What bettors need to know: Hockey Night In Canada
By T.O. WHENHAM
Toronto Maple Leafs (12-13-2-4) at Pittsburgh Penguins(17-10-1-3)
Head-to-head
Pittsburgh has had no trouble with the Leafs this year, winning 4-1 in their only game. The domination isn't long-lasting. Pittsburgh has won two in a row but the season series last year was split at two games a piece. Pittsburgh won three of four the year before. Just one of the last eight games have gone under the total.
He's Back
Franchise goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury returned to action Thursday after missing more than a month. He got the win and he didn't even look that rusty. He allowed three goals on 31 shots, giving him a respectable .903 save percentage. The return of Fleury will be a boost for the Penguins and they could use one. They've lost eight (two in a shootout) out of 13 games while Fleury was on the sidelines.
Imbalance
Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are ranked one and two in the league in scoring, yet the team is just sixth in overall scoring in the league. A quick look at the stats for Pittsburgh shows the problem. Crosby has 46 points and Petr Sykora is third with 25 points. This team would be a far different and more successful if they had managed to keep Marian Hossa.
The Burke bump
The way the media dealt with it in Canada, you would think that Brian Burke can walk on water. While I doubt that, there is no doubting that he has had a positive effect on his new team since becoming GM on November 29. The team is a solid 5-4 since he took over and 3-1 in its last four. Obviously it will take a while for his true impact to be felt but the sense of optimism surrounding the team has been sorely lacking for much of the decade. The defense will be an obvious area of focus for Burke and it has already improved. It keyed the recent three-game winning streak, though it stumbled badly in the last game against Boston.
Net woes in Toronto
No matter which goalie Toronto chooses to play (probably Vesa Toskala), the player will have to bounce back from a lousy performance. Toskala allowed four goals on 11 shots before being yanked four minutes into the second period. The ancient Curtis Joseph was better, but only barely. It took Boston 16 shots to get four goals past him. A game against Malkin and Crosby is probably not the best way for a goalie to get his confidence back.
Chicago Blackhawks (16-6-2-5) at Vancouver Canucks (18-11-0-3)
Head-to-head
Chicago beat Vancouver 4-2 in the only game between the teams this year. We can't take too much from that. Roberto Luongo was in the net then and is still out injured now. Vancouver was favored in all four games last year and won three of them. They also won three of four the year before. The under is 6-1-2 in those nine games. The home game has won four of the last five games.
Back-to-back action
Chicago comes into this game off of a game in Calgary Friday night. Though that has the potential to be a physical, punishing game it isn't necessarily bad news for Chicago. The Blackhawks are 3-2 this season on the back half of two games in two nights. All five of those games have gone over the total. The only factor that could really cause Chicago to be put out by its scheduling is if Calgary's current terrible weather were to significantly impact the speed of their trip to Vancouver.
Vancouver will come into the game off of two-days rest and it has not had to travel in between. Vancouver has played six games with similar rest this year and is just 3-3 in them. The fact that it is coming off a win isn't a good thing. The Canucks are just 1-2 in those cases. The over is 5-1 in those six games.
Two hot teams
Vancouver struggled over a seven-game, Luongo-less road trip, going 2-4-1. Since coming home, the Canucks have won two straight while looking like a new team. They are 7-2 in their last nine at home. Chicago has won five in a row and is just a shootout loss away from a seven-game win streak. Both teams are in good form.
Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Dec. 20
New York Rangers at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST). The NHL-leading Sharks return home after dropping two straight in Columbus and Detroit. The Rangers are wrapping up a three-game California swing that already has produced two wins.
STARS
Friday
— Jonas Hiller, Ducks, matched the Anaheim record with 51 saves and turned aside three shootout tries in a 3-2 victory in Edmonton.
— Patrik Elias, Devils, had two goals and two assists to help New Jersey beat Ottawa 5-1.
— Ryan Miller, Sabres, made 40 saves for his third shutout of the season and 10th of his career in Buffalo’s 5-0 victory over Los Angeles.
— Duncan Keith, Blackhawks, scored 23 seconds into overtime to give Chicago its sixth straight victory, 3-2 in Calgary.
