NHL News and Notes Thursday 4/9

Game of the day: Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers
By DUSTIN NIELSON

Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers

Playoff implications

They aren’t in a race against each other but both the Flyers and Rangers have a lot on the line Thursday. The Flyers are trying to stay ahead of the red-hot Carolina Hurricanes while the Rangers are attempting to secure a playoff spot and possibly leap frog the Montreal Canadiens into seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers blocked all of the playoff speculation Tuesday night and it lead to a 3-1 win over the Canadiens.

"I don't think that's what we should be thinking about," Rangers forward Chris Drury told reporters. "If you start thinking about what-ifs and all that kind of outside stuff, then you kind of lose your focus."

The Flyers clinched a playoff spot with a win over Florida Tuesday.

"This is what you play for - to have a chance for the Stanley Cup," Jeff Carter told the media. "But we still have a lot of work to do."

The Flyers are deadlocked with Carolina for fourth place in the Eastern Conference but do have a game in hand on the Hurricanes.

The Carter factor

If the Flyers didn’t have such a strong supporting cast you may hear some talk about Jeff Carter being a candidate for league MVP.

Carter sits second in the NHL in goals with 45 and is 10 back of Alexander Ovechkin. He leads in the NHL in game-winning goals with 12 and the Flyers are 26-2-6 in games when Carter scores.

"I was mulling over some stats the other day and Jeff's a guy who has scored a lot more goals in the NHL than he ever did in one year in junior," Flyers coach John Stevens told reporters. "To me, it's kind of amazing that he's able to do that. He just seems to get better."

Big Apple ups and downs

After a great start to the season it’s been up and down the rest of the way for the Broadway blue shirts.

Henrik Lundqvist and Co. haven’t won four games in a row since late October but now need just a single victory to clinch a playoff spot.

"We know what will happen if we win, but if we start thinking about the playoffs, we'll lose focus on what's important, which is paying attention to doing the right things,” Lundqvist told the press.

Head Coach John Tortorella is hoping to see his captain Chris Drury step to the forefront.

"I know he has had some ups and downs. But he is trying. He has a lot of pressure. He is the captain of the New York Rangers and everything that comes with that,” said Tortorella.

Drury won a cup with the Avalanche in 1996.

Home and home

Thursday night’s match up is the first game of a home-and-home series to wrap up the season for both clubs. The two sides will get more than a little rest between games as the rematch doesn’t go until Sunday in Philadelphia.

The Rangers have been playing extremely well on home ice recently, winning seven of their last eight games at MSG. The season series has been split with each teaming two of the first four games.

The most shocking stat involving this classic rivalry is that the road team is 20-9 in the last 29 meetings. On the ice the most intriguing battle should be 45-goal man Jeff Carter against one of the league’s best keepers in Henrik Lundqvist.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers

Jeff Carter scored his 45th goal of the season on Tuesday night as the Flyers slipped past the Panthers for a 2-1 win.

The Flyers got the victory as -165 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).

Chris Drury scored twice on Tuesday night to lead the Rangers to a 3-1 win over the Canadiens.

The Rangers got the victory as -180 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).

Team records:
Philadelphia: 43-25-11
New York: 41-30-9

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After playing Florida are 7-3
After a win are 3-7

New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Montreal are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing NY Rangers
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
Philadelphia is 6-12 SU in their last 18 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Rangers are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games when playing Philadelphia

Next up:
Philadelphia at NY Islanders, Saturday, April 11
NY Rangers at Philadelphia, Sunday, April 12

Florida Panthers vs. Atlanta Thrashers

Brett McLean tallied the only Florida goal in their 2-1 loss to the Flyers on Tuesday night.

The Flyers got the victory as -165 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).

Rich Peverley and Marty Reasoner had the Atlanta goals in their 4-2 loss to the Capitals on Tuesday night.

The Capitals rolled to the win as -160 road favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (6.5).

Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Florida: 39-30-11
Atlanta: 34-40-6

Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Florida's last 15 games when playing Atlanta
Florida is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Atlanta is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Atlanta's last 24 games

Next up:
Florida home to Washington, Saturday, April 11
Atlanta home to Tampa Bay, Saturday, April 11

Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins

Mathieu Dandenault provided the lone Montreal goal in their 3-1 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday night.

