Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Feb. 10
San Jose at Boston (7 p.m. EST). Sharks star Joe Thornton returns to Boston for the second time since the Bruins traded him in 2005. The Bruins have a six-point lead over Western Conference-leading San Jose in the overall NHL standings.
STARS
— Scott Clemmensen and Zach Parise, Devils. Clemmensen made 27 saves in posting his first NHL shutout in nearly five years, and Parise scored twice to lead New Jersey to a 3-0 win over the New York Rangers.
— Matthew Lombardi, Flames, had a short-handed goal and two assists in Calgary’s 6-2 romp past Montreal.
MILESTONES
With a 6-2 win over Montreal, Flames coach Mike Keenan tied Pat Quinn for fourth all-time in NHL coaching victories with 657.
LONG TIME BETWEEN SHUTOUTS
Scott Clemmensen, Devils, who has 23 wins in place of injured regular Martin Brodeur, earned his third career shutout and first in 58 games—dating to March 26, 2004, at Atlanta—when he beat the Rangers 3-0.
SLUMPING
The Rangers have lost five straight, four in regulation, to slip closer to falling out of the playoff race than they are to the first-place Devils in the Atlantic Division. … The Canadiens held a players-only meeting that lasted over 30 minutes after their sixth road loss in a row and eighth defeat in their last 10 games, 6-2 at Calgary.
SPEAKING
“Right now we’re not playing with confidence. It seems that every time we make a mistake it’s in our net. Making plays and making passes is really hard because of the confidence that we don’t have.”—Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau.
San Jose Sharks vs. Boston Bruins
The Sharks suffered a 3-2 overtime defeat to the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena Saturday.
Columbus won as a +185 home underdogs while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Byron Bitz, Chuck Kobasew and Marc Savard all scored for Boston but it was not enough in a 4-3 OT loss to Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon.
The Bruins lost as -220 favorites, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 5.5.
Current streak:
San Jose has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 36-7-7
Boston: 39-8-7
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Columbus are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Boston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Jose's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games
San Jose is 5-9-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Boston
San Jose is 1-5-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Boston's last 25 games at home
Boston is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Jose
Next up:
San Jose at Pittsburgh, Wednesday, February 11
Boston at New Jersey, Friday, February 13
Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Avalanche were run over by the Blues, losing 4-1 at the Scottrade Center Saturday.
St. Louis won as a -138 home favorite while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
The Blue Jackets got a huge 3-2 overtime win against the Sharks at Nationwide Arena Saturday.
Columbus won as a +185 home underdogs while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Team records:
Colorado: 25-27-1
Columbus: 25-23-5
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-2-1
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 2-8
After playing San Jose are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Colorado's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing Columbus
Colorado is 17-7-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 12 games
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Columbus's last 16 games at home
Columbus is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Columbus's last 7 games when playing Colorado
Next up:
Colorado at Minnesota, Wednesday, February 11
Columbus home to Detroit, Friday, February 13
Los Angeles Kings vs. New York Islanders
The Kings stole a 3-1 win over the Devils at the Prudential Center Saturday night.
Los Angeles won as a +162 road underdogs while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
A lone third-period goal was too much for the Islanders, who lost 1-0 to the Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum Saturday.
Tampa Bay won as a -150 home favorite while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 23-21-7
New York: 16-31-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 3-3-2
After a win are 4-6
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
Los Angeles is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the NY Islanders last 10 games
NY Islanders are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Next up:
Los Angeles home to Calgary, Thursday, February 12
NY Islanders at New Jersey, Wednesday, February 11
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers
The Toronto Maple Leafs handed old rivals the Montreal Canadiens a 5-2 beating at the Bell Centre Saturday.
Toronto won as a +180 road underdogs while the final score played over the 6-goal total.
The Panthers were downed 3-1 by the Capitals at the Verizon Center Saturday.
Washington won as a -185 home favorite while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Team records:
Toronto: 20-24-9
Florida: 25-19-8
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing San Jose are 3-3-2
After playing Montreal are 2-8
After a win are 4-6
Florida most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
Toronto is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Toronto
Next up:
Toronto at Tampa Bay, Thursday, February 12
Florida at Carolina, Thursday, February 12
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Thrashers lost to Philadelphia 3-2 as a +145 underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (6).
