In the Crease - Week 6

In the Crease - Week 6
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Deserted Island

The New York Islanders head into Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins with just one win over their past seven outings (1-3-3), and 2-5-3 over their past 10 outings. They were blanked Monday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they're averaging just 1.8 goals per game over the past seven games. They dropped a 4-2 decision at Pittsburgh Oct. 27 in their first meeting with the Pens, and they're 1-3-1 over the past two seasons against the Penguins while averaging just 1.4 goals per game.

Montreal Machine

The Montreal Canadiens have dropped their past two road outings, but they have been impenetrable at home. The Habs are a perfect 10-0-0 at home while allowing a total of 12 goals during the impressive span. While that streak is impressive, they also have a unique 0-0-4 record on their past four totals. Carey Price is schedule to start between the pipes Tuesday against the Florida Panthers. Al Montoya is 1-2-1 over his past four starts, while Carey Price is 10-0-0 with a 1.40 Goals-Against Average (GAA) with a .957 save percentage and a pair of shutouts.
Looking Ahead

Tuesday, Nov. 15

The Capitals and Blue Jackets do battle in Ohio's capital city. The 'over' has cashed in 12 of the past 14 meetings in Columbus, and 5-1-1 in the past seven meetings overall. The over is 3-1-2 in Washington's past six games overall, while the 'over' is 5-0-2 in the past seven for the Blue Jackets against a team with a winning percentage over .600. ... The under has cashed in eight in a row for Ottawa, and is 4-1 in their past five on the road and 12-3-1 in their past 16 games against a team with a losing overall record. While the over is 5-1-2 in the past eight home games for the Flyers, the under is 4-1-1 in their past six at home against the Senators and 4-1-1 in the past six meetings overall in this series. Ottawa is 3-7 in their past 10 trips to Philly, and the home team is 6-2 in the past eight in this series. ... Calgary has dropped four in a row heading into Tuesday's game in St. Paul, and they're 1-4 in their past five trips to Minnesota, and 1-6 in their past seven overall against the Wild. The over is 3-1-2 in the past six meetings in Minnesota, and 6-2-3 in the past 11 overall in this series.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

The Penguins and Capitals renew acquaintances Wednesday in the nation's capital. The Caps, who play in Columbus Monday, are just 1-4 in their past five games with zero days' rest. While the Penguins have won five of the past six meetings in this series, the home team is a perfect 5-0 in the past five meetings. The under is 10-4-1 in the past 15 meetings in Washington. ... The home team has won 14 of the past 19 meetings between the Coyotes and Flames. Arizona has won four of the past five in this series, although they're just 2-8 in their past 10 trips to southern Alberta. The under is 5-2-1 in the past eight meetings in the Saddledome, and 6-1 in the past seven meetings overall in this series.

Thursday, Nov. 17

The Panthers and Maple Leafs meet in Toronto for the second time this season. The Maple Leafs won the first meeting at the Air Canada Centre Oct. 27 by a 3-2 score as Fredrik Andersen bested Roberto Luongo. It was a rare win for the Leafs, who are just 3-8 in the past 11 meetings. Toronto is also just 1-4 in their past five games at home against Florida. ... San Jose meets St. Louis for the first time this season. The teams met in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs with the Sharks winning in seven. In five regular season and playoff games in St. Louis, the Sharks won four meetings. ... The Kings host the Oilers in the first meeting this season. Los Angeles swept the five-game series last season, and L.A. is a perfect 9-0 in their past nine home games against the Oilers dating back to Nov. 3, 2011. The Kings have outscored the Oilers 37-13 during the nine-game span.

Friday, Nov. 18

The Flames host the Blackhawks for the third meeting between the teams, and first in Calgary. The Blackhawks blasted the Flames 5-1 in the most recent meeting Nov. 1, while the Flames surprised the Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout Oct. 24 in the first matchup. ... The Rangers invade Columbus Friday night. New York swept all four meetings last season, winning both games at Nationwide Arena by a 4-2 count. The Blue Jackets have lost seven straight in this series since their last win over the Blueshirts Oct. 11, 2014.