— Colton Gillies, Wild, scored his first NHL goal in a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders.
SIDELINED
St. Louis defenseman Eric Brewer had surgery Friday to repair a herniated disk in his back. Blues coach Andy Murray expects Brewer to return this season. … Vancouver defenseman Sami Salo will be sidelined about four weeks because of a broken rib. … Minnesota placed right wing Owen Nolan on injured reserve because of a leg injury.
STATS
Patrik Elias had two goals and two assists in the Devils’ 5-1 victory over Ottawa on Friday night to extend his points streak to nine games and match John MacLean’s team record of 169 multipoint games. Devils goalie Scott Clemmensen is 10-1-1 in his last 12 decisions. … The Wild beat the Islanders 4-1 to snap a six-game losing streak and extend New York’s losing streak to eight.
SHAKE-UPS
Washington activated goalie Jose Theodore from injured reserve Friday, and assigned goalie Simeon Varlamov to Hershey of the AHL. Theodore injured his hip last week. Varlamov won his first two NHL starts, beating Montreal and St. Louis. … Pittsburgh re-signed center Maxime Talbot to a two-year contract Friday. The 24-year-old Talbot has four goals and three assists in 28 games this season. … St. Louis acquired right wing Jonathan Filewich from Pittsburgh for a conditional 2010 sixth-round draft pick. The 24-year-old Filewich has two goals and two assists in 19 games this season in the AHL for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
SCOUTING
John Tavares, the Oshawa star expected to be a top pick in the NHL draft, scored the opening goal in Canada’s 4-2 victory over Sweden on Friday night in Toronto in a tuneup for the world junior championship. Cody Hodgson had a goal and two assists, and Zach Boychuk and Jamie Benn also scored for Canada.
SPEAKING
“He’s playing with a lot of confidence. He’s taken his game to a level that everybody would like to see. His work ethic has always been good. He’s moving his feet more. He’s doing things at top speed, and he’s reading situations so well.”—New Jersey coach Brent Sutter after Patrik Elias had two goals and two assists in the Devils’ 5-1 victory over Ottawa on Friday night.
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Capitals won their fifth straight by defeating the Blues 4-2 on Thursday, as -250 favorites. The six goals went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (6).
Viktor Kozlov scored twice, while singles came from Alexander Ovechkin and Tomas Fleischmann. Simeon Varlamov stopped 29 shots in the win.
The Flyers were defeated 5-2 by the Canadiens last time out, at EVEN odds. That game's seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Arron Asham and Braydon Coburn answered for the Flyers, while Antero Niittymaki made 26 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
Washington has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 20-10-3
Philadelphia: 17-8-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 0-9-1
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing St. Louis are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Montreal are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Washington at NY Rangers, Tuesday, December 23
Philadelphia at New Jersey, Sunday, December 21
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins
Joe Corvo scored at 4:16 of overtime to give the Hurricanes a 2-1 win over the Panthers on Thursday, as -150 favorites. The three goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Justin Williams added the other marker, and Ray Whitney pocketed assists on both goals.
David Krejci potted a hat trick in leading the Bruins in a wild 8-5 victory over the Maple Leafs on Thursday, as -240 favorites. The 13 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Phil Kessel scored twice for the Bruins, while singles came from Marco Sturm, Marc Savard and Michael Ryder in the win.
Current streak:
Carolina has won 2 straight games.
Boston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Carolina: 15-12-5
Boston: 22-5-4
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Florida are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 10-0
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Carolina is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Next up:
Carolina at Montreal, Sunday, December 21
Boston at St. Louis, Sunday, December 21
Los Angeles Kings vs. Detroit Red Wings
The Kings were shut out 5-0 by the Sabres on Friday, as +145 road underdogs. The five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jason LaBarbera was pulled after giving up four goals off 14 shots.
