Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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05-31-22 | Oilers v. Avalanche -168 | Top | 6-8 | Win | 100 | 18 h 34 m | Show |
At 8:00 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the Edmonton Oilers. The Western Conference Finals features the best regular season team from the Central Division (and best overall team from the Conference) vs. the second-best from the Pacific. The Oilers only finished the season with the fifth-best point total in the Conference, but they've managed to punch their ticket to their 10th Conference Finals -- one series victory away from their eighth appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. But they have a tall -- call it a Rocky -- mountain to climb. The Avalanche have done little wrong in getting to the semi-finals, sweeping the Predators in the first round and then dispatching of a stubborn Blues squad in six games. Having home ice advantage could prove crucial in this series as the home team has won five of the last six meetings going back to April of 2019. Colorado hasn't played since Friday and that should help its cause tonight as the Avs are 16-5 in their last 21 games playing on three or more days of rest. Take the Avalanche. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-30-22 | Rangers v. Hurricanes UNDER 5.5 | Top | 6-2 | Loss | -130 | 39 h 56 m | Show |
At 8 pm, on Monday, our selection is on the Under in the Carolina Hurricanes/New York Rangers game. These two teams have played a series where the home team has won each of the first six games. And it's also a series where five of the first six games have gone 'under' the total. We'll look for another low-scoring game on Monday, as the Rangers have gone 'under' 36-21 off a win in their previous game. Moreover, the Rangers have gone 'under' in seven of their last eight Game 7s, and have also gone 'under' in 22 of 31 when they've been tied in a Playoff series. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have gone 'under' in 9 of 13 when facing elimination, and have seen six of their last eight home games vs. New York go 'under' the total. Take the 'under.' Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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05-28-22 | Hurricanes v. Rangers -106 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
At 8:00 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the Carolina Hurricanes. With a loss to the 'Canes in Game 5, the Rangers find themselves one game away from elimination. But they probably feel pretty good about their situation tonight given that the home team has won every game of this series. And despite their success thus far, the 'Canes are just 16-35 in the last 51 meetings of these two teams. If the Rangers are going to have any chance of keeping the home team success going in this series, they're going to have to do better than the 17 shots on goal they managed in Game 5. If they can get back to the level of play they displayed in Games 3 and 4, when they beat the 'Canes by a combined score of 7-2, then the Rangers will for certain force a seventh and deciding contest for a chance to play the Lightning in the Conference Finals. The Hurricanes have won just 7 of their last 17 road games, while the Rangers are 20-6 in the last 26 meetings here at Madison Square Garden. Take New York. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-26-22 | Oilers v. Flames -145 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -145 | 17 h 30 m | Show |
At 9:30 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Edmonton Oilers. The Flames almost pulled off a come-from-behind victory on Tuesday night in Edmonton, after trailing 3-0, as they tied the game mid-way through the third period. But ultimately, Calgary fell short and now it finds itself in a must-win situation, down 3-1 back at home. Calgary limited Edmonton to just 25 shots the entire game on Tuesday, but goalie Jacob Markstrom will have to play better tonight. Certainly, he's capable, and he's been terrific here at the Saddledome. Markstrom had a 22-8-7 record and 2.17 GAA average in Calgary this season, so I look for him to bounce back strong in Game 5. The Flames' offense will also need to set the tone with early offense, as it did in Game 1. In that game, Calgary scored three times in its first 10 shots and knocked Mike Smith out of that game before going on to a huge 9-6 victory. The Flames are 46-29 (+10 games on the moneyline) in their last 75 after allowing four or more goals in their previous game. Take Calgary. As always good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-22-22 | Panthers -110 v. Lightning | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 13 m | Show |
At 1:30 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Panthers earned the Presidents' Trophy this season by virtue of having the NHL's best regular season record. But if they don't win this afternoon, they'll be in danger of being the 9th straight Presidents' Trophy winner to fail to win the Stanley Cup. Florida averaged a league-best 4.14 goals per game this season, but have been held to just 1 goal in each of its first two games in this series. However, there is room for optimism in this Game 3, as Florida is 13-2 after scoring less than 2 goals, while Tampa Bay has gone 2-6 (but -10.4 net games) following 4+ wins in a row. Take Florida in Game 3. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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05-19-22 | Lightning v. Panthers -155 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -155 | 14 h 28 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Just as they did in their first round series against the Caps, the favored Panthers lost Game 1 at home -- this time against their cross-state rivals. But the Bolts are a decidedly better team than the Caps so Florida has to be careful that it doesn't let down again tonight and go into a 2-0 hole, from which it would be very difficult to crawl out. What the Panthers need to do tonight is to simply play like the team which had the best home record in the NHL this season -- and one which is 46-9 in its last 55 games as a home favorite. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky needs to play better than he did in Game 1 and he's certainly capable of it. In the first round series, Bobrovsky came back after a lackluster performance in Game 1 and had one of his best games in Game 2 -- stopping all but one of the shots he faced from the high-flying Capitals. Florida is 20-6 (+15 games on the moneyline) in its last 26 games after scoring one goal or less in its previous while the favorite is 23-9 in the last 32 meetings of these two. Take the Panthers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-18-22 | Oilers v. Flames -149 | Top | 6-9 | Win | 100 | 15 h 27 m | Show |
At 9:30 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Edmonton Oilers. Both of these teams needed Game 7 wins at home in order to advance to this round -- and both came through. If you're looking for clues in the regular season as to who might have the upper hand in this series, you might not find many. The Flames and Oilers split their four games with Edmonton winning the first two and Calgary coming back later in the season to take the last pair. But one thing that seems consistent when these two meet is the strength of home ice. The home team has won 10 of the last 12 meetings including each of the last five, so you can expect the packed Saddledome to have a major impact in Games 1 and 2. The Flames should get another big boost from the probable return of physical defenseman Chris Tanev who left Game 6 of the Dallas series with an injury and didn't return for Game 7. In the four home games of the previous series, Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom allowed four goals in 87 combined shots (95.4 SV %). Finally, the favorite is 4-1 in the last five meetings of these two. Take Calgary. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-18-22 | Rangers v. Hurricanes -159 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 40 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the New York Rangers. The Rangers played perhaps the toughest first round of any advancing favorite, coming back from a 3-1 series deficit and needing a goal in overtime of Game 7 at home. How much those very demanding seven games against a depleted Pens team took out of them remains to be seen, but things certainly don't get any easier against the 'Canes. Unlike New York, Carolina's seven-game series win over Boston went according to plan with the home team winning every meeting. What makes the 'Canes hard-fought victory even more impressive is that they did it without their #1 goalie, Frederik Andersen, who has been sidelined since mid-April. If there's any question about the importance of a veteran back-up net-minder with playoff experience, the 'Canes and Antti Raanta proved it without a doubt. The 33-year-old Finn was 'money in the bank' and he'll be asked for more of the same in this quarterfinals round. The Rangers are 15-36 in their last 51 playoff games as an underdog. Take Carolina. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-17-22 | Lightning v. Panthers -150 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -150 | 15 h 24 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning are going for a rare Stanley Cup Title three-peat and the first step is complete with their upset win over the Maple Leafs in the first round. But the mountain gets steeper in round two as they battle with their cross-state rivals to the south. Florida not only won the Atlantic Division, but the Presidents Trophy and finished with an almost-unprecedented +94 goal differential (only a meaningless final regular season game in which it rested all their regulars prevented it from finishing with +100). Just how steep is this mountain that the Bolts have in front of them? Consider that the Panthers finished the season with a 34-7-0 home record -- the best in the NHL. That zero at the end means that they were 8-0 in overtime games in South Florida -- also almost unprecedented and not good news for Tampa, which needed OT to win Game 6 over Toronto. Also not good news for the Bolts: the favorite is 35-17 in the last 52 meetings of these two and the home team is 5-2 in the last seven. Take Florida. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-15-22 | Stars v. Flames -174 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 18 h 20 m | Show |
At 9:30 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Dallas Stars. After these two teams split the first four games -- with each of them winning once in the others' arena -- they then each went on to win at home in Games 5 and 6, so here we are in Calgary for one final meeting. Calgary's defenseman Chris Tanev didn't miss a game all season, and he played in each of the first six games of this series, but had to leave Game 6 in the second period with a lower body injury and things went downhill from there as Dallas got the final two goals to force this one tonight. The Flames are hopeful that the big blue-liner will be back on the ice tonight for Game 7. The Stars have their own injury concerns as C Luke Glendening was felled by a questionable hit by Nikita Zadorov in Game 6 and probably won't be able to go for his team this evening. With the Stars win in Game 6 the home team is now 4-2 in this series. The Flames are 45-26 (+13 games on the moneyline) in their last 71 immediately following a game where they allowed four or more goals. Take Calgary. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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05-14-22 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs -120 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -120 | 13 h 3 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning won a dramatic Game 6 at home on Thursday to force this final game in a series that seems more appropriate as a Conference Final than a first-round match-up. The game couldn't have been any closer as the two clubs went into overtime tied at three goals apiece. And it concluded with the winning goal out of Brayden Point 18 minutes into the fourth period. Unfortunately for the Lightning: they're a poor 15-19 (minus 16.4 net games) off an overtime win. Tonight, Tampa will have to contend not only with the Leafs, but also the crazed Toronto fans who could give the home team the upper hand. And what started out as a series which didn't seem to favor the home team has turned into one as the hosts have won the last three now. Tampa is 0-4 its last four off a win, and 2-6 in its last eight games as a road underdog, while the favorite is 5-2 in the last seven meetings of these two. And Toronto's a solid 25-12 after giving up more than 3 goals. Take the Maple Leafs. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-13-22 | Rangers -107 v. Penguins | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Welcome to the Rangers must-win Game #2. Down three games to one, New York had to have a win at home on Wednesday to stay alive and it did just that. They have to do it again tonight and it will have to be in hostile territory but there are at least a couple of reasons to think the Rangers can force a Game 7 back in Manhattan. First, the Penguins will be forced to use their third-string goalie again tonight for the fifth straight game. Although 30-year-old journeyman Louis Domingue has been outstanding at times, it seems the Rangers have figured him out for the most part and the lapses he's been experiencing will only likely become more frequent. Look for Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and company to really turn up the heat on Domingue tonight. Second, Pens Captain Sidney Crosby was hit by the Rangers Jacob Trouba and had to leave Game 5 with an upper body injury. He is currently questionable for Game 6. The favorite is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings. Take New York. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-12-22 | Maple Leafs +120 v. Lightning | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 49 m | Show |
