I am playing on CAROLINA (vs  Toronto) as my *9 Customer Appreciation Special on Friday @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes have won five of the six meetings with Toronto the last 3 seasons and this includes all three meetings at Carolina. Also, the Canes are sure to be fired up after having three full off days since their most recent game resulted in a 4th straight loss for Carolina. The Hurricanes are 4-2 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more and they lost 4-1 to the Ducks in their most recent game. The Maple Leafs come into this game off of a 5-1 win but that was at home. Toronto lost their most recent road game and the Leafs are 0-4 this season and 2-12 the last 3 seasons in road games with a total of 5 goals. After a win by a margin of two goals or more, the Maple Leafs have gone 0-3 this season. With Toronto off of a huge win and Carolina off of a ugly loss (and having had plenty of time to stew about it) this set up is perfect for a big home win for the Hurricanes. 

I am playing on ST LOUIS (vs Buffalo) as my *6 Blue Marlin Thursday @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are off of a loss at Columbus. Prior to the 3-1 loss to the Blue Jackets Tuesday, the Blues had won 7 of their last 10 games. Before being held to one goal at Columbus, St Louis was averaging 3.33 goals per game in their last six games. Buffalo is off of back to back losses where they have scored just one goal in each defeat. The Sabres have lost six of their eight games this season against teams with a winning record. Buffalo also is a ridiculously poor 11-41 in road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less the last three seasons. The Sabres have struggled badly on the penalty kill this season and the Blues are 46-24 in non-conference games these past three seasons. Grabbing St Louis off of a loss is a great value as only twice this entire season has St Louis lost back to back games. 

I am playing on CALGARY (vs New Jersey) as my *10 Best Bet Tuesday @ 9:05 ET - This price on the home team Flames is set quite low and I won't hesitate in taking advantage. Calgary is facing a Devils team that has developed an interesting pattern this season. New Jersey has done this well this season when playing with normal rest (a night off between games) but the Devils have not fared well with extra rest. The first five times this season that they have entered a game with extra rest (2 days off between games) they have one win and four losses. Look for that record to drop to 1-5 tonight as the Devils have been off since a 4-0 win versus Pittsburgh Saturday. That win over the Penguins was the first shutout win that New Jersey has has this season. That also helps to make this the perfect spot to fade the Devils. Calgary wrapped up a tough 1-3 road trip on Sunday and they are happy to be back home. The Flames have won 3 of their last 4 home games and, now returning from a tough road trip, look for a huge effort from Calgary tonight. 

I am playing on the NY Islanders (vs Arizona) as my *6 Annihilator on Monday @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders wrapped up a West Coast road trip on Friday. The Isles took 2 of the 3 games out west and scored 4 goals in each victory. This has given the Islanders a little spark heading into this Monday match-up with the Coyotes. While the price may seem a little high on the Isles, Arizona is known for their struggles in spots like this. The Coyotes are 3-6 in non-conference games this season and 13-28 against the East in the last 3 seasons combined. Arizona is playing their 5th game in 8 nights and the Coyotes lost 5-2 to the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Saturday. The Coyotes are 14-29 after a game in which they allowed 4 goals or more. The Islanders are 7-3 in non-conference action this season. The Isles also are 5-2 in games against teams with a winning record this season. Taking 2 of 3 on that road trip was big for the Islanders and they are 14-9 when they enter a game having played each of their past three games on the road. 

I am playing on ANAHEIM (vs NY Islanders) as my *8 Customer Appreciation Special on Friday @ 10:05 - The Ducks are off of back to back tight 4-3 losses on home ice. This is their final home game before a big four game road trip back east. With that said, there is no doubt about the type of effort Anaheim will be bringing to the barn Friday night. The Ducks are determined to finish off what has been a disappointing homestand by getting a big win over the Islanders Friday. The Ducks are catching the Islanders in a tough spot as the Isles had to battle with the Kings last night and are now playing their fourth game in six nights. Anaheim had won four straight games before these two tight back to back losses and they'll be hosting an Islanders club that had lost 5 of their last 6 games before a win at San Jose on Tuesday. The Ducks are 46-26 in home games with a total of 5.5 goals. Look for Anaheim to improve to a perfect 3-0 this season in games against the Eastern Conference. This is a very tough scheduling spot for the Islanders.

I am playing on CHICAGO (vs New Jersey) as my *6 Blue Marlin Thursday @ 7:35 ET - The Blackhawks seek revenge for a loss at New Jersey last week. Chicago has been strong at home all season and the Hawks knocked off the Oilers 4-2 on Sunday at the United Center. Chicago is 29-14 in home games with a total of 5 goals or less. The Blackhawks also are 23-10 in the month of November the last 3 seasons combined. New Jersey wrapped up their recent homestand with a 2-0 loss to the Blues. After that loss to St Louis, one might expect a bounce back from the Devils. However, New Jersey is a surprising 1-3 this season and 20-30 the last 3 seasons when off of a loss by a margin of 2 goals or more in their prior game. In road games with a total of 5 goals or less New Jersey has gone 26-45 the last 3 seasons combined. In non-conference action the Devils are 20-43 their last 63. Look for the Hawks to get their revenge in a big way tonight. The set up is perfect for Chicago to get a big home win. 

I am playing on TAMPA BAY (vs Calgary) as my *6 Customer Appreciation Special Thursday @ 7:35 ET - The Lightning are in the ideal bounce back spot here. Tampa Bay is off of back to back losses where they struggled to find the back of the net. Prior to these two defeats Tampa Bay had averaged 3 goals per game and gone 2-1 in their 3 prior games. Facing a Flames team that is allowing 4 goals per game this season should certainly help the Lightning offense to get back on track. Also, the Flames have lost 6 of their last 7 road games. Facing an angry Tampa Bay team is unlikely to help Calgary cure their road woes. Tampa Bay is 33-16 when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 or more goals. The Lightning are 40-25 in home games with a total of 5.5 goals. Tampa Bay is 61-37 in their last 98 games against teams with a losing record. Long story short, the Lightning should get "healthy" by "dousing" the Flames tonight.

I am playing on ANAHEIM (vs Edmonton) as my *6 Annihilator Wednesday @ 10:05 PM ET - While there is some 'juice' to lay in this match-up, the Ducks should prove to be well worth the price. Anaheim is fired up off a tough home loss to Arizona on Monday. The Ducks had won four straight games prior to that defeat and they are hungry to quickly get back on track. As for the Oilers, they come into this game having lost 6 of their last 8 games. Also, looking at the past 3 seasons combined, the Oilers have lost 48 of their last 62 games within the division. In road games with a total of 5.5 goals, Edmonton has lost 49 of their last 67 games. The Ducks are 46-25 in home games with a total of 5.5 goals. Anaheim also has won 57 of their last 83 games against teams with a losing record. These teams have met five teams in Anaheim the past three seasons and the Ducks have won every single game. With the strong situational edges for this match-up, I look for that run to reach 6-0. 

I am playing on MINNESOTA (vs Winnipeg) as my *9 Personal Favorite Tuesday @ 8:05 ET - The Jets have lost two straight and they're going to have trouble snapping the skid tonight. That's because Winnipeg is facing a Minnesota team that has revenge on their mind. The Wild lost a tough 5-4 game at Winnipeg about two weeks ago. Also, the last time that Minnesota hosted the Jets was last April and that was a 2-0 shutout loss for the Wild. They seek payback tonight and the situation is ideal for it. The Wild are 5-1 this season in home games with a total of 5 goals or less. Minnesota also is 6-2 this season when playing with revenge. The Wild are off of a shutout win over the Lightning and Minnesota has gone 15-5 when off of a shutout win. The Jets are slumping to start the month of November and Winnipeg is 15-25 in road games with a total of 5 goals or less. The Jets also are 51-76 in their last 127 games against teams with a winning record. This one is shaping up to be ALL WILD as Minnesota gets revenge.

I am playing on ANAHEIM (vs. Arizona) as my *6 Customer Appreciation Special Monday @ 10:05 ET - This is a big revenge game for the Ducks as they were embarrassed by Arizona early this season in a 4-0 shutout loss at home in mid-October. Anaheim was having a lot of trouble scoring goals early this season and the Coyotes were getting strong play in between the pipes at that time. However, much has changed since then. Arizona has given up an average of 3.6 goals per game in the 10 games since their shutout win over the Ducks. Also, Anaheim's offense is starting to show signs of life as the Ducks have won 4 straight games and have averaged 3 goals per game during this hot streak. Anaheim is 24-10 in home games with a total of 5 goals or less. The Ducks also are 57-25 in their last 82 games against teams with a losing record. The Coyotes are starting a quick two game road trip tonight after wrapping up a 3 game homestand. Arizona is 2-12 when they enter a game having played 3 or more consecutive home games. Look for the Coyotes to be a little flat here tonight while the Ducks come in fired up seeking revenge. *6 Customer Appreciation Special on ANAHEIM Monday.

I am playing on CHICAGO (vs Edmonton) as my *6 Blue Marlin @ 8:05 ET Sunday - Off a trough road loss at New Jersey, the Blackhawks got exactly what they needed here. It's a return to the United Center for Chicago and before a tough overtime loss to St Louis on Wednesday, the Hawks had won 6 in a row on home ice. Hosting the Oilers should certainly help the Blackhawks to get back on track. As the entire hockey world knows, Connor McDavid is now out for Edmonton with his injury recently suffered against the Flyers. In their first game without him, the Oilers managed just 1 goal in a loss to Pittsburgh and they are at home for that game. Now Edmonton is on the road and they have lost five of their last seven games overall. The Oilers now face a Blackhawks team that is ready to quickly go into attack mode on the ice tonight and Edmonton could get down a couple goals early in this one before they even know what hit them. Then, especially without McDavid, it's going to be tough for the Oilers offense to get them back into this game. Edmonton is 18-48 in road games with a total of 5.5 goals. Chicago is 44-22 in home games with a total of 5.5 goals. That, plus all the situational edges, makes the Blackhawks worth the price here.

I am playing on CHICAGO (@ New Jersey) as my *10 BLUE MARLIN on Friday @ 7:05 ET - The Blackhawks are fired up after they blew a huge lead against the Blues and lost to St Louis on Wednesday night. This game at New Jersey is the only road game that was on Chicago's schedule for a period of about 15 days from the end of October through mid-November. Therefore, this game had the full attention of the Blackhawks and they already can't wait to take to the ice because they want to get rid of the bad taste of that 6-5 OT loss to the Blues Wednesday. The Hawks have won each of their last four meetings with the Devils. Also, New Jersey is 18-42 in their last 60 games against teams from the Western Conference. The Blackhawks are 48-30 in their last 78 games against teams from the Eastern Conference. Both teams are off of divisional games but, while the Devils have a losing record the past three seasons when they are off of a divisional match-up, the Blackhawks have gone 53-29 when off of a divisional game. With fire burning from the loss to the Blues, Chicago is the play here and at a favorable price since they are on the road. 

I am playing on OTTAWA (vs Winnipeg) as my *10 Personal Favorite @ 7:35 ET Thursday - The Jets got a late 4-2 win at Toronto last night. They are in a good spot to be faded now as they are in the second night of a back to back plus coming off of the type of a late win that can leave a hockey club a little flat in their next game...especially when it is the very next night. The Jets have a longterm record of 10-25 in the second night of back to back games. Also, Winnipeg is 24-38 when they are off of a win by a margin of two goals or more. Ottawa had a tough start to the season but they enter this game having won 3 of their last 4 games. Also, the Senators have just one home win on the season so every home game they have coming up they're putting extra importance on. The fully focused Sens don't have another home game for a week after this game hosting the Jets tonight and that makes this one carry even more importance for Ottawa. Nice small line on this one considering the scheduling and situational edges for the Senators. I'll grab the value. 

I am playing on ANAHEIM (vs Florida) as my *10 Blue Marlin @ 10:35 ET Wednesday - Even though Ryan Getzlaf has been out (appendix), others have stepped up their game in his absence. The Ducks have had trouble scoring goals early this season but they've scored at least 3 goals twice in the three games without Getzlaf. Look for the resurgent offense - off of a 4-2 win over Nashville - to lead the way again tonight against the Panthers. Florida has lost five of their last seven games and a tough West Coast road trip is unlikely to improve things for the Panthers. Florida is off of a 2-1 loss to Washington and the Panthers are 17-31 when they are off of a game where they scored one goal or less. Also, Florida is 22-38 in non-conference action the last 3 seasons combined. As you can see, West Coast road trip unlikely to help struggling Panthers. The Ducks are 52-19 when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, Anaheim is 23-10 in home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. This one should be all Ducks Wednesday.

