Hockey Today
Pittsburgh at New Jersey (7 p.m. EDT). The Devils have lost three in a row (0-2-1) and scored only three goals against the Atlantic Division-leading Penguins this season.
STARS
-Andrei Kostitsyn, Canadiens, scored two first-period goals as Montreal clinched a playoff berth with a 7-5 win over Ottawa.
-Andrew Cogliano, Oilers, scored two goals to lead Edmonton to a 5-3 victory over Minnesota.
-Bill Guerin, Islanders, had a goal and assist as the Islanders defeated Pittsburgh 4-1.
MISSING
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby sat out his sixth straight game and 27th in 30 Monday night because of a sprained right ankle, but is close to returning - perhaps on Tuesday against New Jersey. Pittsburgh, 15-8-4 without him, lost 4-1 to the Islanders, who snapped a five-game home losing streak.
SHUTOUTS
Jose Theodore made 24 saves for his third shutout of the season and 26th of his career, snapping Colorado's four-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Calgary on Monday night.
STANDINGS
Montreal, which was eliminated from playoff contention last season with a loss in Toronto in the final regular-season game, lead the Eastern Conference with 96 points following Monday night's 7-5 victory over Ottawa.
SPEAKING
``I hope every team takes us a little bit for granted. We have a feisty group in here.'' - Islanders goalie Wade Dubielewicz, who made 28 saves in a 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh on Monday night that prevented the Penguins from clinching a playoff berth.
Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek has flu, expected to miss game at St. Louis
March 24, 2008
DETROIT (AP) -Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek has the flu and is expected to miss Tuesday's road game against the St. Louis Blues.
The Red Wings on Monday recalled goalie Jimmy Howard on an emergency basis from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. Howard is expected to travel with the team to St. Louis.
Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres
- If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Tuesday when the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres meet at HSBC Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Senators lost 7-5 to the Canadiens last time out, as +115 road underdogs. The 12 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Dany Heatley scored twice, while Antoine Vermette, Martin Lapointe and Cory Stillman replied with singles for the Senators.
Thomas Vanek had the lone Buffalo goal in their 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night.
The Leafs were winners as +165 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (6).
Current streak:
Ottawa has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Ottawa: 41-28-7
Buffalo: 35-29-11
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-3-1
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Montreal are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Colorado are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Ottawa is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Buffalo
Ottawa is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Buffalo's last 11 games at home
Buffalo is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Buffalo at Ottawa, Thursday, March 27
Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers
- If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Tuesday when the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers meet at Madison Square Garden.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Flyers defeated the Islanders 4-1 as a -230 favorite last time out. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Daniel Briere had a goal and two assists for Philadelphia, while Martin Biron made 32 saves in the win.
Stephen Valiquette made 27 saves in New York's 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night.
The Flyers were winners as -115 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 38-28-10
New York: 39-26-10
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing NY Islanders are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 7-3
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
Philadelphia is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games
NY Rangers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home
NY Rangers are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 8 games
NY Rangers are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games
Next up:
Philadelphia at New Jersey, Friday, March 28
NY Rangers home to New Jersey, Thursday, March 27
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes will meet on the ice at RBC Center on Tuesday in a battle of division rivals.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Alexander Ovechkin scored twice on Friday to lead the Capitals to a 5-3 comeback victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.
The Caps got the win as -175 road favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
The Hurricanes scored twice in the shootout Thursday, as they defeated the Panthers 2-1. The Hurricanes won the game as +140 road underdogs, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Trevor Letowski scored in regulation for the Hurricanes, and Cam Ward stopped 36 shots in the win.
Current streak:
Carolina has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 37-31-8
Carolina: 41-30-5
Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-6-1
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-3-2
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Carolina is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Carolina is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington at Tampa Bay, Thursday, March 27
Carolina home to Atlanta, Friday, March 28
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New Jersey Devils
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Tuesday when the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils meet at Prudential Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Penguins lost 4-1 to the Islanders on Monday, as -200 favorites on the road. The five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Petr Sykora scored the lone goal for the Penguins, and Ty Conklin made 32 saves in the loss.
