For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.
CLICK A CAPPERS NAME TO SEE THEIR PREMIUM DAILY EXPERT PLAYS + PREDICTIONS!
Schedule: NFL |Â CFB |Â MLB |Â NBA |Â CBB |Â NHL
WANT FREE SPORTS PICKS to your inbox? | Newsletter Sign-UP!
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04-26-24 | Oilers -125 v. Kings | Top | 6-1 | Win | 100 | 38 h 29 m | Show |
First Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Edmonton over Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Friday. A back-and-forth series was to be expected between these familiar divisional foes - meeting for the third time in as many years in the opening round of the playoffs. Here, we'll look for the Oilers to rebound following Wednesday's overtime loss at home. Credit Edmonton for battling back on multiple occasions in that game after digging an early 2-0 hole. The Oilers are well-positioned to bounce back on Friday noting that they've gone 29-14 (+9.7 net games) in their last 43 games following a loss by a single goal. They're also 30-16 (+7.9 net games) when seeking revenge for a loss in which they allowed five goals or more, as is the case here. The Kings are just 19-26 (-11.2 net games) in their last 45 contest after scoring four goals or more in consecutive games, which is the situation on Friday. Finally, we'll note that the Oilers are 8-4 (+2.5 net games) in their last 12 meetings here in Los Angeles. Take Edmonton (10*). |
|||||||
04-21-24 | Predators v. Canucks -140 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 24 h 58 m | Show |
Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Vancouver over Nashville at 10 pm et on Sunday. The Canucks dropped their regular season finale in Winnipeg but I look for them to bounce back in Game 1 of their opening round series against the Predators. This is more of a mismatch than the line indicates in my opinion. Nashville made a late push but was really only a mediocre Western Conference team all season. Vancouver on the other hand was a front-runner for much of the way before Dallas ultimately overtook it for the top spot in the West. Note that the Preds are just 9-13 (-4.1 net games) in their last 23 Game 1's while the Canucks are 22-9 (+10.1 net games) off a loss this season. Take Vancouver (10*). |
|||||||
04-08-24 | Penguins +139 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Pittsburgh over Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Monday. This is undoubtedly a game the Penguins have had circled on their calendar since dropping a 7-0 decision here in Toronto back in December. Pittsburgh has inexplicably caught fire down the stretch, winning four straight and six of its last seven games after most had written it off. The Pens are now in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and I look for them to deliver another improbable win on Monday. The Leafs are coming off a 4-2 victory over the rival Canadiens in Montreal on Saturday. They return home where they're just 4-4 over their last eight games. Note that Pittsburgh is 19-13 (+3.4 net games) in its last 32 contests when seeking revenge for a loss by two goals or more against an opponent including a 7-5 (+2.2 net games) mark in that situation this season. Take Pittsburgh (10*). |
|||||||
04-02-24 | Penguins v. Devils -160 | Top | 6-3 | Loss | -160 | 13 h 47 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Game of the Year. My selection is on New Jersey over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Devils have undoubtedly been eager to get back on the ice following Friday's 5-2 loss in Buffalo. Since then, the Penguins have played twice, losing in Columbus but winning in upset fashion last night in Manhattan. New Jersey probably didn't mind seeing that result on Monday as the Pens looked like they poured everything they had into that matchup. The Devils have certainly had Pittsburgh's number lately, securing seven straight wins in the series. In fact, they've scored five goals in each of the last four matchups between these two teams. I'm comfortable laying the mid-range price with the home side on Tuesday. Take New Jersey (10*). |
|||||||
03-13-24 | Avalanche v. Canucks -103 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -103 | 15 h 11 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Vancouver over Colorado at 10:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Avalanche followed up a perfect three-game homestand with a 6-2 rout of the Flames in Calgary last night. I look for them to have a more difficult time as they continue west to face the Canucks in Vancouver on Wednesday. Note that Colorado has now won three straight meetings in this series including both previous matchups this season. The Avs haven't won four straight games against the Canucks since an eight-game win streak in the series way back in 2007-08. The Canucks enter this game off a mini-bye having not played since Saturday. They're riding a four-game winning streak and check in 21-9 on home ice this season, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals. They'll be without starting goaltender Thatcher Demko for an extended period which means it's up to Casey DeSmith to hold the fort. While he's not the long-term answer, I do think he's a capable back-up. The Avs, despite their recent success, are still just 15-19 on the road this season. Take Vancouver (10*). |
|||||||
03-12-24 | Ducks -103 v. Blackhawks | Top | 2-7 | Loss | -103 | 13 h 23 m | Show |
Western Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Anaheim over Chicago at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday. The Ducks are coming off consecutive lopsided losses on home ice against the Stars and Islanders. I look for them to bounce back as they take a rare step down in class on the road against the Blackhawks on Tuesday. Anaheim actually sits 10 points clear of basement-dwelling Chicago in the Western Conference standings. Here, the Ducks will be looking to avenge an earlier 1-0 loss in Chicago suffered back in December. Note that Anaheim is 6-8 but +3.6 net games when seeking revenge for a loss in which it scored one goal or less in this season. The Ducks are also a long-term 64-53 (+19 net games) after scoring two goals or less in four straight games, as is the case here, including a 3-2 (+2.4 net games) mark in that situation over the last three seasons. The Blackhawks delivered a 7-4 home win over the Coyotes on Sunday. That was their second win in their last three contests but both of those victories came over Arizona. Chicago is a miserable 3-15 (-10 net games) in its last 18 games following a win by three goals or more including an 0-3 mark in that situation this season. In fact, the Blackhawks are 1-15 when coming off a win of any kind this season including an 0-4 mark when that win came against a division opponent. Take Anaheim (10*). |
|||||||
03-09-24 | Flyers v. Lightning -135 | Top | 0-7 | Win | 100 | 22 h 50 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Flyers are coming off a 2-1 road win over the Panthers on Thursday while the Lightning dropped a 6-3 decision at home against the Flames. I look for the Bolts to bounce back on Saturday as they try to stay in the mix in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Tampa Bay travelled to Philadelphia and dropped a 6-2 decision on February 27th. That was a revenge game for the Flyers after the Lightning skated to a 6-3 win in Philly in January. Here, the shoe is on the other foot and we'll note that Tampa Bay is 14-8 (+3.6 net games) in its last 22 games when seeking revenge for a road loss by four goals or more including a 4-1 (+3.4 net games) mark in that situation this season. Meanwhile, the Flyers are just 13-29 (-14.4 net games) in their last 42 games after allowing one goal or less in their previous contest and 1-6 (-5 net games) in their last seven games after holding three straight opponents to two goals or less, as is the case here. Finally, we'll note that Philadelphia hasn't won consecutive games in this series since back in 2017. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
03-05-24 | Oilers -119 v. Bruins | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Edmonton over Boston at 7:35 pm et on Tuesday. The schedule makers did the Oilers a favor in this rematch of an overtime thriller played in Edmonton two weeks ago. While the Oilers were idle on Monday giving them ample time to settle in in Boston, the Bruins were involved in a division game in Toronto, securing a 4-1 victory over the Maple Leafs. Edmonton enters this game red hot following four straight victories and it should bring confidence to the table playing in Beantown where it has won three straight meetings going back to January of 2020. In fact, the road team has prevailed in seven straight matchups in this series. Note that the Oilers are 28-16 (+8.5 net games) in their last 44 games when seeking revenge for a home loss against an opponent including a 7-3 (+2.6 net games) mark in that situation this season. Better still, Edmonton is an incredible 39-7 (+28.2 net games) in its last 46 contests after allowing one goal or less in its previous game, as is the case here, including a 14-3 (+8.7 net games) record this season. The Bruins haven't been the same dominant home team they were last season, already having lost 12 games at TD Garden. This is just the first game of a four-game homestand and I look for them to struggle in this three-in-four situation. Take Edmonton (10*). |
|||||||
02-26-24 | Kings v. Oilers -146 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 26 h 4 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Edmonton over Los Angeles at 9:35 pm et on Monday. The Oilers are reeling on the heels of three straight losses and it all started with that wild 6-5 overtime loss at home against the Bruins last week. Note that Edmonton is in the fourth game of its five-game homestand so it needs to salvage something beginning with this division game on Monday. This will be a quick revenge spot for the Oilers after they dropped a 4-0 decision in Los Angeles on February 10th. Note that Edmonton hasn't lost consecutive meetings with Los Angeles since November of 2022 and January of 2023. It hasn't dropped consecutive matchups over the last 10 games in this series. The Kings barely escaped with a shootout victory over the lowly Ducks, at home no less, on Saturday. They've taken advantage of a favorable schedule lately to be sure, turning things around after a brutal stretch in December and January. Note that the Kings are a long-term 68-111 when playing for the eighth time in 14 days, as is the case here, including a 1-4 mark in that situation this season. Meanwhile, the Oilers are 31-18 when seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent including a 9-6 record in that spot this season. Take Edmonton (10*). |
|||||||
02-20-24 | Islanders +130 v. Penguins | Top | 5-4 | Win | 130 | 9 h 0 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Game of the Month. My selection is on New York over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Penguins are reeling right now, losers of four of their last five games to fall farther out of the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Islanders are struggling as well having dropped three straight games including Sunday's heart-breaker against the Rangers outdoors at MetLife Stadium. I do think the Isles are better-positioned to bounce back right now. Here, they'll be looking for revenge after dropping both previous matchups between these two teams this season. Pittsburgh is sorely missing Jake Guentzel right now. Go up and down the Pens roster and you won't find many reliable sources for offense. Keep in mind, the Pens average only 2.7 goals per game on home ice this season while the Isles average 3.0 goals per contest on the road. Pittsburgh hasn't won three straight meetings in this series since 2021. New York checks in 29-23 in its last 52 games following a one goal loss while Pittsburgh is just 24-25 (-10.9 net games) when coming off a home loss. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
02-17-24 | Red Wings +110 v. Flames | Top | 5-0 | Win | 110 | 20 h 55 m | Show |
Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Detroit over Calgary at 4:05 pm et on Saturday. The Red Wings have dropped the first two games on their current western road trip and both of those losses came in lopsided fashion. Note that Detroit is 8-6 in its last 14 games following consecutive road losses and 12-8 in its last 20 contests following two straight road losses by three goals or more, as is the case here. The Flames had won four games in a row prior to losing their last two contests. Calgary began a potential fire sale by dealing away Elias Lindholm during the All-Star break and is essentially going nowhere this season. Note that the Flames are just 12-13 on home ice this season, averaging just 2.9 goals per game. While Detroit hasn't been any better on the road, it has at least shown more of an offensive spark, averaging 3.3 goals per contest. Calgary checks in 11-18 in its last 29 games following a loss against a division opponent and 2-9 in its last 11 contests following consecutive losses by two goals or more, which is the situation here. Take Detroit (10*). |
|||||||
02-13-24 | Lightning v. Bruins -156 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -156 | 23 h 7 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Boston over Tampa Bay at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The home team has won five straight meetings in this series and I look for that trend to continue on Tuesday. Tampa Bay is coming off a much-needed 4-2 victory in Columbus on Saturday as it snapped a two-game losing streak. The Lightning are still 11-17 on the road this season where they've been outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals. Boston checks in 17-9 on home ice but is coming off an ugly 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Capitals at TD Garden on Saturday. Note the Bruins have outscored the opposition by an average margin of 1.1 goals here at home this season. The Bolts have had plenty of success in recent years but they're just 19-20 in their last 39 games following a road victory by two goals or more, as is the case here. The Bruins on the other hand are 7-2 in their last nine games after suffering a home loss by three goals or more and a perfect 5-0 in their last five contests after getting shut out in their previous game. Take Boston (10*). |
|||||||
02-08-24 | Jets -148 v. Flyers | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -148 | 23 h 58 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Winnipeg over Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Jets fell behind early and never recovered in a 3-0 loss in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. That marked their fourth straight loss having scored just three goals over that stretch. I do like their chances of bouncing back on Thursday, however, as they look for revenge after dropping a 2-0 decision at home against the Flyers in mid-January. Despite Tuesday's setback, Winnipeg remains 14-9 on the road this season where it has held the opposition to just 2.3 goals per contest. In stark contrast, Philadelphia is 11-14 on home ice, allowing 3.3 goals per game. Note that the Jets are 8-3 in their last 11 games when seeking revenge for a shutout loss against an opponent. They're also 21-17 in their last 38 contests following a loss by three goals or more. Meanwhile, the Flyers are just 5-11 in their last 16 games after recording a one-goal win on the road, as is the case here. Philadelphia is also a miserable 11-28 in its last 39 contests after holding its previous opponent to one goal or less. Take Winnipeg (10*). |
|||||||
01-27-24 | Rangers -115 v. Senators | Top | 7-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 35 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on New York over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Rangers are slumping right now, losers of seven of their last 10 games. I fully expect them to shake off last night's lopsided home defeat against the Golden Knights as they make the trip to Ottawa to face the Senators on Saturday. This is a game the Blueshirts have likely had circled on their calendars as they've inexplicably dropped three straight matchups with the Sens. Note that they haven't lost four games in a row against Ottawa since way back in 2006-07. Despite their recent struggles, the Rangers remain a winning team on the road at 14-12 on the campaign, allowing just 2.8 goals per game along the way. That's more than we can say for the Sens at home as they've gone 10-13, yielding 3.5 goals per contest. Ottawa enters off a 3-2 overtime loss against the Bruins on Thursday. Note that the Sens are 12-19 in their last 31 games following a loss against a division opponent. In general, Ottawa hasn't been a good bounce-back team this season, going 11-14 following a loss. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
