On the Ice -- Thursday
February 20, 2008
By Judd Hall
The race is officially on for all 16 spots in the NHL playoffs. Some clubs have a berth all wrapped up, while others are still clawing to make reservations to play hockey late into April. Nine games are on Thursday’s slate, but four of them have serious playoff implications.
San Jose at Philadelphia
The Sharks led the Pacific Division for the better part of this season with nothing more than smoke in mirrors it seems. San Jose is near the bottom of the league in scoring, lighting the lamp just 151 times. This anemic offensive output has been evident in the Sharks past four games as they’ve scored eight goals. The result of this slump is they’re just three points out of the fourth seed in the Western Conference, which would allow for home ice advantage.
San Jose owns a 17-7-3 record away from the HP Pavilion. However, the Sharks are 1-5 in their last six road battles, with the ‘over’ going 3-2-1.
Philadelphia has been riddles with injuries to many important cogs to its club. The most notable absentee player is forward is winger Joffrey Lupul. The former first round pick missed most of February and now will be out for another three weeks due to a severe ankle sprain. That is 18 goals that will be missed from the Flyers’ forward line.
The Flyers are now stuck in an eight-game slide, with the ‘over’ going 5-3. Now Philly is in the eight and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference…just two points ahead of Buffalo.
The boys from the Silicon Valley look like they have history on their side in this matchup. San Jose has posted a 4-0-2 in its last six contests against the Flyers.
The Sharks will be coming off of a contest at New Jersey on Wednesday. They’re 7-4-1 when playing a game off of no rest this season.
Atlanta at Carolina
Who would’ve guessed that the Thrashers could still be playoff eligible after dropping eight of their first 10 fixtures to open the 2007-2008 season? Of course, they also get a boost from playing in the lackluster Southeast Division. A division where you don’t have to be fantastic to make it to the postseason, but just need to be just above average.
Atlanta just had its three-game win streak snapped at the hands of the Islanders in Nassau Coliseum on Feb. 16, 4-1. It was the fourth time in his last five appearances that forward Ilya Kovalchuk hasn’t tallied a goal, his second such streak in the past two months. The Thrashers have now seen the ‘under’ go 4-1 in their past five road matches.
The Hurricanes have been thick as thieves when it comes to injuries this season. The recent loss of Rob Brind’Amour will no doubt make some Carolina faithful wonder if their club has packed it in for the year. It’s hard not to side with the fans on this occasion as the ‘Canes have fallen in two consecutive tilts, getting outscored 8-3. Despite the recent skid, Carolina is still three points up on the Capitals and Thrashers at the time of this writing.
The road squad has been the one to beat in this divisional rivalry as they’ve won nine of the last 10 head-to-head duels. Bettors can also expect a high scoring affair since the ‘over’ has posted a 3-1 mark in the past meetings.
Pittsburgh at Montreal
Most hockey experts expected Pittsburgh to stumble a bit when Sidney Crosby went down with an ankle sprain in mid-January. Those experts weren’t counting on Evgeni Malkin putting the Penguins on his back for this month. The reigning rookie of the year has pulled in 11 goals since Jan. 19 and 27 points since that time as well. The Pens have gone 5-2 in their last seven matches of the season as the ‘under’ has cached in three of their last four.
Now Crosby is just a week or two from returning to the lineup. His return will add another weapon to an offense that is in the Top 10 in goals per game. And don’t forget that the Penguins are just two points out of the top spot in the East.
Montreal is sitting level with the Senators for the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference. The Habs achieved this by winning their fourth straight game, a 6-5 shoot out affair at home against the Rangers on Feb. 19. The Canadiens were down 5-0 in the second period of that matchup before making their comeback. It was the first time in their history that they came back from a five-goal deficit to claim victory. It was the second straight game that saw the ‘over’ come in for the betting public.
Much like the Hurricanes-Thrashers game, the road team has an advantage in this head-to-head battle. The visiting franchise has gone 6-4 in their last 10 matches since Jan. 2006. Meanwhile, the ‘over’ is an impressive 8-2 during that time.
