Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, March 10
Florida at Pittsburgh (7:30 p.m. EDT). Pittsburgh beat Washington 4-3 in a shootout Sunday to complete the first 5-0 trip in franchise history. The Penguins have won six straight overall and are 8-1-1 since Dan Bylsma took over as coach.
STARS
Monday
— Cam Ward, Hurricanes, stopped 28 shots in his fifth shutout of the season and Carolina tied its season high with a fourth straight victory, 3-0 over the New York Rangers.
— Daniel Alfredsson, Senators, scored his third goal in two games to lead Ottawa to a 2-1 win over Toronto.
— Jarret Stoll, Kings, scored two power play goals to lead Los Angeles to a 3-2 victory over Vancouver.
MILESTONES
Curtis Joseph, who stopped 24 shots for Toronto in a 2-1 loss to Ottawa, became the sixth goalie in league history to allow 2,500 goals. The 20-year veteran joined Gilles Meloche and Grant Fuhr, who are tied with an NHL record 2,756 goals allowed, John Vanbiesbrouck, Tony Esposito and Patrick Roy.
STREAKS
Carolina has won four in a row after beating the Rangers 3-0. The Hurricanes moved one point ahead of New York in the Eastern Conference standings. … The Kings ended Vancouver’s four-game winning streak with a 3-2 victory.
STATS
After a 3-0 loss at Carolina, the Rangers are out of a playoff berth for the first time all season. … The win over New York was the 600th game in a Carolina uniform for Rod Brind’Amour, and the 200th for Matt Cullen. … Roberto Luongo allowed more than two goals for the first time in his last eight starts, stopping 19 shots in Vancouver’s 3-2 loss to Los Angeles. … When the Canucks signed nine-time All-Star free agent Sundin on Dec. 18, they were tied for the Northwest Division lead with Calgary. They now trail the Flames by eight points.
SHUTOUT
Making his 15th straight start, Carolina’s Cam Ward polished off his 10th career shutout with a stick save on Sean Avery’s wrist shot with about 2 minutes left in a 3-0 win over the Rangers.
ROAD TRIP
Thirteen Canucks players had their mothers accompany the team on its chartered flight for a two-game trip to Southern California.
SPEAKING
“This game was a lot more fun to coach, and I think if you went around the room, it’s a lot more satisfying. It’s the difference between potato chips and steak.”—Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice after a 3-0 win over the Rangers that followed a 9-3 rout of the Lightning.
BOSTON vs. COLUMBUS
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games when playing Boston
BUFFALO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Buffalo is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 11 games when playing Buffalo
CALGARY vs. NEW JERSEY
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 5 games
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Calgary
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
EDMONTON vs. MONTREAL
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
FLORIDA vs. PITTSBURGH
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
NY ISLANDERS vs. TORONTO
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games
Toronto is 12-2-1 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
PHOENIX vs. DETROIT
Phoenix is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Detroit's last 19 games
SAN JOSE vs. MINNESOTA
San Jose is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Jose
Minnesota is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Jose
WASHINGTON vs. NASHVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Washington is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Nashville
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games at home
DALLAS vs. ST. LOUIS
Dallas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 14 of St. Louis's last 18 games when playing at home against Dallas
ATLANTA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Hot teams
-- Columbus won five of last seven home games.
-- Devils won four of their last five games.
-- Islanders won four of their last five games.
-- Detroit is 4-1 in game after its last five losses.
-- Panthers won three of their last four games. Penguins won six in a row and eight of last nine games.
-- Canadiens won five of their last seven games.
-- Predators won six of their last seven games.
-- St Louis is 8-1 in game after its last nine losses.
-- Thrashers won five of their last seven games.
Cold teams
-- Bruins lost three of their last four games.
-- Sabres lost their last four road games. Flyers lost three of four overall.
-- Flames lost last two games, 6-1/5-2.
-- Maple Leafs lost three of last four games.
-- Phoenix lost five of its last six games.
-- Oilers lost six of their last nine games.
-- Washington lost its last three games: 6-2/2-1/4-3.
-- Minnesota lost five of its last seven games. Sharks lost four of their last five games.
-- Stars lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Colorado lost six of last seven games.
Totals
-- Five of last six Boston games went over the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in Philadelphia's last five games.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Calgary games.