01-25-24 | Devils +143 v. Hurricanes | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 58 m | Show |
Division Game of the Week. My selection is on New Jersey over Carolina at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. This is a game the Devils have undoubtedly had circled on their calendar since bowing out in five games against the Hurricanes in last year's playoffs. New Jersey catches Carolina in a favorable spot as the Devils check in off two full days of rest while the Hurricanes just posted a big win in Boston last night (it was an emotionally-draining game as the Canes blew a 2-0 third period lead before winning 3-2). Note that New Jersey has been at its best on the road this season going 14-8 and averaging 3.6 goals per game. While the Devils are missing a number of key contributors right now, Monday's wild 6-5 overtime win over the Golden Knights surely gave them a boost of confidence heading into this brief two-game road trip. Note that New Jersey is 17-6 in its last 23 games following a one-goal victory at home. The Canes are just 5-7 when coming off a road win and 7-11 when playing their fourth game in seven days this season. Take New Jersey (10*). |
|||||||
01-23-24 | Blues v. Flames -160 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -160 | 26 h 49 m | Show |
Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Calgary over St. Louis at 9:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Flames are off to a disappointing 1-2 start to their current homestand but I look for them to bounce back as they host the Blues on Tuesday. St. Louis took advantage of a quick revenge spot against the Capitals, skating to a 3-0 victory on Saturday after dropping a 5-2 decision in Washington two nights earlier. The Blues continue to display a strong home-road dichotomy noting they're just 8-13 away form home this season where they average a miserable 2.3 goals per contest. The Flames are 11-10 on home ice, limiting opponents to just 2.9 goals per game. Note that the Blues are just 1-4 in their last five games following a shutout win at home and 8-13 in 21 contests after a victory this season. The Flames check in 13-7 in their last 20 games following a home loss by two goals or more, as is the case here. They're also 22-19 in their last 41 contests after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. Take Calgary (10*). |
|||||||
01-22-24 | Golden Knights v. Devils -125 | Top | 5-6 | Win | 100 | 24 h 15 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on New Jersey over Vegas at 7:05 pm et on Monday. These two teams had much different results on Saturday as Vegas skated to a 3-2 win over Pittsburgh at home while New Jersey suffered a lopsided 6-2 defeat against a hungry Dallas squad in a tough back-to-back spot off a win in Columbus the night earlier. Here, I look for the Devils to bounce back. Note that Vegas is 0-4 in its last four games following three straight home wins, as is the case here. New Jersey is 4-2 in six games following a contest in which it allowed six or more goals this season. The Devils are also a long-term 129-114 when coming off a home loss by two goals or more. The favorite has gone 5-2 in the last seven meetings in this series. Take New Jersey (10*). |
|||||||
01-19-24 | Devils -160 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-1 | Win | 100 | 23 h 54 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Game of the Month. My selection is on New Jersey over Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Friday. I like the bounce-back spot for the Devils on Friday as they look to respond following Wednesday's 3-2 home loss against the Canadiens. Columbus has been idle since Monday which isn't necessarily a good thing when you consider it is coming off a stunning win over the Canucks. The Blue Jackets probably would have liked to get right back on the ice after that victory but instead had to sit idle for three full days. Note that Columbus is still just 9-16 on home ice this season. Meanwhile, New Jersey has continued a trend that began last season, playing better hockey on the road than at home, going 13-8 in enemy territory. The Devils check in having gone 11-7 when coming off consecutive games in which they allowed three or more goals this season, as is the case here. Columbus is just 1-6 when coming off a home win in which it scored at least four goals. The favorite has gone 8-1 in the last nine meetings in this series. Take New Jersey (10*). |
|||||||
01-09-24 | Canucks v. Islanders -130 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -130 | 24 h 35 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on New York over Vancouver at 7:35 pm et on Tuesday. You have to figure the Islanders were pleased seeing the Canucks pour it on early against the Rangers in Manhattan last night. It's never a bad thing to see your upcoming opponent punch themselves tired in the front half of a back-to-back set. The Isles are fresh off a couple of days off after a disappointing 1-3 road trip. Note that New York has gone 11-2 in its last 13 home contests when coming off a road trip lasting two or more games. The Isles are also 16-8 in their last 24 games after losing three of their last four contests. The Canucks have taken each of the last two meetings between these two teams, including a 4-3 victory on home ice back in mid-November. That's notable as Vancouver hasn't won three straight matchups with New York since back in 2015-16. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
01-04-24 | Sabres -129 v. Canadiens | Top | 6-1 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Buffalo over Montreal at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Sabres have had plenty of time to stew over Sunday's 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Senators in Ottawa. This would have already been a game Buffalo had circled on its calendar after dropping both previous meetings, at home no less, in this series this season. The Canadiens just played in Dallas two nights ago, wrapping up a long seven-game road stretch that started on December 18th (they did return home for a brief holiday break). While the Sabres are by no means road warriors, they haven managed to go 10-7 in their last 17 road games against Atlantic Division opponents. They're also an impressive 23-11 in their last 34 games when seeking revenge for a home loss against an opponent. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are a miserable 20-46 in their last 66 games following a win, as is the case here after Tuesday's upset victory in Dallas. Note that the road team has won five straight and six of the last seven meetings in this series. Take Buffalo (10*). |
|||||||
12-29-23 | Avalanche -160 v. Blues | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 25 h 30 m | Show |
Central Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Colorado over St. Louis at 8:05 pm et on Friday. I'll generally look to back the Avalanche in bounce back spots at every opportunity and will certainly do so here after they blew a 4-0 lead in Arizona and fell by a 5-4 score in overtime two nights ago. While the Avs were blowing that game, the Blues were outlasting the Stars by a 2-1 score here on home ice. Note that the road team has gone 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in this series. St. Louis is riding a three-game winning streak, matching its longest such streak this season. The last time the Blues won three in a row they went on to lose 5-1 to the Sharks in their next game. St. Louis did take the most recent meeting between these two teams by an 8-2 score in Denver on November 11th. The Avs are 25-19 in their last 44 road games when seeking revenge for a loss by four or more goals against an opponent. Take Colorado (10*). |
|||||||
12-22-23 | Flyers v. Red Wings -135 | Top | 6-7 | Win | 100 | 22 h 28 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Detroit over Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Friday. The Red Wings had to enjoy the fact that the Flyers were involved in a hard-fought affair with the Predators in Philadelphia last night. Detroit is in desperate need of a victory on Friday as it looks to snap a four-game losing streak before hitting the road again to face the Devils in Newark on Saturday. Note that the favorite has gone 5-1 in the last six meetings in this series and the Wings will be looking to avenge a 1-0 setback in Philadelphia just last week. Detroit is 21-15 in its last 36 games after losing four of its last five contests, as is the case here. Take Detroit (10*). |
|||||||
12-19-23 | Canucks v. Predators -108 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -108 | 14 h 31 m | Show |
Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Nashville over Vancouver at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Predators are rolling right now and they're in good position to keep it going on Tuesday as they enter this matchup with the Canucks rested and at home, where they're 11-6 on the season. Nashville hasn't taken the ice since Saturday, when it skated to a 3-1 win over Washington. You can argue that the Preds have been the best team in the league over the last month, going 13-3 over their last 16 contests. The Canucks have reeled off five wins in their last six games but needed everything they had in the tank to secure a 4-3 win in Chicago on Sunday. Note that the Canucks have taken each of the first two meetings between these teams this season. The Preds are a perfect 5-0 when playing with double-revenge at home this season, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.6 goals in that situation. Meanwhile, the Canucks are just 8-12 in their last 20 games following a road win by a single goal. Take Nashville (10*). |
|||||||
12-12-23 | Flyers v. Predators -133 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 24 h 8 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Nashville over Philadelphia at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Predators got off to a disappointing start this season by all accounts but have since worked themselves back into the Western Conference playoff picture. In fact, Nashville is red hot having won 10 of its last 13 games overall. The Flyers are already off to a perfect 2-0 start on their current road trip following wins in Arizona and Colorado. Note that they're a long-term 126-153 following a road victory by two goals or more, as is the case here, and 30-41 in their last 71 contests following consecutive wins by three goals or more. The road team did take both meetings in this series last season but that hasn't been a regular occurrence. Prior to last season, the home side had won four straight matchups in the series. Take Nashville (10*). |
|||||||
12-07-23 | Hurricanes -120 v. Flames | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -120 | 15 h 58 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Carolina over Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. The Hurricanes might as well have not even shown up to the rink in Edmonton last night as they were down 2-0 in the game's first minute and 4-0 less than 15 minutes in en route to a 6-1 defeat. The good news is, they have an immediate shot at redemption as they return to the ice after making the short trip to Calgary on Thursday. This is a talented, experienced and perhaps most important in this situation, well-coached team and one that I expect to see bounce back in this spot. The Flames had a solid November following an absolutely brutal October but they've gone back to their losing ways here in December, dropping consecutive games on home ice against the Canucks and Wild. This doesn't appear to be an ideal 'get right' matchup, noting the Canes have taken five of the last six meetings in this series. Take Carolina (10*). |
|||||||
12-05-23 | Rangers -130 v. Senators | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -130 | 13 h 54 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on New York over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The road team has owned this series in recent years and that includes the Rangers taking each of the last three matchups in Ottawa. I like New York's chances again on Tuesday as it checks in playing some of its best hockey of the season having won six of its last seven contests overall. The Senators snapped their three-game losing streak with a 2-0 shutout win over the Kraken on Saturday but remain just 5-7 on home ice this season. Ottawa has scored a grand total of four goals over its last three games. In stark contrast, the Rangers scored six in their most recent game on Sunday. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
12-02-23 | Bruins v. Maple Leafs +101 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Toronto over Boston at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Leafs have undoubtedly had this game circled on their calendars since dropping a 3-2 decision in Boston on November 2nd - their fourth straight loss against the Bruins. Toronto checks into this rematch having won back-to-back games while Boston snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-0 shutout win over the lowly Sharks on Thursday. The Leafs should be able to 'empty the tank' in this contest as they won't play again until December 7th in Ottawa. Meanwhile, Boston has a quick turnaround with a home game against Columbus on deck on Sunday. Take Toronto (10*). |
|||||||
11-29-23 | Canadiens v. Blue Jackets -126 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -126 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Columbus over Montreal at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Canadiens have taken three straight meetings in this series - their longest such streak against the Blue Jackets since way back in 2015. I look for that run to come to an abrupt halt on Wednesday, however, as Montreal wraps up its long road trip in Columbus. Note that the Habs haven't taken the ice since Saturday when they suffered a 4-0 defeat in Los Angeles. This has been an interesting road trip as Montreal started in Boston on November 18th before travelling to California for a three-game in four-night set that saw it take four of a possible six points. Having been idle since Saturday, I believe the Habs are in danger of coming out flat against an opponent that doesn't draw a great deal of motivation on Wednesday. Montreal would be wrong to overlook the lowly Blue Jackets here as Columbus has been playing well. The Jackets check in winners of three of their last four games including a convincing 5-2 win over the first-place Bruins on Monday. Note that the Habs are a woeful 2-17 in their last 19 games following four or more consecutive road games. Take Columbus (10*). |
|||||||
11-28-23 | Stars -115 v. Jets | Top | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 24 h 29 m | Show |
Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Dallas over Winnipeg at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Jets had their five-game winning streak snapped at the hands of the Predators in Nashville on Sunday. They return home in a tough spot on Tuesday as they host a Stars squad that will certainly be in a foul mood after dropping back-to-back contests at home against Vegas and Calgary. Note that Dallas has actually been a much better team on the road than at home this season, going 7-2 including a victory right here in Winnipeg earlier this month. It's worth noting that this is only the Stars second losing streak this season. The last time they dropped two games in a row they responded with a 5-2 victory in Columbus the next time they took the ice. Dallas is a long-term 76-39 when coming off a home loss by three goals or more, as is the case here, and 13-4 in its last 17 road games after giving up four or more goals in its previous game. Meanwhile, Winnipeg is just 2-7 when coming off six or seven wins in its last eight games over the last three seasons and 0-5 the last five times it has come off eight victories in its last 10 contests. Take Dallas (10*). |
|||||||
11-27-23 | Lightning v. Avalanche -138 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 24 h 15 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Colorado over Tampa Bay at 9:05 pm et on Monday. The Lightning defeated the Hurricanes 8-2 in Carolina on Friday despite firing just 14 shots on goal. The Avalanche enter Monday's contest playing some of their best hockey of the season, winners of three games in a row and six of their last seven overall. You would have to go back four games to find the last time they allowed more than two goals. Note that the Lightning are just 13-17 after winning three of their last four games over the last two seasons while the Avalanche check in 56-18 in the same situation over the last three seasons. Colorado has dropped two straight home matchups against Tampa Bay but still owns a long-term 13-9-1 record at home against the Bolts. Take Colorado (10*). |