I am playing on CHICAGO (vs St Louis) as my 9* Personal Favorite @ 8:05 ET Wednesday - Both of these clubs are dealing with some injury issues right now. The key here is the scheduling situation. The Blackhawks are playing just their second game in the last five days. As for the Blues, this is a tough back to back spot as they were hosting Los Angeles last night. St Louis was shutout 3-0 last night by the same Kings team that the Hawks had defeated 4-2 the night before. Chicago has now won 5 of their last 7 games and the Blues have gone just 3-3 in their last 6 games and have averaged only 1.5 goals per game during this six game stretch. A sputtering Blues offense will prove to be no match for a Blackhawks team that has scored 4 goals in each of their last two games. These teams met twice in April and the Blues won both games including one here in Chicago. It's time for a little Blackhawks revenge. Chicago is 22-8 in November games the last 3 seasons combined. St Louis is a longterm 116-149 when playing on back to back days. The Blackhawks have won 6 straight home games and should make it 7 in a row tonight.

I am playing on EDMONTON (vs Philadelphia) as my *9 Personal Favorite Tuesday @ 9:05 ET - Tough spot for the Flyers here. They were in Vancouver last night and got blasted by the Canucks 4 to 1. Now Philly had to travel to Edmonton last night and get ready to take on Connor McDavid and the Oilers in the 2nd night of a back to back. The Flyers have been slumping as they've lost four straight games. Particularly concerning is the fact that Philadelphia has scored just 1 goal in each of their last 3 games. The Flyers are expected to have back-up netminder Michal Neuvirth between the pipes tonight and he must try to hold off an Oilers offense that has improved as the young season has gone on. Edmonton is only 4-4 in their last 8 games but Edmonton has scored 27 goals during this 8 game stretch. With this being the only Oilers game in the first five days of this month, Edmonton can fully focus on pushing the pace and frustrating the road-weary Flyers. Philadelphia has lost 44 of their last 62 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals including all 3 this season. The Oilers add another Flyers loss to that record tonight.

I am playing on CHICAGO (vs Los Angeles) as my *10 NHL Personal Favorite - The Kings come into this game on a 7 game winning streak but the Blackhawks are happy to be back home and also certainly very hungry off of back to back road losses. On home ice Chicago has won 5 straight games since an opening night loss to a tough Rangers team. The Blackhawks have won five of their last seven meetings with the Kings in Chicago. Even with Duncan Keith out with a knee injury the Blackhawks have been playing well and others seem to have stepped up their game in his absence. Chicago has gone 28-13 in home games with an O/U line of 5 goals or less the last three seasons combined. Also, the Hawks went 21-8 in November games the past two seasons combined. Look for the Blackhawks to really have some extra jump in their skates tonight off of the back to back losses on the road and now back at home ready for a huge game in the electric atmosphere of the United Center. Chicago does tend to step it up in the biggest of games. They've gone 73-49 in games against teams with a winning record the past three seasons combined. Compare that to the Kings (61-54 with the same parameters). *10 NHL Personal Favorite CHICAGO

I am playing on the NY ISLANDERS (vs Buffalo) as my 6* Annihilator @ 7:35 ET Sunday - Even though John Tavares may miss this game (he was out with flu yesterday and missed the game against the Devils), the Islanders still hold big edges in this match-up. The Sabres goalie situation is a mess due to the absence of Robin Lehner. Buffalo is off of a surprising win over the Flyers but previously the Sabres had given up 4.5 goals per game in their 4 prior games. I do not expect Buffalo to be able to slow down a highly motivated Islanders team - Tavares or no Tavares. The Isles are off of back to back losses to the Hurricanes and Devils and they are fully focused on a huge effort and getting back into the win column Sunday. Even though the Sabres are off of a win they had previously lost 7 of their first 10 games this season. The Islanders, before their back to back losses, had won 6 of their 7 previous games. The Sabres are 1-5 this season against teams with a winning record. Also, Buffalo is 9-26 the last 3 seasons in road games with a total of 5.5 goals. The Islanders take advantage of facing a weaker foe tonight and are worth the price here.

I am playing on OTTAWA (vs Detroit) as my *8 Annihilator Special on Saturday @ 7:05 ET - The Senators won at Detroit 3-1 last night and though many look for the zig-zag in a home and home set like this, I just don't see the Red Wings going on the road and getting a victory at Ottawa Saturday night. With last night's home loss, Detroit has now lost 6 of their last 7 games. Though the Sens also had recently been slumping, they have responded with back to back wins and have scored 8 goals in their last two games. The Red Wings have only averaged 1.5 goals in their last 6 games. Going on the road is unlikely to do any favors for Detroit. The Red Wings are 17-23 in road games with a total of 5.5 goals the last 3 years. Also, in divisional games the last 3 years, Detroit has gone 33-43. The Senators are already 3-1 in divisional action this season and I look for another big divisional win at home for Ottawa tonight. 

I am playing on OTTAWA (vs Calgary) as my *10 Game of the Month @ 7:35 ET Wednesday - The Flames are just a mess right now and that makes this the perfect spot to back Ottawa large because the Senators are fired up off of another disappointing home loss. The Sens have a road game on deck and after dropping the first three games of this four game homestand there is no doubt about the intensity and the focus that the Senators are going to bring to the ice for this one. Ottawa will take advantage of a Flames team that is playing their 3rd road game in 4 nights. Calgary has lost 6 of their last 7 games and they face a well-rested Sens club that has had 3 full off days to think about the loss they were handed by Arizona on Saturday. The Senators blood will likely be boiling by the time the puck drops on this one tonight. The Sens loss to the Coyotes Saturday was their first loss this season by a margin of 3 goals or more. As for the Flames, they've already had five losses this season by a margin of 3 goals or more. Calgary is allowing 4 goals per game this season. The Senators were 3-2 this season heading into this homestand. They don't want to end the 4-game homestand without a win and I look for a huge effort from them tonight. In addition to having an edge in goaltending (Flames can't keep the puck out of their own net this season), the Sens also have a significant edge in power play efficiency too. Both of these are key factors Wednesday.

I am playing on BOSTON (vs Arizona) as my *7 ANNIHILATOR Tuesday @ 7:05 ET - Solid situational advantage for the Bruins with this set up. That makes Boston worth the significant money line price at home here. The Bruins have been off since Friday while the Coyotes are in a back to back situation. Arizona notched a big road win over the Maple Leafs yesterday. The Coyotes have gone 6-9 when in the 2nd night of a back to back and Arizona has gone 11-26 when off of a non-conference game. The Coyotes will face a Bruins team that is playing their only game during a long stretch from October 21st to November 3rd. With that said, Boston will want to 'make this one count' and the Bruins have won all five match-ups with the Coyotes the past three seasons combined and that includes a win at Arizona earlier this season. The Bruins seemed to have stabilized after a rough early season start and they've won three of their last 4 games and have averaged 5 goals per game during this hot stretch. I don't expect the Coyotes, especially in a back to back situation, to be able to slow down the surging offense of Boston. The Bruins should make it 6 in a row over the over-matched Coyotes here. *7 Annihilator BOSTON

I am playing on OTTAWA (vs Arizona) as my *8 Personal Favorite @ 7 ET Saturday - Arizona's 3-0 start seems all but a distant memory at this point in time. The Coyotes have lost 4 straight games and they have allowed an average of 4 goals per game in these 4 defeats. Arizona won't find the going getting any easier Saturday as they are at Ottawa. Even though the Sens have had some struggles of their own recently they are happy to be on home ice and ready to take out the frustrations of a recent losing streak by completely dominating a lesser foe. The Coyotes are 11-28 when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. When on a losing streak of 3 games or more the losing usually continues for Arizona as the 'Yotes are 9-19 in this situation. The Senators are 12-8 when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more and I do expect them to bounce back well here. Look for Ottawa to add a W to the Senators 8-3 mark in games hosting Arizona. 

I am playing on OTTAWA (vs New Jersey) as my 8* Personal Favorite on Thursday @ 7:35 PM ET - The Devils are off of a tight win against Arizona on Tuesday. Although New Jersey snuck out a win over the Coyotes, that was only their 2nd win in 6 games this season and their lack of production on offense is still an overall concern. The Devils have scored just 11 goals in their 6 games this season so they aren't even averaging 2 goals per game on the season. The Devils tonight are taking on a Senators team that will be fired up after a 4-3 loss to Nashville Saturday. Ottawa has had plenty of time off to think about that loss and they can't wait to get back on the ice and get a big home win to put that defeat in the rear view mirror. Unlike the Devils, the Senators have been scoring quite well. The Sens have scored 3 goals or more in 4 of their 6 games this season. Though Ottawa has 3 victories this season they have lost both of their home games and they are determined to get a big home win tonight. The Devils are 23-44 in road games with a total of 5 goals or less. In what is projected to be another low-scoring road contest for New Jersey, look for Ottawa to come out on top in a big way on home ice!

I am playing on BOSTON (vs. Philadelphia) as my *10 Personal Favorite on Wednesday @ 8:05 ET - The Bruins have crushed the Flyers by winning each of the last six match-ups. They also come into this game well-rested as Boston has not played since Saturday. After three full days off I look for the rested legs of the Bruins to come out and crush Philadelphia in Boston. The Flyers scheduling situation is much tougher as they are in a back to back spot. Not only did Philly lose yesterday, they now return to the road where they have lost both of their games this season including getting pounded 7-1 at Florida less than two weeks ago. Boston is 56-31 in games against teams with a losing record. Also, the Bruins are 45-24 in home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. In what is projected to be a tighter, low-scoring game, there is no reason not to expect the B's to continue their recent dominance over the struggling Flyers. The price is well worth a *10 Top Play rating. Personal Favorite Wednesday.

I am playing on PITTSBURGH (vs Florida) as my *7 Annihilator Tuesday @ 7:05 ET - After a slow start to the season the Penguins are back on track with back to back wins. The Pens have had two days off to fully prep for Florida here and they have a non-conference match-up on deck so the Panthers have their full attention to say the least. The Pens are 18-9 when they enter game off of three straight unders and that is the case here. Also, Pittsburgh does well early in the season when facing teams off to good starts. In the first half of a season, Pittsburgh has gone 23-13 in their games against teams with a winning record. Florida got a big win to start the season but has since gone just 2-2 and the Panthers are off of a 4-2 loss to Dallas and are 17-31 when they enter a game off of a loss by a margin of two goals or more.

I am playing on NEW JERSEY (vs Arizona) as my *9 Personal Favorite Tuesday @ 7:05 ET - The Coyotes have quickly come back down to earth as they have now allowed 9 goals and lost back to back games after their surprising start to the season. As for the Devils, they did have a rough start to the season but they are off of a win in their most recent game and can certainly build off off of that here. New Jersey has allowed an average of just 2 goals per game in their last 3 games and their stingy defense will frustrate Arizona. Couple that with the fact that the Coyotes recently are struggling in their own end of the ice and you have the perfect combination for a solid home win here. The Devils have won 8 of the last 12 meetings between the clubs in New Jersey. Also, the Coyotes are 11-27 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Look for their losing streak to reach three games here. 

I am playing on the NEW YORK RANGERS (vs San Jose) as my *8 Annihilator Monday @ 7 ET - Tough spot for the Sharks. San Jose is playing their fourth straight road game on the East Coast. They have a big game coming up back home against Los Angeles so this definitely looks like a trap game for the Sharks. San Jose got crushed 6 to 3 by the Islanders on Saturday and I look for another tough game for them here as the Rangers are hungry to get back on track on home ice. The Blueshirts lost yesterday and will be looking for quick redemption. The Rangers have gone 7-1 the past two seasons when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Though the Sharks have had some success on the road early this season, they did enter this season having gone 11-20 the past two seasons in road games with a total of 5 goals or less. *8 Annihilator NEW YORK RANGERS Monday.

I am playing on LOS ANGELES (vs Colorado) as my 6* Customer Appreciation Annihilator Sunday @ 10:05 ET - The Kings are catching the Avs at the perfect time. The Avalanche are off of their big shutout win over the Ducks and it will certainly be difficult for Colorado to duplicate such a strong effort. Los Angeles has dominate this series with wins in 5 of the last 6 meetings and that includes the 3 most recent wins coming by a combined margin of 8 goals. The Kings haven't just been defeating the Avs...they've been dominating the Avalanche and I look for that type of domination tonight as well. Los Angeles had a rough start to the season but getting into the win column with their victory over Minnesota on Friday night is a win they can build momentum off of. The Kings are enjoying a nice long homestand to open the season and they are now 1-0 this season (and 18-13 the last 3 seasons) when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on home ice.