The Devils were pounded 7-1 by the Penguins last time out, as +140 road underdogs. The eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5).
Brian Gionta scored the only Devils goal shorthanded, and Martin Brodeur was replaced in net after allowing four goals off 19 shots.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 43-26-7
New Jersey: 42-26-7
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Ottawa are 3-7
After playing NY Islanders are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-4-1
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Pittsburgh are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing New Jersey
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Jersey's last 13 games
New Jersey is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Pittsburgh
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Pittsburgh home to NY Islanders, Thursday, March 27
New Jersey at NY Rangers, Thursday, March 27
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
- The Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at St. Pete Times Forum.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Tomas Vokoun made 35 saves and Nathan Horton had two goals as the Panthers defeated the Lightning 4-2 last time out, as -180 favorites. The six goals went OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jay Bouwmeester and Olli Jokinen had the other markers in the win.
The Lightning were doubled 4-2 by the Panthers as a +160 underdog on Saturday. The six goals went OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Junior Lessard and Mathieu Darche tallied in the loss.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 36-31-9
Tampa Bay: 29-38-8
Florida most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games on the road
Florida is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games when playing Florida
Next up:
Florida home to Atlanta, Thursday, March 27
Tampa Bay home to Washington, Thursday, March 27
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Tuesday when the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs meet at Air Canada Centre.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Bruins were swept in their season-series with the Canadiens with Saturday's 3-2 loss at the Bell Centre. The Bruins were listed as +160 underdogs, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Marc Savard and Petteri Nokelainen scored for the Bruins, who have lost 11 straight overall to the Canadiens.
The Maple Leafs erased a two-goal deficit to defeat the Senators 5-4 on Saturday, as +21- underdogs. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Kyle Wellwood, Alexander Steen, Darcy Tucker, Jiri Tlusty and Matt Stajan scored in the win. Alexei Ponikarovsky and Pavel Kubina had two assists apiece for the Leafs.
Current streak:
Boston has lost 3 straight games.
Toronto has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 37-28-10
Toronto: 35-31-10
Boston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-4-1
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Montreal are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-5-1
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Ottawa are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Toronto's last 21 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Toronto at Boston, Thursday, March 27
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Nashville Predators
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Tuesday when the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Nashville Predators meet at Sommet Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Blue Jackets lost 4-1 to the Red Wings on Saturday, as +145 underdogs at home. The five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Rich Nash scored the lone Blue Jackets goal.
Alexander Radulov potted the winner in the shootout as the Predators got by the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 on Saturday.
Nashville cashed as -150 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Columbus has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Columbus: 33-31-11
Nashville: 37-31-8
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-4-1
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-4-1
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Columbus's last 12 games when playing Nashville
Columbus is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Columbus is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Columbus
Nashville is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Nashville's last 12 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games
Next up:
Columbus home to Chicago, Wednesday, March 26
Nashville at Columbus, Friday, March 28
Detroit Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues
- The division rival Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues are set to renew hostilities on Tuesday when they meet at Scottrade Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Red Wings won their third straight with a 4-1 win over the Blue Jackets on Saturday, as -165 underdogs. The five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg scored power play markers, while Pavel Datsyuk scored shorthanded and pocketed two assists in the win. Johan Franzen had the other Red Wings goal.
The Blues lost to Chicago 4-3 in overtime as a +135 underdog last time out. The seven goals scored went OVER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Lee Stempniak, D.J. King and Keith Tkachuk all scored for St. Louis in the loss.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 3 straight games.
St. Louis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 50-20-6
St. Louis: 30-33-12
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Columbus are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Detroit is 12-4-1 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games
Next up:
St. Louis at Detroit, Friday, March 28
Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames
- The Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames will meet on the ice at Pengrowth Saddledome on Tuesday in a battle of division rivals.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Sami Salo had the lone Vancouver marker in their 2-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Friday night.