Ty Conklin stopped all 24 shots for the shutout on Thursday, as the Red Wings defeated the Sharks 6-0. The Red Wings won that game as -140 favorites, while the six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Pavel Datsyuk scored twice for the Red Wings, while Johan Franzen, Marian Hossa, Valtteri Filppula, and Brad Stuart added the other goals in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 13-13-6
Detroit: 21-6-4
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-4-2
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Buffalo are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing San Jose are 9-1
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Los Angeles's last 15 games when playing Detroit
Los Angeles is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing Los Angeles
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Next up:
Los Angeles at Columbus, Tuesday, December 23
Detroit home to St. Louis, Tuesday, December 23
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Atlanta Thrashers
The Lightning lost 2-1 in a shootout to the Avalanche last time out, as -120 favorites at home. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jeff Halpern responded for the Lightning, and Mike Smith stopped 34 shots in the loss.
The Thrashers were doubled 6-3 by the Penguins last time out, as +140 road underdogs. The game's nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Marty Reasoner, Bryan Little, and Colby Armstrong tallied for the Thrashers.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 7-15-9
Atlanta: 10-17-4
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Colorado are 4-4-2
After a loss are 1-9
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After playing Pittsburgh are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Tampa Bay is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, Tuesday, December 23
Atlanta home to Toronto, Monday, December 22
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Maple Leafs lost a wild 8-5 game to the Bruins last time out, as +200 road underdogs. The 13 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Pavel Kubina, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Nik Antropov, Mikhail Grabovski, and Jason Blake scored in that loss.
Marc-Andre Fleury returned from an injury and stopped 28 shots in leading the Penguins to a 6-3 victory over the Thrashers on Thursday. The Penguins won that game as a -160 favorite, while the nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Evgeni Malkin potted two goals, while Matt Cooke, Jordan Staal, Miroslav Satan and Philippe Boucher added the other markers.
Team records:
Toronto: 12-13-6
Pittsburgh: 17-10-4
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
Toronto is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Toronto is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing Toronto
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Next up:
Toronto at Atlanta, Monday, December 22
Pittsburgh at Buffalo, Monday, December 22
Dallas Stars vs. Ottawa Senators
Brad Richards had the shootout winner as the Stars snuck past the Blue Jackets 6-5 on Thursday. The Stars won the game as -120 favorites at home, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Loui Eriksson scored a hat trick for the Stars, while singles came off the sticks of Matt Niskanen and Richards.
The Senators were defeated 5-1 by the Devils last time out, as +140 underdogs on the road. That game's six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5).
Jarkko Ruutu scored the lone goal for the Senators, who lost four of their last five games.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Ottawa has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 13-14-4
Ottawa: 11-14-5
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Columbus are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing New Jersey are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Ottawa's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing Dallas
Ottawa is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Dallas at Toronto, Tuesday, December 23
Ottawa at Philadelphia, Tuesday, December 23
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
Ryan Miller stopped 40 shots to post the shutout on Friday, as the Sabres defeated the Kings 5-0. The Sabres won the game as -165 favorites, while the five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Derek Roy, Adam Mair, Clarke MacArthur, Drew Stafford and Matt Ellis scored in that win.
The Canadiens jumped out to a three-goal lead and went on to defeat the Flyers 5-2 as -120 favorites last time out. That game's seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Matt D'Agostini, Sergei Kostitsyn, Steve Begin, Alexei Kovalev, and Guillaume Latendresse scored for the Candiens. Jaroslva Halak stopped 29-of-31 shots in the contest.
Team records:
Buffalo: 16-13-3
Montreal: 17-9-5
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Los Angeles are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 10-0
Before playing Carolina are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Buffalo home to Pittsburgh, Monday, December 22
Montreal home to Carolina, Sunday, December 21
New York Islanders vs. Nashville Predators
The Islanders were defeated 4-1 by the Wild as a +190 underdog on Friday. That game's five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Richard Park scored the lone goal for the Islanders, who had just 16 shots in the loss.
The Predators were defeated 2-1 by the Coyotes last time out, as +105 road underdogs. The team's played UNDER that game's posted over/under (5.5).
Vernon Fiddler had the lone goal, and Dan Ellis made 25 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 8 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 10-19-3
Nashville: 15-13-3
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 5-5-1
After a loss are 2-8
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Nashville
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Nashville
NY Islanders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Islanders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Nashville's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Nashville's last 8 games
Nashville is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Nashville is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Next up:
NY Islanders home to Atlanta, Tuesday, December 23
Nashville at Florida, Tuesday, December 23
Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
The Wild scored three goals in the third period and came away with a 4-1 win over the Islanders on Friday. The Wild won the game as -220 favorites at home, while the five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Stephane Veilleux, Colton Gillies, Mikko Koivu, and Pierre-Marc Bouchard tallied in that win.
