NHL News and Notes Saturday 12/13

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Pascal Dupuis and Petr Sykora both scored hat tricks in leading the Penguins to a 9-2 trashing of the Islanders on Thursday, as -240 favorites. The 11 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Miroslav Satan, Philippe Boucher and Evgeni Malkin potted the other markers for the Penguins. Sidney Crosby collected three assists in the win.

The Flyers scored four times in the third period to send the game into overtime before coming away with a 6-5 win over the Hurricanes in a shootout on Thursday. The Flyers won that game as -160 favorites, while the combined scored sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Scott Hartnell netted a hat trick for the Flyers, and singles came off the sticks of Scottie Upshall and Simon Gagne.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Pittsburgh: 16-9-4
Philadelphia: 15-7-6

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing NY Islanders are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Carolina are 2-8
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Pittsburgh's last 20 games when playing Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 11 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Philadelphia's last 20 games when playing Pittsburgh

Next up:
Pittsburgh at Atlanta, Thursday, December 18
Philadelphia home to Colorado, Tuesday, December 16

Minnesota Wild vs. Los Angeles Kings

The Wild were defeated 3-1 by the Coyotes last time out, as -120 favorites. The game's four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5).

Antti Miettinen scored the only goal for the Wild. Niklas Backstrom stopped 29 shots in the loss.

Dustin Brown scored a hat trick on Thursday, as the Kings defeated the Blues 6-2. The Kings won that game as -160 favorites, while the eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Anze Kopitar scored a pair of goals for the Kings, and Alexander Frolov added the other marker in the win.

Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Minnesota: 15-11-1
Los Angeles: 12-12-4

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 17 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Los Angeles's last 17 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games at home

Next up:
Minnesota at Anaheim, Sunday, December 14
Los Angeles home to San Jose, Monday, December 15

Atlanta Thrashers vs. Boston Bruins

The Thrashers were dumped 7-3 by the Bruins last time out, as +160 underdogs. The game's 10 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Todd White, Slava Kozlov, and Boris Valabik replied in the loss.

The Bruins exploded for four goals in the opening period of Friday's 7-3 win over the Thrashers. The Bruins won the game as -180 favorites, and the 10 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Phil Kessel had a goal and two assists, while Mark Stuart potted two goals in the win. Michael Ryder, Stephane Yelle, Zdeno Chara, and Milan Lucic also scored in that victory.

Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Atlanta: 9-15-4
Boston: 20-5-4

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-7-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
Atlanta is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games at home

Next up:
Atlanta at Ottawa, Tuesday, December 16
Boston home to Toronto, Thursday, December 18

Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils

The Sabres were upset 2-1 by the Maple Leafs on Friday, as -165 favorites. The team's played UNDER the night's posted over/under (6).

Toni Lydman scored the lone marker, and Ryan Miller made 31 saves in a losing effort.

The Devils won their fourth straight by outlasting the Rangers 8-5 as a -130 favorite on Friday. The 13 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5).

Travis Zajac scored twice for the Devils, while singles came off the sticks of Jay Pandolfo, Johnny Oduya, Dainius Zubrus, Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta and Jamie Langenbrunner.

Current streak:
New Jersey has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Buffalo: 14-12-3
New Jersey: 16-8-2

Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing NY Rangers are 4-6
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Buffalo's last 13 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games on the road
Buffalo is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
New Jersey is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
New Jersey is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Buffalo

Next up:
New Jersey at Toronto, Tuesday, December 16

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators

The Lightning snapped a nine-game losing skid with a 3-1 win over the Canadiens on Thursday, as +220 road underdogs. The four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Martin St. Louis scored twice for the Lightning, and Vincent Lecavalier potted the other marker. Olaf Kolzig stopped 31 shots in the win.

The Senators lost their third straight in a 5-1 loss to Washington on Friday, as +145 road underdogs. The game's six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Jesse Winchester had the only goal in that loss.

Current streak:
Ottawa has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Tampa Bay: 7-14-8
Ottawa: 10-12-5

Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Montreal are 3-7
After a win are 3-7

Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Tampa Bay is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Ottawa is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 9 games at home

Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Colorado, Thursday, December 18
Ottawa home to Atlanta, Tuesday, December 16

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers

The Hurricanes fell 6-5 to the Flyers in a shootout last time out, as +140 underdogs. The combined scored sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Eric Staal had a pair of goals for the Hurricanes, while Matt Cullen, Sergei Samsonov and Joni Pitkanen.

