Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 11
Carolina at Philadelphia (7 p.m. EST). The surging Flyers, 5-0-2 in their last seven home games, are in the midst of a stretch in which they play eight of 11 at home.
STARS
Wednesday
— Martin Hanzal, Coyotes, scored twice, including the third-period tiebreaking goal, and Phoenix beat Dallas 5-3.
— Cristobal Huet, Blackhawks, stopped 23 shots to earn his first shutout with Chicago, a 2-0 victory over Ottawa.
— Brent Johnson, Capitals, made 33 saves to help Washington end Boston’s five-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory.
— Thomas Vanek, Sabres, scored twice, including his league-leading 22nd goal, in Buffalo’s 4-2 comeback win over Tampa Bay, the Lightning’s ninth straight defeat.
— Scott Gomez, Rangers, scored 15 seconds into overtime and New York snapped a two-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Thrashers.
— Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings, scored 3:50 into overtime to complete Detroit’s comeback from a two-goal deficit for a 4-3 win over the Flames.
— Chris Kunitz, Ducks, scored two goals—including an empty-netter with four seconds left—in Anaheim’s 4-2 win over St. Louis.
SNOWED OUT
Avalanche captain Joe Sakic, already out with back problems, broke three fingers on his left hand when he tried to clear snow from a snow blower at his home and will be out at least three months. Colorado announced Sakic had surgery Tuesday night for the broken fingers, which included tendon damage in one of them. Team doctor Andy Parker said the procedure went well and that Sakic is expected to make a full recovery.
SWEET RETURN
Olli Jokinen notched two goals for the Coyotes in a 5-3 win over the Stars after being activated off the injured list. Jokinen had missed six games due to a shoulder injury.
INJURIES
Montreal defenseman Mathieu Dandenault had surgery on his left arm, which was broken when he was hit along the boards during a game against Calgary on Tuesday night. He will be out indefinitely.
POWER OUTAGE
Ottawa had a 5-on-3 advantage for 64 seconds in the opening period of its 2-0 loss to Chicago, but managed only one shot and finished the game 0-for-6 on the power play. … The Rangers failed on their only power-play attempt in a 3-2 overtime victory over Atlanta, dropping New York to 3-for-31 with a man advantage over the last nine games.
BY THE NUMBERS
Alexandre Giroux scored his first goal since the 2006-07 season in Washington’s 3-1 win over Boston. … Detroit’s Jiri Hudler played his 200th NHL game, a 4-3 win over the Flames. … Tampa Bay lost 4-1 to New Jersey and is 1-7-4 since firing Barry Melrose in mid-November.
SCORING SPARK
Anaheim Ducks enforcer George Parros is suddenly racking up points. He knocked in a rebound during a 4-2 home victory over the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night for his third goal of the season. Parros had never scored more than two goals in any of his three previous NHL seasons. In 25 games this season, he also has posted a career-high seven points.
SPEAKING
“It’s a hard building to play in. They have one of the best home records year in and year out. That was as close as we’ve come.”—Calgary captain Jarome Iginla after the Flames’ 4-3 overtime road loss to the Red Wings. The Flames have lost five straight in Detroit and haven’t won at Joe Louis Arena since December 2005.
Nashville Predators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Radek Bonk potted the lone marker for Nashville in its 3-1 loss to Vancouver on Tuesday night.
Vancouver won as +110 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
The Blue Jackets lost to Anaheim 5-3 as a +160 underdog on Sunday. The eight goals scored went OVER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Derick Brassard had a goal and an assist for Columbus, while Fedor Tyutin had a pair of assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Nashville has lost 2 straight games.
Columbus has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Nashville: 14-12-2
Columbus: 11-13-3
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Vancouver are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing NY Islanders are 3-3-1
After playing Anaheim are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Nashville is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing on the road against Columbus
Nashville is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games at home
Columbus is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Nashville home to Dallas, Saturday, December 13
Columbus home to NY Islanders, Saturday, December 13
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Hurricanes defeated Washington 3-1 as a -120 favorite on Sunday. The four goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Ray Whitney scored a pair of goals for Carolina, while Rod Brind'Amour collected a pair of assists in the win.
