Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Feb. 7
Toronto at Montreal (7 p.m. EST). The Maple Leafs and Canadiens meet for the fourth time this season. After splitting two games in Toronto, the Canadiens beat the Maple Leafs 6-2 in Montreal on Jan. 8.
STARS
Friday
— Dan Ellis, Predators, made 22 saves for a shutout in his first start in nearly three weeks in Nashville’s 2-0 victory in Minnesota.
— Mike Ribeiro and James Neal, Stars, each scored twice in Dallas’ 10-2 home victory over the New York Rangers.
— Kris Letang, Penguins, had his second two-goal game in 10 days in Pittsburgh’s 4-1 home victory over Columbus.
— Ryan Miller, Sabres, made 35 saves to help Buffalo beat Montreal 3-2. Saku Koivo ended Miller’s career-best shutout streak at 157 minutes, 13 seconds midway through the second period.
— Kevin Weekes, Devils, made 31 saves in New Jersey’s 5-1 win in Atlanta.
STATUS
St. Louis waived Manny Legace on Friday. If Legace is not claimed by another team, Blues president John Davidson said the 36-year-old goalie will be sent to Peoria of the American Hockey League. … Buffalo center Paul Gaustad will be sidelined at least a week because of an upper-body injury. … Washington recalled defensemen Karl Alzner from Hershey of the AHL and claimed defenseman Staffan Kronwall off waivers from Toronto. .. Dallas assigned backup goalie Tobias Stephan to Bridgeport of the AHL and called up goalie Brent Krahn from Chicago of the AHL.
SCOUTING
Spokane Chiefs defenseman Jared Cowen, ranked seventh among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, will miss the rest of the season because of a right knee injury. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Cowen was expected to have reconstructive surgery in the next three weeks.
SPEAKING
“When you go minus-2 on your power play, it’s not a good sign.”—Atlanta coach John Anderson after the Thrashers allowed two short-handed goals and went 0-for-7 on the power play in a 5-1 home loss to New Jersey on Friday night.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins
The Flyers fell 3-1 to the Bruins as a +110 underdog on Wednesday. The game's four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Scott Hartnell scored the lone goal for the Flyers, who've lost back-to-back games. Martin Biron made 30 saves in a losing effort.
P.J. Axelsson scored the shootout winner to give the Bruins a 4-3 win over the lowly Senators on Thursday, as -165 favorites. The combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Blake Wheeler, Zdeno Chara, and Chuck Kobasew scored for the Bruins in regulation.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Boston has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 26-15-9
Boston: 39-8-6
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Ottawa are 2-8
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games at home
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Boston's last 24 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia at Atlanta, Sunday, February 8
Boston home to San Jose, Tuesday, February 10
Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames
The Ducks were doubled 4-2 by the Predators last time out, as +110 road underdogs. The game's six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Corey Perry scored both goals for the Ducks, who got 30 saves from Jean-Sebastien Giguere in the loss.
The Flames fell 5-2 to the Celtics last time out, as +105 underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Todd Bertuzzi and Dion Phaneuf scored in the loss.
Current streak:
Anaheim has lost 2 straight games.
Calgary has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Anaheim: 26-24-5
Calgary: 30-17-4
Anaheim most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Nashville are 9-1
After a loss are 5-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Anaheim's last 13 games on the road
Anaheim is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
Anaheim is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Anaheim is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games at home
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Calgary's last 8 games
Next up:
Calgary home to Montreal, Monday, February 9
Edmonton Oilers vs. Detroit Red Wings
Sam Gagner scored the shootout winner on Thursday, lifting the Oilers to a 2-1 win over the Blues. The Oilers won that game as a +110 underdog, while the team's played UNDER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Sheldon Souray scored his 13th goal of the season in regulation, and Dwayne Roloson stopped 33 shots in the victory.
