What bettors need to know: Hockey Night In Canada
By T.O. WHENHAM
Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-head
Toronto isn't a great team this year but it would be better if it could just play the Penguins more often. The Leafs have won their last two games against Pittsburgh and have scored 12 goals in the process. Overall, Toronto is 2-1 versus the Penguins this year and the two wins have gone over the total.
Prolonged slump
Toronto has lost two games in a row and four of five. Fans know this isn't just a recent slump. You can just keep stretching the time frame and it doesn't get any better. The Leafs have lost eight of 11, 12 of 16, 16 of 22, and so on. Short of a hot streak at the end of October and another in December, this is a season to forget. The impending trade deadline isn't helping them focus either. No one on the team is safe and everyone knows it.
Turning a corner
Pittsburgh isn't much better than Toronto. Before this past week, Pittsburgh had just five wins in 17 games. The Penguins won three of their last four and are finally showing their potential. Their last win came over San Jose. It was particularly noteworthy because Sidney Crosby, a shockingly bad shootout performer, scored the winning goal in the additional period.
Who will stop the pucks?
Toronto's goaltending problems are ongoing and they aren't getting any better. Vesa Toskala was yanked in his last game against Anaheim after allowing four goals in two periods. Curtis Joseph came in for a rare appearance and he was just as bad, giving up two goals in one period. The team has tried youngster Justin Pogge a couple of times but he's not ready, or at least he won't benefit from being thrown to the wolves behind a bad team.
"I'm not even going to comment on our goaltending any more," coach Ron Wilson told reporters after the Anaheim game. "They've got to make more saves, simple."
Calgary Flames at Phoenix Coyotes
Head-to-head
Wayne Gretzky was the Flames' nemesis when he was in Edmonton and he's not much better now that he is the coach in Phoenix. Calgary has been heavily favored in each of the last two meetings and they have lost both. Both have gone over the total as well. Calgary's only win in the series this year came in the first meeting when they were only slightly favored.
Red-hot flame
No player in the league has been better over the last month than Flames forward Mike Cammalleri. He is on a goal-a-game pace over his last 15 games and he sits second in the Western Conference with 29 goals. He's a free agent at the end of the year, so he's about to be a very rich man.
It's a good thing he's scoring so much, because the usual suspects in Calgary aren't. Jarome Iginla has just two goals in his last 17 games and only 20 on the year. Daymond Langkow hasn't scored since January 15. Todd Bertuzzi had as many goals in the first three weeks of the season as he's had since. If it weren't for Cammalleri, then this team would be struggling even more.
Struggles in the desert
The Coyotes are a financial disaster and that chaos and uncertainty seems to be spilling onto the ice. Phoenix was right in the heart of the tough fight for the bottom playoff spots in the conference, but its 1-7 run in the its last eight has dropped them behind the lead pack. There's lots of blame to go around but the offensive is probably at the top of the list. They have scored just 14 goals in eight games and have been shut out twice. Combine that with the 29 goals they have allowed and it's a wonder that they even have the one win.
Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Feb. 14
Pittsburgh at Toronto (7 p.m. EST). Pittsburgh, tied for ninth place in the Eastern Conference, is coming off a 2-1 victory over West-leading San Jose on Wednesday night.
STARS
Friday
— Scott Clemmensen and Bryce Salvador, Devils. Clemmensen made 31 saves for his second straight shutout after going nearly five years without one in the NHL, and Salvador scored his first goal in 22 games in New Jersey’s 1-0 home win over Boston.
— Derek Roy, Sabres, scored the decisive shootout goal, and had a goal and an assist in regulation in Buffalo’s 6-5 home victory over San Jose.
— Chris Mason, Blues, made 22 saves to shut out Chicago for the second straight time, helping St. Louis beat Chicago 1-0.
— Andrei Kostitsyn and Jaroslav Halak, Canadiens. Kostitsyn scored go-ahead goal with 2:16 remaining, and Halak made 46 saves in Montreal’s 4-2 victory in Colorado.
— Jason Williams, Blue Jackets, scored with 6:55 to go to help Columbus beat Stanley Cup champion Detroit 3-2.
START
Sean Avery was expected to play his first game for the Hartford Wolf Pack on Saturday night against Manitoba. Dallas assigned Avery to the American Hockey League team Tuesday. Avery hasn’t played since the NHL suspended him in December for making a crude remark about other hockey players dating his former girlfriends. He completed treatment in a league counseling program last weekend and cleared waivers Monday.
STATUS
Columbus activated goalie Steve Mason from injured reserve Friday and assigned goalie Dan LaCosta to Syracuse of the American Hockey League. Mason sat out three games after he was diagnosed with mononucleosis. He made 32 saves in the Blue Jackets’ 3-2 home victory over Detroit on Friday night.
SCOUTING
Bostjan Golicic had two goals and an assist in the Calgary Hitmen’s 4-2 road victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday night in the Western Hockey League. Kris Foucault and Joel Broda also scored for the Hitmen.
