Best bets for Saturday's NHL games
COVERS.com
Pittsburgh at Ottawa
Ottawa (36-23-6) didn't make a major move at the trade deadline, but a 4-0 loss to Boston on Tuesday prompted the team's general manager to make a big change nonetheless. Murray, who was behind the bench last season as the Senators made their first trip to the Stanley Cup finals, fired coach John Paddock on Wednesday and will coach the team for the rest of the season while maintaining his front-office duties.
Murray's season debut didn't go much better. The Senators lost 3-1 at Philadelphia, marking the fourth time they've lost three straight games in the past six weeks.
Ottawa is 6-11-2 since Jan. 19.
The Senators' biggest win in recent weeks also may have been the Penguins' toughest loss. Pittsburgh had won three in a row heading into a home meeting with Ottawa last Saturday and led 3-0 midway through the second period, but the Senators fought back to win 4-3 in overtime on Daniel Alfredsson's 35th goal of the season.
The Senators have won two of three meetings this season, with both victories coming in Pittsburgh. The Penguins have won their last three visits to Ottawa.
Pick: Penguins
Los Angeles at Colorado
The Colorado Avalanche should be excited about the way they're opening March, having a playoff spot within reach and anticipating the imminent return of a seven-time All-Star.
The Avalanche hope to have Peter Forsberg back in their lineup for the first time in four years on Saturday when they continue their playoff push against the lowly Los Angeles Kings.
The Avs (33-26-6) are tied with Nashville for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but are also within striking distance of first place in the Northwest Division with 17 games to play.
After starting the season 15-3-0 at home, Colorado is 3-8-2 in Denver since Dec. 27. The Avs have been outscored 14-5 during a four-game home losing streak, and have not dropped five in a row at home since an eight-game skid from Oct. 21-Nov. 24, 1990, when the franchise was the Quebec Nordiques.
In their only game against the Kings at the Pepsi Center this season on Dec. 29, the Avs lost 3-1. Colorado, which has won this season's two meetings in Los Angeles, has lost four of its last five home games to the Kings.
Colorado is coming off a 3-2 shootout win over Vancouver on Wednesday, as captain Joe Sakic scored the tying goal with 14.7 seconds left and added another in the shootout.
Pick: Kings +1 ½
Puck Bucks
Saturday Puck Bucks: Breaking down the Match-ups
ATL/BOS – Off of a 4-0-1 road trip, many expected the Bruins to resume their home struggles upon returning to Boston. However, the Bruins have won each of the first two games of a three game home stand. The Thrashers have lost five straight and have looked like their just going through the motions in a few of their recent games.
PHI/NYI – All of the sudden, Philly is actually heating up again. The much needed shootout win at Buffalo carried some momentum right into the Flyers win over the Senators on Thursday. Philly has revenge against the Islanders and it’s not just the defense of the Islanders that has been hurt as rumor has it the goalie Rick DiPietro is not healthy.
PIT/OTT – Another injury for the Penguins as newly acquired Marian Hossa has already gone down with an injury suffered in his Pittsburgh debut. That’s bad news when you’re taking on a high powered Senators team that is fired up to get their first win since the coaching change.
NJ/MON – After a rock solid run, the Devils have now lost back to back games and the 4-0 loss to the Capitals leaves them especially hungry here. However, the Canadiens have scored four goals or more in five of their last six games. Will Devils goalie Martin Brodeur be up to the challenge?
TB/CAR – This could have been a big battle in the Southeast Division. However, the Canes have since pulled away from the Lightning as Tampa Bay just can’t get over the hump. The Hurricanes were red hot before their home loss to the Rangers in their most recent game. With improved health, the Canes are quite dangerous!
TOR/WAS – The Capitals made some impressive moves at the trade deadline while the Maple Leafs decided to stand pat. Both teams have recently been “play on” teams as they’re each stating their case for the playoffs! Neither Caps goalie, Huet or Kolzig, has fared particularly well against Toronto throughout their careers.
NAS/DAL – The Predators have tried to shore up their offense (hurt by injuries) by making some key acquisitions at the trade deadline. However, the biggest problem for the Preds recently has been the defense and goaltending! 26 tallies allowed over their last five games and now the Predators must face a red hot Dallas team that has suddenly surged near the top in the Western Conference.
