Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Nov. 8
New York Rangers at Washington (7 p.m. EST). The Rangers (11-4-1) look to continue their fast start when they visit Alexander Semin and the Capitals (6-4-2). Washington is 10-0-1 in its last 11 regular-season home games dating to last season.
STARS
Friday
— Mark Parrish, Stars, had his sixth career hat trick in his Dallas debut, leading the Stars to a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.
— Jason Williams, Thrashers, scored his second goal of the game 48 seconds into overtime to lift Atlanta to a 5-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
— Michael Leighton, Hurricanes, made 22 saves to help Carolina beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1.
— Bryan Little, Thrashers, had two goals and an assist in Atlanta’s 5-4 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres.
BIG WIN
Peter Laviolette became the winningest American-born coach in NHL history when the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1 on Friday night. Laviolette moved ahead of former Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella with his 240th career victory.
HEY, WHO’S THE NEW GUY?
Mark Parrish had his sixth career hat trick in his Dallas debut and the Stars beat the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Friday night. Parrish signed a one-year deal with Dallas on Wednesday. He played for Minnesota the past two seasons, but the Wild bought out his contract this summer. He signed with a tryout deal with Bridgeport of the AHL on Oct. 22 and had a goal and an assist in three games with the Islanders’ farm club before joining the Stars.
TIMELY LOSS
Kristian Huselius and Derick Brassard scored in the shootout, and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Friday night. It was the first loss for the Canadiens in Ohio since a 2-1 setback against the Cleveland Barons on Nov. 23, 1977. The Habs had beaten the Blue Jackets in their only two previous trips.
SPEAKING
“Those things happen—every year, somebody plays their 400th game, somebody scores their 300th point. If you stay around long enough, something will happen, and I’ve been fortunate and lucky to stay around long enough in this game.”—Peter Laviolette after the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1 to make him the winningest American-born coach in NHL history.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins
The Sabres were upended 5-4 in OT by the Thrashers last time out, as -250 favorites at home. The combined score sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Clarke MacArthur, Maxim Afinogenov, Ales Kotalik and Thomas Vanek scored in the loss.
Blake Wheeler scored a hat trick in leading the Bruins to a 5-2 victory over the Maple Leafs on Thursday, as -165 favorites. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Dennis Wideman and Shawn Thornton had the other markers for the Bruins. Tim Thomas made 34 saves in picking up the win.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 8-2-3
Boston: 7-3-3
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 9-1
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Buffalo's last 8 games when playing Boston
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games on the road
Buffalo is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Buffalo
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games at home
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Buffalo home to St. Louis, Wednesday, November 12
Boston at Chicago, Wednesday, November 12
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Lightning were defeated 5-2 by the Rangers last time out, as +170 road underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5).
Martin St. Louis and Ryan Malone scored for the Lightning. Mike Smith made 30 saves in a losing effort.
The Flyers were defeated 4-1 by the Senators last time out, as +120 road underdogs. The five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Arron Asham scored the lone goal for the Flyers.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 2 straight games.
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 4-4-4
Philadelphia: 4-5-3
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After playing Ottawa are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Tampa Bay is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Philadelphia's last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Philadelphia is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Washington, Monday, November 10
Philadelphia at NY Islanders, Tuesday, November 11
New Jersey Devils vs. Detroit Red Wings
Jamie Lagenbrunner scored the shootout winner to give the Devils a 4-3 win over the Lightning on Wednesday, as -140 favorites. The combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
David Clarkson, Patrick Elias and Jay Pandolfo scored in regulation for the Devils. Kevin Weekes made 24 saves in earning the victory.
The Red Wings defeated Vancouver 3-2 as a -140 favorite on Sunday. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Henrik Zetterberg and Mikael Samuelsson each had a goal and an assist for Detroit, while Chris Osgood made 25 saves in the win.
Team records:
New Jersey: 7-3-2
Detroit: 8-2-2
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Tampa Bay are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-2-1
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Vancouver are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of New Jersey's last 16 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 9 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
Next up:
New Jersey home to Edmonton, Sunday, November 9
Detroit home to Pittsburgh, Tuesday, November 11
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders
The Penguins built up a five-goal lead and held on for a 5-4 win over the Oilers on Thursday, as -170 favorites. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Miroslav Satan and Petr Sykora scored twice for the Penguins, and Max Talbot added a shorthanded marker in the win.
The Islanders were defeated 4-3 by the Thrashers last time out, as +125 road underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jon Sim, Frans Nielson and Trent Hunter scored in the loss.