At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Maple Leafs won a huge Game 5 on Tuesday at home, defeating the Bolts 4-3 to take a 3-2 series lead. Technically, tonight in Tampa is not a must-win situation, but the last thing the Leafs want to do is give the defending two-time Stanley Cup Champions a chance at a Game 7 back in Toronto -- especially considering how close Game 5 was. Key to the Tuesday night victory was Toronto Coach Sheldon Keefe showing confidence in goalie Jack Campbell after he fell apart in Game 4 (5 goals in 16 shots) and was replaced in the 3rd period by his back-up, Erik Kallgren. Keefe stuck with Campbell for Game 5 and the veteran net-minder came through, stopping 32 of 35 shots (.914) from one of the top scoring teams in hockey. On the other side, Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy had his second sub-par game in a row, allowing four goals on just 25 shots (.840). With the Tuesday loss, the Bolts are now 5-12 in their last 17 games vs. teams with a winning % above .600. Take the Maple Leafs. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-11-22 | Penguins v. Rangers -129 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 14 h 3 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the Pittsburgh Penguins. After four playoff games, the only one of the eight NHL series where a team holds a 3-1 lead is this one. That's good news for the Penguins and bad news if you're a Rangers fan. New York must now win three games in a row to advance and even if it wins tonight, it has to go back to Pittsburgh where it was blown out on Monday. The Rangers smartly pulled Igor Shesterkin from the net in that game after two periods and six goals allowed. That should give the League's leading goalie a chance to regroup and come back fresh tonight. But if the Rangers are going to win tonight, they're going to have to up their shot output as they registered just 24 on Pens rookie (third string) goalie Louis Domingue in Game 4. A return to their form in the last game here where they logged 40 shots on goal (and won) is what we would expect to see tonight. The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings and the Penguins are 2-5 in the last seven here at Madison Square Garden. Take the Rangers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-10-22 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs -120 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 13 m | Show |
At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The NHL and TV networks must be very happy that all four of the series that are on tap for a Game 5 tonight are tied at two games apiece. Some of the teams however are not likely sharing in the joy. The Toronto Maple Leafs looked like they would potentially put Tampa away early when they won the first game in a rout and then did it again in Tampa in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. But every time Toronto takes the air out of Tampa's balloon, the Bolts have re-energized and made a statement of their own. Game 5 has now become absolutely critical for the home team after the Lightning put up seven goals on the Leafs in Game 4 chasing Toronto goalie Jack Campbell in the process. It remains to be seen if the Leafs go with back-up Erik Kallgren -- who stopped all 10 shots he faced -- tonight, but based on statements made by Coach Sheldon Keefe, he'll be sticking with Campbell. Andrei Vasilevskiy had his own problems in Game 4, stopping just 22 of 25 shots (.880). And Tampa's a wallet-breaking 5-7 (minus 11.4 net games on the moneyline) off a blowout home win by 3+ goals. Take the Leafs. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-09-22 | Panthers -172 v. Capitals | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 13 h 60 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Washington Capitals. Two nights after the Panthers routed the Caps in Florida to even the series at a game apiece, the Caps returned the favor at home in Game 3. Now Florida is faced with going down 3-1 against a very good road team if it plays another lackluster game like the one played here on Saturday afternoon. The Caps went with Ilya Samsonov in goal for Game 3 and they will likely go back to the 25-year-old Russian again tonight. Sammy -- as he is called in DC -- stopped 29 of 30 shots he faced on Saturday while his counterpart, veteran Sergei Bobrovsky, had an off night. Look for Bobrovsky to bounce back strong here in Game 4 as the Panthers are 16-5 in their last 21 games immediately a game where their opponent scored five or more goals. They're also 29-11 in their last 40 games after scoring two goals or fewer. Despite the loss, Florida is 19-7 in its last 26 games as a road favorite while the Caps are 0-4 in their last four after allowing two goals or fewer in their previous. Take the Panthers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-08-22 | Maple Leafs +110 v. Lightning | Top | 3-7 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 49 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning. After the Lightning tied this series with an upset win in Game 2 in Toronto, the Leafs needed to re-establish their dominance. They did just that in Game 3 in Tampa on Friday with a huge 5-2 victory. Now the Leafs get a chance to put a stranglehold on the series, and there's good reason to expect they will. For one thing, there's the fact that with their victory here on Friday, the Maple Leafs are now 5-2 in the last seven meetings and 4-1 in the last five at Amalie Arena. And the road team has won nine of 13 in this series. The Leafs got a big boost from the return of RW Mitch Marner just prior to this series. Marner has figured in each of the three games so far, posting six points (two goals and four assists). The Lightning have been feasting on sub-optimal opponents lately as they are just 4-11 in their last 15 games against teams with a winning percentage above .600. And in their seven games vs. the Leafs this season, they've yet to have a game with more shots on goal. Take the Maple Leafs. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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05-07-22 | Flames -155 v. Stars | Top | 2-4 | Loss | -155 | 16 h 2 m | Show |
At 9:30 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Dallas Stars. Calgary was poised to take a commanding 2-0 lead in this series when it played Game 2 at home on Thursday night. But the Stars somehow managed an upset win despite only registering 22 shots on goal. Still, the Flames' defense has been superb in this series, allowing just 38 shots in the first two games. This will be the 2nd meeting in Dallas this season between the clubs. In the only previous meeting here at American Airlines Center this season, the Flames came away with a hard-fought 4-3 victory. The Stars tend to let down after big wins recently as they are just 1-4 in their last five following a victory. Meanwhile, the Flames are 10-4 in their last 14 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game. And the favorite is 6-2 in the last eight meetings. Take Calgary. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-06-22 | Maple Leafs +107 v. Lightning | Top | 5-2 | Win | 107 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a resounding 5-0 shutout win on Monday, the Maple Leafs seemed poised to take a 2-0 series lead at home when they took the ice on Wednesday for Game 2. After all, it was the same team that had so decisively taken Game 1. But the Bolts summoned their great teams of the past and dominated play early and often in Game 2 and got out of Canada with a 5-3 victory. Now the series shifts to Florida and although it might be easy to think that Tampa has the upper hand and will go up 2-1, there are some things to consider. First and foremost is the fact that the Leafs are 3-1 in their last three meetings with the Lightning here in Tampa going back to January of 2019. Second is the fact that although the Bolts finished the regular season strong, they did most of their damage against sub-par opponents who weren't playing for anything. Going back to the beginning of March, Tampa is 3-10 in their last 13 regular season games vs. teams with a winning pct of 60% or better. Take Toronto. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-06-22 | Hurricanes v. Bruins -120 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 54 m | Show |
At 7:00 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the Carolina Hurricanes. With all Eastern Conference teams having played their first two playoff games, the Hurricanes are the only one that has managed to win both of its home openers. That puts them in a dominant position in this first round series but it certainly doesn't mean it's over. If you're the Boston Bruins, this is no time to panic with two games coming up on home ice -- a home ice that was very good to them in the regular season. Carolina's success in Games 1 and 2 didn't come without a price. Already without #1 goalie Frederik Andersen heading into the playoffs (lower body injury), the 'Canes lost #2 Antti Raanta to an upper body injury in Game 2 after being hit by Boston's David Pastrnak. The injury is not thought to be serious, and Raanta was at practice yesterday, however his status has yet to be determined for tonight's game. If Raanta is unable to play, then 22-year-old rookie Pyotr Kochetkov will mind the net for the visitors. Regardless of which goalie is between the pipes, we'll take the Bruins, as they are 9-3 in the last 12 meetings here in Boston. Take the Bruins. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-05-22 | Capitals v. Panthers -229 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 15 h 22 m | Show |
At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Washington Capitals. With Alex Ovechkin back on the ice for the first time in over a week, the Capitals pulled off a big upset in South Florida on Tuesday night, 4-2. But when you consider that the Caps had the best road record in the League this season and much more playoff experience than Florida, the victory really wasn't all that surprising. The Panthers need not panic (they have the best home record in the NHL). Now that it's had time to shake the rust off, look for Florida to come out flying in Game 2. Shortly after scoring the Caps' first goal in the first period, winger Tom Wilson went to the locker room and did not return. The veteran big man has a lower body injury and his status for tonight is uncertain. Despite its victory two days ago, Washington is just 2-6 in its last eight first round playoff games and 1-4 in the last five match-ups at FLA Live Arena. The Panthers are also 44-8 in their last 52 games as a home favorite and the favorite is 37-18 in the last 55 meetings of these two clubs. Take the Panthers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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05-04-22 | Blues v. Wild -121 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 100 | 16 h 25 m | Show |
At 9:35 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the St. Louis Blues. The NHL Post-season opened on Monday night, and while the two Eastern Conference Game 1's went according to plan -- big wins for the favored home teams Hurricanes and Leafs -- the West was a different story on Monday. Edmonton was upset at home by the Kings, while the Wild laid an egg at home against the Blues. Minnesota has lost in the first round of the playoffs in five of the last six seasons (the sixth season they didn't participate in post-season play) but this is arguably the best team it's ever had. With the series going to St. Louis for two games after tonight, this is pretty much a must-win for the Wild, who came into the first round having won seven of its last eight regular season games. This is no time to panic as the Wild out-shot the Blues in Game 1, 37-31. The Wild leaned on Marc-Andre Fleury Monday for his Stanley Cup experience, but they could easily make a change to Cam Talbot in Game 2 as the veteran goalie has a career 2.45 GAA and 92.3 save % in 32 post-season games. Regardless of which netminder is between the pipes, we'll take the Wild, as they're 9-2 their last 11 off a shutout loss, and 27-8 their last 35 off a home defeat (including 8-0 this season off a home loss by 2+ goals). Take Minnesota. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-04-22 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs -123 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -123 | 14 h 24 m | Show |
At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning. We cashed the Maple Leafs in Game 1 of this series -- a 5-0 blowout -- as they were my highest-rated NHL play of the season-to-date. Admittedly, the Lightning have been spectacular off a loss in the Playoffs. Indeed, Tampa goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is 14-0 his last 14 games following a playoff defeat, with a 1.20 GAA, and a 95.2% SVS %. Last season, the Lightning went 7-0 in the 2021 playoffs in games immediately following a loss en route to a second straight Stanley Cup. But it's important to note that all seven of those rebound wins last season came at home, while tonight, the Lightning must do it in hostile territory. And it's also important to note that in none of those games last season did he face a goal scorer as dynamic as the Leafs' Auston Matthews. Matthews has already made his mark on this series, scoring twice in Game 1 and there will likely be many more to come from the regular season goals leader (60). A hot goalie is key to a deep Stanley Cup run and Jack Campbell (who was maligned earlier this season) appears to be in peak form now, stopping all 24 Tampa shots in Game 1 while earning Star of the Game. With the victory, the Leafs have now won five of the last seven meetings going back to February 2020. And it was 7-0 this season off a shutout win. Take Toronto in Game 2. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-03-22 | Stars v. Flames -208 | Top | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 16 h 58 m | Show |
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Dallas Stars. The Flames just concluded their most successful season -- 111 total points -- since they won it all way back in 1989 (they finished that season with 117 points). Perhaps that will serve as an omen for what is about to happen in this post-season. After all, we're talking about a club that hasn't made it out of the first round in their last three trips to the playoffs (2017, 2019, 2020), so even getting past the Stars will be seen as a victory of sorts. And as if they needed any more motivation, this is a huge revenge situation as it was the Stars who knocked Calgary out in six games in August of 2020. Dallas had the home ice advantage in that series but now it's the Flames who will enjoy four games at home in this opening round. The Flames took two of three games from the Stars this season, including each of the last two on February 1 and April 21. Three of Dallas' last four victories were against the Kraken, Sharks, and Ducks and it is 2-4 in its last six vs. teams with winning records. Take Calgary. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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05-02-22 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs -120 | Top | 0-5 | Win | 100 | 14 h 8 m | Show |
At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 2022 Eastern Conference playoffs feature the most compelling match-ups in recent memory. In one series you have the Presidents Trophy Winner (Panthers) vs. the greatest goal scorer of our generation (Alex Ovechkin). In another, you have a legend like Sidney Crosby vs. the team (Rangers) with the best goalie in the world right now. And let's not forget this game, which pits the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champs (Lightning) vs. the team (Maple Leafs) with perhaps the next great goal scorer, Auston Matthews (to whom Ovechkin will be passing the torch). Let's also not forget that Toronto has a huge chip on its shoulder this year after being eliminated in the first round in five straight seasons coming into these playoffs. But the Leafs are a lot more than just Matthews. RW Mitch Marner put up 97 points and LW Michael Bunting (who won't play in Game 1) is the favorite for Rookie of the Year. Toronto finished the season strong with 15 win over its last 19 games, including a 5-2 blowout of Boston on Friday. Toronto's 39-15 off a win by 3+ goals, and 11-1 its last 12 at home. Admittedly, the Leafs lost the previous meeting vs. Tampa (a game which Matthews and goalie Jack Campbell missed), but have won four of the last six meetings between these two going back to the start of 2020. Toronto is a solid 18-6 when playing with revenge from a loss in which it scored less than 2 goals (and 50-31 its last 81, overall, when playing with revenge). Take Toronto. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-29-22 | Blue Jackets v. Penguins -1.5 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 13 h 54 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins minus 1.5 goals over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins haven't exactly been what you'd call a "clutch" team lately. With third place in the Metropolitan Division on the line and the Pens ending their season with games against the Flyers, Oilers, and Blue Jackets, you'd think they would have been in very good shape. Heck, even a 3-0 finish would not have been out of the question. But they come into tonight's match-up with Columbus needing a victory after dropping games to Philly and Edmonton -- and neither was close. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets come into tonight off an emotional win over the defending Champs (Tampa) in their final home game of the season. Off that win, however, I expect a letdown tonight. And, based on the numbers, Pittsburgh couldn't have hand-picked a better opponent for its final game of the regular season. The Penguins have won 13 of the last 15 meetings with the Blue Jackets and they have won 10 straight meetings here at home going back to December of 2015. The Blue Jackets are also 4-9 in 13 games when playing with zero days of rest this season. Take Pittsburgh on the puck line, minus 1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-28-22 | Flames v. Wild -108 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 29 m | Show |
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the Calgary Flames. While Calgary is locked into the #2 spot in the Western Conference, behind Colorado, the Wild are battling the St Louis Blues for home ice advantage in the opening round. Minnesota has been on fire over its last 22 games, as it's lost just twice in regulation, and is 17-2-3, overall. We'll take the Wild, as they're 26-8 off a home loss, including 7-0 if they lost by 2+ goals in their previous game. With Minny, indeed, off a 5-3 home loss to Arizona, we'll take the Wild to bounce back tonight. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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04-26-22 | Hurricanes v. Rangers -110 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 35 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the Carolina Hurricanes. New York's road to the division championship is certainly a difficult one. It would need to win tonight in regulation, and then follow that up with two more wins against Montreal and Washington to end its season. And, while that is very possible, it's the 2nd part of the equation which is the most unlikely. New York would also need the Hurricanes to lose at home to New Jersey in their season finale. So, the Rangers understand that even a win tonight won't probably change their playoff seeding. But the team is still focused on playing well, and carrying that momentum into the post-season. New York is 7-2 its last nine, and will be looking to avenge a 4-2 home loss to these Hurricanes two weeks ago. New York is a solid 12-6 when playing with revenge from a loss earlier in the year, while Carolina is 1-6 off 4+ wins. These two teams are the #1 and #2 teams in the league in goals allowed (Carolina 196, New York 197), though the Rangers gave up 3 goals in each of their two previous games. But New York is 14-3 after allowing 3+ goals in back to back games. We'll take New York at home tonight. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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04-23-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Stars -250 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 47 m | Show |
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Stars over the Seattle Kraken. If the Kraken want something to be positive about heading into the off-season having been eliminated from the playoffs a while ago, it might be their recent three-game win streak -- their first of the season. The first two games of the streak were no big deal (the Senators and Devils), but in the third game, Seattle beat the Avalanche, holding the best offense in the West to just 27 shots. But let's not kid ourselves, this is still a 26-50 team and all three of those wins were at home where they've played their best hockey. They've had to go on the road now to play the Wild last night, and now the Stars in Texas. Dallas is fighting for one of two Wild Card spots in the West and the Stars need to finish strong to have any chance of competing in the post-season. The good news is that three of their final four games are against losing teams (Kraken, Coyotes, and Ducks) and the fourth is against Vegas who they're two points ahead of for that last spot. Seattle is 2-6 in its last eight playing without rest. Take Dallas. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-23-22 | Rangers v. Bruins -135 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 6 m | Show |
At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over New York. Both the Bruins and Rangers will be incentivized to win this afternoon, as each is jockeying for playoff positioning. New York has its eyes on moving to the #1 seed in the Metropolitan division, while the Bruins would like to avoid finishing 8th in the conference (and thereby drawing Florida in the first round). The Bruins come into this game off a 4-0 shutout loss to Pittsburgh. We played on the Pens in that game, but will take the Bruins to bounce back here. Boston is 21-8 this season off a loss, and 7-2 off a shutout defeat. Meanwhile, the Rangers bested the Islanders, 6-3, on Thursday. Unfortunately, New York is a wallet-busting 56-63 (but minus 19.6 net games on the moneyline) after scoring more than 5 goals in its previous game. Take Boston. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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04-21-22 | Blues -185 v. Sharks | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 17 h 48 m | Show |
At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the St. Louis Blues over the San Jose Sharks. With just five games to go in the regular season, the Blues would seem to have their position as a top-three finisher in the Central Division solidified. They can't catch the #1 Colorado Avalanche, but that doesn't mean these remaining games aren't important. With the Stanley Cup Playoff format, the #2 and #3 seeds from each Division play each other in the first round and right now the Blues are tied with the Wild at 103 points (Minny has played one less game, however). So finishing above Minnesota would mean home ice in that first round series, making tonight and the rest of their games very important. The good news is that this series has been about as one-sided as any in the league lately. The Blues have won each of the last four meetings with the Sharks and seven of the last eight here in San Jose. Additionally, the Sharks are 0-7 in their last seven vs. Central Division teams, and 0-9 their last nine as an underdog. St. Louis is 6-0 in its last six vs. teams with losing records and 4-0 in its last four road games. And it's 9-1 its last 10 as a favorite. Take the Blues. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-21-22 | Bruins v. Penguins -115 | Top | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Boston Bruins. With just five games to play, the Penguins are in danger of falling out of the top three spots in the Metropolitan Division and into the Wild Card pool, which would likely force a matchup against the #1-seeded Panthers in the 1st round. At the moment, the red-hot Capitals are tied with Pittsburgh for 3rd place going into Thursday night's games. Tonight, the Pens will host Boston, which is just one point behind the third place team in the Atlantic Division -- Tampa Bay -- after its OT win over St. Louis on Tuesday. The Pens haven't played in five days and that last one was a tough 2-1 loss to this Bruins club in Boston so this is a big revenge situation tonight back home. With the extended rest, it would seem an ideal situation for this aging Pens team which is 6-2 in its last eight games when playing with three or more days off. The favorite is 22-8 in the last 30 meetings of these two and the home team is 20-6 in the last 26 (with the Bruins 2-8 in the last ten here at PPG Paints Arena). Take the Penguins. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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04-20-22 | Avalanche -1.5 v. Seattle Kraken | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -121 | 13 h 4 m | Show |
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche minus 1.5 goals over the Seattle Kraken. The Avs lost a tough one at home on Monday, 3-2, to the Capitals. Despite Colorado's dominance this season, the loss wasn't all that surprising given that the Caps have the best road record in the league and that they seem to have Colorado's number lately. Tonight should be a different story as the Avs visit Seattle. The Kraken have had a tough go of it in their first NHL season with a 25-44-6 record overall and just 14-21-3 here at home. Despite the Avs' loss the other night, they still are tied for the best record in the league with Florida, and have an outside shot at a second consecutive President's Trophy. The problem for Colorado in its chase for the most points is that tonight's game will be the last game against a non-playoff team. The Panthers, on the other hand, have a much easier finishing schedule. But the good news for tonight's game is that the Avs tend to not lose back-to-back games. In its last 15 games immediately following a defeat -- going back to November 6 -- Colorado is 13-2. Even better: Seattle is on a 2-game win streak, but has yet to win three-in-a-row in five previous attempts this season. The Kraken is also 0-4 in its last four after allowing two goals or less in its previous game. Take the Avs minus 1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-20-22 | Capitals v. Golden Knights -139 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Washington Capitals. The Caps head southwest after their big win in Colorado on Monday. Tonight will be a rematch of the 2018 Cup Finals on the Vegas Strip as the Knights go for the Season sweep (they shut out the Caps in DC back on January 24). The Knights have lost two straight and sit 5 points behind the Stars for the final Wild Card berth, with five games to play (though Dallas has 6 games left). If Vegas wins tonight and then beats the Sharks in the next game -- which it should -- then its next game is against Dallas, the team immediately in front of it. So, Vegas still has some hope left, though it probably has to go 5-0 to end the season for any chance at all. The Knights were upset on Monday by the Devils, 3-2, despite out-shooting New Jersey 44-28. Robin Lehner was in goal in that game and allowed three goals on just 28 shots so don't be surprised if Logan Thompson (2.55 GAA; .922 saves pct) is back in the crease tonight. Thompson's won five of his last six outings. Vegas is also 6-2 in its last eight home games and 5-2 in its last seven when playing on one day of rest. Finally, the home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings of these two. Take the Knights. As always, good luck...Al McMordie |
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04-18-22 | Devils v. Golden Knights -1.5 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -120 | 15 h 49 m | Show |
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 goals over the New Jersey Devils. It's crunch-time in Las Vegas. The team which has made the NHL post-season in each of its first four years in the League is in danger of not making it in 2022. Prior to the Monday games, the Golden Knights are sitting three points behind the Los Angeles Kings, and four points behind the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators with six games to go. The Knights will need to overtake at least one of those teams to reach the post-season. The good news for Vegas is that it has played one less game than Los Angeles -- the closest team to it in the standings. But the bad news is that the Kings' final five games are all against teams outside of the Playoff picture. So, Vegas definitely has the odds against it. Tonight, the Golden Knights will look to sweep the season series against the Devils, who they defeated last December, 5-3. In fact, Vegas has beaten the Devils in each of the last four meetings going back to January 2019. The Devils are also 2-5 in their last seven games against Western Conference foes including 0-4 in their last four vs. the Pacific Division. Meanwhile, the Knights are 41-14 in their last 55 vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400. Take Vegas minus 1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-17-22 | Sharks v. Wild -245 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 12 h 6 m | Show |
At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the San Jose Sharks. The red-hot Minnesota Wild were 12-3 in their last 15 games coming into Saturday's all-important match-up with the St. Louis Blues. Unfortunately for them, the Blues prevailed in overtime, 6-5, thereby knocking them out of a tie for second place in the Central Division. Minnesota hopes that setback is temporary as it regroups today to host the 29-45 Sharks at the Xcel Energy Center. Unlike the Wild, San Jose isn't playing for anything as it looks ahead to what it hopes will be a productive off-season leading to a winning campaign in 2022-2023. The Sharks have been particularly bad on the road, winning just five times in their last 24 games away from the Bay Area. They are also 7-20 in their last 27 vs. teams from the Western Conference including 0-6 in their last six vs. Central clubs. Meanwhile Minnesota is 4-0 in its last four vs. the Pacific Division and 65-29 in its last 94 vs. teams with a winning percentage of .400 or less. Take the Wild. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-16-22 | Blue Jackets v. Kings -185 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 17 h 60 m | Show |
At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Kings over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Kings are locked in a tight battle with the Vegas Golden Knights for a playoff spot. Los Angeles sits 1 point ahead of Vegas, but has also played 1 more game. The good news for Los Angeles is that each of its last six games are against teams that are outside of the Playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are a poor 3-10 their last 13 against teams that would be in the Playoffs with their current point totals. We played against Los Angeles in its last game, and were rewarded with a 9-3 blowout win by Colorado. Off that horrible game, we'll switch gears and take the Kings tonight, as they're 24-15 (+14.2 net games on the moneyline) off blowout loss by 3+ goals. And they're 22-9 this season vs. Eastern conference teams. Take Los Angeles. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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04-15-22 | Jets v. Panthers -244 | Top | 1-6 | Win | 100 | 15 h 46 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over the Winnipeg Jets. It's looking like the Panthers will earn the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the post-season but also still wants to make a push to overtake the Avalanche for the #1 NHL record. In addition to having the best record in the Eastern Conference -- and the only team in there with over 50 victories -- the Panthers' +89 goal differential is also tops. They've done it with a balanced attack, which is evident when you look at all the offensive leaders in the league and the only Florida name you see is Jonathan Huberdeau, who leads in assists (77) and is second in points (105). The Panthers come into this home contest against the Jets having won eight games in a row, including a huge 7-6 OT win over the Maple Leafs that could serve as a Quarter-Finals preview. They have been putting the puck on net with a frequency rarely seen, posting 40 shots or more in seven of those eight games, including 55 in their last one -- a 3-2 win over the Ducks. The Jets are 1-4 in their last five games against teams with a winning record. And they're also 9-19 (minus 6.65 net games on the moneyline) as an underdog, including 1-6 when the O/U was more than 6 goals. Meanwhile Florida is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings of these two, and 14-1 its last 15 when priced as a favorite of -180 (or more). Take the Panthers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-14-22 | Senators v. Bruins -1.5 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 2 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins minus 1.5 goals over the Ottawa Senators. While the Caps keep winning games, the Bruins are losing them, making the race for the playoff match-ups in the East very interesting. The Bruins lost to the Blues on Tuesday night, despite out-shooting them by 11 (41-30). That's three losses in their last four games and they're now only three points ahead of the Caps in the Wild Card race. They're also just one game behind the Lightning, so their last nine games could mean the difference between a top-three Divisional finish and the last available playoff spot. They're back home again tonight, but instead of facing a team that is fighting for its own playoff position, as St. Louis is doing, it's the Senators that are coming to Bean Town. Ottawa is 14-22 on the road this season. And although it's won three of its last four away from home, those three wins came against the likes of the Canadiens and Red Wings (twice). Series don't get much more one-sided than this one as Boston is 14-2 in the last 16 meetings and 6-0 in the last six at home. Take the Bruins minus 1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-13-22 | Kings v. Avalanche -235 | Top | 3-9 | Win | 100 | 19 h 0 m | Show |
At 9:35 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the Los Angeles Kings. The Avs are on a major roll right now, with six straight wins. And they'll have an advantage tonight against an unrested Kings team which played at Chicago last night. Even worse for the Kings: they're playing their 3rd game in four nights, and have to play without rest in a high-altitude city (Denver). In contrast, Colorado is extremely well-rested, as it has been four days (April 9 vs Edmonton) since it has played. The Avalanche are a terrific 22-2 at home off 3 (or more) wins. And Colorado is 8-0 vs. the Kings since March 12, 2021, with the average win by 2.88 goals. Take Colorado. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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04-12-22 | Blues v. Bruins -149 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -149 | 18 h 29 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the St. Louis Blues. The red-hot Bruins lost a tough one on Sunday afternoon in DC as the surging Capitals got the better of them in a tough, close-checking affair. Despite now losing two of its last three, Boston needn't panic as it is still sitting in a very good position in the East with the #1 Wild Card spot looking secure and only one point behind the Lightning for a top-three finish in the Atlantic. Most important, six of the Bruins last 10 games are here at home, beginning with this Monday night affair against a Blues squad that they haven't faced since October 2019. The Blues come in having won their last five, however three of those victories were against the likes of the Islanders, Kraken, and Coyotes -- and all three at home. They may be 42-30 overall, but on the road, the Blues are just a .500 team this season (17-17). They are also just 3-8 in their last 11 games against teams from the East. The Bruins come home after a week on the road, and they are 16-5 in their last 21 home games after a road trip of at least seven days. Take Boston. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-10-22 | Ducks v. Hurricanes -1.5 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 goals over the Anaheim Ducks. Not that long ago, the Hurricanes were considered favorites in the East. They still have to be looked at as one of the most talented teams in the league, but anyone can see that the 'Canes are simply not playing their best hockey right now. Carolina has lost three of its last four games and two of those came against non-playoff-caliber clubs in the Sabres and Islanders. With 10 games to go in the regular season, there is certainly time for the 'Canes to turn it around, and a Sunday affair against a sub-par Western Conference team may be just what they need. The Ducks looked very promising in the first half of the season, but you'd be hard-pressed to find another team in the league that has nose-dived in the second half as dramatically as Anaheim. Since January 31, the Ducks are a God-awful 6-20. The 'Canes have been dominating teams outside of their conference as they are 53-21 in their last 74 games vs. clubs from the West and 21-7 in their last 28 vs. the Pacific Division. Take Carolina -1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-09-22 | Capitals v. Penguins -142 | Top | 6-3 | Loss | -142 | 12 h 41 m | Show |
At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Washington Capitals. The Pens come into this afternoon game having lost three games in a row for the sixth time this season. In all but one of those previous five, Pittsburgh was able to snap its losing streak in its next contest. They're hoping to do the same today against their biggest rival so they can solidify their third place lead over the Caps -- which right now stands at six points. It's worth nothing that those three losses came against the Rangers and the Avalanche (twice) -- and two of the losses were on the road. But both the Rangers and Avs are stronger opponents than the Caps -- at least as far as the point totals are concerned. The Caps do come in having won three of their last five, but they are just 1-4 in their last five games against teams with a winning record, and 17-20 (minus 10.1 net games on the moneyline) off a win in their previous game. The Pens were shut out at Madison Square Garden, 3-0, in their last game but are 5-1 in their last six games immediately following a loss by more than two goals. Take Pittsburgh. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-08-22 | Wild -105 v. Blues | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 34 m | Show |
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the St. Louis Blues. While some playoff-bound teams in the NHL seem to be wilting late in the season (e.g., Tampa Bay), others are doing just the opposite. The Minnesota Wild are one of those teams that could be peaking at just the right time. The Wild have lost just two of their last 11 games and one of those was a 4-3 OT defeat at the hands of a very good Penguins club (while the other was a 6-2 loss at Nashville on Tuesday). It seems as though one of the shrewdest moves at the deadline was Minny's acquisition of Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Marc-Andre Fleury from Chicago (for a conditional first-round pick in 2022). Fleury has been spectacular with his new club so far (3-1 in four games with a .930 saves pct and 2.30 GAA). And having Fleury between the pipes gives the Wild a bit of a two-headed monster as Cam Talbot is also an All Star-caliber net-minder in his own right. So, now Minnesota has the luxury of choosing between the two on almost any given night. The Wild are a solid 13-5 in their last 18 games after scoring less than 3 goals in their previous contest. And they're 15-5 off a blowout loss by more than 3 goals. Take Minnesota. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-07-22 | Sabres v. Hurricanes -1.5 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 11 h 15 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes minus the 1.5 goals over the Buffalo Sabres. The Hurricanes looked like world-beaters and the likely favorite to get to the Cup Finals from the East only a few short weeks ago. But the team which won their only NHL Championship back in 2006 has lost eight of its last 12 games, including three of its last four coming into tonight. The good news is that Carolina still has a dozen games to try to get itself straightened out for the playoffs. That should be plenty of time for Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, Frederik Andersen & Co. to figure things out. This is a back-to-back revenge situation for the 'Canes who just lost to the Sabres in Buffalo, 4-2, on Tuesday. Still, the Sabres' 3.62 goals-against-average in 34 road games this season ranks as the fifth-worst such number in the league (tied with Philadelphia). Coupled with their 2.56 road goal scoring rate, that results in a negative differential of greater than one goal away from home. Buffalo is 8-18 in its last 26 when playing the second game of a home-and-home series. Take the Hurricanes minus 1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-06-22 | Red Wings v. Jets -1.5 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -105 | 17 h 58 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Winnipeg Jets -1.5 goals over the Detroit Red Wings The Jets lost here at home to the Kings back on Saturday night. They've had four days in Winnipeg to think about that defeat and how they can't afford too many more of those if they are to get up into post-season contention. Enter the Detroit Red Wings -- fresh off an upset home win over Boston last night. But Detroit's road record is one of the worst in the league and the Wings are one of only four teams in the League with less than 10 victories away from home (all four of those clubs are in the East). That has to have the Jets feeling pretty good about their chances of bouncing back tonight and picking up a couple of much-needed points in the standings. This is the second meeting of these two teams this season, with the Jets taking an easy 3-0 decision in Detroit back on January 13. That's the way this series has been going lately, with Winnipeg taking five of the last six meetings going back to March of 2018. To say this is a bad situation for Detroit is a huge understatement as the Wings are 17-73 in their last 90 games as a road dog. And they're 0-12 their last 12 games as an underdog, if they won their previous game (with 11 of the 12 coming by 2+ goals). Take the Jets minus 1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie
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04-05-22 | Avalanche v. Penguins -115 | Top | 6-4 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 46 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over Colorado. This is the 2nd of a home-and-home series between the two clubs. Colorado won in Denver, 3-2, on Saturday. We'll take the Penguins in this rematch, as they're 30-11 when playing with revenge, including 11-0 at home if they lost the previous meeting by a single goal. And they're 46-22 (+7.4 net games on the moneyline) at home when the total was 6 (or more) goals. The Pens are also 7-3 the last 10 meetings here, in Pittsburgh, vs. Colorado. Take the Penguins. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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04-04-22 | Flames -165 v. Kings | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 16 h 29 m | Show |
At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Los Angeles Kings. The top two teams in the Pacific Division face off tonight for the second time in less than a week. The Kings just beat the Flames in Calgary on the last day of March (although it took a shootout to do it), so this is a revenge situation tonight. The lead that the Flames had enjoyed over the Kings in the Pacific has been dwindling of late, thanks to a home-stand that didn't go as planned in Calgary. In the just-concluded six straight games that the Flames enjoyed at home, they managed only two wins. Maybe a trip south to the recently re-named Crypto.com Arena (it sounds so strange not calling it Staples Center) will reverse their fortunes. The Kings are anything but healthy right now, with no fewer than eight regular skaters currently out with various ailments. Los Angeles also hasn't exactly been tearing it up at home this season (18-18) -- and in their last nine here they are just 4-5. Even worse: the Kings are 1-5 in their last six games following a victory, while Calgary is 5-2 in its last seven road games. Finally, the Flames are an awesome 42-25 (+11.2 net games on the moneyline) after giving up 4+ goals. Take Calgary. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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04-03-22 | Golden Knights v. Canucks -105 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 36 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Vancouver Canucks over the Vegas Golden Knights. Both of these teams are on the outside-looking-in when it comes to the Western conference playoff race. But Vancouver is in the MUCH WORSE position, as it is 8 points behind Dallas, while Vegas sits just 1 points in back of the Stars. So this game is critical for the Canucks' post-season hopes. We'll take the homestanding Canucks, as they have had the last three days off, and are 12-3 when playing with 3 days (or more) of rest. Additionally, the Golden Knights have won just two of their last nine road games. Both of those wins (by scores of 3-0 and 5-2) were against Seattle in Vegas' two most recent games. Unfortunately for Vegas, it's a poor 10-14 (minus 13.2 net games on the moneyline) off back to back blowout wins by 3+ goals. Take Vancouver. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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04-03-22 | Wild v. Capitals -120 | Top | 5-1 | Loss | -120 | 13 h 35 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Capitals over the Minnesota Wild. Unlike the West, the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference of the NHL is pretty clear. There is a 13-point gap between the Caps -- in the final Wild Card Spot -- and the next team (NYI). Exactly where the Caps finish the season is still up for grabs, and they certainly would like to improve their position between now and the end of the month. Washington has had almost a week to think about one of its worst losses of the season -- a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of the Hurricanes last Monday. With the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament coming into Minneapolis, the Wild have had to leave town after a hugely successful nine-game home-stand (7-2). They upset the Hurricanes in Raleigh last night, but are just 2-5 in their last seven games playing on zero days of rest. The Wild are also 2-7 in their last nine trips to Washington. On the flip side, the extended break should do the Caps good as they are 18-8 in their last 26 playing with three or more days of rest. Take Washington. |
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04-03-22 | Flyers v. Rangers -1.5 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 35 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers -1.5 goals over the Philadelphia Flyers. Rangers fans really hate seeing their team lose at home these days. Even more, they hate seeing them get shut out at home by their cross-town rivals, which is what happened on Friday, here, at Madison Square Garden, when the Islanders came in and blanked the home team, 3-0. That had to hurt, especially considering the Rangers are battling the Penguins for second place in their division (and the home ice advantage which comes with it). The Flyers on the other hand have phoned in the season. They were bad before the trade deadline but then they got worse when they traded their only true franchise player -- Captain Claude Giroux -- to the Panthers. In five games since the trade, Philly is 1-4 and has been out-scored by a combined 21-11 in those four losses. Sure, there's a lot of great history between these two teams and they've seen many exciting and close battles in the past, but tonight does not figure to be one. Philly is 9-19 in the last 28 trips to New York and the favorite is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings. Take the Rangers minus 1.5 goals. |
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04-02-22 | Blues v. Flames -240 | Top | 6-4 | Loss | -240 | 16 h 11 m | Show |
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the St. Louis Blues. These two teams have played each other twice since the calendar flipped to 2022, with the home team winning convincingly in each case. On January 24, the Flames steamrolled the Blues here, 7-1, and then three days later the Blues returned the favor with a 5-1 thumping in St. Louis. The Flames are at the end of a six-game home-stand in which they've won only twice so far. They've lost their last two games here (Tuesday and Thursday) and that's the third time this season they've lost back-to-back at home. But in each of the other two cases, they came back and won their next game (and in each case, they put the puck in the net six times). The Flames are healthy just in time for the playoffs, and have a nice five-point cushion in the Pacific Division with 15 games to go. The Blues come into tonight off a tough, overtime loss in Edmonton last night, and are 0-4 in their last four when playing on zero days of rest. Additionally, the favorite is 38-15 in the last 53 meetings of these two, while the Flames are 7-2 in their last nine vs. teams from the Central Division. Take Calgary . As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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03-31-22 | Devils v. Bruins -240 | Top | 1-8 | Win | 100 | 13 h 55 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the New Jersey Devils. The Bruins were shellacked by Toronto, 6-4, on Tuesday, but were arguably the hottest team in the league for the month of March. In fact, since February 19, Boston's NHL team has compiled a blistering 14-4 record. But nobody knows better than the Bruins that having a great six week run a month before the playoffs could mean absolutely nothing, and that's why Boston wants to stay focused on playing at the same level into April. And it's game like the one tonight where keeping that focus is ultra-critical. Sure, the Devils are going nowhere this season and they would seem to be completely out-manned in this situation, but a caged dog can be awfully dangerous and the Bruins can ill-afford to have a let-down against a bad team, especially given how close the standings are (Boston is just three points ahead of the Capitals for the final Wild Card). This is not a friendly place for the Devils as they are just 5-16 in their last 21 at TD Garden. The Bruins are also 31-12 in the last 43 meetings of these two, while the favorite is 36-17 in the last 53. Finally, the Bruins are a solid 7-1 this season after allowing 5+ goals (and 10-1 after allowing 3+ goals in back-to-back games). Take Boston. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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03-30-22 | Blues v. Canucks -103 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -103 | 17 h 40 m | Show |
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Vancouver Canucks over the St. Louis Blues. These two teams are both fighting for the post-season in the Western Conference -- but under very different circumstances. While the Blues are attempting to stay out of the Wild Card and earn a top three spot in their Division (36-20-9; 81 points), the Canucks are trying to make their way into the Wild Card as they are currently four points out of the final spot (32-27-9; 73 points). This back end of a home-and-home series which started with a 4-1 Blues win on Monday in St. Louis is going to be critical to Vancouver's playoff chances. Perhaps the Canucks' brightest star lately has been their 26-year-old, U.S.-born goalie, Thatcher Demko, who has stepped up and taken over as the #1 man in net (over the more experienced Jaroslav Halak). Demko was brilliant in Vancouver's last win over the Stars on Saturday (with Halak playing in the Monday loss), so expect Demko back in there tonight. St. Louis is 1-5 in its last six games vs. teams with a losing record. And Vancouver is 5-1 this season, and 29-21 (+14.6 net games on the moneyline) its last 50 when playing with double revenge. Take the Canucks. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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03-27-22 | Panthers v. Maple Leafs -110 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 12 h 40 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over Florida. Petr Mrazek (finally) played a solid game in goal for Toronto when he stopped 20 shots en route to a 3-2 victory over New Jersey on Wednesday. And, per his coach, Sheldon Keefe, he had an exceptional practice on Friday. Mrazek has never been one to lack confidence -- even when things were going poorly this season -- and will be back between the pipes tonight in this critical division game vs. Florida. I expect him to once again play very well. We'll take the Leafs, as Toronto is 47-24 (+9.1 net games on the money line) vs. winning teams, and 15-3 at home vs. explosive offensive teams that score 2.85 (or more) goals per game. Take the Maple Leafs. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-27-22 | Red Wings v. Penguins -1.5 | Top | 2-11 | Win | 100 | 10 h 39 m | Show |
At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins minus 1.5 goals over Detroit. The Red Wings lost in overtime, 2-1, to Tampa Bay yesterday. And that defeat extended Detroit's poor record as an underdog of +180 (or more) to 1-13 this season. Detroit did cover the 1.5 goals on the puckline yesterday, but it's still just 3-11 in those 14 games on the puckline. We'll go against Detroit in Pittsburgh today, as the Penguins will be looking to bounce back off back to back road losses to the Sabres and Rangers. Detroit is a poor 7-35 on the road when the total is 6+ goals, while the Pens are 36-18 when playing with revenge. Lay the 1.5 goals with Pittsburgh. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-26-22 | Lightning -1.5 v. Red Wings | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 2 h 4 m | Show |
At 12:35 pm, our selection is on the Tampa Bay Lightning minus 1.5 goals over Detroit. Tampa Bay has been installed as a big favorite this afternoon vs. the Red Wings, and that spells trouble for Detroit. Indeed, the Wings are 1-12 this season as an underdog of +180 or more. And they've only come within a single goal in two of those 13 games. We'll lay the 1.5 goals with Tampa Bay, as the Lightning 58-26 (+21.3 net games) off a loss, including 7-1 off 3+ losses. Take the Lightning minus 1.5 goals. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-25-22 | Flyers v. Avalanche -1.5 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 14 h 17 m | Show |
At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche minus 1.5 goals over Philadelphia. Colorado lost 3-1 here, at home, to Vancouver, on Wednesday. Still, with 18 games to go, the Avalanche have a league-leading 95 points. So, they're in a great position heading into the final month. Last night, the Flyers snapped their 13-game road losing streak with a 5-2 victory at St. Louis. But we'll look for Philly to revert to its losing ways tonight. The Flyers gave up seven goals when these two teams met in Philadelphia earlier this season. And the Flyers are an awful 1-9 on the road when playing with revenge from a loss by 2+ goals. Additionally, the Avalanche are 16-1 when playing their 3rd home game in a row, and 6-1 after not scoring 2+ goals in their previous game. Take Colorado minus 1.5 goals. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie. |
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03-24-22 | Sharks v. Oilers -220 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 12 h 47 m | Show |
At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over San Jose. The Sharks acquired goalie Kaapo Kahkonen from the Minnesota Wild at the trade deadline, on Monday. And Kahkonen will make his Sharks debut tonight. But in his last five starts, the Wild were 0-5, and he gave up 19 goals in those five games. The Oilers come into this game off a 5-3 loss to Dallas. But the Oilers are 26-13 (+13.6 net games on the moneyline) after allowing more than four goals in their previous game. And they're 59-42 (+8.9 net games) vs. division foes. San Jose does play with revenge from a 3-0 shutout loss to the Oilers last monthy. Unfortunately, the Sharks are 22-43 (minus 16.9 net games) when playing with revenge, and 39-57 (minus 13.3 net games) vs. division rivals. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (7 goals; 30 assists) has been upgraded to 'probable' to play tonight, after missing 11 games with a shoulder injury. And his presence will especially be felt on special teams. Take Edmonton. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-23-22 | Devils v. Maple Leafs -1.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -130 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs minus 1.5 goals over New Jersey. The Leafs have had 3 days off following their loss at Nashville, while the Devils played last night (and won) against the Rangers. We'll take the home team on the puck line, as Toronto is 7-1 its last eight on the puck line vs. the Devils, and 7-0 straight-up its last seven vs. New Jersey -- mostly by blowout -- by scores of 6-1, 7-2, 4-2, 5-4, 7-4, 6-4, and 7-1. Toronto is also 15-6 at home when the total is 6 goals or more, and 12-6 when playing with at least 3 days of rest. And it's 14-1 at home off a road game. Meanwhile, the Devils are a poor 26-48 (minus 9.7 net games) when playing with revenge from a loss earlier in the season. And they're 21-40 on the road when the total was 6 (or more) goals. Lay the 1.5 goals with the Maple Leafs. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-22-22 | Flyers v. Red Wings -133 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 4 h 50 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Red Wings over the Philadelphia Flyers. There was a whirlwind of activity as the NHL trade deadline came and went last night and few teams were as busy in the selling market as the Flyers. The volume of players headed elsewhere was not the big news as one name in particular stood out when Philly sent F Claude Giroux to the Florida Panthers (along with two other players). Giroux had been with the Flyers since being drafted in 2008 -- a total of 14+ seasons (a record bested only by the great Bobby Clarke). Even at age 34, Giroux was still one of the most productive players on the team, posting 42 points in 57 games. So don't be surprised if a bad Flyers team is even worse the rest of the way. The Red Wings come home tonight after a four-game road trip that didn't go so well (1-3) and that's key for this match-up as the hosts have been dominating this series (25-9 in the last 34 meetings). The Flyers are a dismal 5-21 in their last 26 road games, including 0-12 their last 12. And the favorite is 6-1 in the last seven meetings of these two. Take the Red Wings. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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03-20-22 | Rangers v. Hurricanes -195 | Top | 2-0 | Loss | -195 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the New York Rangers. The Canes played a rough and tumble game here at home two nights ago against the red-hot Capitals and despite getting out-shot 40-20, seemed like they were in control most of the time. In the end, they fell 4-3 in a shootout, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. They'll try to bounce back this evening, and will be happy to see the New York Rangers, as Carolina's won each of the last four meetings, including this season's only prior match-up back on January 21, a 6-3 Canes victory. Friday's loss to the Caps was Carolina's third in a row and that is a rare happening indeed. What's even harder to find however is the last time this club lost four in a row (in fact you have to go back more than two years to see that occurrence -- February 25th through March 5 of 2020). Carolina should be back to #1 Frederik Andersen in goal tonight (2.08 GAA; .928 save pct.). The home team is 5-2 in the last seven meetings of these two, and Carolina's also 8-1 after back-to-back losses by a single goal. Take the Hurricanes. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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03-18-22 | Capitals v. Hurricanes -150 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -150 | 16 h 42 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Washington Capitals. The Hurricanes return home tonight after back-to-back losses on the road to Pittsburgh (4-2) and Toronto (3-2). The good news for Carolina is that it's won seven straight at home, and is 23-6 in front of its home faithful this season. Carolina will be playing this game with revenge from shutout loss at Washington earlier this month. And the Hurricanes are 7-0 this season when playing with revenge from a defeat in which it scored less than 2 goals. Washington will be playing back to back road games after walloping Columbus, 7-2, last night. And that was Washington's 3rd straight win, as it also knocked off Vancouver and the Islanders by identical 4-3 scores. But the Caps are 1-4 their last five when playing without rest, 6-12 off a road win, and 3-9 after scoring more than 3 goals in back to back games. Take Carolina. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-17-22 | Hurricanes -105 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 13 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over Toronto. The Maple Leafs will be without their best player, and the NHL's leading goal-scorer (45 goals), Auston Matthews. This will be Matthew's 2nd (and final) game he must serve due to his suspension following a cross-check vs. Buffalo. His loss will be deeply felt by Toronto, and especially because it will be facing one of the league's three best teams tonight. The Maple Leafs have not been playing very good hockey of late. They've won just three of their past seven games, and NONE of those teams would be in the Playoffs if the season ended today. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have won nine of 12, including wins over Pittsburgh (twice), Colorado, and Edmonton. And while it's true that Carolina lost its previous meeting vs. Toronto, it's 9-4 this season when playing with revenge. Tonight, the Maple Leafs will once again turn to rookie goaltender, Erik Kallgren, who made 35 saves in his debut Tuesday night. But he is still unproven at this level, so we'll go against Kallgren and the short-handed Leafs tonight. Take the Hurricanes. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-16-22 | Bruins v. Wild -102 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 7 h 9 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the Boston Bruins. The Bruins had to play a game in nearby Chicago last night so they come to Minneapolis to play a much better Wild team on very short rest. That means back-up goalie Jeremy Swayman will be in net tonight after Linus Ullmark got the start on Tuesday. The Bruins' last back-to-back game -- just their second since January 13 -- was on March 1 and it was also on the road. In that one, they lost to the Ducks in Anaheim, 4-3, a night after beating the Kings in Los Angeles. The Wild look to rebound tonight after losing their last two to the Blue Jackets on the road and Predators at home. They've only lost eight times at Xcel Energy Center this season -- only once in OT. They've been an offensive machine here this season, ranking second in the NHL and first in the West -- even better than the Avs -- in home scoring average at 4.16 GPG. The other good news is that the Wild are 100% healthy right now. The Wild are 37-14 in their last 51 home games and 8-3 in their last 11 playing on two days of rest. Take Minnesota. As always, good luck...Al McMordie |
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03-15-22 | Panthers -225 v. Sharks | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 16 h 26 m | Show |
At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Florida Panthers over San Jose. The Sharks' Zach Sawchenko won his first game in his young career when the Sharks defeated the Kings, 4-3, on Thursday. San Jose turned to goalie Adin Hill in Saturday's 5-0 shutout win, but Sawchenko will be back between the pipes tonight to face a Panthers team looking to bounce back from a 3-2 loss to Los Angeles on Sunday. That was the 3rd straight game Florida gave up more than 2 goals, and they're 21-3 (+16.5 net games on the moneyline) after allowing more than 2 goals in three straight games. Additionally, the Panthers are 26-14 (+10.4 net games) on the road off a loss. Finally, the Sharks are 20-35 (minus 13.9 net games) after scoring 4+ goals. Take Florida. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-13-22 | Flames v. Avalanche -170 | Top | 0-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the Calgary Flames. The Avs have played four of their last five games on the road and perhaps not surprisingly, they're 1-3 in those four as a visiting team. Colorado has done by far its best work at Ball Arena this season where it has the best home record in the Western Conference at 23-3-3. It's back here tonight to face a very good Flames club that has won 16 of 19. The Avs come in off a loss in Raleigh, NC which was notable because the Hurricanes won 2-0, shutting out the Avalanche for the first time all season. This is a revenge situation for the home team as the Flames edged the Avs in OT here, 4-3, just eight days ago (and the Avs are 45-23 in revenge games). In addition to scoring better than four goals per game at home, the Avs' defense has also stepped it up here, allowing just 2.59 GA, which is the fourth best home number in the Conference. As good as the Flames have been lately, this is not an ideal situation for them as they are 1-5 in their last six games as a road underdog. And they had to play last night in Detroit, so #1 goalie Jacob Markstrom will sit in favor of back-up Daniel Vladar. Calgary is 2-4 in Vladar's last six starts, and he's given up 25 goals in those six games. Finally, Colorado is 43-8 in its last 51 home contests. Take the Avs. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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03-13-22 | Golden Knights -180 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-6 | Loss | -180 | 10 h 59 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over Columbus. The Knights' offense has been largely on hiatus over its last nine games, as it has scored more than 2 goals just twice (both wins). Unfortunately, it has scored 2 or less goals seven times, and has won just once (March 4 vs. Anaheim). The good news for this evening's game is that Columbus almost always gives up 3+ goals. It's true that it only allowed 2 goals on Friday, when it defeated the Wild, 3-2. But it had allowed 3+ goals in its 12 games prior to that, and has allowed 3 or more goals in 18 of its last 20. Given that the Knights are 30-9 this season when they score 3+ goals, that bodes very well for them here. As does the fact that Vegas is 8-1 on the road off back to back losses, and 37-12 after allowing more than 2 goals in back to back games. Take the Golden Knights. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-12-22 | Kings -130 v. Sharks | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -130 | 11 h 6 m | Show |
At 9:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Kings over San Jose. The Kings will look to avenge their 4-3 overtime loss to the Sharks on Thursday. Los Angeles did get off to a great start in that game, and led by a 3-1 margin in the 2nd period before collapsing. That defeat snapped the Kings' 3-game win streak. Still, Los Angeles has won 10 of its last 14, while San Jose has dropped 15 of 20. And the Sharks are 19-35 after a game in which they scored 4+ goals. Take the Kings. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-10-22 | Avalanche -115 v. Hurricanes | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -115 | 4 h 21 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over Carolina. Colorado comes into this match-up off a 5-3 upset loss at New Jersey, and it's dropped three of four, overall. We'll look for the Avalanche to bounce back tonight, as they're 25-11 off a road loss, and 13-7 after losing three of their previous four games. And they're 39-18 (+12.5 net games on the moneyline) after allowing more than 3 goals. It's true that the Hurricanes are dominant this season at home, with a 21-6 record. But this will be their first time all season as a home dog. And when they have been favored at home this season by less than -120, they've gone 0-2. Take Colorado. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-09-22 | Capitals v. Oilers -119 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Washington Capitals. The Capitals played very well on the road in Calgary last night against one of the best teams in the league. They've quietly been a force away from DC this season (19-9 overall road record heading into tonight's game). But the Caps also have a bit of a goaltending problem right now with Vitek Vanecek looking very solid as their de-facto #1 but a shaky -- as of late -- Ilya Samsonov backing him up. It's the main reason why there are rumors that DC will be shopping for a net-minder in the time remaining before the deadline. It will be Samsonov tonight in Edmonton, who also just played -- and lost to -- Calgary in the Oilers' last game. These two teams also just played in Washington about a month ago and the Oilers took a 5-3 road victory. The Caps are 1-4 in their last five games when playing without rest, while Edmonton is 21-9 in its last 30 games vs. teams from the Metropolitan. Take the Oilers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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03-08-22 | Coyotes v. Red Wings -168 | Top | 9-2 | Loss | -168 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Red Wings over the Arizona Coyotes. Detroit has dropped five of seven. But its five losses were to the league's elite teams: Minnesota, Colorado, Toronto, Tampa Bay and Florida. Its other two games -- both wins -- were also against excellent clubs (Carolina, NY Rangers). So, this will be the Red Wings' first game in 3 1/2 weeks against a losing club. The Red Wings have been installed as a home favorite. And they're 13-3 this season when PK'em or favored. Even better: the Red Wings are 32-12 at home off back to back division losses, and 30-13 at home off a loss by more than 3 goals. Take the Red Wings. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-07-22 | Avalanche -190 v. Islanders | Top | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the New York Islanders. Since the Colorado Avalanche lost to the Blue Jackets in a home-and-home series on November 3 and 6, they hadn't dropped back to back contests -- that is, until this month. The best team in the league just lost its last two against the Flames (in OT) and -- of all teams -- Coyotes. It will now travel east to play its first game in the new UBS Arena on Long Island. The Islanders played a successful game here on Saturday night, upsetting the Blues, 2-1. Back-to-back home wins have been rare for the Isles since they moved into their new home at the end of November. And having to face the best offense in the NHL won't make their task any easier. Colorado's 3.67 goals-scored per road game is the highest such number in the West and third-highest in the league. The Isles have done okay here at home in general (11-11-4) but not when they're the underdog (1-8 in their last nine). They are also 0-7 in their last seven games immediately following a victory. Take the Avalanche. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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03-06-22 | Stars v. Wild -145 | Top | 6-3 | Loss | -145 | 6 h 11 m | Show |
At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over Dallas. After an 11-2 stretch, the Wild have dropped seven of nine, including a 5-4 loss at Buffalo on Friday. We'll look for the Wild to bounce back at home this afternoon, as they're hosting a Dallas team off three straight wins over Buffalo (4-2), Los Angeles (4-3) and Winnipeg (4-3). But the Stars are a poor 7-16 on the road off a win, and 20-37 on the road off back to back wins by 1 goal. Meanwhile, the Wild are 19-5 after allowing more than 3 goals in back to back games. Take Minnesota. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-04-22 | Kings -140 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 4 h 31 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Kings over the Columbus Blue Jackets. February was good to the Kings, who went 6-2 in the month which put them right in the mix for the Pacific Division title. At one point between February 18 and 26, L.A. won five in a row. March hasn't started out quite as well for the Kings, who will try to bounce back from a 4-3 loss to the Stars in their last game on Wednesday. They travel to Columbus for the first time since December of 2019 when the Jackets prevailed, 3-2 in overtime. Despite that loss, the Kings have done very well vs. Columbus, taking 19 of the last 28 meetings. The momentum that Columbus has had lately has been somewhat stalled by a myriad of recent injuries. Overall, the Jackets have no fewer than seven regular players out with various ailments, including two of their goaltenders (Korpisalo and Tarasov). These cross-country match-ups have not been good for Columbus who is 0-4 in its last four vs. teams from the Pacific. The favorite is 22-7 in the last 29 meetings of these two. Take the Kings. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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03-03-22 | Bruins -108 v. Golden Knights | Top | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show |
At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over Vegas. The Golden Knights shut down San Jose on Tuesday, as they held the Sharks to just one goal on 17 shots. But Vegas is a dismal 27-28 (but minus 15.7 games on the moneyline) after surrendering less than two goals in their previous game. And they're also 0-3 at home this season after allowing 20 or less shots on goal in their previous game. Take Boston tonight. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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03-02-22 | Blues v. Rangers -105 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the St. Louis Blues. The Rangers come into this east-west match-up having lost on back-to-back days to the Penguins and Canucks. In the second game -- a 5-2 defeat here at home -- New York had to use its back-up goalie, Alexandar Georgiev. Their regular net-minder, Igor Shesterkin, will be back in goal tonight with a fresh pair of legs. The 26-year-old Russian is the favorite to win this season's Vezina Trophy for top goaltender in the league. In 34 games played, Shesterkin has a 25-6-3 record with a 1.95 GAA and a league-leading .941 saves pct. The two days of rest that the Rangers have had since that stinging defeat here to Vancouver could really help them out tonight as they are 9-3 in their last 12 games when playing on two or more day off. New York is also 5-0 in its last five games following a loss by three or more goals. Take the Rangers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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03-01-22 | Oilers -150 v. Flyers | Top | 3-0 | Win | 100 | 9 h 40 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Edmonton Oilers over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Oilers and Hurricanes clashed on Sunday and the game was as expected -- close until the very end. The 'Canes came out of it with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Raleigh despite being limited to under 30 shots on goal. No doubt, the Oilers are looking forward to this trip up north as they will get to visit Philadelphia (tonight), Chicago (Wednesday) and then Montreal. For the Flyers, they had one of their biggest victories of the season when they beat the Capitals here on Saturday afternoon, 2-1. But despite that success, let's not forget we're still talking about a team that is just 16-36 overall and 9-18 here at home. Even an injured Edmonton club (they are currently without eight regular skaters) should be able to get by the Flyers tonight in the first meeting of these two here in over three years. The Flyers are 3-14 in their last 17 when their opponent allows two goals or less in their previous game. Take Edmonton. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-28-22 | Canucks v. Devils -125 | Top | 2-7 | Win | 100 | 4 h 42 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over Vancouver. This is a tough spot for the Canucks, who had to play the Rangers yesterday, while the Devils are well-rested following two off days on Saturday and Sunday. Thatcher Demko will sit tonight for Vancouver, who will instead turn to veteran Jaroslav Halak. Unfortunately, the Canucks have dropped seven of the nine games started by Halak, and they're 3-15 their last 18 when playing the 2nd of back to back games. Even worse: yesterday, the Canucks tallied 5 goals in a 5-2 win over the Rangers. But they're 7-20 after winning a game on the road while scoring more than 3 goals. Take New Jersey. |
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02-26-22 | Rangers v. Penguins -158 | Top | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 48 m | Show |
At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the New York Rangers. No NHL team is as streaky as the Penguins this season. Pittsburgh's hockey club will regularly put together a week-long string of victories only to follow it up with a three, four, or five game swoon. Such is the case right now as the Pens won four straight between February 8 and 15 (three of those on the road) and have promptly followed that up with a three-game losing streak coming into this afternoon's match-up vs. the Rangers. Meanwhile, New Yorked looked like a Stanley Cup team on Thursday night when it completely dismantled the Capitals at home, 4-1. But there are a few reasons to believe that the Pens will start a new win streak at home today. First, the city of Pittsburgh has not been friendly to the Rangers lately. New York is 1-6 in the last seven meetings here going back to January of 2018. Second, is the fact that despite their success, the Rangers haven't fared well lately as a road underdog (3-8 in their last 11) which is what they are this afternoon. Take Pittsburgh. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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02-25-22 | Blue Jackets v. Hurricanes -1.5 | Top | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 goals over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tonight will be the fourth meeting of the season between the 'Canes and Jackets. It looked like it was going to be a one-sided series after the first two -- both won by Carolina rather easily. But the Blue Jackets came back with a vengeance on January 13, shutting out the 'Canes, 6-0. So now this is a revenge situation for the home team as the 'Canes hope to get the bad taste of that stinging defeat -- their worst of the season -- out of their mouths. It's been a carousel for the Jackets in goal this season with their top two veteran net-minders (Merzlikins and Korpisalo) plus their talented rookie Tarasov out with injuries. Number four Jean-Francois Berube has stepped in with two solid starts, but with Columbus having played last night, it'll be down to the last option tonight in recently-signed Jet Greaves who has yet to play an NHL game. The 'Canes are 4-1 in their last five vs. Metro teams while the Jackets are 1-5 in the last six meetings of these two. Take Carolina -1.5 goals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie |
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02-24-22 | Wild v. Maple Leafs -140 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 5 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Minnesota Wild. With their overtime loss to the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, the Maple Leafs are in the midst of just their second three-game losing streak of the season. Things don't get any easier for them tonight as they face the Minnesota Wild who have almost an identical record to that of Toronto. At least the Leafs are back home tonight, where they've lost only six times all season. This is a revenge situation for Toronto as in the only previous meeting of these two this season, the Wild came out on top in a shootout at home back on December 4. Despite its success lately, the Wild is just 2-5 in its last seven as a road underdog while the Leafs are 23-9 in their last 32 as a home favorite. Take Toronto. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-22-22 | Maple Leafs -210 v. Blue Jackets | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -210 | 10 h 2 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Just because the Maple Leafs have one of the best records in the East, don't assume they will sit quietly coming up to the trade deadline. This is a team with plenty of high-end talent but one that needs depth at pretty much every position. They'd like to add a defenseman to ease the burden on their young blue line. And #1 net-minder Jack Campbell has looked a bit more human lately, so maybe Toronto would like some insurance in goal as well. When Campbell got his third start in five days on Saturday, that shakiness was apparent as he allowed five goals on 33 shots in Toronto's loss to St. Louis. The Leafs will step down-in-class tonight against a Blue Jackets team whose last four victories have come against the Blackhawks, Canadiens, and Sabres (twice). So the fact that Columbus is a hot team lately is more than a little misleading. The Leafs are 5-0 in their last five against the Metropolitan and 15-3 in their last 18 vs. teams from the East. Take Toronto. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-21-22 | Maple Leafs -1.5 v. Canadiens | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -135 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs minus 1.5 goals over Montreal. The Leafs avenged their Playoff ouster at the hands of the Habs last season, with a 2-1 victory on Opening Night. But the Maple Leafs will no doubt want to beat their rivals more than just one time after their disastrous Playoffs showing last year. So, I expect a solid effort from Toronto tonight, and the fact that it gave up six goals two nights ago to St. Louis should serve as extra motivation. Montreal is 12-20 (minus 13.6 net games on the moneyline) off back to back losses, and 4-15 (minus 8.0 net games) when playing with revenge. And it's 1-9 at home when the Over/Under has been 6+ goals. But rather than lay more than -300 on the moneyline, we'll take Toronto on the goal line for this game. Lay the 1.5 goals with the Maple Leafs. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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02-20-22 | Hurricanes v. Penguins -121 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -121 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Carolina Hurricanes. As they often do, the Pittsburgh Penguins got off to a slow start this season and there were many people thinking that this would be the season in which the age of their star players would catch up to the five-time Stanley Cup Champions. But also as they often do, the Pens have rallied after that slow start and now they look like a team that could not only win their division, but one that could make another trip to the Finals. Since December 4, the Penguins have gone 21-7, taking them to a tie with tonight's opponents atop the Metropolitan Division. Surprisingly, this is the first meeting of these two in almost two years (March 8, 2020 -- a 6-2 'Canes win here in Pittsburgh). The Pens lost to the Maple Leafs in their last game on Thursday, 4-1, and they are 7-0 in their last seven games playing with two days of rest. The Hurricanes are 5-11 in the last 16 meetings with the Pens and 6-13 in the last 19 here at PPG Paints Arena. The favorite is also 12-4 in the last 16 meetings. Take Pittsburgh. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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02-19-22 | Bruins -170 v. Senators | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 16 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the Ottawa Senators. The Bruins' trip to the Big Apple did not go as planned, as they lost to both the Rangers and Islanders by a combined score of 6-2. They are hoping a trip up north of the border will get them back on track. But the Bruins won't be taking their hosts lightly as the Senators have won four of their last seven, including victories over the Caps (4-1) and Hurricanes (4-3). Let's not forget, however, that this is still a team that is 18-29 overall and just 9-15 here at home. The Sens are also a group with a ton of injuries right now, including #1 Center Josh Norris (shoulder), #1 RW Drake Batherson (ankle), #1 D-man Thomas Chabot (upper body), and #1 Goalie Matt Murray (undisclosed). The Bruins are 13-3 in the last 16 meetings with the Senators including a 2-0 shutout right here at Canadian Tire Center just one week ago. In fact, the Bruins are 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Ottawa. Boston lost its last game 4-1 and it is 7-1 in its last eight immediately following a loss by three or more goals. Take the Bruins. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-18-22 | Predators v. Hurricanes -158 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 14 h 50 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Nashville Predators. The Hurricanes come into tonight's game off of back-to-back stinging 3-2 defeats. Those two one-goal losses came against two very good teams in the Wild and Panthers (the latter in OT), so the 'Canes will be stepping down-in-class tonight to face the struggling Predators, who visit Raleigh for the first time this season. In fact, the last time Nashville was here was in last year's post-season when the Predators lost to the 'Canes in the first round, 4 games to 2. The Preds come into tonight having lost three straight -- the last two of which were at home but they've had their struggles on the road this season as well. And Carolina -- in particular -- is not a place that has been kind to the Preds as they have won just three times in their last 16 trips here going all the way back to the 2012 season. The home team is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings of these two teams, while the favorite is 11-4 in the last 15. And Carolina is also 7-1 off back to back 1-goal losses. Take the Hurricanes. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-17-22 | Penguins v. Maple Leafs -145 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 4 h 9 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over Pittsburgh. The Leafs were my preseason choice to win the Stanley Cup this season (at 7-1 odds), so we'll be playing on them a lot the rest of the way. Tonight, they'll host a Penguins team off 4 straight wins. And also a team which defeated Toronto not once, but twice earlier this season. But that sets up our play, as Toronto is 17-2 when playing with revenge from a home loss. Even better: the Leafs blew out Seattle, 6-2, on the road in its last game. And the Leafs are 28-8 off a road win by 2+ goals, including a perfect 9-0 this season. Take Toronto. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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02-16-22 | Panthers v. Hurricanes -125 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -125 | 11 h 26 m | Show |
At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Florida Panthers. In what could be an early preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Panthers will head north to face the Hurricanes for the third time this season. The last meeting was here in Raleigh and the Panthers prevailed in OT, 4-3. With that victory, Florida has now won the last three meetings with Carolina going back to last April. But the Panthers come into this meeting with some key injuries, whereas the 'Canes are 100% healthy currently. The Panthers have been like a firing squad at home this season, averaging a League-best 4.76 goals per game in South Florida. But on the road, that number drops all the way down to 3.29 -- not bad, but certainly not on par with what they've been doing at home. Meanwhile, the 'Canes are one of the stingiest hosts this season, allowing just 2.24 goals per game at PNC Arena (while posting 3.62 GPG here). The Panthers are 6-14 in the last 20 meetings with the 'Canes overall and 15-37-2 in the last 54 meetings in Carolina. Take the Hurricanes. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-15-22 | Islanders -185 v. Sabres | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -185 | 11 h 50 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Islanders over the Buffalo Sabres. In November, the Sabres shipped their only bona-fide superstar in center Jack Eichel off to the bright lights of the Vegas Strip. But just because they don't have Eichel anymore, doesn't mean they don't have some other valuable assets to move for picks and prospects as the trade deadline nears. The Sabres are going nowhere this season so look for more of their players to be sent away before the end of March. They were fortunate to play the Canadiens in their last game and took advantage of one of the only teams that is worse than they are, coming away with a 5-3 victory on Super Bowl Sunday. The Islanders have lost their last two and five of their last seven, so they will no doubt welcome the class relief tonight against their cross-State rivals. In addition to being bad, the Sabres are also very injured at the current time with no fewer than eight regulars out of action due to some sort of ailment. The Isles are 20-8 in the last 28 meetings of these two teams. Take New York. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-14-22 | Maple Leafs -204 v. Seattle Kraken | Top | 6-2 | Win | 100 | 15 h 1 m | Show |
At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Seattle Kraken. Not surprisingly, one of these teams will be staying home after the regular season while the other will be preparing to make a deep playoff run. While the Kraken's inaugural season has not been a complete disaster, the new team from Seattle is still several key pieces away from being in the position that Toronto occupies today. The Leafs will almost certainly be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline, looking most likely for some help on the blue line as well as perhaps an able back-up for their All-Star goalie Jack Campbell, as Petr Mrazek has been pretty shaky lately. Campbell will get the start tonight in the first-ever match-up of these two clubs. In addition to being one of the most talented teams in the league, the Maple Leafs are also the healthiest right now, with no injuries to report and that's a huge advantage as we head into the final two months of the season. The Kraken are 0-4 in their last four games following a win, and 1-7 in their last eight as a home underdog. Take the Leafs. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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02-12-22 | Blackhawks v. Blues -185 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 8 h 26 m | Show |
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the St. Louis Blues over the Chicago Blackhawks. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has had a very distinguished career with three Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and a trip to a fourth final in his first season in Vegas. Fleury found himself traded last summer to Chicago and although his best years are clearly behind him, the 37-year-old could find himself with another Cup Contender in a month. Fleury is the main trade chip for Chicago at the upcoming deadline and his chances of remaining in the Windy City are about the same as the Hawks winning the Cup this Spring. Chicago's NHL team has plenty of problems -- with Fleury not being one of them. Short on talent and long on injuries right now, the Hawks have lost seven of their last nine games coming into St. Louis where they are 0-4 in their last four tries going back to October 2018. The Blues are having another outstanding season and are 17-6-2 in 25 games here at Enterprise Center. Chicago, meanwhile, is an awful 3-15 off a win by 2+ goals. Finally, the Favorite is 5-1 in the last six meetings of these two, and the home team is 8-2 in the last 10. Take St. Louis. As always, good luck...Al McMordie |
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02-09-22 | Islanders -115 v. Canucks | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 37 m | Show |
At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the New York Islanders over Vancouver. The Canucks blew out Arizona, 5-1, last night, and will welcome the Isles to British Columbia on Wednesday. The Islanders have had the last six days off, so they'll be well-rested. And, to the extent that the Canucks are 3-14 their last 17 (and 8-22 their last 30) when playing without rest, that's a key factor. Even better: Vancouver's 1-5 this season after scoring more than 4 goals, and 3-7 as a home underdog. Take New York. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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02-01-22 | Capitals v. Penguins -163 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -163 | 4 h 49 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Washington Capitals. The Caps put a major hurt on former Goalie Braden Holtby in their last game on Friday when they visited Dallas. DC crushed the Stars -- and Holtby who was pulled after two periods -- by 5-0 but that kind of performance doesn't usually portend good things in their next game. In fact, the Caps are 0-4 in their last four games following a victory as well as 0-7 in their last seven after allowing two goals or less in their previous game. Pittsburgh got off to a slow start this season, but it was due to injuries and illness. Since they've gotten heathy -- about two months ago -- the Pens have been one of the hottest teams in the league. They come into this -- their third meeting of the season against DC -- on a three-game losing streak. But all three losses have been by one goal with two of them coming in OT and shootout. Those three were also against Western teams and the Pens are 7-1 in their last eight vs. the Eastern Conference, and 5-0 in their last five vs. foes from the Metro. Take Pittsburgh. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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01-30-22 | Seattle Kraken v. Rangers -182 | Top | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 52 m | Show |
At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Rangers over the Seattle Kraken. The Rangers suffered a brutal 3-2 loss to Minnesota on Friday when they scored the tying goal with less than 2 seconds left in the game, only to see the goal disallowed on review, due to goalie interference. We'll take New York this afternoon to bounce back as it's 8-0 this season vs. poor teams with a scoring margin worse than -0.65 gpg. And New York is also 9-1 after giving up 3+ goals in back to back games. Take the Rangers. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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01-29-22 | Canucks v. Flames -180 | Top | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Vancouver Canucks. In their last three victories going back to January 18, the Calgary Flames have outscored their opponents (the Blue Jackets, Blues, and Panthers) by a combined tally of 18-2. Pretty impressive. The problem is that sandwiched in between those are two losses by a combined 10-4. Which begs the question, 'which version of the Flames will show up tonight at home against the Canucks?' The good news is that Calgary has dominated this series lately, taking eight of the last 11 meetings overall and four of the last five here at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames have been pretty stingy this season when playing at home, allowing an average of just 2.36 goals against in 14 games played here. The Canucks' biggest problem continues to be health with at least 11 regular skaters currently out of action due to either illness or injury. They won their last game over the Jets, 5-1, but the they are just 2-6 in their last eight after scoring five or more goals in their previous contest. Take the Flames. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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01-27-22 | Flames v. Blues -134 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 53 m | Show |
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the St Louis Blues over Calgary. We had a huge play on the Flames when these teams met north of the border three days ago, and were rewarded with a 7-1 Calgary blowout. But we'll switch gears and take St. Louis in the rematch, as the Blues are 7-1 this season when playing with revenge from a loss in which it surrendered more than three goals. And the Blues are 11-3 at home this season when the O/U line was 6+ goals, while Calgary is 25-32 (minus 8.6 games on the moneyline on the road when the O/U line was 6+ goals. Take the Blues to avenge their 7-1 loss. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. |
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01-26-22 | Sharks v. Capitals -190 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -190 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Capitals over the San Jose Sharks. In a rematch of the 2018 Cup Finals, the Capitals lost to the Golden Knights on Monday night at home, 1-0. It was another tough loss for a team that has now lost seven of ten games in the New Year and fallen out of the top three spots in the Metropolitan Division. But there should be no reason to panic in DC. The Caps out-played and out-shot a very good Knights team and now they will face a Sharks club that they have dominated in recent play. The Caps are healthy for the most part, although they would surely welcome back F TJ Oshie who has been on and off the ice lately with a nagging upper body injury (Oshie will not play tonight). The Sharks on the other hand currently have seven regular skaters out with either injuries or illness. And the Caps have a way of bouncing back immediately after a poor offensive performance. They are 13-6 in their last 19 after netting one goal or less in their previous game, and 11-1 at home off a home defeat. And they are also 4-0 in the last four meetings going back to February 2019. Take the Capitals. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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01-25-22 | Golden Knights v. Hurricanes -215 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 4 h 49 m | Show |
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Vegas Golden Knights. Last season's Hurricanes team was arguably the best one since this club won it all back in 2006. The 2021 'Canes won 36 of 56 games and picked up at least one point in 71.4 % of their outings -- the highest number in franchise history. This season's club is even better so far, getting points in 73.7 % of its games and is on track to have over 100 points for the first time since that Stanley Cup year. The Knights come into Raleigh after shutting out the Caps 24 hours ago in DC, 1-0. Like Carolina, Vegas is a team that is very good this season, but is also very injured right now. No fewer than seven players are out with various injuries and Captain Mark Stone has landed on the COVID-19 protocol list with no timetable for a return. The 'Canes defense and goaltending have been ultra-tough at home, averaging just 2.33 GA per game. Couple that with their 3.78 GPG here, and you can see why they're having so much success. Carolina is 5-1 in its last six games vs. Pacific Division teams, while Vegas is 2-6 off a road shutout win. Take the 'Canes. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |
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01-24-22 | Blues v. Flames -153 | Top | 1-7 | Win | 100 | 7 h 36 m | Show |
At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the St. Louis Blues. The Flames had a big win here at home two games ago, beating the Panthers, 5-1. Their next outing didn't go so well as they lost to the Oilers in Edmonton, 5-3 despite outshooting their hosts by a whopping 47-30. The Blues played last night and beat a bad Canucks team, 3-1. This despite the fact that they allowed 39 shots and registered just 17 of their own. The Blues used red-hot second-year goalie Ville Husso in their win last night -- his third straight game for the team -- so they will go with Jordan Binnington tonight. It wasn't that long ago that Binnington was the darling in the crease for this team, but the 28-year-old has fallen off a bit lately. Binnington is 11-8-3 with a rather pedestrian 3.05 GAA in his 22 games with St. Louis this season. The Blues won in Vancouver last night, but the road has been difficult for them lately as they are just 3-8 in their last 11 road contests and 2-6 in their last eight as a road dog. The favorite is also 36-15 in the last 51 meetings of these two. Take the Flames. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. |