The Blues were doubled 4-2 by the Capitals last time out, as +210 underdogs. The six goals went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (6).
David Backes and Brad Winchester scored for the Blues, who lost their fifth straight.
Current streak:
St. Louis has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 16-13-2
St. Louis: 12-16-3
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing NY Islanders are 2-2-1
After a win are 3-7
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Washington are 3-3-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of St. Louis's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of St. Louis's last 12 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Carolina, Tuesday, December 23
St. Louis home to Boston, Sunday, December 21
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Phoenix Coyotes
The Blue Jackets fell 6-5 to the Stars in a shootout last time out, as +100 underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Rick Nash had two goals for the Blue Jackets, while Derick Brassard, R.J. Umberger, and Manny Malhotra also tallied in the loss.
Ilya Bryzgalov made 30 saves and Kyle Turris scored both goals as the Coyotes got past the Predators 2-1 on Thursday. The Coyotes won the game as a -125 favorite, while the three goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Team records:
Columbus: 14-14-4
Phoenix: 15-13-4
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Nashville are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Columbus's last 11 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Columbus is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Columbus is 4-8-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 11 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Phoenix's last 16 games at home
Next up:
Columbus home to Los Angeles, Tuesday, December 23
Phoenix at Edmonton, Monday, December 22
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks
The Blackhawks won their sixth straight with a 3-2 win over the Flames in overtime on Friday, as -130 favorites. The five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Duncan Keith potted the game-winning goal for the Hawks, while Patrick Kane and Dave Bolland added the other markers. Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 32 shots for the win.
Daniel Sedin scored twice as the Canucks doubled the Oilers 4-2 on Wednesday, as -160 favorites. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ryan Kesler and Jannik Hansen added the other markers for the Canucks, and Curtis Sanford stopped 22 shots in the victory.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 6 straight games.
Vancouver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 17-6-7
Vancouver: 18-11-3
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Edmonton 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 UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Chicago is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Vancouver
Chicago is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Vancouver is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games at home
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Next up:
Chicago home to Philadelphia, Friday, December 26
Vancouver home to Anaheim, Monday, December 22
New York Rangers vs. San Jose Sharks
Michal Rozsival scored his second of the game in overtime on Wednesday, as the Rangers got past the Kings 3-2. The Rangers won the game as a -110 pick'em, and the five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Chris Drury potted the other goal in regulation for the Rangers. Stephen Valiquette made 39 saves in earning the win.
The Sharks were shut out 6-0 by the Red Wings last time out, as +120 road underdogs. That game's score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Evgeni Nabokov made 22 saves in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New York has won 3 straight games.
San Jose has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 22-11-2
San Jose: 25-4-3
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Los Angeles are 2-8
After a win are 6-4
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
NY Rangers are 5-0-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing San Jose
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
San Jose is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games at home
San Jose is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Jose's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
Next up:
NY Rangers home to Washington, Tuesday, December 23
San Jose home to Vancouver, Tuesday, December 23
CAROLINA vs. BOSTON
Carolina is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
BUFFALO vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
DALLAS vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
LOS ANGELES vs. DETROIT
Los Angeles is 2-17-1 SU in its last 20 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Los Angeles's last 15 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
TAMPA BAY vs. ATLANTA
Tampa Bay is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
Tampa Bay is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
TORONTO vs. PITTSBURGH
Toronto is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
NY ISLANDERS vs. NASHVILLE
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Nashville
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Nashville
Nashville is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Nashville's last 9 games at home
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
COLUMBUS vs. PHOENIX
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Columbus is 4-2 SU in its last 6 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 11 of Phoenix's last 16 games at home
CHICAGO vs. VANCOUVER
Chicago is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Vancouver
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Vancouver is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
NY RANGERS vs. SAN JOSE
NY Rangers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
San Jose is 2-7-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Jose's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Rangers