I am playing on the NY Islanders (vs San Jose) as a *9 Personal Favorite @ 7:35 ET Saturday - The Sharks are 4-0 this season but they've had two days off before every game this season. All of the sudden, things just got much tougher today. Not only does San Jose not get two days off, they don't even get one day off! The Sharks are in a back to back spot after beating the Devils last night. Having a night of fun enjoying the New York nightlife also certainly won't do San Jose any favors heading into this tough back to back spot. The Sharks are facing an Isles club that started their season with a pair or losses to the Blackhawks but that has responded to that by notching a pair of victories (over two solid teams no less). The Islanders have defeated Winnipeg and Nashville in their last two games and are now ready to host the Sharks. The home team one each game between these clubs last season and I look for that trend to continue here. *9 Personal Favorite NY ISLANDERS Saturday

I am playing on PITTSBURGH (vs Toronto) as a *6 Blue Marlin @ 7:05 ET Saturday - The Maple Leafs are off of their first win of the season last night at Columbus. Now they play the 2nd night of a back to back spot at Pittsburgh. The Penguins are also off of their first win of the season but, in comparing the two teams, of course it's quite easy to see which club is more likely to continue the winning. The Pens are off of a shutout win and have allowed an average of just 2 goals per game in their four games this season. In stark contrast to Pittsburgh, Toronto has been struggling in their own end. The Maple Leafs have allowed an average of nearly 4 goals per game this season. In road games with a total of 5.5 goals, Toronto has gone 17-48 the last 3 seasons. The Penguins are 40-22 the last 3 seasons in home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Large price here on Pittsburgh but the Pens are fully deserving of the price in this situation. *6 Blue Marlin PITTSBURGH Saturday

I am playing on the LA Kings (vs Minnesota) as a *7 on Friday @ 10:35 ET - The LA Kings are winless on the season and in the perfect spot to get back on track here. Minnesota has a date with Anaheim on deck. The Wild know that had they got past the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks in the 2nd round of last season's playoffs, that they would have met up with the Ducks. That is an opportunity they still regret not having and Minnesota can't help but lookahead to Anaheim here. The Wild are undefeated on the season and have the full attention of a winless Kings team. Los Angeles is fired up and ready to get into the win column at home. The Kings have revenge here from a 4-1 loss to the Wild the last time these teams met. LA has gone 14-8 the past two seasons when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. The Wild are a long-term 57-69 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Kings penalty kill is holding opponents to just a 13% success rate early this season whereas Minnesota has allowed a 25% success rate so far this season. Look for that to play a role in tonight's game as well. 

I am playing on Anaheim (vs Colorado) as a *7 on Friday @ 10:05 ET - Anaheim is winless on the season and certainly that was not expected. That said, I fully expect a huge response from the Ducks tonight. They've managed just 1 goal so far in their three games this season but Anaheim now faces an Avalanche team that has allowed 14 goals in their first three games this season. That said, look for the Ducks to get their offense rolling tonight. The Avalanche only won 16 of their 41 road games last season and this is their road opener this season. The Ducks won 26 of their 41 home games last season and they can't wait to get back on the ice tonight after being embarrassed in a 4-0 home shutout on Wednesday. The Ducks are 55-24 in their last 79 games against teams with a losing record. Also, Anaheim has gone 7-3 the last 3 seasons when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. After scoring 1 goal or less in a game they Ducks are 18-11 the last 3 seasons. I do expect a huge response from Anaheim tonight and that's why they are well worth the price in this one.

I am playing on Columbus (vs Toronto) as a *7 on Friday @ 7:05 ET - Both of these clubs are winless on the season but, for the Maple Leafs, that is not a big surprise. For the Blue Jackets, it is a big surprise. I look for Columbus to get back on track tonight and start playing like they're certainly fully capable of playing. The Blue Jackets went 46-31 the last 2 seasons in games against teams with a losing record and, after facing some tough opposition to start this season, I do expect Columbus to take advantage of facing a lesser foe tonight. The Maple Leafs are a putrid 16-48 the last two seasons in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Look for some rust from Toronto here too as they've haven't played in early a full week and that is unlikely to help them. The Leafs have just 3 wins in their last 10 games when they enter a match-up off of 3 or more days of rest. 

I am playing on PITTSBURGH (vs Ottawa) as my *8 Annihilator Thursday @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have lost their first three games of this season but they ran into some tough teams and also some red hot goalies. Pittsburgh is 9-5 the past two seasons when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Also, the Penguins are 39-22 the past two seasons in home games with a total of 5.5 goals set by the oddsmakers. Ottawa has but one loss on the season but it did come in the 2nd night of a back to back situation and that is the case here with the Senators playing in Pittsburgh immediately after battling with the Blue Jackets in Columbus the prior night. I expect the back to back spot (and impact on the Sens goaltending situation) to once again result in a loss in the 2nd night. The Sens are now 11-18 in back to back situations the last 3 seasons combined. Although the Senators exploded for 7 goals last night, that doesn't necessarily result in big performances the next night. In fact, the Sens are 21-36 when off of a game where they scored four goals or more. *8 Annihilator PITTSBURGH.

I am playing on the NY ISLANDERS (vs Nashville) as my *10 Personal Favorite Thursday @ 7:05 ET - After tough back to back losses to the Blackhawks to open up the season, the Islanders got into the win column with a big 4-2 win over Winnipeg Monday. I look for the Isles to build on that victory and notch another one here over a Predators team that is playing well defensively and between the pipes but that hasn't shown the firepower on offense that is necessary to match up with the Isles. The Preds have netted a total of only 7 goals in their first three games this season. The Islanders also have just 7 goals so far this season in their three games but they faced a much tougher shedule than did Nashville. The Predators went 15-24 the past two seasons in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Isles have won 3 of the last 4 meetings between the clubs including both of the meetings at home. The Islanders have scored 9 goals in their last two meetings with the Predators and I look for their high powered offense to be the difference once again in this one. *10 Personal Favorite Thursday ISLANDERS.

I am playing on COLUMBUS (vs Ottawa) as my *10 Personal Favorite on Wednesday @ 7:05 ET - Look for a huge effort from the Blue Jackets tonight. Big things were expected from Columbus coming into this season and certainly, even though it is very early, the Jackets have been a major disappointment thusfar. Having lost each of their first three games, Columbus reached "rock bottom" in my opinion with their loss at Buffalo on Monday. The Blue Jackets defeated the Senators 4-1 in Ottawa in their most recent meeting. However, Columbus lost 5-2 the last time they hosted the Sens and they'll be looking for payback inside Nationwide Arena tonight. Ottawa has allowed 7 goals in their last two games and could be "just what the doctor ordered" in terms of the Blue Jackets getting their offense back on track. Great line value here with the Jackets at home where they know a response is needed and have had some players only meetings to address the situation and move forward with a big game tonight. *10 Personal Favorite COLUMBUS

I am playing on PITTSBURGH (vs. Montreal) as my *10 Game of the Week on Tuesday @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens are playing their 4th straight road game to open up the season. Also, it will be the Habs 3rd game in 4 nights. From a scheduling standpoint, this is a very tough spot for Montreal. Also, their first three games were all divisional victories and now they skate outside of their division for the first time this season and they could be a little flat as a result. The team they are facing tonight certainly won't be flat. The Penguins have scored just 1 goal total in their first two games of the season. The Pens need a big effort here in their home opener and I look for them to get it. When playing with rest the Penguins are 181-135 longterm. The Habs are 11-13 (and have cost their backers 6.3 units) when they enter a game having played each of their last three games on the road. That is the case here and I look for the Penguins to take advantage of this tough scheduling spot for the Canadiens.

I am playing on PHILADELPHIA (vs Florida) as my *10 Personal Favorite on Monday @ 7:05 PM ET - After getting embarrassed 7-1 at Florida in the Panthers home opener on Saturday, the Flyers look to respond with some payback in their own home opener here on Monday. Philadelphia is expected to have Michal Neuvirth in between the pipes tonight and look for the goalie switch to spark the Flyers. Saturday got ugly but feeding off of the emoiton of the home crowd tonight, and ready to bounceback huge, I look for a fantastic effort from Philly in this one. The Flyers are 0-2 on the season but, when they faced the Panthers on Saturday, they seemed to be a bit "hung over" from the tough OT loss to a very strong Lightning team on Thursday. That effort in Tampa Bay said a lot about how this Flyers team is capable of playing and I look for another big effort tonight. The Flyers went 34-24 in home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals the past two seasons. The Panthers have gone just 10-21 the past two seasons when they are off of a win by a margin of two goals or more. Philadelphia on Monday is my first *10 this NHL season.

I am playing on the NY ISLANDERS (vs Winnipeg) as my *8 Breakfast Club on Monday @ 1:05 ET - What is one of the worst things that can happen to a hockey club when they're rolling? Time off. That is an enemy when you're hot and the Jets started off the season with two big road wins (at Boston and New Jersey) and they've now had to wait through two full off days for the next game day to roll around. That said, the Jets are walking into a "firestorm" here so the result is not likely to be good for Winnipeg. The Islanders can't wait to get back on the ice (and are helped here by the fact that they only had one day off) as the Isles are hungry to respond after opening the season with back to back losses to the Blackhawks. The Islanders are facing a Jets team that entered this season with a 14-25 mark (and 21-36 longterm record) when off of a win by a margin of two goals or more. After knocking off the Devils by a two goal count, look for Winnipeg to fall short here and struggle against the hungry Islanders. The Isles trounced the Jets 5-2 in their most recent meeting and I look for a similar result Monday afternoon. *8 Breakfast Club Monday.  

I am playing on TAMPA BAY (vs Philadelphia) as a *6 Blue Marlin Thursday @ 7:35 ET - Big revenge spot for the Lightning here. Tampa Bay went 5-1 against the Flyers the past two seasons but that lone loss was in the most recent meeting. In January at Philadelphia the Lightning lost 7 to 3 to the Flyers. Needless to say that was one of the uglier losses that Tampa had last season and they'll look to get some payback tonight. The Lightning are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender this season and the Flyers are still a team struggling through transitional issues. Philadelphia has gone 18-41 the past two seasons in road games with a total of 5.5 goals. The Lightning 38-22 the past two seasons in home games with a total of 5.5 goals. Tampa Bay is well worth the price here...especially when you factor in the added value of the revenge angle.

I’m playing on the Chicago Blackhawks as a 10*.

Chicago took control of the Stanley Cup final with a 2-1 victory in Tampa Bay Saturday night. And while the score was once again tight and the stats for the series appear to be even, the Blackhawks set the pace for Game 5 early and dominated play for most of the contest. Plenty of fingers were pointing to hobbled Lightning goalie Ben Bishop and his decision to leave his net on Chicago’s first goal, however, the Blackhawks would still have likely won the game behind their best two-way performance of the series. Tampa Bay may have outshot the Blackhawks 32-29 Saturday night but the quality of those scoring chances were limited and goaltender Corey Crawford didn’t have to go too far to keep those shots out of the net. Lightning star scorer Steven Stamkos has been held in check for the series and not given the space or angles to fire quality shots on goal. The series swinging back to the Windy City gives Chicago a major boost for Game 6, with the Blackhawks boasting an 8-2 record inside the United Center this postseason. Chicago’s big-game experience knows how to get the job done and those savvy veterans won’t let this series swing back to Tampa Bay for the Game 7.

I’m playing on Chicago as a 10* Monday.

TAMPA BAY at CHICAGO 
I am playing on CHICAGO. For the first time these playoffs, the Blackhawks have lost two games in a row and as strange as it may sound, that's exactly where they seem to like it. 
"For whatever reason, we play our best games when our backs are against the wall," defenseman Brent Seabrook said Tuesday. 
Chicago won the last two games of the Western finals against the Ducks to pull out the series win and they responded strong with big wins after each loss against Nashville in the first round. This experienced team just keeps coming at you just when you think you have the upper hand and I like the Blackhawks to even up the series tonight. 
Patrick Kane has been kept off the score sheet through the first three games of the Cup finals and Jonathan Toews has just one assist. I really don't see that pattern continuing and I think one or both of these guys are going to break out for big games tonight. 
Chicago ripped 38 shots at Tampa Bay in Game 3 - the most from either team in the series - and Ben Bishop had an incredible performance in nets. I'm expecting another barrage like that tonight and more pucks to go in for the home side. 
Chicago is 7-2 at home in these playoffs and I'll be a little stunned if the Hawks lose two in a row on home ice. 10* Main Event

I’m playing on the Chicago Blackhawks as a 10* MAIN EVENT.

The Blackhawks stole Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final in Tampa Bay but allowed the Lightning to even the final with a 4-3 win in Game 2 before swinging the series to Chicago for Game 3 Monday. The Blackhawks took a careless high sticking call midway through the third period of Game 2 that opened the door for the Bolts to score the go-ahead goal on the power play. We expect Chicago to play a much tighter and disciplined game, especially goaltender Corey Crawford, who allowed a couple soft goals in the loss. The Blackhawks can’t afford to allow the Lightning to get their offense rolling in this pivotal Game 3, most notable limiting their power-play chances. Tampa Bay has goaltending issues of their own with Ben Bishop forced out of the third period of Game 2 for undisclosed reasons. That leaves Tampa Bay perhaps turning to rookie netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy if Bishop can’t play. Whoever is between the pipes for the Lightning, Chicago will press early and test. The Blackhawks have won eight of the past 11 meetings with the Bolts inside the United Center and are 7-1 at home in the playoffs heading into Monday’s matchup.

