Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Sunday, Dec. 28
Chicago at Minnesota (6 p.m. EST). Chicago has won eight straight to tie the franchise record set in December 1971 and also matched in January 1981.
STARS
Friday
— Eric Staal, Hurricanes, scored three goals in a 4:31 span of the third period in Carolina’s 5-4 victory over Atlanta.
— Bill Guerin and Rick DiPietro, Islanders. Guerin scored twice to reach 400 career goals, and DiPietro made 28 saves in his first game since late October to help New York beat Toronto 4-1.
— Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins, made 37 saves for his first shutout of the season and 12th overall in Pittsburgh’s 1-0 victory over New Jersey.
— Patrick Sharp, Blackhawks, scored his team-leading 19th goal of the season in Chicago’s 5-1 victory over Philadelphia.
— Dan Ellis, Predators, made 38 saves in Nashville’s 3-2 victory over Detroit.
STREAKS
Chicago tied a franchise record with its eighth straight win, beating Philadelphia 5-1 on Friday night. Chicago also won eight straight in December 1971 and January 1981. … The New York Islanders beat Toronto 4-1 to snap a 10-game losing streak.
SELLOUT
A crowd of 22,712 attended Chicago’s 5-1 victory over Philadelphia on Friday night, the largest regular-season mark in Blackhawks history. Chicago has sold out all 16 of its home games this season and is averaging an NHL-best 21,552.
STATS
Rick DiPietro had an assist in the New York Islanders’ 4-1 victory over Toronto to break Billy Smith’s franchise record for points by a goalie with 14. … Atlanta’s Bryan Little had his first career hat trick in the Thrashers’ 5-4 loss to Carolina. … New Jersey is scoreless in seven regulation periods. … Washington is 14-1-1 at home.
SCOUTING
James van Riemsdyk and Drayson Bowman scored two goals each to help the United States open the world junior hockey championship with an 8-2 victory over Germany on Friday in Ottawa. Later, John Tavares had two goals and an assist in four-time defending champion Canada’s 8-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
SPEAKING
“It’s tough to find a weakness in our team right now. The best thing about these eight games is that our team’s stayed pretty mellow the whole time. We’re enjoying the ride, but we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves.”— Chicago’s Patrick Sharp after the Blackhawks beat Philadelphia 5-1 on Friday night for their franchise record-tying eighth straight victory.
New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres
Bill Guerin potted two goals on Friday as the Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-1. The Islanders won the game as +115 underdogs, and the five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Kyle Okposo and Freddy Meyer had the other goals for the Islanders. Rick DiPietro made 28 saves for the win, and collected an assist.
The Sabres were clipped 3-2 by the Capitals as +115 underdogs on Friday. That game's five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Thomas Vanek and Maxim Afinogenov replied in the loss.
Current streak:
Buffalo has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 11-21-3
Buffalo: 16-14-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-3-1
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games when playing Buffalo
NY Islanders are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
NY Islanders are 5-14 SU in their last 19 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Buffalo's last 8 games when playing NY Islanders
Buffalo is 14-5 SU in their last 19 games when playing NY Islanders
Buffalo is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Next up:
NY Islanders at NY Rangers, Monday, December 29
Buffalo home to Washington, Tuesday, December 30
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Flyers were defeated 5-1 by the Blackhawks last time out, as +130 underdogs. The six goals went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (6).
Mike Richards scored the only goal for the Flyers.
Steve Mason made 39 saves for Columbus in its 3-0 loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles won as +130 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Columbus has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 19-9-7
Columbus: 14-16-4
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 6-6-2
After a loss are 7-3
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Columbus
Philadelphia is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Columbus's last 7 games
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia at Vancouver, Tuesday, December 30
Columbus at Los Angeles, Monday, December 29
Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Canadiens lost to Carolina 3-2 in overtime as a +155 underdog on Sunday. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Matt D'Agostini and Robert Lang scored for Montreal, while Alex Tanguay collected a pair of assists.
Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 37 shots as the Penguins blanked the Devils 1-0 on Friday. The Penguins won that game as a +110 underdog, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ruslan Fedotenko scored the only goal in the contest.
Team records:
Montreal: 18-9-6
Pittsburgh: 19-12-4
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 5-5
After playing Carolina are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Montreal's last 11 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing Montreal
Pittsburgh is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Montreal
Pittsburgh is 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing Montreal
Next up:
Montreal at Florida, Monday, December 29
Pittsburgh home to Boston, Tuesday, December 30
Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Tim Thomas stopped 25 shots to earn the shutout, as the Bruins stifled the Devils 2-0 on Tuesday night.
Boston won as +100 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Eric Staal scored a natural hat trick in the third period to lead the Hurricanes to a 5-4 win over the Thrashers on Friday, as -135 favorites. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Chad LaRose and Patrick Eaves added the other markers for the Hurricanes. Cam Ward stopped 27-of-31 shots in earning his 12th win.
Current streak:
Boston has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 25-5-4
Carolina: 17-14-5
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-3-1
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 9-1
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Boston's last 15 games on the road
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Carolina is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Boston
Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston at Atlanta, Sunday, December 28
Carolina home to Atlanta, Wednesday, December 31
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
The Devils were shut out 1-0 by the Penguins last time out, as -130 favorites at home. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Scott Clemmensen stopped 17-of-18 shots in the loss.
Chris Drury finished with three helpers for New York in its 5-4 overtime loss to Washington on Tuesday night.
Washington won as +130 road underdogs as the game played over the 4.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 19-11-3
New York: 22-12-3
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing Pittsburgh are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
New Jersey is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
NY Rangers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing New Jersey
NY Rangers are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games at home
Next up:
New Jersey at St. Louis, Tuesday, December 30
NY Rangers home to NY Islanders, Monday, December 29
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Ryan Malone scored the shootout winner for the Lightning in the opener of a home-and-home set on Friday, as they got by the Panthers 4-3. The Lightning won the game as +135 underdogs, and the game's combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Steve Eminger, Mark Recchi and Evgeny Artyukhin scored in regulation for the Lightning.
Keith Ballard, Cory Stillman and Bryan McCabe tallied for the Panthers, who were favored at -155 in that game.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 16-13-5
Tampa Bay: 9-16-9
Florida most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Tampa Bay are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Florida's last 25 games on the road
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Tampa Bay is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Florida home to Montreal, Monday, December 29
Tampa Bay home to Montreal, Tuesday, December 30
Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars
Brendan Morrison potted two markers for Anaheim in its 4-3 loss to Calgary on Tuesday night.
Calgary cashed as -145 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
James Neal had a hat trick to lead the Stars over the Maple Leafs 8-2 on Tuesday night.
Dallas cashed as +110 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Anaheim has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Anaheim: 18-14-3
Dallas: 14-14-5
Anaheim most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing St. Louis are 6-4
After playing Calgary are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Toronto are 4-4-1
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Anaheim's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Anaheim's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Anaheim's last 9 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Dallas is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Dallas's last 15 games at home
Next up:
Anaheim at St. Louis, Sunday, December 28
Dallas home to San Jose, Monday, December 29
San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues
Evgeni Nabokov turned aside 33 shots to earn the shutout, as the Sharks ripped the Canucks 5-0 on Tuesday night.
San Jose cashed as -210 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Patrik Berglund potted the lone goal for St. Louis in its 4-1 loss to Detroit on Tuesday night.
Detroit won as -375 home favorites as the teams played under the 6-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
San Jose has won 2 straight games.
St. Louis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 27-4-3
St. Louis: 13-18-3
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-2-1
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Vancouver are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
San Jose is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of St. Louis's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
St. Louis is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Next up:
San Jose at Dallas, Monday, December 29
St. Louis home to Anaheim, Sunday, December 28
Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
The Red Wings were clipped 3-2 by the Predators last time out, as -165 favorites on the road. The five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Daniel Cleary and Mikael Samuelsson replied in that loss.
Brett Clark netted the winner in overtime, as the Avalanche nipped the Coyotes 5-4 on Tuesday night.
Colorado won as -145 home favorites as the games played over the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Detroit: 23-7-4
Colorado: 17-16-1
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 10-0
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Nashville are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Colorado
Detroit is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games at home
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to Chicago, Tuesday, December 30
Colorado home to Nashville, Monday, December 29
Los Angeles Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Shane Doan scored once and assisted on the other, as the Coytoes defeated the Kings 2-1 on Friday. The Coyotes won the game as +105 underdogs, and the three goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Peter Mueller potted the other marker for the Coyotes, and Ilya Bryzgalov stopped 24 shots in the win.
Peter Harrold scored the lone goal for the Kings, who were favored at -125 in that game. Jon Quick made 24 saves in the loss.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 14-15-6
Phoenix: 17-14-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Los Angeles is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Phoenix is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Phoenix's last 17 games at home
Next up:
Los Angeles home to Columbus, Monday, December 29
Phoenix home to Colorado, Wednesday, December 31
Ottawa Senators vs. Calgary Flames
Dany Heatley led Ottawa with two markers and a helper in its 6-4 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia cashed as -190 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Michael Cammalleri and Mark Giordano each had a goal and an assist, as the Flames clipped the Ducks 4-3 on Tuesday night.
Calgary cashed as -145 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Ottawa: 12-15-5
Calgary: 19-11-4
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Anaheim are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 8 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Calgary is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Ottawa
Next up:
Ottawa at Vancouver, Sunday, December 28
Calgary home to Minnesota, Monday, December 29
BOSTON vs. CAROLINA
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Carolina is 4-6-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Boston
MONTREAL vs. PITTSBURGH
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing Montreal
NY ISLANDERS vs. BUFFALO
NY Islanders are 5-14 SU in their last 19 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
PHILADELPHIA vs. COLUMBUS
Philadelphia is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Columbus is 0-3-2 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
FLORIDA vs. TAMPA BAY
Florida is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
NEW JERSEY vs. NY RANGERS
New Jersey is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
NY Rangers are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing New Jersey
ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS
Anaheim is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Anaheim's last 10 games on the road
Dallas is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing at home against Anaheim
SAN JOSE vs. ST. LOUIS
San Jose is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
DETROIT vs. COLORADO
Detroit is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games at home
LOS ANGELES vs. PHOENIX
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Phoenix is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Los Angeles
OTTAWA vs. CALGARY
Ottawa is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games at home
Calgary is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Ottawa
What bettors need to know: Hockey Night In Canada
By T.O. WHENHAM
Montreal Canadiens (18-9-2-4) at Pittsburgh Penguins (18-12-1-3)
Head to head
This is the first meeting of the year between the two teams. Montreal won the first two of its four games last year, both played in October. Pittsburgh rallied to win the final two and split the season series. The series was also split the year before. The home team was winless in the four games last season and the underdog won all four games. Eight of the last 10 games have gone over the total.
Stumbling Penguins
Pittsburgh is not playing good hockey right now. It has just seven wins in its last 17 games before Christmas. The Penguins did not win two games in a row over that period. The problem is with depth, not with their elite players. Evgeni Malkin has 19 points in his last 10 games and Sidney Crosby has 12 in the same stretch. On many nights, they are the only two that come to play. Coach Michel Therrien is not a happy camper, actively speaking out in the media about the team's attitude and faults.
Pittsburgh's snipers have well against Montreal in the past. Crosby has 16 points in 10 games against the Habs and Malkin has 14 points in eight games.
Uneven rest
Montreal comes into this game as well-rested as a team can be. It last played on December 21, so it will have had six days of rest. Pittsburgh will be less fresh for this game. It played on December 23 and then traveled to New Jersey December 26 for its first of back-to-back games. Past history tells us that the rest might not be an advantage for the Habs. Montreal has played three games this season after three or more days of rest and it is just 0-1-0-2 in that time. Pittsburgh has won three of its five games on no rest.
