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NHL Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in St Louis Blues vs Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are off a tight 3-2 OT loss to the Avalanche yesterday. Binnington started in goal which means St Louis will likely go with Greiss here in the 2nd game of a B2B. He has allowed at least 4 goals in each of his last 5 starts and, on the season, has allowed an average of 4 goals per start. Greiss and the Blues have struggled to stop the opposition and it is a big reason they have struggled with losing streaks this season. The Predators will take advantage but, at the same time, I do expect the Blues to score plenty here. Nashville will likely outscore them so the thinking here is a 5-4 game likely but at least a 4-3 in my opinion and so we have value with the over 6.5 goals in this one. St Louis, prior to yesterday, has seen 11 of last 13 games total at least 7 goals! The Predators trend toward lower scoring games than the Blues but the Preds road games have trended higher scoring and you know they want push the pace here against a possibly tired St Louis team in the 2nd game of a B2B. The Predators are allowing 4 goals per game on the road this season! You can see why I am expecting that this one could possibly get to 4-4 at some point as Blues are allowing 4 goals per game on the season! A true wild barn-burner has distinct possibility here. 10* OVER 6.5 in St Louis

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings @ 6:05 ET - The Kings are off a 4-2 win at Montreal but, prior to that, allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 8 games. Los Angeles has shown the ability to score well too with an average of 4 goals scored last 9 games. I look for a non-conference barn-burner here with plenty of scoring as the Kings off a game that did not go over the total and the same holds true with Blue Jackets game totaling only 4 goals as they are off a 3-1 win over Flames. That is helping keep this total off the radar of most but I feel the recent trending of both of these clubs for high-scoring games will resume here. The Blue Jackets are allowing an average of 4 goals per game this season. Columbus has also been scoring better of late though too. The Jackets have averaged a respectable 3 goals per game last 14 games and I am looking for at least a 4-3 final in this game. When Columbus is off a win they have allowed an average of 4.5 goals in their next game. When Los Angeles is off a win the Kings have given up an average of 4 goals per game the last 5 times. That said, each team getting to at least 3 goals here is not a big ask given the situation. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Vancouver Canucks vs Minnesota Wild @ 10:05 ET - The Canucks and Wild have both been trending over in a big way. The Wild game barely snuck over the total yesterday courtesy of a late empty netter but one of the keys I like there is that Minnesota scored just two goals. I know the Wild are going to be hungry tonight in the 2nd night of a back to back and I know that the Canucks are going to respond to whatever is thrown at them because they continue to pile up goals too! Vancouver's problem, similar to Minnesota, is they so often struggle to stop the opposition. The Wild have now had 8 straight games total at least 7 goals. The Canucks have allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 17 games! However, Vancouver has won 8 of 11 games now thanks to huge production in the offensive zone. The Canucks have scored an average of 4 goals per game during this hot stretch. 10* OVER 6.5 in Vancouver

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line -135 @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - We get line value here because the Hurricanes are on the road. This is a great value spot because the Islanders just got the upset win over the divisional rival Devils last night in New Jersey. That was a big win for them and Varlamov was in goal. Now it will probably be Sorokin in goal and they have lost each of his last 3 starts by a combined score of 14 to 6. The Hurricanes are off a loss but that was way back on Tuesday and followed 4 straight wins. The Canes are a strong team and rested and hungry to bounce back off a loss. The final key here is Carolina did lose at home to the Islanders 6 to 2. Payback time here for one of the worst losses the Hurricanes have had this season. 10* CAROLINA -135

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Anaheim Ducks vs San Jose Sharks @ 10:07 ET - These teams have met twice this season and both games were high-scoring shootouts that each went to a shootout as well! Anaheim won one 6-5 and the other 5-4. I love the value of getting the over 6 here as we should see plenty of scoring. The Sharks have lost 9 of 11 in part because they have allowed an average of 5 goals per game in those 9 losses. However, they do score well on the road generally speaking and I look for that trend to continue here. San Jose has scored an average of 3.3 goals per game last 10 road games. They will take advantage of facing an Anaheim team that continues to allow a ton of goals. The Ducks have given up 4 goals per game this season! But I do like them to score well here. Anaheim is on home ice and has scored at least 3 goals in 3 of last 4 at home. The Ducks have earned at least a point in 3 of last 5 games but continue to find ways to lose games and have allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game last 4 games. This looks like another wild one between these divisional rivals. 10* OVER 6 in Anaheim