Nicklas Lidstrom scored at 19:21 of the third period to lift the Red Wings to a 5-4 victory over the Coyotes on Wednesday, as -320 favorites. That game's nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Marian Hossa scored twice, while singles came from Henrik Zetterberg and Mikael Samuelsson.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Edmonton: 26-22-3
Detroit: 33-11-7
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 8 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Edmonton's last 12 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing Edmonton
Next up:
Edmonton at Minnesota, Sunday, February 8
Detroit at Pittsburgh, Sunday, February 8
Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals
Richard Zednik's goal at 12:39 of the third period proved to be the winner on Thursday, as the Panthers scraped past the Islanders 3-2. The Panthers won the game as a -200 favorite at home, while the five goals went UNDER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Jay Bouwmeester and Karlis Skrastins also potted goals for the Panthers. Tomas Vokoun made 20 saves in that win.
The Capitals fell 5-4 to the Kings as a -250 favorite last time out. That game's nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mike Green scored twice for the Capitals, and Alexander Semin also tallied.
Current streak:
Florida has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 25-18-8
Washington: 33-16-4
Florida most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing NY Islanders are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Los Angeles are 3-3-2
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games
Florida is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
Washington is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Next up:
Florida home to Toronto, Tuesday, February 10
Washington at NY Rangers, Wednesday, February 11
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Maple Leafs fired just 16 shots at Ryan Miller in their 5-0 loss to the Sabres on Wednesday, as +180 road underdogs. The five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Justin Pogge stopped 27 shots in the loss.
The Canadiens continued to struggle as they lost 3-2 to the Sabres on Friday, as +110 road underdogs. The five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Saku Koivu and Roman Hamrlik scored in that loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 19-24-9
Montreal: 29-17-6
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-2-1
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Buffalo are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Calgary are 5-5
After playing Buffalo are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Toronto is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Montreal is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Montreal is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
Next up:
Toronto at Florida, Tuesday, February 10
Montreal at Calgary, Monday, February 9
Los Angeles Kings vs. New Jersey Devils
The Kings upset the Capitals 5-4 last time out, as +210 road underdogs. The nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Anze Kopitar potted two goals for the Kings, while singles came from Michal Handzus, Kyle Calder, and Patrick O'Sullivan.
Zach Parise scored once and added an assist as the Devils cruised to a 5-1 win over the Thrashers on Friday, as -180 favorites. The game's six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Travis Zajac, John Madden, David Clarkson, and Brian Gionta potted the other goals.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 22-21-7
New Jersey: 33-16-3
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Washington are 4-4-1
After a win are 4-6
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing Atlanta are 9-1
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Los Angeles at NY Islanders, Tuesday, February 10
New Jersey home to NY Rangers, Monday, February 9
Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators
Tim Connolly scored the game-winning goal unassisted and Ryan Miller stopped 35 shots on Friday, as the Sabres defeated the Canadiens 3-2. The Sabres won that game as a -130 favorite, while the five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jaroslav Spacek and Nathan Paetsch potted the other goals.
The struggling Senators gave up a late goal and then fell 4-3 to the Bruins in a shootout on Thursday, as +145 underdogs at home. The combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Nick Foligno, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza replied in that loss.
Current streak:
Buffalo has won 2 straight games.
Ottawa has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 28-20-5
Ottawa: 17-25-8
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Montreal are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games
Buffalo is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games
Ottawa is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Buffalo
Ottawa is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Next up:
Ottawa at Buffalo, Wednesday, February 11
San Jose Sharks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Sharks were defeated 4-3 in a shootout by the Hurricanes last time out, as -320 favorites at home. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ryane Clowe, Alexei Semenov, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored for the Sharks. Evgeni Nabokov made 26 saves in the loss.
The Blue Jackets dropped their third straight in a 4-1 loss to the Penguins on Friday, as +170 underdogs. The five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Fedor Tyutin tallied on the power play in that loss.
Current streak:
San Jose has lost 2 straight games.