SPEAKING
“I don’t know what is going to happen when he comes back. I just know that if called upon, I’m going to play the best that I can. It’s taken me so long, and it’s been so hard to get here that I’m not going to take any game for granted or any situation for granted.”—New Jersey goalie Scott Clemmensen on the return of Martin Brodeur, the four-time Vezina Trophy winner who has missed most of the season because of an elbow injury. Clemmensen has had shutouts in his last two games.
New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Islanders were doubled 4-2 by the Devils last time out, as +270 road underdogs. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Radek Martinek and Kyle Okposo scored for the Islanders. Joey MacDonald made 46 saves in the loss.
The Flyers were upset 5-2 by the Senators last time out, as -220 favorites at home. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Darroll Powe and Mike Richards tallied in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 16-32-6
Philadelphia: 28-16-9
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Ottawa are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the NY Islanders last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Philadelphia is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
NY Islanders home to Pittsburgh, Monday, February 16
Philadelphia at NY Rangers, Sunday, February 15
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Oilers erupted for four goals in the first period on Wednesday, as they crushed the Canadiens 7-2. The Oilers won the game as a -120 favorite, while the nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Sam Gagner, Zack Stortini, Andrew Cogliano, Ales Hemsky, Kyle Brodziak, Dustin Penner, and Liam Reddox scored in that win.
The Kings were shut out 2-0 by the Flames last time out, as a -110 pick'em. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jon Quick stopped 18-of-19 shots in a losing effort.
Team records:
Edmonton: 27-23-4
Los Angeles: 24-22-7
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Montreal are 1-1-3
After a win are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Los Angeles's last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Next up:
Edmonton at Phoenix, Monday, February 16
Los Angeles home to Atlanta, Monday, February 16
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Blue Jackets fought for a 3-2 win over the Red Wings at Nationwide Arena Friday.
Columbus won as a +140 home underdog while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
The Hurricanes were shut out 5-0 by the Panthers last time out, as -140 favorites at home. The five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Cam Ward was pulled after giving up four goals off 13 shots.
Current streak:
Columbus has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Columbus: 27-23-5
Carolina: 27-23-5
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Columbus is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Columbus is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Carolina
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games at home
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Columbus
Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Columbus
Carolina is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Next up:
Columbus home to Dallas, Monday, February 16
Carolina at Buffalo, Sunday, February 15
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Sidney Crosby scored the only goal in the shootout on Wednesday, lifting the Penguins to a 2-1 win over the Sharks. The Penguins won the game as a +130 underdog, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Bill Thomas scored in regulation for the Penguins, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 36 saves in that win.
Vesa Toskala gave up four goals off 12 shots in the Toronto net before getting pulled, as the Lightning defeated the Maple Leafs 6-4 on Thursday, as -120 favorites. The 10 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Ryan Malone led the way with a pair of goals, while singles came off the sticks of Mark Recchi, Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, and Vincent Lecavalier.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 27-24-5
Toronto: 20-25-10
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing San Jose are 4-4-1
After a win are 2-8
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Tampa Bay are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing Pittsburgh
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Next up:
Pittsburgh at NY Islanders, Monday, February 16
Toronto home to Buffalo, Tuesday, February 17
Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Capitals fell 5-4 to the Rangers in a shootout on Wednesday, as -130 favorites. The combined score sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mike Green scored twice, while singles came from Tomas Fleischmann, and Eric Fehr.
The Lightning defeated the Maple Leafs 6-4 last time out, as +100 underdogs. The 10 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Lee Stempniak scored twice, while Niklas Hagman and Nikolai Kulemin added the other markers in the loss.
Team records:
Washington: 34-16-5
Tampa Bay: 19-25-11
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing NY Rangers are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Washington's last 18 games when playing Tampa Bay
Washington is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Tampa Bay's last 18 games when playing Washington
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Washington at Florida, Sunday, February 15
Tampa Bay home to Chicago, Tuesday, February 17
Ottawa Senators vs. Minnesota Wild
The Senators won their third straight with a 5-2 victory over the Flyers last time out, as +195 underdogs. The Senators won that game as a +195 underdogs, while the seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza, Nick Foligno, Daniel Alfredsson, and Antoine Vermette potted the Senators goals, and Brian Elliot stopped 34 shots in the win.
The Wild were doubled 4-2 by the Red Wings last time out, as +245 underdogs on the road. That game's six goals made it OVER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Brent Burns scored on the power play for the Wild, and Mikko Koivu had a shorthanded marker in the loss.
Current streak:
Ottawa has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Ottawa: 20-25-8
Minnesota: 28-23-3
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa's last 10 games
Ottawa is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Ottawa is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Next up:
Ottawa at Nashville, Monday, February 16
Minnesota home to Calgary, Thursday, February 19
Boston Bruins vs. Nashville Predators
The Bruins lost a 1-0 battle to the Devils at the Prudential Center Friday night.
New Jersey won as a -105 home favorite while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Jason Arnott scored at 19:57 of the third period and Steve Sullivan scored the shootout winner to give the Predators a 4-3 win over the Blues on Thursday, as -140 favorites. The combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Dan Hamhuis and Kevin Klein scored the other goals for the Predators, who snapped a two-game losing skid.
