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Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals (+120) in Florida Panthers vs Calgary Flames @ 7:35 ET - The Panthers have won 8 of their last 10 games but the Flames have won 7 of their 10 after last night's 3-2 win at Tampa Bay. In a match-up of two teams playing with plenty of confidence and scoring goals at a high rate, I am going with the over in this one. Calgary has scored at least 3 goals in 8 of its last 10 games while Florida has averaged 3.8 goals per game during their 8-2 hot streak. The Panthers are seeking revenge for a 5-2 loss at Calgary January 17th but the Flames offense will be tough for Florida to slow down. Calgary has scored 14 goals in their last 3 meetings with Roberto Luongo and the Panthers. The veteran netminder is expected to get the start tonight and he has an ugly .874 save percentage in his last 4 games (3 starts). The over is 7-3 in his starts against non-conference opponents this season. Also, the over is a perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. The over has gone 15-8 this season in Florida's games against teams with a winning record. Florida just recently got back from a rare perfect 5-0 road trip out west and the fact they are scoring more goals (thanks to the return of key personnel like Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau from the injured list) has certainly played a role in the Panthers resurgence. Look for Florida to enjoy success as Calgary is likely to go with back-up goalie Chad Johnson since this is a back-to-back spot. That means the Panthers will be getting a shot at a guy who has allowed 14 goals in his last 4 starts while compiling a horrific .825 save percentage.  I look for another high-scoring match-up here given the situation and the added value with the plus money return on the over in this one has me going to my highest rating for this Friday beauty. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Florida

TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs Arizona Coyotes @ 8:35 ET - Red hot Chicago has won 7 of their last 8 games and they have scored at least 4 goals in all 7 of those victories! It all began with a 4-3 win at Arizona to begin the month and certainly there is every reason to believe the Blackhawks will have another big game in terms of offensive production tonight. However, don't be surprised if the Coyotes hang around in this game. Arizona has scored at least 3 goals in 12 of its last 15 games! The Coyotes have had just 3 unders in their last 15 games and Chicago comes into this one having gone 14-3-1 to the over in their last 18 games. 6 of Arizona's last 8 games against teams with a winning record have resulted in an over. Chicago has gone over the total in 7 of its last 8 games against teams with a losing record. The Blackhawks also have averaged scoring 5 goals in their last 5 meetings with the Coyotes. Arizona has averaged 3 goals per game in its last 5 games against the Hawks. Considering Chicago is off of a big rivalry win over Minnesota and has a big game with rival St Louis on deck, don't be surprised if their defensive intensity is not at its best tonight. This is particularly likely because the Blackhawks have a history of success against the Coyotes so it's hard for the D to get particularly excited about this match-up. As a result, look for plenty of goals in this one. 10* OVER the total in Chicago

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Sunday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 6:05 ET - It has been amazing how poorly teams have done after the mandatory bye week this season in the NHL. The Blackhawks won 5 straight games through last Saturday and then they were off all week and, sure enough, lost yesterday. That defeat for Chicago (versus Edmonton) will have the Hawks fired up to bounce back here. They're catching the Sabres red hot heading into their bye week which starts tomorrow. The Sabres have been getting strong goaltending from Robin Lehner but this is a back to back spot and he was in goal for yesterday's home win versus St Louis. With Buffalo playing a lot of games recently, this is a tough spot in terms of the goalie situation. Also, the Sabres are 0-2 this season (and 1-7 the L3 seasons combined!) when they enter a game on a 3-game winning streak. As you can see, Buffalo is not known for long losing streaks and they're in trouble here with Chicago coming into this game angry off of a loss. Also, the Sabres have lost 30 of 44 when in the 2nd game of a back to back and the Blackhawks also have a long winning streak going against Buffalo. Chicago comes into this game having won 22 of 32 games against teams with a losing record this season. Also, the Blackhawks have won 7 of 10 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back and the Hawks have won 32 of 45 Sunday games the past 3 seasons combined. 10* CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS on the money line

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Saturday Florida Panthers Money Line (+) @ Los Angeles Kings @ 10:05 ET - Even though this is a back spot for Florida, they are the play here. They are on a tremendous surge thanks in part to the recent return of two of their top players, Jonathan Huberdeau and Alexander Barkov.  The Panthers have now won 6 of their last 7 games and the lone loss was to the Kings in Florida. In other words, this is a revenge spot for Florida and I expect them to get it. Keep in mind, even though this is a back to back LA and Anaheim are right next to each other in Southern California so no true travel was involved here. The Kings have but one win (that victory over the Panthers) in their last 4 games and Los Angeles has been outscored 15 to 3 in their other 3 games. Both of these teams are battling for playoff spots (one in the East and one in the West) but only one team is currently playing like a true contender and that is the Panthers. That said, I'll gladly grab the underdog value in this revenge spot. The Panthers have already won 9 of 13 Saturday games this season. The Kings have also fared well on Saturdays but they come into this game struggling and their goaltending has been a major issue of late. 10* FLORIDA PANTHERS money line

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Friday 10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights and this is a tough back to back situation for them. Pittsburgh had to battle hard to get past Winnipeg 4-3 in overtime last night. The Penguins also saw a couple of players leave yesterday's game with injury as both Justin Schultz and Olli Maatta were forced out with injuries in the 2nd period last night. Whether those players are able to go tonight or not the fact remains that the Penguins players are in a tough spot here considering the scheduling situation. The Blue Jackets were off yesterday, they are at home for this game, and they're playing it with revenge. The Pens did knock off the Jackets earlier this month but the Penguins have won just once in their last five visits to Columbus! The Blue Jackets will have #1 goalie Sergei Bobrovsky ready to go for this one after resting him Wednesday and he is 4-1 with a solid 2.16 GAA in his 5 home starts versus Pittsburgh since he came to Columbus in 2013. Certainly tonight's big divisional battle means a lot to both teams but certainly it is even bigger for the Blue Jackets as they want to make the most of hosting the Stanley Cup Champions just like they did in their only other home game with the Penguins this season: a 7-1 win on December 22nd. The Pens have lost 15 of 28 (-$8,600) Friday games the past 3 seasons while the Blue Jackets are a stellar 9-1 (+$9,400) on Fridays this season. Also, Columbus is a perfect 6-0 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on home ice. Look for the Jackets to get the job done in what is game 5 of a 7-game homestand as that record extends to 7-0 on the season. 10* COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Edmonton Oilers @ 9:05 ET - Even though this is a back to back spot for the Flyers it is not a tough travel spot as they Calgary to Edmonton is a short trip. Also, the Flyers schedule has been light prior to this and, after this game, the Flyers have 2 days off then a game then another 2 days off then a game and then yet another 2 days off before their outdoor game at Pittsburgh. That said, with the Flyers off of a loss last night and desperate to pick up points in the standings, I expect a huge game from them here. They catch Edmonton off of a win but the Oilers had previously lost 4 of their last 5 games and averaged only 1 goal per game in those 5 games. That said, the Oilers also have a big game road trip on deck which begins with a revenge game versus the Blackhawks in Chicago on Saturday. Don't be surprised if the Flyers come out as the better skating team and much more aggressive hockey club given the scheduling dynamics of this situation. Philly has won 8 of their last 12 when playing the 2nd game of a back to back this season and the Oilers have lost 21 of their last 32 February games. The Flyers have allowed just 1.9 goals per game in their last 10 games while Edmonton, before their win over Arizona, had lost 3 straight home games by a combined score of 13-5. This situation is set up perfectly for the upset. 10* PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Wednesday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (-) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 8:05 ET - This is a classic case of hot versus not and I look for St Louis to keep rolling. The Blues have responded well since the firing of Ken Hitchcock and they head to Joe Louis Arena on a 4-game winning streak. Also, the Blues have not just been winning they've been getting the job done in blowout fashion. St Louis has won 4 straight by a combined score of 14-3 and the Blues last 6 wins have been by a combined margin of 18 goals (22-4). While the Red Wings will do their best to put up a fight (particularly on home ice) they are short-handed with some injury issues (and a possible suspension) and note that the road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these clubs. Detroit has lost 4 straight games and the Red Wings have given up 4 goals or more in 6 of their last 9 games. Conversely, Blues goalie Jake Allen comes into this game on a red hot run. The Red Wings have lost 32 of their last 48 games while the Blues are playing some of their best hockey this season. Even though Detroit is well rested here, they have actually lost 27 of their last 43 when they enter a game with 2 days of rest. The Blues have won 21 of 33 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals and they are positioned well to get another one here. 10* Top Play ST LOUIS BLUES money line

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Tuesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Wild are coached by former Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau and so far the Minnesota head coach has gotten revenge on his former team twice already this season. I expect the 3rd time to be the charm for the Ducks players as they now get revenge on the former Anaheim coach. The Ducks are off of an ugly 6-4 loss at Washington Saturday but may have been peeking ahead at this game. Anaheim has won 9 of 11 games this season when they are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. The Ducks did outshoot the Wild in their loss at Minnesota in late January. Make no mistake the Wild have been playing solid hockey but they have been giving up quite a few goals. In other words, they've been on the edge of getting knocked off had they not scored a pile of goals themselves. That is significant here because the Ducks had allowed an average of only 2.4 goals per game in their 5 games prior to losing badly at Washington. As for the Wild, even though they've won 4 of their last 6 games they've allowed an average of 3 goals per game during this stretch. Look for the revenge-minded Ducks to prove to be the hungrier team here and Minnesota has had some injury issues become quite impacting to their blue line as some defensemen are dealing with injuries. This is definitely a contrarian play but it is a situation offering tremendous line value and appears to be the perfect spot for an upset! 10* Top Play ANAHEIM DUCKS money line 

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals (+) in Calgary Flames vs Arizona Coyotes @ 9:05 ET - Calgary will be ready to make a big push here as they return from their bye week. Right now the Flames are a team that is not sure if they need to be a buyer or a seller as the trade deadline approaches quickly. Certainly the players are hungry to make a push for a playoff spot and Calgary has won 4 of its last 5 games. The Coyotes, though long eliminated from playoff discussions, have also been playing better with wins in 5 of their last 8 games. Both teams have improved production on offense to thank for notching a few more victories of late. Amazingly, Arizona has scored 3 goals or more in 9 of their last 10 games. Not surprisingly, the Coyotes have had just 1 under in those 10 games! The point is that the Coyotes are no longer the doormats of the league when it comes to scoring goals, at least not based on their current form. As for the Flames, they have scored 3 goals or more in 8 of their last 10 games and have gone 7-3 to the over during this stretch. Of course a 3-3 game guarantees us of no less than a 4-3 final here and I like the value with the over 5.5 currently available at plus money for this one. Calgary has allowed an average of nearly 4 goals per game in its last 9 games while Arizona has allowed an average of nearly 4 goals per game in its last 8 road games. The over is 4-1 this season in Flames games when they are off of 3 or more days of rest. More of the same here. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Calgary

NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Saturday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Blues recently fired coach Ken Hitchock and it certainly has grabbed the club's attention. St Louis enters this game having won 3 straight and the Blues have allowed 1 goals or less in 4 of their last 5 games. The scheduling situation here is ideal for St Louis to stay hot and yet we're able to get a big plus money price on the underdog Blues here. Montreal just got back from a trip out west and the first game back is often the toughest. Not only that, unlike the Blues, the Canadiens have been struggling in their own end as they've allowed 3 goals or more in 4 of their last 5 games. The Habs were somewhat fortunate to escape Arizona with a 5-4 win and that snapped a 4 games losing streak for slumping Montreal. The Canadiens had lost 10 of 15 prior to defeating the Coyotes and this a Montreal team that has not managed to win consecutive games since early January. The Habs have lost 15 of 25 games against teams with a winning record and I feel strongly that they are not priced properly here. The Blues have won 39 of 60 Saturday games the past 3 seasons combined and they'll be fired up for Hockey Night in Canada. Grab the big dog value here. 10* ST LOUIS BLUES MONEY LINE early Saturday evening

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:05 ET - The Blackhawks have gone over the total in 3 straight games and 6 of their last 7. Chicago comes into this one seeking revenge as the Jets have had their number in recent meetings but it will still be difficult for the Hawks to keep their defensive intensity high after their revenging win over Minnesota. The Wild are currently at the top of the division and that was a big win for Chicago. That said, the Blackhawks are going to likely end up having to rely on their offense to get the job done here and that should not be a problem. Winnipeg comes into this one having gone over the total in 6 straight games and 9 of their last 10. The Jets have an amazing run going whereby they have allowed at least 3 goals in 13 straight games. Winnipeg has allowed an average of nearly 4 goals per game during this long streak and the over, going even further back, is 15-3-1 in their last 19 games! The Blackhawks have allowed at least 3 goals in 10 of their last 12 games. The over is 10-2-1 in their last 13 games. Of course a 3-3 game guarantees us no worse than a 4-3 final and I like the odds of this game getting over the posted total of 5.5 goals. One other note here, the Jets just lost starting goalie Ondrej Pavelec to injury too and the Jets defense had not been playing well in front of him so no matter who is between the pipes Winnipeg's struggles keeping pucks out of their own net is likely to continue here. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg Friday

Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - Even though the Panthers have won 3 straight and also welcomed back some key personnel in their most recent game, the trouble for Florida is their last game was Friday! After their mandatory "bye week" that became part of the NHL schedule this season for each team, the Panthers are likely to come out a little sluggish here. That is going to spell trouble against a Kings team that, inexplicably, is off of back to back 5-0 shutout losses! Another key to the motivation for Los Angeles here is the fact that they don't play again until next Thursday as their bye week starts after this game. Look for LA to bring plenty of resolve to the rink tonight and "leave it all on the ice" because the last thing the Kings want to do is go into their bye week off of a 3rd straight poor effort! Keep in mind, Los Angeles had won 5 straight games before their 2-game skid while the Panthers had lost 4 straight games before their 3-game run prior their bye week. The Kings entered Tuesday's game at Tampa Bay having won 9 of 13 this season when off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. They were unable to get the job done. They are in the same spot again here and you will see a Kings team going "all out" this time. Given the situation, the Kings will prove to be the much hungrier team in this spot. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS money line early Thursday evening

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Wednesday 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - This is a very strong situation for the Blackhawks. Even though Minnesota is a quality hockey club and is on home ice, there is a reason that this game is basically priced as a "pick'em" and that is the fact that the Blackhawks have a huge scheduling edge here and certainly have revenge on their minds. Even though Chicago has dominated the Wild in recent playoff meetings, these teams have played a lot since their most recent post-season meeting and the Minnesota has held the upper hand. In fact, Minny has now won 8 straight regular season meetings with the Blackhawks! Not only is that enough to have Chicago fired up for this game, the Hawks also are looking up in the standings at Minnesota in the top spot in the Central Division right now. That is certainly atypical as well and the Blackhawks have had this game circled as "their game of the year" for the past few weeks. Keep in mind Chicago lost at home to Minnesota in mid-January. That immediately added to the intensity of this revenge game for the Blackhawks as they know they must gain ground on Minnesota in the division and head to head match-ups tonight and in two weeks from now give the Hawks the coveted opportunity to pick up 4 points on their division rivals. The big scheduling edge here is that the Blackhawks have had a full 3 days off to get geared up both physically and emotionally for this game whereas the Wild had to play at Winnipeg last night! Minnesota is only a .500 team in back to back spots this season. Chicago is off of a big win at Dallas Saturday and the Blackhawks have won 8 of 12 this season when off of a win by a multiple goal margin. Also, Chicago has won 14 of 19 when they are off of a divisional game this season! When playing with home loss revenge the Blackhawks have won 9 of 14 games this season and they want this one badly! 10* CHICAGO on the money line Wednesday night

Situational Shocker - Rickenbach NHL Game #12 Tuesday 10* Top Play Detroit Red Wings Money Line (+) vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The Blue Jackets are off of a 5-1 home loss to New Jersey so many may be looking to back them here. However, that was the 4th loss for Columbus in their last 5 games and the Jackets have now allowed 4 goals or more in 6 straight games! That spells trouble against a Red Wings team that is seeing Petr Mrazek start to get hot between the pipes. He's been playing better over the past month but it didn't always show up in the box score. Last week at Nashville it certainly did as Detroit got a 1-0 win over the Predators. A team can ride a hot goalie and, even though the Red Wings have been outshot 78 to 43 in their past two games they won both games thanks, in part, to Mrazek. This is the Red Wings final home game for more than a week as they have a tough road trip on deck. That further increases the important of this game for Detroit. Conversely, the Blue Jackets a have a long homestand on deck and could get caught peeking ahead to that as I am predicting they'll get outplayed by a hungry Red Wings team looking to make sure they make a run toward notching a 26th straight playoff appearance. Detroit was embarrassed at home by the Blue Jackets in December and the Red Wings have won 9 of 13 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Columbus has lost 46 of 74 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. 10* Top Play DETROIT RED WINGS on the money line Tuesday evening

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 2:05 ET - The Rangers beat the Flames in Calgary early this season but New York comes into this one struggling a bit. The Rangers have lost 5 of their last 9 games. New York is off of a win but it came by a 2-1 count and the Rangers are averaging just 2 goals per game in their last 5 games. The Flames have won 8 of 11 this season when they are playing with home loss revenge. Even though the Rangers come into this game with 2 days of rest, surprisingly they have lost 5 of 9 this season (-3.7 net units) when they enter a game off of 2 days of rest. The point is that, even with fresh legs, the Rangers really don't belong in this price range here. The Flames have won 3 straight games heading into this one and have averaged 4 goals per game during the hot streak. Overall, Calgary has scored at least 3 goals in 6 of their last 8 games. With the hotter offense and their goal-tending rounding into form, the Flames are well worth the investment here as a road dog. Calgary did outshoot the Rangers by 8 shots on goal in the loss earlier this season and the Flames come into this one having outshot their opponents by an average of 7 shots per game in their last 8 games. I look for their strong play to continue here and for the result to be an upset win on the road as the Rangers lookahead to what they perceive to be a tougher match-up Tuesday when Anaheim will be in town. 10* Top Play CALGARY FLAMES money line Sunday afternoon

NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #71 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:05 ET - After opening up at a 6 this total dropped to a 5.5 and I see great line value here with 6 now being a "win number" with this over. The Stars are 10-4 to the over since the calendar turned the page to 2017. In their 8 home games in 2017 Dallas has scored an average of 3.8 goals per game. However, the Stars continue to give up too many goals and, overall, have allowed 3 goals or more in 9 straight games and 13 of their last 15. The Blackhawks also have been an "over machine" of late with the over going 8-2-1 in their last 11 games. Chicago has won 8 of its last 13 games and has averaged 3 goals per game during this stretch but the Hawks have also allowed 3 goals or more in 8 of their last 10 games. The over is 4-1 in the Blackhawks last 5 games against teams with a losing record and the Stars are wrapping up a long homestand and have gone 20-11 to the over when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on home ice. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Dallas Saturday evening

Early Blowout - Rickenbach NHL Game #56 Thursday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -130 vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:35 ET - Former Lightning coach Guy Boucher, now the head coach for the Senators, makes his first return to Tampa Bay since being fired about 4 years ago by the Bolts. In his time with Tampa, Boucher worked closely with Jon Cooper (current Lightning head coach) for more than two years and that makes this game even bigger for Cooper. The Bolts need this game in more ways than one but especially with Cooper going up against Boucher this game has extra meaning for the Tampa Bay organization. The Lightning have won 4 of the last 5 meetings overall and also have won 3 of the last 4 match-ups in Tampa. The Senators come into this game having lost 3 of their last 4 games and allowing 5.3 goals per game in the 3 defeats. Though Tampa Bay has also certainly been under-performing they know it is not too late to make a run at getting into playoff position and this is the 1st of 3 remaining games on this critical 4-game homestand for the Lightning. After dropping the first game 4-3 to Boston, look for the Bolts to respond here. Tampa Bay has won 43 of 66 games the past 3 seasons when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. On the other hand, Ottawa has actually underperformed against teams that are struggling this season as they have lost 12 of 20 games against teams with a losing record this season. I like the low price on home ice with Tampa in this one. They got back to the basics in yesterday's practice and had great practice sessions. Physically they are certainly ready here and the Lightning also are ready mentally after "clearing their heads" a bit in good working sessions with coach Cooper yesterday. He has this team ready to defend their home ice against a former coach in Boucher. The Senators run into a buzzsaw in this one tonight as the Bolts will be flying all over the ice at home. 10* TAMPA BAY on the money line

Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Dallas Stars vs Buffalo Sabres @ 8:35 ET - The Stars are getting healthier up front but now the injury issues are focused more on the blue line. That makes this the perfect spot to back the over as the Stars should resume their long-term ways of getting involved in high-scoring games and Buffalo comes into this one with some extra confidence as they have been on a winning run. The Sabres have won 7 of their last 11 games and Buffalo has scored at least 3 goals in 9 of those 11 games. Buffalo's last three games have all been wins and they have scored an average of 3.6 goals per game in their last 5 games. The Sabres faced a hungry Dallas team that is off of back to back home losses and will push hard to get into the win column before the All Star break. While the Stars should score well here (3.4 goals per game in their last 5 home games), Dallas has allowed at least 3 goals in 10 of its last 12 games. As you can see from all the stats above, there is really no reason we shouldn't see each team get to 3 goals in this game. Adding to the support for this play is the fact that the over was 7-3 in the Stars last 10 games before their game against Minnesota Tuesday stayed just under the total. Also, Buffalo has some injuries impacting their defensive corps and they are 6-2 to the over this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The over is also 3-1 this season when the Stars enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Dallas

TV Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Wednesday - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 8:05 ET - This is a revenge game for the Flyers as they were demolished by the Rangers 5 to 2 in Philly earlier this month. Though a lot of value is given to home ice when lines are made, the fact is that provides value in certain situations and this is one of those spots. It is the road team that is seeking revenge, these teams are close in proximity, and the road team has won 5 of the last 6 meetings. That said, home ice tends to be overemphasized in games like this and we can take advantage by grabbing the value on the other side. The Flyers have had two days off after a much needed win (in OT) over the Islanders Sunday. Look for Philadelphia to build off of that win and the Flyers have outshot their opponents 83 to 67 in their two games since returning from their "bye week" which is new to the NHL this season. Philly has come back from the bye rejuvenated and refreshed and playing with good energy again. As for the Rangers, they enter this game on a 3-game winning streak but they've lost 6 of 8 this season when they enter a game on a winning run of 3 games or more. Also, the Rangers have been outshot 59 to 36 in their past 2 games and this will be their 3rd game in 4 days. Look for the recent road domination in this series tonight. 10* PHILADELPHIA on the money line Wednesday

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Two years ago the Bolts lost 4 games to 2 in the Stanley Cup Finals. Needless to say this is the kind of revenge that doesn't go away easily and, as they enter this game off of 3 straight losses (despite outshooting their foes by a combined 101 to 68), look for the Lightning to "bring it" tonight. It should be a huge effort from a Tampa Bay team that has under-performed this season but was hopeful of "kicking things up a notch" on this road trip. The Bolts have won 6 of 9 (including 4 of 6 this season) when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Also, Tampa Bay has won 33 of 49 (including 5 of 6 this season) when they enter a game off of 2 days of rest. When the Lighting are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more, they have won 42 of 65 the past 3 seasons combined. Tampa Bay lost badly at Arizona Friday despite outshooting the Coyotes 48 to 23. Chicago is off of a 4-2 home win over Vancouver but don't be fooled by the final score. That game was a 2-2 game very late. Also, the Blackhawks scored very late to win their prior game 1-0. Previous to that the Hawks had lost 4 of their 9 prior games so it's not like Chicago has been rolling of late. That said, we are getting tremendous line value here with a very hungry revenging road dog. I'll take it! 10* TAMPA BAY

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals (+115) in Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - Washington is 11-0-2 in their last 13 games and they have scored 59 goals during this streak. That is an incredible 5.4 goals per game just for the Capitals alone as they continue their torrid hot streak. The key to the play on the over here is the fact that, after a red-hot run by Braden Holtby between the pipes (as well as some solid fill-in duty from Philipp Grubauer) both netminders are off of some tough efforts. The Capitals have given up 14 goals in their last 3 games. The Hurricanes come into this game having allowed 26 goals in their last 7 games. They have won 4 of the 7 games but, even in the games they won, the Canes were allowing too many to find the back of the net. Carolina should score their fair share this evening as they have averaged 4 goals per game in their two meetings with the Caps this season. Also, the Hurricanes outshot the Blue Jackets 37-20 in their loss at Columbus Saturday. The Canes have allowed 4.5 goals per game in their last 4 games and with both clubs struggling a bit in their own zone recently (far too many goals allowed for both the Hurricanes and Capitals) this one should fly over the total. Carolina, thanks to 2 wins in their last 4 games against Washington, comes into this one with confidence in their offensive zone production. For the Capitals (having scored 4 goals or more in 9 of their last 10 games) there is no doubt about the confidence they bring to this one Monday as they are also happy to be back on home ice. In 16 divisional games this season, the Hurricanes have had just 5 unders. As for the Caps, they are on a 6-1 run to the over. 10* OVER 5.5 goals (+115) in Washington

Divisional Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Sunday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - The Predators are finally heating up. They have won 5 of their last 6 games including 3 of 4 so far on this road trip. They also just go PK Subban back which is also a huge boost for this hockey team. The Preds wrap up this 5-game road trip with this game here in Minnesota and they have the scheduling edge as Nashville was off yesterday while the Wild were locked into an intense battle with a Ducks team that was hell-bent on extracting some revenge. The fact that Minny fought off Anaheim in their revenge bid and got the W yesterday makes this spot even stronger for the Predators. The Preds are now catching the Wild off of a win and in a back to back spot. Minnesota has lost 2 of 3 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on home ice. Nashville has won 4 of 6 this season (and 21 of 34 the past 3 seasons) when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on the road. Nashville took 3 of the 4 meetings last season but Minnesota has now beaten the Predators in each of the first two match-ups this season and both of those were at Nashville. That makes this a huge revenge spot for the Preds and, with the way their playing right now coupled with scheduling edge, this looks like the perfect spot for a road rout. 10* NASHVILLE

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ Minnesota Wild @ 9:05 ET - This line has been going up, up, up all morning long as everyone is grabbing the Wild at home. I'll gladly grab a revenging Ducks team that had won 3 straight games before losing at home to Minnesota on January 8th. Since that game, Anaheim has gone 5-0-1 their last 6 games. As you can see, the only regulation loss that the Ducks have in their last 10 games came at the hands of the Wild but their revenge goes far deeper than just that. Minnesota is coached by their former coach, Bruce Boudreau, and the Ducks players want this game badly and it looks like their catching the Wild at the perfect time to get revenge. Minnesota has given up 13 goals in their last 4 games. The Wild ended up winning but they did blow a 3-1 lead against the lowly Coyotes. Also, they just lost defenseman Jonas Brodin to injury. Overall there is no debating the fact that Minny has been one of the top teams in the league this season. However, they have allowed 3.1 goals per game in their last 10 games and, on Saturday, they host a Ducks team that has only given up 2 goals or less in 9 straight games! Speaking of Saturday, that is the one day of the week where, oddly enough, things have not gone well for Minnesota with 7 losses in 11 Saturday games this season. Anaheim has won 4 of 5 this season when playing with home loss revenge and the Ducks have won 23 of their last 32 January games. I love the revenge angle here as well as the line value as I'll gladly grab the hungrier team that is also doing a better job of keeping pucks out of their own net. 10* ANAHEIM on the money line Saturday night

NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET Friday - There has been a big line move on this game for two reasons and none of them is a completely "justifiable" reason in my opinion. That said, we are getting fantastic line value in being able to take the Blackhawks as a big dog in this game. The Bruins opened up as a -125 favorite in this game and the line is now as high as -160 on Boston. This is because there are rumors floating around the Bruins as to the possible firing of head coach Claude Julien. Of course now the betting markets are viewing this as "Boston must bring their A game or else" and I see it differently. The last thing this Bruins team needs is more pressure and this is only going to put more pressure on them. Tuukka Rask has been struggling badly between the pipes and now there is added pressure of what is swirling through the media in Boston and it truly would be better for the Bruins if they were on the road rather than "under the microscope" at TD Garden. The other reason for the big line move is because the Blackhawks are going with their back-up goalie Scott Darling this evening. But that is actually good news for Chicago as Corey Crawford has been struggling between the pipes. The fact that Darling is getting the start tonight is actually a positive if you're backing the Hawks and I am doing just that tonight! Chicago is off of a win at Colorado Tuesday and the Blackhawks have won 13 of 17 this season when they are off of a divisional game. Also, Chicago has won 7 of 10 this season when off of a win by a multiple goal margin and the Hawks have won 17 of 25 games against teams with a losing record on the season. The Bruins have lost 6 of their last 9 games and they've allowed at least 3 goals in 7 of those 9 games. Boston is off of a demoralizing loss at Detroit where they blew a huge lead and those expecting a bounce back here should keep in mind that the Bruins have lost 9 of 12 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, Boston has lost 42 of 70 non-conference games the past 3 seasons combined. The Bruins also have the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins on deck as well. Tremendous situational line value on the road dog in this one. 10* Top Play CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS on the money line early Friday evening

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - After Monday's crazy 8-7 OT win for Pittsburgh over Washington, many may be hesitant to pull the trigger on another "over" here as it would seem like all the goal-scoring in Penguins games would have to "run out" at some point. However, I am certainly not going to try to predict when that will end and, rather, I will ride the streak! Pittsburgh has now given up 23 goals in its last 4 games but the Penguins have also scored 36 goals in their last 9 games. The over is on a 5-1 run in the Pens last 6 games and, this season, when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more, they have gone 17-3 to the over! As for Montreal, their most recent game was at the opposite end of the spectrum as they are off of a 1-0 home loss to Detroit Tuesday. However, you can bet the Habs will now be emphasizing scoring after that home shutout and, in fact, the numbers do support that. The Canadiens are 6-1 to the over this season when off of a game where they held to 1 goal or less! Also, Montreal is 11-6 to the over this season in their games against teams with a winning record and, when playing with revenge the Habs are 13-6 to the over this season. That 1-0 result Tuesday stopped a string of 6 straight overs in Canadiens games. Look for the next streak of "overs" to start immediately. 10* OVER the total in Montreal