The Wild had been listed at -110 on the road in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5).
The Flames were shutout 2-0 by the Avalanche last time out, as +120 underdogs. The two goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jordan Leopold and Milan Hejduk scored for the Avlanche.
Team records:
Vancouver: 38-27-10
Calgary: 39-27-10
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 9-1
After a loss are 5-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Colorado are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Vancouver is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games at home
Calgary is 6-15-2 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Calgary is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver
Next up:
Vancouver at Colorado, Wednesday, March 26
Calgary home to Edmonton, Saturday, March 29
San Jose Sharks vs. Phoenix Coyotes
- The San Jose Sharks and the Phoenix Coyotes will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Jobing.com Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Jeremy Roenick potted the game-winning goal on Friday as the Sharks edged the visiting Anaheim Ducks by a final score of 2-1.
The Sharks were winners as -150 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5).
The Coyotes lost 2-1 to the Ducks last time out, as a -110 pik'em. The three goals were UNDER the night's posted over/under (5).
Ed Jovanovski scored the Coyotes only goal.
Current streak:
San Jose has won 3 straight games.
Phoenix has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 45-21-9
Phoenix: 36-34-6
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-2-1
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Anaheim are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-4-2
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Anaheim are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
San Jose is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against San Jose
Phoenix is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
Phoenix is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Jose
Next up:
San Jose home to Dallas, Thursday, March 27
Phoenix at Los Angeles, Thursday, March 27
Tuesday NHL Gameday
Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals will continue their late playoff push on Tuesday night when they play the Carolina Hurricanes. Here's your NHL Gameday
Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes
The Capitals have won five of their past six games to move within striking distance of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Washington knocked off the Thrashers 5-3 last time out on Friday night, with Ovechkin picking up his 59th and 60th goals of the campaign in the contest. Nicklas Backstrom had two goals and an assist on that night.
The Hurricanes have won eight of their nine games so far in the month of March, and they have a five-point lead on the Capitals for top spot in the Southeast Division. Carolina can pretty much lock up first place in the division with a win on Tuesday. The Canes are coming off a 2-1 shootout win over Florida, with Cam Ward making 36 saves.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils
The Penguins will be looking to dominate the Devils again when they meet on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh pounded their division rival 7-1 last Saturday, with Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Malone each scoring twice in that contest. Marian Hossa pitched in with three assists in that victory, which vaulted the Penguins into first place in the Atlantic Division.
The Devils have lost each of their past three games to take a tumble down the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division standings. Martin Brodeur was pulled after allowing four goals on 19 shots against Pittsburgh last week, and he'll be looking for a better result on Tuesday. Brian Gionta's shorthanded goal was the team's only marker.
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers
The Flyers helped their playoff chances by knocking off the Rangers 4-3 in a shootout last Friday. Philadelphia had taken a 2-0 lead in that contest, but New York managed to tie up the game in the third period and force the extra time. Daniel Briere potted two goals in that big win, while Martin Biron managed to stop 23 of the 26 New York shots.
The Rangers haven't played since that shootout loss on Friday, but they've managed to pick up points in eight of their 10 games so far in the month of March. That's allowed New York to get comfortable in the Top 8 of the Eastern Conference standings, and a strong series of results over the last couple of weeks could move them into the Top 4.
San Jose Sharks at Phoenix Coyotes
The Sharks have gone 10-0-1 in the month of March, and they're now looking like a good bet to win the Pacific Division and end up with the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. San Jose got past rival Anaheim 2-1 on Friday, with Jeremy Roenick scoring the game-winning goal in the third period. Evgeni Nabokov made just 12 saves.
The Coyotes looked like they had an outside chance of making the playoffs a couple of months ago, but a 3-6-1 record over their past 10 games has knocked them out of contention for a berth. Phoenix hasn't won since beating Vancouver 2-0 back on March 13, and they fell 2-1 to Anaheim on Saturday with Ed Jovanovski scoring their only goal.