The Rangers got the victory as -180 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).

Zdeno Chara and Phil Kessel found the back of the net for Boston in its 3-2 loss to Ottawa on Tuesday night.

Ottawa cashed as +145 home underdogs as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total posted by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Montreal has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Montreal: 41-29-10
Boston: 51-18-10

Montreal most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Pittsburgh are 5-5
After playing NY Rangers are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Ottawa are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Montreal is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
Montreal is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal

Next up:
Montreal home to Pittsburgh, Saturday, April 11
Boston at Buffalo, Saturday, April 11

Buffalo Sabres vs. Carolina Hurricanes

The Sabres scored twice in the third period to earn a 3-1 victory over the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, as -155 favorites. The four goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (6).

Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, and Paul Gaustad scored, and Ryan Miller stopped 32 shots in preserving the win.

Eric Staal had a hat trick on Tuesday night as the Hurricanes romped to a 9-0 win over the Islanders.

The Canes had no trouble getting the victory as -320 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).

Current streak:
Carolina has won 9 straight games.

Team records:
Buffalo: 39-32-9
Carolina: 45-28-7

Buffalo most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-5-1
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing NY Islanders are 6-4
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
Buffalo is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Buffalo is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games

Next up:
Buffalo home to Boston, Saturday, April 11
Carolina at New Jersey, Saturday, April 11

Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red Wings

Jason Arnott and Vernon Fiddler tallied markers for Nashville in its 4-2 loss to Chicago on Tuesday night.

Chicago won as a -110 road pick 'em, as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.

Marian Hossa had two goals and an assist to lead the Red Wings over the Sabres 4-1 on Monday night.

Detroit won as -110 road favorites as the teams played under the 6-goal total posted by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Detroit has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Nashville: 39-33-8
Detroit: 51-19-9

Nashville most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Buffalo are 6-6-1
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Nashville's last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games
Nashville is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Detroit is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games

Next up:
Nashville at Minnesota, Friday, April 10
Detroit home to Chicago, Saturday, April 11

New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Islanders were victimized by the Hurricanes on Tuesday night, giving up a hat trick to Eric Staal in a 9-0 defeat.

The Canes had no trouble getting the victory as -320 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).

Jordan Staal had a goal and two assists to lead the Penguins past the Lightning 6-4 on Tuesday night.

Pittsburgh won as -240 road favorites as the teams played over the 6-goal total listed by oddsmakers.

Team records:
New York: 26-44-9
Pittsburgh: 43-28-9

New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Carolina are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 9 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Pittsburgh is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games

Next up:
NY Islanders home to Philadelphia, Saturday, April 11
Pittsburgh at Montreal, Saturday, April 11

Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Alexander Ovechkin had a pair of assists on Tuesday night as the Capitals got past the Thrashers for a 4-2 victory.

The Capitals rolled to the win as -160 road favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (6.5).

Jeff Halpern scored twice for Tampa Bay in its 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.

Pittsburgh won as -240 road favorites as the teams played over the 6-goal total listed by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Tampa Bay has lost 7 straight games.

Team records:
Washington: 49-23-8
Tampa Bay: 24-38-18

Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 9-1
After a win are 6-4

Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Pittsburgh are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games at home
Tampa Bay is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

Next up:
Washington at Florida, Saturday, April 11
Tampa Bay at Atlanta, Saturday, April 11

New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators

Jamie Langenbrunner potted the only New Jersey marker in their 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.

The Leafs grabbed the victory as +200 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).

Dany Heatley's second period marker stood up as the winner, as the Senators upset the Bruins 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Ottawa cashed as +145 home underdogs as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total posted by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Ottawa has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
New Jersey: 49-27-4
Ottawa: 36-34-10

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Jersey's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games at home
Ottawa is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games

Next up:
New Jersey home to Carolina, Saturday, April 11
Ottawa at Toronto, Saturday, April 11

Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche

Fabian Brunnstrom potted the lone marker for Dallas in its 3-1 loss to Minnesota on Tuesday night.

