Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Friday, Dec. 19
New York Islanders at Minnesota (8 p.m. EST). The Islanders begin a two-game road trip, trying to end a seven-game losing streak. New York went 0-4 on its last trip.
STARS
Thursday
— Ty Conklin and Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings. Conklin made 24 saves for his sixth NHL shutout and Datsyuk had two goals and two assists in a 6-0 victory over San Jose.
— David Krejci, Bruins, had his first NHL hat trick in Boston’s 8-5 win against Toronto.
— Viktor Kozlov, Capitals, had two goals and an assist and Washington extended its winning streak to five by beating St. Louis 4-2.
— Evgeni Malkin, Penguins, had two goals and two assists in a 6-3 win at Atlanta.
— Loui Eriksson, Stars, scored three goals for the first time in Dallas’ 6-5 shootout win over Columbus.
WELCOME MATS
Mats Sundin finally made up his mind, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. The former Toronto captain ended months of speculation about where he would end up—or if he would even return to play in North America. Sundin had considered retirement following last season, but a number of teams still expressed interest. He narrowed his choices in recent weeks to the Canucks and New York Rangers, who didn’t have nearly enough salary cap space to compete with Vancouver’s lucrative offer.
WELCOME BACK
Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury returned from a five-week absence caused by a groin strain and made 28 saves in Pittsburgh’s 6-3 win at Atlanta on Thursday night. The Penguins had lost four of five and were 5-6-2 since Fleury last played on Nov. 15 in a victory over Buffalo. … Tampa Bay’s Jeff Halpern, playing in his first game of the season after being sidelined by a knee injury, scored for the Lightning, who were beaten 2-1 in a shootout by the Colorado Avalanche. Tampa Bay has dropped 16 of 18.
TWICE BITTEN
The NHL-leading San Jose Sharks lost for the second time in two nights, falling 6-0 to the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings in Detroit on Thursday night. The Sharks (25-4-3) fell at Columbus 2-1 in overtime on Wednesday, but are still on pace to challenge Detroit’s NHL record of 62 wins in a season in 1995-96 and the Montreal Canadiens’ mark of 132 points in 1976-77. San Jose also dropped two straight against Phoenix and Nashville in November.
STATS
The Washington Capitals won for the seventh time in eight games and improved to 13-1-1 at home with a 4-2 victory over St. Louis on Thursday night. … Montreal’s Alex Kovalev scored a goal to reach 900 NHL points, and the Canadiens snapped Philadelphia’s five-game winning streak. Kovalev scored for the second game in a row after going 19 without a goal. The Flyers hadn’t lost in regulation in seven games (6-0-1).
STREAKING
Loui Eriksson posted his first NHL hat trick on Thursday night in Dallas’ 6-5 shootout win at home over Columbus. Eriksson scored five straight Stars goals over a two-game span to match the franchise record set in 1973 by Dan Grant when the team played in Minnesota.
SPEAKING
“We won the hockey game. It was a good goal. They can put up whatever score they want. That player did not try to kick it in. It was a great victory.”— Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock after the Blue Jackets’ lost 6-5 in a shootout to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night. Manny Malhotra had a goal waved off in overtime when officials ruled he kicked in the puck.
Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils
Chris Kelly scored the lone goal for Ottawa in its 4-1 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday night.
Atlanta cashed as +170 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
The Devils scored twice in the third period and came away with a 5-3 win over the Sabres on Wednesday, as +140 road underdogs. The eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Bryce Salvador, David Clarkson, and Brian Rolston scored in that win.
Team records:
Ottawa: 11-13-5
New Jersey: 17-9-3
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-6-1
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing Buffalo are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Ottawa's last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Ottawa is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
New Jersey is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games at home
Next up:
Ottawa home to Dallas, Saturday, December 20
New Jersey home to Philadelphia, Sunday, December 21
Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres
The Kings were defeated 3-2 by the Rangers in overtime on Wednesday, as a -110 pick'em. The combined five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Patrick O'Sullivan and Dustin Brown scored in that loss.
The Sabres fell 5-3 to the Devils last time out, as -160 favorites at home. The combined eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Drew Stafford, Patrick Kaleta, and Paulkd Gaustad replied in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 13-12-6
Buffalo: 15-13-3
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing NY Rangers are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games
Los Angeles is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Buffalo is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 6 games
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Los Angeles at Detroit, Saturday, December 20
Buffalo at Montreal, Saturday, December 20
New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild
Richard Park had a marker and two helpers for New York in its 5-4 overtime loss to Washington on Tuesday night.
Washington won as -165 road favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
The Wild fell 3-2 to the Flames in overtime on Saturday, as -140 favorites at home. The five goals went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (5).
