In the Crease - Week 15
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com
Lose-ipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have struggled mightly in recent weeks, as both goaltenders Connor Hellebuyck and Michael Hutchinson have struggled in the crease. The Jets have allowed three or more goals in four straight outings, and eight of the past 10. That's a good reason why the 'over' is 7-2-1 in their past 10 overall. The Jets return to action Wednesday night at home against the former Jets, Shane Doan and the Arizona Coyotes. The 'under' is 10-2-2 in Arizona's past 14 road games overall, as they have been struggling to score goals. That might be the cure for Winnipeg's ills. The Jets will be playing their fourth game in six days, and the 'under' is 7-2-1 in their past 10 in the fourth game in a 4-in-6 situation. The 'over' streak will be put to the test.
Hurricane Warning
The Carolina Hurricanes have been unbelievable at home in recent weeks, going 14-1-1 in their past 16 games at PNC Arena in Raleigh. The only setback in regulation came against the New Jersey Devils back on Jan. 3. They also cooled off the Columbus Blue Jackets by a 5-3 score on Jan. 10, and they'll look for another win against the Jackets on Tuesday in Ohio. The Canes will have a big measuring stick game Friday night against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins, and the arena is expected to sold out, or near sold out, reminding diehard Hurricanes fans of the halycon days when they routinely made the playoffs and challenged for Lord Stanley's grail.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday, Jan. 17
The Sabres cross the Peace Bridge and head up the QEW for a date with the division rival Maple Leafs in Hogtown on Tuesday night. The Sabres are just 2-6 in their past eight games against a team with a losing overall record, and they're just 19-58 in their past 77 games in the second end of a back-to-back situation. On the flip side, the Leafs have won eight of their past 10 games overall, and nine of their past 11 againts Eastern Conference foes. The Leafs have won just twice in the past eight tries on home ice, however, and they have struggled against teams with a sub-.500 record. They're 0-4 in their past four at home against teams with a road winning percentage under .400, and 7-21 in their past 28 overall against teams with a winning percentage under .400. The Sabres have won just three of their past 16 trips to Toronto.
The Blackhawks have been contenders for the better part of a decade, mainly because of their ability to take care of the weak opponents. Chicago rises to the occasion against the good teams, but also does not suffer letdowns against clubs. Chicago is 39-15 in their past 54 against teams with a losing overall mark. The Avalanche have won just five of their past 26 games on home ice, and they're just 1-4 in their past five tries against teams with a winning overall mark. The 'Hawks are 4-1 in their past five in Denver, and 4-1 in their past five meetings against the Avs. The road team has also cashed in eight of the past 11 in this series.
Wednesday, Jan. 18
The Penguins and Canadiens do battle at Bell Centre in a possible Eastern Conference Finals preview. If the Penguins are going to achieve those lofty goals, they will need to learn how to win on the road again. They have won just one of their past six away from the Steel City. The Habs, on the other hand, have won 17 of their past 23 games in front of the home fans. While the 'over' has been the predominant trend for both of these teams, the 'under' is 4-0-1 in the past five meetings in Montreal.
The Sharks and Kings renew their Golden State rivalry at Staples Center. The Sharks have managed just two victories in their past seven tries against Western Conference foes, while the Kings are 5-1 in their past six against Western Conference clubs. The Kings are also a perfect 4-0 in their past four against teams with a winning overall record. However, it is San Jose who has dominated this series in recent years, going 6-1 in their past seven trips to L.A., and 7-3 in their past 10 meetings overall with the Kings. The road team is also 10-4 in the past 14 in this series.
Thursday, Jan. 19
The Flames welcome the Predators, looking to stay hot at home. Calgary has won four of their past five on home ice, although they were tripped up 2-1 against New Jersey Jan. 13. The Flames have fared well against the Predators in recent seasons, winning six of the past seven meetings overall, including three of the past four on home ice. However, when these teams skate together it is usually very close, as six of the previous seven outings have resulted in one-goal games.
The Ducks welcome the ice-cold Avalanche to town. In the first meeting on Jan. 12 in Denver the Ducks won 4-1 behind John Gibson. Surprisingly, Anaheim has struggled with Colorado in recent years, losing three of the past five overall. And the Ducks haven't topped the Avalanche at home in regulation since Jan. 22, 2012, winning three overtime games while losing three in regulation since that victory.
Friday, Jan. 20
The Predators will do the Alberta two-step, heading up Route 2 for a Friday night game in the provincial capital. The Oilers haven't been very slick against the Preds lately, losing six consecutive meetings. While Edmonton has displayed a promising young offense this season, they have averaged just 1.0 goals per game in the past six encounters with the Preds, outscored 17-6 during the span. The 'under' is 3-0-3 in the past six in this series.