Hockey Today
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, Dec. 31
San Jose at Minnesota (6 p.m. EST). The Sharks, the NHL’s best squad with 60 points, face the Wild, who are 8-15-1 against Western Conference teams.
STARS
Tuesday
— Ty Conklin, Red Wings, made 36 saves for his seventh NHL shutout as Detroit topped Chicago 4-0.
— Marc Savard, Bruins, scored a power-play goal and then set up Boston’s next two tallies in a 5-2 win at Pittsburgh.
— Zach Parise, Devils, had two goals to help New Jersey beat St. Louis 4-3 for its fifth win in seven games.
— Jeff Carter, Flyers, scored his NHL-leading 27th goal and added an assist in a 3-2 win at Vancouver.
MILESTONE
Curtis Joseph of the Toronto Maple Leafs made 29 saves Tuesday night to earn his first win of the season and the 450th of his NHL career. The 41-year-old Joseph topped the Atlanta Thrashers 4-3 in overtime for his first victory since April 5 when he beat Vancouver while with Calgary.
WELCOME MATS
Mats Sundin practiced for the first time with the Vancouver Canucks after signing as a free agent earlier this month. The 37-year-old center said he delayed his return to the NHL until his desire to play had been restored. He played with Toronto during the 2007-08 season. Sundin didn’t play in the Canucks’ 3-2 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night and doesn’t know when he will make his Vancouver debut.
SLIDING
The defending Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins were beaten 5-2 by the Boston Bruins. The Penguins are 7-10-1 since beginning November by going 7-0-1. Evgeni Malkin, the NHL’s leading scorer, was held without a point. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby played in his 250th NHL game, but his turnover was converted into a critical short-handed goal.
SIDELINED
Vancouver goalie Curtis Sanford injured a groin during the Tuesday morning skate, but got the start later that night against the Philadelphia Flyers. He lasted only one period of the 3-2 loss before being replaced by rookie Cory Schneider, and was placed on the injured list after the game. The Canucks, who are also without No. 1 netminder Roberto Luongo, acquired goalie Jason LaBarbera from the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday for a seventh-round pick in the 2009 draft. … Philadelphia top-line forward Simon Gagne was knocked out of the same game just 15 seconds in when he was rammed into the boards by Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa on the first shift. He was diagnosed with an undisclosed upper body injury and didn’t return.
NETTING NO. 1
Chris Bourque, the son of Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, scored his first NHL goal in the Washington Capitals’ 4-2 road win over the Buffalo Sabres. The Capitals won for the ninth time in 10 games. ^STREAKING
The visiting Philadelphia Flyers beat the Canucks 3-2 on Tuesday night to extend their unbeaten streak in Vancouver to 14, a span that has lasted nearly 20 years. The Flyers have 10 wins and four ties since they last lost to the Canucks on the road, a 5-3 defeat on Jan. 17, 1989. … Brian Lee, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson all scored in the Ottawa Senators’ 3-2 win at Edmonton that snapped a 12-game road skid. … The Boston Bruins beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 on Tuesday night to stretch their longest winning streak in nearly 26 years to nine games. Boston is 23-2-1 in its last 26 games, outscoring opponents 106-51.
MINI SLUMP
Alex Ovechkin was held without a point for only the second time in 11 games, but the Washington Capitals still beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 on Tuesday night.
SPEAKING
“It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating and hard to hide from. If Jochen Hecht and Derek Roy and those kinds of guys aren’t our best players, you don’t have any chance of winning. We’ll take them out of the lineup. Some of them will come out, and that’s not an idle threat, either. You still have to put the work in, and I don’t think we did.”—Sabres coach Lindy Ruff after Buffalo was beaten 4-2 at home by the Washington Capitals. It was the Sabres’ fourth loss in five games (1-2-2).
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders
The Panthers were defeated 5-2 by the Canadiens last time out, as +105 underdogs. The game's seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Michael Frolik and David Booth scored in that loss.
The Islanders were defeated 5-4 by the Rangers last time out, as +190 road underdogs. That game's nine goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mike Sillinger, Kyle Okposo, Blake Comeau, and Mike Comrie scored for the Islanders.
Current streak:
Florida has lost 3 straight games.
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 16-15-5
New York: 11-22-4
Florida most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-5-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Montreal are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Florida is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
Florida is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
NY Islanders are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Florida
NY Islanders are 7-18 SU in their last 25 games at home
NY Islanders are 1-12 SU in their last 13 games
Next up:
Florida at Pittsburgh, Saturday, January 3
NY Islanders at Phoenix, Friday, January 2
San Jose Sharks vs. Minnesota Wild
The Sharks scored twice in the third period and came away with a 3-1 victory over the Stars on Monday, as -160 favorites. The four goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek, and Ryane Clowe scored for the Sharks. Evgeni Nabokov made 28 saves in the win.
The Wild were edged 2-1 by the Flames last time out, as +170 road underdogs. The three goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5).
Stephane Veilleux scored the lone marker for the Wild, and Josh Harding made 27 saves in the loss.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Jose: 28-4-4
Minnesota: 17-16-2
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 4-4-2
After playing Calgary are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
Next up:
San Jose home to NY Islanders, Saturday, January 3
Minnesota home to Detroit, Saturday, January 3
Colorado Avalanche vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Cody McLeod scored twice as the Avalanche skated past the Predators 5-1 on Monday, as -150 favorites. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Chris Stewart and David Jones scored the other goals for the Avalanche. Peter Budaj made 25 saves for the win.
The Coyotes couldn't slip one past goaltender Jonathan Quick, losing 4-0 to the Kings at Jobing.com Arena Saturday night.
Los Angeles won as a +135 road underdog while the final score played under the 5.5-goal total.
Current streak:
Colorado has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 19-16-1
Phoenix: 17-15-5
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Nashville are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Los Angeles are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Colorado is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games
Next up:
Colorado home to Columbus, Friday, January 2
Phoenix home to NY Islanders, Friday, January 2
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Johan Hedberg gave up four goals on 47 shots in Atlanta's 4-3 loss to Toronto on Tuesday night.
The Leafs were pegged as -145 home favorites by the oddsmakers in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (6).
The Hurricanes gave up two third period goals to lose 4-2 to the Bruins at the RBC Center Saturday.
Boston won as a -148 road underdog while the final score played over the 5.5-goal total.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 12-20-5
Carolina: 17-15-5
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-6-1
Before playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-5-1
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Atlanta is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Carolina's last 9 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Vancouver, Friday, January 2
Carolina home to St. Louis, Friday, January 2
New Jersey Devils vs. Dallas Stars
The Devils got two goals from Zach Parise in defeating the Blues 4-3 as -145 favorites on Tuesday. That game's seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Brian Rolston and Jay Pandolfo with the winner added the other goals for the Devils. Scott Clemmensen made 28 saves in that win.
The Stars lost 3-1 to the Sharks last time out, as +140 underdogs. The four goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Matt Niskanen replied in the loss.
Current streak:
New Jersey has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 21-11-3
Dallas: 15-15-5
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-7-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After playing San Jose are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
New Jersey is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
New Jersey is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey home to Montreal, Friday, January 2
Dallas at Edmonton, Saturday, January 3
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Anaheim Ducks
Steve Mason stopped 24 shots for his fourth shutout of the year, as the Blue Jackets defeated the Kings 2-0 on Monday. The Blue Jackets won the game as +115 underdogs, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Kris Russell and Rick Nash scored in that win.
The Ducks defeated St. Louis 4-3 as a -130 favorite on Sunday. The seven goals scored went OVER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Ryan Getzlaf had a pair of assists for Anaheim and Jonas Hiller made 27 saves in the win.
Current streak:
Columbus has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Columbus: 16-16-4
Anaheim: 19-14-4
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Colorado are 2-8
After playing Los Angeles are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
Anaheim most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5-2
After playing St. Louis are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Columbus's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 7 games on the road
Columbus is 3-8-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Columbus is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Anaheim is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus
Anaheim is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games
Anaheim is 8-3-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Columbus
Next up:
Columbus at Colorado, Friday, January 2
Anaheim home to Philadelphia, Friday, January 2
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
The Oilers were upset 3-2 by the Senators last time out, as -170 favorites at home. The five goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ethan Moreau and Liam Reddox scored in the loss.
Eric Nystrom scored the game-winning goal to give the Flames a 2-1 win over the Wild on Monday, as -190 favorites. The three goals fell UNDER the posted over/under (5).
Daymond Langkow scored the other marker the Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 23 shots in the win.
Current streak:
Calgary has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Edmonton: 17-15-3
Calgary: 21-11-4
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-5-2
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Ottawa are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-3-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Edmonton is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 7 games on the road
Edmonton is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games at home
Calgary is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Calgary's last 21 games when playing Edmonton
Next up:
Edmonton home to Dallas, Saturday, January 3
Calgary at Nashville, Saturday, January 3
FLORIDA (16-16-0-5, 37 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (11-22-0-4, 26 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 202-231 ATS (-77.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 15-9 ATS (+26.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 15-32 ATS (+55.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 1-12 ATS (+16.1 Units) in December games this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 26-51 ATS (-31.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 14-34 ATS (+59.4 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-3 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-3-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)
SAN JOSE (28-4-0-4, 60 pts.) at MINNESOTA (17-16-0-2, 36 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 100-81 ATS (+7.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 28-8 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games this season.
SAN JOSE is 28-8 ATS (+12.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 34-12 ATS (+15.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-10 ATS (-14.1 Units) in December games this season.
MINNESOTA is 17-26 ATS (-15.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 8-1 (+6.3 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)
COLORADO (19-16-0-1, 39 pts.) at PHOENIX (17-15-0-5, 39 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 0-7 ATS (+7.1 Units) in road games after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 100-96 ATS (+236.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-5 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-5-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.0 Units)
ATLANTA (12-20-0-4, 28 pts.) at CAROLINA (17-15-0-5, 39 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 100-107 ATS (+239.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 11-8-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
13 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.0 Units)
NEW JERSEY (20-11-0-3, 43 pts.) at DALLAS (16-15-0-5, 37 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 126-70 ATS (+39.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 37-27 ATS (+1.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 30-19 ATS (+50.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 16-8 ATS (+6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-1-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)
COLUMBUS (16-16-0-4, 36 pts.) at ANAHEIM (19-14-0-4, 42 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 42-93 ATS (+168.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 8-21 ATS (+34.7 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 30-29 ATS (+75.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 6-10 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 24-20 ATS (-16.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 12-14 ATS (-22.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 7-3-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)
EDMONTON (17-14-0-3, 37 pts.) at CALGARY (21-11-0-4, 46 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 58-58 ATS (+126.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 21-21 ATS (+53.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 9-9 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 9-9-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
13 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+8.1 Units)
FLORIDA vs. NY ISLANDERS
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Florida is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Florida
NY Islanders are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Florida
SAN JOSE vs. MINNESOTA
San Jose is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 7 games
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
ATLANTA vs. CAROLINA
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games at home
COLORADO vs. PHOENIX
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games
Phoenix is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
NEW JERSEY vs. DALLAS
New Jersey is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
New Jersey is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
COLUMBUS vs. ANAHEIM
Columbus is 3-8-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Columbus is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games
EDMONTON vs. CALGARY
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Edmonton is 5-10-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games at home