Andrew Brunette and Marian Gaborik scored for the Wild. Niklas Backstrom stopped 27 shots in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 7 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 10-18-3
Minnesota: 15-13-2
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing Calgary are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of the NY Islanders last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games when playing Minnesota
NY Islanders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
NY Islanders at Nashville, Saturday, December 20
Minnesota at St. Louis, Saturday, December 20
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames
Troy Brouwer had two goals and an assist, as the Blackhawks ripped the Oilers 9-2 on Tuesday night.
Chicago won as -115 road favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Todd Bertuzzi scored at 3:48 of overtime to give the Flames a 3-2 win over the Wild on Wednesday, as +120 underdogs. The five goals went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (5).
Daymond Langkow and Craig Conroy scored in regulation for the Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff made 25 saves in the victory.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 5 straight games.
Calgary has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 16-6-7
Calgary: 18-11-3
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Edmonton are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games at home
Calgary is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Calgary is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at Vancouver, Saturday, December 20
Calgary home to Anaheim, Tuesday, December 23
Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers
Chris Kunitz potted the lone marker for the Ducks in their 3-1 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday night.
New York cashed as +135 road underdogs as the teams played under the 5-goal total posted by sportsbooks.
The Oilers were doubled 4-2 by the Canucks last time out as a +140 road underdog. The combined six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Dustin Penner and Sam Gagner tallied, While Dwayne Roloson made 24 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
Edmonton has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Anaheim: 17-12-3
Edmonton: 14-14-2
Anaheim most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Vancouver are 7-3
After playing NY Rangers are 6-6-2
After a loss are 6-4
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Vancouver are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Anaheim's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Anaheim's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Edmonton is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Anaheim
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Edmonton's last 12 games at home
Next up:
Anaheim at Vancouver, Monday, December 22
Edmonton home to Phoenix, Monday, December 22
OTTAWA (11-13-0-5, 27 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (17-9-0-3, 37 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 11-18 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 11-18 ATS (-12.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 17-23 ATS (-16.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 13-21 ATS (-16.6 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 1-6 ATS (-6.5 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 7-6-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.9 Units)
LOS ANGELES (13-12-0-6, 32 pts.) at BUFFALO (15-13-0-3, 33 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 86-126 ATS (-50.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 13-27 ATS (+40.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 38-31 ATS (+77.2 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
BUFFALO is 54-59 ATS (+113.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 10-15 ATS (-12.3 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 14-23 ATS (-21.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 13-21 ATS (-18.2 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 4-10 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUFFALO is 4-10 ATS (-13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 1-0-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)
NY ISLANDERS (10-18-0-3, 23 pts.) at MINNESOTA (15-13-0-2, 32 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 1-7 ATS (-11.0 Units) in December games this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 1-0-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ANAHEIM (17-12-0-3, 37 pts.) at EDMONTON (14-14-0-2, 30 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 13-18 ATS (-14.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 55-57 ATS (-46.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 160-129 ATS (+13.7 Units) after a division game since 1996.
EDMONTON is 25-22 ATS (+51.2 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 73-58 ATS (+142.5 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 5-4 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 5-4-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)
CHICAGO (16-7-0-6, 38 pts.) at CALGARY (18-11-0-3, 39 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 94-99 ATS (+227.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
CHICAGO is 27-16 ATS (+44.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 13-17 ATS (-8.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-4 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)
OTTAWA vs. NEW JERSEY
Ottawa is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Ottawa's last 12 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games at home
LOS ANGELES vs. BUFFALO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing Buffalo
Los Angeles is 1-8-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
NY ISLANDERS vs. MINNESOTA
NY Islanders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
ANAHEIM vs. EDMONTON
Anaheim is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 9 games
Edmonton is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
CHICAGO vs. CALGARY
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games
Calgary is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Hot teams
-- Devils won ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Flames are 9-5 in their last fourteen games. Chicago won its last five games, outscoring opponents 23-7.
Cold teams
-- Senators lost four of their last five games.
-- Sabres lost three of their last four home games. Kings lost four of their last five road games.
-- Minnesota lost its last six games, outscored 16-7. Islanders lost their last seven games, allowing 35 goals.
-- Anaheim lost its last three road games, outscored 8-3. Oilers lost three of their last four games,
Totals
-- Three of Devils' last four games went over the total; three of last four Ottawa games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Buffalo games went over the total.
-- Over is 10-1-1 in last 12 Islander games. Six of last seven Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Anaheim road games stayed under the total; six of last nine Edmonton games went over.
-- Six of last eight Chicago games went over the total.
Series Records
-- Devils won last two games vs Ottawa, both 3-2, after losing previous six games to the Senators.
-- Home side won last two Buffalo-LA games, with Sabres winning 10-2, Kings winning 8-2.
-- Minnesota won its last two games vs Islanders, both by 4-3 scores.
-- Oilers won three of last four games against Anaheim.
-- Blackhawks won their last three visits to Calgary: 3-2so/2-1/3-1.
Stars D Zubov to undergo surgery, out indefinitely
December 18, 2008
DALLAS (AP) -Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov will undergo hip surgery next month and will be out indefinitely.