Minnesota won as -200 home favorites as the teams played under the 5-goal total listed by sportsbooks.

Peter Budaj made 30 saves for Colorado in its 1-0 shootout loss to San Jose on Tuesday night.

San Jose won as -400 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total posted by sportsbooks.

Team records:
Dallas: 35-35-10
Colorado: 32-44-3

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Los Angeles are 2-8
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

Colorado most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing San Jose are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Dallas is 6-12-3 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Dallas is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

Next up:
Dallas at Anaheim, Friday, April 10
Colorado home to Vancouver, Saturday, April 11

Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks

Wayne Simmonds had a goal and an assist to lead the Kings over the Oilers 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles cashed as +160 road underdogs as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.

Mattias Ohlund scored two goals, including the winner to lead the Canucks over the Flames 4-1 on Tuesday night.

Vancouver cashed as -160 home favorites as the game played under the 5.5-goal total listed by oddsmakers.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 33-36-11
Vancouver: 43-27-10

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Edmonton are 2-8
After a win are 3-7

Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing San Jose are 6-4
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Los Angeles's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Los Angeles's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing Vancouver
Vancouver is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games
Vancouver is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

Next up:
Los Angeles home to San Jose, Saturday, April 11
Vancouver at Colorado, Saturday, April 11

Phoenix Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks

Scottie Upshall scored the only goal for Phoenix in its 5-1 loss to St. Louis on Tuesday night.

St. Louis cashed as -135 road favorites as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total set by sportsbooks.

Joe Pavelski scored the lone goal in the shootout to lift the Sharks over the Avalanche 1-0 on Tuesday night.

San Jose won as -400 home favorites as the teams played under the 5.5-goal total posted by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.
San Jose has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Phoenix: 34-39-7
San Jose: 53-16-11

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

San Jose most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Colorado are 9-1
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing San Jose
Phoenix is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing San Jose
Phoenix is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Phoenix
San Jose is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 7 games
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

Next up:
Phoenix home to Anaheim, Saturday, April 11
San Jose at Los Angeles, Saturday, April 11

BUFFALO (38-32-0-9, 85 pts.) at CAROLINA (45-28-0-7, 97 pts.)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 7-4 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 7-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)

PHILADELPHIA (43-25-0-11, 97 pts.) at NY RANGERS (41-30-0-9, 91 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 14-3 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 88-84 ATS (+199.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 124-139 ATS (-86.6 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 75-83 ATS (-48.7 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 58-68 ATS (-44.7 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 13-7 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 13-7-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

MONTREAL (41-29-0-10, 92 pts.) at BOSTON (51-17-0-11, 113 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 41-39 ATS (-14.7 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 20-24 ATS (-11.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 36-43 ATS (-17.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-23 ATS (+62.8 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 18-10 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 18-10-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
13 of 24 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

FLORIDA (39-30-0-11, 89 pts.) at ATLANTA (34-40-0-6, 74 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 213-238 ATS (-77.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 103-128 ATS (-61.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
ATLANTA is 22-20 ATS (+53.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 12-4 ATS (+16.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
FLORIDA is 11-6 ATS (+18.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
FLORIDA is 24-14 ATS (+39.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
FLORIDA is 12-5 ATS (+6.9 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
ATLANTA is 15-32 ATS (-25.4 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-23 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 11-10 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 11-10-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
14 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+8.6 Units)

WASHINGTON (49-23-0-8, 106 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (24-38-0-18, 66 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 17-9 ATS (+28.2 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 24-56 ATS (-99.6 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 5-17 ATS (+32.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 9-26 ATS (+47.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
TAMPA BAY is 16-40 ATS (+63.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 13-8 (+6.4 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 13-8-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
15 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+9.6 Units)

NASHVILLE (39-33-0-8, 86 pts.) at DETROIT (51-19-0-9, 111 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 27-5 ATS (+15.2 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 60-22 ATS (+17.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 13-11 ATS (-18.4 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 17-10 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 17-10-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
15 of 26 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