Current streak:
Pittsburgh has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 7-4-2
New York: 4-8-1
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Edmonton are 2-2-1
After a win are 3-7
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games
NY Islanders are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Next up:
Pittsburgh at Detroit, Tuesday, November 11
NY Islanders home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 11
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Canadiens were upset 4-3 by the Blue Jackets in a shootout on Friday, as -155 favorites on the road. The combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Alex Tanguay and Patrice Brisebois scored on the power play, and Sergei Kostitsyn added the other marker in the loss.
The Maple Leafs lost 5-2 to the Bruins last time out, as +145 road underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Alexander Steen and Mikhail Grabovski scored for the Maple Leafs. Vesa Toskala stopped 30 shots in the loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Montreal: 8-1-2
Toronto: 5-5-4
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Columbus are 6-1
After a loss are 6-4
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 13 games at home
Toronto is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
Next up:
Montreal home to Ottawa, Tuesday, November 11
Toronto at Calgary, Tuesday, November 11
New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals
Chris Drury had three goals as the Rangers upended the Lightning 5-2 on Thursday, as -190 favorites. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5).
Ryan Callahan and Marc Staal had the other markers, and Henrik Lundqvist made 36 saves in the win.
Alexander Semin scored twice as the Capitals defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 as a -155 favorite on Thursday. The combined five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Sergei Federov had the other marker for the Capitals, and Alexander Ovechkin assisted on all three goals. Brent Johnson made 32 saves in the win.
Team records:
New York: 11-4-1
Washington: 6-4-2
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Carolina are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games on the road
NY Rangers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
Next up:
NY Rangers home to Edmonton, Monday, November 10
Washington home to Tampa Bay, Monday, November 10
Calgary Flames vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Flames scored four goals in the first period and went on to defeat the Predators 7-6 on Thursday, as -160 favorites. The 13 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Craig Conroy potted two goals for the Flames, while singles came off the sticks of Rene Bourque, Cory Sarich, Daymond Langkow and Jarome Iginla. Todd Bertuzzi collected three assists in the win.
The Blue Jackets pulled off a 4-3 shootout victory over the Canadiens as +135 underdogs on Friday. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Marc Methot, R.J. Umberger and Fredrik Modin scored in regulation for the Blue Jackets. Steve Mason made 34 saves to post the win.
Current streak:
Columbus has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Calgary: 8-5-1
Columbus: 6-6-2
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Los Angeles are 6-4
After playing Nashville are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Montreal are 0-0-2
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games on the road
Calgary is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Columbus's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Columbus's last 7 games when playing at home against Calgary
Columbus is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Calgary
Next up:
Calgary at Chicago, Sunday, November 9
Columbus home to Phoenix, Wednesday, November 12
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche
The Predators came up short in their comeback attempt, as they fell 7-6 to the Flames last time out. The Predators were +140 road underdogs in that game, while the 13 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Shea Weber had two goals for the Predators, while Martin Erat, Jason Arnott, David Legwand and Vernon Fiddler had the other goals in the loss.
The Avalanche were defeated 3-1 by the Wild last time out, as -130 favorites. The four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Darcy Tucker scored the lone goal for the Avalanche.
Current streak:
Nashville has lost 2 straight games.
Colorado has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Nashville: 6-6-1
Colorado: 5-8-0
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Calgary are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Nashville's last 10 games
Nashville is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Colorado's last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games at home
Colorado is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Nashville
Next up:
Nashville at San Jose, Tuesday, November 11
Colorado at Vancouver, Wednesday, November 12
Florida Panthers vs. Phoenix Coyotes
The Panthers were defeated 3-2 by the Kings last time out, as +115 road underdogs. The five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Anthony Stewart and Nathan Horton shorthanded replied for the Panthers.
The Coyotes were shut out 1-0 by the Canucks on Thursday, as +145 road underdogs. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ilya Bryzgalov made 31 saves in a losing effort for the Coyotes.
Current streak:
Florida has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 4-7-1
Phoenix: 5-6-0
Florida most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Los Angeles are 5-5-2
After a loss are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Vancouver are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games
Next up:
Florida at Anaheim, Sunday, November 9
Phoenix home to San Jose, Sunday, November 9
Dallas Stars vs. San Jose Sharks
Mark Parrish netted a hat trick in leading the Stars over the Ducks 5-2 on Friday as a +140 road underdog. The seven goals made it OVER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Brad Richards and Fabian Brunnstrom potted the other Stars goals. Marty Turco stopped 28 shots in the win.
Ryane Clowe scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner on Thursday, as the Sharks defeated the Blues 5-4. The Sharks won that game as -300 favorites, while the nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Joe Thornton and Rob Blake scored the other markers for the Sharks. Evgeni Nabokov made 25 saves in the win.
Current streak:
San Jose has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 5-6-2
San Jose: 12-2-0
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Anaheim are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Dallas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Jose's last 9 games
Next up:
Dallas at Los Angeles, Tuesday, November 11
San Jose at Phoenix, Sunday, November 9
Minnesota Wild vs. Vancouver Canucks
Niklas Backstrom stopped 35 shots as the Wild defeated the Avalanche 3-1 last time out, as +110 road underdogs. The four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Benoit Pouliot and Andrew Brunette scored for the Wild. Marek Zidlicky pocketed two assists in the win.
Roberto Luongo stopped all 28 shots on Thursday, as the Canucks defeated the Coyotes 1-0. The Canucks won that game as -165 favorites, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Kevin Bieksa scored the only goal in the contest.
Current streak:
Vancouver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 8-3-1
Vancouver: 8-6-0
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing Colorado are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Vancouver
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Phoenix, Thursday, November 13
Vancouver home to Colorado, Wednesday, November 12
St. Louis Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Blues lost 5-4 to the Sharks in a shootout last time out, as +250 road underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Keith Tkachuk, Lee Stempniak, Andy McDonald and David Backes scored for the Blues. Ben Bishop stopped 39 shots in a losing effort.
Dustin Brown scored the game-winning goal in the third period as the Kings got past the Panthers by a final score of 3-2 on Thursday. The Kings won that game as -135 favorites, while the five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Brian Boyle and Tom Preissing on the power play scored for the Kings. Drew Doughty added a pair of assists in the win.
Current streak:
St. Louis has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 5-6-1
Los Angeles: 4-6-2
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing San Jose are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 0-10
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Florida are 4-4-1
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 9 of St. Louis's last 12 games
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games at home
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Los Angeles is 6-14-3 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Next up:
St. Louis at Buffalo, Wednesday, November 12
Los Angeles home to Dallas, Tuesday, November 11
Hot teams
-- Flames won three of their last four road games.
-- Bruins won five of their last six games.
-- Canadiens won eight of their last ten games.
-- Detroit is 8-3 in its last eleven games, with two OT losses.
-- Rangers won five of their last seven games. Washington is 4-1 at home
-- Penguins won their last two games, scoring eleven goals.
-- Sharks won six in row, 12 of first 14 games.
-- Canucks won four of last five games, shutting last two opponents out.
Cold teams
-- Columbus is 1-5 in the game following a win.
-- Sabres lost four of their last six games.
-- Flyers lost four of their first six home games. Lightning lost last two games, allowing nine goals; six of their last ten games went into OT.
-- Toronto lost its last three games, outscored 16-10.
-- Devils lost four of their last six games.
-- Islanders lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Florida lost its last five games, outscored 17-8. Coyotes lost six of last nine games.
-- Avalanche lost their last five games, outscored 21-8. Predators lost last five road games, outscored 21-8.
-- Dallas is 0-4 in game following a win this season.
-- Kings lost five of their last six games. Blues lost their last four games, outscored 17-9.
Totals
-- Last five Columbus games all went over the total.
-- Last four Boston home games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-4 in Flyers' games this season.
-- Four of last five Montreal road games went over the total.
-- Eight of last nine Detroit games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-4 in last dozen Ranger games.
-- Six of last eight Islander games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Florida games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Nashville games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-1-1 in last eleven Dallas games.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in Minnesota's last five games.
-- Last four Los Angeles games all stayed under the total.
Series Records
-- Columbus won five of last seven against the Flames.
-- Sabres won three in row vs Boston, 2-1ot/3-0/3-2so.
-- Lightning won nine of last twleve against Philadelphia.
-- Canadiens lost five of last seven visits to Toronto.
-- Home side won 11 of last 12 Ranger-Washington games.
-- Penguins won five of last seven against the Islanders.
-- Predators won four of last five games vs Colorado.
-- Stars won seven of last ten vs San Jose; they ousted the Sharks in six games last spring, winning Game 6 in four OTs.
-- Minnesota won five of last six against the Canucks.
-- Blues won six of last eight against Los Angeles.
NHL FORECAST FOR SATURDAY NOV 8TH
by Ron Raymond
Calgary vs. Columbus
With 6 games to put first on the Nevada rotation, why do you think the bookmakers put this game first Can you say trap game! The Blue Jackets are playing some great hockey of late and heres the scary part, Rick Nash is being held off the score sheet! The Flames are 4-10 SU in their last 15 trips to Ohio and the UNDER has cashed in 6 of their last 7 meetings at the Nationwide Arena. Plus, don?t let the Flames 7-6 win over Nashville fool you, they led 5-0 in that game.