|||||||
11-06-23 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs -145 | Top | 5-6 | Win | 100 | 23 h 55 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Toronto over Tampa Bay at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The Leafs desperately need to stop the bleeding after suffering their fourth consecutive loss on Saturday night against Buffalo. I look for them to do just that as they host the division rival Lightning on Monday. Note that Toronto already took the first meeting between these two teams this season, in Tampa no less. It snapped a two-game losing streak on that occasion. Note that the Lightning are just 12-20 when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent in which they allowed four goals or more, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Leafs are 12-1 in their last 13 games after giving up five goals or more in their previous contest, which is also the situation here. Take Toronto (10*). |
|||||||
10-24-23 | Stars v. Penguins -104 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -104 | 23 h 26 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Pittsburgh over Dallas at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday. Pittsburgh returns home licking its wounds after a winless two-game road trip in Detroit and St. Louis. I look for the Penguins to bounce back on Tuesday as they host the Stars. Dallas is off to a 3-0-1 start after notching back-to-back victories over the Ducks and Flyers, two teams that figure to wind up near the bottom of the NHL standings this season. While I am high on the Stars overall prospects this season, I don't like the spot here as they travel for a one-game trip against a non-conference foe. Note that Dallas is just 45-58 in its last 103 games following consecutive one-goal victories and 97-119 in its last 216 contests coming off an overtime win. This is the start of a key four-game homestand for the Pens before a stretch that sees them play 13 of their next 20 games on the road. Take Pittsburgh (10*). |
|||||||
10-21-23 | Maple Leafs -130 v. Lightning | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 54 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Toronto over Tampa Bay at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Maple Leafs opened the season with back-to-back wins but have since seen their record fall to 2-2 with losses against the Blackhawks and Panthers. Toronto has scored just two goals in its last two games but I look for it to bounce back offensively here. Note that the Lightning have allowed three or more goals in all five games this season and should continue to struggle keeping pucks out of their net until Andrei Vasilevskiy is able to return between the pipes. Toronto is 33-9 when coming off two losses in its last three games over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.2 goals on average in that situation. The Leafs are also a long-term 56-43 (+10.2 net games) after scoring one goal or less in consecutive games. This is a 'revenge game' for the Bolts after being ousted by the Leafs in the first round of the playoffs. With that being said, the Leafs are 6-4 in their last 10 games in Tampa and I look for them to rise to the occasion again here. Take Toronto (10*). |
|||||||
06-08-23 | Golden Knights v. Panthers -118 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 24 h 36 m | Show |
Stanley Cup Final Game of the Year. My selection is on Florida over Vegas at 8:20 pm et on Thursday. Last round, the Golden Knights won Games 1 and 2 on home ice before prevailing in Game 3 in Dallas as well. Here, I don't anticipate such a walk in the park for Vegas as it makes to the trip across the continent to face the Panthers in Sunrise on Thursday. Florida has shown plenty of fight through the first two games of this series but has nothing to show for it, dropping consecutive lopsided affairs. Note that the Golden Knights are a woeful 4-13 all-time when coming off consecutive home wins by two goals or more, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.0 goal along the way. Also note that the Panthers are 20-8 when coming off three straight games in which they gave up three goals or more this season, which is also the situation here. Vegas has obviously won the last two matchups between these two teams but hasn't notched three consecutive victories in this series since 2019-20 - the only time that has occurred in the all-time series. Take Florida (10*). |
|||||||
06-03-23 | Panthers v. Golden Knights -123 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 13 h 6 m | Show |
Game of the Week. My selection is on Vegas over Florida at 8 pm et on Saturday. You have to figure the Golden Knights couldn't have their guard any more raised as they host the upstart Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday. I say that after Florida stole Games 1 and 2 in a building that's generally tough on opposing teams in Raleigh last round (it did the same in round two in Toronto as well) on its way to a series sweep. The Golden Knights are also coming off a loss in their most recent home game last Saturday against the Stars (before they won Game 6 in blowout fashion in Dallas). Here, we'll note that the home team won both regular season meetings between these two squads, including a 2-1 Panthers victory in their most recent matchup back in March. Note that the Knights check in an incredible 34-11 when seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent over the last three seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.2 goals in that situation. While the Panthers have fared exceptionally well against Eastern Conference opponents this season, they're just 13-19 against the Western Conference, allowing an average of 3.8 goals per game while being outscored by an average margin of 0.6 goals along the way. Take Vegas (10*). |
|||||||
05-10-23 | Maple Leafs v. Panthers +110 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 32 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Florida over Toronto at 7:10 pm et on Wednesday. The Maple Leafs jumped ahead 1-0 early in Game 3 of this series on Sunday and might have thought the underdog Panthers would simply fold from there but that was far from the case as Florida ended up prevailing 3-2 in overtime. The Panthers have now won a season-high six straight games and while I won't make a habit of backing teams heading into 'uncharted territory' I'm willing to make an exception here. Toronto has now been held to exactly two goals in five straight games. That's just not going to cut it, particularly when you have a defense as vulnerable as Toronto does, noting that it has given up three goals or more in seven of nine playoff games to date. To make matters worse, the Leafs lost goaltender Ilya Samsonov to injury in Game 3 meaning Joseph Woll will likely get the start in goal on Wednesday. He's been sharp when called upon this season but suddenly has the pressure of Leafs Nation on his back after allowing the game-winning goal in overtime on Sunday, pushing the team to the brink of elimination. Note that Toronto is just 1-6 when playing on the road seeking revenge for two or more consecutive losses against an opponent over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.3 goals on average in that situation. Worse still, the Leafs are 0-5 when playing on the road seeking revenge for consecutive losses against a foe in which it scored three goals or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscored by 1.8 goals on average in that spot. The Panthers have been an excellent 'positive-momentum' play this season, going a perfect 7-0 when coming off consecutive victories over division opponents this season, outscoring foes by an impressive average margin of 2.4 goals along the way. Going back over the last two seasons, Florida owns a perfect 5-0 mark after winning three straight games over divisional foes. Take Florida (10*). |
|||||||
05-09-23 | Stars -131 v. Seattle Kraken | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 36 h 39 m | Show |
Non-Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Dallas over Seattle at 9:40 pm et on Tuesday. The Kraken took control of this series with a dominant 7-2 victory in Game 3 on Sunday but I look for the Stars to answer back and even the series on Tuesday. Note that Dallas hasn't lost consecutive games since March 14th and 16th. The Stars check in a perfect 6-0 when playing on the road seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent this season, outscoring foes by an impressive average margin of 1.8 goals in that situation. They're also 11-3 when playing on the road after allowing four goals or more in their previous game, outscoring the opposition by 1.5 goals on average in that spot. Meanwhile, the Kraken are just 2-7 when playing at home after winning their previous game by three goals or more this season, outscored by an average margin of 1.2 goals along the way. While Dallas did allow a whopping seven goals in Sunday's defeat, those type of performances have been few-and-far-between this season as it has been stingy, particularly on the road where it has given up just 2.6 goals per contest, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 0.8 goals in enemy territory. Take Dallas (10*). |
|||||||
05-06-23 | Oilers -120 v. Golden Knights | Top | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 34 h 24 m | Show |
Western Conference Second Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Edmonton over Vegas at 7:10 pm et on Saturday. The Golden Knights took Game 1 of this series in a wild 6-4 affair that was probably a little closer than the final score indicates. Edmonton definitely didn't bring its 'A' game (apart from Leon Draisaitl) but it was still right there, pulling within a goal in the third period before the Knight sealed the victory with a late empty-netter. I'm confident we'll see the Oilers bounce back on Saturday. Note that Vegas hasn't won consecutive meetings between these two teams since 2020. Since then, the Oilers have gone 6-3 in this series. I've talked about teams heading into 'uncharted territory' quite often in these playoffs (both NHL and NBA) and I'll bring it up again here as Vegas has now won five straight games. It has only managed to win five or more games in a row twice previously this season and only once has hit won six or more consecutive games with that nine-game winning streak coming way back in late October-early November. Here, we'll note that the Knights have averaged just 2.1 goals per game and have been outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals when playing at home off a win by two goals or more against a division opponent over the last two seasons (16-game sample size). Meanwhile, the Oilers have held opponents to just 2.5 goals per game and outscored foes by 0.8 goals on average when playing on the road after giving up five goals or more in their previous contest over the last two seasons (20-game sample size). Better still, Edmonton is a perfect 7-0 when playing on the road off a loss by two goals or more against a division foe over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 2.1 goals in that spot. Finally, the Knights are 4-12 when coming off consecutive home victories by two goals or more in team history, as is the case here, outscored by 0.8 goals on average in that situation. Take Edmonton (10*). |
|||||||
04-29-23 | Devils v. Rangers -119 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 14 h 52 m | Show |
Game of the Week. My selection is on New York over New Jersey at 8:05 pm et on Saturday. The Rangers have inexplicably dropped three straight games and now face elimination at the hands of the rival Devils at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. New Jersey is an elite team - it wasn't simply going to roll over after digging itself an 0-2 hole in this series. Remember, just a week ago, the Rangers were returning home up 2-0 in the series and most were already punching their ticket to the next round. I do like the fact that Game 5 of this series was so lopsided in favor of New Jersey. Note that the Rangers have averaged 4.8 goals per game and outscored the opposition by 1.2 goals on average when coming off a road loss by two goals or more this season (five-game sample size). While they did lose in the same situation on Thursday, the Blueshirts are still 27-15 when seeking revenge for two or more consecutive losses against an opponent over the last three seasons, outscoring foes by an average margin of 1.2 goals along the way. You would have to go back to 2020-21 to find the last time the Devils won three straight meetings in this series. They would go on to lose the next matchup by a 6-1 score. Finally, we'll note that the Devils are a long-term 17-29 when coming off three straight games in which they allowed one goal or less, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Rangers are a long-term 117-87 when coming off three consecutive losses. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
04-21-23 | Bruins -154 v. Panthers | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 13 m | Show |
Eastern Conference First Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Boston over Florida at 7:30 pm et on Friday. UPDATE: Patrice Bergeron has been ruled OUT which shouldn't come as a surprise. What is unexpected is that goaltender Linus Ullmark is questionable to start. Even if he can't go, I'll still recommend a play on the Bruins as they have one of the best backup goaltenders in the league in Jeremy Swayman who owns a .920 save percentage on the season (.912 on the road where the Bruins have gone 13-6 in his 19 starts). Most had written off the Panthers prior to their Game 2 victory in Boston on Wednesday, perhaps including the Bruins as they came out flat on home ice and as a result are tied at one game apiece as this series shifts to Sunrise on Friday. I'm not overly concerned about Boston's outlook in this series. For my money, the B's have one of the best coaching staffs in the league, led by Jim Montgomery. I don't think it will take much at all for him to get his experienced group ready to bounce back in Game 3. We hadn't seen the Bruins play as poorly as they did on Wednesday since suffering a 6-3 loss in Chicago way back on March 14th. They followed up that ugly effort with a near-flawless 3-0 road win in Winnipeg two nights later. In fact, the Bruins are 38-13 off a loss over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.8 goals on average. Perhaps better still, Boston is 19-4 when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent this season, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.6 goals in that situation. While the Panthers are 43-41 overall this season, they're just 16-26 after scoring four goals or more in their previous contest, as is the case here. While the Panthers have posted consecutive wins over the Bruins as recently as 2019, you would have to go all the way back to the 2006-07 campaign to find the last time they beat the Bruins in two straight matchups in the same season. Take Boston (10*). |
|||||||
04-20-23 | Jets v. Golden Knights -155 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 14 h 8 m | Show |
Western Conference First Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Vegas over Winnipeg at 10 pm et on Thursday. The Jets won Game 1 of this series by a lopsided score of 5-1 two nights ago but that final score didn't tell the whole story. It was a 2-1 game after two periods with Winnipeg pulling away late thanks to a pair of empty-net goals. Make no mistake, the Golden Knights came out inexplicably flat, managing just 17 shots on goal in the entire game. Perhaps given the fact they had swept the regular season series, were at home and had Mark Stone back in the lineup, a win would be assured. That simply wasn't the case as the Jets played a perfect playoff road game and earned at least a split in Las Vegas. Here, I'm confident we'll see the Golden Knights answer back, noting that they've only once previously lost consecutive home games against the Jets in their franchise history, and those two defeats came two-plus years apart in 2019 and 2022 (due to Covid-related scheduling quirks). Note that the Knights are 23-11 when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent this season, outscoring the opposition by 0.7 goals on average in that situation. It's not as if this was a team playing poorly down the stretch. Quite the opposite, in fact, as Vegas secured a Pacific Division title thanks to going 24-9 over its final 33 regular season games. Over that stretch, the Knights lost consecutive games on only two occasions. They haven't dropped two straight games at home since January 14th to 19th when they lost three in a row here at T-Mobile Arena (that was in the midst of a 1-7 slide). Note that the Jets check in averaging just 2.3 goals per game after winning six or seven of their last eight games this season, as is the case here, outscored by 0.8 goals on average in that situation (15-game sample size). Meanwhile, the Knights have averaged 3.9 goals when seeking revenge for a loss in which they scored one goal or less over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.0 goal (17-game sample size). Take Vegas (10*). |
