Thursday's Best NHL Bets
Washington Capitals at Ottawa Senators (+110, 6)
Hockey fans have had this matchup circled on the calendar ever since the Capitals and Senators started their red-hot runs.
Washington has won 14 games in a row heading into Wednesday's game in Montreal while Ottawa rebounded from its first loss in 11 games with a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames Tuesday.
The Senators took a one-goal lead in the second period but didn’t just lay back and weather the Flames’ storm in the third period. They kept pushing on offense – outshooting Calgary 10-to-6 in the final frame after being edged in the shot count in the first two periods. That offensive push is what the team needs to match firepower with the Capitals’ scoring prowess.
Senators coach Cory Clouston mixed his lines up midway through the second period, adding Jonathan Cheechoo to Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek’s line. That trio produced the game-winning goal from Spezza in the second period.
“They’re both really good players. You’ve just got to work hard trying to get open for them,” Cheechoo told the Toronto Sun of his new linemates. “You know they’re going to make some space for you.”
The win over Calgary improved Ottawa to 22-8-1-2 at home this year and was its sixth straight victory inside Scotiabank Place.
Pick: Ottawa
San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings (+100, 5.5)
The Sharks are loving life on the road this season, posting a 20-6-1-1 record in opposing barns and starting their current six-game road swing with three straight wins.
San Jose bettors are loving life on the road too. Not only are they cashing in on the Western Conference’s top team but they are doing so at discount prices. Oddsmakers priced the Sharks at -135, -116 and -157 in the opening games of this road trip, which is a steal when compared to the -200 pricing or higher on San Jose at home.
Books may drop the price even more on San Jose when they come to Joe Louis Arena Thursday. The Sharks have struggled against the Red Wings, losing all three meetings with Detroit this season – the last two by 4-1 scores.
San Jose will be coming off a game in Columbus, having won eight of its last 10 heading into Wednesday. Detroit, on the other hand, has dropped three in a row and has won just three of its last 10 outings.
Pick: San Jose
Washington Capitals vs. Ottawa Senators
The Washington Capitals and the Ottawa Senators will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Scotiabank Place.
The Capitals' 12-game win streak came to an end as they lost 6-5 in OT to the Canadiens last time out. The Capitals were favored at -210, while the teams sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Brooks Laich potted a hat trick for the Capitals, while Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green added the other markers in the loss.
Jason Spezza potted the winner late in the second period to lift the Senators past the Flames 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Ottawa won as -145 home favorites, while the game resulted in a PUSH on the 5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Washington: 41-12-7
Ottawa: 34-22-4
Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Montreal are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Calgary are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Ottawa is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Ottawa's last 10 games
Next up:
Washington at St. Louis, Saturday, February 13
Ottawa at Detroit, Saturday, February 13
Buffalo Sabres vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The fans at RBC Center will be treated to a game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes when they take their seats on Thursday.
Derek Roy and Tyler Myers found the back of the net in the Sabres' 3-2 shootout loss to Boston on Tuesday night.
Boston won as +125 road underdogs, while the game resulted in a PUSH on the 5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Joni Pitkanen's marker in the second period was the winner, as the Hurricanes defeated the Panthers 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Carolina cashed as -125 home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Buffalo has lost 5 straight games.
Carolina has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 32-18-8
Carolina: 22-30-7
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Boston are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Buffalo's last 10 games when playing Carolina
Buffalo is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Carolina is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Carolina's last 10 games when playing Buffalo
Next up:
Buffalo home to San Jose, Saturday, February 13
Carolina home to New Jersey, Saturday, February 13
Vancouver Canucks vs. Florida Panthers
The Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at BankAtlantic Center.
Ryan Kesler tallied the lone goal for Vancouver in its 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.
Tampa Bay cashed as +125 home underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Corey Stillman scored the lone goal for Florida in its 4-1 loss to Carolina on Tuesday night.
Carolina cashed as -125 home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Florida has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Vancouver: 35-21-2
Florida: 24-26-9
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 7-3
After playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Carolina are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
Vancouver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Florida's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Vancouver at Columbus, Friday, February 12
Florida home to Boston, Saturday, February 13
Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at St. Pete Times Forum.
David Krejci potted the deciding goal in the shootout to lift the Bruins past the Sabres 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Boston won as +125 road underdogs, while the game resulted in a PUSH on the 5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Martin St. Louis scored two goals, including the winner on a shorthanded marker early in the third period, to lead the Lightning over the Canucks 3-1 on Tuesday night.
Tampa Bay cashed as +125 home underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Tampa Bay has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 25-22-11
Tampa Bay: 26-21-11
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Ottawa are 3-7
After playing Buffalo are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Vancouver are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Boston is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games at home
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Boston at Florida, Saturday, February 13
Tampa Bay at NY Islanders, Saturday, February 13
San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings
The San Jose Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Joe Louis Arena.
The Sharks were shut down 3-0 by the Blue Jackets last time out, as -145 favorites. The teams played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Pavel Datsyuk, Kris Draper, and Valtteri Filppula scored for Detroit in its 4-3 shootout loss to St. Louis on Tuesday night.
