Saturday's Tip Sheet
By Scott Rickenbach
With no NBA (because of the All Star Break) a lot of focus will surely fall on the College Hoops games Saturday. That is all well and good but don't forget that the Pucks also are offering up an attractive slate of games this Saturday. Here, we take a brief look at every single game on Saturday's NHL card and, yes indeed, there is some money to be made on the ice Saturday!
Buffalo at New York Rangers - The Sabres have earned points in ten straight games! Buffalo is now 8-0-2 their last ten games and the eight wins have come by a margin of nearly two full goals per victory. The Rangers won the last meeting between these teams but New York has lost three of their last four games heading into this match-up. Also, five off days since their last game could leave the Rangers a little "rusty" for this one.
Florida at Carolina - Florida hosts Washington Friday before heading to Carolina for this game which will be the Panthers 3rd in 4 nights! The Hurricanes though just lost Rod Brind'Amour to a season-ending injury and the Canes have also been battling the flu bug of late.
Philadelphia at Montreal - The Flyers have suddenly lost five straight games and goaltending and defense has been a major issue with Philadelphia allowing four goals or more in four of the five defeats. However, the Canadiens have had goaltending issues of their own and Cary Price may again get the start after a strong performance at Florida on Wednesday!
Atlanta at New York Islanders - Atlanta will be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights as this game comes after doing battle at New Jersey Friday night. Heading into the game against the Devils, the Thrashers have averaged just two goals per game their last five games. This is in stark contrast to an Islanders team that will be rested and has averaged 4 goals per game in their last 3 games.
New Jersey at Ottawa - The Devils are playing into the teeth of revenge on this one and it will also be the second night of a back to back situation for New Jersey as they host Atlanta on Friday night. The Sens have been off since Wednesday's OT loss at New Jersey and goalie Martin Gerber did play well in the first Martin vs Martin (Brodeur) match-up!
Boston at Toronto - The Bruins may be happy to be on the road for this one as they've lost three straight at home but have won five of their last six away from Boston! The Bruins lost in the shootout in their last game at Toronto but the Maple Leafs generally don't win tight games. The Leafs have already tied their season-high record with twenty one-goal losses this season!
Washington at Tampa Bay - The Southeast Division is up for grabs and that makes these divisional games huge as we enter the second half of February. The Capitals are 11-5-1 their last 17 games but they will be in the second night of a back to back here. The Lightning will be rested and are 4-0-1 their last five games.
St Louis at Nashville - Jordin Tootoo could be ready to return to the ice for the Predators and they could use his physical game to help erase the feelings of being pushed around as the Preds were hammered 6-1 by Chicago on Thursday. St Louis has earned points in three straight games and their 4-1 win at Colorado shows the Blues are still fighting for the playoffs.
Los Angeles at Phoenix - With the trade deadline looming the Kings may be sellers but they're not playing like it. Los Angeles is now 9-5-1 their last 15 games heading into Friday's action but that's the problem here. This will be the 2nd night of a back to back for the Kings while the Coyotes come in rested and with a boost of confidence after Thursday's win over Dallas. Phoenix has seen their specialty teams kick things up a notch and that may finally equate to some victories again for the 'Yotes.
Edmonton at Vancouver - Having won four of their last five games, the Oilers have proven they want to stay alive in the playoff race. However, the Canucks will have revenge on their mind in this game as the Oilers beat them 2-1 in the shootout in their most recent meeting. Vancouver now has shutdown defenseman Willie Mitchell back on the ice and the supposed rift between he and coach Alain Vigneault is said to not have any real substance.
vegasinsider.com
Penguins C Beech out indefinitely with broken wrist
February 15, 2008
PITTSBURGH (AP) -Pittsburgh Penguins center Kris Beech was placed on injured reserve Friday with a broken right wrist and will be out indefinitely.