I’m playing on Chicago as a 10* Monday.

I’m playing on the Tampa Bay Lightning as a 10* Finals GAME OF THE YEAR.

The Lightning had their hearts ripped out in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final, collapsing in the dying moments of the third period and allowing Chicago to steal with win with two late goals. Tampa Bay will be sure not to let that happen again in Game 2 and we expect the Bolts to press on offense after a low-scoring series opener. The Lighting can’t be happy with their offensive effort in Game 1, scoring an early first period goal and totaling just 23 shots for the game. That conservative style and protecting a lead may have worked against the Rangers but the Blackhawks have too many weapons to give them extra chances with the puck. As we’ve seen throughout the season, that isn’t the Bolts style. With those Game 1 jitters gone for both sides, we expect this series to open up and an increase in the pace – a style of play Tampa Bay is very comfortable with. The Lightning will come out and play possessive hockey, rather than just defend their blueline, and still keep pressure on the Chicago defense. Tampa Bay has won six of its last eight meeting with the Blackhawks and own a 4-1 record versus Chicago in their last five games inside Amalie Arena.

I’m playing on Tampa Bay as a 10* Saturday.

CHICAGO at TAMPA BAY 
I am playing on CHICAGO. When the Blackhawks needed to find a way to win last series, they simply exploded with scoring and claimed three of the last four games against Anaheim to move on to the NHL finals. I just don't feel Tampa Bay can compete with the kind of depth and experience that the Blackhawks bring to this series and I love Chicago getting underdog money in Game 1. 
The Hawks blasted 19 goals over their final four games against the Ducks and captain Jonathan Toews unleashed five goals alone during that stretch. When you also have Patrick Kane (2nd in playoff points), Duncan Keith (leading defenseman in playoff points) and hoards of talent that goes lines deep beyond that, this makes for a tough team to beat. 
It seems Chicago just consistently finds a way to rise to the occasion with different players, which is why they have two Cups since 2010. I believe Chicago is going to make this a series about scoring, plus they have the experience advantage, and I just don't think the Lightning can hang with that. I'll happily grab Chicago at this price in Game 1. 10* MAINT EVENT

ANAHEIM at CHICAGO 
I am playing on CHICAGO. This series has gone back and forth where both teams have traded wins and there’s no logic to bet against that pattern now – especially with the series headed back to Chicago. 
The last two games have gone to overtime and it’s not much surprise the home side managed to squeeze out the victory with the home crowd giving the extra boost. Chicago is now 6-1 on home ice in these playoffs with Anaheim being the lone team to upset the Windy City faithful. 
The bad news for the Ducks is that Chicago captain Jonathan Toews has caught fire with four points in his last two games after going three games with just one point. Usually when Toews is playing that well, the Blackhawks are almost unbeatable but Patrick Sharp has also finally come alive with three points in his last two games. Sharp had failed to notch a point in four straight games prior to that  
That’s what makes the Blackhawks so tough to beat – they just keep oozing talent as their lines pour over the boards and they eventually overcome you with depth. Throw in home ice and I really feel this series is headed back to California for a Game 7 after tonight. 10* Main Event

I’m playing on the New York Rangers as a 9*.

The Rangers took Tampa Bay’s best shot – 39 of them actually – a stood their ground with a 5-2 victory in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final. New York now returns home with the series locked at 2-2 and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist appears to have found his form after a shaky two-game slide. Lundqvist gave up two goals on 39 shots in Game 4 and has a 2.11 GAA at home in the postseason. The same can’t be said for his counterpart Ben Bishop, who has allowed 10 total goals on 52 shots the past two contests. We see Tampa Bay having to change its plan of attack and spend more energy helping out Bishop on defense than pressing on offense. New York is just fine with that type of game. The Rangers love to strike early then sit on the puck and pack the blueline, not allowing their opponents clean looks at Lundqvist. New York’s offense has been equally as impressive as Tampa Bay’s the last two games and with the series swinging to MSG, we see the Blue Shirts taking the edge in this conference final.

I’m playing on New York as a 9* Sunday.

DUCKS at BLACKHAWKS 
I am playing on CHICAGO. The Blackhawks were 5-0 at home in the playoffs entering Game 3 where the Ducks pulled out a gritty 2-1 win. I really can't see Chicago losing two in a row at home and I believe the Blackhawks will be heading back to California with this series tied up. 
Corey Crawford has played like his pads are on fire in the net for Chicago and I think he'll continue to provide the stability Chicago needs to get the job done. The Blackhawks always seem to get different players to step up when they need them most and I won't be surprised if we see that happen tonight. 
Chicago could use some points from Patrick Sharp, who has been kept off the score sheet in four straight games and I'm expecting him to contribute tonight in what's as close to a must-win situation as you can get. Jonathan Toews also only has one point through three games in this series, which isn't the norm we see from him come playoff time. We always seem to see him elevate when it's needed most. 
I think we'll see a little more desperation on the Blackhawks side tonight and I believe they'll scrape out a win while throwing everything they have at the Ducks. 10* Main Event

ANAHEIM at CHICAGO  I am playing on CHICAGO. I see home ice being a huge factor in Game 3 after these teams went toe to toe in a triple overtime marathon in Game 2, which the Blackhawks pulled out 3-2.  They will need every ounce of energy they can muster and I think the fans in Chicago will give their team that edge with the conference finals heading back to the Windy City.  I also feel that Chicago has more depth overall in this series when it comes to high end talent. This is the kind of game where teams really need their best players to be their best players. I think that will be Chicago in Game 3 and I am expecting their top end talent like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith to shine through.  Chicago is 5-0 at home in these playoffs and I think they get their sixth win on Thursday. 10* Main Event

WASHINGTON at NEW YORK RANGERS 
I am playing on the RANGERS. I am siding with history in this one and taking New York to complete the comeback in this series and advance to the Eastern Conference finals. 
New York has won six straight Game 7s at Madison Square Garden and and is 9-0 in elimination games in Manhattan going back to 2008. This also just happens to have turned into a home series with the home side winning four of the last five meetings. 

That didn't stop Caps forward Alex Ovechkin from guaranteeing that Washington would win Game 7 but I think that just puts more pressure on his team where they otherwise would have been nothing more than the improbable road underdog. 
I'm going to fade Ovechkin's prediction and feel the man in the crease at the other end will prevail. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has won an NHL record five straight Game 7s and he has an incredible 1.00 GAA and a .965 save percentage in six Game 7s overall. 8*

I’m playing on the Tampa Bay Lightning as a 10* East-Conf. 2nd Rnd GAME OF THE YEAR.


The Lightning have watched two opportunities to end this Eastern Conference semifinal pass them by after winning the first three games of this series with the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs have hung tough but now the Bolts have home ice and can’t allow any more momentum to build behind Montreal. Tampa Bay did a much better job keeping shots off the net in Game 5 but couldn’t solve Canadiens netminder Carey Price, who has turned away 46 of 49 shots in the past two contests. The Lightning will look to test Price early and often in Game 6 Tuesday. They found the back of the net 10 times in the first three games, including a 6-2 victory inside the Bell Centre in Game 2. Tampa Bay has won eight of its last 10 meetings with the Habs inside Amalie Arena, and the pressure of a return trip to Montreal for Game 7 is more than enough motivation to give the home side some added moneyline value.


I’m playing on Tampa Bay as a 10* Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Anaheim Ducks as a 6*.

Anaheim has the Calgary Flames wobbling after taking a 4-2 victory in Game 4 of this Western Conference playoff series and can deliver the knockout punch at home, where they’ve dominated the Flames since 2006. The Ducks have gone 16-0-5 versus Calgary inside the Honda Center, including a pair of wins in this series – 6-1 in Game 1 and 3-0 in Game 2. Anaheim hasn’t given Calgary many opportunities to find the back of the net and when they aren’t shutting the door on the blueline, they’re blasting the Flames with 16 goals through the first four games. The Ducks can get a good break by snuffing out the Flames early and we expect this veteran squad to close out this series Sunday.

I’m playing on the Anaheim Ducks as a 6* Sunday.

I am playing on MONTREAL. I just can’t see the Lightning coming in and taking the first two games of this series in Montreal after coming off an exhausting 7-game series against the Red Wings in Round 1.

Tampa Bay needed double overtime to take Game 1 – a 2-1 squeaker in which Montreal goaltender Carey Price was at his normal ungenerous self. Price made 42 saves and continued to show why he’s the top netminder in world right now.

I think the Habs have Tampa Bay playing exactly the kind of game they want them to – a low-scoring, dump-and-chase contest where the team that outlasts the other and has the better goaltender will ultimately win the series. That’s the kind of game that plays into Montreal’s favor and I think we’ll see this series head back to Tampa all tied up

Montreal has lost two in a row at home now following the loss to Tampa Bay but the Habs haven’t lost three in a row at home all season. I think the crowd will be another factor that helps to lift them to victory in Game 2.

I’m playing on the New York Rangers as a 10*.

The Rangers have a bad taste in their mouths after a disastrous letup in Game 1 of this Round 2 Eastern Conference series. New York watched Washington find the back of the net with two seconds remaining in the third period, stealing a 2-1 win. The Blueshirts will be careful not to let home ice slip away entirely in Game 2, but the Rangers know they must be more aggressive on the offensive end. New York has played in six straight one-goal games to open this postseason which might not cut it against an offense like the Capitals. We expect New York to try and build a two-goal buffer and avoid another heart-wrenching finish to Game 2 of this series.

I’m playing on the New York Rangers as a 10* Saturday.

MINNESOTA at CHICAGO 
I am playing on CHICAGO. The Wild have to be groaning coming into this series and thinking "not again" when it comes to playing the Blackhawks. 
Minnesota has been ousted by Chicago in each of the last two playoffs and now they must try to convince themselves they can pull off what they haven't been able to in the last two seasons. The United Center was especially unkind to the Wild in the last two postseasons, where they went a combined 0-6. Knowing that, I am actually a little surprised Chicago wasn't laying a higher number here. 
The Blackhawks also happen to have started this year's playoffs 3-0 on home ice and I like the trend to continue tonight. I could go on for days about the Blackhawks' talent but you probably already know about it. Notably, Patrick Kane is getting stronger all the time in his return from a shoulder injury and he racked up seven points in first round against Nashville. 9* Personal Favorite

I am playing on ANAHEIM. There are a couple of stats that you just can't ignore as this series gets under way and for me, they are way too strong not to take the Ducks here. 
The Flames enter this series on a 20-game losing streak in Anaheim going back to 2004 - twenty games!! - which works out to 0-15-5. The Flames are also 2-26-3 in their last 31 games in Anaheim and trends in sports betting just don't get a whole lot stronger than that. 
The Ducks are coming off a four-game sweep of the Winnipeg Jets during which they blistered their way to a playoff-leading 4.00 goals per game, which is about a goal and a half more than the league average. 
Anaheim just kept sending its waves of talent on the ice, getting goals when it needed them most. The Ducks had eight players who tallied at least three points in the first round, which is a little stunning considering the series only went four games. 
I don't think Calgary can skate with that kind of depth and I think the Ducks jump out to an early series lead here Thursday night. The Flames had to rely on some incredible goaltending in Round 1 during which the Flames outshot Vancouver in just two of the six games. 7*

I am playing on the RANGERS. New York has the enviable position of facing a Capitals team coming off a physical, emotional series that went seven grueling games while being fully rested after dumping the Penguins in five games. 
The Capitals and Islanders just pulverized each other in a gritty series that featured a frantic pace and hard hits - they racked up 98 hits in one game alone. We often see letdowns after a team wins a Game 7 and I think that will especially be the case after Washington played in what could be the best series we see all playoffs. 
The Rangers, on the other hand, looked very comfortable playing a practically impenetrable defensive system where they held Sidney Crosby and the Pens to just one goal in four of the five games in the series. 
And it wasn't just that Pittsburgh couldn't score. New York was barely giving the Penguins a sniff by blocking shots and clogging the neutral zone. I think it's exactly the kind of game Washington would prefer not to play and it's not a huge surprise the Rangers have won four of the last five meetings. 
Washington may bounce back and give New York some trouble as this series wears on but I don't see the Caps winning Game 1. The Rangers don't mind playing with gaps between games and they are 6-1 playing on at least three days of rest this campaign. 7*  

I am playing on TAMPA BAY. You always have to take a hard look first at the home team when it comes to Game 7’s in the NHL. The home side historically wins at a 57.6 percent clip and we already saw the Capitals take advantage of home ice in a Game 7 in these playoffs. 
Tampa Bay was also the toughest team in the NHL to beat on home ice this season, where the Bolts lost just eight times in the regular season. I think we’ll see them come out flying behind an ear-splitting crowd after the Lightning fell 2-0 on home ice in Game 5. 
Detroit will be without its top defenseman, Niklas Kronwall, who was given a 1-game suspension after for a hit on Nikita Kucherov in Game 6. It’s a loss that’s tough to put into words  for Detroit and I feel it will be the biggest factor in this game. 
I think the Red Wings are a different team without Kronwall, who provides an intimidating presence on the blue line that can change the whole context of a game – both in the offensive and in the defensive ends. I think Tampa Bay will be a little bolder on the breakout and in the corners knowing they don’t have to deal with the Wings’ top blueliner. 
Tyler Johnson has also been the star who has stepped up for the Lightning with five points over the last three games. I expect him to shine again in Game 7 and lift Tampa Bay to the big series-clinching win. 7* Game 7 Main Event

I’m playing on the Washington Capitals as my 10* Game 7 Main Event.