St. Louis won as +120 home underdogs, while the teams played OVER the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 39-12-9
Detroit: 27-21-11
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 4-4-1
After playing Columbus are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Edmonton are 7-3
After playing St. Louis are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
San Jose is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road
San Jose is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Jose's last 12 games when playing on the road against Detroit
San Jose is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Jose
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Detroit's last 22 games at home
Next up:
San Jose at Buffalo, Saturday, February 13
Detroit home to Ottawa, Saturday, February 13
Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames
The Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Pengrowth Saddledome.
James Neal had a goal and two assists for Dallas in its 4-3 shootout loss to Chicago on Tuesday night.
Chicago won as -230 home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Niklas Hagman and Matt Stajan had a goal and an assist apiece for Calgary in its 3-2 loss to Ottawa on Tuesday night.
Ottawa won as -145 home favorites, while the game resulted in a PUSH on the 5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Calgary has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 26-21-12
Calgary: 29-22-9
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Los Angeles are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Ottawa are 4-4-1
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Dallas's last 25 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Calgary's last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Calgary's last 25 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at Phoenix, Saturday, February 13
Calgary home to Anaheim, Saturday, February 13
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
The fans at STAPLES Center will be treated to a game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings when they take their seats on Thursday.
The Oilers blew a two-goal lead and lost 3-2 to the Ducks on Wednesday, as +220 underdogs. That game's five goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ryan Potulny and Ethan Moreau scored in that loss.
Anze Kopitar and Oscar Moller found the back of the net for Los Angeles in its 4-2 loss to Anaheim on Monday night.
Anaheim won as -115 home favorites, while the game played OVER the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Edmonton has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Edmonton: 18-35-6
Los Angeles: 36-20-3
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 6-4
After playing Anaheim are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Anaheim are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Edmonton is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Edmonton is 2-17 SU in its last 19 games
Los Angeles is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Los Angeles is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Next up:
Edmonton home to Anaheim, Sunday, February 14
Los Angeles home to Colorado, Saturday, February 13
WASHINGTON (41-13-0-5, 87 pts.) at OTTAWA (34-22-0-4, 72 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 34-26 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 13-6 ATS (+6.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 18-12 ATS (+4.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
OTTAWA is 18-12 ATS (+30.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 41-18 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 39-27 ATS (+69.8 Units) in road games in February games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 17-2 ATS (+13.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 62-42 ATS (+16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 94-71 ATS (-15.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
OTTAWA is 9-21 ATS (-14.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-3 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-3-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.6 Units)
BUFFALO (32-19-0-7, 71 pts.) at CAROLINA (22-30-0-7, 51 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 0-5 ATS (-6.7 Units) in February games this season.
CAROLINA is 12-7 ATS (+20.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 22-17 ATS (+43.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 21-38 ATS (-32.7 Units) in all games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 5-5 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 5-5-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.9 Units)
BOSTON (25-22-0-11, 61 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (26-21-0-11, 63 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 25-33 ATS (-17.1 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 13-17 ATS (-12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 1-6 ATS (-7.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 8-2 ATS (+5.7 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 51-31 ATS (+12.7 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 81-139 ATS (-140.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 8-25 ATS (+36.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-30 ATS (-7.6 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 39-72 ATS (-36.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-4-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.7 Units)
SAN JOSE (39-11-0-9, 87 pts.) at DETROIT (27-21-0-11, 65 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-3 (+5.9 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-3-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.2 Units)
VANCOUVER (35-21-0-2, 72 pts.) at FLORIDA (24-26-0-9, 57 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 12-4 ATS (+16.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 64-95 ATS (+170.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
FLORIDA is 44-68 ATS (-41.9 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 1-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER 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)
DALLAS (26-21-0-12, 64 pts.) at CALGARY (29-22-0-9, 67 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 1-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 2-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DALLAS is 17-6 ATS (+10.2 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
CALGARY is 28-31 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 39-37 ATS (-7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-14 ATS (-10.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
CALGARY is 5-9 ATS (-9.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CALGARY is 13-19 ATS (-16.7 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
DALLAS is 6-5 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-5-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.9 Units)
EDMONTON (18-34-0-6, 42 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (36-20-0-3, 75 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 17-39 ATS (+67.0 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 2-15 ATS (+25.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 8-26 ATS (+43.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 6-27 ATS (+43.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 36-23 ATS (+74.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 13-5 ATS (+6.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after a division game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 9-3 ATS (+12.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 12-4 ATS (+16.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
LOS ANGELES is 8-3 ATS (+11.2 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 17-5 ATS (+22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 6-4 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 6-4-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)
BUFFALO vs. CAROLINA
Buffalo is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Carolina's last 10 games when playing Buffalo
Carolina is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Buffalo
WASHINGTON vs. OTTAWA
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Ottawa's last 10 games
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston
SAN JOSE vs. DETROIT
San Jose is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
San Jose is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games
VANCOUVER vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games on the road
Vancouver is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Florida's last 11 games
DALLAS vs. CALGARY
Dallas is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Calgary's last 12 games at home
EDMONTON vs. LOS ANGELES
Edmonton is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Edmonton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Hot Teams
-- Senators won 12 of their last 13 games. Washington had its 14-game winning streak snapped last night.
