is on order here. Also, New York has lost 44 of their last 73 when they're off a non-conference game. The avenging Canes get their 5th straight win and that is the reason the odds makers have placed such a low money line on the Islanders at home in this one. Don't be mistaken as a road victory is on tap in this one. 8* CAROLINA |
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01-07-19 | Blues v. Flyers -110 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #36 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers show the betting public a current 6-game losing streak. However, they've certainly been playing better than that fact would lead you to believe. They never trailed against Calgary Saturday but gave up a very late goal for the tie and then lost in OT. The good news for Philly is they go from facing one of the best teams in the league to facing a struggling Blues team likely to be a giving a goalie his first-ever NHL start. St Louis is likely to start Jordan Binnington tonight. He got called up from the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL where he has played well of late. However, Binnington would be making his first ever NHL start on enemy ice against a desperate Flyers team that is going to pepper him with shots early and often. As soon as the crowd gets into it (which they will) it is going to be a helluva rough atmosphere for Binnington. In his only NHL appearances (3 games, 0 starts) he has an ugly .828 save percentage and 3.70 GAA. The Flyers have been getting solid goal-tending from young phenom netminder Carter Hart whom has showed poise and skills beyond his years. The Blues have lost 3 of their last 4 and goal-tending has been an issue for them whereas the Flyers goaltending has absolutely been on an uptick. Home ice and a very small price to lay makes this a top choice investment. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-06-19 | Rangers +115 v. Coyotes | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 13 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - I like to look for dogs when they're matched up with false favorites and, that said, this one certainly fits the bill. The Coyotes are favored because they're on home ice and both Arizona and the Rangers have been struggling this season. However, the Coyotes have won just 7 of their 21 home games this season. That is just 33% and no NHL team has won fewer home games than Arizona this season. Also, the Coyotes are dealing with a rash of injuries right now. Not only are the Rangers the much healthier team, they also will have Henrik Lundqvist back in goal after he was given a night off in their most recent game. Keep in mind, he and the Rangers also are seeking revenge for a home loss 3 weeks ago suffered at the hands of the Coyotes. That was a 4-3 defeat and New York is used to dominating Arizona. In other words, they are hungry for payback here and I look for the Rangers to take full advantage of an injury-depleted Arizona team. The Coyotes have been held to 2 goals or less in 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. The Rangers couldn't stay out of the penalty box in their most recent game and are ticked off as they've struggled in their last 3 games. Prior to this the Rangers had scored 3 or more goals in 9 of their 10 previous games. If you can't score it is tough to win and New York definitely has the edge over Arizona in the goal-scoring department as the injuries mount for the Coyotes. The Rangers have won 44 of their last 76 non-conference games. The Coyotes have lost 54 of their last 82 non-conference match-ups. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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01-05-19 | Flames v. Flyers +125 | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 45 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Calgary Flames @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers, prior to Thursday's home loss to the Hurricanes, had not lost more than 4 games in a row this entire season. Look for their 5-game streak to end Saturday afternoon. Not only is there extreme hunger in Philly, goalie Carter Hart is expected to get his first start since the calendar turned the page to 2019. Keep in mind, he was yanked in his final start of 2018 and he can't wait to get back between the pipes this afternoon. Prior to that rough outing he had allowed only 9 goals in his first 4 starts and Hart allowed 2 or less goals in 3 of those 4 starts. The young netminder is ready to bounce right back and so are his teammates. This is a crucial game for Philly to win as the game versus Carolina Thursday was the beginning of a home-heavy stretch for the Flyers that they know they must take advantage of or their season is over. The Flames are having a great season but Thursday's loss drops them to just 3-5 their last 8 games and today's early start (10 AM on their body clocks) will be their 3rd road game in 4 days. Also, Calgary's netminding has been struggling as they've allowed 14 goals in their last 3 games. Grab the Flyers at a great home dog price. 8* PHILADELPHIAÂ |
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01-04-19 | Jets +117 v. Penguins | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have won 7 straight games, are on home ice, and they've been priced as a small favorite by the odds makers. Do you think the odds makers are stupid? Of course they are not and the Pens are priced this way because the sharp money (including mine) is going to be on the Jets in this one. Winnipeg is 9-5 this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Also, they're playing this game with home loss revenge from November. The Jets are 13-6 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Winnipeg is also 10-5 in non-conference match-ups this season. The Penguins are off a huge win over the Rangers where they exploded late in the game and erupted for a 7-2 win. However, the Pens are an ugly 5-7 (DOWN $6,300) this season when off a divisional game. The Jets have an extra two days of rest compared to Pittsburgh and the fresher legs get the road win in this revenge match-up. 10* WINNIPEG |
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01-03-19 | Blackhawks +153 v. Islanders | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 44 m | Show | |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Thursday 8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - The Blackhawks are off a tough 4-2 loss in the Winter Classic played outdoors at Notre Dame Stadium versus the Bruins. Anyone who watched the game knows Boston certainly deserves some credit for the win but, at the same time, the Bruins were quite fortunate. Chicago never trailed until the deciding goal was scored late in the 3rd period (the 4th goal was an empty netter very late). Also, each of Boston's first two goals came on power plays. Look for the angry Blackhawks, whom deserved better (easy goal glanced off skate, multiple shots clanked off iron), to be ready to go here and I am happy to grab the line value of a sizable underdog in this one. The Islanders could be caught a little "fat and happy" here as they've won 7 of their last 8 and are off a win at Buffalo. The Blackhawks, prior to the tough loss to the Bruins, had won 5 of their 6 prior games. Chicago was done in by the penalty kill in the loss to Boston but the Isles are on an ugly 2 for 13 run on the power play and it has been a weakness all season for New York. Also, the Islanders have allowed opponents to convert 6 of their last 19 power play opportunities. 8* CHICAGOÂ |