Current streak:
Boston has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 39-10-7
Nashville: 26-26-3
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-4-2
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games when playing Nashville
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Nashville's last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Nashville's last 22 games at home
Nashville is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Boston at Carolina, Tuesday, February 17
Nashville home to Ottawa, Monday, February 16
Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The Stars got past the Canucks 2-1 at American Airlines Center Friday.
Dallas won as a -162 home favorite while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
The Blackhawks gave up the games only goal early in the third to lose 1-0 to the Blues at the Scottrade Center Friday night.
St. Louis won as a +146 home underdog while the final score finished under the 6-goal total.
Team records:
Dallas: 27-20-7
Chicago: 30-15-8
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Vancouver are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Edmonton are 7-3
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Dallas is 16-6-1 SU in its last 23 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at Columbus, Monday, February 16
Chicago at Tampa Bay, Tuesday, February 17
Calgary Flames vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Miikka Kiprusoff made 36 saves to post the shutout, as the Flames defeated the Kings 2-0 on Thursday. The Flames won the game as a -110 pick'em, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Michael Cammalleri scored on the power play, and Rene Bourque added an empty net marker in the win.
The Coyotes lost 4-3 to the Canucks last time out, as +135 underdogs at home. That game's seven goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Enver Lisin, Steve Reinprecht, and Derek Morris tallied in the loss.
Team records:
Calgary: 32-18-5
Phoenix: 25-26-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-3-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 4-6
After playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-3-1
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Vancouver are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Calgary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Calgary is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
Phoenix is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing Calgary
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Calgary home to Vancouver, Tuesday, February 17
Phoenix home to Edmonton, Monday, February 16
NY ISLANDERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the NY Islanders last 12 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
EDMONTON vs. LOS ANGELES
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 7-13-2 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
COLUMBUS vs. CAROLINA
Columbus is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Carolina
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games at home
PITTSBURGH vs. TORONTO
Pittsburgh is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
WASHINGTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Washington's last 18 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games at home
BOSTON vs. NASHVILLE
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Boston is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Nashville's last 10 games when playing Boston
Nashville is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
OTTAWA vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa's last 10 games
Ottawa is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
DALLAS vs. CHICAGO
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
CALGARY vs. PHOENIX
Calgary is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
Saturday Puck Bucks
by: Scott Rickenbach
It's Saturday Night on the Ice and we shake things up a little bit here on the other side of the All Star Break with a bit of a different approach to this weekly article. Here we take a quick look at all the Saturday Night NHL action. This is short because it is intended to be a quick read. This is a sentence or two that pops into an NHL mind when looking at the Saturday Night card. The intent is to help you focus in on match-ups where you feel there might be enough value to put your hard earned money to work for you! Let's get to work:
Pit @ Tor - Pittsburgh is coming off of a 2-1 shootout win over San Jose in their last game. That said, one can't really blame them if they come out a little flat here. That means weaker defense and more openings for a talented Maple Leafs offense to operate in. The problem for Toronto is they can't stop opponents from scoring. Their last game was a 6-4 loss and this was nothing unusual for a Leafs game. Even with a lofty total on this game the over might be worth a look.
CBS @ Car - The Jackets are off of a huge upset win of the Red Wings last night. Columbus has been one of the hotter teams in the league. However, this is a tough spot for them and Carolina is off of a 5-0 home loss. The Canes will be hungry but it's hard to lay that price against a Jackets team the way they've been playing.
Was @ TBL - The Lightning are inconsistent but they are a much better team than they were earlier this season. Still, they're hosting a Capitals team that is burned up about 5-4 shootout loss to the Rangers on Wednesday. That means the Caps could be worth a look but they look too pricey to invest in on the road.
Bos @ Nas - The Bruins are off of a 1-0 loss at New Jersey. It was a tough beat as they outshot the Devils 31 to 18. Still they have lost three straight. Can they be trusted here? Losing has a way of becoming contagious for a team. Nashville though is off of a miracle win. They scored with 3 seconds left on the clock versus St Louis to force overtime. The Predators went on to win in the shootout. Bruins fired up and hungry here after last night's result.
Ott @ Min - Could Ottawa be worth a look here? They have started to respond since the Craig Hartsburg firing. The Senators are coming off of a 5-2 win at Philly as a big dog and they could do the same thing here! The Wild may have trouble bouncing back after losing 4-2 at Detroit on Thursday.
Dal @ Chi - Dallas has been playing their best hockey of the season. However, it's hard to go against Chicago at home when they're coming off of a tough shutout loss at St Louis.
Cal @ Phx - Phoenix is in a very tough slump and really can't be trusted right now. They continue to struggle with blown leads and slow starts. They lost at home to Vancouver on Thursday and they face a tough Calgary team that is coming off a shutout win Thursday. Flames may not be totally trustworthy on road but hard to trust Phoenix anywhere right now!