Ilya Kovalchuk and Slava Kozlov each had a goal and an assist for the Thrashers in the loss.
A lone third-period goal was enough for the Lightning to down the Islanders 1-0 at the St. Pete Times Forum Saturday.
Tampa Bay won as a -150 home favorite while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 18-31-5
Tampa Bay: 18-24-11
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 1-9
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing NY Islanders are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Chicago, Wednesday, February 11
Tampa Bay home to Toronto, Thursday, February 12
Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators
The Red Wings defeated Pittsburgh 3-0 as a -140 favorite on Sunday. The three goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (6).
Ty Conklin made 25 saves to pick up the shutout, while Pavel Datsyuk scored a pair of goals in the win.
The Predators lost to Dallas 4-1 as a +155 underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Jason Arnott scored the Predators' lone goal and Dan Ellis made 18 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 35-11-7
Nashville: 25-25-3
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Edmonton are 7-3
After playing Pittsburgh are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Nashville
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Nashville
Nashville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Nashville's last 15 games at home
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to Minnesota, Thursday, February 12
Nashville home to St. Louis, Thursday, February 12
Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues
The Canucks stomped the Blackhawks 7-3 at General Motors Place Saturday night.
Vancouver won as a +105 home underdog while the final score played over the 5.5-goal total.
The Blues rode a three-goal second period to a 4-1 win over the Avalanche at the Scottrade Center Saturday.
St. Louis won as a -138 home favorite while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Current streak:
Vancouver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Vancouver: 24-20-8
St. Louis: 22-24-6
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a win are 2-8
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Colorado are 2-8
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 7 games on the road
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing at home against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games
St. Louis is 17-6-1 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Next up:
Vancouver at Phoenix, Thursday, February 12
St. Louis at Nashville, Thursday, February 12
COLORADO vs. COLUMBUS
Colorado is 10-4-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Columbus
Colorado is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
LOS ANGELES vs. NY ISLANDERS
Los Angeles is 3-5-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
SAN JOSE vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Jose's last 12 games on the road
San Jose is 5-9-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Boston
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games at home
ATLANTA vs. TAMPA BAY
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
TORONTO vs. FLORIDA
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games at home
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
DETROIT vs. NASHVILLE
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Nashville
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Nashville is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing Detroit
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
VANCOUVER vs. ST. LOUIS
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Vancouver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games
Hot teams
-- Bruins won six of their last eight games.
-- Kings won three in row, six of last seven games.
-- Florida is 5-1 in game following its last five losses.
-- Red Wings won last four games, outscoring foes 20-10. Predators won four of their last five games.
-- Blues won six of their last nine games. Canucks won their last couple games, scoring eleven goals.
Cold teams
-- Sharks lost last three games, the last two in overtime.
-- Islanders are 5-12 in last 17 games, but allowed total of six goals in last four contests.
-- Colorado lost eight of its last eleven games. Columbus lost three of its last four games.
-- Thrashers lost six of their last seven games. Tampa Bay lost four of its last five games.
-- Maple Leafs are 1-5 in game following their last six wins.
Totals
-- Three of last four San Jose road games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Islander games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-4 in Colorado's last dozen games.
-- Three of last four Thrasher games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Florida games stayed under the total; eight of last ten Toronto games went over.
-- Four of last five Detroit games went over the total; five of Nashville's last six games stayed under.
-- Last four St Louis home games stayed under the total; Vancouver's last four games all went over.
Back-to-Back
-- Sharks are 4-3 of they play again the next night.
-- Islanders are 2-5 if they play again the next night.
-- Colorado is 1-3 if it plays again the next night.
-- Thrashers are 1-3 on road if they play again the next night.
Series Records
-- Road team won last two San Jose-Boston games.
-- Kings won last two games against the Islanders, 4-2/3-1.
-- Columbus won five of last six against the Avalanche.
-- Thrashers won six of last eight against Tampa Bay.
-- Road team won seven of last eight Florida-Toronto games.
