Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 4
Columbus at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST). San Jose is 21-3-1, matching the 1943-44 Montreal Canadiens (20-2-3) for the most points in NHL history after 25 games with 43.
STARS
Wednesday
— Niklas Backstrom, Wild, made 22 saves for his third shutout of the season in Minnesota’s 4-0 victory over St. Louis.
— Petr Prucha, Rangers, scored his first goal of the season late in the third period in New York’s 3-2 shootout victory over Pittsburgh. Prucha had been a healthy scratch for the previous 10 games and turned down the Rangers’ request over the weekend to go to Hartford of the AHL on a conditioning assignment.
— Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks, broke a tie with 1:35 left in regulation in Chicago’s 4-2 win over Anaheim.
— Dany Heatley, Senators, had a goal and two assists in the first period in Ottawa’s 5-1 victory over Atlanta.
SACKED
Carolina fired Peter Laviolette on Wednesday. The Hurricanes brought back Paul Maurice to take over as coach, and moved assistant general manager Ron Francis behind the bench as Maurice’s associate coach. Laviolette led the team to the 2006 Stanley Cup title. He’s the career victory leader among U.S.-born coaches.
SIDELINED
Philadelphia star Danny Briere will be sidelined four to five weeks because of a severe groin strain. Briere left the Flyers’ victory Tuesday night against Tampa Bay after missing the previous nine games because of a strained groin. … Colorado captain Joe Sakic will be sidelined at least six weeks because of a herniated disk.
STATS
Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is 6-1 in shootouts—allowing only three goals in 19 tiebreaker shots—and New York is 7-1 overall. … Ottawa beat Atlanta 5-1 on Wednesday night to improve to 3-1-2 in its last six games. Atlanta has lost five in a row and eight of nine. … Mike Modano scored twice in Dallas’ 5-2 loss to Edmonton to push his record for NHL goals by a U.S.-born player to 539.
SWAP
Anaheim acquired defenseman Logan Stephenson from Phoenix on Wednesday for left wing Joakim Lindstrom. Stephenson will report to Iowa of the AHL.
SCOUTING
Dany Masse had a goal and three assists to help visiting Drummondville beat Acadie-Bathurst 8-2 on Wednesday night in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Voltigeurs tied a franchise record with their 10th straight victory.
SPEAKING
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my off-color remarks to the press yesterday from Calgary. I should not have made those comments and I recognize that they were inappropriate. It was a bad attempt to build excitement for the game, but I am now acutely aware of how hurtful my actions were.”—Suspended Dallas Stars agitator Sean Avery in a statement Wednesday apologizing for comments about his former girlfriends.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Penguins were defeated 3-2 in a shootout by the Rangers last time out, as +110 road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mark Eaton and Jordan Staal scored for the Penguins, and Dany Sabourin made 25 saves in that loss.
The Hurricanes lost to Anaheim 4-1 as a -115 favorite on Sunday. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Matt Cullen scored the Hurricanes' lone goal and Cam Ward made 12 saves before leaving the game due to a lower-body injury.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 14-6-4
Carolina: 12-11-2
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-4-1
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Anaheim are 2-2-1
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Carolina
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Pittsburgh is 8-14-3 SU in its last 25 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Pittsburgh at Ottawa, Saturday, December 6
Carolina home to Philadelphia, Saturday, December 6
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals
The Islanders snapped a three-game skid with a 4-2 win over the Senators at Nassau Coliseum Saturday.
New York won as a +120 home underdog while the final scored played over the 5.5-goal total.
Tomas Fleischmann, Nicklas Backstrom, and Viktor Kozlov recorded a goal and an assist apiece for Washington in its 5-3 loss to Florida on Tuesday night.
Florida upset Washington as +150 road underdogs as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 10-12-2
Washington: 13-9-3
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Ottawa are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games
NY Islanders are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Washington is 13-5-1 SU in their last 19 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Next up:
NY Islanders home to Atlanta, Saturday, December 6
Washington at Toronto, Saturday, December 6
New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Rangers scored on all three shots in the shootout on Wednesday, as they got past the Penguins 3-2. The Rangers won that game as -130 favoritesa, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Nikolai Zherdev and Petr Prucha scored in regulation for the Rangers, and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 29 shots in the win.
