On the Ice - Thursday
By Judd Hall
Thursday’s NHL card is chocked full of action with 12 games going on. But two of the most intriguiging matchups happen in the early set of tilts. Let’s take a look at them.
Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers – 7:00 p.m. EST
Buffalo (30-22-6, 66 points) is in a prickly situation right now. On one side, you know your team is in the thick of the playoff hunt. But you just hope you’re healthy if you do end up playing late into April.
The Sabres are looking for new outlets for offense now that they are without their iron man and top scorer, Tomas Vanek (32 goals- 20 assists- 52 points), after he suffered a broken jaw against Ottawa on Feb. 7. It appears that they just might have it with Alex Kotalik (2-2-4), Jason Pominville (1-2-3) and Derek Roy (1-2-3) picking up the slack right now. But can they do it for the next month?
Should Buffalo’s offense not help out, that’s going to make Ryan Miller’s job all the more difficult. I will grant that Miller can handle it now as he’s 13-5-5 with a 2.31 goals against average since the start of the New Year.
Philadelphia (30-16-9, 69 points) may only be in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, but they’ve got designs on reaching higher. The Flyers are just eight points shy of matching New Jersey for the Atlantic Division lead. And they’re certainly playing like they can catch up after winning four of their last five tilts.
The Flyers crushed New York’s spirit on national television last Sunday as $1.05 road underdogs, 5-2. Philly got outshot 37-20 by the Blueshirts and were held without a power play goal for the third straight game. Yet Mike Richards single handedly took the Rangers out of the game when he scored a 5-on-3 shorthanded goal in the opening minutes of the second period. Now Richards has five shorthanded goals this season and 17 for his career. Oh yeah, he also holds the NHL record for most 5-on-3 shorthanders with three.
Philly still hasn’t shaken off the goalie controversy that has plagued them all season. Antero Niittymaki was supposed to start against the Rangers, but was laid up with the flu. Martin Biron was installed to start between the pipes. Biron has been up and down this year, but was great last Sunday in stopping 35 of New York’s 37 shots on goal. He went 2-0 with a 1.50 GAA while stopping 96 percent of the shots fired his way.
Most sportsbooks have made the Flyers $1.50 home faves with a total of 5 ½. You can take Philadelphia to cover the puck line for a plus-180 return (risk $100 to win $180).
Buffalo might have the edge in this contest since the visitors have won the last four meetings with the ‘over’ going 3-1. And the Sabres have won seven of their past 10 games against Philadelphia.
While the Sabres have owned the recent series, Philly does have home ice. And the Flyers have used Wachovia Center to their advantage by going 11-4 recently.
The Flyers haven’t been all that great when playing on extended rest this season, going 2-5-1 when taking at least three days off. Meanwhile, Buffalo is on a 4-1 run when playing after a night off.
Buffalo has seen the ‘under’ go 6-0 streak in its last six tilts against teams from the East. However, Philly is 4-1 for the ‘over’ in its past five matches versus the Eastern Conference.
Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers – 7:30 p.m. EST
Is this a possible Stanley Cup Final preview? If it is then someone should check Gary Bettman and NBC’s Dick Ebersol’s pulse.
Chicago (32-15-8, 72 points) has been a group of road warriors this year, playing 13 of its 21 games this season away from the United Center. Even better, the Blackhawks are 8-5 in those road tilts since turning the calendar to 2009.
The ‘Hawks have been getting great goaltending out of Cristobal Huet, who has been playing in place of Nikolai Khabibulin and his injured groin. The Frenchman is 3-1this month with a 2.33 GAA in place of the Russian backstop.
What could prove problematic for Chicago is the loss of Patrick Sharp, who hurt his left knee against the Stars, for at least the next three weeks. That’s a loss of a guy that leads the team with 23 lamp lighters. On the other hand, he scored just one goal this month.
It’s lucky for the Blackhawks that they have Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to step up on the attack for the next month. Kane has scored one goal and helped on six others in February, while Toews has visited the red light district four times with three assists in his last four appearances.
