Betting news, trends, odds and predictions for Friday, March 16, 2018 from various handicappers and websites
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 03-16-2018
16th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Capitals look to match their offensive outburst from the first matchup as they go after a sweep of the home-and-home series Friday night when the desperate New York Islanders pay a visit. Five players recorded multiple points as the Capitals pulled away for a 7-3 victory at the Islanders on Thursday to remain in a virtual tie with Pittsburgh for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Center Evgeny Kuznetsov posted three assists in the win for Washington and boasts 14 points in his last nine games while captain Alex Ovechkin notched an assist to push his team-leading total to 75 points. While the Capitals are battling for playoff position, New York is fading out of contention with just one victory in its last 10 games (1-5-4) and sits 10 points behind New Jersey for the last playoff spot with 12 games left. "We're in a position now where we can kind of allow instincts to take over," Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck told reporters earlier in the week. "We've got nothing to lose in this situation now. I think that sometime promotes a little more confident play. Sometimes, it creates results." New York goalie Christopher Gibson was pulled Thursday after three outstanding starts, which could give veteran Jaroslav Halak the start in the second of the back-to-back.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, Sportsnet, TVA, MSG Plus (New York), NBCS Washington
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (30-30-10): Rookie center Mathew Barzal registered an assist Thursday take over the team lead in points (70) - edging past captain John Tavares (69), who was kept off the scoresheet after accumulating five points in the previous four games. Power forward Anders Lee leads the team with 33 goals and needs one to match his career high that he set last season while Jordan Eberle had an assist to move within a point of 50. Defenseman Ryan Pulock had a goal and an assist Thursday to push his career-best total to 23 points.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (40-23-7): Right wing T.J. Oshie snapped a 19-game goal drought with a pair of tallies Thursday, scoring for the first time since Jan. 31, and owns 14 overall after recording a career-best 33 in 2016-17. Defenseman John Carlson also scored to set a new career high with 13 goals while center Lars Eller registered his 16th of the season to tie his previous best when he was with Montreal in 2011-12. No. 1 goalie Braden Holtby will be in net Friday after sitting out since March 6 to work on his game, following a rough February.
OVERTIME
1. New York LW Andrew Ladd snapped a 25-game goal drought with his 10th of the season Thursday.
2. Washington LW Andre Burakovsky (19 points) ended a seven-game point drought with a goal and an assist last time out.
3. The Islanders went 0-for-3 on the power play in Thursday's game and are 2-for-25 over the last 11 contests.
PREDICTION: Capitals 5, Islanders 3
Dallas Stars vs. Ottawa Senators Preview and Predictions 03-16-2018
15th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Dallas Stars have been chasing Minnesota for third place in the Central Division but a recent tailspin suddenly has left their hold on a wild-card spot tenuous at best. The Stars will try to put an end to a three-game slide (0-2-1) when they resume their six-game road trip with a visit to the Ottawa Senators on Friday night.
Dallas is only one point clear of ninth-place Anaheim after dropping five of its last six games (1-3-2), a swoon that started with a 3-2 overtime loss to Ottawa on March 5. "We need to find more consistency," Stars center Tyler Seguin told reporters following Wednesday's 6-5 shootout loss at Toronto. "We've got 10 games left, 11 games left. ... We need to find some results right now." Ottawa is next-to-last in the Eastern Conference, but is showing no signs of rolling over, ending Florida's eight-game home winning streak on Monday before sinking Atlantic Division-leading Tampa Bay 24 hours later. "We've got to know where we're going and that's why all these games are so important," Senators coach Guy Boucher told reporters. "We've got to make some decisions here and we've got to know what we want to grow here. The guys have got to fit the culture."
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Southwest Plus (Dallas), RDS, TSN5 (Ottawa)
ABOUT THE STARS (38-26-7): Goaltender Ben Bishop was hurt in the loss to Ottawa, forcing Kari Lehtonen to start the past five games. "This is a lot to ask a goalie who has been a backup all year, and he's got to step in and play all these games," coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters. "That's pretty obvious. I mean, it's been a tough go for him. He's like the rest of our team - we're running on fumes right now." Seguin has amassed 17 points in 11 games, including two goals in the setback against the Senators.
ABOUT THE SENATORS (25-33-11): Matt Duchene finally is looking like the player Ottawa was expecting when it acquired him from Colorado earlier this season, piling up eight goals and eight assists over the past 15 games with back-to-back two-point contests. Mike Hoffman made it four consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals after he converted twice in the victory over Tampa Bay. "Each season that's what I expect myself to do, that's why I'm on this team, to put pucks in the net," Hoffman told the media.