Andrei Kostitsyn had a goal and two assists, as the Canadiens edged the Thrashers 5-4 on Tuesday night.
Montreal won as -230 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Montreal has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 18-8-2
Montreal: 14-6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Pittsburgh are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Montreal
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Montreal's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games at home
Montreal is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
Next up:
NY Rangers home to Calgary, Sunday, December 7
Montreal home to New Jersey, Saturday, December 6
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Devils had their five-game winning streak smashed in a 4-1 loss to the Penguins at Mellon Arena Saturday night.
Pittsburgh won as a -122 home favorite while the final score played under the total of 5.5 goals.
Mike Richards' power play goal in overtime lifted the Flyers over the Lightning 4-3 on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia cashed as -200 home favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Team records:
New Jersey: 12-8-2
Philadelphia: 12-7-5
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Pittsburgh are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games on the road
New Jersey is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Philadelphia is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey at Montreal, Saturday, December 6
Philadelphia at Carolina, Saturday, December 6
Vancouver Canucks vs. Detroit Red Wings
Kevin Bieksa and Kyle Wellwood scored for Vancouver in its 3-2 loss to Columbus on Monday night.
Columbus cashed as -120 home favorites as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Marian Hossa's marker in the third period was the difference, as the Red Wings edged the Ducks 2-1 on Monday night.
Detroit won as -200 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Vancouver has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Vancouver: 14-9-2
Detroit: 16-4-4
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Columbus are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-3-1
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Anaheim are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games on the road
Vancouver is 8-15-1 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Next up:
Vancouver at Minnesota, Friday, December 5
Detroit home to Chicago, Saturday, December 6
Buffalo Sabres vs. Florida Panthers
Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller stopped 25 shots in its 2-0 loss to Nashville on Monday night.
Nashville won as +160 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Radek Dvorak, Gregory Campbell, and Ville Peltonen all had a goal and an assist to lead the Panthers over the Capitals 5-3 on Tuesday night.
Florida upset Washington as +150 road underdogs as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Buffalo has lost 2 straight games.
Florida has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 11-10-3
Florida: 10-11-3
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Nashville are 3-3-1
After a loss are 3-7
Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-5-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Buffalo's last 10 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida's last 10 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Florida's last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Florida's last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Florida's last 21 games when playing Buffalo
Next up:
Buffalo at Tampa Bay, Saturday, December 6
Florida home to Boston, Saturday, December 6
Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Bruins won their 10th win in the last 12 games with a 4-1 victory over the Red Wings at TD Banknorth Garden Saturday night.
Boston won as a +100 home underdog while the final scored finished under the total of 5.5 goals.
Vaclav Prospal had a goal and a helper for Tampa Bay in its 4-3 overtime loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia cashed as -200 home favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Tampa Bay has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 16-4-4
Tampa Bay: 6-10-8
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Boston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 13 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Boston
Next up:
Boston at Florida, Saturday, December 6
Tampa Bay home to Buffalo, Saturday, December 6
Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators
Paul Stastny potted two goals and added an assist to lead the Avalanche over the Wild 6-5 on Monday night.
Colorado cashed as +155 road underdogs as the teams played over the 5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Pekka Rinne made 30 saves to earn the shutout, as the Predators handled the Sabres 2-0 on Monday night.
Nashville won as +160 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Colorado has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 12-12-0
Nashville: 12-10-2
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Buffalo are 5-5-1
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games on the road
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games at home
Nashville is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
Next up:
Colorado at Dallas, Friday, December 5
Nashville home to Minnesota, Saturday, December 6
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Niklas Hagman led Toronto with a goal and an assist in its 5-2 loss to San Jose on Tuesday night.
San Jose cashed as -300 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Enver Lisin scored two goals, including the winner in the third period to lift the Coyotes over the Kings 4-2 on Tuesday night.
Phoenix won as -150 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Toronto: 9-10-6
Phoenix: 11-11-2
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing San Jose are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Los Angeles are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing at home against Toronto
Phoenix is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Next up:
Toronto home to Washington, Saturday, December 6
Phoenix at St. Louis, Saturday, December 6
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks
Kristian Huselius had a goal and an assist, including the winner in the third period to lift the Blue Jackets over the Canucks 3-2 on Monday night.
Columbus cashed as -120 home favorites as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Joe Thornton had a goal and three assists to lead the Sharks over the Maple Leafs 5-2 on Tuesday night.
San Jose cashed as -300 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Columbus has won 2 straight games.
San Jose has won 8 straight games.
Team records:
Columbus: 11-10-3
San Jose: 21-3-1
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-6-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Vancouver are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Toronto are 4-4-2
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games on the road
Columbus is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Columbus is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Columbus
San Jose is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Columbus
Next up:
Columbus at Los Angeles, Saturday, December 6
San Jose home to Edmonton, Saturday, December 6
NEW JERSEY (12-8-0-2, 26 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (12-7-0-5, 29 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 17-28 ATS (-20.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 16-27 ATS (-18.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-15 ATS (+45.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-30 ATS (-17.7 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 13-5 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 13-5-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)
NY RANGERS (17-9-0-2, 36 pts.) at MONTREAL (15-6-0-4, 34 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 14-17 ATS (-7.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 6-2 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 6-2-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.9 Units)
NY ISLANDERS (10-12-0-2, 22 pts.) at WASHINGTON (13-9-0-3, 29 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 6-2 (+4.3 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 6-2-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)
PITTSBURGH (14-6-0-3, 31 pts.) at CAROLINA (12-11-0-2, 26 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 31-18 ATS (+7.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 75-50 ATS (+15.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 5-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 5-4-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)
BOSTON (16-3-0-5, 37 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (6-10-0-8, 20 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 16-8 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 25-18 ATS (+50.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-8 ATS (+6.9 Units) first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 21-11 ATS (+32.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 22-13 ATS (+35.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 6-18 ATS (-25.3 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 6-18 ATS (+33.9 Units) first half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 9-21 ATS (+30.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 1-11 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 1-11 ATS (+14.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-2 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-2-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
BUFFALO (11-10-0-3, 25 pts.) at FLORIDA (10-12-0-3, 23 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 50-56 ATS (-35.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 0-5 ATS (-6.1 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
BUFFALO is 6-16 ATS (-14.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 2-8 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUFFALO is 2-8 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
BUFFALO is 142-101 ATS (+23.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 86-103 ATS (+201.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 7-14 ATS (-8.8 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 76-116 ATS (-44.2 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
FLORIDA is 89-136 ATS (+226.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 200-228 ATS (+438.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 6-2 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 6-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.0 Units)
VANCOUVER (14-9-0-2, 30 pts.) at DETROIT (16-4-0-4, 36 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 6-5 (+3.9 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 6-5-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)
COLORADO (12-12-0-0, 24 pts.) at NASHVILLE (12-10-0-2, 26 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-4 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 5-4-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.8 Units)
TORONTO (9-10-0-6, 24 pts.) at PHOENIX (11-11-0-2, 24 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 7-21 ATS (+30.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 33-48 ATS (-21.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 78-73 ATS (+164.5 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
TORONTO is 66-61 ATS (+139.2 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 1-0-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)
COLUMBUS (11-10-0-3, 25 pts.) at SAN JOSE (21-3-0-1, 43 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 21-4 ATS (+26.4 Units) in all games this season.
SAN JOSE is 21-4 ATS (+9.0 Units) first half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 28-26 ATS (+68.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 7-10 ATS (-18.5 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
SAN JOSE is 7-2 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 7-2-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)
NEW JERSEY vs. PHILADELPHIA
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
NY ISLANDERS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Islanders are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games
Washington is 13-5-1 SU in their last 19 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Washington is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
NY RANGERS vs. MONTREAL
NY Rangers are 8-11-6 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Montreal's last 10 games
Montreal is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
PITTSBURGH vs. CAROLINA
Pittsburgh is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Pittsburgh is 8-14-3 SU in its last 25 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
BUFFALO vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Buffalo's last 10 games when playing on the road against Florida
Buffalo is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Florida's last 21 games when playing Buffalo
VANCOUVER vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games at home
COLORADO vs. NASHVILLE
Colorado is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Colorado
Nashville is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
TORONTO vs. PHOENIX
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing at home against Toronto
Phoenix is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
COLUMBUS vs. SAN JOSE
Columbus is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games on the road
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Columbus
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Hot teams
-- Devils won five of their last six games. Flyers won seven of their last nine games.
-- Rangers won four of their last five games, with last three wins in SOs. Canadiens won three of last four games.
-- Islanders won six of their last nine games. Washington won eight of its last eleven games.
-- Penguins are 4-0 in game after their last four losses.
-- Bruins won nine of their last eleven games.
-- Florida won its last two games, scoring nine goals.
-- Red Wings won six of their last eight home games.
-- Avalanche won three of their last four games.
-- Coyotes won three of their last four games.
-- Sharks won their last six games, scoring 31 goals. Blue Jackets won their last two games, 3-0/3-2.
Cold teams
-- Hurricanes lost four of their last five games.
-- Tampa Bay lost four in row, 11 of last 13 games.
-- Sabres lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Canucks lost last two games, 4-3/3-1.
-- Nashville lost its last three home games, scoring three goals.
-- Maple Leafs lost six of their last eight games.
Totals
-- Under is 7-2-1 in New Jersey road games this season.
-- Eight of last ten Montreal games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Islander games all went over the total.
-- Last four Carolina games stayed under the total.
-- Last nine Boston road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Buffalo road games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-3 in Colorado's last dozen games.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Phoenix games.
-- Four of last five Columbus games stayed under the total; seven of last nine San Jose games went over.
Series Records
-- Flyers won last three games vs New Jersey, outscoring them 12-5.
-- Rangers won six of last eight games against Montreal.
-- Islanders won five of last six games against Washington.
-- Penguins won three oflast four games against Carolina.
-- Bruins won nine of last twelve against the Lightning.
-- Sabres won five of last six games against Florida.
-- Canucks won last three games vs Detroit, allowing six goals total.
-- Avalanche lost five of last six visits to Nashville.
-- Coyotes won their last two games against Toronto, 4-3/5-1.
-- Sharks won seven of last nine games against Columbus.
Thursday's best NHL bets
By Covers,com
Vancouver Canucks at Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have had a tough time against the Canucks this season with just one win and two overtime losses. But Thursday could be payback time.
Vancouver hobbles into Joe Louis Arena on a three-game losing streak and it’s not hard to see the problem. The Canucks have allowed an uncharacteristic 10 goals over their past three games with star goalie Roberto Luongo and backup Curtis Sanford on the shelf.
That has thrust rookie Cory Schneider between the pipes prematurely and Vancouver has suddenly become a favorite play-against team for bettors. Thursday night should be another opportunity to cash in when the Canucks face the second best team in the West.
Pick: Detroit
Boston Bruins at Tampa Bay Lightning
The Bolts can’t be feeling good about themselves after the way they blew their game in Philadelphia Tuesday night. Or maybe we should say the way Ryan Malone blew their game.
Malone had a penalty shot with just 16 seconds left with the score 3-3 on Tuesday when Scott Hartnell threw his glove at him in a bizarre incident that almost handed Tampa Bay the game. But Malone missed the penalty shot and then went on to take a silly penalty in overtime when he bodychecked Flyers goaltender Martin Biron. Philly scored on the ensuing power play and the Lightning left the ice staring at their skates.
The Lightning have now lost five in a row and nine of their last 10 games. The Bruins, meanwhile, have won eight of their last 10.
Pick: Boston