Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Friday, Dec. 12
New York Rangers at New Jersey (7 p.m. EST). The Rangers look to extend their lead in the Atlantic Division against the cross-river rival Devils, who sit in fourth place.
STARS
Thursday
— Petr Sykora and Pascal Dupuis, Penguins, each had hat tricks in Pittsburgh’s 9-2 rout of the New York Islanders.
— Scott Hartnell, Flyers, had a hat trick and Philadelphia staged its biggest comeback in 20 years by erasing a four-goal deficit in the third period to beat Carolina 6-5 in a shootout.
— Dustin Brown, Kings, scored his first NHL hat trick as Los Angeles rebounded from its most lopsided loss of the season with a 6-2 victory over St. Louis.
— Martin St. Louis, Lightning, scored twice and Tampa Bay ended a nine-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over Montreal.
— Craig Anderson, Panthers, stopped 41 shots for his third shutout of the season and Florida won its second in a row to start a five-game road trip, beating Edmonton 2-0.
— Evgeni Nabokov, Sharks, made 31 saves in his first shutout of the season and San Jose won its 10th in 11 games, 2-0 over Anaheim.
THROWBACK COMEBACK
The Flyers staged their biggest comeback in 20 years by erasing a four-goal deficit in the third period and beating Carolina 6-5 in a shootout. Simon Gagne and Mike Richards scored the only goals in the shootout, and Philadelphia matched its biggest comeback since Feb. 23, 1988, when they wiped out a 5-1 deficit against Detroit and won 11-6.
SKID SNAPPERS
Tampa Bay ended a nine-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The Lightning were 0-7-2 since beating Nashville 4-1 on Nov. 21, their only other win in 16 games. Tampa Bay is 2-7-4 since interim coach Rick Tocchet took over for Barry Melrose. … The Coyotes snapped an eight-game losing streak against Minnesota with a 3-1 victory.
SO THAT’S A HAT TRICK
Petr Sykora ended the longest streak in NHL history without a hat trick by a player who had at least two goals in a game, scoring three times to lead Pittsburgh to a 9-2 rout of the New York Islanders. Sykora previously had 38 games with two goals without getting a third, far surpassing the 28 games by Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Murphy.
BY THE NUMBERS
Mike Commodore notched his first goal in 59 games and first with the Blue Jackets. … Eric Staal scored two goals and added an assist in the Hurricanes’ 6-5 shootout loss to the Flyers, scoring his 10th goal of the season and his 300th NHL point. … Sidney Crosby set up three goals in Pittsburgh’s 9-2 win over the Islanders, its first nine-goal game since beating the Flyers 9-4 on Feb. 7, 2001. New York allowed nine goals for the first time since Dec. 19, 2005, against Toronto. … The Panthers are 6-1-2 in their last nine games.
SPEAKING
“It really doesn’t matter what he says, to be honest. We’re in it together and we’re trying to get out of it. Stuff like that is like a fly on your back, you just swat it away.”—Tampa Bay coach Rick Tocchet in response to comments made by Barry Melrose, who was fired as Lightning coach on Nov. 14. In an interview broadcast Tuesday on The Fan 990, Melrose said, “I hope Tampa Bay doesn’t win a game in the next year.”
Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals
The Senators were shut out 2-0 by the Blackhawks last time out, as +145 road underdogs. The game's score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Martin Gerber stopped 28-of-29 shots in the loss.
The Capitals got out to a two-goal lead and held on for a 3-2 victory over the high-flying Bruins on Wednesday, as +105 underdogs. The game's four goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Nicklas Backstrom, Alexandre Giroux and Alexander Ovechkin into an empty net scored for the Capitals. Brent Johnson was solid in net with 33 saves.
Current streak:
Ottawa has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Ottawa: 10-11-5
Washington: 16-10-3
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 6-6-1
After a loss are 4-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Ottawa's last 17 games
Ottawa is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
Next up:
Ottawa home to Tampa Bay, Saturday, December 13
Washington at Montreal, Saturday, December 13
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
The Thrashers fell 3-2 in overtime to the Rangers last time out, as +125 road underdogs. The five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Joey Crabb and Ilya Kovalchuk scored for the Thrashers. Johan Hedberg stopped 30 shots in the loss.