LA/COL – The Kings have been playing hard but they still haven’t been able to stop teams from scoring. Facing an Avs team who is getting healthier at the forward spot is not likely to help matters for Los Angeles either. Colorado is poised to go on a tear with their key guys back. Keep in mind that the Avs also got some key defensive help at the deadline with Foote and Salei.
SJ/STL – The Blues have scored a total of just four goals in their last five games. Now they must face the Sharks. The only hope for St Louis is that San Jose might be feeling a little too good about themselves after knocking off Detroit last night.
CGY/PHX – Phoenix has revenge from a 4-1 home loss versus Calgary last month. They also catch the Flames in a tough scheduling spot as Calgary was doing battle with the Stanley Cup Champion Ducks in Anaheim last night. Flames have not been producing much offensive of late but, then again, neither has Phoenix! Tight, low-scoring game very possible here.
VegasInsider.com
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Boston Bruins
- The Atlanta Thrashers and the Boston Bruins will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at TD Banknorth Garden.
The Thrashers were defeated 5-4 in overtime by the Islanders, at -110 odds last time out. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Eric Perrin, Ken Klee, Alexei Zhitnik and Bobby Holik scored for the Thrashers.
Marco Sturm scored twice and Tim Thomas made 28 saves to lead the Bruins in a 5-1 win over the Penguins last time out, as -125 favorites. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Zdeno Chara, P.J. Axelsson and David Krejci had the other Bruins goals. Marc Savard and Glen Metropolit collected a pair of assists in the win.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 5 straight games.
Boston has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 29-31-5
Boston: 34-23-6
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing NY Islanders are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing Pittsburgh are 1-9
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Boston's last 15 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 2
Boston at Washington, Monday, March 3
Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Islanders
- The Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Islanders will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Nassau Coliseum.
The Flyers handed the Senators a third straight defeat with Thursday's 3-1 win. The Flyers won the game as +125 underdogs, while the four goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Jim Dowd, Mike Knuble and Scottie Upshall scored for the Flyers. Kimmo Timonen pocketed two assists in the win.
The Islanders defeated the Thrashers 5-4 in overtime on Thursday, at -110 odds. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mike Comrie potted two goals for the Islanders, while Andy Hilbert and Josef Vasicek rounded out the goal scorers.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 32-25-7
New York: 31-27-7
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing Ottawa are 2-8
After a win are 6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 15 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
NY Islanders are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the NY Islanders last 15 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Islanders are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia at NY Rangers, Sunday, March 2
NY Islanders home to Florida, Sunday, March 2
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators
- The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Scotiabank Place.
The Penguins were dumped 5-1 by the Bruins on Thursday, as +145 road underdogs. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Pascal Dupuis scored the lone Penguins goal, and Ty Conklin allowed three goals on 13 shots before getting replaced by Marc-Andre Fleury.
The Senators lost 3-1 to the Flyers last time out, as -145 favorites on the road. The four goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Jason Spezza scored the lone Sens goal on the power play, and Ray Emery made 31 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
Ottawa has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 36-22-7
Ottawa: 36-23-6
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 4-6
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa's last 8 games
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Atlanta, Sunday, March 2
Ottawa at Anaheim, Monday, March 3
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The division rival Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes are set to renew hostilities on Saturday when they meet at RBC Center.
Dan Boyle scored in overtime on Friday night to give the Lightning a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Lightning had been listed at -110 at home in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).
The Hurricanes were doubled 4-2 by the Rangers last time out, as +110 underdogs. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Erik Cole scored both Hurricanes goals, and Cam Ward stopped 23-of-27 shots in the loss.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 26-31-7
Carolina: 33-29-5
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Carolina
Tampa Bay is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games
Carolina is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games
Carolina is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Pittsburgh, Tuesday, March 4
Carolina at Atlanta, Wednesday, March 5
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals
- The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Verizon Center.
Vesa Toskala gave up three goals on 27 shots in Toronto's 3-2 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night.
The Lightning had been listed at -110 at home in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).
Cristobal Huet made 18 saves for the shutout on Friday night as the Capitals topped the New Jersey Devils by a final score of 4-0.
The Caps were winners as +145 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5).
Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 28-28-10
Washington: 30-27-8
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Calgary are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto home to New Jersey, Tuesday, March 4
Washington home to Boston, Monday, March 3
New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens
- The New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Bell Centre.
Martin Brodeur allowed four goals on 29 shots in New Jersey's 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Friday night.
The Caps were winners as +145 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5).
Tomas Plekanec had a hat trick on Friday night to lead the Canadiens to a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
The Habs got the win as +105 road underdogs on that night, while the combined score went OVER the game's posted total (6).
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
Montreal has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 37-22-6
Montreal: 35-21-9
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-3-1
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Washington are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing San Jose are 8-2
After playing Buffalo are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Jersey's last 12 games when playing on the road against Montreal
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Montreal's last 12 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Montreal is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey at Toronto, Tuesday, March 4
Montreal at San Jose, Monday, March 3
Nashville Predators vs. Dallas Stars
- The Nashville Predators and the Dallas Stars will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at American Airlines Center.
The Predators were doubled 8-4 by the Sabres last time out, as +120 road underdogs. The 12 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jason Arnott scored twice for the Predators, while Jan Hlavac and David Legwand added a power play marker in the loss.
Niklas Hagman had a hat trick and Brad Richards pocketed a career-high five assists Thursday, as the Stars defeated the Blackhawks 7-4. The Stars won the game as -230 home favourites, while the 11 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mike Modano, Loui Eriksson, Trevor Daley and Jere Lehtinen had singles in the win.
Current streak:
Nashville has lost 3 straight games.
Dallas has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Nashville: 32-25-8
Dallas: 41-22-5
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Buffalo are 4-4-2
After a loss are 6-4
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-3-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Nashville's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Nashville's last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Nashville is 4-11-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Nashville
Dallas is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 10 games when playing at home against Nashville
Next up:
Nashville at Edmonton, Tuesday, March 4
Dallas home to Phoenix, Wednesday, March 5
San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues
- The San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Scottrade Center.
Devin Setoguchi scored twice on Friday night as the Sharks pulled out a 3-2 road victory over the Detroit Red Wings.
The Sharks had been pegged as +120 underdogs in that contest, while the combined score was a PUSH against the night's posted total (5).
The Blues were defeated 2-1 by the Coyotes last time out, as -150 favorites at home. The three goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ryan Johnson scored the lone goal for the Blues, and Manny Legace made 26 saves.
Current streak:
San Jose has won 4 straight games.
St. Louis has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 35-21-8
St. Louis: 28-26-10
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Phoenix are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
San Jose is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
St. Louis is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Jose
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
San Jose home to Montreal, Monday, March 3
St. Louis home to Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 4
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche
- The Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Pepsi Center.
The Kings were defeated 5-4 by the Oilers last time out, as +125 underdogs. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Dustin Brown scored a pair for the Kings, while Anze Kopitar and Patrick O'Sullivan had the other markers.
Joe Sakic scored with 15 seconds remaining and potted the shootout winner as the Avalanche defeated the Canucks 3-2 last time out, as +135 road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Andrew Brunette had the other marker for the Avalanche, and Jose Theodore made 29 saves in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Colorado has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 26-35-4
Colorado: 33-26-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Edmonton are 2-8
After a loss are 8-2
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Vancouver are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 7 games
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 11 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games at home
Next up:
Los Angeles at Minnesota, Sunday, March 2
Colorado home to Vancouver, Tuesday, March 4
Calgary Flames vs. Phoenix Coyotes
- The Calgary Flames and the Phoenix Coyotes will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Jobing.com Arena.
Dion Phaneuf had the lone Calgary goal in their 3-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.
The Ducks were winners as -170 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5).
Ilya Bryzgalov stopped 41 shots to lead the Coyotes in a 2-1 win over the Blues on Thursday, as +130 underdogs. The three goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ed Jovanovski and Niko Kapanen scored power play goals to spark the Coyotes.
Current streak:
Calgary has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Calgary: 33-23-9
Phoenix: 33-27-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Anaheim are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games
Calgary is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
Calgary is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing at home against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 9 games when playing Calgary
Phoenix is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Calgary
Next up:
Calgary home to Columbus, Tuesday, March 4
Phoenix at Dallas, Wednesday, March 5