To fill Beech's spot on the roster, the Penguins recalled forwards Connor James and Chris Minard from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. Defenseman Alex Goligoski was returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Beech, who played only four games since returning to the Penguins last month, was injured while being checked into the boards by Carolina defenseman Glen Wesley on Thursday night.
Beech, who initially joined the Penguins in the 2001 trade that sent former NHL scoring champion Jaromir Jagr to Washington, has been with four NHL organizations this season.
He began the season with the Blue Jackets' Syracuse farm club before being called up by Columbus. He had four goals and five assists in 16 games before being waived.
He was claimed by Vancouver on Jan. 10, only to be waived again later in the month. He was then claimed by Washington, which tried to send him to its minor league club. But Pittsburgh claimed him.
Brind'Amour to have surgery on torn ACL
February 15, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour will have reconstructive surgery on a torn ligament in his left knee and will likely miss the rest of the season.
Dr. Marty Isbell is scheduled to perform the surgery at Rex Hospital at 3 p.m. Friday.
Brind'Amour tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during a collision early in Thursday night's 4-2 victory over Pittsburgh. He entered the game with a team-leading 51 points.
He was sandwiched by the Penguins' Nathan Smith and Georges Laraque near the boards at the center line just 1 1/2 minutes into the game.
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers
- The Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Madison Square Garden.
Ryan Miller stopped all 35 shots Wednesday, as the Sabres shut out the Maple Leafs 1-0 as -160 favorites. The lone goal fell UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Paul Gaustad scored the lone goal in the win.
The Rangers lost to Washington 3-2 in overtime as a +115 underdog last time out. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Sean Avery and Chris Drury each scored for the Rangers, while Stephen Valiquette stopped 21-of 24 shots in the loss.
Current streak:
Buffalo has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 28-21-8
New York: 28-24-7
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Colorado are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Florida are 7-3
After playing Washington are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the NY Rangers last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games at home
Next up:
Buffalo home to Pittsburgh, Sunday, February 17
NY Rangers home to San Jose, Sunday, February 17
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at RBC Center.
Kamil Kreps had the game-winning goal on Friday night as the Panthers got past the Washington Capitals by a final score of 4-2.
The Panthers pulled out the victory as -135 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
Ray Whitney scored and goal and added two assists to lead the Hurricanes over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Thursday night.
The Canes cashed as -155 home favorites as the game pushed the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Carolina has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 27-27-6
Carolina: 29-27-4
Florida most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Pittsburgh are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games on the road
Florida is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Carolina
Florida is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
Carolina is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Florida
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games
Next up:
Florida at Pittsburgh, Tuesday, February 19
Carolina at New Jersey, Monday, February 18
Atlanta Thrashers vs. New York Islanders
- The Atlanta Thrashers and the New York Islanders will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Nassau Coliseum.
Pascal Dupuis scored the shootout winner on Friday night as the Thrashers got past the New Jersey Devils by a final tally of 4-3.
The Thrashers were winners as +170 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5).
Ruslan Fedotenko potted two goals to lead the Islanders to a 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night.
The Islanders won as +130 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 3 straight games.
New York has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 29-27-4
New York: 26-25-7
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of the NY Islanders last 21 games at home
NY Islanders are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at Carolina, Thursday, February 21
NY Islanders home to San Jose, Monday, February 18
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs meet at Air Canada Centre.
The Bruins scored both goals in the third period Wednesday, and held on for a 2-1 win over the Penguins. The Bruins won the game as +145 underdogs, while the combined fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Petteri Nokelainen and Vladimir Sobotka scored to lead the Bruins, while Tim Thomas made 20 saves for the win.
Mats Sundin, Alex Ponikarovsky, and Matt Stajan each had a goal and an assist to lead the Leafs in their 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday night.
The Islanders won as +130 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 29-23-5
Toronto: 23-27-9
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-1-3
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Pittsburgh are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing NY Islanders are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Toronto's last 19 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Next up:
Boston at Carolina, Tuesday, February 19
Toronto home to Columbus, Tuesday, February 19
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens
- The Philadelphia Flyers and the Montreal Canadiens will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Bell Centre.
Joffrey Lupul had a goal and a helper for Philadelphia in its 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.
The Lightning knocked off the Flyers as +145 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Alexei Kovalev scored a power play goal in overtime Wednesday, as the Canadiens defeated the Panthers 2-1. The Canadiens won the game as +115 road underdogs, while the three goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Christopher Higgins scored the other goal for the Habs. Saku Koivu collected assists on both goals.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 30-22-5
Montreal: 30-19-9
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Montreal at Philadelphia, Sunday, February 17
New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators
- The New Jersey Devils and the Ottawa Senators will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Scotiabank Place.
Martin Brodeur had 29 saves in New Jersey's 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday night.
The Thrashers were winners as +170 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5).
The Senators lost 3-2 to the Devils in a shootout, as -120 favorites. The combined five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Luke Richardson and Randy Robitaille scored for the Senators.
Current streak:
Ottawa has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 32-21-5
Ottawa: 34-19-5
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing New Jersey are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of New Jersey's last 23 games when playing Ottawa
New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
New Jersey is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Ottawa's last 23 games when playing New Jersey
Ottawa is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to Carolina, Monday, February 18
Ottawa home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, February 19
Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
- The Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning will meet on the ice at St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday in a battle of division rivals.
Brent Johnson made 25 saves for Washington in their 4-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Friday night.
The Panthers pulled out the victory as -135 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
Martin St. Louis had a goal and two assists to lead the Lightning to a 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.
The Lightning knocked off the Flyers as +145 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Tampa Bay has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 27-26-6
Tampa Bay: 25-27-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Calgary are 5-5
After playing Florida are 2-8
After a loss are 8-2
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Washington's last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 13 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
Next up:
Washington home to NY Islanders, Wednesday, February 20
Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Wednesday, February 20
St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators
- The fans at Sommet Center will be treated to a game between the St. Louis Blues and the Nashville Predators when they take their seats on Saturday.
David Backes scored and added an assist as the Blues upset the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 on Thursday night.
The Blues cashed in as +130 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Jason Arnott potted the lone goal for the Predators in their 6-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
The Hawks upset the Preds as +170 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
St. Louis has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 26-22-8
Nashville: 30-23-6
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Colorado are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 10 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of St. Louis's last 17 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
St. Louis is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
Nashville is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Nashville's last 10 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Nashville is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
Next up:
St. Louis home to Columbus, Sunday, February 17
Nashville at Minnesota, Sunday, February 17
Los Angeles Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes
- The Los Angeles Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes will meet on the ice at Jobing.com Arena on Saturday in a battle of division rivals.
Jason Labarbera made 39 saves on Friday night to carry the Kings to a 6-3 win over the visiting Calgary Flames.
The Kings got the victory as +125 home underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went well OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
Radim Vrbata had a goal and an assist to lead the Coyotes to a 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.
The Coyotes upset the Stars as +120 home underdogs as the game played over the 5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 25-32-3
Phoenix: 29-25-4
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing Los Angeles
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Phoenix at Los Angeles, Monday, February 18
Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks
- The division rival Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks are set to renew hostilities on Saturday when they meet at General Motors Place.
Mathieu Garon made 28 saves and the Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on Thursday night.
The Oilers cashed as +190 road underdogs as the teams pushed the 5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Alexander Edler had two goals and an assist for Vancouver in its 5-4 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.
The Wild upset the Canucks as +105 road underdogs as the game played over the 5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Edmonton has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Edmonton: 27-27-5
Vancouver: 28-22-8
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing San Jose are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-0-1
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 8 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Vancouver's last 8 games at home
Vancouver is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Edmonton
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Vancouver is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Next up:
Edmonton at Nashville, Tuesday, February 19
Vancouver at Minnesota, Tuesday, February 19