-- Red Wings lost three of last four visits to Nashville.
-- Canucks won three of last four games against St Louis.
Game of the day: San Jose at Boston
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
When the Boston Bruins traded perennial All-Star center Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks during the 2005-06 season, both struggling clubs were looking to find a way out of last place in their divisions.
A little over three years later, their paths have again led to the same place - the top of the NHL.
The conference leaders and Presidents' Trophy contenders meet for the only time in the regular season on Tuesday in Boston, where the Sharks will continue a five-game road trip and look to end their longest losing streak of the season.
Oddsmakers have set the Bruins as -125 home favorites while the Sharks are priced at +115. The total is set at 5.5 goals.
The Bruins selected Thornton with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 draft, but they never found postseason success with the Canadian star and began a rebuilding process when they sent him to San Jose for Marco Sturm, Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau on Nov. 30, 2005.
Thornton immediately helped turn around the Sharks, who had lost 10 straight before the trade but won their first six games afterward, reaching the 2006 playoffs as Thornton had 92 points in 58 games with the club to earn the Hart Trophy.
San Jose (36-7-7) has gotten even better since then, streaking to a 22-3-1 start this season under rookie coach Todd McLellan. The Sharks hold a two-point lead on defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit in the Western Conference with three games in hand on the Red Wings.
"We've been real consistent since day one," Thornton said. "We try to play hard each and every night, and we've got lots of talent."
It has taken Boston a bit longer to join the NHL's elite, but third-year general manager Peter Chiarelli and second-year coach Claude Julien have rebuilt the Bruins (39-8-7) into the top team in the East.
Sturm is the only player acquired in the Thornton trade who remains with Boston, and he's out for the season after knee surgery. But a bevy of emerging young players have helped the Bruins lead the league with a 2.15 goals-against average and rank second with 3.41 goals scored per game.
While the Bruins haven't won a title since 1972, the Sharks have never even advanced past the conference finals, adding intrigue to this possible Cup finals preview.
"Obviously we've still got a lot of hockey to work out here," said Thornton about meeting Boston in the finals. "If that were to be the case it would be great."
Still, both teams are coming off overtime losses on Saturday, and San Jose's 3-2 loss at Columbus to open a five-game trip was its third consecutive defeat. The Sharks hadn't lost three straight since a five-game slide from Feb. 12-20.
The Bruins coughed up an early two-goal lead and lost 4-3 in overtime to Philadelphia to snap their four-game winning streak. They also blew a two-goal lead Thursday at Ottawa, but recovered to win in a shootout.
"We've got 85 points, we're doing fine, we have to sharpen up now, that's a couple of leads we've let slip lately," Bruins center Marc Savard told his team's official Web site. "We have to look at that. ... We have a great test coming in here Tuesday and we're all excited about that."
The Bruins were recently getting healthier with the returns of young forwards Phil Kessel and Milan Lucic and defenseman Andrew Ference, but they'll be without second-liner Michael Ryder indefinitely after he had surgery Monday on a facial fracture. Ryder has 16 goals in his last 30 games.
This is the Sharks' first visit to Boston since Jan. 10, 2006, when Thornton made his only trip to the Garden as an opponent and was ejected early in San Jose's 6-2 win for a hit from behind.
"There aren't too many ex-teammates over there, and it's just really an important game in the schedule," Thornton said this week.
Sharks at Bruins
By Judd Hall
It’s no secret that the regular season in the NHL is a long one. These guys are playing for seven months with 82 games per club. Yet we rarely get a match during the year that could be considered “event television.” Tuesday night showcases what could potentially be a Stanley Cup Final preview when the Sharks head to the TD Banknorth Garden to face the Bruins. And for once, Versus is getting a chance to broadcast the game nationally at 7:00 p.m. EST.
San Jose (36-7-7, 79 points) is on its longest road trip of the season, a five-game trek along the East Coast. If we’re looking at the first game of this excursion as a precursor for the rest of the trip, then it will be a long one for the Sharks.
