Hockey Today
Anaheim at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EDT). The second-place Ducks are just one point ahead of the Stars in the Pacific Division.
STARS
-Alexander Ovechkin, Capitals, scored his league-leading 58th goal and added two assists, leading Washington to its fourth straight victory, 4-2 over Nashville.
-Manny Malhotra, Blue Jackets, scored two goals for the second straight game as Columbus blanked Calgary 3-0.
-Curtis Glencross, Oilers, scored two third-period goals as Edmonton won its third straight and handed Phoenix its third straight loss, 8-4.
-Sean Avery, Rangers, scored twice as New York defeated Pittsburgh 5-2.
SNAPPED
Brad Boyes scored his 38th goal and was the only player to score in the shootout as St. Louis ended a 10-game road losing streak with a 4-3 win over Montreal on Tuesday night.
SHUTOUTS
Backup goalie Fredrik Norrena made 18 saves for his first shutout of the season and fourth of his career as Columbus blanked Calgary 3-0 Tuesday night.
ONE-SIDED
Philadelphia kept hold on eighth place in the Eastern Conference and stopped a four-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over Atlanta on Tuesday night, the Flyers' 10th straight series win against the Thrashers. The Flyers haven't lost to Atlanta since November 2005 and Antero Niittymaki improved to 9-0 against the Thrashers, despite Ilya Kovalchuk's 50th goal.
STANDINGS
San Jose beat Los Angeles 2-1 Tuesday night for its ninth straight win on the road. The Pacific Division-leading Sharks improved to a league-best 26-8-3 on the road and became the first team in NHL history with two road winning streaks of nine or more games in the same season.
SCORING
Alexander Ovechkin scored his league-leading 58th goal and added two assists to give him a league-best 102 points and Washington a 4-2 victory over Nashville on Tuesday night. He became the first Capitals player to record a second 100-point season.
SLUMPS
The Islanders have just one goal over their past two games, losing their sixth straight overall and fifth straight at home Tuesday night, 3-1 to Toronto. The Islanders' 177 goals are fewest in the NHL. ... Nashville lost its fifth straight home game, 4-2 to Washington.
SPEAKING
``It's been painful and everything that could happen, happens. Guys shooting the puck 10 feet wide, it hits somebody and goes in the net. It was just a great effort, though, tonight. It was a great win for us and the mood in there is beautiful.'' - Goalie Manny Legace after the Blues got their first road win in more than a month, 4-3 in a shootout over Montreal on Tuesday night.
Wednesday NHL Gameday
Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils will be looking to knock off the division rival New York Rangers when they battle on Wednesday night. Here is your NHL Gameday . . .
New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
The Rangers collected points in each of their first five games in the month of March, but they hit the skids over the weekend with back-to-back losses to the Panthers and the Lightning. New York is coming off a 5-2 victory over the Penguins on Tuesday, and they'll be trying to improve their shot at a top-four seed by beating the Devils on Wednesday.
New Jersey is gunning for a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference, and they've managed to win five of their past six games (losing only to Montreal last Tuesday). The Devils beat the Avalanche 4-2 last time out on Saturday, with Brodeur stopping 24 of 26 Colorado shots. Jay Pandolfo and Brian Gionta each had two points apiece that night.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres
The Lightning are well out of contention for an Eastern playoff berth, so they'll be trying to avoid rolling over when they meet the Sabres on Wednesday. Tampa Bay lost each of their first five games in March, but they've actually bounced back with victories in their last three games. Mike Smith had a 20-save shutout in their win over the Rangers.
Buffalo is still chasing the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, and they'll have to overtake the Flyers, Bruins, or Rangers to advance to the postseason next month. The Sabres have lost five of their eight games in the month of March, but their offense came alive big-time over the weekend with 7-1 and 6-2 wins over Carolina and Toronto.
Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars
The Ducks, Stars, and Sharks are engaged in a three-way battle for top spot in the Pacific Division, and the losers of that race could end up playing each other in the first round of the postseason. Anaheim beat St. Louis 5-2 on Saturday, but they'll be without star defenseman Chris Pronger for the next couple of weeks because of a suspension.
Dallas could have run away with the Pacific Division title if they hadn't gone in the tank this month. The Stars have played six games in March, and they've lost all but one of them (blanking the Avs 3-0 on March 9). Dallas fell 5-3 to the Red Wings last Thursday, and they were edged 4-3 by Roberto Luongo and the Canucks in their Saturday outing.
Minnesota Wild at San Jose Sharks
The Wild broke out of a slump over the past few days, getting past the Kings 2-0 on Saturday and the Avalanche 3-1 on Monday. Minnesota had gone 0-2-3 over their previous five games to lose some ground in the Northwest Division standings. Niklas Backstrom made 29 saves versus the Avs, while Brent Burns had a goal and an assist.
The Sharks had their lengthy winning streak snapped on Sunday when they fell 2-1 to the Oilers. San Jose had previously won all seven of their March outings to move into top spot in the Pacific Division. The Sharks will now be trying to hold off the Ducks and Stars in the division, and they have an outside shot at catching Detroit in the conference.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Atlanta Thrashers
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Wednesday when the Carolina Hurricanes and the Atlanta Thrashers meet at Philips Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Hurricanes defeated 5-1 as a +120 underdog last time out. The six goals scored caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (6).
Joe Corvo scored a hat trick for Carolina and Eric Staal had three assists in the win.
The Thrashers fell 3-2 to the Flyers last time out, as +180 road underdogs. The five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Chris Thorburn and Ilya Kovalchuk scored for the Thrashers.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Carolina: 39-30-5
Atlanta: 31-36-8
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-5-2
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Ottawa are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against Carolina
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Next up:
Carolina at Florida, Thursday, March 20
Atlanta home to Washington, Friday, March 21
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
- The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Prudential Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Sean Avery scored twice and Henrik Lundqvist made 20 saves on Tuesday, as the Rangers defeated the Penguins 5-2. The Rangers won the game as -140 favorites, while the seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ryan Callahan, Fredrik Sjostrom and Martin Straka potted the other markers.
The Devils scored twice in the third period Saturday, to defeat the Avalanche 4-2 as +120 underdogs. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5).
Dainius Zubrus, Jay Pandolfo, Jamie Langenbrunner and John Madden tallied for the Devils. Martin Brodeur made 24 saves for the win.
Current streak:
New Jersey has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 38-26-9
New Jersey: 42-24-6
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 7-3
After playing Pittsburgh are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-6-1
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Colorado are 4-4-1
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
NY Rangers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing New Jersey
NY Rangers are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
Next up:
NY Rangers at Philadelphia, Friday, March 21
New Jersey home to NY Islanders, Friday, March 21
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres
- The fans at HSBC Arena will be treated to a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Buffalo Sabres when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Mike Smith stopped 20 shots to earn the shutout as the Lightning defeated the New York Rangers 3-0 on Saturday night.
Tampa Bay cashed as +125 home underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Jason Pominville and Jochen Hecht each had a goal and two assists as the Sabres cruised past the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2 on Saturday night.
Buffalo won as -140 road favorites as the teams played over the 6-goal total posted by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has won 3 straight games.
Buffalo has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 29-35-8
Buffalo: 34-28-11
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Colorado are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Buffalo's last 12 games
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Buffalo's last 9 games at home
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 20
Buffalo home to Toronto, Friday, March 21
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings
- The fans at Joe Louis Arena will be treated to a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Blue Jackets allowed just 16 shots on Tuesday, as they shut out the Flames 3-0. The Blue Jackets won the game as +110 underdogs, while the three goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Manny Malhotra had two goals, while Rick Nash had a goal and two assists for the Blue Jackets. Fredrick Norrena posted the shutout in net.
The Red Wings lost to Columbus 4-3 as a -150 favorite last time out. The seven goals score went OVER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Johan Franzen scored two goals for Detroit, while Dominik Hasek stopped only 6-of-10 shots before getting the hook.
Current streak:
Columbus has won 2 straight games.
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Columbus: 33-29-11
Detroit: 47-20-6
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 3-7
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Columbus are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Columbus's last 9 games when playing Detroit
Columbus is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Columbus
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Columbus
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Detroit at Nashville, Thursday, March 20
Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars
- The fans at American Airlines Center will be treated to a game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Dallas Stars when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Rob Niedermayer netted two goals to lead the Ducks to a 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night.
Anaheim won as -250 home favorites as the teams played over the 5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Mike Modano, Brad Richards, and Joel Lundqvist potted goals for Dallas in its 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.
Vancouver upset Dallas as +140 road underdogs as the teams played over the 5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Anaheim has won 2 straight games.
Dallas has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Anaheim: 41-25-8
Dallas: 42-27-5
Anaheim most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing San Jose are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-2-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Vancouver are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Anaheim is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Anaheim's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Anaheim is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Anaheim
Dallas is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games
Next up:
Anaheim at San Jose, Friday, March 21
Dallas home to Los Angeles, Saturday, March 22
Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
- The Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at United Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Alexander Ovechkin scored a goal and added two assists, as the Capitals doubled the Predators 4-2 last time out. The Capitals won the game as +110 road underdogs, while the six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and Matt Bradley had the other markers for the Capitals.
The Blackhawks lost to Calgary 4-2 as a +100 underdog last time out. The six goals scored went OVER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Jonathan Toews and Robert Lang scored for Chicago and Patrick Lalime stopped 19-of-22 shots in the loss.
Current streak:
Washington has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 36-30-8
Chicago: 34-32-7
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-4-1
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Nashville are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Calgary are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Chicago
Washington is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing Washington
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Chicago is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington at Atlanta, Friday, March 21
Chicago at Nashville, Saturday, March 22
Minnesota Wild vs. San Jose Sharks
- The Minnesota Wild and the San Jose Sharks will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at HP Pavilion.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Niklas Backstrom stopped 29 shots to help the Wild defeated the Avalanche 3-1 last time out, as -125 favorites. The Wild won the game as -125 favorites, while the four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5).
Brent Bruns, Branko Radivojevic and Stephane Veilleux scored for the Wild.
Brian Boucher made 29 saves to help the Sharks defeat the Kings 2-1 last time out, as -175 favorites. The three goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Joe Thornton and Patrikc Rissmiller scored for the Sharks.
Current streak:
Minnesota has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 39-26-8
San Jose: 43-21-9
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 3-3-2
After playing Colorado are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Los Angeles are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
San Jose is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
San Jose is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
Minnesota at Vancouver, Friday, March 21
San Jose home to Anaheim, Friday, March 21
NHL – Trend Sheet
CAROLINA vs. ATLANTA
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against Carolina
NY RANGERS vs. NEW JERSEY
NY Rangers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 10 games
TAMPA BAY vs. BUFFALO
Tampa Bay is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Buffalo's last 12 games
COLUMBUS vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games on the road
Columbus is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Columbus
ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS
Anaheim is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Anaheim
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
WASHINGTON vs. CHICAGO
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
MINNESOTA vs. SAN JOSE
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
San Jose is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
San Jose is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home