Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, March 21
Buffalo at New York Rangers (7 p.m. EDT). Buffalo, 10th in the Eastern Conference, is 3-6-2 since starting goalie Ryan Miller injured his left ankle in a 4-2 victory over the Rangers on Feb. 21. Miller fell awkwardly into the end boards after being upended by New York’s Scott Gomez.
STARS
Friday
— Martin Brodeur, Devils, made 35 saves in New Jersey’s 4-0 win over Minnesota for his record 553rd career victory and 101st shutout, pulling him within two of Terry Sawchuk’s NHL mark. Brodeur, 9-1 with three shutouts since returning from biceps surgery, was making his first start since breaking Patrick Roy’s victory record.
— Daniel Briere, Flyers, scored twice in a 2:05 span in the second period in Philadelphia’s 6-4 road victory over his former Buffalo teammates.
— Chad LaRose and Matt Cullen, Hurricanes, each scored two goals in Carolina’s 5-4 home victory over the New York Islanders.
— Marian Hossa, Red Wings, scored his 36th goal of the season in his first game in Atlanta since the Thrashers traded him to Pittsburgh last year, helping Detroit beat Atlanta 6-3.
— Andy McDonald, Jay McClement and Chris Mason, Blues. McDonald and Jay McClement scored in a 51-second span midway through the third period, and Mason made 33 saves in St. Louis’ 3-2 win in Calgary.
— Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Penguins, each had a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh’s 4-1 home victory over Los Angeles.
STATS
New Jersey beat Minnesota 4-0 on Friday night to extend its team-record home winning streak to 11. … Pittsburgh has won three straight to improve to 12-1-3 under interim coach Dan Bylsma. … Detroit has won five in a row on the road. … Edmonton is 4-0-3 in its past seven. … Chicago is 0-3-2 in its past five. … Carolina has a seven-game home winning streak.
SCOUTING
Colin Greening scored at 9:54 of the second overtime to give Cornell a 4-3 victory over Princeton on Friday night in the ECAC semifinals in Albany, N.Y. Cornell will face Yale—a 4-3 winner over St. Lawrence—on Saturday night in the final.
SPEAKING
“That record is proof of commitment by an organization to play well defensively. You can’t do it by yourself. With the amount of shutouts that I’ve got, you’ve got to consider that the team is doing the right things.”—Martin Brodeur after making 35 saves in New Jersey’s 4-0 win over Minnesota on Friday night for his 101st shutout, pulling him within two of Terry Sawchuk’s NHL record.
Dallas Stars vs. San Jose Sharks
The Stars managed just 19 shots in a 2-1 loss at Calgary last time out, as +170 underdogs. The three goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Brendan Morrison scored the lone goal for the Stars, who managed just 19 shots.
Jonathan Cheechoo' shootout winner gave the Sharks a 3-2 win over the Predators on Thursday, as -265 favorites. That game's combined score went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Rob Blake and Milan Michalek potted the goals in that win.
Current streak:
Dallas has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 33-30-8
San Jose: 46-14-10
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Calgary are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Nashville are 9-1
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing San Jose
Dallas is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Dallas's last 23 games
Dallas is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Dallas home to Vancouver, Tuesday, March 24
San Jose home to Colorado, Sunday, March 22
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers
Dominic Moore finished with a goal and an assist for Buffalo in its 4-2 loss to Philadelphia on Friday night.
Philadelphia won as a -110 road pick 'em, as the game played over the 6-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Nik Antropov scored his 25th goal of the season on Tuesday night as the Rangers got past the Canadiens 4-3 in a shootout.
The Rangers were winners as +110 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
Current streak:
Buffalo has lost 3 straight games.
New York has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 34-29-8
New York: 37-26-8
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Montreal are 2-8
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Buffalo's last 12 games when playing NY Rangers
Buffalo is 16-8 SU in their last 24 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 8 games
NY Rangers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games at home
Next up:
Buffalo home to Florida, Wednesday, March 25
NY Rangers home to Ottawa, Sunday, March 22
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Mike Green scored a pair of goals as the Capitals cruised to a 5-2 victory over the Lightning on Thursday. The Capitals won the game as a -230 favorite, and the seven goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Alexander Ovechkin had a goal and two assists, while Michael Nylander and Matt Bradley had the other goals in the win.