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild @ 9:05 ET - Oilers off huge 8-2 win and, speaking of 8-2, Edmonton's last 10 games have seen 8 of them reach at least the 7 goal mark. The Oilers averaged scoring nearly 5 goals per game in the 6 wins but allowed 3 goals per game on average in those victories. Also, they allowed an average of 4 goals per game the 4 losses. As for Minnesota, just like Edmonton, their games have also trended toward high-scoring no matter who the goalies were. The Wild have allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 6 games. Gustavsson recently came back from upper body injury and allowed 4 goals so Fluery could get the start again but he has been the one allowing many goals of late so both options are concerning. This is particularly true when you consider the Oilers are hell-bent on going on a tear and the 8-2 win over the Coyotes could be a catalyst for a very confident group of attackers that also got Hyman back for that game. The Wild offense has also been dangerous and has averaged scoring 4 goals per game last 7 games but they also play into the teeth of revenge here as they defeated the Oilers 5-3 in Minnesota last week. So payback on order here but the Oilers struggle to stop teams so over absolutely looks solid for this one! 10* OVER 6.5 in Edmonton

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in St Louis Blues vs Winnipeg Jets @ 8 ET - The Blues are expected to start Greiss again here. Though he won most recent start he allowed 4 goals and has now allowed at least 4 goals in each of his last 5 starts and the only one in 6 that he did not allow at least 4 he did allow 3 this season. He is just playing well and now gets a 2nd consecutive start but that is because no Blues netminder has stood out this season. That is why 10 of last 12 Blues games have totaled at least 7 goals. Now I am well aware Winnipeg is a solid defensive team but, matched up with wild and crazy St Louis here I just do not think that will matter. The Blues are out for revenge from a 4-0 loss to the Jets in prior meeting this season and now they get this one on home ice. Hellebuyck is a great goalie but when he does tend to get tripped up is when he is on the road. In fact he has a 3.48 GAA in road games this season. The Jets do enter this game having won 5 of 6 games and they scored an average of 5 goals in those 5 wins. Winnipeg is hot but the Blues are off a 7-4 win and this one should be a barn-burner. 10* OVER 6 in St Louis

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Nashville Predators @ 7:07 ET - The Lightning are expected to go with goalie Brian Elliott for this one. He has a great record this season but constantly is involved in high-scoring games. We get line value here because the Predators are known for lower scoring games and that is helping to hold this total at a 6. The fact is that Elliott has been giving up goals in bunches. As for the Predators, they are off B2B wins and have averaged scoring 3.5 goals in regulation time of their last two games. Look for the Preds to enjoy success firing shots at little-used Elliott as Vasilevskiy gets a break tonight. As for the Lightning scorers, look for a big game as the Preds were allowing 4 goals per game last 9 road games before the 4-1 win in most recent road game. Also, TB is angry off a loss so I am expecting a big bounce back from them here. The Lightning had averaged 3.7 goals per game, not including OT/SO of course, before their 4-2 loss in most recent game. They will bounce back strong here. They are 3-0 last 3 times when off a loss and have averaged scoring 5 goals per game in those wins. But can't back them here with Elliott in goal. That means we should be looking at a solid over here. 10* OVER 6 in Tampa Bay

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:35 ET - Columbus is in the 2nd game of a back to back. Though they were held to 1 goal on that loss at Pittsburgh last night, they had plenty of chances but Penguins goalie Jarry had a big game. That said, the Blue Jackets will push even harder tonight on home ice and given the recent penchant the Sabres have for high-scoring games, I feel we will see plenty of scoring in this one. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to get the start for Buffalo and he has allowed 14 goals in his last 3 starts plus he allowed 4 goals in his only road start this season. He is only 23 years old and has limited NHL experience. So the Blue Jackets should bounce back here but I also look for the Sabres to have a huge game offensively. Buffalo has won 4 of 7 games and a big key has been offensive production as they have scored at least 4 goals in 6 of those 7 games. In fact, in those 6 games they averaged scoring 5.3 goals per game! The Blue Jackets will take advantage of the fact the Sabres have allowed 4.2 goals per game last 5 games. Of course none of these stats include OT or SO. Columbus has not been scoring well of late but facing Buffalo will help in that regard as they will find plenty of home ice and, even with the recent slump, they have averaged 3.1 goals per game last 9 games. Fully expect much more than just this but the point is that each team should get to 3 goals here given the above and that means we are looking at least a 4-3 final. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