Defensive weakness
If you want to boil Pittsburgh's problems down to one thing it is defense. In the long term the prospects are brighter but for now, not much is going to change. Ryan Whitney played his first game of the season in the last game before Christmas but his return was offset by an injury to Kris Letang. He blocked a shot with his leg and is questionable. Sergei Gonchar and Hal Gill are both still missing from action. Unless Santa brought Pittsburgh defensive relief for Christmas, we can expect more of what we have seen recently.
Ottawa Senators (12-15-2-3) at Calgary Flames (19-11-3-1)
Head to head
Calgary has won the last three games between these teams, but that means little. Thanks to the ridiculous NHL schedule, they haven't met in more than two years. The series has been prone to streaks. Calgary's three wins broke a streak of six straight by Ottawa. The last two games and four of the last five have gone under the total.
Bitter disappointments
Ottawa was supposed to be a contender in the east again, but it is a long way from that. The Sens have just two wins in their last eight. There is more than enough blame to go around, but a big part of the problem is the inconsistency of the offensive stars. Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza are working themselves out of scoring threats and Daniel Alfredsson is tentative and less effective than we are used to. Ottawa is just 29th in the league in scoring and shouldn't be given the lineup it has.
Not exactly road warriors
Few teams have struggled on the road any more than the Senators. They have just eight wins in their last 32 road games and are 3-9-0-2 away from Ottawa this season. Unless there is a serious reversal to the current trend, it is going to be a rough couple of weeks for the Sens. The World Junior Hockey Championships are in Ottawa, so the Senators are playing their second of eight straight road games. Calgary isn't a good spot for them to solve their problems. At 10-4-2-1, Calgary is a solid home team. It is also in good form with three wins and an overtime loss in its last four games.
Holiday rest
Both teams last played on December 23, so they will have had three full days of rest. In similar situations, Ottawa is 3-3-1 in seven games while Calgary is 3-1 in four games. Though Ottawa has a lesser record, they have consistently been significant underdogs in the games. They have made profits of almost four units on the money line in games following significant rest.
NHL FORECAST AND PICKS
by Ron Raymond
Anaheim vs. Dallas
The Ducks are 5-10 SU in their last 15 trips to Dallas and Turco has had some success vs. the Ducks in his career. When ANAHEIM team played as a Road team - After a non division game - Coming off vs. Northwest division opponent - Allowed 4 goals AGAINST in their last game; The Ducks are 4-13 SU in this spot.
Prediction: Dallas 3 Anaheim 2
San Jose vs. St.Louis
Taking a long shot on the Blues, as Nabokov is only 4-3 SU on the road this season and it?s worth the money line shot with the Blues. When ST LOUIS team played as a home team - With 3 day off - Total is 5.5; The Blues are 8-2 SU in this role since ?98.
Prediction: St.Louis 4 San Jose 3
Detroit vs. Colorado
The Red Wings lost last night in Nashville and they don?t lose too many back to back games. Plus, the Avs are starting to carry a laundry list of injuries. When DETROIT team Played as Road team as a Favorite - Total is 5.5 -Coming off a Road loss as a Favorite; The Red Wings are 15-7-3 SU in this spot since ?97.
Prediction: Detroit 5 Colorado 2
LA Kings vs. Phoenix
Bryzkalov is now 8-2 vs. the Kings and LA don?t play well on the road. When PHOENIX team played as a home team - Vs Western conference opponent - Total is 5.5 - Coming off a 1 game win - Coming off 1 under; The Coyotes are 9-3 SU in this spot.
Prediction: Phoenix 4 LA Kings 3
Ottawa vs. Calgary
The Sens have 3 road wins on the season and Kipper is 3-0 lifetime vs. the Sens. When CALGARY team played as Home team as a Favorite - Last 3 years - Coming off 1 over; The Flames are 21-10 SU in this situation the last 3 seasons.
Prediction: Calgary 4 Ottawa 1