NY ISLANDERS (26-44-0-9, 61 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (43-28-0-9, 95 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 5-25 ATS (+50.2 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 65-42 ATS (+12.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-8 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 26-4 ATS (+18.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 63-58 ATS (+141.1 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 9-14 ATS (-12.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 13-8 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 13-8-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

NEW JERSEY (49-27-0-4, 102 pts.) at OTTAWA (36-34-0-10, 82 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 15-7 ATS (+23.2 Units) after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 13-10 ATS (+26.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 49-31 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 26-12 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 23-7 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 79-87 ATS (-81.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 37-37 ATS (-29.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 9-7 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 9-7-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.6 Units)

DALLAS (35-35-0-10, 80 pts.) at COLORADO (32-44-0-3, 67 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 16-29 ATS (-18.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DALLAS is 38-26 ATS (+67.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 132-78 ATS (+30.7 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
COLORADO is 16-26 ATS (+43.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 4-17 ATS (-14.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-4 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

LOS ANGELES (33-36-0-11, 77 pts.) at VANCOUVER (43-27-0-10, 96 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 20-21 ATS (-5.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 1-6 ATS (-8.4 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 40-44 ATS (-18.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 21-22 ATS (-4.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 5-6 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 6-5-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

PHOENIX (34-39-0-7, 75 pts.) at SAN JOSE (53-16-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 78-48 ATS (-1.5 Units) in April games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 30-24 ATS (+64.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 24-22 ATS (-26.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 14-7 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 14-7-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
11 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.2 Units)

BUFFALO vs. CAROLINA
Buffalo is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Buffalo is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing Florida

MONTREAL vs. BOSTON
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Montreal is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home

PHILADELPHIA vs. NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
Philadelphia is 6-12 SU in their last 18 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games at home

NASHVILLE vs. DETROIT
Nashville is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Nashville is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

NEW JERSEY vs. OTTAWA
New Jersey is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games
Ottawa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing New Jersey

NY ISLANDERS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Islanders

WASHINGTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home

DALLAS vs. COLORADO
Dallas is 6-12-3 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games at home

LOS ANGELES vs. VANCOUVER
Los Angeles is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Los Angeles's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Vancouver's last 9 games when playing Los Angeles

PHOENIX vs. SAN JOSE
Phoenix is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Phoenix

Hot teams
-- Bruins won six of their last seven games.
-- Sabres won three of their last four road games. Carolina won its last nine games by combined score of 36-15.
-- Flyers are 6-4 in their last ten games, 2-1 in last three.
-- Washington won four of its last five games.
-- Penguins won seven of their last ten games.
-- Senators won their last three games, all by one goal.
-- Red Wings won their last two games, 3-2/4-1.
-- Sharks won five of their last six games.

Cold teams
-- Canadiens lost last two games, are 5-8 in their last 13.
-- Thrashers lost their last two games, 6-4/4-2. Panthers lost two of their last three games, scoring six goals.
-- Rangers lost four of their last six games.
-- Lightning lost their last seven games, outscored 32-15.
-- Islanders lost seven of last nine games, losing last one 9-0.
-- Devils lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Predators lost three of their last four games.
-- Avalanche lost ten of their last eleven games. Stars lost nine of 11.
-- Kings lost ten of their last fourteen games. Canucks lost three of their last four contests.
-- Coyotes lost their last two games, 6-1/5-1.

Totals
-- Last four Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Flyer games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Tampa Bay home games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Islander games.
-- Five of last seven New Jersey games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Nashville-Detroit games went over the total.
-- Last five Colorado games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Los Angeles games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Phoenix ganes stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Sabres lost five of last six if they played the night before.
-- Nashville lost three of last four if they play again the next night.
-- Stars are 1-6 last seven times they played again the next night.

Series Records
-- Bruins won six of their last eight games against Montreal.
-- Florida won eight of last eleven games against the Thrashers.
-- Home side won seven of last eight Buffalo-Carolina games; Sabres lost last three visits to Raleigh.
-- Flyers lost three of last four visits to Madison Square Garden.
-- Washington won nine of last ten games against the Lightning.
-- Penguins won six of last eight games against the Islanders.
-- Devils won last five games against Ottawa, allowing nine goals.
-- Predators lost five of their last six visits to Detroit.
-- Dallas Stars lost their last three visits to Colorado: 4-3/3-1/3-2.
-- Canucks won three of last four games against Los Angeles.
-- Sharks won three of their last four games against Phoenix.