|||||||
04-19-23 | Wild v. Stars -146 | Top | 3-7 | Win | 100 | 14 h 5 m | Show |
Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Dallas over Minnesota at 9:30 pm et on Wednesday. Perhaps the Stars got caught reading some of their own press leading up to this series as many picked them as a possible sleeper team to come out of the Western Conference. Regardless, it was a sluggish start on home ice for Dallas as it was outshot 29-15 through the first two periods of Game 1 (but remained level at two goals apiece) before waking up and outshooting the Wild 38-19 the rest of the way in an eventual 3-2 double-overtime loss. As if the Stars needed any more fuel for their fire, they lost Joe Pavelski to a head injury following a questionable hit from repeat-offender Matt Dumba (he won't be suspended for the hit). Pavelski has given the Stars nearly a point-per-game this season, something they likely weren't counting on heading into the campaign. I do think Dallas has more than enough depth (and experience) up front to make up for Pavelski's absence should he be sidelined on Wednesday. Here, we'll note that the Stars have held the opposition to just 2.5 goals per game and outscored foes by 1.0 goal on average when coming off a loss this season (33-game sample size). The Wild check in 4-10 when coming off a road win over a division opponent over the last two seasons, allowing 3.5 goals per contest and outscored by an average margin of 0.8 goals in that situation. Minnesota has now taken consecutive matchups against the Stars but hasn't won three in a row in this series since 2020-21. Game 1 could have gone either way but the Stars have to at least be happy with the way they played over the game's final two-plus periods. Knowing this series will only get tougher as it progresses with the Wild expected to get both John Klingberg and Joel Eriksson Ek back in the lineup sooner rather than later, evening this series up on home ice is obviously paramount for Dallas on Wednesday. Take Dallas (10*). |
|||||||
04-18-23 | Rangers +118 v. Devils | Top | 5-1 | Win | 118 | 12 h 53 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Game of the Month. My selection is on New York over New Jersey at 7 pm et on Tuesday. We actually won with the Devils in each of the last two meetings between these two teams, most recently in their 2-1 victory here in Newark on March 30th. I won't hesitate to switch gears on Tuesday, however, as these two old Patrick Division rivals renew acquaintances in the postseason. The fact that New Jersey has won the last two matchups between these two teams is notable. The Devils haven't won three consecutive meetings in this series since 2020-21. They've met 14 times since. To find the last time New Jersey won three straight matchups in the same season you would have to go all the way back to 2013, when it still had Hall-of-Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur between the pipes. The Rangers also enter this playoff series on the heels of consecutive losses to close out the regular season. Of course those setbacks were of little consequence with playoff positioning already all but settled. Here, we'll note that the Rangers are 15-7 when playing on the road after scoring two goals or less in consecutive games over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 0.4 goals on average in that situation. They're also 26-14 when seeking revenge for consecutive losses against an opponent over the same stretch, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.2 goals in that spot. The Devils check in off consecutive wins to close out the regular season, including a come-from-behind 5-4 overtime victory in Washington last time out. Note that they're just 15-24 when playing at home after scoring four goals or more in their last game over the last three seasons. While expectations are high for the Rangers entering these playoffs, I think starting on the road might be for the best as it does relieve some of the pressure. Note that New York was at its best away from home this season, going 24-17 while outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.8 goals. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
04-11-23 | Maple Leafs v. Lightning -130 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -130 | 9 h 10 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Lightning are reeling right now, losers of three games in a row, all on the road mind you. The Bolts are 27-7-5 on home ice this season and here, we'll note that they're 37-9 when playing at home off a loss over the last three seasons, averaging 4.0 goals and outscoring opponents by 1.8 goals on average in that situation. Over the same stretch, Tampa Bay has also gone 28-7 when seeking revenge for a same-season loss against an opponent, as is the case here, allowing just 2.1 goals and outscoring the opposition by 1.6 goals on average in that spot. The Maple Leafs check in off a 2-1 win over the Panthers in Sunrise last night. As I've noted many times before, sweeping a two-game trip to Florida is never easy and I expect the Leafs to find that out once again tonight. Note that the Leafs have won their last two games but have gone 9-14 when coming off consecutive victories this season, outscored by 0.3 goals on average in that situation. Toronto is also a long-term 76-100 after holding three straight opponents to two goals or fewer, as is the case here. With neither team able to move up or down in the standings, the first round playoff series between them is already locked-in. With that being said, the Bolts will certainly be eager to right the ship in their final two regular season contests and I expect them to do just that right here. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
04-04-23 | Oilers v. Kings +113 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -100 | 16 h 24 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Los Angeles over Edmonton at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. The Kings have gotten through a tough part of their schedule that saw them play six games in nine nights in five different cities. Still, they remain within striking distance of the first-place Golden Knights in the Pacific Division (and top spot in the Western Conference). I like this quick revenge spot for Los Angeles after it suffered a 2-0 loss in Edmonton last week, despite outshooting the Oilers 43-37 in that contest. Here, we'll note that the Kings are 7-2 when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent in which they were shut out over the last two seasons. L.A. currently sits three points back of the Knights but still has one game remaining against Vegas coming up on Thursday. Of course, the Oilers are technically also within arm's reach of the Knights. They still have this back-to-back spot to deal with (they'll play in Anaheim tomorrow night) and also play four of their final five regular season games on the road. Edmonton is coming off back-to-back shutouts but has till allowed exactly four goals in five of its last eight contests. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
|||||||
04-01-23 | Kings +105 v. Seattle Kraken | Top | 3-1 | Win | 105 | 15 h 7 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Los Angeles over Seattle at 10:05 pm et on Saturday. The Kings have gotten nothing out of their current road trip, dropping consecutive decisions in Calgary and Edmonton, scoring a grand total of one goal along the way (and none in the last five periods). We're talking about a small sample size when it comes to this team struggling and I'm confident we'll see them bounce back on Saturday in Seattle. Note that Los Angeles hasn't lost three games in a row since mid-January. Meanwhile, Seattle checks in off a blowout win over the lowly Ducks on Thursday but hasn't won consecutive games since reeling off five straight wins in late February-early March. The Kraken are winless at 0-6 when playing at home after giving up one goal or less in their previous contest this season, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.9 goals in that situation. The Kings on the other hand are 22-15 when coming off a road loss and 34-21 after dropping two of their last three games over the last two seasons. This is undoubtedly a game Los Angeles has had circled on its calendar having dropped all three previous meetings in this series this season, including a wild 9-8 defeat on home ice back on November 29th. Keep in mind, the Kings went 3-1 against the Kraken in Seattle's inaugural NHL campaign last season. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
|||||||
03-30-23 | Rangers v. Devils -124 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 33 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Game of the Year. My selection is on New Jersey over New York at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. While I've been high on the Rangers in the second half of the season that doesn't mean that I won't look for spots to fade the Blueshirts. Off three consecutive wins, I see this as an ideal spot to go against New York and we'll do so by backing a desperate Devils team that has run into some resistance going 2-6 over their last eight contests. It's certainly not time to push the panic button in the swamp. New Jersey has already clinched a playoff spot and remains within striking distance of the first-place Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers completed a two-game road sweep of the Hurricanes and Panthers last week but are just 5-5 in their last 10 contests away from home. Off an ugly 5-1 loss on Long Island two nights ago, look for the Devils to bounce back on home ice. Take New Jersey (10*). |
|||||||
03-23-23 | Golden Knights +122 v. Flames | Top | 3-2 | Win | 122 | 12 h 53 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Vegas over Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. The Flames throttled the Golden Knights by a 7-2 score, on the road no less, when these two teams last met on March 16th. I look for Vegas to get its revenge on Thursday as it goes for its third win in a row. Note that Calgary has taken consecutive meetings against Vegas only once since the Golden Knights joined the league in 2017. That came all the way back in 2018. The recent loss to the Flames was the lone blemish on an otherwise flawless record for the Knights going back to March 9th. Vegas checks in 6-1 over its last seven contests. Meanwhile, the Flames continue to struggle. They are coming off a win on Tuesday but that came at the expense of the lowly Ducks. Calgary has managed to post consecutive wins just once since January 26th. In fact, the Flames longest previous winning streak this season lasted only three games, indicating what a difficult campaign it has been. The Knights know that the finale of this western Canadian road trip will be tough as they'll face the red hot Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday. I look for them to assure themselves of a winning trip with a victory on Thursday. Take Vegas (10*). |
|||||||
03-02-23 | Penguins v. Lightning -165 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -165 | 29 h 56 m | Show |
Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Lightning inexplicably came out flat on Tuesday against the Panthers, falling behind 3-0 in the first period in an eventual 4-1 defeat. I certainly didn't anticipate such a poor effort from the Bolts after their embarrassing 7-3 loss in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Here, Tampa Bay has an opportunity to atone for its recent missteps as it hosts the Penguins in a quick revenge spot on Thursday. While the Penguins check in just 24-27 after scoring three goals or more in consecutive games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, the Lighting have gone an incredible 18-2 when coming off three losses in their last four games over the last three seasons, which is the situation they're in on Thursday. That's not to mention the fact that the Bolts have posted a terrific 28-4 record when playing at home seeking revenge for a same-season loss against an opponent over the same stretch, outscoring the opposition by 1.8 goals on average along the way. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
02-28-23 | Panthers v. Lightning -165 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -165 | 29 h 27 m | Show |
Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Florida at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Lightning effectively punted the second half of their back-to-back road set over the weekend as they started backup goaltender Brian Elliott in Pittsburgh on Sunday. The result was an ugly 7-3 loss. Here, I'm confident we'll see the revenge-minded Bolts bounce back against a Panthers squad that schooled them by a 7-1 score in Sunrise earlier this month. We'll note that Tampa Bay is an incredible 23-4 when playing at home seeking revenge for a loss where their opponent scored four goals or more over the last three seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 2.0 goals in that situation. The Panthers certainly haven't been the same team on the road as they have been at home this season, going 13-20 in enemy territory while being outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals per contest. With both Sasha Barkov and Sam Bennett still on the shelf with injuries, they're going to be in tough against the Bolts, especially noting that Tampa Bay is a long-term 46-14 under head coach Jon Cooper when playing at home after giving up five goals or more in their previous contest, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.2 goals along the way. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
02-23-23 | Flames v. Golden Knights -140 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 13 h 9 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Vegas over Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. The Flames delivered a much-needed 6-3 win over the Coyotes in Arizona last night but I'm not sold on them keeping it rolling as they head to Las Vegas to take on the Golden Knights on Thursday. Vegas had its five-game winning streak stopped at the hands of the suddenly red hot Blackhawks in Chicago two nights ago. That came by way of a shootout. Here, I'm confident we'll see the Golden Knights bounce back on Thursday, noting that they've gone 17-13 on home ice this season, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.3 goals and own a perfect 7-0 all-time record against the Flames here at T-Mobile Arena. The Flames haven't won consecutive games since January 21st and 23rd and despite last night's strong performance I still believe head coach Darryl Sutter's days are numbered behind the bench. Note that the Flames are just 7-14 after scoring four goals or more in their last game this season, outscored by 0.4 goals on average in that spot. They're 1-5 after scoring six goals or more in their previous contest, outscored by an average margin of 1.0 goal in that situation. Vegas, meanwhile, will be looking to improve on its terrific 29-10 record when seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent over the last three seasons, as is the case here after dropping a 3-2 decision in Calgary back in October. It has outscored the opposition by 1.3 goals on average in that spot. Take Vegas (10*). |
|||||||
02-09-23 | Avalanche v. Lightning -114 | Top | 0-5 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Colorado at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Lightning have obviously had this game circled since getting dispatched in six games in last year's Stanley Cup Final. Not only that but the Bolts enter this game on a season-long two-game losing streak. I'm confident we'll see them bounce back here as they catch the Avalanche coming off two losses in their last three games themselves. Note that the Lightning are an incredible 33-7 when playing at home off a loss over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.7 goals in that situation. Better still, they're 18-2 when playing at home off two losses in their last three games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by 1.8 goals on average in that spot. Under head coach Jon Cooper, Tampa Bay has posted a 167-94 record when coming off a game in which it allowed four goals or more, which is also the situation here. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