Scott Clemmensen stopped 25 shots on Wednesday, as the Devils defeated the Penguins 4-1. The Devils won the game as a -120 favorite, while the team's played UNDER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Dainius Zubrus and Patrick Elias potted the goals for the Devils. Jamie Langenbrunner pocketed two assists in the win.
Current streak:
New Jersey has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 19-10-2
New Jersey: 15-8-2
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-2-1
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Pittsburgh are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
NY Rangers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
NY Rangers are 13-2 SU in their last 15 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
Next up:
NY Rangers home to Carolina, Saturday, December 13
New Jersey home to Buffalo, Saturday, December 13
Boston Bruins vs. Atlanta Thrashers
The Bruins lost 3-1 to the Capitals last time out, as -115 favorites. That game's four goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Milan Lucic scored the only goal for the Bruins. Manny Fernandez gave up three goals off 25 shots.
Scott Gomez scored just 18 seconds into overtime on Wednesday, giving the Rangers a 3-2 victory over the Thrashers. The Rangers won that game as a -145 favorite, but the five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Colton Orr and Ryan Callahan scored in regulation, and Stephen Valiquette made 27 saves in the win.
Team records:
Boston: 19-5-4
Atlanta: 9-14-4
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Washington are 2-8
After a loss are 7-3
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Next up:
Atlanta at Boston, Saturday, December 13
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres
Vesa Toskala made 26 saves on Monday night as Maple Leafs got past the Islanders by a final score of 4-2.
The Maple Leafs got the victory as -160 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score was a PUSH against the posted total (6).
Thomas Vanek added to his league-leading goal total with a pair on Wednesday, to lead the Sabres in a 4-2 doubling of the Lightning. The Sabres won the game as -190 favorites, and the six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Drew Stafford and Jason Pominville added the other goals for the Sabres, and Ryan Miller made 26 saves in the win.
Current streak:
Buffalo has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 10-12-6
Buffalo: 14-11-3
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing NY Islanders are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Toronto's last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Toronto is 7-16-2 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Buffalo is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Buffalo's last 9 games at home
Next up:
Toronto home to New Jersey, Tuesday, December 16
Buffalo at New Jersey, Saturday, December 13
Detroit Red Wings vs. Dallas Stars
Nicklas Lidstrom scored the OT winner as the Red Wings rallied twice from two goals down to earn a 4-3 win over the Flames on Wednesday, as -220 favorites. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Valtteri Filppula, Henrik Zetterberg, and Brian Rafalski scored in regulation, and Ty Conklin stopped 29 shots in that win.
The Stars lost 5-3 to the Coyotes last time out, as -135 favorites at home. The combined eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Trevor Daley, James Neal and Fabian Brunnstrom scored for the Stars. Marty Turco made 29 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 19-4-4
Dallas: 10-13-4
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Phoenix are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Dallas
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas's last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Detroit at Phoenix, Saturday, December 13
Dallas at Nashville, Saturday, December 13
Florida Panthers vs. Calgary Flames
Craig Anderson stopped 41 shots for the shutout on Thursday, as the Panthers snapped the Oilers three-game winning streak with a 2-0 win. The Panthers won that game as +135 underdogs, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Stephen Weiss and Radek Dvorak scored in that win.
The Flames blew a two-goal lead twice and fell 4-3 to the Red Wings in overtime on Wednesday, as +190 underdogs. That game's seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Craig Conroy, Daymond Langkow, and David Moss scored for the Flames, who twice led by two goals. Curtis McElhinney made 35 saves in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Florida has won 2 straight games.