The Rangers were defeated 8-5 by the Devils on Friday, as +110 road underdogs. That game's 13 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5).

Markus Naslund, Nikolai Zherdev, Scott Gomez, Paul Mara, and Ryan Callahan scored in the loss.

Team records:
Carolina: 13-12-4
New York: 19-11-2

Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6

New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of the NY Rangers last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 8 games when playing Carolina
NY Rangers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Carolina

Next up:
Carolina home to Montreal, Tuesday, December 16
NY Rangers at Anaheim, Tuesday, December 16

New York Islanders vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Islanders were pounded 9-2 by the Penguins last time out, as +200 road underdogs. The 11 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Mark Streit and Andy Sutton scored in the loss.

Jakub Voracek scored the shootout winner on Thursday, as the Blue Jackets defeated the Predators 2-1. The Blue Jackets won the game as -125 favorites, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Martin Erat and Joel Ward scored in regulation for the Blue Jackets. Steve Mason made 25 saves in the win.

Current streak:
New York has lost 5 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 10-17-2
Columbus: 12-13-3

New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Pittsburgh are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Columbus most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Nashville are 6-4
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of the NY Islanders last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 9 games when playing Columbus
NY Islanders are 2-6-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games at home
Columbus is 4-0-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Columbus is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Islanders

Next up:
NY Islanders home to Washington, Tuesday, December 16
Columbus at Chicago, Sunday, December 14

Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens

Alexander Ovechkin scored twice as the Capitals cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Senators last time out, as -165 favorites. The game's six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Alexander Semin, Brooks Laich, and Mike Green also tallied, while Brent Johnson stopped 32 shots for the win.

The Canadiens dropped a 3-1 decision to the Lightning last time out,as -270 favorites. That game's four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Patrice Brisebois scored on the power play in the loss.

Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Washington: 17-10-3
Montreal: 16-7-5

Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Ottawa are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Carolina are 5-5
After playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Montreal's last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Montreal's last 11 games at home
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

Next up:
Washington at NY Islanders, Tuesday, December 16
Montreal at Carolina, Tuesday, December 16

Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators

Marty Turco made 37 saves as the Stars defeated the Red Wings 3-1 on Friday, as +150 underdogs. The four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Tom Wandell, Fabian Brunnstrom, and Mike Ribeiro scored for the Stars.

The Predators were defeated 2-1 in a shootout by the Blue Jackets last time out, as +105 underdogs. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Mike Commodore scored the lone goal, and Dan Ellis stopped 35 shots in a losing effort.

Current streak:
Nashville has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Dallas: 11-13-4
Nashville: 14-12-3

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 1-9

Nashville most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Columbus are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville
Dallas is 4-8-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Nashville's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 6 games
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Nashville is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home

Next up:
Dallas home to Phoenix, Tuesday, December 16
Nashville at Phoenix, Thursday, December 18

Detroit Red Wings vs. Phoenix Coyotes

The Red Wings were clipped 3-1 by the Stars last time out, as -170 favorites. The four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Brett Lebda scored the lone marker in that loss.

Ilya Bryzgalov made 30 saves in backstopping the Coyotes to a 3-1 victory over the Wild on Thursday, at EVEN odds. The four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5).

Zbynek Michalek, Olli Jokinen and Joakim Lindstrom scored in that win.

Current streak:
Phoenix has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Detroit: 19-5-4
Phoenix: 14-13-2

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games at home

Next up:
Detroit home to Colorado, Monday, December 15
Phoenix at Dallas, Tuesday, December 16

Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers

Alexander Edler's goal in the third period stood up as the winner, as the Canucks defeated the Predators 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Vancouver won as +110 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.

The Oilers were shut out 2-0 by the Panthers last time out, as -155 favorites. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Mathieu Garon faced just 15 shots in the loss.

Team records:
Vancouver: 16-10-3
Edmonton: 13-12-2

Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Nashville are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Florida are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Vancouver is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games on the road
Vancouver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Edmonton's last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Vancouver

Next up:
Vancouver home to Florida, Sunday, December 14
Edmonton home to Chicago, Tuesday, December 16

St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks

The Blues were defeated 6-2 by the Kings last time out, as +140 road underdogs. That game's eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).

Cam Paddock and Carlo Colaiacovo scored in that loss.

Evgeni Nabokov stopped all 31 shots for the shutout on Thursday, as the Sharks defeated the Ducks 2-0. The Sharks won the game as -220 favorites, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).

Patrick Marleau scored a goal and added an assist on the other marker by Devin Setoguchi.

Current streak:
St. Louis has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
St. Louis: 12-13-3
San Jose: 23-3-2

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Anaheim are 5-5
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of St. Louis's last 14 games on the road
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
San Jose is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
San Jose is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis

Next up:
St. Louis home to Calgary, Tuesday, December 16
San Jose at Los Angeles, Monday, December 15

PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

MINNESOTA vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games

ATLANTA vs. BOSTON
Atlanta is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

BUFFALO vs. NEW JERSEY
Buffalo is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
New Jersey is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

CAROLINA vs. NY RANGERS
Carolina is 2-7-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of the NY Rangers last 16 games at home
NY Rangers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games

NY ISLANDERS vs. COLUMBUS
NY Islanders are 2-6-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 9 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games
Columbus is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home

TAMPA BAY vs. OTTAWA
Tampa Bay is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games on the road
Ottawa is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

WASHINGTON vs. MONTREAL
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington

DALLAS vs. NASHVILLE
Dallas is 4-8-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Nashville
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 6 games
Nashville is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home

DETROIT vs. PHOENIX
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games at home

VANCOUVER vs. EDMONTON
Vancouver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games on the road
Edmonton is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Edmonton is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

ST. LOUIS vs. SAN JOSE
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of St. Louis's last 14 games on the road
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis

On the Ice - Saturday
By Judd Hall

Saturday is by far the best time for hockey fans during the week. This Saturday will have 12 games going on from the early afternoon into the late into the night. What gets to be tricky when you have this many tilts is which games to bet on…or just getting a little info on them before the first puck drops. Here are some quick trends for a few games to help fatten your wallet.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers – 1:05 p.m. EST

The Penguins snapped their three-game skid in a huge way with a 9-2 thrashing of the Islanders on Dec. 11. Petr Sykora netted his first career NHL hat trick against New York that night. Philadelphia isn’t showing many signs of missing Daniel Briere after beating the Hurricanes in a shootout, 6-5, last Thursday. Scott Hartnell potted a hat trick of his own after getting into a fight in the first period against Carolina’s Casey Borer.

Pittsburgh has controlled this head-to-head series recently, winning eight of the last 10 over the Flyers. Yet it’s important to know that the home team has won nine of those meetings. The ‘over’ is on a 17-5 run in this Keystone State rivalry as well.

Minnesota Wild at Los Angeles Kings – 4:05 p.m. EST

Minnesota is just four points behind the Canucks for the Northwest Division lead right now, but you wouldn’t know that after they have dropped three straight contests. The Wild’s most recent defeat came at Phoenix last Thursday, 3-1. A major reason for this slump is that Minnesota is 0 for 10 on the power play. The Kings are quietly staying in near eighth place in the Western Conference after crushing St. Louis, 6-2, on Dec. 11. Dustin Brown scored the first hat trick of his NHL career against the Blues.

The Wild are playing in the SoCal swing right now for the first time this season, which has benefitted them recently. Minnesota has won the first game of this swing the last four times they’ve been out to Southern California. They’ve also posted a impressive 7-1 record over Los Angeles in the last eight meetings.

New York Islanders at Columbus Blue Jackets – 7:05 p.m. EST

You have to wonder how much longer Scott Gordon will be behind the bench for the Islanders. They were a couple of points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference just a month ago, but now have dropped all five games they’ve played in December and seven of their last eight. Some of the fault has to fall on Joey MacDonald’s shoulders as he is 1-7 with a goals against average of 4.45. The Blue Jackets snapped a three-game slide by outlasting Nashville for a 2-1 shootout win last Thursday night.

Despite the lousy play for the Isles, they still have won their last two games against Columbus. That includes a 4-3 overtime decision at Nassau Coliseum on Nov. 3. But the Jackets have won their last four home tilts versus the Isles, dating back to March 2002.

Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils – 7:05 p.m. EST

We’re not hearing a lot about Buffalo right now, but they’ve won three straight games. Perhaps people are staying quiet about them since two of those wins came against the Lightning, which make the Detroit Lions look like a well oiled machine. The Devils are running surprisingly well with Scott Clemmensen between the pipes after winning seven of his last eight starts. New Jersey does need help on its special teams as they only have two power play goals in their last 21 chances.

The Sabres will be playing on two days rest, which helped as they one the only game they had that followed a win in this situation during the season. New Jersey will be playing on no rest after a game with the Rangers, but that has been okay so far for the Devs as they’re 3-1-1 in this spot.

vegasinsider.com

PITTSBURGH (16-9-0-4, 36 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (15-7-0-6, 36 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 8-18 ATS (+26.0 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-16 ATS (+48.3 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 77-54 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-36 ATS (+58.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-31 ATS (-21.0 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-22 ATS (-20.9 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-78 ATS (+131.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 17-6 (+9.7 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 17-6-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
16 of 22 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+9.2 Units)

MINNESOTA (15-11-0-1, 31 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (12-12-0-4, 28 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 100-78 ATS (+178.9 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 6-14 ATS (-8.1 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 7-21 ATS (+34.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 9-25 ATS (+41.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 14-34 ATS (+50.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 7-22 ATS (+35.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-1 (+5.5 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 7-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.0 Units)

NY ISLANDERS (10-17-0-2, 22 pts.) at COLUMBUS (12-13-0-3, 27 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 62-43 ATS (+109.5 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 1-7 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLUMBUS is 1-7 ATS (-7.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 2-0-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

BUFFALO (14-12-0-3, 31 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (16-8-0-2, 34 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 53-58 ATS (-35.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 21-33 ATS (-24.7 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 7-17 ATS (-15.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 80-68 ATS (+152.8 Units) in road games after a division game since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 7-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-4 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 5-4-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.1 Units)

CAROLINA (13-12-0-4, 30 pts.) at NY RANGERS (19-12-0-2, 40 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 29-10 ATS (+15.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 74-87 ATS (-60.6 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 12-18 ATS (-12.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 61-81 ATS (-51.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 5-3 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 5-3-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.1 Units)

WASHINGTON (17-10-0-3, 37 pts.) at MONTREAL (17-7-0-5, 39 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 31-19 ATS (+56.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-10 ATS (+29.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 15-19 ATS (-9.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 16-22 ATS (-12.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 26-35 ATS (-21.8 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
MONTREAL is 9-14 ATS (-18.5 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-4-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

TAMPA BAY (7-14-0-8, 22 pts.) at OTTAWA (10-12-0-5, 25 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 7-22 ATS (+33.2 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 54-111 ATS (+199.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 7-22 ATS (+33.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-22 ATS (-13.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-41 ATS (-29.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 12-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 10-17 ATS (+27.1 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 12-15 ATS (-11.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 10-17 ATS (-10.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 11-14 ATS (-17.5 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 16-23 ATS (-18.4 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 12-21 ATS (-18.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 0-6 ATS (-9.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
OTTAWA is 3-11 ATS (-8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OTTAWA is 3-11 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-4 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 5-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)

ATLANTA (9-15-0-4, 22 pts.) at BOSTON (20-4-0-5, 45 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 4-20 ATS (+30.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 27-52 ATS (+83.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 20-9 ATS (+34.2 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 20-9 ATS (+5.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 24-12 ATS (+41.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-14 ATS (+38.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 22-10 ATS (+10.8 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
BOSTON is 5-5 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-5-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

DALLAS (12-13-0-4, 28 pts.) at NASHVILLE (14-12-0-3, 31 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 3-12 ATS (-11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DALLAS is 3-12 ATS (-11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
NASHVILLE is 117-81 ATS (+212.0 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
DALLAS is 10-4 ATS (+14.7 Units) in road games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 76-47 ATS (+20.9 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 5-5-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.0 Units)

DETROIT (19-5-0-4, 42 pts.) at PHOENIX (14-13-0-2, 30 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 100-95 ATS (+235.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 8-22 ATS (+37.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-0 (+8.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-0-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

VANCOUVER (16-10-0-3, 35 pts.) at EDMONTON (13-12-0-2, 28 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 4-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 198-199 ATS (-68.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 93-101 ATS (-44.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
EDMONTON is 54-55 ATS (-22.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 28-26 ATS (+59.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 14-6 ATS (+20.1 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 11-6 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 11-6-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.0 Units, Under=-0.0 Units)

ST LOUIS (12-13-0-3, 27 pts.) at SAN JOSE (23-3-0-2, 48 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 5-20 ATS (+35.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 23-5 ATS (+30.3 Units) in all games this season.
SAN JOSE is 23-5 ATS (+9.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 11-1 ATS (+9.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
SAN JOSE is 12-14 ATS (-17.4 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 8-11 ATS (-20.2 Units) in home games 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
SAN JOSE is 8-1 (+5.4 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-1-0 straight up against ST LOUIS 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)