01-23-23 | Panthers v. Rangers -130 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 100 | 11 h 1 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on New York over Florida at 7:05 pm et on Monday. We missed the mark fading the Panthers on Saturday as they outplayed the Wild in a 5-3 home victory. Here, I won't hesitate to come back with the same play as Florida hits the road to face the Rangers in Manhattan. The Panthers have now won consecutive games but consistency hasn't exactly been their calling card this season as they've yet to put together more than two victories in a row. They'll be hard-pressed to do so again here in my opinion as they catch the Rangers well-rested and undoubtedly in a foul mood after dropping a 3-1 decision against the league's best team, the Boston Bruins, last Thursday night. It's worth noting that the Rangers haven't dropped consecutive games since December 27th and 29th with the second of those losses coming by way of a shootout against the Lightning in Tampa. Here, they'll catch the Panthers banged-up with Eric Staal, Sergei Bobrovsky, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad all suffering injuries in the last week. Goaltender Spencer Knight is expected to be back between the pipes after missing time due to injury, but that's not necessarily a good thing as he has posted a less-than-impressive .893 save percentage with the Panthers winning just four of his 10 starts on the road this season. Rangers all-world netminder Igor Shesterkin has been heating up lately, recording a sterling .922 save percentage over his last four games. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
01-16-23 | Capitals +100 v. Islanders | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington over New York at 7:35 pm et on Monday. I'm not buying what the Islanders are selling right now. Sure, they snapped a four-game losing streak with a win over the Canadiens on home ice on Saturday but that victory was about as unimpressive as it gets. New York jumped ahead 2-0 in the game's first seven minutes but then never found the back of the net, and played generally uninspired hockey, for the rest of the contest. Here, the Isles will be hosting a desperate Capitals squad looking to snap its own two-game skid off consecutive upset losses at the hands of the Flyers. While Washington is just 10-12 on the road this season, it has managed to outscore opponents by 0.2 goals on average in the visitor's role. New York is 13-8 at UBS Arena but has looked anything but intimidating on home ice lately, going an even 4-4 over its last eight games on home ice. Worse still, the Isles check in a miserable 8-13 in their last 21 games overall. Here, we'll note that New York is 0-6 after scoring two goals or less in five or more consecutive games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 2.0 goals in that situation. Meanwhile, the Caps are 114-100 (but most notably +222 net games) when playing on the road after scoring one goal or less in their previous game going all the way back to 1996. Take Washington (10*). |
|||||||
01-05-23 | Islanders v. Oilers -150 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Edmonton over New York at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. I like the way this spot sets up for the Oilers as they check in off consecutive losses (both on home ice) and host an Islanders squad that is fresh off a lopsided victory in Vancouver two nights ago. Here, we'll note that New York is a woeful 1-11 when playing on the road after scoring four goals or more away from home in its most recent contest over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.5 goals in that situation. The Oilers have undoubtedly had this game circled on their calendar since dropping a 3-0 decision on Long Island back in late November. The home team has now won each of the last three meetings in this series going back to the start of last season. Take Edmonton (10*). |
|||||||
01-03-23 | Flames v. Jets +104 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 104 | 14 h 35 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Winnipeg over Calgary at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. Both of these teams enter this game riding two-game winning streaks but we'll choose to fade the Flames as they've been the more unreliable squad, not to mention the fact that they're just 7-10 on the road this season and will be up against a revenge-minded Jets squad. Winnipeg checks in 13-6 on home ice, where it has outscored the opposition by an average margin of 1.0 goal. The Flames are 2-6 when coming off consecutive wins this season and worse still, have gone 1-6 after posting victories in four or five of their last six contests here in the 22-23 campaign, outscored by an average margin of 1.2 goals in that spot. Calgary took the first meeting between these two teams this season by a 3-2 score on home ice but it's worth noting that it hasn't won consecutive matchups in this series since the two teams met in a 'bubble' playoff series in Edmonton back in August of 2020. Take Winnipeg (10*). |
|||||||
12-29-22 | Rangers v. Lightning -128 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Tampa Bay over New York at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. I think this is a game the Lightning have had circled since dropping a 3-1 decision in New York way back on the opening night of the season. As healthy as they've been all season, I feel the Bolts are poised to go on a run and last night's 4-1 victory over the Canadiens could serve as the perfect jumping off point. New York has cooled off, dropping two of its last three games, most recently falling by a 4-0 score at home against the Capitals. Note that the Rangers will be up against it here as the Lightning have gone an incredible 22-3 when playing at home after losing two of their last three games over the last three seasons, outscoring the opposition by 1.8 goals on average in that situation. They're also an incredible 30-6 when playing at home seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent over the same stretch, also outscoring foes by 1.8 goals on average in that spot. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
12-07-22 | Rangers +135 v. Golden Knights | Top | 5-1 | Win | 135 | 25 h 51 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on New York over Vegas at 10:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Rangers 6-4 victory over the Blues on Monday was the type of win that can provide some positive momentum for a team as it heads out on the road for a brief two-game trip. New York appeared headed for its third straight loss before a furious third period rally that saw it score three unanswered goals. That marked the first time in seven games the Blueshirts found the back of the net more than three times. The Golden Knights persevered in a 4-3 shootout win in Boston on Monday. That marked their second straight victory and wrapped up a 3-1 road trip. I think they'll be in tough here against a Rangers squad that has gone 7-5 on the road this season, outscoring opponents by 0.8 goals on average. Note that New York is an incredible 12-2 in its last 14 games after losing five or six of its last seven contests, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 1.1 goals on average in that situation. The Knights are a woeful 2-7 in their last nine home games after scoring three or more goals in four consecutive games, outscored by an average margin of 0.8 goals in that spot. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
11-28-22 | Devils -102 v. Rangers | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 34 m | Show |
Division Game of the Month. My selection is on New Jersey over New York at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The Devils just keep rolling along and I like their chances of stacking up another victory as they head to Manhattan to face the struggling Rangers on Monday night. New York has lost seven of its last 11 games, including Saturday's stunning 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Oilers in a game they led 3-0 in the third period (we won with the underdog Oilers in that game). There's no comparison between these two teams statistically this season. The 'due factor' and the fact that New York has owned this series for years is really the only thing it has going for it in this matchup. That's not enough to warrant the pk'em price in my opinion. Noting that the Devils have outscored the opposition by 2.0 goals on average on the road this season while the Rangers have been outscored by an average margin of 0.6 goals at home, we'll confidently back New Jersey here. Take New Jersey (10*). |
|||||||
11-08-22 | Golden Knights v. Maple Leafs -117 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -117 | 12 h 44 m | Show |
Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Toronto over Vegas at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Maple Leafs have proven to be a streaky team in recent years and this season has been no different. Toronto entered the start of the month having dropped four straight games. Since then, they've reeled off three straight wins, including a near-perfect road game in Carolina on Sunday. The Golden Knights come in red hot as well, winners of seven games in a row. That streak started with a victory over these same Leafs in Las Vegas. It's worth noting, however, in nine previous matchups between these two teams, the Knights have never managed to post consecutive victories, failing to do so in each of their last two tries, which both came in Toronto. Interestingly, the Leafs are an incredible 23-2 in their last 25 home games following a road game, which is the situation here, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.9 goals in that spot. It's worth noting that the Knights had been playing every other day going back to October 28th. Here, they come off back-to-back off days and I look for Toronto to get the jump on them as a result on Tuesday. Take Toronto (10*). |
|||||||
11-05-22 | Ducks v. Sharks -135 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -135 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on San Jose over Anaheim at 10:35 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the Sharks in this same matchup earlier this week but I won't hesitate to go back to the well in this 'revenge' spot, noting that the previous contest could have certainly gone either way as it was decided in a shootout. The Ducks check in having allowed a whopping 29 goals over their last six games and figure to get lit up again here. Note that Anaheim is a woeful 6-26 when coming off two wins in their last three games over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.6 goals on average in that spot. Meanwhile, the Sharks are a profitable 25-21 after losing three of their last four games over the same stretch, as is the case here. Take San Jose (10*). |
|||||||
10-28-22 | Penguins v. Canucks +140 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 140 | 15 h 38 m | Show |
Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Vancouver over Pittsburgh at 10:05 pm et on Friday. The Canucks finally picked up their first win of the season last night in Seattle and I look for them to build off the positive momentum provided by that victory as they return home to host the Penguins on Friday. Pittsburgh scored 26 goals in its first five games this season but has been held to only four in the first two games of its current four-game road trip. Worse still, after holding five straight opponents to three goals or less, the Pens have been lit up for 10 goals over their last two contests. Meanwhile, Vancouver posted its highest scoring output of the season in last night's win, providing a glimmer of hope as it enters this key four-game homestand. Note that the Canucks will be playing with double-revenge here after dropping both of last season's meetings with Pittsburgh. The Pens haven't posted three straight victories over the Canucks since 2016-17. Take Vancouver (10*). |
|||||||
10-20-22 | Hurricanes v. Oilers -110 | Top | 4-6 | Win | 100 | 13 h 15 m | Show |
Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Edmonton over Carolina at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. I really like the way this spot sets up for the Oilers, who will be looking to avenge a pair of losses against the Hurricanes last season (in which they scored just two goals). Edmonton opened the campaign with a 5-3 win over the Canucks (which perhaps doesn't look as impressive given how poorly Vancouver has played). Since then, the Oilers have dropped consecutive home games against Calgary and Buffalo with the latter coming in embarrassing fashion two nights ago. Carolina is off to a perfect 3-0 start including consecutive wins to open its current five-game road trip. Here, we'll note that the Canes have gone a poor 42-74 the last 116 times they've played on the road following three straight victories. Meanwhile, the Oilers have outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals when playing at home after losing two of their last three games going back to the start of last season (22-game sample size). Take Edmonton (10*). |
|||||||
10-18-22 | Kings v. Predators -147 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -147 | 15 h 10 m | Show |
Non-Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Nashville over Los Angeles at 9:35 pm et on Tuesday. The Kings have secured consecutive wins to open their current road trip, including a wild 5-4 overtime victory last night in Detroit. The Predators opened the season with a pair of wins over the Sharks in Prague but have suffered a hangover of sorts since returning, dropping both games in a home-and-home series against the Stars. After a couple of days off, I look for the Preds to bounce back here, noting that they've gone an incredible 10-2 when coming off consecutive losses by 2+ goals over the last 2+ seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.4 goals on average in that spot. Nashville took the first two meetings between these two teams last season before letting its guard down and dropping a lopsided 6-1 decision in Los Angeles in late March. The Kings haven't recorded a victory in Nashville since back in 2016. Take Nashville (10*). |
|||||||
06-22-22 | Avalanche +100 v. Lightning | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 36 h 14 m | Show |
NHL Game of the Year. My selection is on Colorado over Tampa Bay at 8:15 pm et on Wednesday. We won with the Lightning in Game 3 of this series on Monday as Tampa Bay showed up with its best effort of the series to avoid an 0-3 hole. Now I look for the Avs to answer back and push the Bolts to the brink of elimination before the series shifts back to Colorado for Game 5. It certainly wasn't surprising to see Tampa Bay push back and deliver a lopsided victory on Monday. After all, we are talking about the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. The Lightning weren't simply going to roll over, certainly not on home ice. Things could have gone differently, however, were it not for an early disallowed Avalanche goal due to an offside call by way of review. Here, we'll note that Colorado checks in 34-12 when seeking revenge for a loss by 2+ goals against an opponent over the last three seasons, outscoring the opposition by 1.4 goals on average in that situation. While the Lightning may be known for their offensive prowess, this series certainly hasn't been played at their preferred pace. Note that they're a woeful 11-19 after three consecutive games totalling 7+ goals over the last three seasons, as is the case here, allowing 3.4 goals and outscored by 0.2 goals on average in that spot. Colorado has yet to lose consecutive games in these playoffs. It did drop six of seven games at the tail-end of the regular season but that was after it had wrapped up the President's Trophy and was more focused on managing the playing time of its stars. You would have to go all the way back to March 8th and 10th to find the last time the Avs lost consecutive 'meaningful' games and in that situation they were playing a third road game in four nights against a tough opponent in Carolina. You would have to go back eight meetings in this series to find the last time the Lightning managed to defeat the Avalanche in consecutive matchups, with that last taking place in October and December 2018. Take Colorado (10*). |
|||||||