OVERTIME
1. Seguin has scored eight goals in 11 games and needs one more to eclipse his career high of 37.
2. Ottawa, which has won three in a row in the series, is seeking its first three-game win streak since Oct. 10-14.
3. Dallas has allowed opponents to convert on 5 of 11 chances on the power play over the last three games.
PREDICTION: Senators 4, Stars 3
San Jose Sharks vs. Calgary Flames Preview and Predictions 03-16-2018
15th March 2018 by Gracenote
The San Jose Sharks have won five of seven to elevate into second place in the Pacific Division, although that run of success only has them five points ahead of the fifth-place Calgary Flames. The Sharks look to strengthen their postseason grip and widen the cushion over the Flames on Friday when the clubs meet at Scotiabank Saddledome.
"We are all watching the standings and there is not much room for error right now," San Jose captain Joe Pavelski said after he set up a goal in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over Edmonton to increase his point total to 10 (three goals, seven assists) in his last seven games. Tomas Hertl capped his two-goal performance by scoring 2:40 into the extra session for the Sharks, who are fending off the other California clubs as well as Calgary. The Flames are heating up with wins in three of their last four following a four-game skid to put themselves within three points of the second wild-card spot. "We need everyone contributing on the ice, off the ice, and in the room," said Calgary captain Mark Giordano, who has three goals and an assist in his last four games.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS California (San Jose), Sportsnet West (Calgary)
ABOUT THE SHARKS (38-23-9): Joonas Donskoi has benefited from San Jose's acquisition of Evander Kane with six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games, but his good luck may have run out after sustaining a shoulder injury following being driven into the boards by Oilers defenseman Ethan Bear during the third period. The 25-year-old Finn, who is slated to play in his 200th career game on Friday if available, scored in San Jose's 3-2 win over Calgary on Dec. 14 and netted the decisive shootout goal in a 3-2 victory over the Flames two weeks later. Fellow forward Timo Meier scored in both of those encounters and has four goals and an assist in his last nine games overall.
ABOUT THE FLAMES (35-26-10): Coach Glen Gulutzan didn't commit to the return of Kris Versteeg to game action versus San Jose after the veteran forward was activated from injured reserve on Wednesday. "I just want to play again," said the 31-year-old Versteeg, who has been sidelined 48 games since undergoing hip surgery. "I just want to be able to help the team. I just want to get in the playoffs." Sean Monahan (undisclosed) is expected to play versus the Sharks despite missing practice on Thursday while fellow forward Matthew Tkachuk will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury.
OVERTIME
1. San Jose RW Mikkel Boedker has 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in the past 14 contests.
2. Calgary's 24th-ranked power play is 1-for-26 in its last eight games
3. Sharks D Brent Burns, who is scheduled to play in his 950th career contest, is mired in a 12-game goal drought.
PREDICTION: Sharks 4, Flames 2
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 03-16-2018
16th March 2018 by Gracenote
The surging Colorado Avalanche look to extend their point streak to double digits and end another team's big run when they host the NHL-best Nashville Predators on Friday night in a matchup of two of league's hottest teams. The Avalanche improved their point streak to nine games (6-0-3) with a 4-1 victory at St. Louis on Thursday and face a major challenge against Nashville, which is 12-0-1 in its last 13.
"That's a playoff-type game, as close as you can get to the playoffs without being there," Colorado coach Jared Bednar told reporters after Thursday's victory. "Our guys played with great urgency, good commitment and intensity. It was far from perfect, but when you play with that type of urgency and intensity, good things will happen for you." Center Nathan MacKinnon remained red hot with two goals and an assist for the Avalanche against St. Louis and has accumulated 10 goals and 10 assists during a 10-game point streak as he prepares to take on Nashville, which has beaten Colorado nine straight times. The Predators rallied in the third period for a 3-2 victory at Arizona on Thursday and have allowed seven goals in their last five outings. Nashville also owns a 13-game point streak on the road (10-0-3) to match a franchise record and haven't lost in regulation away from home since Jan. 2 at Vegas.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Tennessee (Nashville), Altitude (Colorado)
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (46-14-10): The top point producers were all kept off the scoresheet Thursday as rookie Kevin Fiala registered his 23rd goal while center Kyle Turris and defenseman Ryan Ellis also tallied. Turris, acquired from Ottawa early in the season, had three points Thursday and owns nine in his last nine games while center Ryan Johansen played his 500th NHL contest. Right wing Viktor Arvidsson leads the team in goals (26) along with points (52) and defenseman P.K. Subban is next with 50 points, but has been blanked in five straight games.
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (38-24-8): MacKinnon, who boasts 85 points to sit fourth in the league, and his linemates Mikko Rantanen and captain Gabriel Landeskog continue to play like the best trio in the NHL. Rantanan had four points Thursday and owns 10 of his 74 in the last four contests while Landeskog posted three assists against St. Louis and has eight points in his past 11 contests. Bednar said he would speak with goalie Semyon Varlamov on the plane Thursday to make his decision on whether he goes with the veteran again or rookie Spencer Martin on Friday.
OVERTIME
3. Predators F Calle Jarnkrok (16 goals, 35 points) will miss the rest of the regular season with an upper-body injury.
2. Colorado D Tyson Barrie has notched at least a point in eight straight games with four goals and seven assists in that span.