-- Hurricanes won seven of their last nine games.
-- Bruins won last two games 3-0/3-2; after losing previous ten games. Tampa Bay won four in row, seven of last nine games.
-- Sharks won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Dallas Stars are 5-0 in game following their last five losses.
-- Los Angeles won eight of its last nine games.
Cold Teams
-- Sabres lost last five games, allowing 27 goals.
-- Red Wings lost three in row, 10 of last 13 games.
-- Panthers lost last four games, outscored 13-4. Canucks lost three of their last four games.
-- Flames lost 14 of their last 18 games.
-- Edmonton lost last four games, outscored 16-5.
Totals
-- Under is 8-1-1 in its last ten Ottawa games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Buffalo's last five games. Three of last four Carolina games stayed under.
-- Under is 5-0-2 in Boston's last seven games.
-- Six of last eight Detroit games went over the total.
-- 10 of last 11 Florida games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Calgary games.
-- Five of last seven Edmonton road games went over the total.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Washington is 2-3 on road if it played the night before.
-- San Jose is 5-2 when it played the night before.
-- Edmonton is 0-5 when it played the night before.
Series Records
-- Home team won last eight Ottawa-Washington games; Caps lost six of last seven visits to Washington.
-- Sabres lost six of last nine visits to Carolina.
-- Home side won last five Boston-Tampa Bay games.
-- Red Wings outscored San Jose 14-5 in winning last four series games.
-- Home side won last threeFlorida-Vancouver games.
-- Dallas Stars won four of last five visits to Calgary.
-- Kings won last three games vs Edmonton, allowing four goals.
Capitals vs Senators Preview
When the Washington Capitals travel to Scotiabank Place to take on the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, it will be a matchup between two teams that have won 26 of 27 games since January 13th. Coming into the game Ottawa has won 12 of its last 13 games, outscoring its opponents by 25 goals in the victories, while the Capitals went a perfect 14 for 14.
Primetime Performers
Capitals: Alexander Ovechkin is one of the best players in the league at the young age of 24 and this year he has tweaked his game to become a more complete player. If he was not terrifying to opposing defences before now, he is about to be a lot more so. He comes into this game scoring at least a point in 16 of his last 17 games, including 11 multi-point games. The change in his game has been his willingness to pass the puck. Although he is on pace for 61 goals, his career best is 65, he is on pace for 64 assists which would smash his old career best of 54. This has allowed for other players to rack up goals and the Capitals to lead the league with 230 goals; miles ahead of second place San Jose with 195.
Senators: Those who read beted reviews know that Daniel Alfredsson is the leader of this team on and off the ice. Leading the team in assists, points and power-play points, he has been the one constantly producing player in the Ottawa line-up all year. Racking up 47 points in 49 games on a Senators team that was playing very poorly earlier in the season, he is a lock for an even better second half of the season now that the team is playing better.
X-Factors
Capitals: Nicklas Backstrom is riding an eight game point streak in which he has four goals and 13 assists. Getting large minutes on the top line with Ovechkin and Mike Knuble has allowed him to grow as a player and given two great outlets to bury his passes in the back of the net. At just 21, Backstrom is already third in the league this year with 48 assists and will continue to put up solid numbers as a part of the first line and number one power-play unit.
Senators: Anyone doing NHL betting earlier this season knows that Jason Spezza was one of the biggest disappointments in the first half of the season. Scoring just 5 goals and 19 points in 30 games before going down with an injury in mid December, fans were hoping he would be better once he healed. Well the wait is over and he is back playing to his potential scoring eight goals and 10 points in the eight games since returning from injury.
The Matchup
In the two previous matchups between the team, the Capitals won the game in Washington 5-2 and the Senators won the game in Ottawa 3-2 in overtime. Sitting tied for third place in the East, Ottawa will be looking to move clear of buffalo and tie New Jersey for second spot however people who wager on sports know that there is a reason why Washington is 14 points ahead in first place.
Pick: Capitals
WASHINGTON at OTTAWA
WASHINGTON: 39-12 SU as favorite
OTTAWA: 9-21 SU off non-conference game
BUFFALO at CAROLINA
BUFFALO: 0-11 SU Away off 5+ SU losses
CAROLINA: 0-8 SU off BB Unders
BOSTON at TAMPA BAY
BOSTON: 4-12 SU playing with same season revenge
TAMPA BAY: 8-2 SU at home 2nd half of season
SAN JOSE at DETROIT
SAN JOSE: 8-0 SU off loss by 2+ goals
DETROIT: 6-12 SU off 3+ road games
VANCOUVER at FLORIDA
VANCOUVER: 12-4 SU Away if total is 5 or less
FLORIDA: 39-62 SU in non-conference home games
DALLAS at CALGARY
DALLAS: 9-1 SU off road loss by 1 goal
CALGARY: 1-4 SU at home vs. Dallas
EDMONTON at LOS ANGELES
EDMONTON: 1-18 SU playing with same season revenge
LOS ANGELES: 5-0 SU after allowing 3+ goals 3 straight games