06-07-22 | Rangers v. Lightning -164 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 34 h 14 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Final Game of the Year. My selection is on Tampa Bay over New York at 8 pm et on Tuesday. We won with the Lightning in Game 3 of this series on Sunday as they rallied from a 2-0 deficit to prevail by a 3-2 score. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with Tampa Bay again in Game 4 on Tuesday as it looks to knot this series at two games apiece before heading back to Manhattan. The Lightning are now 32-15 on home ice this season including 5-1 in the playoffs. While the Bolts are known for their offense, they've been as stingy as they come here on home ice, allowing just 2.6 goals per game this season while outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average. The same trend we used to support our play on Tampa Bay in Game 3 still works in Game 4 as the Bolts are now an incredible 16-1 when playing at home after losing two of their last three games over the last two seasons, allowing just 1.7 goals per contest and outscoring opponents by 1.8 goals on average in that situation. The Rangers just haven't been the same team away from Madison Square Garden this season, posting a modest 27-22 record while failing to outscore their opponents on a per-game average. It seemed to me that the Lightning solved Rangers elite goaltender Igor Shesterkin as the game went on Sunday afternoon, peppering him with an incredible 52 shots on goal in that contest and finding the back of the net three times in the final 30 minutes. Expect some carry-over from that thrilling come-from-behind victory on Tuesday. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
06-05-22 | Rangers v. Lightning -170 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 43 m | Show |
NHL Game of the Week. My selection is on Tampa Bay over New York at 3 pm et on Sunday. As I've pointed out time and time again in these playoffs, long winning streaks just aren't commonplace in the NHL postseason. We saw that play out at the start of this series as the Rangers snapped Tampa's six-game winning streak with a victory in Game 1 (and then went on to win Game 2 as well). Now we'll look for the Lightning to bring an end to the Rangers four-game winning streak, noting that New York is just 5-15 when playing on the road after scoring 3+ goals in three consecutive games over the last two seasons, outscored by 1.4 goals on average in that situation. Meanwhile, the Lightning are an incredible 12-1 when playing at home seeking revenge for a one-goal loss against an opponent over the same stretch, outscoring the opposition by 2.2 goals on average. Tampa Bay also checks in 15-1 when playing at home coming off two losses in its last three games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 1.9 goals on average in that spot. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
05-28-22 | Hurricanes v. Rangers -106 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 33 h 20 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Playoff Game of the Year. My selection is on New York over Carolina at 8 pm et on Saturday. Game 5 of this series was interesting as the Hurricanes jumped ahead 1-0 early before the Rangers quickly tied things up and then New York seemingly grabbed a 2-1 lead in the second period before that goal was called back. From there the tide turned back in the hometown Canes favor as they went on to score the next two goals in a 3-1 victory. Who knows how that contest would have played out were it not for the disallowed Rangers goal. New York certainly carried the play for much of the game, outshooting Carolina by a wide 34-17 margin. That was the fourth straight game in which the Rangers held the advantage in terms of shots on goal. I like New York to bounce back here at home, where it has gone an impressive 32-15 this season, outscoring opponents by 1.0 goal on average. The Canes are actually one of the weakest road teams remaining in the playoffs, with a 25-21 record, outscoring opponents by 0.4 goals on average but allowing just shy of 3.0 goals per contest. Note here that the Rangers are 11-3 when seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent this season, outscoring the opposition by 1.3 goals on average in that spot. Better still, the Blueshirts are 7-1 when that road loss came by 2+ goals, which is the situation here, outscoring opponents by 1.3 goals on average along the way. The home team has now won all 12 games the Hurricanes have played in these playoffs. I'm not going to go against the grain here. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
05-27-22 | Avalanche -168 v. Blues | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 23 h 48 m | Show |
My selection is on Colorado over St. Louis at 8 pm et on Friday. The Avalanche couldn't close the deal in Game 5 on Wednesday, despite building a 3-0 lead and seemingly having proceedings in full control. While the Blues did well to battle back and ultimately win in overtime, I don't expect them to turn the trick again on Friday. Note that the Blues 'home ice advantage' has been virtually non-existent lately, 0-2 in this series and 2-5 over their last five games here in St. Louis. Colorado checks in 28-17 on the road this season where it has outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.5 goals. There's just not a lot for the Blues to hang their hat on here, even after Wednesday's thrilling victory, noting that they've been outshot 71-50 over the last two games and goaltender Ville Husso has performed admirably since taking over for an injured Jordan Binnington, but he's in no position to steal a game having allowed nine goals over the last two games. Take Colorado (10*). |
|||||||
05-26-22 | Oilers v. Flames -145 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -145 | 15 h 20 m | Show |
Western Conference Second Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Calgary over Edmonton at 9:30 pm et on Thursday. The Flames ran into a buzz-saw in Edmonton, dropping both games to fall behind 3-1 in this series. In fact, the Oilers have won three games in a row since losing the series-opener by a 9-6 score. As I've noted previously, long winning streaks just aren't commonplace in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We've seen it time and time again. Here, I look for the Flames to answer back on home ice, where they're 29-18 and outscore opponents by 1.3 goals on average this season. We'll also note that the Oilers are a woeful 2-12 the last 14 times they've played on the road after consecutive home wins by 2+ goals, as is the case here, outscored by 1.3 goals on average along the way. Take Calgary (10*). |
|||||||
05-21-22 | Avalanche -161 v. Blues | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 33 h 3 m | Show |
Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Colorado over St. Louis at 8 pm et on Saturday. We cashed our free play on the Blues puck-line in Game 2 of this series on Thursday but I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the Avs as the series shifts to St. Louis on Saturday. After a dominant performance in Game 1 (Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington stood on his head in that overtime loss), Colorado was brought back to Earth in Game 2. That wasn't all that surprising, as I noted in my analysis that long winning streaks aren't all that commonplace in the NHL Playoffs (the Avs had won five games in a row to open the postseason). Now I look for Colorado to answer back, noting that it has gone 18-5 when seeking revenge for a loss in which it scored one goal or less over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.5 goals on average in that situation. Meanwhile, the Blues are just 5-12 in their last 17 games when tied in a playoff series and playing on home ice (including 0-1 in these playoffs), outscored by 0.8 goals on average in that spot. Take Colorado (10*). |
|||||||
05-19-22 | Lightning v. Panthers -155 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -155 | 32 h 28 m | Show |
Second Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Florida over Tampa Bay at 7 pm et on Thursday. We missed with the Panthers in Game 1. I can't help but think after grabbing an early 1-0 lead they thought the Lightning would just roll over, especially with Brayden Point sidelined and coming off a grueling seven-game series against the Leafs that saw them rally to win the final two games. That wasn't the case of course as Tampa Bay outmuscled Florida in a 4-1 victory. Now it's on the Panthers to bounce back and I expect them to do just that on Thursday. Note that Florida checks in an incredible 13-1 when coming off a game in which it scored one goal or less over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.4 goals on average in that spot. Perhaps better still, the Panthers are 20-3 when playing at home after allowing 3+ goals in consecutive games over the same stretch, outscoring opponents by 2.1 goals on average while putting up an incredible 4.7 goals per contest. We know this is a critical contest for the Panthers as they can ill afford to dig themselves an 0-2 hole the way they did against the Lightning in last year's opening round playoff series. As I've noted previously, long winning streaks just aren't commonplace in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I suppose I should have taken my own advice in Game 1 of this series as the Panthers were looking for a fourth straight win. Now it's the Lightning that will be aiming to win a fourth consecutive game. I expect them to fall short. Take Florida (10*). |
|||||||
05-12-22 | Hurricanes v. Bruins -122 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 12 h 36 m | Show |
Non-Division First Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Boston over Carolina at 7 pm et on Thursday. Home ice advantage has mattered in this playoff series. That's actually an understatement as the home team has outscored the opposition by a 24-8 margin through the first five games with all five of those contests decided by 2+ goals. The Bruins did welcome Charlie McAvoy back from Covid protocols last time out but it wasn't enough as they dug themselves an early hole and never recovered. I expect a different story to play out on Thursday. Note that Boston has allowed just 1.9 goals per game and outscored opponents by 0.8 goals on average when playing at home after losing four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons (18-game sample size), as is the case here. On the flip side, the Canes have gone 16-25 when playing on the road after winning five or six of their last seven contests over the last three seasons, allowing 3.3 goals per game while being outscored by 0.4 goals on average in that spot. While it's not well-advised to employ such a hot-and-cold style, especially at this time of year, the Bruins have the talent on hand to 'flip the switch' so to speak. We saw it when the scene shifted to Boston earlier this season as the B's looked like a completely different team in Games 3 and 4 on home ice. Note that they check in 5-1 off a loss by 4+ goals this season and 10-4 after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. Take Boston (10*). |
|||||||
05-09-22 | Rangers -104 v. Penguins | Top | 2-7 | Loss | -104 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
NHL First Round Division Game of the Year. My selection is on New York over Pittsburgh at 7 pm et on Monday. I don't feel that we've seen the Rangers best performance yet in this series. Sure, there was a 5-2 victory in Game 2 but even in that contest, it didn't seem like the Blueshirts were in complete control. Off a 7-4 drubbing on Saturday - a game that featured a furious second period rally from New York after falling behind 4-1 after the first - I look for the Rangers to bounce back in a big way on Monday. A stunningly poor performance from likely Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin highlighted Game 3 on Saturday. He was pulled early in that contest, a rare sight for sure. I certainly expect the world class goaltender to rebound with a much better performance here. Note that the Rangers check in 15-6 after losing two of their last three games this season, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average in that situation. Better still, they're 7-1 after losing five or six of their last seven contests over the last two seasons, as is the case here, averaging 4.0 goals per game and outscoring the opposition by 1.5 goals on average in that spot. When seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent this season they've allowed an average of only 1.7 goals per game while averaging 3.8 themselves, going 9-1 along the way. The last 37 times we've seen the Penguins play on home ice when leading a playoff series they've been outscored by an average margin of 0.2 goals. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
05-04-22 | Blues v. Wild -127 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
Central Division First Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Minnesota over St. Louis at 9:30 pm et on Wednesday. The Wild got caught in the trap of thinking that home ice advantage alone would carry them in the opener of this series - after all, they did go an incredible 31-10 here in the 'State of Hockey' during the regular season. The Blues had other ideas, cruising to a 4-0 victory - their sixth consecutive win against the Wild. I look for Minnesota to answer back in Game 2 on Wednesday. Note that the Blues are just 6-14 when playing on the road after scoring 3+ goals in four consecutive games over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscored by 0.4 goals on average in that situation. The Wild meanwhile are a perfect 8-0 when coming off a home loss by 2+ goals this season, averaging 4.6 goals per game and outscoring opponents by 2.2 goals on average in that spot. While the Wild certainly went through a rough stretch from mid-February to mid-March, they did manage to turn it around down the stretch and despite the disappointment of that lopsided Game 1 defeat, not to mention the fact that St. Louis has owned this series this season, I don't expect them to roll over on home ice. Take Minnesota (10*). |
|||||||
05-02-22 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs -120 | Top | 0-5 | Win | 100 | 12 h 44 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Toronto over Tampa Bay at 7:30 pm et on Monday. We'll fade the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning in their playoff opener on Monday. The Leafs past playoff failures have been well-documented. While they certainly draw a tough opening round opponent in the Lightning, I do feel this is their best team in a number of years - one capable of making a deep playoff run. That's a story for another day, however. Here, I expect the Leafs to get this series off on the right foot, noting that the Lightning have shown some cracks in their armor this season, particularly down the stretch. Tampa Bay checks in having allowed 3.9 goals per game, outscored by an average margin of 0.6 goals, when playing on the road after winning six or seven of their last eight games this season (17-game sample size), as is the case here. The Leafs rested most of their stars but still notched a regular season-ending 5-2 win over the Bruins. That's notable as they've averaged 4.5 goals per game while outscoring opponents by 1.4 goals on average after scoring 5+ goals in their previous game this season (28-game sample size), which is the situation here. Also of note, Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell, who had an extended rough stretch during the regular season, bounced back to post a .941 save percentage over his last five starts with the Leafs going 4-1 in those games. Take Toronto (10*). |
|||||||
04-28-22 | Capitals -130 v. Islanders | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -130 | 11 h 1 m | Show |
NHL Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington over New York at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Isles got the better of the Caps two nights ago in Washington, skating to a 4-1 win. While Washington's first round playoff matchup is set (it will face Florida), I do think the Caps have some motivation to snap their brief two-game skid before wrapping up the regular season against the Rangers tomorrow night. Here, we'll note that Washington is 28-11 after losing two of its last three games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals in that situation. The Isles are just 9-16 after a win by 2+ goals this season, as is the case here, averaging just 2.5 goals and outscored by 0.4 goals on average in that spot. New York is just 13-23 when coming off a victory of any kind this season while the Caps are 25-14 on the road, outscoring opponents by 0.8 goals on average. Take Washington (10*). |
|||||||
