Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, March 14
New Jersey at Montreal (7 p.m. EDT). New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur is back in his hometown in a bid to tie former Canadiens star Patrick Roy’s NHL regular-season victory record of 551.
Sunday, March 15
Detroit at Columbus (5 p.m. EST). Columbus star Rick Nash had his fourth career hat trick, his second against Detroit this season and third overall against the Red Wings, in the Blue Jackets’ 8-2 victory in Detroit on March 7.
STARS
Friday
— Antoine Vermette, Blue Jackets, scored two goals in Columbus’ 5-3 victory in Chicago. Vermette has three goals and three assists in four games since joining the Blue Jackets in a March 4 trade with Ottawa.
— Henrik Sedin, Canucks, scored twice in a 30-second span midway through the third period in Vancouver’s 4-2 victory over Los Angeles.
SUSPENDED
Colorado center Cody McCormick was suspended two games without pay by the NHL on Friday for high-sticking Minnesota’s Cal Clutterbuck in the Avalanche’s 2-1 shootout victory Thursday night. McCormick was assessed a double minor for high-sticking.
SHOWBIZ
The NHL is moving its annual awards show from Toronto to Las Vegas. Part of a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced Friday, this year’s show will be held June 18 at the Palms Hotel.
SCOUTING
Sault Ste. Marie forward Jordan Nolan, the 19-year-old son of former NHL coach Ted Nolan, was suspended for 20 games by the Ontario Hockey League on Friday. In a March 7 game against Plymouth, Nolan was given a minor for instigating, a major for fighting and a game misconduct for being the aggressor in an altercation. Plymouth’s R.J. Mahalak sustained a head injury, but wasn’t seriously hurt.
SPEAKING
“I got to say since I got here, the guys have made it easy on me. Everyone is working hard and working the same way. I couldn’t ask for anything for better than that. Guys are playing pretty well with good structure.”—Antoine Vermette after scoring two goals in Columbus’ 5-3 win over Chicago on Friday night. Vermette has three goals and three assists in four games—all victories — since joining the Blue Jackets in a March 4 trade with Ottawa.
New York Islanders vs. Boston Bruins
Kyle Okposo scored the winner in the extra frame to lift the Islanders over the Canadiens 3-2 on Thursday night.
New York cashed as +240 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Phil Kessel potted two goals to lead the Bruins past the Senators 5-3 on Thursday night.
Boston won as -260 home favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
New York: 23-37-8
Boston: 44-16-9
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Montreal are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-5-2
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Ottawa are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games on the road
NY Islanders are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing Boston
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 9 games at home
Boston is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Next up:
NY Islanders at Chicago, Sunday, March 15
Boston at Pittsburgh, Sunday, March 15
New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Marc Staal's marker stood up as the winner, as the Rangers upset the Predators 4-2 on Thursday night.
New York won as +115 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Mike Knuble found the back of the net for Philadelphia in its 2-1 loss to Washington on Thursday night.
Washington cashed as +105 road underdogs as the game played under the 6-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
New York: 35-25-8
Philadelphia: 36-20-10
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Nashville are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
NY Rangers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games at home
Philadelphia is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
Next up:
Philadelphia at NY Rangers, Sunday, March 15
Detroit Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues
Nicklas Lidstrom netted a goal to go along with two helpers for Detroit in its 6-5 shootout loss to Calgary on Thursday night.
Calgary won as +165 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Brad Boyes potted the winning goal in the second period, as the Blues topped the Sharks 3-1 on Thursday night.
St. Louis won as +125 home underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
St. Louis has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 44-15-9
St. Louis: 31-28-8
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Edmonton are 7-3
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing San Jose are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 13 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Detroit is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games at home
St. Louis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis's last 10 games
Next up:
Detroit at Columbus, Sunday, March 15
St. Louis home to Minnesota, Sunday, March 15
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Jason Spezza had a pair of markers for Ottawa in its 5-3 loss to Boston on Thursday night.
Boston won as -260 home favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin each had two helpers for Pittsburgh in its 4-3 shootout loss to Columbus on Thursday night.
Columbus cashed as -115 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Ottawa: 27-30-10
Pittsburgh: 36-26-7
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing Columbus are 3-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Ottawa's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Next up:
Ottawa home to Buffalo, Tuesday, March 17
Pittsburgh home to Boston, Sunday, March 15
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Buffalo Sabres
Marty Reasoner scored the winner in overtime to lift the Thrashers past the Oilers 4-3 on Thursday night.