Washington battles the New York Islanders in a Game 7 showdown at home Monday. The Capitals missed an opportunity to end this series in Game 6 after looking dominant in Games 4 and 5. With the series swinging back to DC, we see solid value with the home side Monday.

In the two previous home games, the Capitals netted a total nine goals and outshot New York 76-44 – almost doubling their offensive activity. In Game 6, Washington edged the Isles 39-38 in shots. We expect another one sided tally from the Caps, as they press to avoid a Game 7 collapse on home ice.

Washington goalie Braden Holtby has been excellent in goal. He has allowed only five goals on 139 shots faced in the past four games. Holtby was battling an illness earlier in the series but now that he’s over it, he looks like the kind of goaltender who could carry this team deep into the postseason if he keeps up his hot play. Holtby owns a 2.08 GAA and a .926 save percentage at home.

The Capitals’ offensive activity at home and Holtby holding down the crease are why I’m playing on Washington as my 10* Game 7 Main Event Monday.

I am playing on CHICAGO. Home ice has obviously been a major factor in this series with the home team winning the last four games and I see no reason for the trend to stop in Game 6 Saturday night. 
Chicago has won the last four meetings on home ice against Nashville and I can't fathom the Preds are feeling good about returning to the arena where they last lost their longest game in franchise history, a 3-2 triple overtime thriller in Game 4. 
This has been a fast, hard hitting, fun series to watch and I think the longer it goes, the more it plays into Chicago's favor. The Blackhawks have more depth and talent than just about anybody in the league and if you're going to beat them, you're better off not stretching it into a seven-game affair. 
Brad Richards, former Conn Smythe winner, was among the latest to come alive for Chicago in Game 5 when he had a goal and an assist. That was Richards' first multi-point game since January and now the Predators suddenly have one more player to worry about on the depth chart. 
The Predators' biggest handicap is they'll be without super-defenseman Shea Weber for the remainder of the series with a lower body injury. That's a blow that's hard to put into words and the Predators are 2-7-1 with him out of the lineup over the last two seasons. 
I think the Blackhawks get it done Saturday night with a little desperation in their step as they aim to avoid heading back to the Music City for a Game 7.  8*

I am playing on TAMPA BAY. The Lightning are heading back to Tampa Bay with this series tied 2-2 but in terms of momentum, the Bolts have to be feeling a little like they are leading the series. 
It looked to be the complete opposite with less than seven minutes to go in Game 4 and the Red Wings leading by two goals. Even though the Red Wings were out-shot in the game, they completely dominated the play and you had to think hard to remember the Lightning even getting a scoring chance all game. 
A few defensive breakdowns later and two goals and an assist from Tyler Johnson and the Bolts were skating off the ice in celebration while Detroit looked like they'd just heard the octopus species had become extinct. 
It's that kind of momentum that changes a whole series and I think we'll see a rejuvenated Tampa Bay squad in Game 5 back in Florida. Johnson has emerged as the team's leader while Steve Stamkos still searches for his game and maybe that's just what the sniper needs to get some confidence back. 
Tampa Bay is tough to beat on home ice at the best of times - no team had fewer home losses than the Lightning's eight this season. But it just got that much tougher with the wind knocked out of Detroit's sails. 
Pavel Datsyuk was a crushing minus-3 in Game 4 while Tomas Tatar was minus-2. You just can't have two of your top three players letting you down like that in crucial situations and I don't like how things are lining up for Detroit in Game 5. 8*

I am playing on VANCOUVER. After getting badly out-hit and handily out-played in Calgary, the Canucks couldn't be happier to be heading home and I think we'll see a much different Canucks squad tonight. 

 It was almost as if the Canucks sent a different team to Calgary than the one we saw through the first two games in Vancouver. Oddsmakers seem to agree because they have set the Canucks as bigger favorites than many would have predicted for Game 5.  After finishing pretty closely in the categories of blocked shots and hits in Vancouver, Calgary out-hit the Canucks 62-36 on home ice and out-scored them in blocked shots 59-28. Those two stats point to Vancouver withering away a little bit in their road jerseys.  I think we'll see a completely different effort with the Canucks back on home ice. They are well coached by Willie Dejardins even though he doesn’t have the NHL playoff experience of Scotty Bowman, but I fully expect him to have his team refocused and ready to roll for Game 5. I'll also be shocked if he doesn't start goaltender Ryan Miller in place of Eddie Lack.  Lack was a big letdown in Game 4 when he allowed three goals on seven shots in the first period and Miller came in to stop all 15 shots he faced. It's always easier for a team to play with confidence when your goaltender is feeling confident and I think that's what we'll see tonight. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on WINNIPEG. Despite the fact the Jets are down 3-0 in their series with Anaheim, they remain small favorites to win Game 4 and I think they’ll get the 'W'.  The reason is the incredible home crowd that will be in full 'whiteout' mode once again on Wednesday after nearly taking the building down with bone-rattling cheering in Game 3 on Monday. I think the Jets will give everything they have in hopes of giving their loyal home fans their first home playoff win in 19 years.  “Right at the start, I personally have never had anything like that before and we certainly fed off the energy,” said Jets winger Lee Stempniak about Monday's game. “We had a great start. We were all over them, forced some turnovers and icings. Yeah, it’s disappointing on a couple of levels to go down 3-0 in the series, and also not to deliver for our fans.” You could argue that Winnipeg could be just as easily up 3-0 in this series as it is down 3-0. The Jets took third period leads into all three games, only to them slip away and lose in heart-breaking fashion. Winnipeg outplayed the Ducks in every facet except the 5-4 score on Monday with more hits (61-44), more shots on net (35-31), more faceoffs won (43-41),  fewer giveaways (11 vs. 13) and more blocked shots (17-15).  Another reason I think the Jets will pull out Game 4 is the Ducks just aren’t as sharp defensively on the road, where they allowed a generous 2.79 goals against this season. They allowed four goals in Winnipeg, their most of the series, and also allowed the Jets to score their first power play goal of the series.  

You just can’t cross your fingers and hope to win like that consistently on the road in the playoffs and I think Winnipeg gets a big win for their fans on Wednesday. 9* NHL Personal Favorite 

I am playing on WINNIPEG. Home ice looks like it could be the biggest determining element in this series, which is why I like the Jets in Game 3 and why oddsmakers have them set as slight favorites. 
Anaheim took the first two games in California and I believe home ice played a huge role in helping to propel them to both wins. The Ducks trailed heading into the third period in both games but there was just a feeling to both games that suggested the lead was never safe. 
The Jets should now get that same benefit on home ice in front of what should be a completely insane atmosphere in Winnipeg. It's been 19 years since the Jets hosted a playoff game - known as a 'whiteout' for the crowd donned in all-white - and their loyal fan base should provide support that's loud enough to shake the building in the Game 3. 
“The playoffs with every team I was at were a tremendous experience, but that whiteout environment in Winnipeg was so unique that it was probably the one thing that would set it apart from all the others. It just created an unbelievable environment in that rink,” said former Jet Mike Eagles this week. 
I think Winnipeg gets out to lead and holds it this time with home support. I also love that goalie Ondrej Pavelec is coming off a fantastic game in Anaheim where he made 37 saves. I think it will be a big confidence boost for him and we'll see more strong play in the Jets' net. 9* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the St. Louis Blues as my 9* Personal Favorite.

The Blues took one on the chin in Game 1 of this first-round series against the Minnesota Wild, losing 4-2 in front of the home faithful Thursday night. That loss will light a fire under St. Louis for Game 2, with memories of the last two postseasons getting drummed up. The Blues have exited in the first round of the playoffs the last two years and will be playing with added desperation Saturday.

Thursday’s result was much closer than the final score would indicate, with the Wild adding two empty net goals in the dying minutes of the third period. St. Louis fell behind quickly in Game 1 and knows it must get off to a better start Saturday to avoid having its back against the wall.

The Blues faced Minnesota in the regular season finale, winning 4-2, and got out to a 2-0 lead in the second period of that game. The Wild are just too good of a defensive team to let take a lead and then lock down the defensive end of the ice. We expect St. Louis to press early and often, hoping to get up on the scoreboard and force the Wild out of their comfort zone.

The Blues' postseason desperation and their early offensive attack are why I’m playing St. Louis as my 9* Personal Favorite.

I am playing on VANCOUVER. I felt the Canucks outplayed Calgary for most of Game 1 and were a little unlucky to come away with a loss. I don't see them dropping their first two games at home and I'm thankful oddsmakers aren't making them lay more chalk in Game 2. 
Jonas Hiller stood on his head a little for Calgary and was awarded the first star after giving up just one goal in the 2-1 win. I'm not sure how long he can keep that up against a Canucks team that ranks much higher than the Flames on shooting percentage this season. Vancouver ranked seventh in the league in that category this year compared to 27th for the Flames. 
Calgary scored the winning goal while Canucks goalie Eddie Lack was screened after Lack played a great game and was named as second star of the game. 
Another sign that the Canucks outplayed the Flames was they drew three penalties to Calgary's one. Vancouver went 0-for-3 on the power play but I don't expect that to continue. The Canucks had a blistering power play over the final three weeks of the season going 11-for-33 during that span and I think we'll see them find a way to score on the extra man attack in Game 2. 
All that said, I think home ice will still play the biggest factor in the second game of this series. I expect a very loud crowd in Vancouver and Calgary was wasn’t nearly as good on the road as it was at home this season. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on WASHINGTON. The Capitals looked a little like they forgot the playoffs had started from the drop of the first puck in Game 1 and I expect to see a much different team in Game 2. 
Nobody likes getting embarrassed like that on home ice, especially in the postseaon and I think Washington will play much smarter in Game 2. The home team won every game in the regular season series between these two and I think that trend gets back on track here. 
The Caps out-hit the Isles (46-36), were almost even in shots (27-25) and destroyed New York in faceoffs won (39-23). The one thing they forgot to do was take care of the puck and that sloppy play resulted in most of the damage the Islanders did. 
Washington committed 11 giveaways to the Isles' five and that was really the difference in the game. 
"I think the whole game was pretty sloppy," Capitals forward Curtis Glencross said. "That can happen with it being the playoffs. We'll definitely try to [be better] as the series going on." 
I'm counting on it. I think the errors were mostly mental and the Capitals somehow just didn't come into this game completely focused. I don't expect that to happen two games in a row. 
The Capitals were far better than the Isles in goals against this season (7th vs. 23rd in the league) and I think we’ll see a completely different Washington team in Game 2, one that’s much more careful with the puck. 8* Annihilator

I am playing on ST. LOUIS. The Blues enter the postseason as one of the league's hottest teams while the Wild come into Game 1 against St. Louis as one of the league's coldest. 
St. Louis has won five of its last six games - which includes a 4-2 win over Minnesota to end the season - while the Wild have lost four of their last six. 
It may be that Minnesota simply sputtered out of gas as the regular season came to a close. The Wild needed to have the best record in the NHL since Jan. 15 just to qualify for the playoffs. That's when they acquired goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who started 38 straight games for Minnesota. Perhaps the magic and the energy have run out for Dubnyk though after St. Louis chased him out of the next on Saturday with three goals on 14 shots. 
That's nothing to be ashamed of against this St. Louis squad. The Blues might have the best combination of talent and depth when it comes to their forwards where five players have at least 19 goals and 55 points for St. Louis. The Blues are just plain scary and there's almost no point in matching lines against them. Every one of their lines has speed and can score with the sickly talented Vladimir Tarasenko leading the way with 73 points and a +27 rating. 
The Blues are pretty deep on the blueline too and are the only team other than the President's Trophy-winning New York Rangers to rank in the top five in the NHL in goals for and goals against this season. They have a significantly better power play than the Wild too - fourth best in the NHL compared to fourth worst -  and I think Minnesota is in big trouble starting in Game 1 of this series. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on VANCOUVER. The Canucks have home ice on their side in their opening round matchup against the Flames and I think a combination of home ice, special teams and puck possession will help them take Game 1. 
The Flames have only won seven of the last 27 meetings in Vancouver, so it's not exactly Calgary's favorite place to play. Vancouver also comes into the playoffs on a three-game winning streak and had the comfort of playing all those games at home, so I think we’ll see them coming into Game 1 well rested and at full speed. 
The Canucks have 11 forwards who have scored at least 10 goals this season and they tend to keep coming at you in waves. I think that will be a bit of a problem for a Calgary squad that ranked 28th in puck possession this season where they controlled the puck just 44 percent of the time. 
Those numbers defy modern analytics where puck possession has become a huge part of NHL success and I feel the Flames' luck will run out here. Vancouver has more star power than Calgary with the Sedin twins in its lineup, who both finished with over 70 points this year and I feel they'll make Calgary pay throughout the run of this series. 
The Canucks own the second best power play in the league and haven't allowed a goal while shorthanded in the month of April. Calgary ranks 20th in that category and I think special teams is a spot we'll see the Flames get into trouble against Vancouver.  9*

I am playing on WASHINGTON. Home ice proved to be the biggest factor in this closely contested series this season and I think it will be key in Game 1 once again when the Islanders visit the Caps. 
The home team won all four meetings this campaign and I fully expect the crowd at the Verizon Center to make things uncomfortable for the Islanders over the first two games. 
Both teams match up pretty well when it comes to forwards with opposing stars Alex Ovechkin and John Tavares leading each squad. But I feel the Capitals have key advantages at two other spots which will help them win this series opener: defense and special teams. 
Defense matters most when it comes to the NHL playoffs and not only do I feel the Caps match up better on the blueline man-for-man, but statistically they are much better also. The Islanders are easily the worst defensive team that has qualified for the playoffs, allowing 2.73 goals per game, which ranks 23rd in the NHL this season. The Caps ranked seventh in that category this season with 2.43 goals against. 
That generosity on defense extended to the penalty kill for the Isles, where they ranked 26th in the league. That will be a key decider in this series in my opinion where Washington owns the most lethal power play in the NHL with a terrifying scoring percentage of 26.8. 