Florida (29-20-8, 66 points) appears to be ready for a playoff run as they’ve won six of its last eight games this season. The result of that streak is a five-point buffer from ninth place in the East and out of the playoffs.
The Panthers’ added some clout to their recent run with a 4-0 beating of New Jersey as $1.10 home favorites on Feb. 17. Richard Zednik scored on the power play for his 12th goal of the season, while Tomas Vokoun denied the Devils on each and every shot they took for his fifth shutout of the year.
Chicago has been installed as a $1.15 road “chalk” with a total of 5 ½ at most betting shops.
The ‘Hawks have been good road favorites this season, posting a 14-7 mark in that role.
It has been a tale of two leagues when we talk about these squads facing one another. Before the lockout, Chicago had won six straight with two ties. But the Panthers have won the last two meetings since the NHL’s owner-imposed work stoppage.
The ‘over’ has hit in four of the last six head-to-head meetings of these squads.
The Blackhawks have dominated Eastern foes this year by winning six of their seven fixtures. Florida has gone 6-8 against clubs from the West for the season, but have won five of its last eight this season.
Chicago is playing on the dreaded “Sunshine Swing” after playing in Tampa Bay the other night. In their last eight trips to Florida, they’ve won the second game of the trip three times. And the ‘Hawks were able to sweep the two squads just once.
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SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Feb. 19
Edmonton at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST). The Oilers and Stars face off in a matchup of two of the five teams from the Western Conference scrambling for the final four playoff spots.
STARS
Wednesday
— Alex Ovechkin, Capitals, scored a goal while sliding on his side on the ice in Washington’s 4-3 shootout win over Montreal.
— Nicklas Lidstrom and Johan Franzen, Red Wings. Each had two goals and an assist in Detroit’s 6-2 win over Nashville.
HIGH-WATER MARK
Columbus beat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 Wednesday night, putting the Blue Jackets six games over .500 for the first time in team history.
FIVE ALIVE
Detroit scored five power-play goals Wednesday night in a 6-2 win over the Nashville Predators that snapped a two-game losing streak. The Red Wings last scored five power-play goals on Dec. 9, 2006.
THAT’LL DO
The Rangers certainly didn’t break out of their offensive funk, nor did they cure their power-play ills, but they did enough against the New York Islanders to win 3-1 Wednesday night, the Rangers’ second win in 10 games (2-6-2).
SPEAKING
“The third period is why I don’t like coaching. We played the score, not the game. St. Louis has no quit in their team. Win or lose, they play right until the end of the game. We got casual.”—Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock after the Blue Jackets let the Blues rally from a 4-1 deficit with 14 minutes left to make the final minutes uncomfortable. Columbus hung on for Hitchcock’s 499th career win.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Drew Stafford scored two goals to lead the Sabres past the Maple Leafs 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Buffalo cashed as -120 road favorites as the game played under the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-2 as a +105 underdog on Sunday. The seven runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Claude Giroux recorded a goal and a pair of assists for the Flyers, while Martin Biron made 35 saves in the win.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 30-22-6
Philadelphia: 30-16-9
Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Buffalo's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games on the road
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 10 games when playing Buffalo
Next up:
Buffalo home to NY Rangers, Saturday, February 21
Philadelphia home to Pittsburgh, Saturday, February 21
Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Canadiens fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Capitals last time out, as +180 underdogs. That game's combined score went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (6).
Christopher Higgins, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Tomas Plekanec replied in that loss.
Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Whitney found the back of the net for the Penguins in their 3-2 loss to the Islanders on Monday.
New York cashed as +160 home underdogs as the game played under the 6-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Montreal has lost 2 straight games.