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01-01-19 | Flyers +175 v. Predators | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 54 m | Show | |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:35 ET - Perfect set-up here as the Predators are off a big road win at Washington last night as they took down the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals by a count of 6-3. While Nashville could get caught still celebrating that big road win, the hungry Flyers are sure to give a very workmanlike effort here as they are off a 3rd straight loss. While Philadelphia had been playing well since the coaching change that certainly was NOT the case last night at Carolina and I expect Philly to make up for that here. Keep in mind that Pekka Rinne was in between the pipes against the Caps last night so it is likely that back-up Juuse Saros get the call for the Preds here. That is a significant factor here. While the Flyers also are in a back to back spot, goal-tending certainly has not been their strength this season so it truly is not much of a factor for them. What is a factor is their hunger here and the fact they should play a very strong game tonight and I love having the huge dog value. Why? Consider this...the Predators had lost 6 straight games prior to last night's win over the Capitals. Also, Nashville had scored an average of only 1.7 goals per game in their 7 games prior to the win at Washington yesterday. Does this really sound like a team that should be -200 against anybody right now? Especially with their back-up goalie likely to get the nod here and especially when off a win against last season's #1 NHL team? I think not and am happy to grab the ridiculous line value being offered here. The Predators are 9-10 (DOWN $7,600) in games against teams with a losing record this season. The Flyers get the upset win in this one. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-01-19 | Bruins v. Blackhawks +134 | 4-2 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 46 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Tuesday 8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 1:05 ET in Winter Classic (outdoors) at Notre Dame Stadium - The Blackhawks enter this game having won 5 of their last 6 games. The Bruins are off a win but, prior to that victory, Boston had lost 4 of its last 7 games. Long-term the Bruins are 69-95 in a road game where where the total is 6 or more. Chicago is still being priced as the under-achieving team they've been for much of the season. Based on the way the Blackhawks have played the past two weeks, there is no doubt that the value is with the home dog in this one. I'll take it! 8* CHICAGO |
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12-31-18 | Flyers +112 v. Hurricanes | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 6:05 ET - The Hurricanes continue to be hurt by the absence of Jordan Staal. The Canes have lost 7 of their last 9 games. Also, Carolina has had only 1 game in their last 5 where they actually had success finding the back of the net. In the Hurricanes other 4 games they've scored a TOTAL of only TWO goals combined! The Flyers, conversely, have been playing much better hockey since they fired their head coach. Philly has only 1 regulation loss in their last 6 games (a 3-1-2 stretch) and they've also enjoyed success against the Canes in recent seasons. This is their first match-up this season and the Flyers have won 3 of their last 4 games at Carolina. Philly is off a tight 2-1 loss at Florida but previously scored an average of 3.2 goals per game in their 5 prior games! The Flyers also have received a boost in their own end of the ice as Carter Hart has played well in goal since the young rookie got called up in the midst of this coaching change and after the firing of GM Ron Hextall. Philly is simply a different team now and also is coming off of some great performances in the face-off circle and that is a big key as puck possession is, of course, so important. I like having the underdog and going against a team that has lost 45 of its last 69 divisional games including 8 of 11 this season! Also, Carolina has lost 17 of their last 28 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-28-18 | Canadiens +131 v. Panthers | 5-3 | Win | 131 | 8 h 38 m | Show | |
No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Friday 8* Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens are ready for this one! This is the first meeting of this season but, last season, Montreal lost each of the last 3 meetings via shutout by a combined score of 9-0! The Canadiens have won 8 of their last 12 games including 4 of their last 6 on the road. The Panthers, like the Habs, are off back to back wins but Florida had lost 12 of their 18 games previous to the two-game win streak. The Canadiens have won 52 of their last 90 games against teams with a losing record. The Panthers have lost 4 of 6 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games away from home. The Habs Carey Price is out for the season so Antti Niemi will be between the pipes for this one and he has a solid .909 save percentage in his divisional starts this season. Florida is only 2-3 in home games this month. Though one of the wins was a shutout, the Panthers allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game in the other 4 games. 8* MONTREAL |
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12-27-18 | Stars +154 v. Predators | 2-0 | Win | 154 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Thursday 7* Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - Couple of interesting notes here is why should like the big dog value in this one. No team in the NHL comes out of the Christmas break with a longer losing streak (4 games) than Nashville. Also, the Predators have padded their record by dominating Eastern Conference teams. Note that within their own conference, the Preds have gone just 12-11-1 this season. Conversely, the Stars have gone 12-7-2 in their games against the Western Conference this season! Also, Dallas is playing this game with home loss revenge after a losing a tight 5-4 battle to the Predators last month. Both PK Subban and Filip Forsberg are close to returning for the Preds but I don't expect either of them to return to the ice tonight. Those are two of the best players on this Nashville hockey club. I know the Predators are a good team on home ice but sometimes a break in the schedule has a way of throwing things out of kilter and I love grabbing dogs in the first games after a break in the schedule. This is an excellent value spot with the revenge-minded Stars. 7* DALLAS |
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