10* OVER 6 in New York Islanders vs St Louis Blues @ 7:37 ET - Blues off 6-4 loss to the Rangers last night. So this is a back to back and Binnington has struggled badly in goal and was in the crease last night. That means Greiss is likely to be in net here and he has struggled as well. That is a big reason that St Louis has seen 9 of last 11 games total at least 7 goals. We get this posted total at only 6 goals because the Islanders have more of a lower-scoring reputation but you know St Louis is going to want to respond off last night's ugly loss but will struggle to stop the Islanders. The Isles have won 4 of last 5 home games and have averaged scoring 3.5 goals per game in those 4 wins. I look for them to get to at least 4 goals here given the Blues recent struggles in their own end and we should see, at the very least, a 4-3 final here. 10* OVER 6 in New York Islanders

NHL Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Vancouver Canucks vs Montreal Canadiens @ 10:35 ET - Sometimes the Canadiens do not score a whole lot but remember this is the Canucks we are talking about and that helps matters. Vancouver is constantly getting involved in high-scoring games and the Canadiens also have a goalie issue tonight the way I see it. If they go with Allen he'll struggle as he continues to have a very rough season. If they go with Montembeault, he could struggle too because of the rust factor. He has not played in about 10 days. These teams combined for 7 goals when they met in Montreal and the Habs had 5 of them in the 5-2 win. Canucks out for revenge here but they tend to give up a lot of goals. They are off a 3-2 OT win over Arizona but this is not the Coyotes they are facing tonight! Prior to that win, the Canucks had allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 15 games! 10* OVER 6.5 in Vancouver

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs San Jose Sharks @ 7:05 ET - B2B spot for Sharks and they lost 5-2 at Ottawa last night. Now Aaron Dell will start in goal. He was solid in his first start last week but he had not been great at the AHL level this season and he struggled badly at all levels the past couple seasons. In other words, lets not put too much weight into one start and his overall level of play in recent years suggests he is likely to struggle here at Buffalo. The Sabres have seen 13 of last 17 games total at least 7 goals and the last 3 all totaled at least 9 goals! More of the same here as Sharks have allowed a pile of goals in their losses and they will be in trouble here in 2nd game of B2B against a Sabres team that scores well at home. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs San Jose Sharks @ 7:07 ET - The Senators are in the 2nd game of a B2B and that means it will likely be Forsberg in goal for the Sens. He has not seen action in awhile and could be rusty plus has not played all that well this season. Looking for goals here. Ottawa has allowed at least 4 goals in 10 of last 12 defeats. The Senators had scored an average of 5 goals per victory in their first 7 wins this season before last two were 3-2 OT wins. Considering Forsberg is in goal here, win or lose, we should see plenty of goals in this one as you can see from the above trending in wins and losses. San Jose's has seen last two games trend under but this followed 13 of 15 totaling at least 6 goals and 12 of the 13 totaled at least 7 goals. 10* OVER 6 in Ottawa

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg Jets vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 8:07 ET - The Blue Jackets facing the Jets at the right time to have a big game. But look for Winnipeg to respond. I look for Columbus to get the early jump on the Jets here as Winnipeg off that huge 5-0 win over Colorado. Getting a big win over the defending Stanley Cup Champs could leave them flat here. Columbus will have some early success here but then the Jets will respond and bounce back. That is how I see this one playing out. The result will be plenty of goals. Winnipeg, prior to the 5-0 win, saw their 4 prior games total 7 or more goals. The Jets allowed an average of 4 goals in those 4 games. Winnipeg enters this contest having scored 5 or more goals in 3 straight games. Columbus has surprisingly had 3 straight low-scoring games but this followed 8 of 9 totaling at least 7 goals and I am sure this one will too. 10* OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Vancouver Canucks vs Florida Panthers @ 10:05 ET - The Panthers have seen 8 straight games total at least 7 goals and this is no fluke really as 13 of last 16 Florida games have totaled at least 7 goals. This is the perfect spot for another over because Vancouver is angry off a 5-1 loss and they had been on a high-scoring trend before this ugly defeat at the hands of the Capitals. The Canucks, prior to that one landing on 6, had seen 10 of last 13 games total at least 7 goals. Vancouver had scored an average of 4 goals per game last 6 games. The Panthers are off a 6-2 loss but had scored an average of 4 goals per game in their last 7 games prior to that. So the point is that plenty of goals can be expected here both teams have scored well but also had questionable goaltending and this has been a recurring pattern for each. Also, both teams off losses so we will see a little extra "push" from each side as well. The result should be a back and forth affair. 10* OVER 6.5 in Vancouver

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Chicago Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers @ 9:35 ET - There is reason to believe each team will allow at least 3 goals here and that translates to at least a 4-3 final. Neither team has been getting strong goaltending and I known Blackhawks are mired in a losing skid but, at home, they should be able to score some goals here! Chicago has allowed 5 goals per game last 7 games! Edmonton has seen 9 of last 13 games total at least 7 goals. They have allowed at least 3 goals in 11 of those 13 games. Keep in mind, the Oilers are about a 2 to 1 money line favorite here so a 2-goal win is considered expected here. So look for a 5-3 final is the point I am making. We have good odds on a game like that which means we have even better odds on seeing at least 7 here! 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - The way I see this one playing out is that Vegas is going to be angry off B2B losses and will be aggressive and score plenty of goals. At the same time, Columbus will respond on home ice as they also are off B2B low-scoring losses. Here the Blue Jackets will take advantage of struggling goaltending as Vegas has seen both their goaltenders struggling recently. The Knights have allowed 3.5 goals per game last 12 games. They are favored big here on the road for a reason though. I am looking for at least a 4-3 type game here if not much more. The Jackets had seen 14 of 17 games total at least 7 goals before these last two have been low-scoring. With their game at Nashville cancelled over the weekend, they will be rested and ready plus will need to skate fast to keep up with this angry Vegas team here. Look for a great pace to this game and plenty of goals as a result of all of the above. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks @ 8:05 ET - The Canucks off a big 5-1 win yesterday but now in 2nd game of B2B spot. Martin was in goal last night and has been the better of the two goalies in Vancouver for some time now. Demko is struggling and has had a rough season and likely will get the call here. Canucks will build off scoring 5 goals yesterday and have scored at least 4 goals in 5 straight games but they will struggle to stop the Sharks here. San Jose off a 5-2 loss but had scored 4 or more goals in 4 of last 5 games. 11 of last 14 SJ games have totaled at least 7 goals as they have been scoring well but can not stop anyone either! Reimer and Kahkonen, for the most part, have each struggled badly this season. 10* OVER 6.5 in San Jose

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - These teams meeting for 3rd time in 2 weeks. They do not like each other. We should see some aggressive play. Perhaps extra power plays as a result. Either way I like the over as this is a B2B for both clubs and they each scored 4 goals in yesterday's wins. The Penguins did not allow much in that one but now it will likely be DeSmith in the crease for this one and he was dealing with an upper body injury. Plus he has faced them in each of the last two meetings. Maple Leafs familiar with DeSmith and will take advantage of that here. However, Penguins have scored at least 4 goals in 6 of last 9 games and will be tough on Toronto. Kallgren expected to get the start here and this will be just his 2nd start in 2 weeks. He has not been as successful as Murray (played last night) or Samsonov (still out) so this is a spot likely to lead to plenty of goals. Both teams take advantage of the netminders they are facing and the Leafs have scored at least 4 in 2 of last 3 road games. 10* OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Calgary Flames @ 4:05 ET - I know the Hurricanes are stuck in a losing skid but now they are back home and many of the losses have been in OT. That was a tough Bruins team they faced in Boston and now they are back home and taking on Flames who are also in a B2B. Both teams likely to go to back-up goalies here due to the B2B and I expect both teams to be relentless on the attack. Why? Well the Canes scored 2 goals early yesterday but then nothing the rest of the way and it cost them in the eventual OT loss. As for the Flames they are off a shutout loss. Prior to B2B low-scoring losses, Calgary had won 4 of 5 and averaged 4.5 goals scored in the 4 victories so they know what they need to do here. Also, the Hurricanes will be pushing hard on home ice as they are desperate to get back in the win column. So here you have two desperate teams hungry for goals and the match-up features back-up goalies or the starters playing 2nd game of a B2B in net so either option generally good news for an over. 10* OVER 6 in Carolina

NHL Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets +145 @ Dallas Stars @ 8:35 ET - Rick Bowness is former coach of Dallas and now leading Winnipeg. He and the Jets beat them north of the border recently but earlier this season they met in Dallas and Bowness was out due to covid and the Stars won big. So for Bowness, this is first game back on the bench here in Dallas but on the other side and he and the Jets seeking revenge for the last visit here. I also like the fact Winnipeg is off a 6-1 loss and will be eager to respond here. This season, Jets are 4-0 when off a loss in which they failed to score more than 1 goal. The Stars are off a big comeback win but were just 3-4 in the 7 games leading into that one. They are giving up too many goals at times and went through a stretch where they had allowed 4 or more in 4 of 5 during this period. Jets, last game notwithstanding, have been better in their own end this season and I love the underdog price on them here. 10* WINNIPEG

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs New Jersey Devils @ 8:05 ET - The Devils are off a 2-1 loss in which they had 3 goals overturned on video review. That is virtually unheard of all in the same game for one team and, keep in mind, New Jersey entered that game having won 13 straight games and scoring an average of 4 goals per game in those wins. The Devils will be relentless tonight in terms of goal-scoring after the way that played out with all the overturned goals. At the same time, Buffalo is known for scoring well on home ice and they enter this game having scored at least 6 goals in B2B games, one home and one away. Sabres have scored an average of about 4.5 goals in their 9 wins and allowed about 4.5 goals in their 11 losses. You can see why I am expecting plenty of scoring in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - These teams just met here last week and the game totaled 10 goals. More of the same expected here. Montreal is off a 7-2 home loss to the Sabres yesterday. The Canadiens have allowed at least 4 goals in 4 of last 5. Also, 5 of last 6 Habs games have totaled at least 7 goals. As for the Blue Jackets, 14 of their last 17 games have totaled at least 7 goals. More of the same expected here as Habs in a b2b spot and want to respond after scoring just 2 goals but they have had trouble stopping anyone of late. Columbus allowing average of 5 goals in their 11 losses and Blue Jackets scoring average of 5 goals per game in their 7 wins. Great shot at an over here! 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - I know Binnington has been playing very well for the Blues and he is likely to be in goal for St Louis tonight. However, this is still a tough road venue and Buffalo enters this game with a lot of confidence off last night's 7-2 win at Montreal. The trouble for the Sabres is because this is a back to back and that means, with Eric Comrie out with injury, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is likely to be in goal. He has very little NHL experience and has lost 11 of 14 starts and he gave up 4 goals in his only start this season! The fact he has to face the red hot Blues is a tough draw for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as St Louis has averaged scoring 4 goals per game during their red hot 7-game winning streak. As for the Sabres, Buffalo had allowed about 4 goals per game during the losing streak of 8 games that preceded last night's win Also, prior to the 8-game losing streak, the Sabres had a 3 game winning streak in which the games averaged 9 goals apiece. Last night's win for Buffalo, coincidentally, totaled 9 goals! Look for this one to get at least 7 as Sabres can be tough at home but Blues so red hot right now and should enjoy continued success against the #3 goalie for the Sabres. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NY RANGERS -105 - Even if the Rangers start Halak here he only allowed 2 goals in most recent start. I do expect Shesterkin to start though because this is the front end of a B2B and is the perceived tougher game as it the Kings tonight and the Ducks tomorrow. That said, Shesterkin has been dominant but, again, if Halak goes I still like this play. The Rangers have underachieved a bit so far this season and the Kings have overachieved and the result of this is now line value with New York at a pick'em price against a Los Angeles team that, in my eyes, they have solid edges over. The Rangers have won 4 of last 6 road games and one of the two losses was in OT. The Kings are off B2B losses and have been held to 2 or less goals in 6 of last 10 games. The Rangers have scored an average of 3.7 goals last 6 road games and get the job done again here. 10* NY RANGERS -105

OVER 6.5 in Montreal - Canadiens 7 of 10 home games have totaled at least 7 goals. The Habs last 5 home games have averaged 8.2 goals apiece. Sabres have lost 8 straight games and are hungry to get back on track. Buffalo has allowed about 4 goals per game during the losing streak. Prior to that the Sabres had 3 game winning streak in which the games averaged 9 goals apiece. 3 of last 4 Buffalo road games have totaled at least 7 goals. The first meeting between these teams ended with just 5 goals but featured nearly 80 shots on goal. With both teams giving up a lot of goals recently, all those shots will translate to more goals this time around. 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Vancouver Canucks vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 10:35 ET - Coming into the season my big concern with Vegas was the goaltending. They are a very solid team overall and well-coached now with Cassidy behind the bench. However, they are relying on Hill and Thompson in goal. Both of those guys are unproven in terms of long-term performance. They started the season quite well and still are fully capable of stepping up. Yet they each have been tripped up a bit recently and I look for that to continue here. It is a big part of the reason 6 of the last 8 games involving the Knights have totaled at least 7 goals and I feel positive this one will too. The Canucks have a knack for getting involving in high-scoring games. They got a rare strong goalie performance in most recent game for a 4-1 win but they entered that game on a run in which 7 of 8 games before that had totaled at least 7 goals. The Canucks, for the most part, have not been strong defensively or in goal. Saturday was a rare exception in goal and I don't expect Monday to be an exception with how fast this Vegas team plays and the fact they can create such high-quality scoring chances with their skill and work ethic under Cassidy. This one has the makings of a 4-3 type battle at the very least. I would say strong odds each club gets to at least 3 goals in this one given their recent level of play and considering all the factors noted above. 10* OVER 6.5 in Vancouver

NHL Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Puck Line +1.5 goals -135 @ 7:05 ET - This one is simply all about the home dog line value. The Flyers are such a big home dog here that you can play them on the puck line here at a very reasonable price and I will not hesitate to get involved here. Yes, Philadelphia has been struggling but Calgary has not exactly been setting the world on fire either. This is particularly true in terms of big wins. Note that the Flames have to win by 2 or more goals to beat us here. Calgary has only 2 wins this entire season by more than 1 goal. One of those was the first game of the season too! So if you played +1.5 goals versus the Flames in their last 16 games you have gone 15-1 at the betting window! As for the Flyers, they have lost 11 of 18 games this season but 5 of those 11 losses by just a single goal. So if you played Philly at +1.5 goals in each game this season you have a tidy 12-6 record on the season. At home and off a tough shootout loss where they allowed the tying goal with just 2 seconds left in the game, the Flyers will be giving maximum effort here and they catch Calgary off a shootout win! Great set-up. 10* PHILADELPHIA +1.5 -135

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers @ 6:05 ET - With Merzlikins out and Korpisalo in goal yesterday for the Blue Jackets, it likely means that little-used Tarasov will get the start here. Columbus is a mess right now and can't stop anyone from scoring so this sets up as a very difficult match-up with the Panthers in town. Both teams in a B2B situation so Florida's goalie situation is tough too and they are off a 5-4 OT loss yesterday. As for the Jackets, 13 of their last 16 games have totaled at least 7 goals. With Knight in goal yesterday for Florida, it will likely be Bobrovsky here and he has struggled on the road in most of his starts away from this season. He faces a hungry Blue Jackets team after they got embarrassed by Detroit yesterday. That said, Columbus should get their fair share of goals here but they will not be able to stop the Panthers. Florida has seen 8 of their last 11 games total at least 7 goals. The Panthers can score well but they have issues in their own end of the ice defensively and in goal. 6 of last 8 Florida road games including 3 in a row have totaled at least 7 goals. This looks like another wild one. Tune in if you like to see the lamp lit early and often! 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +120 @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens and Flyers both are struggling but the key here is the goalie edge for the Flyers. It should be Carter Hart in goal for Philly and he has been great this season. As for the Habs, they continue to go with a heavy dose of Jake Allen and he has been struggling with consistently allowing 4 or more goals of late. If they go with Sam Montembeault instead, he had been playing quite well but then struggled in his most recent start and gave up a bushel of goals. With either Habs goalie likely to struggle and the win-starved Flyers (played some tough teams of late) likely to get a strong start from Hart, I love this spot for a road dog winner. 10* PHILADELPHIA +120

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets have seen 12 of last 15 games total at least 7 goals. Columbus can score plenty but struggles to stop anyone. Now here come the Red Wings flying high coming into town as Detroit just won 7-4 at San Jose Thursday! 5 of the Red Wings 8 road games have totaled at 7 goals and 3 of their last 4 games overall have totaled at least 7 games. Given the scheduling situation and the way the Blue Jackets have been trending, look for the Red Wings to score plenty but struggle to contain Columbus as Detroit just coming back from the west coast road trip too. That means we should see plenty of scoring here and yet another Blue Jackets game reaches the 7-goal mark. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Vancouver Canucks vs Los Angeles Kings @ 10:05 ET - This is a fantastic set-up as the Canucks are consistently involved in high-scoring games and they catch the Kings off a huge revenge win. Los Angeles just got a big playoff-revenge victory at Edmonton Wednesday and could be a little flat defensively after that one. Of course even if they give up some goals here at Vancouver, LA should be able to bounce back no problem and respond with big scoring of their own. Why? Because the Canucks are giving up piles of goals this season. Vancouver has allowed an average of 4 goals per game on the season! Also, the Canucks have scored an average of 4 goals per game last 10 games! Overall, 7 of last 8 Vancouver games have totaled at least 7 goals. As for the Kings, they are off a 3-1 win that played out like a playoff-type game because it was a rematch with the Oilers from the 7-game series back in May. However, prior to this, Los Angeles saw their last two games total at least 7 goals. Also, the game at Edmonton was just the 2nd low-scoring road game the Kings have had this season. Their other 8 road games averaged 8.4 goals per game. You can see why I am expecting plenty of scoring in this one Friday night. 10* OVER 6.5 in Vancouver

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in San Jose Sharks vs Detroit Red Wings @ 10:35 ET - Nice set up here with Sharks off the huge upset win over Golden Knights. I feel that sets this one up well for Detroit to get the early jump on San Jose but then the Sharks come roaring back on home ice. The Red Wings are off a 3-2 OT loss at Anaheim but, prior to this, 5 of their first 6 road games this season had totaled at least 6 goals. In fact, those 6 games averaged 7 goals per game! The Sharks last 7 home games all have totaled at least 6 goals! Overall, San Jose is in a high-scoring pattern right now as 9 of last 10 SJ games have totaled at least 6 goals. Those 10 games have averaged 7.6 goals and I am looking for a high-scoring match-up here given the situation and the road trending of the Red Wings and overall trending of the Sharks. 10* OVER 6 in San Jose

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in St Louis Blues vs Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are in the 2nd game of a B2B and won 5-2 last night. They had Jordan Binnington in goal which means he now either plays in a B2B or they turn to struggling back-up Thomas Greiss. Either option should translate to goals here as B2B spots are tough on a goalie and, if it is little-used Greiss, he has allowed 13 goals in 3 starts and could be rusty here too. The Blues still have their offensive production working their favor however as they have won 4 straight games and scored an average of 4 goals per game during this stretch as they are turning things around. Even though Washington has been impacted by injuries, they continue to get involved in higher-scoring games and have not been getting good goaltending. The Capitals last 5 games have averaged 7.4 goals apiece. The Caps scored 5 goals in each of the 2 wins but allowed an average of 5 goals in the 3 losses! Given all of the above and the scheduling situation for the Blues, you can see why I am expecting plenty of scoring in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in St Louis

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings @ 10:05 ET - This is a playoff rematch. Extra intensity means extra power plays here. These two teams do not like each other as that was a great 7-game battle these teams had back in May. The extra power plays here will translate to extra goals as both teams are struggling on the penalty kill this season and Edmonton has been great on the power play. I like the fact that Oilers have had only one low-scoring game on home ice this season (2-0 shutout loss to Blues) but their other 8 home games have averaged 8 goals per game! As for Los Angeles, these have not been the Kings of old that use to be involved in so many low-scoring grinders. Not at all! LA is off a 6-5 road loss at Calgary and their 9 road games this season have averaged totaling 8 goals per game. Given all of the above you can see why I am expecting at least 7 goals and truly a 5-3 or 5-4 type game would not surprise me in the least. 10* OVER 6.5 in Edmonton

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Ottawa Senators vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - Two teams struggling and it is because they are giving up a lot of goals. That sets this one up to be a crazy match-up. The Senators have lost 8 of 9 games and allowed an average of 4 goals in the 8 defeats. Buffalo, whose situation is also complicated in goal because this is a B2B, has allowed nearly 5 goals per game during their 6-game losing streak! Eric Comrie has struggled and is likely to get the call tonight in goal because Craig Anderson started last night. 7 of the Sabres last 9 games have totaled at least 7 goals and these 9 games have averaged 8 goals apiece! 10* OVER 6.5 in Ottawa

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers -102 @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers are a pick'em here against the Blue Jackets in Columbus even though they have lost 3 straight including a 5-2 loss at Columbus during this stretch. You know what that means, right? Do not fall for the trap line! Most might be surprised to see a pick'em here but Hart has been so strong between the pipes for the Flyers this season and should be guarding the cage again after Sandstrom got the start in Philly's most recent game. The Blue Jackets have gone 1-6 in last 7 games and the only win was over the Flyers. Payback time here against a struggling Columbus team. 10* PHILADELPHIA -102

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs Vancouver Canucks @ 7:05 ET - The Canucks seek revenge for a 5-1 home loss to the Sabres last month. However, Vancouver struggles in terms of allowing too many goals. The Canucks should score plenty here but again struggle to stop the opposition and Buffalo fully capable of getting their fair share of goals on home ice especially coming off a rare low-scoring loss. The Sabres off a 3-1 home loss but it was to a Bruins team that has played out as one of the best in the NHL this season. Prior to this, 6 of last 7 Sabres games had totaled at least 7 goals. In fact, Buffalo has allowed 4.1 goals per game last 10 games. However, prior to the loss to Boston, the Sabres had scored an average of 4.4 goals per game last 5 home games. As for the Canucks, they are off a 5-2 loss at Boston and that was the 6th time last 7 games that a Vancouver game has totaled at least 7 goals. Their last 7 games have averaged 8 goals per game and more of the same is expected here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Monday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line -115 @ Ottawa Senators @ 5:35 ET - This is a great spot for a hot Islanders team at a great price because they are on the road. There is always extra value assigned to home ice of course but sometimes this creates the best value on the road team when they are the hot team and that is the case here. Islanders have won 8 of 10 and that includes winning 4 of last 5 away from home. Ottawa is off a win at slumping Philadelphia but had lost 7 straight games before that! Also, the Senators have lost 4 straight on home ice and have allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their last 7 losses. One win does not change everything for the struggling Sens and the Isles are on a mission right now. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS -115

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia Flyers vs Dallas Stars @ 1:05 ET - Given that this is a back to back for the Flyers we probably will not see Carter Hart in goal. Felix Sandstrom has been okay but he is not Hart. He is the back-up for a reason and, in 3 of his 4 starts the game totaled at least 6 goals with two of them reaching the 7-goal mark. The Flyers have had one bad game scoring-wise when he started but they have scored 10 goals in the other 3 games. Off a disappointing loss to Ottawa, the Flyers know they need to score more and they are facing the right team to turn this one into a barn-burner. Each of the last 6 Stars games have totaled at least 6 goals and 5 of the 6 totaled at least 7 goals. In fact, these 6 games have averaged 8 goals per game. Given that this is also a non-conference match-up with less animosity between the clubs, there should be more open ice for each team to skate in and create offense with. I am looking for at least 7 goals here given all the key situational edges in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vancouver Canucks @ 7:05 ET - I lost with the Leafs Over last night as the over 6.5 landed on 6 but as noted in last night's write-up, Toronto has major goaltending concerns right now due to injuries. That said, this B2B spot does them no good in that regard and you know the Canucks are coming in hungry off a loss too. But the problem for Vancouver is they can stop no one. That is why their games have totaled at least 7 goals in 10 of 14 this season including 5 straight! Their last 5 have averaged totaling nearly 9 and I know the Maple Leafs will come out skating strong after last night's loss and look to take advantage of the Canucks weaknesses in and around their own cage. However, I also know that Vancouver is going to have success against Toronto's defense and netminding in the 2nd night of a B2B situation. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +110 vs Ottawa Senators @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers are improved yet they still are not a great hockey club. However, the Senators are not great either. That said, Philly continues to be undervalue and really Ottawa, even though this is a revenge game, is overvalued here. The Flyers are off a loss and will be hungry here. Philly is a perfect 3-0 this season when off a loss in regulation time. Ottawa has lost 7 straight games over this same period time. That means essentially we are testing a 10-0 / 100% SPOT here. 3-0 in favor of Flyers and 7-0 in favor of fading the Sens. Considering that plus the fact we are getting plus money to do it? Yes, I will take it! 10* PHILADELPHIA +110

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - Look for a lot of goals here. Samsonov and, in particular, Murray are getting closer to returning in goal but neither could be trusted in first game back from injury and Kallgren is not use to being a regular starter in the NHL. Current back-up has been Petruzzelli so the Maple Leafs goalie situation has been unusual recently to say the least. Toronto can score well though and 2 of their last 3 home games have totaled at least 7 goals and this one should do. I know Toronto has not been scoring as much this season thus far as past season but look for the Penguins to bring out the best in them here. Pittsburgh is off a 4-1 win but that was against an injury-depleted Washington team. Prior to that the Penguins allowed 4.7 goals per game their last 7 games! Their last 6 road games, prior to the win in DC, had averaged 7 goals. Look for this one to get there too as this match-up features two teams with a lot of scoring firepower but some concerns in goal. Penguins scoring an average of 3.5 goals per game this season but, of course, Maple Leafs favored solidly here for a reason! 10* OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +115 @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is a great spot for the underdog Flyers. They are playing with confidence under head coach Tortorella. Now they face the last time he coached. Tortorella was with Columbus for a number of seasons and had success here before they mutually agreed to part ways. Even though perhaps not necessarily a bitter break-up, you know Torts wants this game badly against his former team. He'll have the Flyers playing with extra fire here tonight as a result and they certainly should be able to take down the Blue Jackets. Hart has been phenomenal in goal for the Flyers this season. If Sandstrom plays, he is coming off a great start in net and has been better than expected early on in the back-up role. While Flyers are 7-3-2 this season, Blue Jackets are an ugly 3-9 on the year. Also, Columbus has lost 5 straight games by a combined score of 28-8 for an average margin of defeat of 4 goals per game! They just lost both games to Colorado by a combined score of 11-4 in the two match-ups in Finland. