Florida at Las Vegas 8:00 ET

Golden Knights (ML) over Panthers- It is just the way it is this season in sports where the playoffs don’t bring much excitement to America excepting in the home  cities. Many have the let us get this over with attitude and like the Heat in Miami the Panthers will not survive in the desert. The anomie that Florida got this far defeating record points making Boston and being so close to elimination and like Miami their season with end after five games in the finals. The Golden Knights skate better and best just not fall into the Panthers taunting and rough play. They will try luring them in to fights and incur penalty minutes incur but the Knights must maintain their composure and they will win. Take LAS VEGAS!

 Las Vegas at Florida 8:00 ET

Panthers (ML) over Golden Knights- Okay, we all saw Vegas dominate the first two period in game 3 and yet end up an overtime loser. The key here is how the OT came about. The Golden Knights were on the brink of going up 3-0 in this series with a 2-1 lead late in the third period they had to be thinking just 2 more minutes and 17 seconds and we will be up 3-0 and that much closer to the Stanley Cup. Then the sudden crash as the Panthers tie it up and of course with Las Vegas now downtrodden and forlorn lose quickly in overtime. Oh what could have been, some spirits are low and some are high. Take the high. Take FLORIDA!

Las Vegas at Florida 8:00 ET

Panthers over Golden Knights- Las Vegas is surely the better team as they have show so far setting Finals records in scoring. Florida who was the lowest of all seeds and must try and intimidate and bully the better skating Knights. That did not work in either of the two games  in Las Vegas but now in their home ice the blow to the chops might have more impact. The Panthers will do what they do best and that will frustrate and opponents....take FLORIDA!

Colorado at Tampa Bay 8:00 ET

Avalanche over Lightning- The Tampa Bay Lightning took a huge step toward pulling themselves back into the Stanley Cup Final against the Colorado Avalanche after Monday's Game 3 victory.Coming back is nothing new for the Lightning. Tampa Bay erased a 3-2 series deficit in the opening round against the Toronto Maple Leafs to win in seven games, then trailed the New York Rangers 2-0 in the Eastern Conference final before claiming the series in six games. Now it's the Avalanche's turn to counter. Colorado, which had its seven-game overall winning streak and seven-game road winning streak snapped Monday, does have issues to address even if it is not yet time to panic. Take COLORADO!

New York Rangers at Tampa Bay 8:00 ET

Rangers over Lightning- The Lightning, who hold a 3-2 lead in the series, can claim an 11th consecutive playoff series and reach the Stanley Cup Final with the opportunity to win a third consecutive championship. The Rangers won the first two games of the series and were within a period of moving that to a 3-0 series edge. But suddenly they have lost three in a row to the Lightning The Lightning, who snapped New York's eight-game home winning streak on Thursday, have won six straight home games. Two of their three wins this round have come on late goals But, the Rangers are desperate and the dog is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. Take NEW YORK!

Tampa Bay at Carolina 7:30 ET

Hurricanes over Lightning- Carolina is a tough clubs that has played four straight overtime games with two of them stretching into double-overtime before falling in Game 1 to the Lightning. Tampa Bay is the defending NHL Champions and each team has scored 21 goals in nine tight matchups this season. The home team is 4-2 in the last six meetings and Carolina is 65-33 in their last 98 home games. Being down 0-1 in the Best-of-7 I look for the Hurricanes to rally here. Take CAROLINA!

Tampa Bay at Carolina 5:00 ET

Hurricanes over Lightning- Carolina is a tough clubs that has played four straight overtime games with two of them stretching into double-overtime. Tampa Bay are the defending NHL Champions and were outscored 18-17 in eight tight matchups this season and were out-pointed by the Hurricanes on the season. The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings and Carolina is 65-32 in their last 97 home games. That's a big enough sample for me. Take CAROLINA!

Carolina at Nashville 9:30 ET

Hurricanes over Predators- The home team has won all five games in this playoff series with Carolina opening with a pair of wins by a combined 8-2 in goals and then the Predators came home and won a pair of double OT wins. The fact is the Hurricanes are just better and have dominated the series between these two and are 20-8 in the last 28 head-to-head meetings. They are 38-18 as favorites and 20-6 in their last 26 playoff games as favorites. Take CAROLINA!

Pittsburgh at New York Islanders 6:30 ET

Penguins over Isles- Pittsburgh knows that they blew a golden opportunity Monday night in the 3-2 (2OT) home loss to the Islanders. New York never led in their improbable win as the Penguins out shot the Isles 41-20 and have led just 31 seconds in the entire series outside of Game 4. Pittsburgh is 8-3 in their last 11 road games and 27-12 against the East and New York is 2-5 ocerall and 1-5 against winning teams. Take PITTSBURGH!

Carolina at Nashville 7:00 ET

Hurricanes over Predators- The Hurricanes lead this series 2-0 and look to continue their playoff dominance against the Predators. This selection is about numbers a lot of them and they tell the story. Carolina goalie James Reimer is 15-5-1 (2.66 gpg) as a starter and that creates a bad matchup for Nashville as their anemic offense is averaging just 2.7 goals is up against the Hurricanes stingy defense that ranks No. 3 allowing only 2.4 gpg. Carolina as 22-5 in their last 27 as playoff favorites and 12-4 against teams with winning records while the Predators are 0-4 as playoff underdogs. Although they are 7-1 at home and 18-8 overall but just 6-16 against teams with winning records. Trends tell it all. Take CAROLINA!

Florida at Tampa Bay 6:30 ET

Panthers over Lightning- We posted the road favorite Tampa bay in the first two games at Florida and today with a staying with the road clubs although they are now underdogs. The Panthers played well during the regular season against Tampa Bay and will have Chris Driedger in the net and he allows just 2.07 goals per start. Florida is No. 1 in shots on goal per game and are 4-1 in their last five road games and 6-2 in their last eight overall despite the pair of playoff losses to the Lightning. Take the PANTHERS!

Tampa Bay at Florida 8:00 ET

Lightning over Panthers- Florida defeated Tampa Bay twice in the final week of the regular season winning 5-1 and 4-0 to gain home ice for this playoff season. In Game 1 (Megabucks winner) the Lightning turned the tables and won 5-4 to negate the Panthers home ice advantage. The Panthers will be without one of their top players as center San Bennett has been suspended for this game for 'boarding' and that will hurt. The fact that Tampa bay is the favorite on the road might be surprising but they are 5-1 in their last six Playoff games as road favorites and are 13-6 in the last 19 meetings. Take TAMPA BAY!

Boston at Washington 7:15 ET

Bruins over Capitals- It's time for the Bruins to put the skates on as the Stanley Cup chase has them down 0-1 losing Game 1 3-2 in OT. Both clubs finished the regular season playing their best hockey as Boston is 12-4-1 in their last 17 and the Capitols were 11-4-1 down the stretch. These two split eight games this season each winning four with a pair of Washington wins in overtime. Caps average 3.4 goals while Bruins only allow 2.4 goals per game and in the playoffs defense in clue. Take BOSTON!

Tampa Bay at Florida 7:30 ET

Lightning over Panthers- My leading South Florida knuckle-head believes that he 'knows-it-all' and loves the Panthers here. He says they are faster and skate better and he may be right as they have won the last two meetings by a total score of 9-1. Both of those meetings were on the Panthers ice and they were favored, and they won as favorites, now in the playoffs same two teams, same location and they are underdogs. Tampa goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is 31-10-1 and allows just 2.21 gpg. Tampa Bay is the favorite here and I expect them to win. LIGHTNING STRIKES!

Boston at Washington 7:15 ET

Bruins over Capitals- It's time to put the skates on as the Stanley Cup chase has begun. Both clubs finished the regular season playing their best hockey as Boston is 12-4-1 in their last 17 and the Capitols were 11-4-1 down the stretch. These two split eight games this season each winning four with a pair of Washington wins in overtime. Caps average 3.4 goals while bruins only allow 2.4 goals per game and in the playoffs defense in clue. Take BOSTON!

Boston at New York Islanders 1:00 ET

Bruins over Islanders- New York returns home after dropping their last two in overtime on the road and now face Boston who they have beaten in the last two meetings and have lost six of their last eight. The Bruins have had the best between this two as they are 17-4 in the last 21 meetings in New York and 30-11 in the last 41 meetings overall. Add that the favorite is 8-1 in the last nine meetings give us...the BOSTON BRUINS! 

Vancouver and Montreal 7:00 ET

Canadiens over Canucks- I'm hearing and reading about a buzz that surrounds Vancouver since acquiring forward Tyler Toffoli who has totaled four points in two games. Yeah...the Canucks just pounded the NHL's best defense defeating Boston 9-3. Montreal meanwhile is off of a pair of wins on the road against Washington (4-3 OT) and Ottawa (3-0) and have eight straight wins over Vancouver. The overall series record is so one-sided as the Canadiens are 16-5 in last 21 meetings and 6-0 at home. Take MONTREAL! 

Boston at Calgary 9:00 ET

Flames over Bruins- Boston enters the north with the best record in hockey and are making a small 3-game road trip coming off of a 2-1 overtime win at Edmonton. The Bruins have won four straight and 10 of 11 but they are in a tough spot here. Calgary is 8-3 against the Atlantic and 4-0 in their last four as underdogs and the home team is 15-7-1 in the last 23 meetings. Take the FLAMES!

Tampa Bay at Vegas 10:00 ET

Golden Knights over Lightning- Tampa enters Las Vegas on a roll with a franchise record 11 straight wins while Vegas is 7-3-2 in 12 games since Peter DeBoer became coach. This is only the second time in NHL history that a team has had two double-digit win streaks in the same season tying the Bruins who did it twice. But the Golden Knights are 8-2 in their last 10 games as a home underdog. Take VEGAS!

Philadelphia at New York Islanders 7:00 ET

Islanders over Flyers- The Isles who have played the fewest games of all teams in the NHL and yet have moved into a third place tie with Columbus in the Met Division having won four of their last six. Philadelphia who is 4-1 in their last five games overall but are just 2-7 in their last nine games as road underdogs. New York is 13-6 in their last 19 games as home favorites. Take the ISLANDERS!

Nashville at Edmonton 7:00 ET

Predators over Oilers- The Oilers have hit a bit of a lull losing their last two by 3-goals in each contest and now come up an underdog at home against Nashville who has a slightly inferior record. The Predators have won four straight on the road and tonight make five. Edmonton was on a roll (8-1-2) and now are on the down slide. Take NASHVILLE!

Edmonton at Arizona 9:00 ET

Coyotes over Oilers- Edmonton is feeling really good about themselves as they have won seven of their last nine including a trashing of Calgary 8-3 in the Battle of Alberta. The Oilers trail Vancouver by three points and is three ahead of tonight's opponent Arizona. I'm a bit surprised that Arizona doesn't have a better overall record as they surrender the fewest goals allowed per game at 2.67. Edmonton has dominated this series going 10-4 in the last 14 meetings including 5-1 at Arizona. The Coyotes are money in the other direction and are 0-5 in their last five overall. But, you will find a reversal of fortune here as the Coyotes bite. Take ARIZONA!

Edmonton at Vegas 10:00 ET

Golden Knights over Oilers- Vegas has found themselves just floating along at 11-9-4 and the natives are getting a little restless as they are used to better overall play than what they seen this season. Tonight the Golden Knights find themselves heavy favorites against the Division leader Edmonton who has a five-point lead over the 4th place Knights. They make up ground tonight. Take VEGAS!

Colorado at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Wild over Avalanche- Colorado has won five of six casting aside the fact that they have a rash of major injuries to key personnel including a pair of goal tenders. The Avalanche are without forwards Matt Calvert and Tyson Jost along with their injured goalies. Minnesota has split their last seven decisions which is an improvement from a 4-9-1 start. This time ...take the WILD!

Washington at Philadelphia 7:30 ET

Flyers over Capitals- Now, this should be a hockey game (but you really never know for sure)! Nothing but good things to say about both these clubs as Philadelphia enters having won four straight while the Capitals are on a 12-game point streak (10-0-2). Although Washington has had the best of the 'Broadway Bullies' entering this game 13-2-4 in the City of Brotherly Love but there is something that happens to one's 'karma' after a loss to end a winning streak be it in overtime or not. Take the FLYERS!

Edmonton at San Jose 10:30 ET

Sharks over Oilers- okay lets take a look at this matchup...the Oilers are without question the better team with a 12-5-1-1 record while San Jose has managed just seven wins in 18 games and are a minus -638 a $100 per outing. It is difficult to grasp why the Sharks are such a heavy favorite as Edmonton is 8-0 in their last eight as an underdog. But under further review we see that the Sharks have won the last four meetings and seven of the last eight. Take SAN JOSE!

Washington at Florida 7:05 ET

Panthers over Capitals- Washington is scoring goals like the government spends money as they have scored at least three goals in 13 consecutive games and four or more in 10 of 12 and they are 8-0-1 in their last nine overall. So, how do the open as an underdog at Florida? Well, the Panthers have won five straight in the series and they are 6-1-4 in their last 11 games overall. It's just the way the puck bounces...take FLORIDA!

Boston at Montreal 7:30 ET

Canadiens over Bruins- So, Boston has lost just once in 14 games and are 10-4 in regulation and come up an underdog at Montreal. The Bruins are just 11-24 when an underdog and the Canadiens have a long history of raining on Boston's parade and they are 0-4 ATS in their last four as a dog. Take MONTREAL!

Vancouver at L.A. Kings 10:30 ET

Kings over Canucks- Vancouver is a current scoring machine and has registered five goals in three consecutive games. The Canucks have had their way with the Kings going 7-0-2 in the last nine meetings including a 8-2 beatdown three weeks ago tonight. But, turnabout can happen and the Kings need it here. Take LOS ANGELES!

Washington at Toronto 7:00 ET

Maple Leafs over Capitals- Here's hoping that 'turn-about-is-fair-play' as the Maple Leafs are looking to even the score after losing 4-3 to the Capitals two weeks ago. Washington went 5-0-1 and has set a club record for points in October. That could be deceiving as the NHL is opening the season much sooner now-a days. Toronto has dropped three of their last four with their win coming in their last home game defeating the Sharks 4-1. Leafs 4-2-1-1 at home. Take TORONTO!

Edmonton at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Wild over Oilers- Okay, I can give you a lot of trends or reason to 'play' the Wild here but the truth is I think that this line stinks! Look at it Edmonton under first year coach Dave Tippet they are 7-1-1 and are the leagues leader in Power Play goals scoring six in 10 attempts. Minnesota has yielded four power play goals in their last three games and the Oilers has only allowed three power play goals in opponents last 31 opportunities. Does this make sense that the Wild are favored. Take MINNESOTA!

Las Vegas at Philadelphia 7:00 ET

Flyers over Knights- After a slow start Vegas has won two straight on the road and continue their trip at Philadelphia tonight where the Flyers are 1-2 on the season. Overall, the 'Broad Street Bullies' have lost four straight and have won just two of their last 10 outright. The Golden Knights have become the second fastest NHL franchise to 100 wins and are off of a shutout win at Pittsburgh. The Flyers despite 91 shots on goal in their last two outings scores just four goals but tonight they find the back of the net. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Edmonton at Winnipeg 7:00 ET

Jets over Oilers- What is going on here, has Wayne Gretzky spirit appeared for the Oilers who have made only one playoff appearance in 13 years but are currently are leading the Pacific Division. Things are changing everywhere as Winnipeg who led the NHL in home wins the past two seasons has but one lone victory as hosts against lowly Minnesota. The Jets are riding a six-game point streak (5-0-1) against the Oilers. Take WINNIPEG!

Boston at Toronto 7:00 ET

Maple Leafs over Bruins- This is the first of back-to-back games between these two and Toronto will be without their captain John Tavares for both games as his broken figure heals. On the other side Boston's Patrice Bergeron will return to the lineup still bruised with a lower-body injury. Toronto is ready to break a home losing streak of four games as home favorites under -150. The Maple Leafs had a 3-2 games lead in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs but the Bruins prevailed by winning the final two winning the series 4-3. revenge tonight for the Leafs. Take TORONTO!

Colorado at Florida 7:00 ET

Panthers over Avalanche- Colorado won their first five games this season and were the last team in the NHL lose a game falling to Pittsburgh 3-2 in overtime which kept their scoring streak alive with 11 points on the season. Florida has not played all that well as of yet but are 18-7 in their last 25 games as a home favorite under -150 and 25-11 in their last 36 games overall as a favorite under -150. Take FLORIDA!

Buffalo at Anaheim 10:10 ET

Ducks over Sabres- Buffalo along with Colorado are still the only undefeated teams in the NHL after two full week of play but that will not last forever or even through tonight. The Sabras are 20-44 in their last 64 games overall and 16-36 in their last 52 road games and they are also 8-22 versus the Western Conference. Anaheim is 5-0 in their last five home games and get it down once again at home. Take DUCKS!

Boston at Colorado 9:00 ET

Avalanche over Bruins-Boston has started the season like gangbusters winning their first three on the road including a convincing win over Vegas after spotting the Golden Knights a 2-0 lead. Tonight, the Bruins play their fourth straight road games in Colorado where so say they can't catch their breath because of the altitude. The Avalanche have won their last eight home games and are well rested. Take COLORADO!

Washington at New York Islanders 7:00 ET

Islanders over Capitals- Washington opened the season with a come-from-behind 3-2 win over defending Champion St Louis on Wednesday. Tonight the Islanders open their season at home hosting the Capitals who won the Metropolitan Division by a single point over the Isles. New York will start Thomas Greiss between the pipes and he posted a 2.28 goals against average with a .927 save percentage. The Islanders are 17-8 in their last 25 home games. Take NEW YORK!

St. Louis at Boston 8:00 ET

Bruins over Blues- I stated after the first round of the NHL playoffs that the path for the Bruins has been laid out. With the top team in the Eastern Conference getting booted early (Tampa Bay) Boston became the favorite. St. Louis has had a fine run coming from where they did, having the NHL's worst record heading into the New Year. But, calling up goalie Joran Binnington was the key factor for the Blues but the Bruins have veteran Tuukka Rask between the pipes and he will be the difference. Take BOSTON!

Boston at St. Louis 8:00 ET

Bruins over Blues- It is difficult to believe that this Blues team had the least amount of points in the NHL when the new year started and now here they are one win away from the Cup. Boston took the first game of the series but have lost 3-of-4 and the last two and now are on the brink of elimination. St. Louis dominated shots on goal in those wins except for the last time out when Boston out shot the Blues 39-21 and still got beat. This time Boston hits the nets and wins with their backs to the wall in St. Louis. Take BOSTON!

St. Louis at Boston at 8:00 ET

Blues over Bruins- After St. Louis won Game 4 I was sure that I would be posting the Bruins in Game 5 but as I've said before things change and I am on the Blues. Since Game 1, Boston's 4-2 win (Megabucks winner), when their shots on goal advantage was 38-20, St. Louis has taken the play away out shooting the Bruins the last three games including a 15-shot advantage 38-23 last time out and 108-70 the last three games. St. Louis is 8-3 on the road in the playoffs including their 3-2 overtime win in Game 2. Take ST. LOUIS

Boston at St. Louis 8:00 ET

Blues over Bruins- After St. Louis won Game 2 I was sure that I would be posting the Bruins here but things change. Here I am aware Boston has won their last four road playoff games but I am also aware that the home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings. They are also 38-18 against the Atlantic Division and 18-7 in their last 25 as home favorites. Take ST. LOUIS!

St. Louis at Boston 8:00 ET

Bruins over Blues- I remember seeing this Stanley Cub Finals match-up 49 years ago as Brad Park, Bobby Orr and Tony Esposito led Boston to a 4-0 series sweep and this is the first time the Blues have been back. St. Louis was in the NHL basement on January 3rd and have gone 30-10-5 since with these clubs going 1-1 in the regular season each winning at home. Although the Blues are 8-3 in their last 11 meetings in Boston they will not be up the Bruins standard as the favorite is 4-0 in the last four meetings overall. Take BOSTON!

San Jose at St. Louis 8:00 ET

Sharks over Blues- Right now it would the story of the NHL season if St. Louis makes it to the Finals as they had the worst record in all of hockey in mid December. They have won their last two and have been fabulous on the road and they have won twice already at San Jose but have let down in each of their return trips back home losing five of their last nine as hosts. After the way the Bruins swept in the East the West should go seven games. Take SAN JOSE!

St. Louis at San Jose 3:00 ET

Blues over Sharks- While the Bruins have already swept Carolina in the East St. Louis and San Jose are destined to take this series to the max. St. Louis has been particularly strong on the road going 7-2 in their last nine while the Sharks are 3-3 in their last six as hosts. This is one of those series that will play against the obvious and after losing last time out at home most will expect San Jose to rebound at home...NOT. Take ST. LOUIS!

St. Louis and San Jose 9:00 ET

Blues over Sharks- The Blues are aware that they will have to win a game on the road at some time this series and after dropping Game 1 in the fashion which the did a 6-3 blowout they are not dragging their tail. St. Louis is the 5-2 in their last seven road games and 16-7 in their. Last 23 overall. As the season moves on they have gotten tougher against better teams going 18-8 against teams with winning records. San Jose is in a great spot but haven't put together a pair of wins since Vegas. Take ST. LOUIS!

St. Louis at San Jose 8:00 ET

Blues over Sharks- The difference here between these two will come down to goal tending and St. Louis has the advantage. Jordan Binnington will be between the pipes for the Blues and he has been outstanding as a starter going 24-5-1 while stopping 92% of shots on goal. San Jose will start Martin Jones 36-19-4 who has stopped 89% of shots. Binnington allows 2.04 goals per games while Jones allows 2.9 per contest. The Sharks may be at home but the Blues have the better tender. Take ST. LOUIS!

Carolina at Boston 8:00 ET

Hurricanes over Bruins- Since getting blown out 6-0 at Washington back on April 20 Carolina has won six straight and eight of nine including a 4-game swept of the NY Islanders and have had six days rest entering this Game 1 of the Conference Finals. Boston has won their last three scoring 11 goals in what is supposed to be a 'defensive' time (playoffs) for the NHL. As far as the trends regarding this match-up the Bruins have the home advantage as the hosts are 7-2 in the last nine meetings. But, this is not a game-7 and the Hurricanes are blowing into Boston and is 39-17 in their last 56 overall. Take CAROLINA!

Colorado and San Jose 9:00 ET

Avalanche over Sharks- After losing the way we did in last night in Double-overtime when 'we' Dallas had so many opportunities to win it's difficult to come back with another NHL Game 7 road dog. The Sharks have dominated the Avalanche at home wining 21 of 23 including playoff games one of the loses of which can in Game 2. Colorado is 5-2 in their last seven as underdogs and are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings. Take COLORADO!

Dallas at St. Louis 8:00 ET

Home ice advantage is supposed to mean something when you are in a Game 7 in the NHL Playoffs but home ice hasn't had the advantages expected in this series. Each club is 2-1 on the others ice and that pattern has held through the playoffs. Dallas is 11-4 in their last 15 road games and 8-2 as a road dog while the Blues are just 2-6 in their last eight at home. Dallas is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings against the Blues including 4-1 at St. Louis and the underdog is 4-1 in the last five meetings. Take DALLAS!

Boston at Columbus

Bruins over Blue Jackets- With the two top seeds in front of Boston are out of the tournament they can can set their sights on on the conference finals well rested. The Bruins are 5-2 in their last seven overall and also 5-2 on the road. Although the home team is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings and Boston is 1-4 in their last five meetings in Columbus. This night ends this series. Take BOSTON.

N.Y Islanders at Carolina 7:00 ET

Islanders over Hurricanes- I know that in tis situation the team leading an NHL Playoff series 3-0 the leading club has a 62% chance for a sweep. I usually pay close attention to the trends but I still believe that the Isles are the better team. Down 0-3 New York know that they have to hustle every minute of play and will be checking close. They have scored just three goals in three games after netting 14 in their four-game sweep of Pittsburgh and must rebound here. Take NEW YORK!

St. Louis at Dallas 9:30 ET

Blues over Stars- Looking at today's NHL matchups the St. Louis Blues look like the most illogical side, I mean they came into the playoffs with the fewest points in late December and were one of the worst teams in the league last year. The Blues lead the series 2-1 and most their improved play in the second half of the year has them on a 5-0 road underdog streak working. St. Louis is 35-17 in their last 52 overall and 20-7 playing on one day's rest. Go with the flow...take ST. LOUIS!

Colorado at San Jose 7:30 ET

Sharks over Avalanche- Colorado the eighth seed in the West dropped Game 1 of their opening series against the top-rated Calgary Flames and then ripped off four straight wins to move on. So, once again the Avalanche have lost Game 1 to the Sharks 5-2 and now face going down 0-2. San Jose is 15-2-6 in the last 23 meetings at home between these two and nothing changes here. Take SAN JOSE!

Columbus at Boston 7:00 ET

Bruins over Blue Jackets- With all four Division winners losing in the opening round the Bruins my be the 'last Man standing” before it's said and done. Boston has a great opportunity to go up 2-0 on upstart Columbus after taking Game 1 (3-2) their third win in four meetings this season. The Blue Jackets may have difficulty recovering from the hangover after sweeping the top seeded Tampa Bay Lightening. A few trends that project the Bruins are that the Blue Jackets are 1-4 in the last five meetings in Boston and 7-15 in the last 22 meetings overall. Add the home team is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings. Take BOSTON!

Carolina at New York Islanders 7:00 ET

Hurricanes over Islanders- Rest is good, but having 10 days off may not be so good. The Islanders who swept their Conference Quarterfinals series (4-0) against Pittsburgh are 3-8 in their last 11 games playing on three days rest and are 0-4 in their last Conference Semifinals games. In head-to-head action the road team is 5-1 in the last six meetings and the Hurricanes are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in New York. Take CAROLINA!

Vegas at San Jose 10:00 ET

Sharks over Golden Knights- In the Sharks 2-1 overtime Game 6 win at Vegas on Sunday the Golden Knights put 59 shots on goal compared to San Jose's 29. This dominance was wasted as the Sharks won it with a short-handed goal and now can get past Vegas with a home win today. With their short history the Knights have played just one playoff Game 7 a loss to Washington in last seasons' playoffs. Vegas goal Marc-Andre Fleury must be shell-shocked and exhausted are his Easter performance only to fall short. They fall again here. Take SAN JOSE!

Washington at Carolina 7:00 ET

Hurricanes over Capitals- Washington who now lead this series 3-2 has scored 14 goals in their three home games including a 6-0 win Saturday night and are 17-8 in their last 25 overall. The Capitals have dominated the head-to-head action going 19-7 in the last 26 meetings, but, have scored just one goal I two meetings at Carolina getting outscored 7-1. The Hurricanes have some support with trends, as they are 13-3 as the favorite including 5-0 versus the Caps as the home team is 5-0 in the last five meetings. Take CAROLINA!

San Jose at Vegas 7:00 ET

Sharks over Golden Knights- So, I was speaking with a my letter carrier Chris (also a high school student of mine back in the old days) and he attends virtually ever Golden Knights home games and he is so confident the Knights will close out the series that he not only delivered my mail two hours before my usual delivery and he even brought it to my door. Such exuberance and total blindness to what else can or might happen. Let me say this I don't think San Jose is going to get any 'public' action and even the 'sharps' won't take them either 5-12 in their last 12. Take SHARKS!

Winnipeg at St. Louis 7:00 ET

Blues over Jets- Okay this series has gone 5-0 to the visitor and now St. Louis has a chance to change the trend with a win here and close out the Jets. In an NHL oddity the visitor has won 10 of the last 11 meetings between these two and as Winnipeg is 5-0 in their last five trips to the Gateway city and are 13-6 overall in the last 19 meetings. That's why the Blues 'must' win here. Take ST. LOUIS!

Toronto at Boston 7:00 ET

Maple Leafs over Bruins- These two have alternated wins and are tied 2-2 with the series returning to Boston where the Bruins are 22-10 overall in their last 22 games. But, Boston has trouble posting two consecutive wins as they are 1-4 following a victory and they are 2-5 in their last seven playoff games as a favorite. Toronto has great recovery skills as they are 6-1 after allowing five goals or more. Take the MAPLE LEAFS!

Winnipeg at St. Louis 9:30 ET

Blues over Jets- St. Louis who made a hell-of-a-run after the All-Star break and made it to the Playoffs and host Game 4 with a 2-1 lead over the Jets. Winnipeg skated to a 6-3 win in Game 3 and will pay for that tonight as they are 0-5 after scoring five goals or more and are 3-7 in their last 10 games overall. The Blues are 17-3 in their last 20 home games and are 7-2 in their last nine Conference Quarterfinals games. Take ST. LOUIS

Washington at Carolina 7:00 ET

Hurricanes over Capitals- To start with Washington won all four regular season meetings and are 2-0 in the playoffs posted a 4-3 overtime win in Game 2. The Capitals are 7-2 in their last nine overall and are 35-17 in the last 52 meetings and are 5-0 at Carolina. With all that being said Carolina has opened a strong favorite here and I believe for good reason. The streak ends here. Take HURRICANES!

Tampa Bay at Columbus 7:00 ET

Lightning over Blue Jackets- Tampa Bay was without a doubt the best team in the NLH this season leading the league with the third most points ever and the largest margin between them and the second best record. So, they find them selves 0-2 and now the underdog in the series as they have lost four playoff game sin a row going back to last year's conference finals. A thing to remember is that Columbus has never won a playoff series and led Washington 2-0 before falling last season. It's ow or never for Tampa Bay. Take the LIGHTNING!

Toronto at Boston 7:10 ET

Bruins over Maple Leafs- Toronto has had an amazing season when one considers where they were a year ago and even now as they lead the series 1-0 after a dominating 4-1 win in Game 1. But, through the years Boston has had command in this match-up especially in the playoffs. The Leafs win was just their second in eight tries in Boston as the home team is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings. Another factor here is that Toronto doesn't respond well after a victory as they are 0-6 ATS following a win and 2-5 SU in their last seven overall. Boston gets even...take the BRUINS! 

Chicago at Arizona 10:00 ET

Coyotes over Blackhawks- After a five-game wining streak Chicago has dropped three of four but are off of a 2-1 overtime win over Colorado. Arizona has lost five straight scoring just six goals in their last five games and yet come up favored at home here. In the last meeting the Blackhawks defeated Arizona 7-1 as the favorite is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings. Chicago although 10-2 in their last 12 at Arizona they are 18-37 as a dog between +110 and +150 in their last 55. Take the COYOTES!

Pittsburgh at Dallas 8:00 ET

Stars over Penguins- This matchup gives us plenty of trends to work with and we will take advantage of what they give us. Let's start with the home team who is 17-5 in the last 22 meetings with the favorite going 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings. Add that Pittsburgh is 0-5 in their last five meetings in Dallas. Take the STARS!

New York Islanders at Minnesota 6:00 ET

Wild over Isles- After having dropped three straight and five of seven the Wild posted a 5-2 home win over the NY Rangers as a -205 favorite. Home team 4-1 in the last five meetings with the favorite going 5-0 in the last five meetings. The Islanders who lost 2-1 at Detroit yesterday are 1-5 the game after allowing two or less goals. One way for me...Take MINNESOTA!

Colorado at Dallas 8:30 ET

Stars over Avalanche- Dallas who has won three in a row and moved into the top spot for the Wildcard spot in the Western Conference. Colorado just ended a three game losing streak but are just 3-11 in their last 14 games following a win. Not onlY is the favorite 7-3 in the last 10 meetings but Dallas is 5-1 against Colorado is their last six meetings as hosts. Take DALLAS!

Calgary at Vegas 10:35 ET

Golden Knights over Flames- Hockey among all sports in probably the streakiest of them all. Here we had Calgary winners of seven straight drop their last two at home and travel the Vegas to play the Golden Knights. Vegas has won four straight after three straight losses and I expect both trends to continue. The home team is 5-0 in the last five meetings and I expect more of the same. Take VEGAS!

Montreal at L.A. Kings 10:35 ET

Canadians over Kings- The last time these two meet in October the Kings posted a 3-0 win but things have changed since then as Los Angeles has become an also-ran and Montreal is in the thick of the playoffs. The Kings are off a win over the Blackhawks after having lost their previous nine. Montreal meanwhile is looking for a bit of revenge against a team they know they can dominate. Add that the Canadians are 5-1 in their last six against the West. Take MONTREAL!

Washington at NY Islanders 9:05 ET

Islanders over Capitals- The Islanders got a bit of personal revenge Thursday as the took down the Maple Leafs 6-1 and is so doing embarrassed former captain John Tavares who left the team via free agency during the summer after nine years as an Islander. These two foes each won on each others home ice already this season and it is time for the home team to cash in...Take the ISLANDERS!

Toronto at NY Islanders 7:00 ET

Islanders over Maple Leafs- Streaking Toronto has won their last three games after a quick three game slide and are 9-4 in their last 13 overall. Although the Maple Leafs are 4-1 in the last five meetings the home team is 6-2 in the last eight encounters the favorite (NYI) is 6-1 in the last seven meetings. The Isles have lost three of their last four and look to rebound from their home loss to Calgary. Take NEW YORK!

St. Louis at Minnesota 7:00 ET

Wild over Blues- Okay, the bubble has burst but the Blues like Esposito with the Bruins score in their rebound game 2-1 defeating Boston in a shootout. St. Louis had their 10-game wining streak stopped and responded with their second straight home SO win, not so lucky this time. Although the stats here will favor the Blues, Minnesota ended a losing streak of their own and now have won their last two. That momentum and a bit of a letdown for St. Louie as they are 5-2 in their last seven visits to the Wild...Not this time. Take MINNESOTA!

Tampa Bay a Columbus 7:30 ET

Blue Jackets over Lightening- Without question (in my mind) Tampa Bay is the NHL's best this season and they have had their way against Columbus going 5-0 in the last five meetings. The Lightening are 40-13 in their last 53 overall and 40-11 in their last 51 against the eastern Conference. But the Blue Jackets are hot right now winning five of six and looking for payback. Look for Columbus to step up here. Take BLUE JACKETS!

Edmonton at L.A. Kings 10:00 ET

Kings over Oilers- It looks as though the Oilers will make it into the playoffs where the Kings will be left like a court jester. Edmonton just ended a six-game losing streak with a 3-1 win at Arizona while Los Angeles has dropped their last two after winning four of five. Saturday night in LA where the home team is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings. Like Dorothy told us 'there is no place like home.' Take the KINGS!

Chip's Guaranteed 'Top-Rated' NHL Power Play

Buffalo at St. Louis 8:00 ET

Blues over Sabres- Buffalo who finished with the fewest points in the NHL last season has completely turned things around and are off a 3-0 shutout win over Anaheim giving them 12 home wins one more than they had all last year. St. Louis has struggled at 14-16-3-1 but are off of a 2-1 road trip and have a dominate record against the Sabres. The Blues are 19-3 in the last 22 meetings and 10-1 in the last 11 meetings as hosts. Take ST. LOUIS!