Simon Gagne's power play marker in the third period lifted the Flyers past the Islanders 4-3 on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia cashed as -230 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Carolina: 13-12-3
Philadelphia: 14-7-6
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing NY Islanders are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Carolina
Philadelphia is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games at home
Next up:
Carolina at NY Rangers, Saturday, December 13
Philadelphia home to Pittsburgh, Saturday, December 13
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Lightning were doubled 4-2 by the Sabres last time out, as +170 road underdogs. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Martin St. Louis and Mark Recchi scored for the Lightning, and Mike Smith stopped 33 shots in the loss.
Robert Lang had two goals and an assist to lead the Canadiens past the Flames 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Montreal cashed as -150 home favorites as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 9 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 6-14-8
Montreal: 16-6-5
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Buffalo are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Calgary are 2-2-1
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Tampa Bay is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Montreal
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Montreal's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 10 games at home
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Ottawa, Saturday, December 13
Montreal home to Washington, Saturday, December 13
New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Doug Weight, Andy Hilbert, and Blake Comeau found the back of the net for New York in its 4-3 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia cashed as -230 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
The Penguins were defeated 4-1 by the Devils last time out, at EVEN odds. The team's played UNDER the night's posted over/under (5.5).
Matt Cooke scored the lone goal for the Penguins, and Dany Sabourin made 28 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 4 straight games.
Pittsburgh has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 10-16-2
Pittsburgh: 15-9-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the NY Islanders last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Next up:
NY Islanders at Columbus, Saturday, December 13
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, Saturday, December 13
Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers
Stephen Weiss had the winner in overtime on Monday night as Florida beat Ottawa by a final score of 4-3.
The Panthers got the win as +160 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
The Oilers made the most of a man advantage and picked up a 3-2 overtime victory against the Sharks at HP Pavilion Saturday.
Edmonton won as a +260 road under while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Current streak:
Edmonton has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 12-12-3
Edmonton: 13-11-2
Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Ottawa are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing San Jose are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Florida's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games on the road
Edmonton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Edmonton is 5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Florida at Calgary, Friday, December 12
Edmonton home to Vancouver, Saturday, December 13
St. Louis Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Blues were doubled 4-2 by the Ducks last time out, as +170 underdogs. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5).
B.J. Crombeen and Brad Boyes scored in that loss.
Oscar Moller lit up the lamp for Los Angeles in its 6-1 loss to Colorado ob Tuesday night.
Colorado cashed as -150 home favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
St. Louis: 12-12-3
Los Angeles: 11-12-4
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-6-1
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Anaheim are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Colorado are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Los Angeles
St. Louis is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
St. Louis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Next up:
St. Louis at San Jose, Saturday, December 13
Los Angeles home to Minnesota, Saturday, December 13
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks
The Ducks scored twice in the final period as they rolled past the Blues 4-2 on Wednesday, as -190 favorites. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5).
Chris Kunitz scored a pair for the Ducks, while Brendan Morrison and George Parros added the other markers in the win.
The Sharks paid for a careless penalty in overtime, losing 3-2 to the Oilers at HP Pavilion Saturday.
Edmonton won as a +260 road under while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Current streak:
Anaheim has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Anaheim: 16-10-3
San Jose: 22-3-2
Anaheim most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Edmonton are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games on the road
Anaheim is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Anaheim is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Anaheim's last 14 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
San Jose is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Jose's last 14 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games
Next up:
Anaheim home to Minnesota, Sunday, December 14
San Jose home to St. Louis, Saturday, December 13
NASHVILLE (14-12-0-2, 30 pts.) at COLUMBUS (11-13-0-3, 25 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 65-49 ATS (+123.5 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 40-33 ATS (+91.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 54-51 ATS (+121.7 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 16-2 (+14.6 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 16-2-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)
TAMPA BAY (6-13-0-8, 20 pts.) at MONTREAL (17-6-0-5, 39 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 6-21 ATS (+29.6 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 53-110 ATS (+195.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 6-21 ATS (+29.6 Units) first half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 1-13 ATS (+17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 1-13 ATS (+17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 15-18 ATS (-7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 6-10 ATS (-12.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-3 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-3-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)
CAROLINA (13-12-0-3, 29 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (14-7-0-6, 34 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 32-19 ATS (+9.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-32 ATS (-25.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-11 ATS (-9.4 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-31 ATS (-21.4 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-4 (+4.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 7-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.2 Units)
NY ISLANDERS (10-16-0-2, 22 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (15-8-0-4, 34 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 76-53 ATS (+143.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 72-74 ATS (+169.2 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 11-7 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 11-7-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.9 Units)
FLORIDA (12-13-0-3, 27 pts.) at EDMONTON (13-11-0-2, 28 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 90-136 ATS (+227.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 58-99 ATS (+158.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
EDMONTON is 54-54 ATS (+121.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 6-1 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 2-0-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.0 Units)
MINNESOTA (15-10-0-1, 31 pts.) at PHOENIX (12-13-0-2, 26 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 99-95 ATS (+234.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 100-77 ATS (+178.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-1 (+7.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 9-1-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.0 Units)
ANAHEIM (15-10-0-3, 33 pts.) at SAN JOSE (22-3-0-2, 46 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 22-5 ATS (+16.4 Units) in all games this season.
SAN JOSE is 252-235 ATS (-22.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 15-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 22-5 ATS (+7.4 Units) first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 9-12 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 8-11 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 18-20 ATS (-19.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 11-7 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 11-7-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.8 Units)
ST LOUIS (12-11-0-3, 27 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (11-12-0-4, 26 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 12-27 ATS (+40.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-4 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 6-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)
CAROLINA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games on the road
Carolina is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Carolina
NASHVILLE vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
Nashville is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Columbus is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing at home against Nashville
NY ISLANDERS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Islanders are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
TAMPA BAY vs. MONTREAL
Tampa Bay is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Montreal
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 10 games at home
FLORIDA vs. EDMONTON
Florida is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Edmonton's last 9 games at home
MINNESOTA vs. PHOENIX
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games at home
ANAHEIM vs. SAN JOSE
Anaheim is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games at home
San Jose is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
ST. LOUIS vs. LOS ANGELES
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Hot teams
-- Predators won three of their last four games.
-- Canadiens won four of their last five games.
-- Flyers won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Oilers won last three games, scoring 13 goals. Florida won four of its last five games.
-- Coyotes won three of their last four home games.
-- Ducks won six of their last eight games. Sharks won seven of last eight
Cold teams
-- Blue Jackets lost six of their last nine games.
-- Carolina lost six of its last eight games.
-- Penguins lost four of their last five games. Islanders lost four in a row, six of last seven games.
-- Lightning lost eight in row, 15 of last 17 games.
-- Minnesota lost three of its last four games.
-- Kings lost four of their last five games. Blues lost three of their last four road games.
Totals
-- Six of last seven Columbus games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-3 in Montreal's last thirteen games; over is 6-1-1 in last eight Tampa Bay games.
-- Six of last seven Carolina games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-0-1 in Islanders' last nine games.
-- Under is 9-4 in Florida's last thirteen games.
-- Last three Minnesota games stayed under the total; last five Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Last three Anaheim games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Los Angeles games went over total.
Series Records
-- Predators won four of last five games against Columbus.
-- Penguins won five of last six games against the Islanders.
-- Flyers won six of last eight games against Carolina.
-- Oilers won last two games vs Florida, both by 4-3 scores.
-- Canadiens are 8-4 in their last dozen games vs Tampa Bay.
-- Minnesota won its last nine games against the Coyotes.
-- Sharks won three of last four games against Anaheim.
-- Kings won three of last four games against St Louis.
NHL FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
by Ron Raymond
Nashville vs. Columbus
It looks like Mason is trying to steal the #1 job in nets and he's posted a nice home record of 5-2 SU and the Jackets are facing a team in Nashville in which they've beaten 2 out of 3 times at home L3. When NASHVILLE played as an Underdog - During Last 3 Years - Lost Last Game by 2 Goals; The Preds are 1-11 SU in this spot the L3Y.
Prediction: Columbus 3 Nashville 2
Tampa Bay vs. Montreal
Very dangerous games for the Habs vs. a team spiraling out of control, but still have a nuclear of players who can change the outlook of a game in just a few positive shifts. Habs are coming off a nice 4-1 win over the Flames, so they could get caught in a letdown spot, but Carbonneau will have his troops ready for this game. Furthermore, the Habs have Washington on deck this Saturday and this will be their 3rd game since Saturday. When TAMPA BAY played as any home/road team - During Current Season - Lost Last Game by 2 Goals or Less; The Lightning are 2-15 SU in this role this year. When TAMPA BAY team Played as Road team as a Underdog - Before a conference game - Playing in back to back games - Allowed 4 or more goals AGAINST in their last game; Tampa Bay is 1-17-1 SU in this situation since 96.
Prediction: Montreal 4 Tampa Bay 3
Carolina vs. Philadelphia
Normally takes a new head coach a few games to have his system in place and if the 3-1 win over the Capitals is an indication the Canes are playing Maurice's system, let's back them tonight vs. the Flyers. Plus, the Flyers had their hands full vs. a below average Islanders team, let's hope that was a crack in the armor. When CAROLINA played as an Underdog - During Last 3 Years - Won Last Game by 2 Goals; The Canes are 6-4 SU in this spot L3Y.
Prediction: Carolina 3 Philadelphia 2
NY Islanders vs. Pittsburgh
Let's go back to that system I gave out on Tuesday, where you have a Home Team playing in back to back games and they are coming off a lost, this system is now 23-8 this season. Pens are coming off a road lost in Jersey and have the Islanders at home. When PITTSBURGH Played as home team as a Favorite - During Last 2 Years - With 1 Under or Less; The Penguins are 13-0 SU in this role the L2Y.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 5 NY Islanders 3
Florida vs. Edmonton
Florida has never won a game in Edmonton, as the Panthers are 0-5-1 SU vs. the Oilers in Edmonton. Roloson gets the nod tonight for Edmonton and Anderson who's 5-1 on the road this season goes for the Panthers. When EDMONTON Played as home team as a Favorite - During Last 3 Years - Won Last Game by 1 Goals or Less; The Oilers are 21-12 SU in this situation the L3Y.
Prediction: Edmonton 3 Florida 2
Minnesota vs. Phoenix
Consistency is not in the Coyotes hockey bag this season and they are facing a goalie in Backstrom who's 8-0 SU lifetime against them! When PHOENIX Played as home team as a Underdog - During Last 5 Years - Won Last Game by 2 Goals or More; The Coyotes are 3-9 SU in this role L5Y. When PHOENIX team played as Home team as a Underdog - Coming off vs. Western Conference opponent - After a division game - Scored 5 or more goals FOR in their last game; The Coyotes are 3-7-1 in this spot since 97.
Prediction: Minnesota 3 Phoenix 1
Anaheim vs. San Jose
If you want to beat the Sharks at home this season, you're going to have to be a patient team and capitalize on their mistakes and convert on your power plays. The Ducks are 8-7 SU in their last 15 trips to the Shark pond and they will have some legs, because they played their tune up game last night in a 4-2 win over the Blues. When SAN JOSE played as Favorite - Vs ANAHEIM; The Sharks are 6-9 (40%) SU in their last 15 as a favorite vs. the Ducks!
Prediction: Anaheim 2 San Jose 1
St.Louis vs. LA Kings
Going with the Law of Average play here, as the Blues lost last night vs. the Ducks and Mason is 4-1-1 SU vs. the Kings in regular season play. When LOS ANGELES team played as a home team - With 1 day off - After a conference game - Scored 1 goals FOR in their last game - Coming off a Road loss as a Underdog; The Kings are 2-8-1 SU in this spot since 97.
Prediction: St.Louis 5 LA Kings 4