Pittsburgh has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Montreal: 30-21-7
Pittsburgh: 27-25-6
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-5-1
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing NY Islanders are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Montreal is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Montreal is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing at home against Montreal
Next up:
Montreal home to Ottawa, Saturday, February 21
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, Saturday, February 21
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders
Matt Cullen found the back of the net for Carolina in its 5-1 loss to Boston on Tuesday night.
Boston won as -160 road favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
The Islanders were defeated 3-1 by their cross-town rival Rangers on Wednesday, as +200 underdogs. That game's four goals went UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mark Streit replied in the loss for the Islanders, who got 35 saves from Yann Danis.
Team records:
Carolina: 28-25-5
New York: 17-34-6
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Carolina's last 15 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
Carolina is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
Carolina is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Islanders last 9 games at home
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the NY Islanders last 15 games when playing at home against Carolina
NY Islanders are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games when playing at home against Carolina
Next up:
Carolina home to Tampa Bay, Friday, February 20
NY Islanders home to New Jersey, Saturday, February 21
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers
Dave Bolland's third period marker was the winner, as the Blackhawks dumped the Lightning 5-3 on Tuesday night.
Chicago cashed as -180 road favorites as the game played over the 6-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Tomas Vokoun made 36 saves to earn the shutout, as the Panthers rolled over the Devils 4-0 on Tuesday night.
Florida cashed as +100 home underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 32-15-8
Florida: 29-20-8
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Edmonton are 7-3
After playing Tampa Bay are 7-7-1
After a win are 4-6
Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 1-2-2 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida
Florida is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games at home
Next up:
Chicago at Dallas, Saturday, February 21
Florida home to Boston, Saturday, February 21
Vancouver Canucks vs. Ottawa Senators
Ryan Kesler netted two goals, and scored the deciding goal in the shootout to lift the Canucks past the Flames 4-3 on Tuesday night.
Vancouver won as +125 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
Ryan Shannon potted both markers for Ottawa in its 3-2 overtime loss to Colorado on Tuesday night.
Colorado cashed in as -135 home favorites as the game played under the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Vancouver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Vancouver: 28-21-8
Ottawa: 22-25-9
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Colorado are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Vancouver's last 9 games
Vancouver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Vancouver at Toronto, Saturday, February 21
Ottawa at Montreal, Saturday, February 21
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Despite giving up two late goals, Steve Mason held his team in the game as the Blue Jackets got past the Blues 4-3 on Wednesday. The Blue Jackets won the game as -145 favorites, and the seven goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Fedor Tyutin, Rick Nash, Manny Malhotra, and Andrew Murray scored in that contest.
Pavel Kubina potted the lone goal for Toronto in its 4-1 loss to Buffalo on Tuesday night.
Buffalo cashed as -120 road favorites as the game played under the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Columbus: 29-23-6
Toronto: 21-26-10
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Anaheim are 5-5
After playing St. Louis are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-3-1
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Buffalo are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games on the road
Columbus is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Columbus is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games
Next up:
Columbus home to Anaheim, Saturday, February 21
Toronto home to Vancouver, Saturday, February 21
New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
New Jersey goaltender Scott Clemmensen stopped 24 shots in the Devils' 4-0 loss to Florida on Tuesday night.
Florida cashed as +100 home underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Steven Stamkos potted a hat trick for Tampa Bay in its 5-3 loss to Chicago on Tuesday night.
Chicago cashed as -180 road favorites as the game played over the 6-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 37-18-3
Tampa Bay: 19-27-11
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-6-1
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing Florida are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
New Jersey is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
New Jersey is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games at home
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Tampa Bay is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey at NY Islanders, Saturday, February 21
Tampa Bay at Carolina, Friday, February 20
Calgary Flames vs. Minnesota Wild
Jarome Iginla and Rene Bourque put up a goal and an assist apiece for Calgary in its 4-3 shootout loss to Vancouver on Tuesday night.
Vancouver won as +125 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.
The Wild took an early 3-0 lead on Saturday night but then collapsed in a 5-3 loss to the visiting Senators.
The Senators rallied for the victory as +145 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the posted total (5).