Columbus at Ottawa
The Blue Jackets looked like they had a shot finally making the playoffs this season. Unfortunately, a 9-14 record since Jan. 2 has all but eliminated their shot of a postseason berth for now. Columbus recently lost on the road to the Maple Leafs, 3-1, on Feb. 19. The defeat was the Jackets’ fourth in their last six away from Nationwide Arena. They have seen the ‘under’ go 4-3 in their last seven contests of the year.
Folks in Ottawa had to be wondering when its next win would be coming since acquiring Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman from the Hurricanes on Feb. 11. The Sens had lost three straight before coming out on top of Philadelphia in a shoot out, 3-2, last Tuesday. The Senators have watched their last three games all go ‘under’ the closing total. Ottawa is now in a dead heat with Montreal for the top seed in the East.
The Senators have won three of their past four contests against Columbus, dating back to Feb. 2002. Meanwhile, the ‘over’ has hit in five straight meetings.
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San Jose Sharks vs. Philadelphia Flyers
- The San Jose Sharks and the Philadelphia Flyers will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
The Sharks lost a 3-2 decision to the Devils on Wednesday, as +125 underdogs. The five goals were a PUSH against the posted over/under (5).
Jonathan Cheechoo and Kyle McClaren scored for the Sharks.
The Flyers lost their eighth straight in a 3-2 setback to the Senators last time out. The Flyers were +190 underdogs in that game, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Kimmo Timonen and Scottie Upshall scored in the loss.
Current streak:
San Jose has lost 5 straight games.
Philadelphia has lost 8 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 31-21-8
Philadelphia: 30-24-6
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing New Jersey are 5-5-3
After a loss are 3-7
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing Ottawa are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Jose is 4-0-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Jose's last 15 games when playing Philadelphia
San Jose is 5-9-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing Philadelphia
San Jose is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 15 games when playing San Jose
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
San Jose at Pittsburgh, Sunday, February 24
Philadelphia home to Florida, Saturday, February 23
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders
- The Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Islanders will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Nassau Coliseum.
The Lightning fell 4-3 to the Sabres in OT last time out, as +140 underdogs. The final score made it OVER the posted over/under (6).
Chris Gratton, Brad Richards and Vaclav Prospal scored for the Lightning.
The Islanders won their fifth straight on Wednesday, as they got past the Capitals 3-2 in a shootout. The Islanders won the game as +135 underdogs, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Miroslav Satan and Josef Vasicek had the Islander goals in regulation.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 2 straight games.
New York has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 25-28-7
New York: 29-25-7
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-5-1
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Buffalo are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
Tampa Bay is 11-2 SU in their last 13 games when playing NY Islanders
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of the NY Islanders last 17 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of the NY Islanders last 23 games at home
Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Boston, Saturday, February 23
NY Islanders at New Jersey, Saturday, February 23
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The Atlanta Thrashers and the Carolina Hurricanes will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at RBC Center.
Todd White had the lone Atlanta goal in their 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday night.
The Islanders were winners as -145 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).
The Hurricanes fell 3-2 to the Bruins in a shootout on Tuesday, as -115 favorites at home. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ray Whitney and Erik Cole scored for Hurricanes, and Cam Ward made 38 saves in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Carolina has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 29-28-4
Carolina: 30-28-5
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing NY Islanders are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-6-2
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at Toronto, Saturday, February 23
Carolina home to Washington, Saturday, February 23
Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers
- The Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at BankAtlantic Center.
Phil Kessel scored the shootout winner in the Bruins 3-2 win over the Hurricanes on Tuesday, as +105 road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard scored in regulation, and Tim Thomas stole the show with 47 saves in the win.
The Panthers fell 3-2 to the Maple Leafs last time out, as +130 road underdogs. The five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
David Booth and Brett McLean scored for the Panthers, while Tomas Vokoun made 32 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
Florida has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 30-23-6
Florida: 27-29-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-5-2
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Carolina are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-5-2
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Pittsburgh are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 8 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games
Next up:
Boston at Tampa Bay, Saturday, February 23
Florida at Philadelphia, Saturday, February 23
Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- The division rival Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to renew hostilities on Thursday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.
Thomas Vanek scored a hat trick as the Sabres defeated the Lightning 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday. The Sabres won the game as -160 favorites, while the final score made it OVER the posted over/under (6).
Derek Roy had the other goal for the Sabres, and Ryan Miller made 22 saves. Tim Connolly pocketed three assists in the win.
Vesa Toskala stopped 27 shots to help the Maple Leafs defeat the Blue Jackets 3-1 on Tuesday, as -140 favorites at home. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Carlo Colaiacovo, Nik Antropov and Chad Kilger potted the Leafs goals.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 29-23-8
Toronto: 25-27-9
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Colorado are 6-4
After playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-5-1
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Columbus are 2-3
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Buffalo is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Buffalo is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Next up:
Buffalo home to NY Rangers, Saturday, February 23
Toronto home to Atlanta, Saturday, February 23
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Ottawa Senators
- The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Ottawa Senators will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Scotiabank Place.
The Blue Jackets ran into a hot goalie and fell 3-1 to the Maple Leafs last time out, as +120 road underdogs. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Nikolai Zherdev answered for the Blue Jackets.
Jason Spezza scored the shootout winner to lift the Senators to a 3-2 win over the reeling Flyers last time out, as -210 favorites. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Chris Kelly and Antoine Vermette scored in regulation for the Senators.
Current streak:
Columbus has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Columbus: 27-26-9
Ottawa: 35-20-5
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Montreal are 4-4-1
After playing Toronto are 0-5
After a loss are 3-7
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Columbus is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Columbus is 1-3-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Columbus is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Columbus
Ottawa is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
Columbus at Montreal, Saturday, February 23
Ottawa at Pittsburgh, Saturday, February 23
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
- The fans at Bell Centre will be treated to a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens when they take their seats on Thursday.
The Penguins scored all three goals in the third period to rally for a 3-2 win over the Panthers on Tuesday, as -150 favorites. The five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ryan Malone scored twice to lead the Penguins, and Colby Armstrong potted the other Penguins marker. Ty Conklin made 29 saves in the win.
The Canadiens erased a five goal deficit and Saku Koivu scored the shootout winner Tuesday, as they got past the Rangers 6-5. The Canadiens won the game as -115 favorites, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Michael Ryder and Alexei Kovalev scored two goals, while Mark Streit had the other marker in regulation for the Canadiens.
Current streak:
Pittsburgh has won 2 straight games.
Montreal has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 34-21-5
Montreal: 33-19-9
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Ottawa are 4-6
After playing Florida are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Columbus are 8-2
After playing NY Rangers are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing Montreal
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 7-16-1 SU in its last 24 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Montreal is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Montreal's last 10 games when playing Pittsburgh
Montreal is 8-3-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Ottawa, Saturday, February 23
Montreal home to Columbus, Saturday, February 23
Vancouver Canucks vs. Nashville Predators
- The fans at Sommet Center will be treated to a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Nashville Predators when they take their seats on Thursday.
Daniel Sedin scored a goal and added an assist Tuesday, as the Canucks defeated the Wild 3-2. The Canucks won the game as +125 underdogs, and the five goals were a PUSH against the posted over/under (5).
Matt Cooke and Markus Naslund scored the other markers.
J.P. Dumont scored a shorthanded goal to lift the Predators to a 5-4 win over the Oilers last time out, as -170 favorites. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Scott Nichol, Alexander Radulov, Jordin Tootoo and Jason Arnott had the other markers in the win.
Current streak:
Vancouver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Vancouver: 30-22-8
Nashville: 32-23-7
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 8-2
After a win are 3-7
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Edmonton are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vancouver's last 9 games when playing Nashville
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Vancouver is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
Vancouver is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Nashville's last 7 games
Nashville is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Nashville is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Vancouver
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Vancouver home to Detroit, Saturday, February 23
Nashville home to Dallas, Saturday, February 23
St. Louis Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings
- The fans at STAPLES Center will be treated to a game between the St. Louis Blues and the Los Angeles Kings when they take their seats on Thursday.