Prediction: Columbus 3 Calgary 2
Buffalo vs. Boston
Nothing like a good old Adams Division rivalry game on a Saturday night in Beantown to whet the hockey appetite! Sabres might got caught looking ahead last night against Atlanta and Thomas has been a .500 goalie vs. the Sabres.
Prediction: Buffalo 3 Boston 2
Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia
The worst thing about a hockey team is loose cannons and why would the Lightning trade for Steve Downie when it?s obvious Tampa Bay is struggling and to bring somebody on the team who can make things worst with a bonehead plays, can just spiral things out of proportion. Bad trade for Tampa, good one for Philly fans! The Lightning are 1-9 (SU) as a Road Underdog - During the month of November - Total is 5.5 and they are coming off vs. Atlantic division opponent.
Prediction: Philadelphia 4 Tampa Bay 3
Montreal vs. Toronto
From an Original 6 point of view, this is the game of the night, as the Habs are in Toronto and all the media will be there to hype this game on Hockey Night in Canada. From a betting perspective, youre getting good line value on the home underdog and the Leafs have done well vs. Montreal at home; they are 9-6 (SU) in their last 15 games at the ACC and the OVER is 11-2-2. However, the UNDER is where the real value is in this marquee matchup tonight. Montreal doesn?t do well on Saturday road games vs. division foes, as they are 3-11 (SU) in this spot the last 2 years. Toskala and Price steal the show! Yes, Im sorry to say, but this one goes to a shootout.
Prediction: Toronto 3 Montreal 2
New Jersey vs. Detroit
Kevin Weekes is coming off a 4-3 win over Tampa Bay, but here?s the bad news; the Devils are entering a place where they haven?t won since November 6th 1996! Detroit hasn?t played in 6 days and they will be ready to fly tonight.
Prediction: Detroit 4 New Jersey 1
New York Rangers vs. Washington
Too close for comfort these days for the New York Rangers and they are entering an MCI stadium where Washington has won 5 of the last 6 head to head meetings. In fact, the Rangers are 4-11 SU vs. New York in their barn, but they have a goalie who can steal a win on any given night. Henry Lundqvist is 7-2 (SU) vs. the Caps lifetime and the Rangers are 13-4 (SU) as a Road Underdog - During the month of November - Last 4 years.
Prediction: New York 4 Washington 2
Pittsburgh vs. NY Islanders
According to goalipost.com, Sabourin is expected to start tonight, but why wouldnt the Pens start Fleury, hes 7-4-1 vs. the Islanders and the Pens are 6-9 (SU) vs. the Islanders in their building in their last 15 trips. Pittsburgh has yet to break out and the Islanders have a knack of giving up big leads of late.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 5 NY Islanders 3
Florida vs. Phoenix
Lets thank the schedule maker for this one, as the Sharks are playing the Coyotes in this arena tomorrow night, so theres a nice look ahead spot here for Florida. Vokoun is 11-7-1 (SU) vs. Phoenix lifetime and teams are 3-8 (SU) before playing San Jose this season. Great spot for Florida backers here!
Prediction: Florida 4 Phoenix 3
Nashville vs. Colorado
Nashville showed a lot of courage and never quit attitude in their last game vs. Calgary, they were down 5-0 early and lost 7-6. However, they are playing a Colorado team who are desperate for a win and since 96, the Avalanche are 24-5-2 SU at home when the O/U is set at 5.5 and it?s a Saturday game.
Prediction: Colorado 4 Nashville 2
Dallas vs. San Jose
Heres my close my eyes and just bet the Stars game of the night. Dallas is a scary team to bet on this year, due to their firework players like Avery and Ott. When these guys start doing bonehead things on the ice, they cost not only their teams wins, but us bettors some cash! However, Turco finally got the win last night and the Stars are 12-4 (SU) on the road after a 3 goal or more win the last 2 years. Plus, no Nabokov tonight, Boucher gets the call.
Prediction: Dallas 4 San Jose 3
Minnesota vs. Vancouver
Heres a soccer game waiting to happen. You have Backstrom and Luongo between the pipes tonight, so easy UNDER right Im not falling for it, my O/U Parity Calculator ratings index says theres a 71% chance of this game going OVER the total and when MINNESOTA team played as a Road team - Total is 5.0 - After a division game - Scored 3 goals FOR in their last game; the OVER is 10-2-3 since 2001.
Prediction: Vancouver 5 Minnesota 4
St.Louis vs. LA Kings
Finally looks like Legace will be back in nets tonight and the Blues need him big time! Legacy owns the Kings with his 11-3-1 record and check the injury report looks like Kariya is a game time decision.
Prediction: St.Louis 4 LA Kings 3