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Calgary: 33-18-6
Minnesota: 28-24-3
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Los Angeles are 4-6
After playing Vancouver are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing Ottawa are 4-4-1
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Calgary is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Calgary is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Calgary
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Calgary
Minnesota is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Calgary
Next up:
Calgary at Edmonton, Saturday, February 21
Minnesota home to Detroit, Saturday, February 21
St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators
The Blues fell 4-3 to the Blue Jackets last time out, as +125 road underdogs. The game's seven goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Brad Winchester, Alexander Steen, and T.J. Oshie tallied in the loss.
The Predators were crushed 6-2 by the Red Wings last time out, as +250 road underdogs. The eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Steve Sullivan scored both goals in that loss.
Current streak:
Nashville has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 24-26-7
Nashville: 27-28-3
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Columbus are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of St. Louis's last 14 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of St. Louis's last 24 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Nashville
St. Louis is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Nashville's last 14 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Nashville's last 24 games at home
Nashville is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing St. Louis
Next up:
Nashville at St. Louis, Saturday, February 21
Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars
Erik Cole and Zack Stortini potted markers for Edmonton in its 4-2 loss to San Jose on Tuesday night.
San Jose cashed as -330 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
James Neal's marker in the shootout was the difference, as the Stars clipped the Blue Jackets 3-2 on Monday night.
Dallas won as +105 road underdogs as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Edmonton: 29-24-4
Dallas: 28-21-7
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing San Jose are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-5-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing Columbus are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Edmonton is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games at home
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Next up:
Edmonton home to Calgary, Saturday, February 21
Dallas home to Chicago, Saturday, February 21
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Erik Christensen potted the deciding goal in the shootout to lift the Thrashers past the Kings 7-6 on Monday night.
Atlanta won as +185 road underdogs as the game played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Ed Jovanovski scored the lone marker for Phoenix in its 3-1 loss to Edmonton on Monday night.
Edmonton cashed as a -110 home pick 'em, as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.
Phoenix has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 21-32-5
Phoenix: 25-28-5
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Los Angeles are 4-4-1
After a win are 3-7
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Edmonton are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-9-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Phoenix
Atlanta is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Phoenix is 9-1-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Next up:
Atlanta at San Jose, Saturday, February 21
Phoenix at Los Angeles, Saturday, February 21
Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks
The Kings scored twice on the power play in the third period to lift them past the Ducks 4-3 on Wednesday, as +125 underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5)
Jarret Stoll, Patrick O'Sullivan Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar scored in that win.
Patrick Marleau netted two goals, including the winner to lead the Sharks over the Oilers 4-2 on Tuesday night.
San Jose cashed as -330 home favorites as the game played over the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 25-22-9
San Jose: 38-8-9
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Anaheim are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Edmonton are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Los Angeles's last 10 games when playing San Jose
Los Angeles is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Los Angeles is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Los Angeles
San Jose is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Jose's last 10 games when playing Los Angeles
Next up:
Los Angeles home to Phoenix, Saturday, February 21
San Jose home to Atlanta, Saturday, February 21
BUFFALO (30-22-0-6, 66 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (30-16-0-9, 69 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 12-6 ATS (+4.9 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 24-14 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 79-78 ATS (-82.2 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-8 ATS (-7.3 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 6-3 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 6-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.0 Units)
CAROLINA (28-25-0-5, 61 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (17-33-0-6, 40 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 76-125 ATS (+231.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 29-56 ATS (+94.0 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 5-4-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS 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)
MONTREAL (30-21-0-6, 66 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (27-25-0-6, 60 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 3-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 32-11 ATS (+16.0 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 22-10 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-31 ATS (-18.5 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 3-7 ATS (-6.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 6-4 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-4-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.8 Units)
VANCOUVER (28-21-0-8, 64 pts.) at OTTAWA (22-25-0-9, 53 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 10-16 ATS (-13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
VANCOUVER is 25-36 ATS (-20.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 22-16 ATS (+41.9 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 65-77 ATS (-32.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 7-12 ATS (+19.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 33-33 ATS (-28.5 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