I think the Caps, like all home teams, will tend to get the whistles in Game 1 and that’s something you can’t afford to do against this Washington team. I believe we’ll see the home winning streak in this series continues. 9*

I am playing on MONTREAL. The discussion about Montreal's success will always begin with Carey Price and it's no wonder. He owned the best goals against average (1.96), save percentage (.933) and wins (44) in the NHL this season. He set a new Canadiens record with those victories and I think he'll help the Habs get out to an early lead in the series Wednesday.
Price is probably the one goalie that actually may be able to out-duel the Senators in the crease after the way the red-hot Andrew Hammond has played for them and I think Price will elevate his game to prove he's the premier goalie in the league these days. 
Home ice should definitely help Montreal. The Bell Center might just be the loudest arena in the NHL come playoff time and it won't be a friendly place for Ottawa to play. Only the Tampa Bay Lightning had fewer losses on home ice this season (eight to Montreal's nine) and the ear-splitting volume goes to a new level during the postseason. 
I also expect the Habs to use team speed and a versatile group of defenseman who can hurt you in transition to get the job done in Game 1. With top defenseman of P.K. Subban, Andrei Markov, Jeff Petry, Tom Gilbert and Nathan Beaulie, Montreal loves to turn the puck up ice and I think the Canadiens will be able to keep Ottawa on its heels.
Special teams might be the area that's of most concern for Montreal here but I like the fact the Habs have scored on the power play in each of their last three home meetings with Ottawa. I think we'll see the Habs find a way to score on the extra man attack now that the playoffs are here. 9*

I am playing on CHICAGO. The Blackhawks haven't lost four games in a row all season and I don't believe it will happen on the last day of the regular campaign. 
Chicago needs a win to secure third place in the Central Division heading into the playoffs with the Minnesota Wild chasing them just two points behind. Goaltender Corey Crawford is also just one victory away from his career best 33, so there are a couple of motivational factors for Chicago. 
The Blackhawks have only managed one goal in each of their last three but Crawford has given them a chance to win all three with some incredible play and the Hawks only lost each of those games 2-1. 
I believe we'll see Chicago snap out of the offensive funk tonight against a Colorado squad that isn't playing very well defensively lately. The Avs have been out-shot in their last six games and horribly out-shot by double digits in each of their last five games. They were blasted by at least 16 more shots for the opposition in each of their last three games and only by the grace of some amazing goaltending have they managed to scrape out three wins in their last four. 
I think the luck runs out tonight for the Avs. The road team has won all four meetings this season in this series and Colorado has absolutely nothing left to play for. 
A plethora of injuries are the biggest reason why Colorado is playing such poor team defense lately and defenseman Brad Stuart was the latest victim after hurting his leg last game. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Avs play a conservative game tonight in hopes of ending the year without any more casualties. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on NASHVILLE. I think we’ll see Nashville snap out of its four-game funk tonight and pull out a win against visiting Minnesota. 
The Predators haven’t won in four straight games but it’s not like they’re playing bad hockey. They’ve fired at last 36 shots at the net in each of their last three games, outshooting their opponents each time. They’ve also managed to get their power play going with three goals over their last three games and I think we’ll see that play a factor tonight. 
Nashville has plenty of incentive to come out with a big effort tonight also. The Preds sit just one point behind St. Louis for top spot in the Central Division and I’m sure they’d also take a little pride in stopping the Wild’s current road winning streak that has the NHL abuzz. The Wild need just one more win to tie Detroit’s record from 2005-06 of 12 straight road wins and after Minnesota won the last two meetings in Nashville, I’m sure the Preds would take pleasure in crushing that streak. 
Nashville owns the best home record in the Western Conference at 28-8-4 and I expect the Predators to play with a little more grit tonight after losing their last two games at home despite being tied at the end of regulation. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on DETROIT. The Red Wings can clinch a playoff spot Tuesday night with a win over Carolina and some help from the Penguins, whom Detroit also needs to beat Ottawa. I think Detroit will take care of its part with a home win over the third-worst team in the East.  The Red Wings haven't been playing their best hockey lately with just two wins in their last six games. But all of those games came against squads that would currently qualify for the playoffs with the exception of Ottawa, who remains on the bubble.  The Wings know the importance of this game I think the desperation and intensity levels will be at their highest Tuesday night with the Wings only having three games left to keep their 23-season playoff streak alive. This is Detroit's last home game of the year with the final two games coming at Montreal and at Carolina and I think the home crowd will play a big, big factor here.   The Hurricanes have only won four of their last 14 games and the road hasn't been their friend recently. They've given up at least four goals in each of their last three road outings, which the Canes lost by a combined 11 goals. Now they'll face a hot Red Wings power play that ranks second in the league and has scored in its last three games.  I think we'll see big games from veteran leaders Henrik Zetterberg, who has been too quiet lately, and Pavel Datsyuk, who has been in and out of the lineup lately due to injuries. I also like that Carolina has lost four of the last five meetings and are 1-6-1 in the last eight meetings in Detroit. 7* Blue Marlin

I am playing on WINNIPEG. The Jets will play four of their last five games without a big part of their lineup, Dustin Byfuglien, who was suspended for a cross check that will be shown on highlight reels for some time. 
Often the public looks to fade teams in spots like this but I think this actually gives the Jets more value as they continue to battle for a playoff spot. 
“It’s something we’ve dealt with the entire year,” Jets captain Andrew Ladd said. “I think we’re comfortable having a few guys out the lineup at this point, knowing we have (people) to step up and fill that void somehow. Sometimes it makes us play a closer team game and good things come of that.”
Winnipeg will have home ice and a little revenge motivation playing a factor Saturday night when they host Vancouver. The Jets lost the last two meetings with the Canucks this year but both of those games came on the last night of a three-games-in-four-nights stretch and I believe fatigue played a factor. 
Winnipeg is playing solid hockey right now despite losing the last two games. Those losses were against the Rangers, the top team in the NHL standings, and a very strong Blackhawks squad, both of which were by just one goal. Prior to those two losses, the Jets won six of seven games. 
Vancouver enters this game playing its fourth road contest in six days and I think fatigue will be on the other skate this time around. The Canucks have given up at least three goals in four of their last five games and I don't think that kind of play is going to be good enough to beat Winnipeg. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on CHICAGO. I like the Blackhawks here tonight for three main reasons: they are still trying to win the Central Division, they are trying to avoid a season sweep from rival Vancouver and their power play is hot. 
The Blackhawks are five points behind Nashville for top spot in the division but the good news for the Hawks is they have two games at hand. They haven't lost sight of that and have bounced back with two solid wins over Winnipeg and L.A. after suffering a pair of ugly losses to Columbus and Philly last week. 
Chicago should be extra motivated to avoid letting the Canucks sweep them this season so I like the revenge factor here also. Vancouver won both meetings this year and is a surprising 4-0-3 in the last seven meetings in Chicago. These two teams don't like each other a whole lot and I expect the Blackhawks to play with playoff intensity tonight. 
I expect the power play to help them earn the victory. Chicago has ripped off a power play goal in three of its last four games including one each in the two recent wins. The Canucks are coming off a game against Nashville where they allowed two power play goals, the second time in their last four games they've allowed multiple power play goals in a game. 
Jonathan Toews enters this game on a three-game point streak and that's always scary for opponents. Toews is one of the best in the league and hen he's playing well, it usually means Chicago is winning. 9* Personal Favorite 

I am playing on PITTSBURGH. The Penguins enter this game coming off two straight wins and I think they've turned things around after a rough patch where they won just one of seven games. 
The Penguins were having trouble finding the back of the net but have managed three goals in each of their last two games, including a shootout tally in a win over San Jose on Sunday. The Pens scored three power play goals combined in those games, which should be a big help tonight. The Flyers and Pens usually don't like each other much when they get together and the penalty box can be a bit of a revolving door at times.  
Penguins center and NHL leading scorer Sidney Crosby has 30 goals and 75 points in 50 games against the Flyers and I think he'll have a big night tonight. Pittsburgh hasn't had much luck against the Flyers lately after losing the last six meetings and I think Crosby will be motivated to turn that trend around. 
Pittsburgh is also trying to hold onto second place in the Metropolitan Division with one game at hand over the Islanders. Both teams are tied with 95 points and a win over the Flyers will help the Pens' cause tonight. 
The Penguins tend to be winning with solid defensive efforts this season, another reason I like them tonight. They sport a 2.42 goals against average, which ranks in a respectable tie for fifth in the NHL this year. They also own the second best penalty kill this season. 
Philly, meanwhile, has struggled on defense lately with a pile of injuries on defense and forward. The Flyers have allowed 17 goals in their last four games and I think Pittsburgh will be too much for them tonight. 6* Blue Marlin

I am playing on DETROIT. The Senators haven't exactly enjoyed playing the Red Wings lately and I think they might be running out of gas toward the tail end of their exhaustive run to make the playoffs. 
The Wings have won four of the last five meetings against the Sens and Ottawa enters this game on a three-game losing streak. The Senators have pulled to within six points of Detroit in the push for an automatic playoff berth after trailing by more than 15 points at the start of the month, but the Sens are starting to wear.   
"You can feel it in the room," said forward Clarke MacArthur, who just returned to the lineup three games ago. "These guys have been battling for their life for the last 15 games, so it's draining. You're watching the standings and seeing what's going on. It's hard." 
The Senators have given up 13 goals over their last three games and they gave up three goals in the third period to the Leafs Saturday night, which led to a 4-3 overtime loss. 
I think they are going to run into a very tough defensive Detroit team that will be committed to puck possession and taking care of its own end after allowing too many goals itself lately. 
The Red Wings are much better on home ice this season with just eight losses in regulation there. They have also looked much better their last two games since getting top centerman Pavel Datsyuk back from injury. They beat the Lighting 4-0 in their last home game on Saturday and suffered a tough 5-4 loss at the Islanders on Sunday afternoon after a quick turnaround. 
I expect the Red Wings to continue to play tough and I believe Jimmy Howard will be much sharper in goal tonight than we've seen from Detroit goalies lately. He stopped 15 of 16 shots in relief against the Islanders and said he is starting to see the puck much better than he has lately. 9* Personal Favorite 

I am playing on COLORADO. With the Avs in a revenge spot and their faint playoff fire still flickering, I think they'll be the far more motivated spot to take down the Oilers Monday night. 
Edmonton won 4-3 last Wednesday in a tough matchup where Colorado tied things up in the third period, only to falter in the end. The Avalanche didn't seem to like that loss too much because they ripped off two convincing wins in their subsequent games - one at Vancouver as a heavier underdog and one on home ice against the Sabres. 
Colorado remains eight points out of a wild card spot to make the playoffs, so they are essentially playing for pride. But this is a young team that's still trying to improve and coach Patrick Roy won't accept anything but a top effort from his players. 
The Avs have some players who are flying right now and I think they'll simply score too often for the Oilers to keep up. 
Ryan O'Reilly sails into this game on a seven-game point streak during which he has fired off four goals and racked up eight assists. Matt Duchene and Jarome Iginla are coming off three-point nights and defenseman Tyson Barrie has points in three straight games. Barrie is having a fantastic season with 49 points and is beginning to establish himself as one of the top offensive defenseman in the NHL.
The Avs have scored three or more goals in five of their last seven games and I think they'll be able to take advantage of a putrid Oilers penalty kill. The Oilers have allowed 11 power play goals in their last 10 games and they allowed at least one power play goal in eight of those. 
The Avs are also 4-1 in their last five games and the home team has won the last five games in this series - a couple more reasons I like Colorado tonight. 6* Blue Marlin 

I’m playing on the Pittsburgh Penguins as my 9* Personal Favorite Sunday.

The Penguins are playing hosts to the San Jose Sharks, who are a long way from home at the end of a seven-game Eastern Conference road trip. San Jose has split the first six games of this stretch and will be looking forward to getting back to sunny California Sunday night. We see great letdown value going against the Sharks, especially with Pittsburgh desperate for wins.

The Penguins have just three victories in their last 10 games and two of those have come to the lowly Arizona Coyotes. The other win came courtesy of the Edmonton Oilers, so needless to say Pittsburgh is desperate for a resume win to turn its fortunes around before the playoffs begin. In their last meeting with the Sharks, the Pens were edged 2-1 in a shootout in San Jose back on March 9, so Pittsburgh does have a strong revenge angle here as well.

Penguins star forward Sidney Crosby got his game going with a goal and two assists in Saturday’s win over Arizona. In those last seven losses, Pittsburgh has scored two or fewer goals but have picked up the win when netting three or more. San Jose’s defense has been shaky during this road trip, allowing a total of 19 goals in the first six stops – an average of 3.16 goals per game.

The Sharks looking forward to getting back home and the Penguins desperate for a win are why I’m playing Pittsburgh as my 9* Personal Favorite Sunday.

I am playing on DETROIT. Franchise pride and playoff contention are on the line for the Red Wings Saturday night and I believe they'll pull out a big effort and beat the Lightning. 
The Lightning have won all three meetings against Detroit this season and the veteran Red Wings aren't going to take being swept in a season series lightly. After allowing 11 goals in their past two games, I think we'll see a new level of intensity in the defensive end for Detroit and they are starting Petr Mrazek in goal ahead of Jimmy Howard. 
Mrazek has an impressive .936 save percentage in his three outings this month and to put that in perspective, Montreal's Carey Price leads the NHL with a .937 save percentage this season. 
As Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg said after losing to the Sharks the other night, this isn't just on the goalies. The Wings have been losing battles at both ends of the rink and I think it will help having Niklas Kronwall back in the lineup for his second game after being out due to an injury. He's the Wings' anchor on defense and is a physical presence for Detroit. 
The power play could be big for Detroit here also as they chase down a playoff spot, just five points ahead of the chasers in the Atlantic Division. 
The Red Wings own the best PP in the NHL and they've tallied a power play marker in 14 of their last 17 games so I think that will be a big key to a win for Detroit. Tampa Bay has given up a power play goal in four of its last six games heading into this one. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on CHICAGO. The Blackhawks are comfortably back at home after a four-game road trip and I think home ice will get them back to their top level. 
The Hawks went an atypical 2-2 on the trip and managed just four goals. Home ice has been much kinder lately where they have won four of their last five. The lone loss was an overtime defeat to the New York Rangers, the best team in the NHL right now. 
Chicago has actually won nine of its last 13 games (9-3-1) and like the other top teams in the NHL, the Blackhawks have moved into playoff mode. They are clamping down on defense and goals are not easy to come by against the Blackhawks these days. Only two of their last 10 opponents have managed more than two goals against Chicago and I think that continues against the Blue Jackets tonight. 
I expect Chicago to be playing with a bit of an edge tonight also. Not just because the playoffs loom and the Blackhawks aim to climb up the standings in hopes of home ice in the first round - but also because they likely want to avenge the last meeting with Columbus. 
The Blue Jackets beat the Blackhawks 3-2 back on Dec. 20 in a nine-round shootout, which ended a nine-game winning streak in the series for Chicago. 
I think the Blackhawks can beat up on a Columbus penalty kill that's been simply horrendous lately with 13 goals against over their last 10 games. The Blue Jackets allowed at least one PP goal against in nine of those outings and multiple PP goals against in three of those games. 6* Blue Marlin

I am playing on DETROIT. I believe the Red Wings should cruise past the Sharks Thursday night, but don't just take my word for it. 
"We're not good enough right now to compete against good teams in the NHL. It's disappointing," said Sharks center Logan Couture this week.
The Sharks have lost four of their last five games in lackluster fashion and it's not even that they're losing as much as how they are losing. San Jose just looks awful - like a team playing without heart. They're regularly losing puck battles in the defensive zone as we saw in a 5-2 loss to the Sens Monday night and this team, though not shy on offensive talent, just can't seem to score much lately. 
The Sharks have scored more than two goals just once in their last eight games and it almost feels like they are waiting for this season to be over. 
The Sharks are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and now they must try to muster something against a Detroit squad that is tied for the fewest regulation losses on home ice in the NHL this season (7) along with Nashville and Tampa Bay. 
The Red Wings have suffered some injuries lately, though they hope to have second leading scorer Pavel Datsyuk and top defenseman Niklas Kronwall back tonight (both listed as questionable). Another good sign is that the team's top goal scorer Tomas Tatar has three points in four games after slumping for four straight games with no points. 
Detroit still owns the top power play in the NHL at 24.9 percent and I think that could be a key element in this game against an unmotivated Sharks team that's on Game 5 of a grueling 7-game Eastern road swing. 8* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Nashville Predators as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

Nashville plays host to the Montreal Canadiens in a non-conference showdown between hockey heavyweights. The Predators, who sit second in the Central Division, need a big win to get back on track after some stale play in recent weeks and a challenge like the Habs is just what the doctor ordered to snap out of this funk.

Nashville picked up a bit of momentum with a win over the Buffalo Sabres Saturday, kick starting an offense that has had the plug pulled. The Predators netted three goals in the shutout win, just the second time they’ve scored more than twice in the past 10 contests, and carry that turnaround into Tuesday’s marquee matchup.

Goaltender Pekka Rinne stopped 24 shots in that clean sheet and has kept Nashville competitive during this slide. The Predators netminder has allowed just over two goals per game on the season, and missed the last meeting with Montreal – a 2-1 overtime loss with backup Carter Hutton between the pipes. Rinne is 3-1-1 with a 1.20 GAA in five career starts against the Habs.

With Montreal on a three-game tear and goalie Carey Price playing at such a high level, oddsmakers have no choice but to pump up the Canadiens' moneyline, opening up terrific value on the Predators at home. Rinne will give this hungry Nashville team a chance to pick up a big-name win and build momentum before the postseason.

The Predators finding their form on offense and Rinne’s solid work in the crease are why I’m playing on Nashville as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I am playing on MONTREAL. The Canadiens are back on the rails after going through a rough stretch that saw them win just one of six games. Since then, they have won three of their last four and I believe they'll make it four of five when they take on the Sharks Saturday night. 
The rough stretch actually started with a 4-0 loss to San Jose back on March 2. Normally, that may not be enough on its own to spark a 'revenge' situation, but this time is a little different. The Sharks have actually shut out the Canadiens the last three times they've clashed in 4-0, 4-0 and 2-0 wins. I think there will be a bit of a redemption factor at play here when Montreal meets the Sharks on home ice. 
A big part of the turnaround in play is the Habs are scoring again with 12 goals over their past four games. They scored just eight goals during the six-game futility slide and I think they'll come out hungry to get a goal on the board early. 
Of course, you can't talk about Montreal without talking about Carey Price. He is simply the best goaltender in the world right now and he leads the league in goals against average (1.90) and save percentage (.937). 
Price is coming off a 4-0 shutout over the Carolina Hurricanes in which he made 31 saves and I think we'll see another strong performance with him tonight in hopes of earning a revenge win against the Sharks. 8* Personal Favorite

I am playing on the NEW YORK RANGERS. The Blueshirts are smoking hot right now after reeling off five straight wins and the streak started with a win over the Blackhawks. 
That was a 1-0 overtime victory on March 8 and the Rangers have been winning by squeezing the offense out of teams ever since. New York has surrendered only three goals during the winning tear.   Goaltender Cam Talbot has been an incredible surprise for the Rangers, posting a 13-2-3 record in the absence of the injured Henrik Lundqvist. He's expected to play again tonight and there's no reason to think his remarkable play won't continue. 
The Blackhawks are playing great hockey right now with seven wins in their last nine games but MSG is not their favorite place to play. The Rangers have won four of the last five meetings there and New York has also won the last three meetings overall. 
This is one of those matchups where the Rangers just seem to have the Blackhawks' number and it doesn't help Chicago any in a matchup like this that they won't have Patrick Kane in the lineup to provide a spark and break through the defense. 
I also can't say enough about what a huge addition Keith Yandle has been for the Rangers. Though he doesn't have a pile of points to show for it, New York is 6-1 since he was traded from Arizona and having one of the top handful of defenseman in the league has vaulted the Rangers to the top of the NHL standings. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on COLORADO. The Avs are a team that nobody wants to have to face right now. They are playing desperate hockey and despite a pile of injuries, they're one of the hottest clubs in the league right now.

The Avs have won nine of their last 14 games and I think they're set up well to keep their winning ways going against Calgary. After tonight, Colorado doesn't play a game for five more days so there's no reason we shouldn't see them pour everything they have into this game in front of a loud Saturday night home crowd with a nice rest period waiting for them afterwards.

The Avs are getting key contributions from a few players lately like Jarome Iginla, Matt Duschene, Brad Stuart and Semyon Varlamov. Iginla has five points in his last five games and now has 22 goals on the season. Duchene isn't always showing up in the box score but don't let that confuse you with him not playing well. Stuart is logging big minutes and anchoring the defense and Varlomov isn't always perfect, but he seems to be making a lot of saves at the right time and that's what you want out of your goaltender.

The Flames are playing well right now but what they're not doing is playing great defensive hockey. They've allowed 10 goals in their last three games and sooner or later that kind of sloppiness catches up to you in the NHL. I think it will tonight against the Avs.

The Flames penalty kill hasn't been the greatest lately either, giving up three goals over their last four games. The Avs have scored four power play goals over their last four games and they've only allowed one goal on the penalty kill, so I give them the special teams edge here too.

The Avs lost the first meeting of the season against Calgary but I think they get their revenge tonight. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on WASHINGTON. The Capitals face the Stars in a tough spot here Friday night and I feel they're worth laying the juice. 
An injury-riddled Stars squad takes the ice against Washington in the second night of a back-to-back situation which will also be the Stars' third game in four nights. That's a tough spot at any time but with seven players jotted on the injury report for Dallas, it makes it even worse. 
The Stars are a horrible 2-6-1 playing on no rest this season and throw in the fact this will be the final game of a five-game Eastern road trip and I'm really liking the Caps here. 
Washington is about the last team you want to face when you're tired and in need of some wins. The Caps are the biggest team in the NHL at an average of 209.9 pounds and they love to get physical.  
"It's not the Washington Capitals high-flying team that I was used to playing against all those years in the East," Minnesota's Zach Parise said after facing the Caps last week. "They play a really structured game, they know where to be defensively, they don't give you a lot of room in the neutral zone. They made us fight for all our chances and made us fight for zone time. They're a big team, they're physical." On top of all that, Washington has the hottest power play in the NHL right now. The Capitals have six PP goals in their last five games for an out-of-this world percentage of 54. I'll take the Caps all day here. 8* Personal Favorite

I am playing on MONTREAL. I love this bet on Carey Price and the Habs tonight and I think oddsmakers have set this juice way too low. 
For some reason the Senators sat their best goaltender on the bench the last two games after Andrew Hammond went on a 7-0-1 tear. It’s probably because Craig Anderson is their big-contract puck stopper and most owners aren’t fond of sitting their biggest money on the bench. 
I think that’s a mistake and we’ve seen Anderson give up seven goals in his first two games back between the pipes since January. 
Even if Hammond did suit up tonight, I’m not sure if anyone is going to out-duel Montreal’s Price in nets. He is simply the best netminder in hockey right now when he’s fresh and he’s allowed just three goals in his last two games and just two in regulation time. 
I like that the home team has also won the last three meetings in this series and I really like the fact that Ottawa has won the last two meetings in convincing fashion. I think the Canadiens come back with a little salt in their play with revenge on their minds – especially on home ice against a division rival. 
Montreal may also have a chance to get its power play rolling again versus the Sens. Ottawa has allowed a power play goal in each of its last two games. 8* Personal Favorite