The Blues scored three power play goals Tuesday, and defeated the Blackhawks 5-1 as -125 favorites. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Barrett Jackman, Brad Boyes, Lee Stempniak, Keith Tkachuk and Jay McClement scored for the Blues.
The Kings were shut out 4-0 by the Coyotes last time out, as -120 favorites. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (6).
four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Jason LaBarbera made 25 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
St. Louis has won 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 28-22-9
Los Angeles: 25-34-3
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 10 games at home
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 9 games
Next up:
St. Louis at Anaheim, Friday, February 22
Los Angeles home to Chicago, Saturday, February 23
Injuries & Issues - Feb 21
C. Beckford-Tseu (STL) - signed NHL contract, new backup to Legace
M. Fernandez (BOS) - knee surgery, likely done for entire season
M. Fleury (PIT) - finished his 4th rehab start, return is near
T. Greiss (SJ) - up from Worcester for a few games, gets the start tonight
D. Hasek (DET) - will return to practice mid-week
J. Howard (DET) - will backup Osgood in Hasek’s absence
N. Khabibulin (CHI) - healthy, will start tonight
D. Patzold (SJ) - sent down to Worcester
Trade deadline looms over busy Thursday on ice
Some of the worst teams in the National Hockey League will get another chance to evaluate their players prior to the trade deadline when they hit the ice on Thursday night.
Clubs have less than a week left before the league shuts down dealing for the season. That means the likes of the Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs really need to decide which players fit in with their long-term plans, and which players they’re better off shipping to another team for some players and/or picks.
For the Maple Leafs that might be easier said than done, as interim general manager Cliff Fletcher is handcuffed by all the no-trade clauses in the contracts handed out by his predecessor. Still, Leaf fans could be getting one of their last looks at Mats Sundin donning the blue-and-white when they play host to the Buffalo Sabres Thursday night.
The Bolts are trying to get star defenseman Dan Boyle under contract for next season, but they’ll probably move him if they can’t get him inked. He’d fetch a large return on the trade market, as he’s played well since returning from injury at the end of January. Tampa Bay hits the road on Thursday night for a game on Long Island vs. the Islanders.
And the Kings have a big trade chip in defenseman Rob Blake – but he might not be willing to waive his no-trade clause either. Blake isn’t the impact player he once was, but his experience and savvy is still coveted by contending teams. Los Angeles will be at home on Thursday night, where they’ll get a visit from the Blues at the Staples Center.
There are six other games on the NHL’s schedule on Thursday night, including a key Southeast clash with the Hurricanes hosting the Thrashers; those two teams are both still in contention for top spot in that division. As well, it’ll be San Jose at Philadelphia, Columbus at Ottawa, Boston at Florida, Vancouver at Nashville, and Pittsburgh at Montreal. There is a small chance that Pens star Sidney Crosby could return Thursday.
Wings expect Lidstrom out for 3 weeks
February 20, 2008
DETROIT (AP) -Detroit Red Wings star Nicklas Lidstrom expects to be out for three weeks with an injured right knee.
Lidstrom says his knee is sore, but it felt better Wednesday than he thought it would after being slammed into the boards earlier this week by Colorado's Ian Laperrier. The five-time Norris Trophy winner says Laperrier's hit was not dirty.
Goaltender Dominik Hasek and defenseman Brian Rafalski have been put on injured reserve, adding to Detroit's injury woes, and were replaced on the roster by forward Mark Hartigan and defenseman Jonathan Ericsson.
Stars' center Stu Barnes out a week
February 20, 2008
DALLAS (AP) -Dallas Stars center Stu Barnes will miss a week to 10 days following surgery to repair a partially torn retina.
Barnes was hurt during Sunday's 1-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, but finished the game.
The club said Wednesday that Barnes can't have any physical activity for at least a week while he recovers, but he isn't expected to be out for longer than 10 days.
Barnes, a 16-year NHL veteran, played in Dallas' first 63 games. He has eight goals and nine assists in his role as a checker and penalty killer.