The Race is On
By Judd Hall

The schedule states that the Stanley Cup Playoffs will start on April 15. But if you were to ask the Panthers, Canadiens and Rangers, they’d politely tell you that they’re already underway.

All three of those clubs are sitting within three points of one another as they all have two games left on the schedule. Yet Montreal and New York have the luxury of being able to control their respective destinies. Florida, on the other hand, needs a lot of help to play some postseason hockey.

These are the kind of races that fans love and, at the same time, wish they didn’t have to deal with at all. Now it simply becomes a matter of which teams can come through in the clutch.

Out of this trio, you’d naturally say that the Habs have the advantage of claiming a spot in the Eastern Conference. They’re currently the seventh seed in the East and really all it’s needed from them is to win one of their final two contests. Hell, all they really need is to gain one point from reaching overtime to finish ahead of the Panthers.

Can Montreal win or at least get to overtime against either the Bruins or Penguins? Sure, but is it actually probable?

The Canadiens are just 1-3-1 for the season against Boston with the lone victory coming back on Oct. 15. Montreal is 2-1 in three games thus far versus the Pens.

What will hurt the Habs’ chances is the injury bug depleting their defense as Mathieu Schneider for the rest of the season and Andrei Markov for at least three weeks. Schneider’s loss is definitely going to be brutal as he’s scored four goals. Markov’s absence will hurt Montreal’s power play after scoring two special teams goals over in two of his last three games.

As far as their goaltending tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price is concerned, playing them against Boston would be okay. That pair of backstops has a combined career record of 9-4-1 with a goals against average of 2.32 versus the B’s.

The Blueshirts have given themselves a slight two-point cushion against Florida in the playoff chase after dropping Montreal 3-1 last Tuesday. That victory puts New York in the ever favorable “win and you’re in” scenario.

As great as it might seem for the Rangers right now, keep in mind that to pull their season out of the dregs they must at least split a home-and-home with Philly. While they have already split a home-and-home with the Flyers, it’s a tough call to do twice in a season…especially against a team that hates your guts.

It also doesn’t help that you have the second worst power play in the NHL (13.9 percent) and Top 10 penalty kill unit with Philadelphia (82.7 percent). What really could hurt is the fact that the Flyers have swept a home-and-home setup five times in the regular season and playoffs since 1995.

Surprising enough, all of that actually could leave the Panthers in a favorable position.

Now I understand that might sound a bit crazy considering Florida has suffered about five soul crushing defeats over the last nine contests. Yet they still find themselves just two points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Panthers do have to exact some revenge on Thursday night on the road against Atlanta in what is a do-or-die spot for the club. It shouldn’t be too hard for the Cats to pull that off since they’re 4-1-1 over the last two seasons at Phillips Arena.

If Florida can get the win on Thursday night and the other two clubs fall as well, that will set up the most important season finale of its history against the Capitals. The Panthers are just 2-3 against Washington this year. And they’re only 2-4 versus Washington at the BankAtlantic Center.

While the odds would appear stacked against them, we’re going to play the Dubielewicz Factor.

In 2007, the Islanders were in a similar position to Florida this season. They had to have the Canadiens and Maple Leafs choke in order to have a chance to claim a playoff spot against the Devils.

New Jersey was the Isles’ final regular season opponent and couldn’t finish better that second in the East. Given the situation, the Devs opted to let Martin Brodeur sit down with Scott Clemmensen handling goaltending duties.

New York countered with backup netminder Wade Dubielewicz in place of the injured Rick DiPietro. The Islanders wound up finding a way to win 3-2 in a shootout after giving up a game-tying goal in the final second to John Madden.

The Capitals are in much of the same spot as New Jersey was that season as they can’t do better than second place. And Florida has been switching off between Craig Anderson and Tomas Vokoun over the past few weeks.

Let’s see if the Panthers can find a way into the tournament.

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