Columbus has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 36-7-6
Columbus: 24-23-5
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Carolina are 6-6-2
After a loss are 7-3
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Colorado are 4-6
After playing Pittsburgh are 1-1-1
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Jose's last 10 games when playing on the road against Columbus
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Columbus
San Jose is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 9 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Columbus's last 10 games when playing at home against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Columbus's last 15 games at home
Columbus is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
Columbus is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Jose
Next up:
San Jose at Boston, Tuesday, February 10
Columbus home to Colorado, Tuesday, February 10
New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Islanders fell 3-2 to the Panthers last time out, as +180 road underdogs. The five goals went UNDER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Josh Bailey and Trent Hunter tallied on the power play.
The Lightning blew a three goal lead and lost 4-3 to the Penguins in overtime on Wednesday, as +190 road underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (6).
Ryan Malone, Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St. Louis scored, and Mike McKenna stopped 31 shots in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 16-30-5
Tampa Bay: 17-24-11
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Pittsburgh are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Islanders last 9 games
NY Islanders are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Tampa Bay is 12-5 SU in their last 17 games when playing NY Islanders
Next up:
NY Islanders home to Los Angeles, Tuesday, February 10
Tampa Bay home to Atlanta, Tuesday, February 10
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues
Cody McLeod scored the game-winning goal to give the Avalanche a 3-2 victory over the Stars on Thursday. The Avalanche won the game as a +110 underdog, while the five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos also tallied, while Peter Budaj made 22 saves in picking up the win.
The Blues lost a tough 2-1 game in a shootout to the Oilers last time out, as -130 favorites at home. The team's played UNDER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Jay McClement scored the lone goal for the Blues, and Chris Mason made 22 saves.
Current streak:
Colorado has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 25-26-1
St. Louis: 21-24-6
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Edmonton are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Colorado's last 17 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 13 games when playing Colorado
Next up:
Colorado at Columbus, Tuesday, February 10
St. Louis home to Vancouver, Tuesday, February 10
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Sergei Samsonov scored his second of the night in the shootout on Thursday, as the Hurricanes got past the Sharks 4-3. The Hurricanes won the game as +260 underdogs, while the combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Matt Cullen and Ray Whitney had the other markers in regulation. Michael Leighton stopped 37 shots in that win.
The Coyotes surrendered a late goal and fell 5-4 to the Red Wings as +270 underdogs last time out. That game's nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ed Jovanovski, Todd Fedoruk, Joel Perrault, and Joakim Lindstrom scored in the loss.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Carolina: 26-22-5
Phoenix: 24-24-5
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing San Jose are 3-3-1
After a win are 5-5
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games
Carolina is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
Phoenix is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
Phoenix is 3-4-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Carolina
Next up:
Carolina home to Florida, Thursday, February 12
Phoenix at Dallas, Wednesday, February 11
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Chicago handed Calgary a third straight loss on Thursday with a 5-2 victory.
Calgary won the game as -125 favorites, while the seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Dave Bolland, Andrew Ladd, Colin Fraser, Adam Burish, and Troy Brower scored.
Alexandre Burrows' shorthanded goal late in the third period was the difference, as the Canucks nipped the Hurricanes 4-3 on Tuesday night.