-- Three of last four Islander games went over the total; Toronto's last four games stayed under.
-- Over is 8-2 in Detroit's last ten home games.
-- Four of last five Florida games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-2 in last nine Edmonton games; last four Montreal games stayed under the total..
-- Three of last four Nashville games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Minnesota's last four games; seven of last eight Shark games stayed under.
-- Seven of last nine Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Atlanta games went over the total.
Back-to-Back
-- Toronto is 3-6 if it played night before, but won last two chances.
Series Records
-- Home side won last two Boston-Columbus games.
-- Flyers won three of last four games against the Sabres.
-- Visitor won last two Calgary-New Jersey games.
-- Islanders lost three of last four games against Toronto.
-- Red Wings won ten of last eleven against Phoenix.
-- Penguins won six of last eight games against Florida.
-- Washington won last two games vs Nashville, 4-2/4-3.
-- Sharks won eight of ten vs Minnesota, but lost the last two.
-- Blues won six of last nine games against Dallas.
-- Thrashers won two of last three games against Colorado.
BOSTON at COLUMBUS, 7:05 PM ET
BOSTON: 14-4 SU as a road favorite of -200 or less
COLUMBUS: 0-7 SU off a road win scoring 4+
CALGARY at NEW JERSEY, 7:05 PM ET
CALGARY: 10-16 SU when playing their 4th game in 7 days
NEW JERSEY: 12-4 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150
BUFFALO at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
BUFFALO: 7-1 SU AWAY on Tuesday
PHILADELPHIA: 24-40 SU at home when the total is 6+
FLORIDA at PITTSBURGH, 7:35 PM ET
FLORIDA: 4-13 SU off a home win
PITTSBURGH: 26-10 SU in March
PHOENIX at DETROIT, 7:35 PM ET
PHOENIX: 5-22 SU as a road underdog of +200 or higher
DETROIT: 15-1 SU in BB home games
NY ISLANDERS at TORONTO, 7:35 PM ET
NY ISLANDERS: 4-0 SU after playing 4 consecutive home games
TORONTO: 2-14 SU on Tuesday
EDMONTON at MONTREAL, 7:35 PM ET
EDMONTON: 10-7 SU AWAY off a win
MONTREAL: 5-11 SU revenging a road loss
WASHINGTON at NASHVILLE, 8:05 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 0-4 SU in March
NASHVILLE: 13-6 SU revenging a loss
SAN JOSE at MINNESOTA, 8:05 PM ET
SAN JOSE: 0-6 SU AWAY when the total is 5 or less
MINNESOTA: 93-74 SU after playing 2 consecutive road games
DALLAS at ST LOUIS, 8:35 PM ET
DALLAS: 12-3 SU after a non-conference game
ST LOUIS: 3-13 SU after playing 2 consecutive road games
ATLANTA at COLORADO, 9:05 PM ET
ATLANTA: 7-2 SU after playing 3 consecutive home games
COLORADO: 11-22 SU after playing a road game
NHL Hockey Picks
by Ron Raymond
Boston vs. Columbus
The Bruins have lost a bit of their zip they had at the beginning of the season and Mason has been outstanding at home. Furthermore, the Blue Jackets are 9-2 SU as a home underdog this season. When COLUMBUS team played as a home team - Last 5 years - Coming off 3 overs; the OVER is 7-3-0 for the Blue Jackets in this spot L5Y.
Prediction: Columbus 4 Boston 2
Calgary vs. New Jersey
Both teams are coming embarrassing loses to non-playoff competing teams, but the Devils losing 7-3 to the Islanders will not sit well with Sutter. In fact, look for Brodeur to rebound in hall of fame fashion this evening. When NEW JERSEY team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Vs Western conference opponent - Scored 3 goals FOR in their last game - Coming off vs. Atlantic division opponent; The Devils are 9-2 SU in this role since 1997.
Prediction: New Jersey 3 Calgary 0
Buffalo vs. Philadelphia
The last 7 games between these two clubs in Philly has seen the over go a perfect 7-0 and with these 2 goalies this evening, I don't see why they can't make it 8-0-0! When PHILADELPHIA team played as Home team as a Favorite - Before a non division game - Coming off vs. Central division opponent; the Flyers are 14-3-4 SU in this situation since 1997.