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5 goals (+100) in Minnesota Wild vs New Jersey Devils @ 8:05 ET Tuesday - As you've probably heard by now, Minnesota has been one of the hottest teams in the league for quite some time now. Of course that is why they are a prohibitive favorite in this match-up as more than a 2 to 1 choice. However, where value can often be found in situations like this is the overlooked O/U lines. In this case, there is significant value with the over. The Wild are 10-2-3 to the over in their last 15 games. That's right, they've had only 2 unders in their last 15 games. Minnesota has won 19 of their last 24 games and, incredibly, during this nearly 2 month stretch of success, the Wild have averaged scoring nearly 4 goals per game. Now, of course, I am well aware of the fact that New Jersey is generally an 'under team' involved in a lot of low-scoring games. However, keep in mind, a 2-2 game guarantees of no less than a 3-2 final. Now, of course we do not want a push here but to have strong odds of being guaranteed not to lose is certainly worth something. That said, note that Minnesota has scored at least 2 goals in 26 straight games. The Devils have scored at least 2 goals in 32 of their last 41 games. Combining those numbers of 26-0 and 32-9 one could easily argue that this play has a 58-9 (87%) chance of each team scoring at least two goals and, once again if each teams gets at least 2 goals, we can't lose this play! 7 times this season New Jersey has entered a game having played each of their three prior games on the road. Out of those 7 occurrences, only 1 of the 7 has resulted in an under. As for the Wild, they are 8-3 to the over when off of a divisional game and they enter this one off of a big road win at Chicago. 10* OVER the total Minnesota

Top Total Smash - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals (+120) in Edmonton Oilers vs Arizona Coyotes @ 9:05 ET Monday - This is another contrarian play as both of these clubs have been trending "under" on the season and, in particular, of late. There are a few key reasons why I think many are going to end up "surprised" here as this one cashes in a nice plus money return (currently +120 payback) on the over. The Coyotes are hungry to respond and put plenty of pucks on net after they were shutout on Saturday. This season, when on the road and off of a shutout loss, Arizona has scored 6 goals in the two times this occurred. The Coyotes have allowed 3 goals or more in 11 of their last 12 games so odds look good that this could be a 3-3 game at some point! The Oilers have been gutting out some tight, low-scoring wins lately but they've also been involved in a couple of 5-3 losses as well. Edmonton enters this came off of a 2-1 win over Calgary and holding opponents to just 1 goal or less has been a rarity for the Oilers. The last 4 times it has happened Edmonton's next game has gone over 3 of 4 times and the Oilers allowed an average of nearly 4 goals per game in those contests. Look for another wild one here as the Coyotes come into this one flying all over the ice in an attempt to boost their offense but the Oilers will answer them goal for goal with a strong effort at home. 10* OVER 5.5 goals (+120) in Edmonton Monday

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET Friday - Fresh legs here as both teams are coming off of their bye "week" of 5 days. Perfect set up for an over here as the Rangers are expected to have wingers Rick Nash and Pavel Buchnevich back but are likely to be without defenseman Marc Staal. The Over is 7-1 in the Rangers last 9 games while the Maple Leafs come into this game having gone over the total in 4 straight games. Toronto acquired a new back-up goalie in Curtis McElhinney but, no matter who is in goal tonight, the goalies may not be as quite as sharp with the long layoff. Ironically, the last time McElhinney started was in the Rangers last game (when he was still a member of the Blue Jackets) and he gave up 5 goals in that game! The Rangers have scored 4.4 goals per game in their last 7 games and the Maple Leafs have scored 4.1 goals per game in their last 8 games. The Leafs have allowed 17 goals in their last 4 games and the Rangers have given up 4 goals per game in their last 8 games. The Blueshirts are 11-6 to the over this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 or more goals and I look for another wild one here at Madison Square Garden. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in New York Rangers early Friday evening.

Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET Thursday - The struggling Predators got an improbable victory in overtime versus Vancouver Tuesday as they scored the winning goal short-handed in OT with just seconds left on the clock. That was just the 2nd win in 9 Preds games that have gone beyond regulation this season. This banged-up Nashville team certainly needed that win and I expect them to now use that as a momentum shift as they host Boston tonight and look to string together some wins. Even though the Bruins have been hot on their current road trip, Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has been sharper than Boston netminder Tuukka Rask in recent games. Rinne has a .946 save percentage compared to .902 for Rask over their last 4 starts. The Bruins suffered a couple injuries in their big 5-3 win at St Louis Tuesday and that helps "level the situation" here as the Predators continue to deal with injury issues. The end result is that I'll gladly ride the hotter goalie on home ice in a pick'em situation. The Preds win over the Canucks is the type of momentum-turning victory that Nashville needed. The Bruins have lost 8 of 11 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, Boston has lost 37 of 65 road games with posted total of 5 goals or less the past three seasons. The Predators have won 43 of 71 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less the past three seasons. As hot as the Bruins have been, they have allowed 3 goals or more in 4 of their last 5 games. The Preds have held 5 of their last 6 opponents to 2 goals or less! 10* Top Play NASHVILLE on the money line

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (-) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET Wednesday - Both teams come in red hot but the Capitals have the home ice edge, the hotter goalie, and they still have playoff revenge on their minds. Yes, Washington certainly got some revenge with a 7-1 drubbing of the Penguins back in November but the Capitals did lose their first chance at revenge (3-2 loss at Pittsburgh in October) and, overall, there is no way they can not be fired up about any chance to host the defending Stanley Cup Champs. The Caps want to make their move this season and get that top spot. The Pens do have a few concerns heading into this one as goalie Matt Murray has been dealing with a lower body injury and a number of Penguins are also battling an illness that has gripped a few players.  The Penguins have won 5 straight games but they've allowed 9 goals in their last 4 games while the Capitals have won 6 straight games and have allowed 1 goal or less in 4 of their last 5 games. Including playoff games, the home team has won 6 straight match-ups between these teams. The Penguins have lost 29 of their last 50 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Capitals have won 10 of 14 games this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Caps goalie Braden Holtby is 4-0 and has allowed a total of just 4 goals in his last 4 starts. 10* WASHINGTON money line Wednesday

Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals (+135) in Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings @ 8:35 ET Tuesday - Both Justin Abelkader and Mike Green skated with the Red Wings yesterday and I would not be surprised to see both guys back on the ice tonight. However, even if they don't return, just the fact they are both very close to returning is going to boost this Detroit team. The Red Wings are off of a 6-3 loss at San Jose. The encouraging take-away for the Wings in that game is the fact that they have now scored 3 goals or more in 6 of their last 7 games. However, Detroit has allowed 3 goals or more in 12 of their last 16 games and that is what is leading me to the over in this match-up. The Blackhawks are 16-4-4 at home this season and they score a ton of goals there. Chicago has averaged 3.2 goals per game at the United Center this season and they are coming off of a 5-2 win over Nashville Sunday. The over is 16-8 in their home games this season. Petr Mrazek is expected to get the start for Detroit tonight and the over is 5-2 in his starts in non-conference action this season. Also, in his Mrazek's last 4 games (including 2 starts) he has struggled with an .852 save percentage! His most recent start stayed under the total but NONE of his 5 prior starts resulted in an under! The Red Wings ugly loss Sunday was the 12th time this season that they have lost a game by a margin of 2 goals or more. They'll be ready to respond and, after the first 11 this season, only 3 of 11 times has their next game stayed under the total. Look for a ton of goals here as Detroit is going to go hard and the Hawks have scored 9 goals in their last two games against the Red Wings. I know there is some 5 out there but I am recommending grabbing the 5.5 and going for the big plus money payback here rather than laying big juice! 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Chicago

Contrarian Top Play - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames @ 8:05 ET Monday - Winnipeg has revenge here from a 6-2 loss at Calgary earlier this season. The Flames have given the Jets a lot of trouble though as they have scored 14 goals in the last 3 meetings! Look for plenty of offense again in this one as Winnipeg is off of a 4-3 loss at Buffalo and the over is 11-6 this season in Jets games when they are off of a non-conference match-up. Winnipeg comes into this game on a 4-1 run to the over because they've been struggling to keep pucks out of their own net with 4 or more goals allowed in 4 of their last 5 games. The Jets have been scoring well as they've potted 3 or more goals in 8 of their last 10 games! The Flames also come into this game with plenty of confidence in the offensive zone as they have scored 3 or more goals in 8 of their last 12 games. With Calgary also having enjoyed such strong success in recent match-ups with the Jets, look for this game to be played at a fast pace with plenty of scoring opportunities here. The Flames are confident when they face Winnipeg as they've won 5 of the last 7 meetings. The over is 3-0-1 in Calgary's last 4 road games. The over is 5-2-1 in the Jets last 8 home games. Plenty of offense here and a nice plus money return on the high side of this one which means we are going the contrarian way here as many will be backing the under! 10* Top Play OVER the total in Winnipeg Monday 

Central Division Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET Saturday - These division rivals are meeting for the last time this season. Dallas won the first game this season and that earned them some measure of revenge for last spring's playoff ouster at the hands of the Blues. However, St Louis has now taken the last two meetings this season and the last thing the Stars want is to lose the season series to the Blues after also getting knocked of out of last season's post-season at the hands of St Louis. That said, there is considerable line value here on the Stars as a sizable dog in this match-up. Dallas wrapped up a 3-game homestand with back to back losses after it began with a 3rd straight overall win for the Stars. The past three seasons combined, when Dallas enters a game having played each of their three prior games on home ice, the Stars have won 19 of 28 games! Also, Dallas has fresh legs here after back to back day off and the Stars have won 28 of 44 games when playing with two days of rest between games. The Blues have lost 7 of their last 11 games and goalie Jake Allen is likely distracted here (if he even plays). He is about to become a father for the first time and is listed as questionable for tonight's game. In losing 7 of their last 11 games, the Blues have allowed an average of 3.6 goals per game during this stretch. More of the same Saturday. 10* Top Play DALLAS STARS money line

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line -110 vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:35 ET Friday - The Maple Leafs are fired up after "letting one slip away" in a 6-5 loss at Washington on Tuesday.  Toronto had won 5 straight before that loss and they're also playing this game with revenge on their minds as they lost at New Jersey 5-4 early this season.  While the Leafs are off of a loss, the Devils have actually won back to back games which is quite surprising considering they had previously lost 19 of their last 24 games!  The line value here is swaying heavily in favor of the Maple Leafs because we are getting a short price with them since they're on the road and yet the situational edges are largely in their favor.  Only once this entire season have the Devils had a winning streak of more than 2 games. As for the Maple Leafs, they haven't lost back to back games since mid-December and they have won 8 of 12 this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Toronto also has won 6 of 9 this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more.  The Devils have lost 4 of 5 Friday night games this season and 24 of 34 Friday games the past 3 seasons combined.  They've lost both home games this season that have had a posted total of 5.5 goals.  With the odds makers calling for a higher scoring game here (hence the 5.5 total) you know it is likely that the better offensively skilled team is the one likely to be doing most of the damage!  10* TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS money line Friday

Rickenbach Thursday NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5 goals in Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres @ 8:35 ET - The Blackhawks are off of a 4-1 loss at St Louis in the outdoor game Monday. Though that game got "crazy" late and really had no business ending with 5 goals scored, the fact is that it was the 6th time in their last 9 games that Chicago has allowed at least 3 goals. That said, I do look for the Blackhawks to come out fired up here and looking to score early and often as this games is the first of a 4-game homestand and Chicago knows they need to get rolling after losing 5 of their past 6 games. However, in addition to the Blackhawks aggressive approach I look for their recent struggles to keep pucks out of their own net to continue. The Sabres are off of a big 4-1 win at New York over the Rangers and Buffalo has now averaged 2.63 goals per game in their last 8 road games. The Sabres have scored a power play goal in 3 of their last 4 games but they allowed a power play goal in 4 straight games before killing off the lone power play of the Rangers Tuesday. With the Blackhawks hungry to get back on track on home ice and the Sabres defense "ripe for the picking" after a strong game against the Rangers, look for this one to play out at a very fast pace with plenty of good scoring chances for both clubs. 10* Top Play OVER 5 goals in Chicago Thursday

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs New York Rangers @ 8:05 ET Wednesday -This one is a bit of a contrarian play because, even though it will be the 2nd night of a back to back situation, the Rangers have played very well in back to backs this season. Also, New York has excelled in road games this season. However, the Flyers have the big rest edge here as they have been off since a tough New Year's Day loss at Anaheim. The Flyers held a 55-25 edge in shots on goal and yet lost so they're fired up to respond here after playing so well and yet not getting 2 points against the Ducks. Of course no extra motivation is really needed when the Rangers are in town as this is a huge rivalry. The Flyers have the rest edge, they also get a boost with the expected (or imminent) return of goalie Michal Neuvrith, and they get revenge for a 3-2 loss to the Rangers earlier this season where Philly outshot them 42-23. It is payback time here and the situation is perfect. 10* PHILADELPHIA on the money line Wednesday

NHL Non-Conf Game of the Month - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET Tuesday - Perfect set up here as the Predators are off of a 4-0 shutout win over a divisional rival and have lost 10 of 11 this season when off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. As usual, look for the Predators to struggle off of a big game where they scored big goals. As for the Canadiens, they certainly won't be complacent in this one. Montreal lost both games to Nashville last season and they also come into this game fired up because they are off of an OT loss to Pittsburgh where they allowed the tying goal with less than a minute to go in the game! The Habs have won 6 of 9 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Also, Montreal has won 9 of 13 this season in their games against teams with a losing record. Note that the Predators also have lost 11 of 16 this season when off of a game against a divisional rival and the Preds have lost all 3 games this season when they enter with 3 or more days of rest. Nashville hasn't played since Friday and will be rusty here. The fired up revenge-minded Canadiens are the play here. 10* MONTREAL CANADIENS money line Tuesday

Top Total Saturday - Rickenbach NHL 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Winnipeg Jets vs New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - The NHL is starting a new scheduling change this year that is effecting all teams as they each get at least a "bye week" of 5 days or more in January or February. The Islanders are one of the first teams to have a bye week as the Isles and Pens start their bye weeks tomorrow. With that said, the Isles are going to leave it "all on the ice" here Saturday with a huge effort before their break on deck. The Islanders have been scoring well this month but they can't keep the puck out of their own net and that is why the over is 10-3 in the Isles 13 games this month. As for the Jets, they are looking to bounce back off of a 5-3 home loss to Columbus. That was the 5th time in their last 6 games that Winnipeg has scored at least 3 goals. The Jets have allowed at least 3 goals in 6 of their last 10 games. These non-conference foes match-up twice a season and each of the last two seasons both games went over the total. That's a perfect 4-0 run to the over that should keep rolling here on Saturday. The over is 9-4 in Jets non-conference games this season. The Islanders over run is 12-4 dating back to Nov. 23rd and I expect another here as they go "all out" before their break. 10* Top Play OVER the total in Winnipeg

NHL Game #65 Friday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals (+$$$) in Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:35 ET - Some nice plus money available here on the over. Yes going over 5.5 can be "dangerous" with so many NHL games landing at 5 but this one appears to be destined for 6 goals or more. The Blackhawks have averaged 4.5 goals per game in their last 4 games but are off of a loss that marked the 3rd time in their last 4 games that they've allowed 4 goals. Corey Crawford may get the start here but how sharp will he be after not having started in over 3 weeks. I don't expect this to go well for him as the Avalanche come in very hungry off of a shutout loss. The Avs got drilled 6-0 on home ice last night and that is the type of ugly defeat that virtually ensures a solid effort from that team in their very next game. That means we should see Colorado bringing plenty of aggressiveness in the offensive zone tonight and they may take advantage of a rusty Crawford. However, their issue will be an inability to stop the Blackhawks. The Avalanche have given up an average of nearly 4 goals per game in their last 12 games! The 6 times this season that the Avs have entered a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more they've stayed under the total only twice. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Chicago

NHL Game #13 Thursday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Ottawa Senators vs Anaheim Ducks @ 7:35 ET - Ottawa was already without Craig Anderson (personal leave) and now Andrew Hammond hurt his ankle. That means goalie Michael Condon gets the call here and only 1 of his last 6 starts have remained under the total. Also, the over is 5-1-1 in Condon's 7 non-conference starts this season. Non-conference match-ups have a tendency to be a little less intense in terms of physicality and defense and so the open ice often leads to more (and better) scoring chances. Look for a wild one here as the Sens are looking to avenge a 5-1 loss at Anaheim earlier this month but the Senators are going to have to outscore the Ducks because I don't foresee Condon and company shutting them down. Anaheim is off of a loss but previously had won 5 of their last 7 games and had scored an average of nearly 4 goals per game during this stretch. In other words, the Ducks can (and should) bounce right back here. Anaheim has recorded only 1 under in their last 10 games! Ottawa has recorded only 1 under in their last 8 games! Yes we have to go over 5.5 here but to get a plus money return in a game where each team is likely to get to 3 goals has me going with a top play in this one. The Senators have scored at least 3 goals in 4 straight games. More of the same here. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Ottawa

Top Total Annihilation Wednesday - NHL Game #59 - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Arizona Coyotes vs Edmonton Oilers @ 9:35 ET - The Coyotes (and coach Dave Tippett) and have enjoyed incredible success against the Oilers. However, much of that recently has had to do with how well goalie Mike Smith has played against them. That is a key to my play on the over here. Arizona only scored 2 goals in their win at Edmonton last month but, prior to that, the Coyotes had scored 22 goals in their 6 prior meetings with the Oilers. Arizona should certainly pot their fair share of goals tonight against Edmonton as they are so confident when playing the Oilers due to their incredible success in this series. However, tonight the long winning streak for Arizona could be stopped because Smith has not been as strong between the pipes as he usually is. Smith has allowed 3 goals in each of his last two starts and has now given up 3 goals or more in 5 of his last 10 games. In his last 5 appearances he was solid in two of them but in the other three Smith allowed 10 goals on 78 shots. The Coyotes have allowed 3.3 goals per game in their last 11 games and the Oilers have averaged 3 goals per game in their last 10 games and come into this game with confidence off of back to back wins. I like the fact that the Oilers have generated an average of 36.3 shots on goal per game in their last 6 meetings with the Coyotes. Look for a few more of those to get past Smith tonight and that will help lead the way to an easy over in this one. The Oilers are 4-1 to the over when playing with home loss revenge this season and also 9-5 to the over in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Arizona

Contrarian Annihilation - NHL Game #9 Tuesday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Buffalo Sabres Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Panthers are off of a win at Colorado and are now back home in Florida. However, even though the Panthers are certainly happy to be back home, the first game back east after a road trip in other time zones is often the toughest and Florida also visited Minnesota and Winnipeg on that 3-game trip. Also, Florida has not won back to back games in the past month! In fact, before the win over the Avalanche, the Panthers had lost 8 of their past 10 games. That said, they truly don't belong in this price range against an improving Sabres team. Buffalo is off of a loss at Carolina but the Sabres had previously won 7 of their last 12 games. Buff also has won 4 of their 7 Tuesday game this season (up 2.0 net games) while the Panthers have lost 7 of their 8 Tuesday games this season (and lost 6.8 net games). After playing 3 consecutive road games this season, Florida has lost 6 of 8. After a win by a margin of 2 goals or more this season, the Panthers have lost 5 of 6. Buffalo won on home ice earlier this season versus Florida. That 3-0 dominance could be repeated here as, prior to that game, the road team had gone 3-0 in the 3 prior meetings. The situation is right, the price is right (in terms of giving huge value to the dog), and I am raising this one to a top play as this is a case of hot versus not. 10* Top Play BUFFALO SABRES money line Tuesday

Businessman's Best - NHL Game #69 Saturday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ Edmonton Oilers @ 10:05 ET - Though there has been some frustration for the Bolts lately, they were fully focused on this road trip to western Canada as an opportunity to "get right" and I look for them to get the key 2nd win in 3 games by notching a victory tonight. Even though they lost at Vancouver last night, they did outshoot the Canucks and #2 goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was between the pipes. #1 goalie Ben Bishop will be in the crease tonight and he helped lead the way to Tampa Bay's 6-3 win at Calgary that began this road trip. The Lightning have outshot their opponents by a 62 to 46 margin so far on this road trip and I feel the Oilers are way overpriced in this spot. Keep in mind, Edmonton started the season hot but, since late October the Oilers have now lost 16 of 24 games! The Oilers simply don't merit being priced as a 2 to 1 favorite based on the way they've been playing for the past SEVEN weeks! Also, even though Edmonton is well-rested here, they have lost 7 of 10 the prior two seasons when they are enter a game with rest of 3 days or more. Additionally, the Oilers are 0-5 this season when they are off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less! In fact, Edmonton has now lost 4 of its past 6 home games and they've averaged just 1.8 goals per game in those 6 home contests! The Bolts are 7-1 this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. That means, taking the 0-5 nad 7-1 marks, we're testing a combined mark of 12-1 in favor of the big road dog in this game. I'll gladly grab that! 10* TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING money line Saturday night 

Total Dominator - NHL Game #3 Friday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have now gone over the total in 12 straight games. Until the streak is stopped, I see no reason to stop backing it. In a non-conference match-up, it is unlikely that there will be intense defense in this match-up and the over is 8-2 this season in Penguins games against Western Conference foes. The Kings are still without #1 goalie Jonathan Quick and the over is 3-1-1 in their last 5 games. Los Angeles has allowed 3 goals or more in 5 of their last 6 games and the Kings have scored at least 3 goals in 4 of their last 5 games. This is a revenge game for the Pens as they lost 3-2 at LA last month. The over is 7-2 this season when the Penguins are playing with revenge. Pittsburgh has averaged 5.6 goals per game in their current 7-game winning streak and they'll be ready to avenge last month's loss. The Penguins, as hot as they have been, have allowed 3 goals or more in 7 of their last 10 games so I look for another 4-3 type game in this one as all signs point to a 13th straight over in Pens games. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Pittsburgh Friday

Divisional Dominator - NHL Game #59 Thursday - 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This the only road game that the Wild have in a span of two weeks. In other words, Minnesota is undoubtedly fully focused on this game and adding to that focus is the fact that Nashville has won each of the last two meetings with the Wild and the last one was via a shutout. Minnesota has payback on their minds and the Wild come into this game playing their best hockey of the season as they have won 5 straight games by a combined score of 16 to 7. Minny is catching the Predators at the perfect time for an upset win as Nashville is off of a big 6-3 win over St Louis in divisional action. Note that Nashville has lost 8 of 9 this season (and lost 40 of 60 the past 3 seasons) when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, when off of a divisional game this season, the Preds have lost 8 of 12 (-7.0 net units) so far this season! Prior to the win over the Blues, the Predators had lost 5 of their last 7 games and this is a classic case of "hot versus not" and I'll ride the hot team at the underdog price with the motivational edge and the situational factors in their favor. 10* MINNESOTA WILD money line Thursday

Total Dominator - NHL Game #3 Wednesday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - The over is 11-0 in the Penguins last 11 games. You almost have to play a streak like this "on the blind" because it is that strong. However, as we look deeper into this one, the set-up here is also perfect. The Bruins are coming off of a 2-1 OT win at Montreal Monday and that is a big rivalry win for Boston. Prior to that stellar defensive effort the Bruins had allowed 4 goals in 3 straight games and they now face a Penguins team that is scoring a ridiculous average of 5 goals per game in their last 10 games! From a situational perspective, the Pens side of this equation is also nice as they are off of a shutout win. That is significant because Pittsburgh has allowed at least 3 goals in their next game all 5 times this season that they've been off of a game where they've allowed 1 goal or less. So the Bruins get 3 tonight and the Penguins offense stays hot and that means we will have a 12th straight over involving the Pens! Pittsburgh is 8-1 to the over in their games against teams with a winning record this season and the Bruins are 7-4 to the over this season in their games against teams with a winning record. Look for at least a 4-3 type game. The last two meetings between these teams have each totaled at least 6 goals. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Pittsburgh

NHL Game #69 Tuesday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) @ Edmonton Oilers @ 9:05 ET - Columbus has won 6 straight games. They are beginning a road trip to western Canada and they are fully focused on this match-up as they have won 3 of their last 4 games against the Oilers but they lost their last trip to Edmonton by a count of 5 to 1. The Blue Jackets are catching the Oilers at the right time. Edmonton is off of a divisional win over Winnipeg but the Oilers rallied for two 3rd period goals to get that W. The point is that Edmonton certainly wasn't overly impressive in that game and this is an Oilers team that had lost 7 of their 9 prior games. The Blue Jackets have not only won 6 straight games, they've been dominating as 4 of the 6 wins have come by a margin of at least 3 goals! The Oilers have allowed 15 goals in their last 4 games while the Blue Jackets have allowed a total of only 11 goals in their last 7 games! This is clearly a case of two teams heading in opposite directions. Also, Columbus has won 4 of 5 this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Also, when the Blue Jackets enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more, they've won 14 of 20 games the past 3 seasons combined. The Oilers have lost 9 of 13 games against Eastern Conference foes this season and also have lost 28 of 36 Tuesday games the past three seasons combined. Great line value here with the "pick'em price" available on this quality road team. 10* Top Play COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS Tuesday night

Top Play Crusher - NHL Game #9/10 Saturday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - With their 5-1 win at Florida Thursday night, the Penguins have now recorded 9 straight overs and I see no reason for that streak to end here. The Lightning have revenge in this match-up as the Pens eliminated them from the post-season late last May. However, Tampa Bay is having some issues in goal as Ben Bishop's struggles with consistency have been a problem so far this season. Andrei Vasilevskiy could get the start here but he has also struggled in recent starts and each of his last 3 have gone over the total. The fact is that for the Lightning to have a shot at revenge, their going to have score plenty in this one because I don't see the Bolts as being able to shutdown a Penguins team that has scored an average of nearly 5 goals per game in their last 8 games. The over is 10-1 this season when Pittsburgh is off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. Also, the over is a perfect 4-0 the last 4 times the Lightning have been held to one goal or less in their prior game. The Bolts have gotten a little healthier even though Steven Stamkos is still out and Ryan Callaghan is unlikely to play tonight as other key cogs have returned to the ice. The over is a perfect 6-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams in Tampa Bay and I look for another wild one down there tonight. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Tampa Bay Saturday evening

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #59 Friday - 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Many will look to back the Blackhawks here since the Rangers are in a back to back situation. However, the Rangers are actually a perfect 4-0 this season (and have won 23 of 35 the last 3 seasons combined) when they are playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the Rangers used back-up goalie Antti Raanta last night at Winnipeg so that means top goalie Henrik Lundqvist will be between the pipes tonight. Chicago could only hope for such good fortune for themselves as, the fact is, Corey Crawford is still out (appendix) and both Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook are expected to miss tonight. That has the Blackhawks down 3 key players and also note that the road team has swept the series between these clubs each of the past two seasons. The road dominance (4-0 L4) should continue here given the situation. Yes, the Hawks are off of a win over Arizona but the Coyotes are the worst team in the league. Prior to that win Chicago had lost 5 of their last 8 games overall and back-up goalie Scott Darling had lost 3 straight starts. The Blackhawks have lost 9 of 16 (-$6,800) the past three seasons combined when they are off of a shutout win. Also, the Rangers have won 8 of 12 games against teams with a winning record this season while Chicago has lost 4 of 7 games against teams with a winning record this season. Before scoring 4 goals against the downtrodden Coyotes, the Blackhawks were held to 2 goals or less in 6 of their 8 prior games. Look for the Hawks to struggle again tonight. 10* Top Play NEW YORK RANGERS money line Friday

NHL Game #15 Thursday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) vs Nashville Predators @ 8:35 ET - Certainly Dallas has been hurt by injuries but that hasn't stopped them from putting up a fight. The Stars have outshot three of their last four opponents by a double digit margin! Dallas also is getting stellar goaltending from Kari Lehtonen of late as he's been rock solid in his last 3 starts. The issue for the Stars has been generating enough offense but they've certainly been generating opportunities and they will start to cash those in. The Stars have revenge on their minds here as they lost 5-2 at Nashville two weeks ago. Dallas outshot the Preds 35 to 21 in that game but fell well short on the scoreboard. It is time for a little payback and home ice is likely to have a huge impact in this one. The Predators have lost 6 of 7 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. The Preds are off of a 4-3 win over Colorado Tuesday but that was at home. Nashville has lost 7 of 8 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. The last 3 seasons combined in that situation, the Predators have lost 39 of 59. Also, the Preds have lost 25 of their 36 road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals the past three seasons combined. Even with all their injury issues the Stars have won 6 of 9 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season and they've won 48 of 82 home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals the past three seasons combined. The Stars have won 19 of 29 the past three seasons when they are off of game where they were held to 1 goal or less. 10* Top Play DALLAS STARS money line Thursday night 

TV Game of the Week - NHL Game #53 Wednesday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - No team in the NHL has more road wins (8) than Boston and I expect the "road warriors" to be at it again on Wednesday night in Washington. The Bruins have outshot their opponent by 20 shots or more in 3 of their last 7 road games. That's impressive production on the road and certainly Boston will be highly motivated facing the Capitals because Washington has swept the season series with the Bruins each of the past two seasons. Boston comes into this one on a 3-game winning streak while the Capitals are off of a fortunate OT win in a game they never led. The Caps just aren't playing that well right now as they had lost 3 straight (and 6 of their last 10) before that tight win versus Buffalo. Washington is facing a much tougher opponent than the Sabres tonight and I'll take advantage of the underdog line value here as the Bruins improve to 4-0 in the month of December. The Bruins have gone 8-3 in Tuukka Rask's 11 road starts this season as he's compiled an incredible .950 save percentage away from home. The Capitals have lost 3 of the last 4 starts that Braden Holtby has made! 10* Top Play BOSTON BRUINS money line Wednesday evening on the NBC Sports Network

No Doubt Blowout Rout - NHL Game #15 Tuesday - 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (+) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:35 ET - The Flames are hot right now with 3 straight wins and 8 victories in their last 12 games. After a homestand where Calgary won all 3 games by a combined score of 14 to 5, the Flames are fully focused on keeping the momentum going on this quick 2-game road swing. The mini-road trip starts in Dallas where Calgary has won in 2 of its last 3 visits but this is a double revenge spot for the Flames. Not only did the Stars beat them in Calgary 4 weeks ago, they also beat them in their last visit to the Big D. That said, the Flames have a little extra motivation here and Calgary has won 5 of 7 this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Flames also have won 3 of 4 this season when they are off of a win by a multiple goal margin so look for them to stay hot here. As for Dallas, they are off of a 3-0 win at Colorado but previously had lost 7 of their last 10 games. The Stars continue to be dealing with injury issues and now Patrick Sharp is out for an indefinite period with a concussion. Dallas forwards continue to be impacted by the injury "bug" and the Stars are averaging just 2.2 goals per game in their last 10 games. They simply have not been the same high-flying team they once were and, right now, Calgary is firing on all cylinders and the Flames are highly motivated here. That makes for a very dangerous dog and Dallas has lost 10 of 13 this season when off of a divisional game! Not only that, the Stars have another big divisional game on deck as Nashville is up next. 10* Top Play on the CALGARY FLAMES on the money line Tuesday