Atlanta won as +165 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Daniel Paille's goal stood up as the winner, as the Sabres stymied the Panthers 3-1 on Thursday night.
Buffalo cashed as -130 home favorites as the game played under the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 27-35-6
Buffalo: 34-27-7
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-7-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Edmonton are 1-1-2
After a win are 4-6
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Florida are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Buffalo's last 12 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Buffalo's last 12 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta home to Washington, Monday, March 16
Buffalo at Ottawa, Tuesday, March 17
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
Rod Brind'Amour had a goal and an assist for Carolina in its 3-2 loss to Dallas on Thursday night.
Dallas cashed as -135 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Alex Ovechkin scored the winner in the second period to lift the Capitals past the Flyers 2-1 on Thursday night.
Washington cashed as +105 road underdogs as the game played under the 6-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Carolina has lost 2 straight games.
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Carolina: 36-28-6
Washington: 42-21-6
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 1-1-1
After a loss are 7-3
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Carolina's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Carolina
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Next up:
Carolina home to New Jersey, Wednesday, March 18
Washington at Atlanta, Monday, March 16
Calgary Flames vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Olli Jokinen's goal in the shootout was the difference, as the Flames edged the Red Wings 6-5 on Thursday night.
Calgary won as +165 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Lee Stempniak potted the lone marker for Toronto in its 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday night.
Tampa Bay cashed as +145 road underdogs as the game played under the 6-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Calgary: 40-22-6
Toronto: 27-29-13
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Los Angeles are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
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 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Calgary's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games on the road
Calgary is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Calgary
Toronto is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing Calgary
Next up:
Calgary home to Dallas, Wednesday, March 18
Toronto at Tampa Bay, Tuesday, March 17
New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens
Bryce Salvador recorded a pair of helpers, as the Devils skated past the Coyotes 5-2 on Thursday night.
New Jersey won as -320 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Tomas Plekanec and Tom Kostopoulos lit up the lamp for the Canadiens in their 3-2 overtime loss to the Islanders on Thursday night.
New York cashed as +240 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
New Jersey has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 44-20-3
Montreal: 36-24-8
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 4-4-1
After a win are 7-3
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 5-5
After playing NY Islanders are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
New Jersey is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games
Montreal is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to Chicago, Tuesday, March 17
Montreal home to NY Rangers, Tuesday, March 17
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Ryan Malone had a goal and an assist to lead the Lightning past the Maple Leafs 4-1 on Thursday night.
Tampa Bay cashed as +145 road underdogs as the game played under the 6-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Michal Repik found the back of the net for Florida in its 3-1 loss to Buffalo on Thursday night.
Buffalo cashed as -130 home favorites as the game played under the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Florida has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 22-32-14
Florida: 34-25-9
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Florida most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-8-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Buffalo are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 9 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games at home
Florida is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Toronto, Tuesday, March 17
Florida home to Washington, Tuesday, March 17
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars
Minnesota defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron potted the lone marker in the Wild's 2-1 shootout loss to Colorado on Thursday night.
Colorado cashed in as -125 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Brendan Morrison's marker proved to be the winner, as the Stars upended the Hurricanes 3-2 on Thursday night.
Dallas cashed as -135 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 32-28-7
Dallas: 32-28-8
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing Colorado are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Carolina are 6-6-1
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Dallas is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota at St. Louis, Sunday, March 15
Dallas at Vancouver, Tuesday, March 17
Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers
Milan Hejduk scored the winner in the shootout to lift the Avalanche past the Wild 2-1 on Thursday night.
Colorado cashed in as -125 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Shawn Horcoff, Patrick O'Sullivan, and Robert Nilsson had goals for Edmonton in its 4-3 overtime loss to Atlanta on Thursday night.
Atlanta won as +165 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Edmonton has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 30-37-1
Edmonton: 32-27-8
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Atlanta are 1-1-1
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Colorado is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Colorado
Edmonton is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Colorado
Next up:
Colorado at Vancouver, Sunday, March 15
Edmonton home to St. Louis, Tuesday, March 17
Nashville Predators vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Shea Weber and J.P. Dumont scored for the Predators in their 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Thursday night.
New York won as +115 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Scottie Upshall and Steve Reinprecht had goals for Phoenix in its 5-2 loss to New Jersey on Thursday night.
New Jersey won as -320 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Nashville has lost 3 straight games.
Phoenix has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Nashville: 33-30-5
Phoenix: 28-34-6
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing NY Rangers are 5-5-1
After a loss are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-3-1
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 5-5-3
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Nashville's last 7 games on the road
Nashville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Nashville at Los Angeles, Monday, March 16
Phoenix home to San Jose, Tuesday, March 17
Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks
Alexander Frolov and Anze Kopitar scored for Los Angeles in its 4-2 loss to Vancouver on Friday night.
Vancouver won as -230 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Patrick Marleau lit up the lamp for San Jose in its 3-1 loss to St. Louis on Thursday night.
St. Louis won as +125 home underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 29-29-9
San Jose: 43-13-10
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-6-1
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Vancouver are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing St. Louis are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Los Angeles's last 11 games when playing San Jose
Los Angeles is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
Los Angeles is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Los Angeles is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Jose's last 10 games
San Jose is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
San Jose is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home
Next up:
Los Angeles home to Nashville, Monday, March 16
San Jose at Anaheim, Sunday, March 15
NY RANGERS (35-25-0-8, 78 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (36-20-0-10, 82 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 12-6 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 12-6-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)
NY ISLANDERS (23-37-0-8, 54 pts.) at BOSTON (44-15-0-10, 98 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 49-38 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-7 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
BOSTON is 36-19 ATS (+12.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-16 ATS (-15.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 114-108 ATS (-48.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-4 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-4-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.0 Units)
DETROIT (44-15-0-9, 97 pts.) at ST LOUIS (31-28-0-8, 70 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 37-28 ATS (-28.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 17-13 ATS (+3.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 9-6 ATS (+17.8 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-12 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 12-8-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)
OTTAWA (27-30-0-10, 64 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (36-26-0-7, 79 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 27-40 ATS (+67.9 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 32-48 ATS (-36.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 1-8 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games on Saturday games this season.
OTTAWA is 23-33 ATS (-20.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 19-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 28-9 ATS (+17.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 58-38 ATS (-1.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-11 ATS (+13.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 24-3 ATS (+18.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 10-10 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 10-10-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)
TAMPA BAY (22-32-0-14, 58 pts.) at FLORIDA (34-25-0-9, 77 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 22-46 ATS (+83.2 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 57-121 ATS (+218.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 4-12 ATS (+16.6 Units) on Saturday games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 4-14 ATS (+20.1 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 15-6 ATS (+21.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
FLORIDA is 10-3 ATS (+13.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
FLORIDA is 98-111 ATS (+222.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 210-235 ATS (+483.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 100-125 ATS (-55.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 12-9 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 12-9-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
13 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.2 Units)
NEW JERSEY (44-20-0-3, 91 pts.) at MONTREAL (36-24-0-8, 80 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 44-23 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 23-8 ATS (+10.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 18-5 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
NEW JERSEY is 45-25 ATS (+13.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 16-9 ATS (+6.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 8-1 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 23-23 ATS (-6.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 33-41 ATS (-15.8 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 8-3 (+5.1 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 8-3-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)
CALGARY (40-22-0-6, 86 pts.) at TORONTO (27-29-0-13, 67 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 32-31 ATS (-21.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 5-9 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 47-45 ATS (+95.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 13-10 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.
CALGARY is 11-3 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 0-8 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
TORONTO is 4-13 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
TORONTO is 11-24 ATS (+42.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 1-1-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)
ATLANTA (27-35-0-6, 60 pts.) at BUFFALO (34-27-0-7, 75 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 17-19 ATS (-10.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 27-38 ATS (-27.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 15-18 ATS (-7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-4 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-4-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.9 Units)
CAROLINA (36-28-0-6, 78 pts.) at WASHINGTON (42-21-0-6, 90 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 18-4 ATS (+12.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-10 ATS (+2.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 0-4 ATS (-8.3 Units) in home games in March games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 11-9 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 11-9-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)
MINNESOTA (32-28-0-7, 71 pts.) at DALLAS (32-28-0-8, 72 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
MINNESOTA is 104-85 ATS (+191.1 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 5-13 ATS (-10.8 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 4-13 ATS (+17.2 Units) on Saturday games this season.
DALLAS is 13-25 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-2 (+7.1 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-2-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)
COLORADO (30-37-0-1, 61 pts.) at EDMONTON (32-27-0-8, 72 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 4-13 ATS (+18.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 3-12 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 73-76 ATS (-28.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 40-33 ATS (-0.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 17-11 ATS (+32.8 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 12-8 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 12-8-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)
NASHVILLE (33-30-0-5, 71 pts.) at PHOENIX (28-34-0-6, 62 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 123-84 ATS (+25.7 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 19-29 ATS (+57.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 118-146 ATS (-79.5 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 7-27 ATS (+43.3 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 4-10 ATS (+4.0 Units) in home games on Saturday games this season.
PHOENIX is 9-19 ATS (+28.6 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
PHOENIX is 5-6 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 6-5-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.4 Units)
LOS ANGELES (29-28-0-9, 67 pts.) at SAN JOSE (43-13-0-10, 96 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 15-14 ATS (-20.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 21-21 ATS (-25.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 121-96 ATS (-37.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 14-6 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 14-6-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.2 Units)
NY ISLANDERS vs. BOSTON
NY Islanders are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing Boston
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games
NY RANGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Rangers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-11 SU in their last 16 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
DETROIT vs. ST. LOUIS
Detroit is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Detroit's last 21 games
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 13 games when playing at home against Detroit
OTTAWA vs. PITTSBURGH
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Ottawa's last 11 games
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Pittsburgh is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Ottawa
ATLANTA vs. BUFFALO
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Buffalo's last 12 games at home
CALGARY vs. TORONTO
Calgary is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Calgary is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing Calgary
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
CAROLINA vs. WASHINGTON
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Carolina
NEW JERSEY vs. MONTREAL
New Jersey is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Montreal is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
TAMPA BAY vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Florida
Tampa Bay is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games
Florida is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
MINNESOTA vs. DALLAS
Minnesota is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 11 games
COLORADO vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Colorado
LOS ANGELES vs. SAN JOSE
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
San Jose is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Jose's last 11 games when playing Los Angeles
NASHVILLE vs. PHOENIX
Nashville is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Nashville
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Nashville
Saturday's best NHL bets
New York Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers (-146, 5.5)
John Tortorella is known for being tough on his teams. The New York Rangers just got a serious dose of that.
Two days after Tortorella gave a stinging speech to spark his club to a comeback victory, the Rangers open a difficult home-and-home series against the Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
The Rangers (35-25-8) hired Tortorella to replace the fired Tom Renney on Feb. 23, clearly looking for someone to motivate a listless team that was falling in the standings. Tortorella coached Tampa Bay to the 2004 Stanley Cup title, solidifying his reputation as an effective motivator in the locker room.
After watching New York fall behind with a poor first period Thursday, Tortorella ripped his team during the intermission and the Rangers went on to beat Nashville 4-2. The fiery coach also benched Nikolai Zherdev, the team's co-leader with Scott Gomez at 51 points, after a turnover led to the Predators' second goal in the opening period.
"He wasn't happy after the first period," said Gomez, who had a goal and two assists. "It has been a while since I've heard a speech like that. We were playing too timid. Nashville had the 2-1 lead and we thought it was over.
"He let us know what it is going to be like from now on. He lit into all of us. We were feeling sorry for ourselves and he spotted that right away. He called us out. I thought we responded well."
The Rangers are 4-2-1 under Tortorella after going 2-7-3 in the previous 12, including a 5-2 home loss to Philadelphia on Feb. 15. They're seventh in the Eastern Conference, one point behind sixth-place Pittsburgh and two back of fifth-place Montreal, which trails Philadelphia by two points for fourth.
Pick: New York +136
Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues (+134, 5.5)
Although they have taken the lead in the Western Conference, the Detroit Red Wings still haven't solved their inconsistent play on defense. Some of their best performances, though, have come in St. Louis.
The visiting Red Wings will look to add another strong showing Saturday as they attempt to stay unbeaten against the Blues this season.
Detroit (44-15-9) blew a two-goal lead in the third period Thursday night against visiting Calgary, allowing the Flames to score three times in the final 3:22. The Red Wings couldn't capitalize on Daniel Cleary's goal with 42 seconds left and suffered a 6-5 shootout loss.
After outshooting the Flames 28-4 in the first period, they were outshot 17-2 in the final 20 minutes of regulation, but moved a point ahead of San Jose in the West after the Sharks fell 3-1 in St. Louis later in the evening.
"I thought we got too passive (in the third period). We were backing in too much and giving them the red line to dump it in," said Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom, who had a goal and two assists. "We got away from playing our system late in the game."
In allowing five goals on 33 shots, Ty Conklin tied his worst performance of the season and added to Detroit's defensive struggles. The Red Wings have give up 25 goals in the past six games, allowing Nashville to score eight times Feb. 28 and Columbus to match that total last Saturday.
Fortunately for Detroit, its goalies have bounced back from their woeful performances.
Following an 8-2 home loss to the Blue Jackets in which Chris Osgood gave up seven goals, Conklin led the Red Wings to a 3-2 overtime win Tuesday night over visiting Phoenix.
Conklin allowed four goals in the first 9:51 and Osgood gave up another four on 14 shots in the 8-0 loss in Nashville, but Osgood recovered with his first shutout of the season in the next game - a 5-0 win in St. Louis.
In its four straight wins at the Scottrade Center, Detroit has allowed four goals, and former Blue Osgood has two shutouts among his three consecutive victories there. Conklin is 3-0-0 with a 2.10 goals-against average in four lifetime meetings against St. Louis (31-28-8).
Pick: Detroit -144
What bettors need to know: Hockey Night In Canada
By DUSTIN NIELSON
New Jersey Devils at Montreal Canadiens (+103, 5.5)
History watch
Martin Brodeur returns to his home town of Montreal with an opportunity to tie Hab’s legend Patrick Roy for top spot on the all-time wins list.
“My mind was always on Patrick's number," Brodeur confessed to reporters. "When I won my 500th game, I was like, 'I've got 51 to go to get Patrick.' I never said, 'Well, I have to get 52.' It was always that 51, so I guess in the back of my mind it's really what Patrick's number is. After that, it's all gravy. I'm going to try to put it as high as I can so it will be tougher for the next one coming.”
Sutter home sick
Devils bench boss Brent Sutter is apparently missing Alberta so bad that rumors are now swirling in Jersey that he may quit at the end of the season. Sutter is currently in the second year of a three year deal.
"Are there things I miss back home? Yes, there are things I miss back home," Sutter told the media. "I've got a 16-year-old daughter who is in high school who I hardly ever get to see. I knew all this stuff coming in. "But it doesn't mean that, because I answer the questions, I'm just going to quit or I'm going to leave the New Jersey Devils. “
Sutter has won 90 games over close to two full seasons with the Devils.
Canadiens look to bounce back
After a thrilling 4-3 come from behind overtime win over the Oilers, Montreal had a setback dropping a 3-2 overtime decision to the Islanders Thursday night.
Canadiens captain Saku Koivu pointed out following the loss that games against teams with nothing to lose are sometimes the most dangerous.
“You get a team coming here with no pressure on them and they can make things tough for you,” Koivu said.
Heading into Saturday, the Canadiens are two points up on Pittsburgh, Carolina and the Rangers and three clear of Florida which currently sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Kovalev questionable
Alex Kovalev is battling the flu and is listed as questionable against the Devils. Kovalev has just one point in his last five games. After returning from a team-initiated break Kovalev picked up seven points in three games but has now once again cooled off.
Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers (-155, 6)
Oil slipping
The Edmonton Oilers are slowly letting the playoffs slip away. Craig MacTavish’s crew is currently seventh in the Western Conference but are just two points up on St. Louis and Anaheim, who are tied for eleventh. The Oil have lost seven of their last two games including back-to-back overtime defeats to the Canadiens and Thrashers.
"It's frustrating," said defenceman Tom Gilbert. "When you're playing well and giving yourself a chance to win ... these last two games have been heartbreakers."
Avalanche weakening
Colorado hasn’t had a good season but its recent play is downright horrid. The Avalanche have won just three of their past ten games, managing to score more than three goals just twice. The power play could be a key reason for the slump. It’s scored just three times with the man advantage in the past three weeks.
Head to head
The season series has been pretty tight between the Avs and Oilers with both teams coming out on top twice. Each road team has won once while three of the four contests were one goal games. All four of the games have finished with a total of five goals, good for the under on all four occasions.
Lady luck
It may not have much bearing on the game but I just thought I would mention that my girlfriend is making a five-hour trip to Edmonton to watch this game at Rexall Place. Why is this significant?
The Oilers are 1-0 when she is in attendance this year and they are 7-0 when she is at the games in the past three years. Take it for what it’s worth.