Prediction: Philadelphia 6 Buffalo 4
Florida vs. Pittsburgh
Normally I would be giving the Pens the nod in this spot, but they are coming off a huge upset special win over the Caps on Sunday and the Panthers have the defense to shutdown the Penguins top guns. When ANY NHL Team played as a Road team - playing on Tuesday - During the month of March - Before a conference game - Coming off a Home win as a Favorite; the Road Team (FLORIDA) is 10-5-2 SU in this spot since '97.
Prediction: Florida 3 Pittsburgh 2
Phoenix vs. Detroit
Detroit seems to play better with Conklin between the pipes and the Coyotes are still a young team who've been having finding the twain of late. When DETROIT team played as Home team as a Favorite - With 2 days off - Coming off a 1 game loss; the Red Wings are 16-3-3 SU in this situation.
Prediction: Detroit 5 Phoenix 1
NY Islanders vs. Toronto
Bit of a Law of Average play here on the Leafs as they lost a close one in Ottawa last night. Plus, the Islanders are coming off a huge win over the Devils, so this is a classic letdown spot here for Gordon's boys. When ANY NHL Team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Before a non division game - Last 4 years - Coming off a Road loss as a Underdog - Playing in back to back games; the Home Fave (TORONTO) is 14-2 SU in this role the L4Y.
Prediction: Toronto 5 NY Islanders 2
Edmonton vs. Montreal
Tough game to handicap, the Habs fired their coach yesterday, so there's some new energy in the room, but the Oilers are fighting for playoff ranking. Nevertheless, I'm siding with the Canadiens, as they are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games at home overall and 8-2 vs. Northwest division foes at the Bell Centre. When ANY NHL Team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Total is 5.5 - Last 4 years - With 1 day off - Coming off vs Pacific division opponent - Coming off a 2 goal win - Coming off a 1 game win; The Home Fave (MTL) is 11-4 SU in this situation the L4Y.
Prediction: Montreal 3 Edmonton 2
Washington vs. Nashville
The Caps have hit a wall and can't find the net, as they are averaging 2.0 Goals For in their last 3 games and 2.4 goals for in their last 5. When WASHINGTON team played as a Road team - During the month of March - Coming off vs. Eastern Conference opponent - Coming off a 1 goal loss - Scored 3 or less goals FOR in their last game; The Capitals are 1-9 SU in this role.
Prediction: Nashville 3 Washington 2
San Jose vs. Minnesota
The Wild are coming off a 6 game western road trip, playing their 3rd game in 4 nights and I'm hoping they come out sluggish in the 3rd period this evening vs. a hungry Sharks team. When SAN JOSE team Played as Road team as a Favorite - Total is 5.0 - Coming off vs. Northwest division opponent; the Sharks are 12-3 SU in this spot.
Prediction: San Jose 4 Minnesota 2
Dallas vs. St.Louis
I've come to the conclusion Steven Ott is killing the Stars on getting to the next level. First they got rid of Avery, now Dave Tippet has to deal with Ott's antics. To be honest, I don't buy into the ?you hate to play against him, but love to have him on your team? motto; that's bullshit! This guy is a wrecking ball for the Stars and the quicker they move him off the team, the better the Stars will be as a team now that they have Steve Begin. Plus, then the Stars quality players can concentrate on playing hockey again. In fact, I'm pretty sure his teammates are going to get fed up sticking up and getting involved in stupid retaliatory scrums because Ott is looking to take peoples head off, instead of concentrating on playing hockey. As for tonight, same crap different pile for Dallas. Plus, when ST LOUIS team played as a home team - Before a conference game - Coming off a 2 game Road stand; the Blues are 17-6-1 SU in this spot.
Prediction: St.Louis 4 Dallas 2
Atlanta vs. Colorado
NHL picks Versus hockey picks Ron's Comment: Lehtonen is giving his team a chance to win every game and that's all you can ask for from your goaltender. When ATLANTA team Played as Road team as a Underdog - playing on Tuesday - Last 4 years - Allowed 2 or less goals AGAINST in their last game; The Thrashers are 8-4 SU in this underdog role the L4Y.
Prediction: Atlanta 5 Colorado 3