Chad LaRose scored two goals, including the winner in the third period to lift the Hurricanes past the Islanders 5-4 on Friday night.
Carolina won as -250 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Carolina has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 45-22-6
Carolina: 38-28-7
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing NY Islanders are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
Carolina is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
Washington at Toronto, Tuesday, March 24
Carolina at Florida, Monday, March 23
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers
Antoine Vermette potted the overtime winner at 2:38 to give the Blue Jackets a 4-3 win over the Blackhawks on Wednesday, as -130 favorites. That game's seven goals made it OVER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
R.J. Umberger scored once and added an assist, while Derek Dorsett and Rick Nash had the other markers.
Tomas Vokoun made 37 saves to help the Panthers defeat the Maple Leafs 3-1 on Thursday, as -190 favorites. The four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Stephen Weiss potted a goal and an assist for the Panthers. Richard Zednik and Ville Peltonen had the other markers in that win.
Team records:
Columbus: 37-28-6
Florida: 35-26-10
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-5
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
Florida most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-5-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Columbus's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games at home
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Columbus at Tampa Bay, Tuesday, March 24
Florida home to Carolina, Monday, March 23
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens
Mikhail Grabovski scored the lone goal for the Maple Leafs in a 3-1 loss to the Panthers last time out, as +170 road underdogs. That game's four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Carey Price gave up four goals off 15 shots, and the Canadiens lost 5-4 to the Senators last time out. Oddsmakers listed that game as a -110 pick'em, while the nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Guillaume Latendresse had two goals, while Alex Tanguay and Tom Kostopoulos had the other markers in the loss.
Current streak:
Montreal has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 29-30-13
Montreal: 36-26-9
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Florida are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Ottawa are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Montreal is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games at home
Montreal is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
Next up:
Toronto home to Washington, Tuesday, March 24
Montreal home to Atlanta, Tuesday, March 24
New York Islanders vs. Ottawa Senators
Frans Nielsen recorded a goal and an assist for the Islanders in their 5-4 loss to the Hurricanes on Friday night.
Carolina won as -250 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
The Senators forced Carey Price out of the Canadiens net with four goals on 15 shots in Thursday's 5-4 win. The Senators won the game as a -110 pick'em, but the nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jason Spezza collected a pair of goals, while Nick Foligno, Jarkko Ruutu, and Daniel Alfredsson added singles. Brian Elliot stopped 28 shots in the victory.
Current streak:
Ottawa has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 24-39-8
Ottawa: 30-30-10
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Carolina are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Montreal are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Ottawa
NY Islanders are 7-15-1 SU in their last 23 games when playing Ottawa
NY Islanders are 2-8-1 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
NY Islanders are 3-22 SU in their last 25 games on the road
Ottawa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Ottawa is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 games at home
Next up:
NY Islanders home to Minnesota, Wednesday, March 25
Ottawa at NY Rangers, Sunday, March 22
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Slava Kozlov found the back of the net to go along with an assist for Atlanta in its 6-3 loss to Detroit on Friday night.
Detroit won as -180 road favorites as the game played over the 6.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
The Lightning were defeated 5-2 by the Capitals last time out, as +190 underdogs. That game's seven goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis replied in the loss.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.
Tampa Bay has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 29-37-6
Tampa Bay: 23-33-15
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Detroit are 3-3-1
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 Washington are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Atlanta is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at Montreal, Tuesday, March 24
Tampa Bay home to Columbus, Tuesday, March 24
Vancouver Canucks vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Roberto Luongo stopped all 30 shots as the Canucks defeated the Blues 3-0 on Thursday, as -180 favorites. That game's three goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Alex Burrows, Mason Raymond, and Henrik Sedin scored in that win.
The Coyotes were dumped 3-2 in a shootout by the Ducks, as +100 underdogs. That game's combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Zbynek Michalek and Matthew Lombardi tallied in the loss.
Current streak:
Vancouver has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Vancouver: 38-23-9
Phoenix: 29-35-7
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing San Jose are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4-1
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Anaheim are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Vancouver is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Phoenix's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
Phoenix is 3-7-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Next up:
Vancouver at Dallas, Tuesday, March 24
Phoenix at Anaheim, Sunday, March 22
DALLAS (33-30-0-8, 74 pts.) at SAN JOSE (46-14-0-10, 102 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 6-15 ATS (-15.2 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 5-13 ATS (-8.7 Units) on Saturday games this season.
DALLAS is 28-18 ATS (+47.8 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 18-12 ATS (+32.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 26-20 ATS (+48.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 22-21 ATS (-25.2 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 2-8 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 13-14 ATS (-13.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 14-13 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 14-13-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
12 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.2 Units)
TORONTO (29-30-0-13, 71 pts.) at MONTREAL (36-26-0-9, 81 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-3 ATS (+12.2 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 25-20 ATS (+47.4 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 27-27 ATS (+62.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 14-10 ATS (+27.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 36-35 ATS (+93.6 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 33-42 ATS (-16.7 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 32-39 ATS (-11.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 18-19 ATS (-7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 10-10 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 10-10-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.0 Units)
NY ISLANDERS (24-38-0-8, 56 pts.) at OTTAWA (30-30-0-10, 70 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 73-83 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 35-48 ATS (-52.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 33-41 ATS (-26.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 24-33 ATS (-20.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 97-91 ATS (-62.0 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
OTTAWA is 13-19 ATS (+34.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OTTAWA is 13-17 ATS (-17.3 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
NY ISLANDERS is 5-6 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)
COLUMBUS (37-28-0-6, 80 pts.) at FLORIDA (35-26-0-10, 80 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 3-16 ATS (+30.0 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 10-16 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLUMBUS is 10-19 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 37-34 ATS (+76.4 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 20-14 ATS (+36.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 11-5 ATS (+17.0 Units) after a division game this season.
COLUMBUS is 12-4 ATS (+16.2 Units) in non-conference games this season.
FLORIDA is 98-112 ATS (+223.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 43-63 ATS (-41.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
FLORIDA is 83-123 ATS (+225.2 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 1-0-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)
BUFFALO (34-28-0-8, 76 pts.) at NY RANGERS (37-26-0-8, 82 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 73-79 ATS (-42.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 27-39 ATS (-24.8 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 120-138 ATS (-90.8 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 64-83 ATS (-62.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 11-6 (+4.9 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 11-6-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.2 Units)
WASHINGTON (45-22-0-6, 96 pts.) at CAROLINA (37-28-0-7, 81 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-15 ATS (+43.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-7 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-8 ATS (+26.2 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 19-10 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CAROLINA is 127-122 ATS (-53.0 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 11-10-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
10 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.7 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)
ATLANTA (29-36-0-6, 64 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (23-33-0-15, 61 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-16 ATS (+42.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 6-2 ATS (+9.2 Units) in March games this season.
ATLANTA is 8-4 ATS (+13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 23-48 ATS (+86.8 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 13-28 ATS (+46.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-35 ATS (-19.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 8-23 ATS (+40.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
TAMPA BAY is 27-56 ATS (+93.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 11-9 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 11-9-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
11 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)
VANCOUVER (38-23-0-9, 85 pts.) at PHOENIX (29-35-0-7, 65 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 35-39 ATS (-15.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 213-210 ATS (-72.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 18-8 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 48-32 ATS (+82.7 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 20-31 ATS (+61.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 119-148 ATS (-80.6 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 8-29 ATS (+47.0 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 4-11 ATS (+18.7 Units) in home games on Saturday games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 7-4 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 7-4-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)
DALLAS vs. SAN JOSE
Dallas is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Dallas's last 23 games
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Dallas
BUFFALO vs. NY RANGERS
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 8 games
COLUMBUS vs. FLORIDA
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games at home
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
NY ISLANDERS vs. OTTAWA
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Ottawa
NY Islanders are 7-15-1 SU in their last 23 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing NY Islanders
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
TORONTO vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Montreal is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Toronto
WASHINGTON vs. CAROLINA
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Carolina is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
ATLANTA vs. TAMPA BAY
Atlanta is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
VANCOUVER vs. PHOENIX
Vancouver is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
What bettors need to know: Hockey night in Canada
By DUSTIN NIELSON
Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens (-209, 6)
Habs try to halt slide
At the beginning of the season the question was whether or not the Montreal Canadiens had what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. But now the question is whether they can even make the playoffs.