04-09-22 | Ducks -102 v. Flyers | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Anaheim over Philadelphia at 7:35 pm et on Saturday. The Flyers were in a favorable spot two nights ago in Columbus, seeking quick revenge in the back half of a home-and-home series against the Blue Jackets. It's a different story here, even if Philadelphia is once again in a 'revenge' spot. These two teams haven't squared off since back in the first week of January - not exactly a game that is fresh in either team's mind at the end of a long, trying season for both. The Ducks check into this game off an unsuccessful two-game homestand that saw them drop games to the Oilers and Flames. A step down in competition should help their cause here. Note that Anaheim has allowed just 2.0 goals per game, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.0 goal when coming off 16 or more losses in their last 20 games over the last two seasons (six-game sample size), as is the case here. The Flyers check in a woeful 4-18 when coming off a game against a divisional opponent this season, outscored by 1.7 goals on average in that spot. Worse still, they're winless at 0-6 when coming off a victory over a division foe, which is also the case here, outscored by an ugly 2.5-goal margin on average in that situation. Additionally, Philadelphia is 1-10 after giving up one goal or less in its previous game this season, outscored by an average margin of 2.0 goals in that spot. That strong defensive effort on Thursday was a recent anomaly for the Flyers given prior to that they had allowed 6, 5, 4, 6, 3 and 4 goals over their last six contests. For the Ducks, this might be the lone winnable game on their current road trip, which will continue with stops in Carolina, Florida and Tampa. Take Anaheim (10*). |
|||||||
04-01-22 | Islanders v. Rangers -160 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -160 | 11 h 60 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on the Rangers over the Islanders at 7:05 pm et on Friday. The Islanders are playing some of their best hockey of the season right now but the fact is, it's too little, too late. The Rangers come in playing well also, winners of four games in a row, scoring 18 goals in the process. The Blueshirts will have revenge in mind here after they dropped a 2-1 decision at home against the Isles back on March 17th. Note that the Isles are just 7-14 when coming off a win by two or more goals this season, as is the case here, outscored by 0.5 goals on average in that situation. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 13-4 when coming off a game in which they allowed 4+ goals, outscoring the opposition by 1.0 goal on average in that spot. Take the Rangers (10*). |
|||||||
03-18-22 | Capitals v. Hurricanes -150 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -150 | 11 h 45 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Carolina over Washington at 7:05 pm et on Friday. Both of these teams played last night with the Capitals defeating the Blue Jackets 7-2 and the Hurricanes falling by a 3-2 score in Toronto. That makes it consecutive losses for the Canes but I like their chances of bouncing back here, as they look to earn their first victory in three tries against the Caps this season. Note that Washington is just 6-12 when coming off a road win this season, allowing 3.5 goals per game and outscored by an average margin of 0.3 goals in that situation. Worse still, the Caps check in 3-9 when coming off consecutive games in which they scored 4+ goals this season, as is the case here, allowing 3.7 goals per game and outscored by 0.5 goals on average in that spot. The Canes, meanwhile, have allowed just 1.9 goals per game when playing at home after losing two of their last three games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.8 goals on average in that situation (16-game sample size). Carolina has of course been terrific at home this season, going 23-6, outscoring opponents by 1.4 goals on average while allowing just 2.0 goals per game. Here, the Canes could benefit from facing struggling Caps goaltender Ilya Samsonov after Vitek Vanecek started the last three games, including last night's contest in Columbus. Samsonov owns an ugly .860 save percentage over his last four starts. Meanwhile, Canes backup Antti Raanta may get the start in this game. He's actually been their better goaltender lately, posting a terrific .945 save percentage over his last four starts with Carolina winning three of those contests. Take Carolina (10*). |
|||||||
03-10-22 | Lightning -115 v. Flames | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 9 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. The Lightning are in a prime bounce-back spot here off a 7-4 loss in Winnipeg two nights ago. Note that Tampa Bay has gone 57-22 when coming off a loss over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.0 goal on average in that situation. Better still, the Bolts are 33-10 when coming off a loss by 2+ goals over the same time frame. We've seen Tampa Bay average 4.6 goals per game and outscore opponents by 2.2 goals on nine previous occasions in which they've come off a road loss this season. Even better, in five games in which they've played on the road after a loss by 3+ goals this season, as is the case here, they've averaged a ridiculous 6.4 goals and outscored the opposition by an average margin of 4.2 goals. The Flames took full advantage of a favorable schedule in February but have cooled off recently. Calgary lost only once from January 24th until February 21st (a 13-game stretch) but has now dropped three of its last seven games since, including a 5-4 loss here at home against Washington two nights ago. Note that the Flames have allowed 4.3 goals per game and have been outscored by 1.5 goals on average on six previous occasions when they've sought revenge for a loss against an opponent in which they scored one goal or less this season, as is the case here after they dropped a 4-1 decision back on January 6th in Tampa. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
03-08-22 | Stars v. Predators -113 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 32 h 14 m | Show |
NHL Western Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Nashville over Dallas at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Preds snapped out of a two-game skid with a resounding 8-0 win in San Jose on Saturday. It's all for not, however, if they can't follow it up with another victory back home against Dallas on Tuesday night. I look for them to accomplish that with Dallas checking in off consecutive wins to open this three-game road trip. Note that the Stars are still just 12-15 on the road this season, outscored by 0.6 goals on average along the way. I'll also point to the fact that the Stars are 0-5 when playing on the road off consecutive wins over division opponents over the last two seasons outscored by a whopping 2.2 goals on average in that situation. In the long-term picture, they're just 58-84 when coming off four or more consecutive wins, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Preds have been an excellent positive momentum play, going 8-1 when coming off a road win in which they scored 4+ goals this season, which is the case here, outscoring opponents by 1.2 goals on average in that spot. Take Nashville (10*). |
|||||||
03-06-22 | Stars v. Wild -140 | Top | 6-3 | Loss | -140 | 19 h 31 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Minnesota over Dallas at 4:05 pm et on Sunday. We missed with the Wild on Friday as they fell in stunning fashion on the road against the lowly Sabres. I do expect them to bounce back on Sunday, however, as they return home to host the Stars. Dallas is coming off an overtime win in Winnipeg on Friday. That sets the Stars up poorly here, noting that they've gone 3-10 when playing on the road off a win over a division opponent over the last two seasons, outscored by 1.1 goals on average in that spot. They're also just 2-9 after winning five or six of their last seven games over the same stretch, as is the case here, outscored by 2.0 goals on average in that situation. The Wild have been inexplicably struggling for weeks but they're well-positioned to bounce back here. Minnesota checks in 13-2 after allowing 4+ goals in consecutive games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.2 goals in that spot. The Wild are also a terrific 14-3 when coming off five or six losses over their last seven games over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals along the way. You would have to go back four meetings here in Minnesota to find the last time the Stars skated to a win here. Take Minnesota (10*). |
|||||||
02-20-22 | Rangers -185 v. Senators | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
NHL Non-Division Game of the Week. My selection is on New York over Ottawa at 5:05 pm et on Sunday. We won fading the Senators last night, although it was a little closer than we would have liked as the Bruins pulled out a 3-2 overtime win. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Sunday, this time supporting the Rangers, who are off a home shootout loss against the Red Wings. After today's game, New York will enjoy three days off before taking the ice again on Thursday against Washington. Here, we'll note that the Blueshirts have allowed just 2.2 goals per game and outscored the opposition by 0.7 goals on average when playing on the road off a home loss over the last two seasons, as is the case here (18-game sample size). Meanwhile, the Sens average a woeful 1.3 goals per game and have been outscored by an average margin of 1.7 goals when playing at home off an overtime loss over the last two seasons (nine-game sample size). Ottawa has dealt with a tough schedule recently due to the NHL trying to fit all of its games in following a slew of cancellations earlier in the season. That's notable as the Sens have given up 3.7 goals per game, outscored by 1.4 goals on average, when playing at home in a 6-in-10 or worse situation over the last two seasons. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
02-19-22 | Bruins -167 v. Senators | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Boston over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. The Bruins have won just once in their last five games with that victory coming against the same Senators they'll face on Saturday night. While Boston has dealt with a number of key absences recently, most notably Brad Marchand (who remains suspended) and Patrice Bergeron (who recently returned), the Senators are no strangers to that as they continue to play on without stud defenseman Thomas Chabot and one of their top offensive threats in Drake Batherson (among others). Nevertheless, the Sens are coming off a 3-1 win in Buffalo, which actually puts them in a difficult spot here, noting that they've gone 0-10 when playing at home off a win by two goals or more against a division opponent over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.8 goals on average in that spot. Also note that the Sens average a miserable 1.6 goals per game when playing at home after winning two of their last three games this season, which is also the case here, outscored by 0.5 goals on average in that situation. Meanwhile, the Bruins are 13-1 when coming off consecutive losses over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals in that spot. The B's have also outscored opponents by 0.9 goals when coming off a loss by 3+ goals this season (10-game sample size). Take Boston (10*). |
|||||||
02-14-22 | Blackhawks v. Jets -155 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -155 | 12 h 5 m | Show |
NHL Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Winnipeg over Chicago at 9:05 pm et on Monday. The Jets have now collected at least a point in all three games since the All-Star break, with their lone loss coming by way of overtime in Dallas on Friday (we won with the Stars in that game). While a letdown could certainly be in order against the lowly Blackhawks here, it's not something the Jets can afford as they need all the points they can get to continue to gain ground in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. Winnipeg sits seven points back of the Ducks for the second Wild Card spot in the West, but does have four games in hand, with one of those coming tonight. The Blackhawks looked lifeless in Saturday's 5-1 loss in St. Louis (we won with the Blues), managing only 16 shots on goal in a lopsided 5-1 loss. Chicago is now a miserable 3-14 in division games this season, outscored by an average margin of 1.9 goals. The Blackhawks check in allowing 3.4 goals per game on the road this season where they've been outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals. While the Jets offense has taken off over the last couple of games, they also continue to receive tremendous goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck as he has posted a .940 save percentage over his last four games. Take Winnipeg (10*). |
|||||||
02-11-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Ducks -145 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -145 | 14 h 1 m | Show |
NHL Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Anaheim over Seattle at 10:05 pm et on Friday. It's been a long layoff for the Ducks, having not played since January 31st when they suffered a 2-1 loss in Detroit. By contrast, Seattle will be playing its fourth game since February 1st. The Kraken have not surprisingly been highly inconsistent in their inaugural campaign. One thing that has been consistent, however, is their performance on the road, where they've gone 6-15, averaging just 2.5 goals per game while being outscored by 0.7 goals on average. They've already lost both previous meetings against the Ducks, including a 4-1 defeat here in Anaheim. While the Ducks are just 13-11 on home ice, they've generally played well here, averaging 3.1 goals per game while outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals. While Anaheim currently holds down the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, it needs to take advantage of games like this as it sits just five points ahead of the Stars, who currently have four games in hand. Picking up two points is paramount here as due to a quirky NHL schedule, the Ducks won't play again until next Wednesday, when they open a four-game western Canada road trip in Calgary. Take Anaheim (10*). |
|||||||
02-09-22 | Golden Knights v. Flames -130 | Top | 0-6 | Win | 100 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Calgary over Vegas at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Flames have dropped four straight meetings with the Golden Knights, including a 3-2 loss in Las Vegas earlier this season. I look for them to snap that series skid on Wednesday night. The Flames come out of the break riding a three-game winning streak. Of course, the Knights have also won three games in a row following last night's 4-0 drubbing of the Oilers in Edmonton. I'm high on Calgary heading down the stretch, noting that it sits seven points back of the first-place Knights in the Pacific Division but has five games in hand. There's certainly a path for Calgary to move up at least a spot or two in the division pecking order and it starts with taking two points against the division-leading Knights on Wednesday. Calgary is just 7-8 on home ice this season yet has managed to outscore opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals, allowing just 2.2 goals per contest here at the Saddledome. Here, we'll note that the Knights have allowed 3.7 goals per game when coming off consecutive wins this season (14-game sample size), as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Flames have been at their best when well-rested in recent years, averaging 4.1 goals per game and outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average when playing for the third time (or less) in a 10-day span over the last three seasons, which is also the situation here. Take Calgary (10*). |
|||||||
01-22-22 | Flyers -115 v. Sabres | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -115 | 4 h 23 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Philadelphia over Buffalo at 1:05 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the Flyers in their last game as they outshot the Blue Jackets but fell by a 2-1 score - their 10th consecutive defeat. I do think the losing streak ends today, however, as they head to Buffalo to face the Sabres, having won each of their last five trips here. Note that the Flyers have avoided an 11th straight losses each of the last four times that situation has come up, going a perfect 4-0 the last four times they've suffered 10 consecutive defeats - outscoring opponents by 1.5 goals on average in that situation. They're also a stellar 8-1 when playing on the road off consecutive division losses over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals on average in that spot. Finally, I'll also point out that Philadelphia has gone 7-2 when playing on the road after scoring one goal or less in its last game over the last two seasons, also outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals in that situation. The Sabres are in tough right now, forced to go with Aaron Dell in goal on a nightly basis. He owns an ugly .893 record with Buffalo losing seven of his eight starts this season. Going back over the last two games, he gave up a whopping eight goals in just four periods (plus a few minutes of overtime). Take Philadelphia (10*). |