OTTAWA is 29-32 ATS (-32.3 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 9-17 ATS (+31.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OTTAWA is 9-15 ATS (-17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 27-42 ATS (-33.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 2-0 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 2-0-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)
CHICAGO (32-16-0-7, 71 pts.) at FLORIDA (29-20-0-8, 66 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 33-20 ATS (+53.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 33-29 ATS (+75.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 100-102 ATS (+235.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 96-109 ATS (+218.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 82-120 ATS (+238.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
FLORIDA is 42-62 ATS (-37.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 1-0-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)
NEW JERSEY (37-18-0-3, 77 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (19-27-0-11, 49 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 37-21 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 5-0 ATS (+5.0 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
NEW JERSEY is 23-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 11-2 ATS (+8.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 36-21 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-38 ATS (-35.9 Units) in all games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 10-6 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 10-6-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)
COLUMBUS (28-23-0-6, 62 pts.) at TORONTO (21-26-0-10, 52 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 7-15 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLUMBUS is 7-18 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 15-8 ATS (+24.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 14-22 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 2-0-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)
ST LOUIS (24-25-0-7, 55 pts.) at NASHVILLE (27-27-0-3, 57 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 9-5 ATS (+16.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 13-7 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 13-7-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
12 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.3 Units)
CALGARY (33-18-0-6, 72 pts.) at MINNESOTA (28-24-0-3, 59 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 52-28 ATS (+14.6 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
CALGARY is 19-10 ATS (+29.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 13-5 (+9.3 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 13-5-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.7 Units)
EDMONTON (29-24-0-4, 62 pts.) at DALLAS (28-21-0-7, 63 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 15-7 ATS (+7.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 23-15 ATS (+39.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 17-5 ATS (+9.0 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 70-69 ATS (+150.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 29-25 ATS (+59.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 13-11 ATS (+28.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
EDMONTON is 37-26 ATS (+70.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-3 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-3-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)
ATLANTA (21-32-0-5, 47 pts.) at PHOENIX (25-28-0-5, 55 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 31-60 ATS (+100.2 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 4-0 ATS (+4.0 Units) in road games in February games this season.
ATLANTA is 16-12 ATS (+30.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 3-10 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 46-81 ATS (-63.6 Units) in February games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 117-145 ATS (-99.3 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 1-0 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 1-0-0 straight up against ATLANTA 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)
LOS ANGELES (24-22-0-9, 57 pts.) at SAN JOSE (38-8-0-9, 85 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 59-29 ATS (+23.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 14-19 ATS (-27.0 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 20-20 ATS (-23.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 13-6-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
8 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.3 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
BUFFALO vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Buffalo's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
CAROLINA vs. NY ISLANDERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games
Carolina is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
NY Islanders are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the NY Islanders last 15 games when playing at home against Carolina
MONTREAL vs. PITTSBURGH
Montreal is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Montreal is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing at home against Montreal
CHICAGO vs. FLORIDA
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
Florida is 2-6-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Chicago
Florida is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
COLUMBUS vs. TORONTO
Columbus is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Columbus is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Toronto is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games
NEW JERSEY vs. TAMPA BAY
New Jersey is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Tampa Bay is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
VANCOUVER vs. OTTAWA
Vancouver is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Ottawa's last 13 games
CALGARY vs. MINNESOTA
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Calgary is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Calgary
Minnesota is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Calgary
ST. LOUIS vs. NASHVILLE
St. Louis is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
EDMONTON vs. DALLAS
Edmonton is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games at home
ATLANTA vs. PHOENIX
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Phoenix is 9-1-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta
LOS ANGELES vs. SAN JOSE
Los Angeles is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Los Angeles is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games
Hot teams
-- Flyers won four of their last five games.