Zubov, 38, has missed eight games after injuring his hip last month. He also sat out the first 12 games this season while recovering from a preseason hip injury. Zubov ranks third among active NHL defensemen in career assists and points.
Dallas also activated centers Joel Lundqvist and Steve Ott from the injured list and sent left winger Chris Conner to Peoria of the AHL.
Lundqvist, who missed 21 games with a shoulder injury, had one assist in nine games with the Stars.
Ott had sat out 11 games after he broke a bone in his hand. He has two goals, four assists, and 51 penalty minutes this season.
Conner posted five assists in 12 games with the Stars.
Anaheim's Giguere leaves Ducks after father dies
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere has left the Anaheim Ducks to return home to Montreal following his father's death.
Claude Giguere died Monday.
Giguere will miss Friday night's game at Edmonton and will rejoin the Ducks before Monday night's game at Vancouver. In a related move, the Ducks recalled goaltender David LeNeveu from the AHL's Iowa Chops.
Giguere remained on the bench in Tuesday night's 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers, replaced by Jonas Hiller.
NHL FORECAST - DEC 19TH 2008
by Ron Raymond
Ottawa vs. New Jersey
The Senators were embarrassed 4-1 on Tuesday vs. the Atlanta Thrashers, so were getting a bit of line value on the Sens this evening. New Jersey is coming off a big 5-3 win over the Sabres and they have the Flyers on deck on Saturday, so they might be thinking about their big physical division game, instead of the lowly Sens. When OTTAWA team played as a Road team - Before a non conference game - Coming off a 1 game loss - Coming off a 2 game Home stand; The Senators are 8-3 SU in this spot since ?96. Let?s hope the Sens play with Pride this evening and catch a napping Devils team. According to goaliepost.com, Auld will get the nod tonight against Clemmensen.
Prediction: Ottawa 3 New Jersey 2
LA Kings vs. Buffalo
Never like to lay this much money on a team when they aren?t playing well of late; but it?s even tougher to back the road dog (LAK) when they are 1-7 SU against the Sabres in their own Arena. When BUFFALO team played as a home team - playing on Friday - During the month of December - Scored 3 or less goals FOR in their last game; The Sabres are 12-6-1 SU in this role since 1996. When ANY NHL Team Played as Road team as a Underdog - Before a conference game - Last 4 years - Before a non division game - Coming off a 2 game losing streak - Allowed 3 or more goals AGAINST in their last game - Coming off a 1 goal loss; The Road Team (LAK) are 4-19-1 in this spot the L4Y.
Prediction: Buffalo 4 LA Kings 2
NY Islanders vs. Minnesota
The Islanders haven?t won a road game in 6 attempts and the Wild are desperate for a good home win. Neither team are playing well, but the edge tonight goes to the Wild because of Backstrom. When MINNESOTA team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Vs Non Division Opponent - playing on Friday - Scored 2 goals FOR in their last game; The Wild are 7-3-1 SU in this spot since ?01.
Prediction: Minnesota 3 NY Islanders 1
Anaheim vs. Edmonton
The Ducks are 3-12-0 SU in their last 15 trips to Edmonton and the last time the Oilers played at home, they lost 9-2 to Chicago. Having that wound fresh on their minds, they will come out with a better frame of mind this evening vs. a Ducks team they?ve had success against in their own barn. When ANAHEIM team played as a Road team - playing on Friday - Coming off a Home loss as a Favorite; The Oilers are 1-10-1 SU in this situation.
Prediction: Edmonton 3 Anaheim 2
Chicago vs. Calgary
The Chicago Blackhawks are an exciting young team, but they really haven?t beaten a quality team on the road this season. Calgary will be a great test for the Hawks this evening, but team grit will be the key this evening and I look for the Flames to be the more physical team this evening. Watch out for Bertuzzi, looks like he?s having a coming out party of late, as he scored a nice OT winner in Minnesota the other night. When CALGARY team played as a home team - Last 3 years - After a conference game - Allowed 2 goals AGAINST in their last game; The Flames are 14-1 SU in this role the L3Y.
Prediction: Calgary 3 Chicago 2
Ottawa at New Jersey
Ottawa: 6-13 SU after consecutive unders
New Jersey: 6-1 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150
Los Angeles at Buffalo
Los Angeles: 5-0 SU after playing 4 consecutive home games
Buffalo: 4-11 SU after consecutive overs
NY Islanders at Minnesota
NY Islanders: 12-45 SU AWAY after a home game where both teams score 3+ goals
Minnesota: 22-2 SU as a home favorite of -200 or higher
Anaheim at Edmonton
Anaheim: 13-18 SU after a loss by 2+ goals in their previous game
Edmonton: 12-8 SU when playing their 3rd game in 4 days
Chicago at Calgary
Chicago: 27-16 SU after scoring 4+ goals in their previous game
Calgary: 79-101 SU at home when the total is 5.5