The Habs have lost four in a row and are fighting just to hold on to their playoff spot. Last year’s leading scorer continues to struggle. Alex Kovalev has just two points in his last seven games, five of which have been losses.
The Price si wrong
Once again Carey Price looked less than average on Thursday night. He was pulled after being beaten by the Senators four times in the first 23 minutes of what ended up being a 5-4 Habs loss. Price has lost eight of his last 10 starts and you have to wonder how many more chances he will get due to the superb play of Jaroslav Halak.
"I'm not happy about it, especially at this time of the year, you know. It's not very much fun," said Price, who's lost both of his previous two starts and battled the puck often Thursday against Ottawa. "I've got to take responsibility. I can't be letting goals in. It's a group effort, but I've got to play better."
Beat up buds
At no point this season were the Maple Leafs considered to be a playoff team but any chance they had has been taken away by injuries. The Leafs currently have eight regulars out of the lineup including No. 1 netminder Vesa Toskala.
With a number of rookies and fresh faces in the lineup against Panthers it was clear to see the Leafs are trying to deal with a lack of experience.
"In the second period, we got overwhelmed with some of their speed," Toronto coach Ron Wilson said. "Guys were just focused on the puck and not looking around. That can be a dangerous situation and it caught up to us."
Run and gun
The Habs and Leafs appear to subscribe to the theory of last goal wins, in four meetings the two sides have combined for 31 goals. All four games this season have been high flying affairs with Montreal winning two and Toronto winning two. None of the four games have even been close with the winning margin in each game being at least three. The two sides have also alternated wins which would mean Montreal is due on Saturday night. The Leafs have won two of the three Saturday night meetings.
Vancouver Canucks at Phoenix Coyotes (+150, 5.5)
Road trip!
The Canucks are owners of an 11-game home winning streak, but now they’re going to have to test their luck on the road. Overall Vancouver has won eight of its last 10 games with both losses coming on the road down in Los Angeles and Anaheim.
With the third place Calgary Flames in their sights, the Canucks will be kicking off a six-game road trip with the stop in Phoenix.
"We've looked good on the road for the most part this year," said head coach Alain Vigneault. "This is an important trip for us and it starts with Phoenix and we're going to be ready."
Bobby Loo
LOOOOOOO....
That’s the chant you hear most nights at GM Place in Vancouver. Roberto Luongo is geared up and is the driving force behind Vancouver’s recent hot streak. Loungo capped off a recent four-game home stand by shutting out the St. Louis Blues 3-0 on Thursday night.
"I think tonight he showed everybody he's the guy and that's what we'll need down the stretch," forward Alex Burrows said after Vancouver improved to 38-23-9 moved into fourth in the Western Conference, a point ahead of Chicago.
In their last eight wins the Canucks have allowed just 11 goals in total and not once has the opposition scored more than two.
Drying up In the desert
Wayne Gretzky and his little Coyote pups have won just twice in their past 10 outings; however the wins were over some of the best the league has to offer in San Jose and Boston. Phoenix’s offense has all but dried up with just 11 goals over in its last eight losses.
Up, up and away
Fort McMurray native Scottie Upshall is proving to be the best out of a number of deadline day pickups for the Coyotes. Upshall who was having trouble finding an offensive role in Philadelphia has stepped in with Phoenix and put up six points in his first eight games. Upshall is scheduled to be a restricted free agent at the end of this season but with his play and his role on the Coyotes you have to like the odds of him resigning in the desert.