Vancouver cashed as -145 home favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 29-13-8
Vancouver: 23-20-8
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Edmonton are 7-3
After playing Calgary are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Carolina are 5-5-2
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Vancouver's last 8 games at home
Vancouver is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games
Next up:
Chicago at Atlanta, Wednesday, February 11
Vancouver at St. Louis, Tuesday, February 10
PHILADELPHIA (26-15-0-9, 61 pts.) at BOSTON (39-7-0-7, 85 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-3 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)
ANAHEIM (26-24-0-5, 57 pts.) at CALGARY (30-17-0-4, 64 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 7-11 ATS (-10.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
ANAHEIM is 15-21 ATS (-15.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 23-12 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-16 ATS (-18.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 6-4 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 6-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)
EDMONTON (26-22-0-3, 55 pts.) at DETROIT (33-11-0-7, 73 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 26-4 ATS (+16.6 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 67-66 ATS (+143.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 23-22 ATS (+57.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 34-23 ATS (+62.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 14-9 ATS (+24.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 14-8 ATS (+22.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
DETROIT is 6-10 ATS (-17.6 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 5-5 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-5-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)
TORONTO (19-24-0-9, 47 pts.) at MONTREAL (29-16-0-6, 64 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
TORONTO is 8-20 ATS (+31.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
TORONTO is 18-15 ATS (+40.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 246-235 ATS (+494.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MONTREAL is 31-40 ATS (-20.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 9-10 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 10-9-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)
SAN JOSE (36-7-0-6, 78 pts.) at COLUMBUS (24-22-0-5, 53 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 8-3 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-3-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.9 Units)
FLORIDA (25-18-0-8, 58 pts.) at WASHINGTON (33-16-0-4, 70 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 14-3 ATS (+10.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 10-7 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 10-7-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)
LOS ANGELES (22-21-0-7, 51 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (32-16-0-3, 67 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 88-131 ATS (-50.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 18-48 ATS (+83.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 32-19 ATS (+63.7 Units) in all games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-1 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)
BUFFALO (27-20-0-5, 59 pts.) at OTTAWA (17-25-0-8, 42 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 26-35 ATS (-20.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 187-128 ATS (+37.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
OTTAWA is 17-33 ATS (-24.8 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 6-12 ATS (+18.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 4-12 ATS (-18.5 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 22-41 ATS (-44.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 4-11 ATS (+19.1 Units) on Saturday games this season.
OTTAWA is 18-24 ATS (-17.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 28-35 ATS (-25.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 20-31 ATS (-23.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 8-20 ATS (-16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 15-8 (+5.7 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 15-8-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
13 of 23 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.6 Units)
NY ISLANDERS (16-30-0-5, 37 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (17-24-0-11, 45 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 5-5 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 5-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)
COLORADO (25-26-0-1, 51 pts.) at ST LOUIS (21-24-0-6, 48 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 165-128 ATS (+22.7 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
COLORADO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) on Saturday games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-4 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 6-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.8 Units)
CAROLINA (26-22-0-5, 57 pts.) at PHOENIX (24-24-0-5, 53 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 1-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 1-1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)
CHICAGO (29-14-0-7, 65 pts.) at VANCOUVER (23-20-0-8, 54 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 180-224 ATS (-77.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 32-33 ATS (+81.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 27-16 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 32-19 ATS (+52.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 62-70 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 11-19 ATS (-11.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 3-10 ATS (-13.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 4-12 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 28-35 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 99-132 ATS (-102.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 7-17 ATS (+26.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 6-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.8 Units)
LA CLIPPERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Atlanta
LA Clippers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
DENVER vs. NEW JERSEY
Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
New Jersey is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Denver
New Jersey is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Denver
TORONTO vs. MEMPHIS
Toronto is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Memphis's last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
CHICAGO vs. DALLAS
Chicago is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Dallas is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago
DETROIT vs. MILWAUKEE
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
MINNESOTA vs. HOUSTON
Minnesota is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home
What bettors need to know: Hockey night in Canada
By T.O. WHENHAM
Toronto Maple Leafs (19-24-9) at Montreal Canadiens (29-16-6)
Head to head
Montreal has had the recent edge in this Original Six rivalry. They have won two of the three games the teams have played this year. All three games have gone over the total, with the winner scoring six goals in each game.
Short rest for Habs
Tonight’s game will be the second of a back-to-back set for Montreal. The short trip to Buffalo shouldn’t hurt the Canadiens. The club is 5-3-1 in the second game of the back to backs this season.
Hard times
Neither squad comes into this contest in top form. Prior to Friday night’s game, the Habs had just two wins in their last seven games. Toronto is even worse, with two wins in its last eight. Toronto's last outing was an ugly 5-0 loss at Buffalo. That performance was obviously lousy, and coach Ron Wilson was not pleased. The veterans are saying the right things.
“If you want to play in the league, you've got to show up every night. You can't take days off, because that comes to bite you in the ass in the long run,” said Niklas Hagman.
Goaltending woes
Toronto's problems are many, but at the top of the list is its lack of a good goaltending solution. Justin Pogge, the young goalie of the future, has been called into action to play three recent games, but he hasn't proved to be the answer. The Leafs are 1-2 in games he’s started and he allowed five goals against Buffalo is his last outing. Vesa Toskala is still the No. 1, but with a pathetic save percentage (.883) he's a far cry from an ideal starter. The Leafs haven't had a shutout all year and have allowed an average of 4.5 points in their last six games.
Chicago Blackhawks (29-13-8) at Vancouver Canucks (23-20-8)
Head to head
This is the third meeting between the teams this season. Chicago has won the previous two, including one in Vancouver right before Christmas. Though that's consistent with the relative strengths of the two teams, it's a reversal of the last two years. Vancouver won three of the four games played each year. This is the first time in more than three years that Chicago has been favored against the Canucks.
We love Canada, eh
Chicago's win over Calgary on Thursday was its 11th victory in 11 tries against Canadian squads.
"Maybe these Canadians are right about the water is better here, maybe that's the reason," said Adam Burish, who scored the winning goal in Calgary.
This streak is partly built on one of Chicago's strengths – the Hawks are a solid 15-9-3 on the road. Only Boston and New Jersey have more road wins. That strength will be tested in this game - this is the sixth game in an eight game road trip. Chicago is 4-1 so far.
Rough Times in Vancouver
Things are not going well for the Canucks. They beat Carolina at home last time out to end an eight game losing streak. The problems over that stretch have been many. Roberto Luongo's goals-against average is 3.67 over the last six games - more than a goal per game higher than his season mark.
Mats Sundin has been an expensive blunder at this point. He has just five points in 10 games and two of those came in his most recent outing. He doesn't seem to be fitting into the team well and hasn’t done much to improve the club.
The Canucks’ penalty kill has been atrocious. The unit has allowed 13 goals in the last 33 penalty kills.
Saturday's 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:
Tor @ Mon - Montreal will be coming off of a battle at Buffalo the night before. Could there be value with Toronto as a result? Yes but the Maple Leafs are so hard to trust. No lead is ever safe with Toronto and they rarely play with a lead as it is. Perhaps the Over is worth a look here?
SJS @ CBS - No overnight line on this one and it will be tough to find any value here anyway. San Jose suffering some rare losses recently and should bounce back but we don't recommend big favorites!
Fla @ Was - The Caps are off of a loss and should bounce back but again you're looking at a big price if you want to back the Capitals. While we won't go against Washington off of a loss we will say that Florida is playing their best hockey of the season.
LAK @ NJD - Scappy Kings are off of an upset win at Washington on Thursday and would normally be worth a look. However, New Jersey will be off of a rather easy match-up at Atlanta and should be coming home confident and ready to make amends for their last home game. In that game on Tuesday, the Devils lost 5 to 2 to Washington at home. We would not play a big favorite like the Devils but we wouldn't go against them either when they're looking to make amends for a prior home loss.
Buf @ Ott - The Senators could be very dangerous in this spot. The Sens very nearly upset the Bruins on Thursday - they lost in shootout - and Ottawa is catching the Sabres in a tough spot. Buffalo is coming off of a big home game last night versus the Habs. That makes this a tough divisional back to back for the Sabres. Senators are playing hard and have been coming up just short. Could this be the game?
NYI @ TBL - Both teams have been much more competitive of late but we just don't feel very comfortable getting involved with either one of these clubs. Tampa Bay likely to be "out of range" in terms of the line once it comes out. They're playing their best hockey of the season but it's still hard to lay a price with Tampa Bay.
Col @ STL - Colorado seems intent on making a push for the playoffs despite their injuries. St Louis is coming off of a shootout loss and will be hungry here. Who's hungrier? Tough question! It looks like the value is with the road team and their more explosive offense.
Car @ Phx - Carolina dealing with some injury issues but off of huge upset win at San Jose. That makes this a potential flat spot for the Hurricanes but Phoenix is in a horrific slump!
Chi @ Van - The Blackhawks, after showing signs of complacency, seem refocused on this road trip. Chicago has been knocking down everything in their path. Vancouver finally back into the win column but they're still hard to trust right now. Hawks appear to be holding the value here and they're holding to their word of having a very strong road trip!