I am playing on ANAHEIM.  There is an old adage in hockey betting that suggests you should play against a team in its first game back at home after coming off a tough road trip. 
I don’t have any mind-blowing statistics to back it up but the theory goes that the players take their foot off the gas for a little while and are faced with all the distractions of home after enjoying freedom on the road. 
I don’t always subscribe to this theory but I think there might be something to it here. That’s because the Flames are coming off not just their most grueling road trek of the season but one of the most grueling road treks of any team in the NHL this season. 
The Flames play their first game back home Wednesday following a seven-game, two-week Eastern road swing that featured some gritty battles against some stiff competition. They ended it with a heartbreaking 5-4 shootout loss in Ottawa after trailing 4-0 heading into the third period. 
I think Calgary is in for a prime letdown effort on Wednesday against the Ducks, who are actually the best road team in the NHL this season. Anaheim has won three of four meetings against Calgary this campaign and I think we are looking at an even stronger squad than the Flames saw the last time they faced the Ducks. 
That’s because the Ducks added defenseman James Wisniewski, who played his first outing with his new team last game. I think Wisniewski will help shore up Anaheim’s stalled power play and that’s bad news for the Flames on top of all the other factors working against them. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on TORONTO. These meetings aren’t the most difficult in the NHL to handicap. Unlike a lot of rivalries in the NHL, you don’t need to pick apart the numbers a whole lot deeper than to look at who the home team is. 
The home squad has won the last nine meetings in this series, which includes both meetings this season - both of which were four-goal victories by either squad. The numbers get even crazier when it comes to the home edge here where the home team is 22-5 in the last 27 meetings and the Sabres are 1-10 in their last 11 meetings in Toronto. 
So we love the home team when these fledgling squads suit up against one another. But I also like the fact that Buffalo’s injury list stretches longer than the red carpet that is brought out for the national anthems right now. 
The Sabres have lost four straight and 14 of their last 17 with a patchwork squad and they’ve been set as underdogs of higher plus-400 recently. They’re not quite as big dogs as that on Wednesday in Toronto, but I don’t think they’re going to fare much better. 
Though Toronto stinks, the Leafs could desperately use a win for the home crowd after dropping their last two at the ACC. And opportunities don’t come much better than hosting the worst team in the NHL. 6* Blue Marlin

I am playing on PHILADELPHIA. The Flyers couldn’t be facing a better opponent right now when they desperately need a win.  The Stars have been the Flyers’ favorite punching bag in recent seasons, as the Bullies have won eight of the last night meetings. I think we’ll see more of the same here with Philly on home ice against a Dallas squad that is stinking it up in dead last in the Central Division while Philadelphia sits seven points out of a playoff spot.  The Flyers have lost two in a row but I think all they need is a little home cooking. Philly has actually won four of its last five on home ice and they scored an average of three goals in those five outings. I think they’ll outscore the Stars tonight, who are giving away goals like they’re a tax write-off lately.  Dallas, in the midst of an Eastern road trip, has given up eight goals in its last two games and the club is giving up an average of 4.44 goals over its last nine. That’s just not good enough to win you too many in the NHL and it’s no surprise the Stars are just 2-7 in those nine games. Oh yeah - and they needed at least overtime to claim the two games they did win.  I don’t see the Stars bouncing back with a sudden showing of defensive prowess tonight against the Flyers and I think Philly picks up a much needed victory as it pushes for a playoff berth.  9* Personal Favorite

I am playing on the SENATORS. Don’t look now but the Senators are suddenly the hottest team in the NHL and you don’t have to look too far to see the biggest reason why.  Andrew ‘The Hamburglar” Hammond is the latest goalie to stun the hockey world in a late-season display of unforgiving stonewalling. The Sens are 6-0-1 over their last seven games, which just so happen to be Hammond’s first seven starts in the NHL. The B.C. native isn’t showing any signs of wanting to head back to the minors and I can’t help but really like Ottawa here.  Hammond sports a .957 save percentage through those seven games and he has yet to give up more than two goals in a game in regulation or overtime.  That works out to a measly 1.14 goals against average, which makes it pretty tough to beat the Sens these days.  Opponents are just 1-for-18 on the power play since the Hamburglar donned his mask and started terrorizing the league, which gives the Senators a huge edge on special teams.  I love the fact that Ottawa also catches a Flames squad that should be running out of gas right about now. The Flames are playing their seventh and final game of an Eastern road trip on Sunday.  When goals are this hard to come by, I don’t like the team that’s playing on tired legs. I’m surprised oddsmakers aren’t making the Sens lay more chalk here. 9* NHL Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Nashville Predators as my 9* Personal Favorite Saturday.

The Predators are desperate for a victory after hitting the wall with a five-game losing skid heading into Saturday’s home date with the Winnipeg Jets. Nashville, which is still in first in the Central Division, lost a 4-3 heartbreak against the New York Islanders Thursday, but did snap its offense out of a slumber.

The Preds had netted just seven goals in the previous four games before that three-goal effort against the Isles. They look to build on that improvement against a Jets squad that has some serious issues keeping the puck out of the net.

Winnipeg has given up 29 total goals in its last nine outings – an average of 3.2 goals against per contest. On top of those woes, the Jets are without standout defenseman Dustin Byfuglien for a few weeks after he suffered an upper-body injury this week.

Slow starts have haunted Nashville during this skid, getting outscored 7-1 in the opening frame. However, Winnipeg has had similar issues keeping foes off the scoreboard in the first period this season. The Jets have allowed a total of 70 first-period goals – seventh most in the league.

Nashville took a 3-1 win against Winnipeg back on February 12 and has gone 8-3 in their last 11 matchups. The Predators have also won six of their last seven versus the Jets inside Bridgestone Arena.

A desperate Predators team and the Jets' defense reeling on the road are why I’m playing on Nashville as my 9* Personal Favorite Saturday.

I’m playing on the Boston Bruins as my 8* Breakfast Club Saturday.

The Bruins are trying to build momentum in the Eastern Conference standings, winning three of their last five and looking to put a 4-3 shootout loss to Carolina behind them Saturday, when the Philadelphia Flyers come to town.

This is massive game for the conference’s playoff picture, with the Flyers just four points behind the Bruins for the eighth and final postseason spot in the East. Boston won’t lie down, especially in front of its home fans. The Bruins have won four straight games versus the Flyers in TD Garden and are 21-8 in their last 29 head-to-head games - including a five-game winning run overall.

Philadelphia is playing some solid hockey with wins over St. Louis and the New York Rangers in the last three games, bookending an overtime loss to Carolina. However, that current form is just adding to the value on the home moneyline Saturday.

The Flyers are a rotten team on the road, with a dismal 9-17-4-2 record as visitors. Philly averages just 2.41 goals per road game while allowing host teams to find the back of the net an average of 3.19 times – fifth most in the NHL.

The Bruins' dominance over Philadelphia and the Flyers' road woes are why I’m playing on Boston as my 8* Breakfast Club.

I’m playing on the Nashville Predators as my 8* Personal Favorite Thursday.

The Predators take on the New York Islanders in a battle between divisional leaders – both of which are slumping coming into Thursday’s matchup. Nashville is anxious to snap a four-game losing skid and find its offense after netting just seven total games during this span.

The Islanders could be the perfect team to turn the Preds around. New York won’t be taken lightly, but is dealing with its own issues following back-to-back losses. The Isles fell to the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars – two weak opponents – and allowed eight goals in that slump. In fact, New York has just two victories in its last six games, scoring two or fewer goals in four of those contests.

Nashville has been plagued by slow starts during this skid and can’t afford to get down on the scoreboard early versus the Islanders. Luckily, New York’s offense is floundering and its power play has been without punch, going 1 for 14 on the man-advantage over the last six games.

The Predators have dominated this series, winning eight of the past 11 meetings with the Islanders, including each of their last six games inside Bridgestone Arena. Nashville is one of the best home bets in hockey, going 37-17 in its last 54 home stands, and presents solid value – thanks in part to this losing skid and the Isles' resume in the East.

The Predators home-ice edge and the Islanders’ punchless offense are why I’m playing on Nashville as my 8* Personal Favorite Thursday.

I’m playing on the Winnipeg Jets as my 8* Personal Favorite Wednesday.

The Jets welcome the road weary Ottawa Senators to MTS Center, with Ottawa wrapping an extended five-game road swing in Winnipeg Wednesday. The Sens are traveling overnight to Manitoba after tangling with the Minnesota Wild Tuesday and will be looking ahead to sleeping in their own beds for the first time in a while.

The Jets are fighting to stay in the playoff picture in the Western Conference, currently sitting seventh and just six points up on the ninth and tenth placed teams. Winnipeg has been inconsistent in recent weeks, splitting wins and losses in its last four games and going just 2-3 in its last five. This is a very important game for Winnipeg, especially if it can build some momentum for the home stretch.

Winnipeg has been able to erupt for big nights of the scoreboard in recent weeks. It netted five goals in a win over the Los Angeles Kings – no easy task – and has totaled 24 goals in its last seven games for an average of almost 3.5 goals a night. The Jets have potted five goals in three of those contests.

The Senators blueline could be a little worse for wear when it runs into that Jets attack. Ottawa is depending on rookie goaltender Andrew Hammond to keep its momentum going. Hammond has been stellar during this road trip but will be undoubtedly drained, especially with this game being the second of back-to-back nights.

The Jets' offensive push toward the postseason and the Senators showing some road rashes are why I’m playing on Winnipeg as my 8* Personal Favorite Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Philadelphia Flyers as my 9* Personal Favorite Tuesday.


Philadelphia welcomes the Calgary Flames to Wells Fargo Arena, coming off a big rivalry win against the New York Rangers this weekend. The Flyers notched a 4-2 victory and have picked up wins in three straight home stands. In fact, Philly has gone 7-3 in its last 10 home games.


The Flames are starting to burn out after a strong push in early 2015. Calgary has just one win in its last five games, losing three of those in one-goal fashion. The offense is sputtering during this skid, netting just nine goals in that five-game span. On top of that, team captain and leading scorer Mark Giordano is out for the season with a torn biceps after injuring himself last Wednesday.


Philadelphia was active at the trade deadline and while they aren’t making a run to the Stanley Cup anytime soon, the Flyers are still very much in the playoff hunt. They’re currently 10th in the Eastern Conference and six points back of No. 8. The win over the Rangers and what should be an easy home victory against a reeling Flames team will get the ball rolling for the Flyers down the stretch.


The Flyers’ home dominance and the Flames’ burning out on offense are why I’m playing Philadelphia as my 9* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Chicago Blackhawks as my 6* Personal Favorite Monday.

Chicago returns home after splitting games on a brief two-game Florida road trip last week, edging the Panthers 3-0 then falling to the Lightning 4-0. The Blackhawks are looking for more consistency – and momentum – when they return to the Windy City to host the Carolina Hurricanes Monday.

There’s plenty of fight left in this Chicago squad, even with 4-6 record in their last 10 outings. The Blackhawks made some waves during the trade deadline, acquiring veterans Kimmo Timonen and Antoine Vermette. Chicago is ready to make a run up the Western Conference standings and we strongly feel we’re getting in on the ground floor of a big turnaround for the Blackhawks.

Carolina comes into this matchup with momentum, but runs the risk of a letdown spot after scoring an impressive road victory against the Islanders Saturday. The Hurricanes still sit at the bottom of the Metropolitan division and are 10-23 in their last 33 road tests. Carolina was a seller during the trade deadline, leaving many to question the Canes' motivation in the final stretch of the season.

Corey Crawford is expected to return between the pipes for the Blackhawks after taking the night off in the loss to Tampa Bay. He’s given up just four goals in his last two appearances and boasted a 1.93 GAA in two starts versus Carolina last season. The home team has owned this series in recent years with the host going 5-1 in the last six clashes between the Blackhawks and Hurricanes.

The Blackhawks ready to get rolling and the Hurricanes’ troubles away from home are why I’m playing on Chicago as my 6* Personal Favorite Monday.

I’m playing on the San Jose Sharks as my 8* Personal Favorite Saturday.

The Sharks take on the Ottawa Senators, who are a long way from home Saturday. The Senators are currently on a five-game road trip, taking victories over the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings in their first two stops of this stretch.

San Jose can catch Ottawa in letdown mode after coming away with hard-fought wins in those road openers and is presenting solid value as the host team Saturday night. The Sharks haven’t been their sharpest at home, losing two straight inside the SAP Center to Los Angeles and Detroit – both one-goal games. We see the opportunity for San Jose to bounce back in a big way, especially at this price.

Both teams are hungry for a win, trying to squeak into their respective conference’s playoff picture. San Jose has been dealt some heartbreakers in recent weeks and isn’t as bad as its current record would indicate. Four of its last seven defeats have come by one goal. The Sharks have dominated this series with the Senators, winning seven of their last eight head-to-head clashes.

San Jose still possesses one of the most lethal power-play units in the NHL, ranked sixth overall with a 20.6 power-play percentage. The Sharks have a power-play sniper in Joe Pavelski, who has netted 16 goals with the man advantage. Ottawa has trouble staying out of the box, tallying 365 penalty minutes this season – fifth most in the NHL. The Sharks will have plenty of opportunities to break this game open on special teams if the Sens can’t avoid the whistles.

The Senators bound for a letdown and a hungry Sharks team ready to attack on the power play are why I’m playing on San Jose as my 8* Personal Favorite.