Calgary has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 13-12-3
Calgary: 16-11-2
Florida most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Edmonton are 1-1-1
After a win are 5-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Florida is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
Calgary is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games
Next up:
Florida at Vancouver, Sunday, December 14
Calgary at St. Louis, Tuesday, December 16
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Colorado Avalanche
Cristobal Huet made 23 saves for the shutout on Wednesday, as the Blackhawks defeated the Senators 2-0. The Blackhawks won the game as a -165 favorite, while the game's score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Patrick Kane and Troy Brouwer scored in the victory.
Cody McLeod netted two goals, as the Avalanche pounded the Kings 6-1 on Tuesday night.
Colorado cashed as -150 home favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 2 straight games.
Colorado has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 13-6-7
Colorado: 14-13-1
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Ottawa are 5-5-1
After a win are 6-4
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Chicago's last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Colorado is 16-5-2 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Colorado's last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games
Next up:
Chicago home to Columbus, Sunday, December 14
Colorado at Detroit, Monday, December 15
NY RANGERS (19-11-0-2, 40 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (15-8-0-2, 32 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 19-28 ATS (-24.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 6-13 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 16-7 (+8.8 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 16-7-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)
OTTAWA (10-11-0-5, 25 pts.) at WASHINGTON (16-10-0-3, 35 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 10-16 ATS (-10.5 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 10-16 ATS (-10.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 12-20 ATS (-16.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 0-5 ATS (-6.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 11-2 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 11-22 ATS (-12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-3 (+7.0 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-3-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)
BOSTON (19-4-0-5, 43 pts.) at ATLANTA (9-14-0-4, 22 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 19-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 26-19 ATS (+52.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 21-10 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-4 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 5-4-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)
TORONTO (10-12-0-6, 26 pts.) at BUFFALO (14-11-0-3, 31 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 183-126 ATS (-3.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
BUFFALO is 4-9 ATS (-10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUFFALO is 4-9 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 10-6-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.5 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
DETROIT (19-4-0-4, 42 pts.) at DALLAS (11-13-0-4, 26 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 124-70 ATS (+16.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 35-26 ATS (+2.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 28-18 ATS (+46.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 41-14 ATS (+13.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DETROIT is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 10-4 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 10-4-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.1 Units)
CHICAGO (13-7-0-6, 32 pts.) at COLORADO (14-13-0-1, 29 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 93-99 ATS (+227.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-3 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-3-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.6 Units)
FLORIDA (12-13-0-3, 27 pts.) at CALGARY (16-11-0-2, 34 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 6-1 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 2-0-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)
NY RANGERS vs. NEW JERSEY
NY Rangers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
OTTAWA vs. WASHINGTON
Ottawa is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Ottawa's last 17 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Washington is 4-6-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Ottawa
BOSTON vs. ATLANTA
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
TORONTO vs. BUFFALO
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Toronto is 7-16-2 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Buffalo's last 9 games at home
Buffalo is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto
DETROIT vs. DALLAS
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Dallas
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas's last 12 games at home
CHICAGO vs. COLORADO
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Chicago's last 25 games on the road
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing Chicago
FLORIDA vs. CALGARY
Florida is 1-4-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Calgary
Florida is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games
Calgary is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Hot teams
-- Devils won three in row, eight of last nine games.
-- Washington won five of its last seven games.
-- Bruins won 17 of their last 21 games.
-- Sabres won last three games: 4-3/4-3/4-2.
-- Red Wings won last four games, all by one goal.
-- Colorado won its last four home games. Blackhawks won three of last four games.
-- Florida won four of its last five games. Flames won five of their last seven games.
Cold teams
-- Rangers are 2-3 in last five games, scoring total of eight goals.
-- Senators lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Thrashers lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Toronto lost eight of its last eleven games.
-- Dallas Stars are 4-8 at home this season.
Totals
-- Last four New Jersey games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 13-3-1 in last seventeen Ottawa games.
-- Seven of last eight Atlanta games went over the total; Bruins' last 12 road games stayed under the total. .
-- Last three Buffalo games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Dallas games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Chicago games went over the total.
-- Under is 9-4 in Florida's last thirteen games.