|||||||
01-18-22 | Jets v. Capitals -134 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
NHL Game of the Week. My selection is on Washington over Winnipeg at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Capitals are coming off a 4-2 loss at home against the Canucks on Sunday. There was no real shame in that loss. They simply ran into a hot goaltender in Thatcher Demko and ultimately fell just short. I expect Washington to play with a sense of urgency on Tuesday, however, noting that it has now lost five of its last six games and has a tough game in Boston on deck on Thursday. While the Caps are just 10-10 on home ice this season, they've actually outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.5 goals so there's been some bad luck along the way. Here, we'll note that the Caps average an impressive 3.5 goals and outscore opponents by 0.5 goals on average when playing at home after losing two of their last three games over the last three seasons (23-game sample size). The Jets last took the ice on January 13th, skating to a 3-0 win in Detroit. Here, we'll note that they're a woeful 0-7 when seeking revenge for a loss where their opponent scored five goals or more, as is the case here after Washington won 5-2 in Winnipeg earlier this season, outscored by an average margin of 2.5 goals in that situation. Speaking of this series, we'll note that the Jets haven't won a game in Washington since way back in 2013. Considering they're just 7-10 on the road this season, where they've been outscored by 0.7 goals on average, I'm comfortable fading the Jets at a reasonable price here. Take Washington (10*). |
|||||||
01-14-22 | Ducks v. Wild -150 | Top | 3-7 | Win | 100 | 12 h 15 m | Show |
NHL Western Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Minnesota over Anaheim at 8:05 pm et on Friday. The Wild recently lost five games in a row but rebounded from that stretch with consecutive wins over the Bruins and Capitals prior to a five-day break. Now they get this Friday night home game against the reeling Ducks - a team they've absolutely owned in recent years - before heading out on the road for two games at the start of next week. I look for Minnesota to take full advantage of this favorable spot. You would have to go back 10 meetings to January of last year to find the last time the Ducks defeated the Wild. Even that win was somewhat fortunate as they prevailed by a 1-0 score on home ice. They haven't won a game here in Minnesota in over two years. It's not as if Anaheim enters this game playing its best either. The Ducks have only home wins over the Flyers and Red Wings (that win came in a shootout - we won with Anaheim on that night) over their last eight games. They're just 7-10 on the road this season where they average 2.8 goals per game. That's a far cry from Minnesota's 11-4 home record and 4.3 goals per game. While the Wild are likely to be without goaltender Cam Talbot once again on Friday, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Backup Kaapo Kahkonen has played well in his absence, most recently helping the Wild to those consecutive wins over the Bruins and Caps, allowing only four goals on 69 shots along the way. While Minnesota is still missing a number of players due to illness or injury, it is expected to have Kirill Kaprizov back in the lineup for Friday's game, giving its offense a much-needed boost. Here, we'll note that the Wild are a perfect 5-0 the last five times they've come off five or six losses in their last seven games, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by 1.8 goals on average in that spot. The Wild are also 23-7 in their last 30 home games following a win, outscoring opponents by 1.2 goals on average in that situation. Take Minnesota (10*). |
|||||||
01-11-22 | Maple Leafs v. Golden Knights -103 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -103 | 15 h 21 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Year. My selection is on Vegas over Toronto at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Leafs skated to a 4-0 win the last time these two teams met back on November 2nd in Toronto. That result actually sets the Golden Knights up particularly well here, noting that Vegas has gone an incredible 14-1 the last 15 times it has been seeking revenge for a road loss by three goals or more against an opponent, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.8 goals in that situation. Here, we'll also note that the Leafs are 0-5 the last five times they've played on the road following a one-goal road loss, as is the case here, outscored by 2.0 goals on average in that spot. The Leafs are also just 7-12 in their last 19 games following an overtime loss, outscored by an average margin of 0.6 goals along the way. For the Golden Knights this is a key spot as they're coming off a flat performance in a 2-1 home loss to the lowly Blackhawks (who had Marc-Andre Fleury in goal for his first return to Las Vegas since leaving the Knights). Note that Vegas won't play again until January 17th after this game so they'll certainly want to go into the break on a positive note. The Leafs on the other hand are on the front half of a back-to-back with a very winnable game on deck in Arizona tomorrow night. Take Vegas (10*). |
|||||||
01-08-22 | Bruins v. Lightning -146 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -146 | 31 h 35 m | Show |
NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Boston at 7:05 pm et on Saturday. We've been high on the Lightning lately, most recently cashing with them in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Flames. I won't hesitate to get behind them again on Saturday, even as they face an arguably tougher matchup against the Bruins. Boston should be in a foul mood after dropping a 3-2 decision at home against Minnesota on Thursday. The Bruins have had a difficult time stepping up in class this season and I expect a similar story to unfold here. To that point, the Lightning took the first meeting between these two teams this season by a 3-2 score in Boston back in early December. Note that Boston checks in just 17-21 the last 38 times it has come off two wins in its last three games, as is the case here, averaging just 2.6 goals per game in that spot. Meanwhile, the Lighting are an impressive 40-15 in their last 55 games after allowing two goals or less in consecutive contests, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals in that situation. The Lightning are as healthy as they've been all season while the Bruins are dealing with injuries to a few key role players, not to mention defensive anchor Charlie McAvoy, who is questionable to play on Saturday. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
01-06-22 | Flames v. Lightning -138 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 30 h 7 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Calgary at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. We won with the Flames in their most recent victory on Sunday in Chicago but stayed away on Tuesday and rightfully so as they fell in blowout fashion against the Panthers. Credit the Flames for returning to the ice with a pair of wins to open this trip but it was always going to get tougher in Florida and I don't see Calgary getting back in the win column on Thursday against the Lightning. Tampa Bay rebounded from a rare three-game losing streak with a resounding 7-4 win in Columbus on Tuesday. Essentially as healthy as they've been all season, I like the Lightning's chances during this brief two-game homestand, noting they've gone 11-6 on home ice this season and have outscored opponents by an average margin of 1.0 goal the last 42 times they've come off two losses in their last three games, as is the case here. You would have to go back three meetings here in Tampa, all the way to 2018 to find the last time Calgary won a game at Amalie Arena. Since then, the Bolts have reeled off four straight wins against the Flames, scoring a whopping 22 goals in the process. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
12-31-21 | Capitals -150 v. Red Wings | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington over Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Friday. I like what I saw from the Capitals as they jumped ahead early, blew a 3-0 lead but then rallied to win 5-3 against the Predators in their first game back from the holiday break two nights ago. We've seen some of that shakiness from most teams in their first game back on the ice, and should anticipate the same from the Red Wings on Friday. The Caps have most of their key contributors back from the Covid list and are primed to go on a run. They've only managed to split the first two meetings in this series this season but I like their chances here, noting the Red Wings have averaged just 1.7 goals and have been outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals when coming off consecutive games in which they scored 3+ goals, as is the case here, over the last two seasons (14-game sample size). Take Washington (10*). |
|||||||
12-28-21 | Golden Knights -148 v. Kings | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 37 h 14 m | Show |
NHL Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Vegas over Los Angeles at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. I really like the way this one sets up as a big revenge spot for the Golden Knights after they dropped a 6-2 decision against the Kings in the first meeting between these division rivals this season. Note that Vegas has gone an incredible 13-1 when seeking revenge for a road loss by three goals or more against an opponent, as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.7 goals in that situation. The Kings, meanwhile, are a woeful 2-14 when coming off four or more consecutive road games over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.3 goals on average in that spot. Interestingly, the Kings have averaged just 1.9 goals the last nine times they've played after being off for three or more days, which is obviously the case here following the extended holiday break. The Knights check in averaging an impressive 3.7 goals on the road this season, where they've gone 10-5. Take Vegas (10*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Canucks v. Sharks -125 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -125 | 15 h 48 m | Show |
NHL Pacific Division Game of the Year. My selection is on San Jose over Vancouver at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. The Sharks are one of the few teams in the NHL not dealing with Covid issues right now (I realize the situation is very fluid). Here, I think they're catching the Canucks at the right time, 'fat and happy' off five straight wins and with this being a tough one-game trip before heading back home for two. The Sharks are off a tough 3-1 loss to expansion Seattle two nights ago as they ran into a hot goalie in Chris Driedger (seems strange saying that but San Jose outshot Seattle 34-30 in that contest). The Canucks recent success has come at home. They're still just 5-9 on the road this season where they allow 3.6 goals per game. Things aren't going to get any easier on Thursday as they'll be missing a number of key cogs due to Covid protocols. Note that the Sharks have done a tremendous job of tightening things up defensively off a home loss this season, allowing only 1.2 goals per game the six previous times that situation has come up, outscoring opponents by 1.1 goals on average in that spot. Take San Jose (10*). |
|||||||
12-14-21 | Islanders -119 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -119 | 31 h 58 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on New York over Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Tuesday. We missed with the Isles here in Detroit less than two weeks ago as they fell in overtime by a 4-3 score. That was in the midst of an awful Covid-tinged stretch that saw New York lose 11 consecutive games. The Isles have seemingly turned things around now, however, as they've won two of their last three games with the lone loss coming thanks to a late lapse against the Preds on home ice. After finally winning their first game at brand new UBS Arena on Saturday night I think the monkey is off their back in some sense. Look for them to earn an ounce of revenge as they head to Motown on Tuesday night. The Red Wings are off to a fine start all things considered, but they haven't been overly consistent. They check into this game off three consecutive losses and there were some really concerning signs in all three as they were outscored by a wide margin of 18-7. Sometimes when the floodgates open it's difficult for a team to regain its footing - just ask the Islanders. Here, I look for New York to take full advantage of Detroit's recent woes, noting that the Wings are a miserable 6-32 in their last 38 games after allowing four goals or more in consecutive games, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.7 goals in that situation. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
12-09-21 | Wild -139 v. Sharks | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 15 h 54 m | Show |
NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Minnesota over San Jose at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. The Wild are rolling right now, winners of seven games in a row heading into Thursday's matchup in San Jose. I look for them to keep rolling, noting that the Sharks have just one victory in their last three games and that was essentially gift-wrapped for them thanks to an awful performance from the Flames after they had built a 3-1 lead. Keep in mind, the Wild will have revenge on their minds here after suffering a 4-1 loss on home ice against the Sharks back on November 16th. nNote that San Jose averages a woeful 1.9 goals per game the last 16 times it has played at home after scoring three goals or more in consecutive games, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals in that situation. After Tuesday's win in Edmonton, the Wild are now 8-5 on the road this season, averaging 3.2 goals per game along the way. While the Sharks have posted a winning record at home at 6-5 on the season, they've actually been outscored by an average margin of 0.4 goals. Take Minnesota (10*). |
|||||||
12-08-21 | Stars v. Golden Knights -135 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 16 h 53 m | Show |
NHL Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Vegas over Dallas at 10:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Knights have quietly gotten healthy but are still looking for consistency as they aim for their first three-game winning streak since early November on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Dallas has ripped off seven straight victories with six of those coming on home ice. The Stars' last two opponents have been punchless as the Blue Jackets and Coyotes combined to score just three goals on a miserable 41 shots on goal. Keep in mind, while the Stars did prevail, in their last two games against opposition with a pulse they've been outshot by a 77-39 combined margin against the Avalanche and Hurricanes. They're likely to face an onslaught here with the Knights having scored 15 goals over their last three games and averaging 3.2 goals per game on home ice this season. By contrast, Dallas averages just 2.4 goals per game on the road, where it has gone 4-6 and been outscored by an average margin of 1.1 goals. Dallas has played just three games here in Vegas all-time, only managing a single win with that coming back in the Knights inaugural season. Take Vegas (10*). |
- Early Lines
- High Limits
- NEW VIP Rewards
- VIP Program
- Mobile Betting
- Crypto
- VIP Program
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting!
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting
- 48 Hour Payouts
- 35% Crypto Bonus
- Live Betting
- Mobile Friendly
Guaranteed Winners or your money back and Free Picks in the NFL football, NBA basketball, MLB baseball, NCAA college football and basketball, Nascar Racing, Arena Football nhl hockey leagues and more.
We are part of the internets Premier Sports Handicappers League with full documentation of all members on this sports betting news and info portal. Free Membership, Join Today and start Winning!
For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.