Total Annihilation - NHL Game #51/52 Monday - Rickenbach 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are on a 7-0 run to the over. Not only that but all 7 games have totaled at least 7 goals so it is not like these games are "sneaking" over the total. Also, the Pens are off of a huge win versus Detroit where they rallied for 4 goals in the 3rd period to come back from a 3-1 deficit. That is the type of win that a team can build on and right now the Penguins are "feeling it" as they're potting big goals on a regular basis. When Pittsburgh is on a roll like this they generally don't slow down and the over is 8-1 this season when they are off of a game where they scored 4 goals or more. I realize the Senators are not the same high-scoring style of hockey club that the Pens are but they have scored at least 2 goals in 7 straight games and, in fact, have averaged 2.7 goals per game in those 7 games. Look for a 4-3 type game here as the Penguins games continue their recent high-scoring trend. I am well aware of Craig Anderson possibly being back in goal tonight for the Senators but he's been dealing with a very tough situation as his wife is battling cancer. Anderson, possibly not 100% focused on the task at hand, and/or Mike Condon (Pens know him well as he started this season with him) will not be able to stop the high-flying Penguins the way they are playing right now. 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Game of the Week: Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Friday - 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ San Jose Sharks @ 10:35 ET - The Sharks will be the popular choice here since they have the home ice edge but they are off of a divisional win over the rival Kings and I expect the Canadiens to be the much hungrier team tonight. Montreal lost both match-ups (by a combined score of 9-3 last season!) so they have payback on their minds here. Also, unlike San Jose, the Habs are coming into this game off of a loss as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Anaheim on Tuesday. Montreal is expected to have Carey Price in between the pipes tonight and they are 13-3 in his 16 starts this season. The Sharks will counter with Martin Jones but he has won only 6 of his 10 non-conference starts this season. San Jose, the past 3 seasons combined, has lost 34 of 63 home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less and that has cost their backers $27,200 at $1,000 per game in this situation! These are two of the top clubs in the league and the value here is with the hungry, revenge-seeking underdog. 10* Top Play MONTREAL CANADIENS on the money line Friday

Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Thursday - 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (+) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Lightning have lost 3 straight games and have certainly been impacted by some injury issues. However, even though centerman Steven Stamkos is going to be out for months, there is a chance that key defenseman Anton Stralman is going to play tonight at St Louis. This will undoubtedly give the Bolts a boost and they don't want to go winless on this road trip. Tampa Bay's next game is at home versus Washington but there is no lookahead here because the Bolts know they can't afford to look ahead when they need a win to get back on track before getting back into divisional action. Keep in mind, the Blues certainly have their full attention too because St Louis not only swept them last season, they swept them the prior season as well. The key to the value is the Lightning tonight catch the Blues off of a key win over Dallas (the same team they faced in last spring's post-season battle). Off of a big win and now facing a non-conference foe, don't be surprised if St Louis comes out a little flat in this game. The Blues have had a tendency to show some rust when off of 2 days rest. They've won 3 of 7 in this situation this season but the four losses have come by a combined score of 13 to 3 and St Louis was a sizable favorite in 3 of those 4 defeats. Look for this trend to continue here as they again get throttled as  rested, sizable fave against a hungrier foe. 10* TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING money line Thursday

Top Play Total Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #1/2 Wednesday - 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins are 3-0 to the over this season when they enter a game off of 2 or more days of rest. Certainly they have fresh legs here as they have been off for 3 days since they beat New Jersey 4-3 in the shootout Saturday. The Pens are facing an Islanders team that has revenge on their minds as Pittsburgh beat them 3-2 earlier this season. Whether the Isles get that revenge or not remains to be seen but, one thing is for certain, this should be a highly entertaining game with plenty of offense. The Penguins have played 8 divisional games so far this season and, so far, only 1 has stayed under the total. Not only do they have the aformentioned 3-0 OVER angle going tonight, the over is also a perfect 4-0 in the Penguins last 4 games. The Islanders have some injuries to their blue line and that won't help them slow down Sidney Crosby and company as the Penguins are anxious to get back in play and will be flying all over the ice tonight. The Isles are off of a win where they allowed just 1 goal and the only other time they allowed just 1 goal this season they got blasted 6-1 in their next game. The last 3 time the Islanders have allowed 2 goals or less they've allowed at least 4 goals in their next game every single time. Look for a wild one at the Barclays Center tonight. 10* Top Play OVER the total in the New York Islanders game

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #3/4 Monday - 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - This total is a 5.5 so we are getting the over at solid plus money and there is great line value here because St Louis has been scoring goals like crazy since they made some changes to their line combinations. The Blues have averaged 3.6 goals per game in their last 7 games. They now host a Stars team that they eliminated from the post-season last year. Dallas got some measure of revenge with a 6-2 home win early this month but you can bet the Stars are still going to "bring it" tonight in terms of another intense effort getting plenty of pucks on net. These teams have combined for 44 goals in their last 7 meetings (an average of 6.3 per game) and I expect another wild one tonight. The over is 5-1 in the last 6 road games for the Stars while the Blues went a perfect 3-0 to the over in their games last week. Blues opponents are a solid 3 of 12 (25%) on the power play in recent games while St Louis is on a solid 8 of 22 (36%) power play stretch. With some "rough stuff" expected in this rivalry game tonight don't be surprised if there are more power play opportunities than usual in this one and that could also help push this one over the total. There have been only 33 unders in the Stars last 83 divisional games. Also, the over is on a 48-34 run in Dallas road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in St Louis

TV Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #63/64 Wednesday - 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers got a big game out of goalie Steve Mason last night as they won 3-1 at Florida last night. Now it's a tough spot for the goal-tending situation of Philly because Michal Neurvirth is currently injured. That means the Flyers only options are to start Mason again in this back to back spot OR to go with NHL rookie 22-year old Anthony Stolarz. Neither option is a good one because, even though he has done well in limited action this season in back to back spots, throughout Mason's career he has not fared well when making a start with no rest between games. As for Stolarz, the rookie would be tested by a dangerous Lightning offense that is hungry off of a loss. Prior to losing 3-1 at Nashville, the Bolts had won 8 of their 10 prior games and averaged 3.4 goals per game. during that stretch. Even with Steven Stamkos out, this Tampa Bay team still has plenty of dangerous firepower on offense. Where the Lightning are hurting is with Anton Stralman's injury. He is a top D-man for TB and one weakness of this Tampa team is not having significant depth on the blue line. Look for the Flyers to take advantage and respond after getting shutout at home by Tampa Bay on Saturday. That means we should see plenty of goals in this one and, yes, I am aware of the Sean Couturier injury for Philly last night. They still have plenty of potency on offense. In their 20 games this season, only 3 have finished with fewer than 5 goals. The over is 7-2-1 this season when the Flyers are playing with revenge. Long-term Philadelphia is 112-75 to the over when playing with home loss revenge. 10* OVER in Tampa Bay 

Earliest Cash Top Total - Rickenbach NHL Game #51/52 Monday - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Colorado Avalanche @ 7:05 ET - The Avalanche are expected to start Semyon Varlamov tonight and he has struggled this season with a 4-8 record and a 3.01 GAA. Not only that, the netminder has particularly struggled in recent road games. Away from home, Varlamov's last 4 starts have seen Colorado allow a total of 17 goals for an average of 4.25 goals per game. The Avalanche will be facing a red hot Columbus team that has gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. The Blue Jackets have averaged 4 goals per game during this hot streak. However, in terms of defensive intensity tonight, it may not "be there" for Columbus as they are in a back to back spot and they just beat a strong Capitals team yesterday. The Avalanche offense has started to get going again as they've averaged 3 goals per game in their last 3 games and I am expecting a 4-3 type game tonight. Coincidentally, that was the final score (4-3 Jackets win) when these teams met in Colorado in October last season. This season's first meeting is in Columbus where the Blue Jackets have averaged 4.2 goals per game. The Jackets big win yesterday was over a division rival. The last 61 times they are off of a divisional game they have stayed under the total only 22 times. 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Columbus early Monday evening

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #3/4 Friday - 10* Top Play OVER 5 goals in Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals are off of a huge 7-1 revenging win over the Penguins and that makes this a flat spot for them. After a huge effort Wednesday, I just don't see the Caps having the defensive intensity necessary to shut down a hungry Red Wings team in this one. Detroit is coming off of back to back losses but the Red Wings have scored 3 goals or more in 6 of their last 8 games. The issue for Detroit has been in their own end where they have allowed 3.5 goals per game in their last 8 games. That spells O-V-E-R in this one because the Red Wings will find plenty of opportunity in the offensive zone against a Washington club still celebrating their win over the defending Stanley Cup champs but Detroit also will continue to struggle keeping pucks out of their own net. That sets this one up for a wild one in DC tonight. Only 5 of the last 17 meetings between these clubs in Washington have stayed under the total. The over is 3-1 this season in Red Wings games when they are playing after two days of rest. Also, the over is 4-1 this season when Detroit is off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The over is 4-2 in Capitals home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. 10* OVER in Washington Friday

Rickenbach NHL Game #55/56 Tuesday - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals are hungry to bounce back off of an embarrassing 5-1 loss at Carolina on Saturday. However, Washington's intensity on defense may not be at its best for this game because it is a huge "sandwich spot". Not only are the Caps off of a loss to a divisional rival, they also have a huge revenge game on deck at Pittsburgh tomorrow night. Of course it was the Penguins that eliminated the Capitals from the post-season last spring so don't be surprised if the defensive intensity is not at its best for Washington tonight. However, the Caps should be able to continue good production on offense against the Blue Jackets. The Capitals always give the Columbus D trouble and the Caps have scored 14 goals in the last 3 meetings. The Blue Jackets offense comes into this match-up flying high as they have tallied 31 goals in going 5-2 in their last 7 games. The over is 12-3 in the last 15 meetings between these clubs. Also, in the Jackets last 60 divisional games, only 21 have stayed under the total! As for Washington, they have had just 3 unders in their last 11 games. 10* OVER 5.5 in Columbus Tuesday

Double Perfect Top - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Friday - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off of a 7-0 home loss to the LA Kings Tuesday. Toronto would love to bounce back of course but they truly "had it coming" as they have not been playing very well. The Leafs were winning but still giving up way too many shots on goal and it finally caught up with them against Los Angeles. The Maple Leafs have allowed more than 40 shots on goal in 3 of their last 4 games and they'll now be challenged by a Flyers club that is off of back to back losses. Only once this season has Philly lost three straight and remember they had one of the best runs in the league from January through April of last season. Brayden Schenn is moving back to being a top line left winger after spending some time as a 3rd line center for the Flyers. Look for Schenn's reuniting with Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds on the top line to give Philadelphia a boost. They were flat against the Red Wings Wednesday. While many will be looking to the Maple Leafs for a response here, this is a Toronto club that has lost 42 of 59 games when they are off of a contest where they were held to 1 goal or less! The road team has won each of the last 3 meetings between these clubs and the Flyers are already 2-0 this season when off of a loss where they were held to 2 goals or less. Philly won those two games by a combined score of 10 to 6 and they roll again here. 10* PHILADELPHIA Friday

Top Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Thursday - 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - The Sharks have a big situational edge here. Not only was San Jose the best team in the league last season on the road, they catch Florida in a very tough scheduling spot. Even though the Panthers are at home and had two days off before this game, they are coming off of a huge win over the in-state rival Lightning. Not only that, Florida has a huge home date with the Islanders on deck for Saturday. It was the Isles whom ended the Panthers season last spring in the playoffs and this will be the first shot that Florida has had at revenge. That said, this is truly a "sandwich spot" for the Panthers coming off of a big win over the Bolts and having a big revenge game on deck with the Islanders. The Sharks got back on track with a 3-0 road win at Washington to start off their 6-game road trip on the right foot. After some ups and downs early this season, San Jose has this road trip "circled" as an opportunity to "get right" and the Sharks won 28 of their 41 road games last season! The Panthers beat Tampa Bay on Monday by a 3-1 final and Florida is 0-3 this season when off of a win by 2 goals or more. 10* SAN JOSE money line Thursday

Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Tuesday - 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - The Senators have allowed a total of only 3 goals in their last 4 games. Overall, the Sens had given up 1 goal or less in 4 of their 5 prior games (all 4 were wins) before a 2-1 home loss to Buffalo on Saturday. That defeat has Ottawa fired up for this game and they gave up 11 goals in losing both games to Nashville last season. It is time for a little payback and the Sens are catching the Predators at the right time. The Preds have had a rough start to the season as they are trying to make all the pieces fit after some off-season changes. Nashville has lost 8 of their last 10 games. The Predators also have a big game on deck with the division rival Blues for Thursday. The Senators are already 4-1 against the Western Conference this season and they keep that hot streak going here. 10* OTTAWA money line Tuesday

TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #3/4 Friday - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Detroit Red Wings vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:35 ET - Winnipeg rallied for 3 goals in the 3rd period at Washington last night. Even though the Jets still lost the game it certainly gives them confidence heading to Detroit for tonight's back to back situation. The Jets know they need to get off to a quicker start but, at times, they have shown early this season that they can rally back from deficits and it has been in streaks in which they've done this. That said, I am expecting this could be another one of those stretches and it should result in a high-scoring game at Joe Louis Arena tonight because the Red Wings are going to be pushing hard in this one. The Red Wings gave up a late goal and then lost in overtime to the Flyers on Wednesday. Detroit was up 2-0 after one period. The Red Wings then got outshot by a 32-16 margin the rest of the way in falling short at Philly. That continued an amazing stretch whereby Detroit has not won at Philly in 20 years! Needless to say, the Red Wings are ticked off about it and they'll definitely be staying aggressive in the offensive zone throughout this game because they don't want to blow another late lead. That sets this one up to be a very high scoring game on Friday night. The last 69 times the Jets are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more, they have stayed under the total just 27 times. The Red Wings are 4-1 to the over this season in their games against teams with a losing record. Look for more of the same Friday. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in Detroit

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #55/56 Sunday - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in New York Rangers vs Arizona Coyotes @ 7:05 ET - Both clubs have a goaltending "issue" here and that makes this the perfect set-up for an over. The Rangers used Henrik Lundqvist in net last night so that means this start goes to the back-up or it is a tough back to spot for the Rangers #1 netminder. As for the Coyotes, their #1 goalie (Mike Smith) is currently out with an injury. This has certainly played a key role in the fact that Arizona has allowed 4.5 goals per game so far this season. Though the Coyotes haven't played as well in the offensive zone, they are rested and ready to attack today after yesterday's off day and they are catching the Rangers at an ideal time. Not only is this is a tough back to back for New York but this is a definite flat spot for them. The Rangers badly wanted that win over the division rival Capitals yesterday and they also now face a non-conference team they have dominated in recent meetings. In other words, there are no motivational reasons for the Rangers to bring a strong defensive effort to the ice Sunday and I expect each team to notch at least 3 goals in this one. Keep in mind, Arizona is averaging 3 goals per game on the young season despite some recent struggles on this road trip and the Rangers have scored at least 4 goals in three of their five games thus far on the season. The over is 3-1 in Coyotes games this season and 3-1-1 in Rangers games this season. Look for these trends to continue a spot that is truly a fantastic situation for another high-scoring game to break out. Non conference game, the better team off of an emotional win now looking to relax, the weaker team coming in rested but with goalie issues, etc. 10* OVER 5.5 in New York Rangers Sunday 

Rickenbach NHL Game #5/6 Saturday - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Blackhawks will be fired up off of a loss at Columbus last night. While I expect Chicago's offense to respond after scoring only 2 goals last night, the goaltending could be a problem here as the Hawks will likely have to start back-up Scott Darling since this is the 2nd night of a back to back. The Maple Leafs, no matter whom they start and no matter the situation, are going to have a goaltending issue. Simply put, Toronto is having trouble keeping pucks out of their own net but, the Maple Leafs offense certainly is making some noise early this season. The Leafs were held under 4 goals for the first time this season in their loss at Minnesota Thursday. However, the over is still 2-1 in their 3 road games this season and they're taking on a Blackhawks club that is 3-0 to the over in their home games this season. Chicago has scored 12 goals in their last TWO home games but the Hawks are allowing an average of 4 goals per game at home on the season. Chicago has scored 11 goals in their last two games against Toronto and the Maple Leafs are much stronger on offense this season with an infusion of young talent. That said, look for a wild one here. The Blackhawks home games have all totaled at least 7 goals and the Maple Leafs first two road games this season each totaled 9 goals. I don't see any reason that we can't get to at least 6 here. 10* OVER 5.5 in Chicago Saturday

NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Friday - 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Predators are a team on the rise and the Red Wings are a team on the decline. Detroit hopes to return to those glory years soon but they truly have lost some of their mojo with barely sneaking into the post-season last year after many years of big success. As for the Preds, the deal for PK Subban is part of a push that Nashville feels can push them closer to the ultimate prize and this team, off of back to back losses, is not a team that anyone would want to face. Adding to the motivation for the Predators is the fact that they not only lost both games to Detroit last season, the Red Wings got the best of them with winning both match-ups the prior season as well. Nashville is hungry to finally notch a win over the Red Wings and the Predators are off of a disappointing 2-1 home loss to the Stars that adds fuel to their fire here. In fact, when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less, the Preds have won 23 of their last 35 games and netting $10,000 for their backers at $1,000 per game in those 35 games. As for the Red Wings, they've been a money-burning -$6,600 in Friday games the past two seasons. That said, even though it's Friday night at The Joe, the Red Wings are facing the wrong team at the wrong time. Off back to back wins where Detroit allowed just a single goal in each game, a "let down" is in store here. As for the Predators, off of scoring just 1 goal versus Dallas, and looking to avenge past losses to the Red Wings, they're going to be flying all over the ice to notch the road win here tonight. Keep in mind, while the Preds have outshot their opponents overall on the season, the Red Wings have been outshot by a sizable 139 to 97 margin so far this season. 10* NASHVILLE money line Friday

Top Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #53/54 Wednesday - 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 8:05 ET - Toronto has scored 4 goals in each of their first two games. The Jets averaged 4 goals per game in their first two games but they're looking to respond after being held to 1 goal in their loss to Boston Monday. That was a 4-1 loss for Winnipeg and the Jets have now allowed 4 goals in each of their three games this season. You can see why a high-scoring game should be expected here as the Jets goalie situation is already a major question mark and now the high-flying Maple Leafs, buoyed by rookie phenom Auston Matthews, are now in town. The over is a perfect 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between these teams and the Jets scored 10 goals in last season's two meetings. The key here is, although Winnipeg should again enjoy success in the offensive zone tonight, the Jets are unlikely to stop the Leafs at the other end of the ice. Toronto's Matthews scored 4 goals in the season opener so, in their second game of the season, the Leafs opponent (the Bruins in that one) focused on slowing him down. Boston did just that but the flip side of the equation was that four other Male Leafs scored goals in that 4-1 Toronto win. The point is that the Leafs are certainly showing signs already of being a dynamic offense and I look for the Jets to bounce back with plenty of scoring chances in this one after their tough 1-goal performance against the Bruins Monday. Look for the over to improve to 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these clubs. 10* OVER in Winnipeg Wednesday evening

Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Tuesday - 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - The Blackhawks are off of a big win over Nashville Saturday but they still have lost 2 of their first 3 games and have been outshot 96 to 70 in those three contests. Also, Chicago has allowed 7 power plays goals in 13 opportunities for the opposition. The Flyers are dead even (60-60) in shots on goal so far this season and have allowed just 1 power play goal in 9 chances for opponents. Philadelphia feels good about earning 3 of 4 points thus far in this season opening road trip and the Flyers are fired up about wrapping it up properly tonight in Chicago before heading home for Thursday's home opener. The Blackhawks have had trouble with the Flyers historically as Philly has won 21 of the last 31 meetings including 3 of 4 the past two seasons. Of course this game carries special meaning for the Flyers as they lost to the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Finals in June of 2010. That is the only trip to the Finals that Philly has had in the past 19 years so of course it carries extra meaning for Philly even though only current captain Claude Giroux remains from that team. Michal Neuvirth is expected to be in goal for the Flyers tonight. He won his only start this season and also had a spectacular .981 save percentage in the playoffs last spring and a fantastic .924 save percentage in the regular season. Corey Crawford is certainly a great netminder for the Blackhawks but, dating back to last season, he has allowed 3 goals or more in 10 of his last 12 starts! Chicago has lost 10 of his last 13 starts and they lost his last 4 starts of the regular season last spring, then lost 4 of his 7 starts in the post-season, and now have lost his first two starts of this season. The upstart Flyers are catching him at the right time and note that Neuvirth has allowed 2 goals or less in 6 straight starts. He also started both games against the Blackhawks last season and beat them both times while allowing a total of only 2 goals in the two starts. More of the same Tuesday. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line -105 vs Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins have dominated shots on goal in this series. Yet this has been a very tight series with the victories coming by the slimmest of margins. The key reason the Sharks are still in this is because of the goalie edge and that is likely to be a key again Sunday as Martin Jones does it again and outduels Matt Murray. Pittsburgh's Murray has now lost 2 of his last 3 and allowed 3 goals in each defeat. The Penguins have a losing record this season when playing with two days of rest. The extra rest between games helps the team that is trying to come back in the series moreso than the team that is trying to close it out because, believe me, Pittsburgh is so anxious to get that fourth win and hoist the Stanley Cup. The pressure on the Penguins is huge and that is another factor in Sunday's Game 6 because the Sharks were essentially left for dead after they lost Game 4 in San Jose. The Sharks have won 17 of 27 this season (and 35 of 53 the last 3 seasons) when they have two days of rest between games. The Sharks have won 24 of their last 33 games against teams with a winning record. Also, San Jose had won 8 of their last 9 postseason home games before they lost Game 4 here earlier this week. The Sharks make up for that defeat tonight. *10* SAN JOSE

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals +150 in San Jose vs Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - The ice conditions in San Jose were not good in Game 3. They are expected to be better tonight in Game 4. The choppy ice led to some troubles in the passing game and actually changed the way the teams even approached their attacks. They had to go more north-south and it limited the ability for cross ice passes that get the goalie moving and generally do a better job of creating scoring chances. There was a concert just held before Game 3 at the SAP Center in San Jose and having less time to get the ice ready on Saturday certainly ended up being an issue. Even though none of the first three games in this series have eclipsed the five goal mark the odds makers have kept this total at a 5.5 for Game 4. As a result, big plus money is being offered on the over and that is where the value is in my opinion. The over is 40-20 in Penguins games when they are leading in a playoff series. After three or more consecutive unders, the Sharks have gone 3-1 to the over this season. San Jose is also 13-7 to the over this season in home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. Pittsburgh has outshot the Sharks significantly in this series and I look for the Pens to push hard here in Game 4 to keep the pressure on but I also expect the Sharks to build off of Saturday's win and to be ready to push the pace and finally up their game to the speed of the Penguins Monday. *10* OVER in San Jose

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals +137 in San Jose vs Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - The first two games of this series each stayed under the total and yet the odds makers still have kept the total up at 5.5 goals for Game 3. In and of itself, the way the odds makers are treating this game should tell you something right there. Why haven't they dropped the total to an even 5 goals? Because they've seen the same thing we have. The first game of this series was tied at 2 after 2 periods but managed to stayed under. The second game of this series featured plenty of big saves and some shots were saved by iron as well. The game easily could have played out much different than it did as stellar goaltending from San Jose's Martin Jones kept them in the game. The Sharks again are hoping that Jones can play well but the fact is that San Jose knows they need to skate much better and really open things up for opportunities in the offensive zone. The Sharks will take more risks on their home ice, they also get the benefit of the second change, and I expect San Jose to push the tempo and skate with a purpose after "shuffling around" far too often on the ice so far in this series. A big key for me here is that when the Sharks have snapped a losing streak of two games or more (which they certainly should do here even though my only recommended play is the over), San Jose has gone 6-2-1 to the over. That trend tightens to a perfect 4-0 when the Sharks snapped the losing streak on home ice. The Sharks averaged an incredible 4.6 goals per game in these 9 games. The point is that I look for tonight's game to be a streak-buster for the Sharks. They "pull out all the stops" and fly around for a full sixty minutes and the result, even if they end up falling short on the scoreboard, should be an easy over. The over is 13-6 in Sharks home games with a posted total of 5.5 goals this season. As for the Penguins, when they are leading in a playoff series, the over is 9-3 the past three years and 40-19 long-term! Each of the Pens last 3 road playoff games have gone over the total. The Sharks have averaged 4 goals per game in their last 8 home playoff games and only 1 of those 8 games resulted in an under! *10* OVER 5.5 goals +137 in San Jose

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line +122 @ Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET Wednesday - Whether it was the long layoff or not, the fact is the Sharks were back on their heels early in Game One and ended up digging themselves into a 2-0 hole in the first period. San Jose did respond with a solid second period to tie up the game entering the third and ended up losing the game late with just a couple minutes left when Pittsburgh got the deciding goal. As San Jose coach Peter DeBoer alluded to, the fact his that the Sharks spent too much time standing around and watching and they turned pucks over too often which led to odd-man rushes and breakaways. The point is that it was NOT a good effort overall and San Jose perhaps had too much time off between games. That won't be the case in game two and one of the Sharks players summed it up best when talking to reporters after the game: "We obviously weren't prepared," Sharks center Logan Couture said. "It doesn't take me to say that. You guys saw it yourselves. It was ugly. Tough to explain. We need to be better than that." With that said, I believe you should fully expect that the Sharks WILL be better than that in Game Two after still narrowly missing out on stealing Game One despite not playing well in two of the three periods. The Sharks will rally around that point too and this is a San Jose team that has won 23 of 32 road games this season with a posted total of 5 goals or less. Also, the Sharks have only lost back to back games ONCE since late MARCH! This is a team that has proven they know how to respond off of a loss and I look for tremendous energy from San Jose in game two. The fact that they are on the road again here actually favors them as the Sharks have played so well on the road all season and will be playing with an "us against the world" mentality on Wednesday. The Penguins have lost 7 of 13 games when leading in a playoff series and that has result in a money burning -4.1 net units as they were favored in many of those games just as they are favored again here. Grab the underdog value and look for the best road team in the NHL to come up with their best game of the postseason Wednesday. Goalie Matt Murray has played well for the Penguins but the Sharks know they certainly did not test him in Game 1 the way they NEED to (and are FULLY capable) of testing the young goalie. I'll take goalie Martin Jones and a fired up Sharks team over Murray and the Pens for a BIG play in Game Two Wednesday. *10* SAN JOSE

Rickenbach NHL *10* San Jose Sharks Money Line +137 @ Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET Monday - The Penguins go from facing a Lightning team without their starting goalie (Bishop) and with two hurt star players (Stralman wasn't 100% and Stamkos only played in Game 7), to now taking on a Sharks team that is healthy and is arguably the best road team in hockey. San Jose has their # 1 goalie (Jones) while the Penguins continue to go with their back-up goalie (Murray) as their #1 goalie (Fleury) faltered when called upon in this series. Murray is going to be far more tested by the dangerous (and speedy) Sharks then he was by the injury-impacted Lightning. I like the value of having the road dog in Game One after a bit of a layoff here for each club. San Jose won 2 of their 3 road games against St Louis and Pittsburgh did drop 2 of their 4 home games against the Penguins. With that said, the over-compensation by the markets for home ice really helps in a match-up like this where, also, in Game One there will be a lot of "feeling out" from each of the teams early on. In other words, the fact that the Penguins have the last line change (because of playing on home ice) may not matter quite as much in a Game One setting because the coaches don't even know yet what the best match-ups will necessarily be! These teams rarely see each other since the play in opposite conferences and that further adds to the value of a road dog that has the element of surprise coming into Game One of this series. It is my belief that the Penguins weren't fully tested in the Eastern Conference finals (even though it went 7 games) because the Lightning were well short of being at 100%. Now the Pens face a healthy Sharks team that many thought would not get out of the first round of these playoffs (dominated a tough Kings team) and then whom many thought would falter against the powerful Blues who had the home ice edge in that series. The Sharks are "the real deal" and they show that by notching the upset win in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals. *10* SAN JOSE

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line +140 @ San Jose @ 9:05 ET - A lot of line value being offered here to a Blues team that will respond to the goalie change back to Brian Elliott as well as the fact they are now in a elimination setting. In the Blues last 9 playoff games, the road team has been victorious in 7 of the contests! 5 of those 7 road wins have been by a margin of 3 goals or more so it's not like all those games have been squeakers either. With that said, there is simply tremendous line value here as we can grab the Blues off of a loss and making a goalie change back to the guy who got them here (Elliott). With both these teams having such a long of history of playoff struggles (neither has won the Stanley Cup and the Sharks have never even made it to the Stanley Cup Finals) the pressure is often felt even moreso by the home team than the road team. The Sharks want so badly "to do this" for their fans and for their organization and feel the pressure of having never been the Western Conference representative. Right now, St Louis still stands in their way. The Sharks have lost 17 of 30 home games this season that had a posted total of 5 goals or less. The Blues won 29 of 45 road games this season that had a posted total of 5 goals or less. St Louis has also won 15 of 23 games this season when off of a loss by a margin of two goals or more. Look for the dominance of the road team in St Louis games to continue and look for the Blues to improve to 3-0 this postseason when trailing in a playoff series as they force a Game 7 by winning Wednedsay night. *10* ST LOUIS

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line +115 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - I rode the Blues to victory in Game Four of this series as they bounced back from back to back shutout losses in this series. Now it is the Sharks turn to bounce back after getting absolutely throttled on Saturday. St Louis simply hit the ice with a full head of steam in Game Four and the Sharks got down big very early in that game and then couldn't recover. It would not surprise me if the same thing happened Monday in Game Five but this time the Sharks will be on the right side of the blowout. The Blues are dealing with a few injury issues that raise some concerns for Monday's game. San Jose will take advantage and the Sharks have been "road warriors" all season long including winning 22 of 31 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. Additionally, San Jose has won 20 of their last 26 games overall against teams with a winning record. When playing with home loss revenge the Sharks have won 16 of 24 this season. When tied in a playoff series, San Jose is a perfect 3-0 so far this post-season. Additionally, the Sharks have won 15 of 23 games this season when off of a loss by a margin of 2 two goals or more. In St Louis' postseason action, the road team has won 6 of the last 8 games. The Blues have a losing record overall at home in this postseason and they also have lost 3 of their last 4 home games heading into this one. Value with the road dog once again. *10* SAN JOSE

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5 goals -135 in Pittsburgh vs Tampa Bay @ 8:05 ET - What did the Lightning learn in Game 4? That they can certainly jump out to a big lead and get plenty of nice scoring chances by being more aggressive and getting pucks on net to set up deflections for second chance opportunities, etc. What was the other key takeaway for Tampa Bay from Game 4? That NO LEAD is safe. The Lightning were up 4-0 entering the 3rd period and very nearly blew the entire lead before hanging on for the 4-3 win. The Daley injury certainly is a concern for the Penguins and it weakens their defense corps. No matter who is in goal for the Pens there could be some issues here. Will Fleury truly be on top of his game for a full 60 minutes if he gets the call? Also, if it is Murray, the Lightning have exposed him for some weakness in his side to side movement and it is more than just the lateral moves that have been an issue for him. Murray also tends to get too low too fast and that opens up top shelf opportunities for the talented Lightning forwards. I am writing this early Saturday morning so no decision has been announced yet for the Sunday evening goalie for the Pens but I suspect it will be Fleury and he will be tested in going a full 60 minutes in this game and, keep in mind, he also does not have the best of playoff histories as you can see from his stats! The Lightning are going to struggle to stop the Penguins high-octane offense in Pittsburgh in Game 5 but Tampa Bay can absolutely score right along with them. That turns this into a high-scoring shootout. No lead is safe, no team will feel comfortable staying back on their heels in this one. It should be end to end action with plenty of scoring opportunities as the goalie situation is uncertain for each team with Vasilevskiy also looking a bit "rattled" as the Pens were peppering him with shots (including 3 goals) in the 3rd period of Game 4 where Tampa barely held on for the key Game 5 victory. These teams are 10-2-1 to the over in their last 13 meetings. So much skill and talent for the forwards in these match-ups. As for the Penguins, in home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less, they have had just 6 unders in 34 such situations this season! Look for the over to go to 3-0 this season in games where Tampa Bay is tied in a series. We have to lay some juice on this over but this situation is simply too strong to not raise this selection to my highest level. *10* OVER in Pittsburgh

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line +133 vs Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET Friday - The Lightning have been outplayed so far in this series. There is no doubt about that. However, when you look closely at what's transpired so far it makes sense that Tampa Bay bounces back here after a battle with "complacency" in Game 3 of this series. What happened is that that Tampa certainly took advantage of catching the Penguins "flat footed" in Game One of this series and they jumped ahead for the series lead. Then, even though they lost Game Two of this series, the Lightning very nearly won it. It was decided in overtime. After that game, the attitude of Tampa Bay was that they were heading back home for Game 3 and they had earned the split in Pittsburgh. It was almost a "satisfactory" feeling and then "complacency" setting in because they now had Game 3 at home, they very nearly had a 2-0 series lead, etc. What transpired next is that, other than the first 7 minutes of the game against the Penguins Wednesday, the Lightning got absolutely drilled in Game 3. The problem is not the goalie either. Though Bishop has been out, Andrei Vasilevskiy has done a fantastic job filling in and game two was scoreless (despite TB being outplayed) until finally the Pens got on the board with 10 seconds to go in the second period. That was a huge momentum swing and the Lightning could not recover in what ended up being an ugly third period. What I see happening now in Game 4 is Tampa Bay playing their best game of the entire postseason. The Lightning know how they can play when they play "the right way" like they did in the Game One victory. They also know they can't afford to go to Pittsburgh down 3 games to 1 in this series. I look for the Lighting to play their "Game of the Year" Friday and that is why this is my Eastern Conf "Game of the Year" as well. Tampa hadn't lost 2 straight games since early April and they have won 47 of 72 (+17.4 net) when off a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Penguins have lost 54 of 99 (-32.6 net) after scoring 4 goals or more. *10* TAMPA BAY 

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line +120 vs Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - Tremendous line value for the home dog in this one. Yes, Pittsburgh outplayed the Lightning in Game Two but the Pens still had to go to overtime and very easily could have ended up being down 2 games to none in this series. This line, in my opinion, has a lot to do with the absence of #1 goalie Ben Bishop for Tampa Bay. I will take advantage of this "free value" because honestly, has everyone forgotten that Matt Murray is still in net for the Penguins? He's earned his spot but who is to say that he is playing better than Andrei Vasilevskiy right now? Vasilevskiy has turned aside 71 of the 75 shots he's faced in this post-season! Murray (now staying in goal even with Marc-Andre Fleury healthier) hasn't faced the barrage of shots yet in this series that he's about to face tonight. The Lightning were outshot by a combined 76 to 41 margin in Pittsburgh but a lot of that had to do with key factors. Tampa Bay jumped on the Penguins in game one so they then took their foot off the gas and just focused on protecting the lead and playing defensive-minded hockey. Then in Game Two, of course the Pens came out fired up and outshot the Lightning by a big margin. That was no surprise as Pittsburgh had just lost on home ice and need to respond. Now the roles are reversed. The Lightning have lost just one game in each playoff series thusfar. In fact, they entered Monday's game on a 5-game winning streak. That said, coming off of a loss and having been outplayed in Game 2 in Pittsburgh, the Lightning are going to pepper Murray with shots. Additionally, let's not forget that Tampa Bay is healthier (other than Bishop) now than what they were earlier in the post-season. Everyone says that OT goal will change everything for Sidney Crosby and the Pens. I say Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and company better be ready tonight because I expect the Lightning to play one of their best games of the entire post-season tonight. The Pens have lost 2 of their last 3 road games. The Lightning have won their last 2 home games by a combined score of 8-1. *10* TAMPA BAY

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line +115 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - The Sharks outshot the Blues by a 32-23 count in Game 1 but lost a tight one 2-1 despite having more scoring chances and better scoring opportunities. Sometimes "puck luck" can definitely be a factor in a game but, rest assured, the Sharks will playing with even more energy and more resolve tonight. San Jose won 2 of the 3 regular season meetings between these clubs and even though they lost Game 1 of this series, the Sharks have now outshot the Blues in four straight games by an average count of 33.5 to 25.5 shots on goal. When you "carry the play" like that it is eventually going to translate to victories on the scoreboard too! San Jose has won 31 of their last 46 games when playing with revenge. Also, the Sharks have won 21 of 30 road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less this season. Additionally, San Jose has won 18 of their last 23 games against teams with a winning record. The Blues don't handle success too well. When they are leading in a playoff series the Blues are 1-5 this spring and have gone 2-7 the past three years combined. The Sharks even this series up and there is excellent line value here with the best road team in the conference again getting plus money on the money line in game two. *10* SAN JOSE

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NHL *10* San Jose Sharks Money Line +120 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - Two great teams match-up here and both are coming off of hard fought 7-game series. A couple of keys here favor the Sharks however. For one thing, both of the Blues first two series went 7 games. The wear and tear (physically and mentally) has to have taken a toll on St Louis at this point. I am also more impressed with who the Sharks have beaten to get to this point. I know the Blackhawks were the defending champs but it is so hard to repeat and they just didn't have that same hunger that they had last year. Then the Stars knocked off a Stars team that had a great regular season but whose goaltending was always a question mark and that proved to be their undoing in the playoffs ultimately. As for the Sharks, they have knocked off a Kings team that many expected to challenge for the Cup this season and they then knocked off a gritty Predators team that had a "playoff style" of play which made Nashville a very tough "out". With all this said, I look for San Jose to steal Game One in St Louis. San Jose was a top road team in the regular season. The Sharks have won 21 of 29 road games with a posted total of 5 goals. San Jose has also won 18 of their last 22 games against teams with a winning record. The Sharks have won 4 of the last 5 meetings with the Blues in St Louis and the road team has taken 6 of the last 9 meetings between these clubs. The home team, of course, continues to have extra "juice" in the line for the home ice "edge" but that simply gives even more line value to a "road warrior" like the Sharks in a spot like this. *10* SAN JOSE

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line +101 @ Dallas @ 8:05 ET - The road team has won 4 of the last 5 games in this series and I look for that trend to continue in Wednesday's winner take all Game 7. Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock is 4-2 in Game Sevens while Stars head coach Lindy Ruff is 0-3 in Game Sevens. There is more than just a coaching edge here though. The Blues are built better for playoff hockey. They gutted out a series win over the mighty Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs and they did it with their strength and grittiness. Yes, the Stars have great speed and skill but they won't see the open ice they saw in Game 6 in my opinion. This is a "gut check" game and the type of game where the team that can grind a little better, be stronger along the boards and win the puck possession battles is likely to ultimately prevail. That team is St Louis and while I credit the Stars Kari Lehtonen for a fantastic performance in Game 6, I also feel that Brian Elliott is going to deliver a bounce back performance for the Blues in Game 7 between the pipes. Admittedly he has been their best player in this post-season and after an early exit in Game 6 look for a huge effort from Elliott in Game 7. If the Blues do decide to go with Jake Allen here between the pipes, it's hard to argue against him either given the performance he gave on Monday as the Blues very nearly came back to win after digging themselves into an early 3-0 hole. The Stars are 0-3 the past three postseasons when they are tied in a playoff series. The Blues are 4-0 this postseason when tied in a playoff series. *10* ST LOUIS

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line +120 @ Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - The Capitals have turned the tide in this series. Not only did they stave off elimination in Game 5, they also cast some self doubt into the Penguins. Give credit to Pens goalie Matt Murray for playing over his head for much of the post-season thusfar but the fact is the Caps are starting to get to him. Undoubtedly Washington has the edge in goal with Braden Holtby between the pipes. They also have the momentum edge now after getting that crucial Game 5 win. The Capitals know that with one more win today they get the luxury of having Game 7 on home ice. That was something they earned as they were the top team in the NHL regular season. Washington's Alex Ovechkin is so hungry for post-season success and a shot at the Stanley Cup and he has already earned more points in this series than Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby combined! The Capitals will get a boost in Game 6 Tuesday with the return of Brooks Orpik as well. His physicality makes him a key contributor for the Caps and they'll be glad to have the defenseman back on the ice tonight. The Capitals, over the past three seasons combined, are 3-1 when trailing in a playoff series. The Penguins are a money-burning 5-6 (-3.6 net units) when they are leading in a playoff series the past three seasons. When playing with two days of rest between games Washington won 8 of 13 games this season while the Penguins won just half of their 22 games and cost backers 2.8 units. In the two games in Pittsburgh so far in these finals, the Capitals outshot the Penguins 49 to 23 in one of them and then lost the other game 3-2 in overtime. It's time for the roadie to take another game in this series and the set up is perfect for the Capitals to do just that as a road dog and force a Game Seven. *10* WASHINGTON

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line +145 @ St Louis @ 8:05 ET - The Stars are still without Tyler Seguin for Game 6 on Monday but there is a chance they will get Patrick Eaves back for this critical game as the winger did travel with the team to St Louis. Speaking of traveling, the road team has won 4 of the last 6 meetings between these teams and that includes 3 of the last 4 games in this series. While I certainly respect the Blues (and did use them again in their Game 5 win) I also feel that the Stars played much better than the 4-1 final score from Saturday would lead you to believe. By the way, Dallas has won 17 of 20 (85%!) this season when they are off of a loss by a multiple goal margin. The Stars are one of the most potent offenses in the league and, not surprisingly, have won 9 of 11 (82%) when off of a game where they were held to 1 goal or less. As strong as the Blues are, they have struggled in this situation in the past. St Louis is 1-4 this season (and 2-6 the past 3 seasons) when leading in a playoff series. They entered this series on a 9-16 run in 2nd round playoff games and I fully expect this series to end up going 7 games and feel great line value is being offered here with Dallas as a big dog. The Stars have outshot the Blues in 4 of the 5 games in this series and while a lot of credit deservedly goes to St Louis for being up 3-2 in this series it also goes without saying that, as Dallas coach Lindy Ruff stated, some "puck luck" has played a role in that. The Stars play their best game of the series with their season on the line and I expect that to result in the upset win at a nice underdog price here. *10* DALLAS

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5 goals -115 in Tampa Bay vs New York Islanders @ 3:05 ET - The Islanders are willing to push the tempo here. They want their d-men to get more involved in the attack and are willing to take risks here even if it means giving the Lightning some possible chances in transition. Why would the Isles be willing to do this? It is because they've lost three straight games (including a couple of OT losses on home ice) in this series after winning the first game 5-3. The Islanders know they can't afford to sit back and try to protect leads because that is precisely what killed them in Games 3 and 4 in this series. Now, down 3 to 1 and facing elimination, look for plenty of aggressive offensive-minded hockey from the Isles in Game 5. They know they need to get John Tavares back on track as the is the catalyst for a lot of their production on offense. The first three games in this series all totaled at least five goals and, in fact, averaged 7.3 goals per game! After the surprisingly low-scoring 2-1 final in Game 4, a wide-open Game 5 with plenty of scoring opportunities for both clubs should be expected in Game 5. The Lightning have averaged 3.2 goals per game in their 5 home games in this post-season. The Islanders have averaged 3.3 goals per game in their last 9 road games dating back to regular season action. The over is 10-5 this season in Islanders road games with a posted total of 5 goals or less. The over is 16-9 in Lightning Sunday games the past 3 seasons combined. *10* OVER in Tampa Bay

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5 goals -120 in Washington vs Pittsburgh @ 7:15 ET - A push is never fun but it still is better than a loss and the key "comfort level" with this pick is the fact that only 1 of the last 8 meetings between these clubs has failed to reach 5 goals. That, of course, was Game 2 of this series which Pittsburgh won 2-1 here in Washington. Now, after both games totaled 5 goals in Pittsburgh, I look for the return to Washington to bring out a huge effort from the Capitals and I look for a final result similar to the 4-3 final in Game 1 of this series right here in DC. The biggest surprise of this series is arguably goalie Matt Murray of the Penguins. However, the Capitals will certainly be doing everything they can to get traffic in front of him and to continue to pepper him with shots in Game 5 tonight. The Caps have registered at least 35 shots on goal in 3 of the 4 games in this series. The Capitals have run out of time in this series and sitting back on their heels has not done them any good in this series. That said, the key here is for Washington to push the pace hard like they did in getting 49 shots on goal in Game 3 of this series. The Penguins can score with anybody in the league and they have no pressure on them here since they have a 3-1 lead in the series and a home game on deck. That said, I look for a high-scoring match-up in this elimination game setting because the Pens won't be afraid to push the pace as well and take some chances. Getting Kris Letang back helps as well as the puck moving defenseman helps jump start some of the offensive chances that the Penguins forwards are so dangerous with when given the opportunity. When leading in a playoff series, Pittsburgh is 7-1 to the over the past three seasons and also 38-17 to the over long-term. The over is 24-14 when the Penguins enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. This season, when the Capitals enter a game on a losing streak of 2 games or more, the next game has totaled at least 5 goals in the 5 of 7 such occurrences. The only time this season that the Caps lost three straight games, they then responded with a huge 5-1 win at St Louis in their next game. I am not necessarily forecasting a Caps win here but, the point is, look for the Capitals to be relentless as they push very hard in the offensive zone to avoid seeing their season coming to an end on Saturday evening. *10* OVER in Washington

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 @ NY Islanders @ 7:05 ET - All the pressure is on the Islanders here after losing Game 3 in overtime. The Isles now trail 2-1 in the series and they know that a home loss puts them in a 3-1 hole heading back to Tampa Bay for Game 5. This is a lot of pressure for a club and goalie (Thomas Greiss) that is not accustomed to playoff success. Keep in mind, the only game that the Islanders won in this series was Game One and that had a lot to do with catching the Lightning off of a long layoff between series as Tampa Bay had made quick work of the Red Wings in the first round. That said, the Lightning are truly starting to "impose their will" in this series and they have the better (and more playoff seasoned) goaltender with Ben Bishop between the pipes. Tampa Bay is outshooting the Islanders by an average of 9 shots per game so far this in series. The Lightning know they can put a stranglehold on this series with the win tonight and Tampa Bay is 3-1 this postseason when leading in a series. Also, in all 2nd round playoff games, the Lightning have a long-term record of 17-5. For the Islanders, this is their first second round series they have played since they made it to the conference finals 23 years ago! Playoff experience is huge and the Lightning are hungry to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals after losing to the Blackhawks last spring. They continue their "mission" tonight. *10* TAMPA BAY 

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line +100 @ Nashville @ 9:05 ET - Despite outshooting the Predators 27 to 25, the Sharks ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 final in Game Three. They are still up 2-1 in the series. Also, San Jose has won 21 of 27 games this season when they are on the road and the posted total is 5 goals or less. They have been road warriors all season long and I fully expect them to respond tonight. The Predators long-term history in second round playoff games is not good as they have lost 10 of 14. Also, Nashville has lost 15 of 24 games this season when they are off of a win by a multiple goal margin. The Sharks won all 3 of their first-round playoff road games as they dispatched of the favored Kings in the 5 game series even though they split at home. The Sharks this entire season have been beasts on the road compared to at home. So, after a rare road loss, San Jose is going to come out flying tonight. They know they still have the home ice edge no matter what happens tonight but they also know it's time to "impose their will" and avoid allowing the Predators to knot this series at two games apiece. The Preds finally got their special teams going in Game 3 but, prior to that, Nashville's special teams play had been struggling while the Sharks had been playing very well on the power play and on the penalty kill. That said, I look at Game 3 as more of an aberration than anything else. The Sharks have not lost two straight games since late March. The Predators had lost 10 of their last 16 games before getting the key win in Game 3. Give credit to Nashville for notching that big win but the Sharks now answer the call tonight. *10* SAN JOSE

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line +100 @ Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - The suspension of Kris Letang is hugely impacting to this game. The Penguins were already short-handed on defense and Letang is so important in so many aspects of the game. He is so important in fact that the Pens lost 9 of the 11 games that he missed this season! It is a key loss and certainly he deserved the suspension. Look for the Capitals to take advantage as, even with Letang on the ice in game three, the Caps completely outplayed Pittsburgh but they came up on the wrong end of a 3-2 final. The Capitals will push hard again tonight as they know they can still wrestle back the home ice edge and even this series up with the win tonight. Washington outshot the Penguins by a 49-23 margin in game three. Give credit to goalie Matt Murray for "stealing" that win for the Pens but his job will get even tougher tonight with the Penguins defense corps even further decimated by the absence of another key player. The Pens are a money burning -3.8 net units (4-5 record) when leading in a playoff series. The Capitals have won 18 of 28 when playing with revenge and I look for them to improve their 3 year mark to 3-0 when trailing in a playoff series. *10* WASHINGTON

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line +122 @ St Louis @ 9:35 ET - The Stars outshot St Louis by a 76-57 margin down in Dallas but had to settle for a 1-1 split. The Blues played an excellent game in game two but, even then, they sat back on their heels and allowed Dallas to come back. However, give credit to the Stars for continuing to bear down and managing to get the two goals needed to send that game two to overtime. The fact is that had goalie Antti Niemi played the whole game for the Stars they might have gotten the win. If Kari Lehtonen is back between the pipes tonight I do expect him to bounce back. But I also would not be surprised to see Niemi getting the start in St Louis tonight. The fact is that Stars head coach Lindy Ruff has done a good job of managing the goalies so far in the post-season and the goalie change during game two certainly seemed to spark Dallas. Lehtonen bounces back tonight or Niemi makes the most of his opportunity. Either way the Stars should be good between the pipes in this one. The key will be continuing to use their speedy and talented forwards to create excellent scoring chances. Though the Blues got by the Blackhawks in round one, they are facing a much tougher challenge with the higher seeded Stars in this series. Tonight's game three is offering excellent line value to the Stars because they are on the road so we get an underdog price on arguably the top team in the conference. The situation is perfect as Dallas has won 10 of 14 when playing with home loss revenge this season. Also, the Stars have won 16 of 22 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Blues playoff struggles are well documented and though they are 2-0 in this post-season when tied in a playoff series, they came into this post-season having lost 12 of their last 18 in playoff games when the series was tied up. Knotted at 1 game apiece here look for the Stars to wrestle back the home ice edge by notching the road win tonight. *10* DALLAS

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5 goals -110 in Pittsburgh vs Washington @ 8:05 ET - Two defensemen are out for this game as the Capitals Brooks Orpik put a nasty hit (truly a dirty play) on the Penguins Olli Maatta and now Orpik has been suspended for 3 games and Maatta is out with concussion concerns. This, of course, effects the depth of each team in terms of defensemen. Additionally, Pens goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is still unlikely to play due to concussion issues. I am looking for the Capitals to respond tonight as they are pushing hard to earn back home ice after the Game 2 loss in Washington. The Caps will look to test Pens goalie Matt Murray early and often in this one. However, just as the Penguins did in Washington (40 shots on goal per game), I look for Pittsburgh to also put plenty of pressure on Braden Holtby. The Pens will be fired up in what will be an electric atmosphere on home ice for the Penguins in Game 3. 8 of Pittsburgh's last 9 home games have gone over the total. The Capitals have gone over in 7 of their last 12 road games. The under in game two was the first time in the last 6 meetings between these teams that they did not tally at least 5 goals. Washington has played 14 games this season with home loss revenge and only 4 of those 14 games stayed under the total. In home games with a posted total of 5 goals or less, the Penguins have gone 17-5 to the over this season! Look for Sidney Crosby to get on track in this series now that the Pens are on home ice while Evgeni Malkin and Company continue their strong start in this series. The result will be a high-scoring affair similar to Game One in this series. *10* OVER in Pittsburgh

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5 goals +105 in San Jose vs Nashville @ 8:05 ET - With the first game only 1-0 Nashville after two periods, many are looking at the under here in game two because of the "crazy" 3rd period that led to a 5-2 San Jose victory that went over the total. However, it wasn't so much "craziness" that caused the game to get over the total. What really happened is that the Sharks had a long layoff after beating the Kings a week prior to this series getting underway. I was one of those who thought the layoff would cause San Jose to lose game one and they wouldn't "rally" until Game Two. However, the Sharks got their skates moving in the third period and you saw what happened. The point is that San Jose likes to be aggressive and likes to play fast. Nashville also has some excellent speed and will be looking to push to even this series up before heading back east. The result for game two should be a highly entertaining game with plenty of goals. Home teams do their best to control the tempo of a game and the Sharks are already talking about how they need to get off to a quick start in this game and push hard early and often. The Predators should be there to match them stride for stride and the pace of this game is going to be perfect for an over. Though I do like Pekka Rinne in goal, the Predators have given up 3 goals or more in 4 of their last 6 games. The Sharks have scored 14 goals in their past 3 games. The over is 24-16 when San Jose enters a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. The over is 15-9 when Nashville is off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. *10* OVER 5 in San Jose

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line +105 @ Washington @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins lost in OT at Washington in Game One and I expect a big response in Game 2. Of course this is a tightly contested battle involving two solid hockey clubs. It truly is a battle that the entire hockey world was looking forward to. Crosby and the Pens against Ovechkin and the Caps. We must pick our spots to find value on the side in this series and that's why I went with the over in Game 1 which certainly ended up being the best play to have in Game 1 as no one enjoys sweating out side plays that are decided in OT. One of the keys to this play today is that Pittsburgh has been playing so well that they have not lost back to back games in 3 and 1/2 months! That's right...all the way back in mid-January was the last time the Penguins lost back to back games. The Capitals are off of back to back wins and only ONCE in the past 2+ months have the Caps managed 3 straight wins. That was when they won the first 3 games of their series with the Flyers. Prior to that, the Caps hadn't won three straight games since February! The Pens have won 12 of 16 this season when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Even with the Capitals win in Game one, Washington is only 50/50 in their last 22 games against teams with a winning record. The Pens are very hungry and even this series up. The outshot the Caps 45 to 35 in Game One. *10* PITTSBURGH Money Line

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5 in Dallas vs St Louis @ 8:05 ET - Each of the Blues last 6 games totaled at least 5 goals. The last under that St Louis had was a surprising 1-0 game to open up their first round series with Chicago. The Blues now take on a Stars team that knows that the best way for them to take care of business against St Louis is to push the pace. Dallas is one of the highest scoring teams in the league but they certainly have some concerns between the pipes. That's why the Stars can't rely on their netminders by getting into tight, low-scoring games. Dallas has allowed 4 goals or more in 3 of their last 4 games. They have not recorded an under in any of those 4 games as the Stars offense also has been red hot with 3.5 goals per game so far in the post-season. The last time Dallas met the Blues it resulted in a 5-4 game. I expect at least a 4-3 type game tonight. The over is 15-5 in Stars games this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. As for the Blues, in 12 games in the month of April they have had just 2 unders! Though playoff hockey has a tendency to be tight and low-scoring, I feel St Louis comes into this one a little fatigued on defense after chasing the powerful Blackhawks for 7 games. The Stars feel the same way and will push the tempo as a result as they look to "test" the Blues early in this series. This will allow for good scoring chances for Dallas but also should lead to good opportunities for the Blues going the other way with some potential odd man rushes in this one. The result should be a back-and-forth high-scoring affair to open up this series. *10* OVER 5 in Dallas

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play OVER 5 in Washington vs Pittsburgh @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins win with offense. No one can question that. With that being said, they'll want to push the pace here in Game One and test Braden Holtby early and often. Yes Holtby was great against the Flyers but Philly barely squeaked into the playoffs. Shutting down the Penguins is a whole other matter entirely. In fact, Holtby has struggled in recent meetings with Pittsburgh and, overall, each of the last four meetings between these clubs totaled at least five goals. Holtby has allowed 3 goals per game in his last 4 home games against the Penguins. Overall against Pittsburgh, the Washington netminder has given up 9 goals in their 2 most recent meetings. The key to the over here is that Marc-Andre Fleury is still out for the Penguins and the Capitals will undoubtedly want to test Matt Murray with plenty of pucks on net tonight. Murray was solid against the Rangers but, there again, the Rangers offense is nothing like what the Capitals offense is capable of producing. The Caps got a bit bottled up against the Flyers style of play and, even so, they still generated 44 shots against Michal Neurvirth in Game 6 before settling for a low-scoring win in Game 7. Perhaps no goalie in the league is playing as well as Neurvirth was against the Caps and, with that said, things are likely to open up for Washington to enjoy a big night on offense against Murray. The Capitals come into this game off 3 straight unders and they are 6-3-1 to the over in this situation this season. The Penguins continue to roll four lines extremely well and they are on a 6-2-1 run to the over heading into this series. Only 15 of Pittsburgh's last 50 games have totaled less than 5 goals. Look for both defenses to have trouble adjusting tonight as they "shift gears" from the type of opponents they faced in the first round to much different opposition in the second round. *10* OVER 5 in Washington

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line +155 @ Anaheim @ 10:05 ET - The Ducks have done it again. They've failed to avoid the situation that haunts them as they now have a Game 7 situation against a team they were supposed to get past rather handily in the first round. Not only have the Ducks been outworked and outplayed through much of this series, they also have the added pressure of having Game 7 on home ice and knowing that they've lost in this same situation for three straight post-season appearances! That's right it's been a Game 7 on home ice that has eliminated the Ducks each of the past three seasons. This is a huge mental burden to bear and the coach's burden is also there. Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau is 1-6 in Game 7's in his coaching career. Predators coach Peter Laviolette has a 4-1 career record in Game Sevens. The Ducks won Game 5 in Anaheim but they lost the first two games of this series here and, overall, had lost 4 of their past 5 home games dating back to the regular season. The late season slump, the history of post-season failures, and the overall struggles to dominate in this series like they should...it has all caught up with the Ducks here. This means we are getting great line value with the Predators as a sizable dog especially when you consider how well Pekka Rinne is playing between the pipes right now. *10* NASHVILLE Money Line

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Chicago Blackhawks Money Line -105 @ St Louis @ 8:35 ET - All the pressure is on the Blues here. Yes, it's a classic Game 7 so both teams should be feeling the pressure. However, the Blackhawks have plenty of experience in this situation. As for the Blues, their post-season experiences have been defined by failures to close out teams. I feel strongly that St Louis already blew their shot to eradicate those post-season demons when they blew a huge 3-1 lead after one period in Chicago on Saturday. The Blues know they let a great chance get away and now they have all those questions in their own mind about when they're going to finally be able to "seal the deal" with post-season success. The added pressure for the Blues is having this Game 7 on home ice. Note that home ice hasn't meant a lot in this series as the road team won 4 straight games from Game 2 to Game 5. The Blues are 1-3 the past three seasons and 7-12 long-term when they are tied in a playoff series. The Blackhawks are 11-7 overall in first round playoff games the past three seasons while St Louis is 7-11 in the same span. With the return of Duncan Keith after that Game 1 loss the Hawks have been the better team in this series. They have the experience edge tonight and don't have the same "self-doubt" going in their minds like the Blues do. That raises this play (with favorable odds available because Blackhawks are on the road) to my highest rating. *10* CHICAGO

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line -125 @ Minnesota @ 3:05 ET - The Stars are fired up after the way they lost Game 5 on home ice and they want to close this series out in Game 6 and not risk an "anything can happen" Game 7. Why should there be confidence that they can do that? For one thing the Stars have not lost two straight games since mid-March. For another thing, the Wild have not won two straight games since the end of March. In fact, before their win in Game 5, Minnesota had lost 8 of their last 9 games! In those 8 losses Minny averaged 1 goal per game! That's not going to get it done against the Stars and, after Antti Niemi struggled in Game 5, I would not be surprised to see Dallas go back to Kari Lehtonen who had played so well early in this series. Look for the Stars to tighten up the defense again and shut down the Wild. As for the Dallas offense, they are among the top teams in the league and the Wild have struggled to slow them down throughout this series. Even in the loss in Game 5, the Stars totally outplayed the Wild and Dallas has scored an average of 3.2 goals per game in this series. Minnesota has lost 12 of 21 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. Dallas has won 14 of 20 when off of a game where they allowed 4 goals or more. The Stars also won 8 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge and they are a bargain at this small price on the road. *10* DALLAS

Rickenbach NHL *10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line +130 @ Anaheim @ 6:05 ET - The road teams continued their dominance in the post-season last night as ALL FOUR road teams won. This series has been leading the way in road dominance as the away team has taken all four games. With the series tied at 2 and with the Ducks now back on home ice, many will be looking to back Anaheim. However, I see no reason for this trend to stop. The pressure is truly now back on the Ducks. They know that if they lose this game they will be just a game away from elimination and heading back to Nashville for Game 6. That puts a lot of pressure on a team because, in Anaheim's mind, they are at home and they are expected to win and must win to retain the home ice edge in this series. As for the Predators, they come into this game with a chip on their shoulders after what happened in Nashville, but they also come in very confident and ready to put that frustration to positive energy because they won the first two games at the Honda Center to take a 2-0 lead in this series. The Preds know they can win here and they are confident they will get back on track. It's not like the Ducks totally dominated the Predators in Nashville. Despite the final scores looking a little ugly note that it was Nashville who actually outshot the Ducks by a dozen shots combined in the two games. The Preds have now outshot Anaheim in three of the four games and I look for a big game from Pekka Rinne between the pipes. The Preds have won 10 of his last 14 road starts! For Anaheim, though Frederik Anderson has played well since the Ducks made the goalie switch, this will be his first home start since March 18th. The pressure is intense in a situation like this for the netminder. The Predators are 34-24 (+$9,200) the past three seasons when they are off of a game where they were held to one goal or less. They respond in a huge way here. *10* NASHVILLE Money Line +130