3. Nashville G Pekka Rinne won his 10th straight game with 32 saves Thursday, which could give Friday's start to backup G Juuse Saros.
PREDICTION: Predators 4, Avalanche 3
Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks Preview and Predictions 03-16-2018
16th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Anaheim Ducks are trying to nudge their way into playoff position with 11 games remaining, sitting in fourth place in the Pacific Division and ninth in the tightly bunched Western Conference. That makes Friday's matchup almost a must win for the Ducks as they continue a four-game homestand against the skidding Detroit Red Wings.
Anaheim is two points behind Los Angeles for third in the division and one back of Dallas for the second wild card in the West after ending a three-game slide with a 3-0 win over Vancouver on Wednesday night. "We just worry about us," Ducks goaltender John Gibson insisted. "We can't be looking at other teams and we have to keep ourselves accountable and worry about what we have to do." Anaheim has earned points in 10 of its last 11 home games (8-1-2) as it prepares to face the Red Wings, who arrive in Anaheim riding a season-worst eight-game losing streak (0-7-1). Detroit also has lost seven straight away from home as it makes the fourth stop of a five-game road trip.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet1, FS Detroit, FS West (Anaheim)
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (26-33-11): The one positive for Detroit in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Los Angeles was the return of center Frans Nielsen to the lineup after sitting out the previous three games because of concussion-like symptoms. Nielsen collected an assist on Gustav Nyquist's tying power-play goal early in the third period before a fluke goal and a pair of tallies in the final 90 seconds made the final score deceptive. Nyquist has scored in back-to-back contests after enduring an 11-game goal drought.
ABOUT THE DUCKS (35-24-12): Gibson rebounded from a pair of four-goal outings by turning aside 32 shots against the Canucks to earn his third shutout and improve to 9-3-1 with a league-best .943 save percentage since the All-Star break. "He has always played so good for us and has been good when we have been losing too," said forward Jason Chimera, who collected his first goal and assist with the Ducks since his acquisition from the New York Islanders. Ondrej Kase ended a 10-game point drought with an assist Wednesday.
OVERTIME
1. Anaheim has killed off 26 consecutive penalties at home.
2. Detroit G Jimmy Howard has lost five straight starts but is 10-5-2 with three shutouts versus Anaheim.
3. Ducks C Ryan Kesler has only one assist in the past 14 games.
PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Red Wings 1
Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 03-16-2018
15th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Vegas Golden Knights have been spared the lopsided drubbings that other expansion clubs have endured during their inaugural seasons -- except for their last outing. On the heels of an 8-3 shellacking, the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights look to regain their footing on Friday when they continue their four-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild.
"I was angry after the game. I got home around midnight and had a baloney sandwich and that was that. Move on. Same for our players," Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said after seeing his team dismantled by New Jersey on Wednesday. Erik Haula tallied twice versus the Devils and has three goals in his last two games overall heading into a tilt versus his former team, against which he scored and set up a goal in the first two meetings. Minnesota won both of those encounters with Eric Staal leading the way, as the 33-year-old tallied twice in the third period of a 4-2 victory on Nov. 30 and collected two goals and an assist in a 5-2 romp on Feb. 2. Staal recorded 18 goals and 31 points in a 23-game stretch before being held off the scoresheet in back-to-back losses for the Wild, who are clinging to third place in the Central Division.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), AT&T Sportsnet-Rocky Mountains (Vegas)
ABOUT THE WILD (39-24-7): Captain Mikko Koivu scored his team's lone goal in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to Colorado, boosting his point total to eight (four goals, four assists) in his last eight games. Fellow Finn Mikael Granlund would love that goal production, however the 26-year-old registered just one shot against the Avalanche and seven total over his last six games despite notching four assists. "Maybe we're asking for him to do a little too much. I don't know. The one thing I do know is after almost two years, he will turn it around. He will get better," coach Bruce Boudreau told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (45-20-5): Gallant enjoyed a welcome sight on Thursday as both James Neal (24 goals, 40 points) and goaltender Malcolm Subban (11-3-1) participated in practice, continuing their steps toward returning to game action. "I'm assuming that both will be ready for (Friday). Not 100 percent sure of that right now," Gallant said. Neal, who has missed eight contests, was paired with Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson in practice while Subban is bidding for his first game action since Feb. 2, with Marc-Andre Fleury being tasked to make 18 of the team's last 19 starts.
OVERTIME
1. Minnesota LW Jason Zucker, a Las Vegas native, has been held off the scoresheet in five of seven contests in March after erupting for 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in six games to end February.
2. Subban sports an 0-3-0 mark with a 4.07 goals-against average and .878 save percentage in three career starts versus the Wild while Fleury hasn't fared much better (2-7-0, 3.64, .880) in nine starts.
3. Minnesota Ds Jonas Brodin (one goal, three assists) and Matt Dumba (three assists) have excelled in two encounters versus Vegas.
PREDICTION: Wild 3, Golden Knights 2