Series Records
-- Rangers are 13-2 in their last fifteen games against the Devils.
-- Senators lost their last four visits to Washington.
-- Bruins won four of last five games against Atlanta.
-- Red Wings are 10-4 in last 14 games vs Dallas; they beat Stars in six games in Western Conference finals last spring.
-- Blackhawks won four of last five games vs Colorado.
-- Flames won last two games vs Florida, 5-4ot/2-1so.
Friday's best NHL bets
New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils (-125, 5)
The Devils have found their replacement in net until Martin Brodeur is set to come back. Career backup Scott Clemmensen has won seven of his 10 starts and carries a solid 2.19 goals against average into Friday’s contest against the Rangers.
“I don’t know how many more chances I’m going to get,” the 31-year-old netminder told reporters after Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh. “This is mine right here, and I’m going to try and make the most of it.”
The Devils have won eight of their last nine and the players know they have Clemmensen to thank for the hot stretch.
“It’s been great. He’s a guy that has paid his dues,” New Jersey captain Jamie Langenbrunner said. “It’s great to see him get the opportunity and run with it.”
Meanwhile, the Rangers have been floating around .500 since opening the campaign 10-2-1. Captain Chris Drury has only 15 points owns an ugly minus six plus-minus rating in 31 games.
Pick: Devils
Ottawa Senators at Washington Capitals (-150, 5.5)
Looks like all that trade talk finally woke up Jason Spezza. The Senators' forward scored a hat trick last week against Pittsburgh and has five goals in his last four games.
Unfortunately for Sens backers, Spezza and of his teammates weren’t able to light the lamp Wednesday night against the Blackhawks Wednesday night. Chicago won 2-0 and handed Ottawa its second straight loss.
Despite Spezza’s hot streak, Ottawa is tied with Tampa Bay for fewest goals (62) so far this year.
Things have been brighter in the American capital. Washington is six points up on Carolina in the Southeast, it boasts an 11-1-1 record at home and the club just snapped the Bruins’ five-game win streak.
Pick: Capitals -150
NHL FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
by Ron Raymond
NY Rangers vs. New Jersey
When NEW JERSEY team played as Home team as a Favorite - Before a conference game - playing on Friday - Coming off a Home win as a Favorite; The Devils are 12-3-4 SU in this spot since '96.
Prediction: New Jersey 3 NY Rangers 2
Ottawa vs. Washington
When WASHINGTON team Played as Home team as a Favorite - playing on Friday - After a non division game - Coming off a 1 game win; The Caps are 10-3 SU in this spot.
Prediction: Washington 3 Ottawa 1
Boston vs. Atlanta
When ANY NHL Team Played as Road team as a Favorite - Vs Southeast opponent - After a conference game - Scored 1 or less goals FOR in their last game - Coming off 1 under; The Road Fave (BOS) is 23-7-1 SU in this situation since '97.
Prediction: Boston 4 Atlanta 3
Toronto vs. Buffalo
When BUFFALO team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Vs Northeast opponent - After a non division game - Allowed 2 or less goals AGAINST in their last game - Coming off vs Southeast division opponent; The Sabres are 17-3 SU in this spot since '96.
Prediction: Buffalo 6 Toronto 5
Detroit vs. Dallas
When DETROIT Played as road team as a Favorite - During Current Season - Won Last Game by 1 Goals or More; The Red Wings are 7-3 SU in this spot this season.
Prediction: Detroit 4 Dallas 2
Chicago vs. Colorado
When ANY NHL Team Played as Road team as a Favorite - before a division game - After a non division game - With 1 day off - Coming off a 2 game winning streak; The Road Fave is 13-3-7 SU in this spot since '96.
Prediction: Chicago 6 Colorado 3
Florida vs. Calgary
When ANY NHL Team Played as Road team as a Underdog - Vs Northwest opponent - During the month of December - playing on Friday - Coming off vs. Northwest division opponent; The Road Dog is 3-12-1 SU in this situation since '98.
Prediction: Calgary 3 Florida 1