The Sharks were in Columbus last Saturday night as huge $2.40 road favorites, but that didn’t mean a whole hell of a lot when the puck dropped at Nationwide Arena as they lost 3-2 in extra time. The Blue Jackets came out swinging by taking a 2-0 lead in the opening period on their first two shots on goal. San Jose quickly got itself back in the match when Devin Setoguchi scored on a power play in the first minute of the second period with Christian Ehrnhoff leveling the score late in the final act of regulation.
What killed San Jose in that match wasn’t so much the amount of shots that got fired at Evgeni Nabokov (20 SOG), but its defense was atrocious. One of the Jackets’ first two goals were scored thanks in part to a botched clearing pass by blueliner Alexei Semenov. And the game winner from Christian Backman in overtime came off of a drive that started from a turnover in neutral ice.
This was the second straight overtime/shoot out defeat for the Sharks and third consecutive setback overall, the longest such streak of the season.
Despite the defeat, Nabokov has been a major reason why the Sharks are atop the Western Conference. He’s gone 27-6-6 with a goals against average of 2.42 and 91.0 save percentage this season. While Nabokov is giving up more goals this year than in campaigns past, he’s actually right on target where his win total is concerned.
Boston (39-8-7, 85 points) is also entering this event on a down note after falling to the Flyers as a $2.00 home favorite last Saturday, 4-3, in overtime.
Most bettors had to feel fairly confident in taking the Bruins against Philly after surging out to a 3-1 lead after the first period of play. But the B’s gave up two power play goals in what turned out to be a fairly sour defeat. Making those special teams goals hurt a bit more is that Boston is 10th in the league with a penalty kill rate of 82.4 percent.
Even though there is little that head coach Claude Julien can really harp about with his Presidents’ Trophy candidates, he can fault their power play. Boston went 0 for 3 against the Flyers with the advantage. That doesn’t sound too bad, but is worse when you realize that the Bruins have scored just two power play goals in their last 25 chances. Plus, this is a squad that ranks fourth amongst all teams with a 23.3 percent success rate when skating with a one-man advantage.
One thing that was different for the Bruins this weekend was the fact that Manny Fernandez was the man between the pipes. While he’s had a great season (14-3-2, 2.17 GAA), Fernandez hadn’t seen ice time for almost a month.
Bettors won’t have to worry about a rusty netminder for this East vs. West showdown as Tim Thomas will start for Boston. The US born Vezina Trophy hopeful is 24-5-5 this year with a 2.10 GAA and a league leading 93.2 save percentage.
Thomas’ return to the net and a 19-3-4 home record has helped Las Vegas Sports Consultants install the Bruins as $1.25 home faves with a total coming in at 5 ½. You can wager on Boston to win on the puck line (-1 ½ goals) for a plus-210 return (risk $100 to win $210).
Boston has been a great play for bettors on the puck line when at home this season as evidenced by its 16-10 record. However, the Bruins have fallen back to Earth recently with an 0-5 skid at the Garden.
It won’t be easy to take down the Sharks, who are 13-5-4 on the road this season. And they’ve had no issues squaring off against Eastern Conference squads on their home turf as San Jose is 12-6 since the lockout in this position.
Something will have to give between these two squads as the Sharks have won four straight against the Northeast Division and Boston is 4-1 in its last five versus the Pacific Division.
The B’s have seen high scoring games at home in the last few months as the ‘over’ is 9-4-2 in their last 15 home tilts. San Jose has watched the ‘over’ go 5-1 in its past six encounters with teams from the East.
vegasinsider.com
NHL PREDICTIONS FOR FEB 10TH
by Ron Raymond
San Jose vs. Boston
The Bruins and Sharks have been looking forward for this game for a few weeks now, as it's the return of Joe Thornton to Beantown and it's number 1 from the West vs. number 1 from the East. In fact, it may be your Stanley Cup preview, but I doubt it! Nevertheless, it's the marquee game of the night and you can expect the fans in Boston to be hyped for this matchup and I look for the Bruins to press hard tonight. Here's a great 80% club stats on the Bruins; When BOSTON played as a Favorite - During Current Season - With 2 Over or Less; The Bruins are 13-2 SU in this role this year. Plus, Plus, when BOSTON team Played as Home team as a Favorite - After a non division game - Coming off 2 overs - Coming off vs. Atlantic division opponent; the Bruins are 7-3 SU in this situation since '96.
Prediction: Boston 3 San Jose 2
Colorado vs. Columbus
No doubt the value is on the road underdog Avalanche, as they head into Columbus vs. an overpriced Jackets team playing a back up goaltender. However, the Avs have not won a road game since January 6th and Nash is the best player on the ice. When COLORADO Played as road team as a Underdog - During Last 5 Years - With 2 Under; the Avalanche are 3-11 SU in this underdog role the L5Y. Furthermore, here's a 60% stat backing up the Jackets tonight; When COLUMBUS team played as a home team - Last 5 years - Total is 5.5 - Coming off a 1 game win - Coming off a 1 goal win; Columbus is 6-4 SU in this role L5Y.
Prediction: Columbus 4 Colorado 2
LA Kings vs. NY Islanders
Here's one of those great let down situations for the road teams. The LA Kings have been over achieving the last few games on the road, knocking off hot teams like New Jersey and Washington. Now, the public and bookmakers are in love with them, and they facing an Islanders team who've lost their last 2 games. But, the Islanders are a gritty team on home ice and have won their last 3 in their building. In fact, the UNDER is 7-0-0 for the Islanders in their last 7 home game, which tells me they are playing some low scoring tight checking games. Furthermore, when NY ISLANDERS team played as a home team - Vs Western conference opponent - With 2 days off - Coming off vs. Southeast division opponent; The Islanders are 7-3-2 SU in this spot since 1996. When LOS ANGELES team played as a Road team - Total is 5.5 - Last 5 years - Coming off 1 under; The Kings are 2-10 SU in this road spot L5Y.
Prediction: NY Islanders 2 LA Kings 1
Toronto vs. Florida
With a win this evening, the Panthers will take sole possession of the 8th and final playoff spot. Having this type of incentive, should give the Leafs more than what they can handle. Toronto is coming off an emotional 5-2 win over Montreal this past Saturday and matching that type of energy, will be very difficult. Here's a system against the road dog tonight; When ANY NHL Team Played as Road team as a Underdog - Before a conference game - Last 4 years - Scored 5 or more goals FOR in their last game - Coming off a Road win as a Underdog; The Road Underdog (TOR) is 9-23 SU in this spot the L4Y.
Prediction: Florida 3 Toronto 1
Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay
The Lightning as a team has stopped scoring goals and the Thrashers can score goals, but stopping them from going in is their Achilles heals. When TAMPA BAY played as Home or Away Team- with Total between 6.0 and 6.5; The Lightning are 7-13 SU in this spot last 20 games.
Prediction: Atlanta 5 Tampa Bay 3
Detroit vs. Nashville
Seems the Red Wings have shaken off their 5 game losing streaks and are currently on a 4 game winning streak. Plus, with Conklin getting the nod this evening, gives more hope in backing the Red Wings vs. the pesky Preds. When DETROIT team played as a Road team - Vs Central opponent - Allowed 0 goals AGAINST in their last game; the Red Wings are 10-3-2 SU in this spot since '97.
Prediction: Detroit 4 Nashville 3
Vancouver vs. St.Louis
Nice spot to play on Vancouver, as they are coming off a big 7-3 win over a good Chicago team and this is a start of a 3 game road trip, which players love when winning! St.Louis could be caught in a letdown spot, after their 4-1 win over Colorado and Luongo normally plays well vs. the Blues. Here's some great stats backing up the Canucks tonight; When VANCOUVER team played as a Road team - Vs Non Division Opponent - Coming off a 4 game Home stand; the Canucks are 8-3-2 SU in this spot since '97. When ANY NHL Team played as a Road team - Vs Conference Opponent - After a non division game - With 2 days off - Coming off a 4 goal win - Allowed 3 or fewer goals AGAINST in their last game; the Road Team is 24-10-4 SU in this situation since 1996. Plus, the Canucks are 14-2 SU as any home/road team - During Last 5 Years - Won Last Game by 4 Goals or More.
Prediction: Vancouver 3 St.Louis 2