-- Senators won five of their last six games. Canucks won six of seven.
-- Columbus won five of its last seven games.
-- Devils won four of their last five games.
-- Blackhawks won six of their last eight games. Panthers are 8-3 since the All-Star break.
-- Blues are 5-1 in game following their last six losses.
-- Minnesota is 7-2 in game following its last nine losses.
-- Dallas won nine of its last twelve games. Oilers won three of four.
-- Thrashers won three of last four games, scoring 15 goals in last two.
Cold teams
-- Sabres are 1-5 in game following their last six wins.
-- Hurricanes lost three of their last four games. Islanders lost six of their last seven games.
-- Montreal lost six of its last seven games. Penguins lost six of last nine.
-- Toronto lost five of its last seven games.
-- Lightning lost six of their last eight games.
-- Predators lost four of their last six games.
-- Flames lost six of their last nine games.
-- Coyotes lost nine of ten since All-Star break.
-- Kings lost three of their last four games. Sharks lost six of last eight.
Totals
-- Eight of last nine Buffalo games stayed under the total; four of last five Flyer games went over.
-- Five of last seven Carolina games went over the total.
-- Over is 4-0-2 in last six Montreal games.
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Ottawa games.
-- Five of last seven Columbus games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven New Jersey road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Chicago games went over the total; five of last seven Florida games stayed under.
-- Five of last six St Louis road games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Calgary road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Phoenix home games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-4 in last twelve Los Angeles games.
Back-to-Back
-- Carolina is 4-6 if it plays again the next night.
-- Montreal is 5-3 if it played the night before.
-- Columbus is 2-7 on road if they played the night before.
-- Lightning is 2-8 if it plays again the next night.
-- Nashville lost four of last five if they played the night before.
-- Kings are 3-5 if they played the night before.
Series Records
-- Underdog is 9-4 in last thirteen Buffalo-Philadelphia games.
-- Carolina won five of last seven against the Islanders; road team won the last five series meetings.
-- Canadiens won their last three visits to Pittsburgh.
-- Toronto won last two games vs Columbus, 4-2/3-1.
-- Devils won eight of last nine against Tampa Bay.
-- Florida won last two games against Chicago, 4-3ot/3-1.
-- Home side won six of last eight St Louis-Nashville games, with four of the eight games going to overtime.
-- Calgary won seven of last eight games against Minnesota.
-- Home side won last four Dallas-Edmonton games.
-- Sharks won six of last seven games against the Kings.
This Week In The NHL
By Jimmy the Moose
The NHL playoff race is tighter than ever with last week's action only adding more questions as opposed to providing answers. With the way the standings are shaping up it looks like we'll have to wait until the final night of the NHL regular season to determine who will be in and who will be watching the playoffs from home. Lots of hockey to be played but every loss that a team suffers right now is huge in the standings.
Let's take a look at a few key games on the ice this week.
Thursday, February 19
Calgary Flames vs. Minnesota Wild
The 33-18-5 Calgary Flames are leading the Northwest Division and their 71-points have them sitting in 3rd place in the Western Conference. Barring a total collapse, the Flames should easily win their division and remain the 3rd seed in the Western Conference when the playoffs start. The Minnesota Wild start the week with 59-points and that currently has them sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference but the good news is they are only three points out of 5th place in the West making this a big game for them.
The Calgary Flames have been great at home but haven't been overly impressive on the road. Away from home the Flames have posted a 13-11-2 record. Over their last 10 games the Flames are 5-4-1 and they start the week having won two straight. Calgary averages 3.2 GPG while giving up 2.9 per contest. Minnesota has struggled this season but still has a good shot at making the playoffs. The Wild are 5-5 over their last 10 games and this divisional game vs. Calgary is one they must get. The Wild's lack of offense is what hurts this team. Minnesota ranks 25th in the league averaging 2.5 GPG while their D ranks 2nd in the league allowing 2.3 GPG. This will be a tough divisional game.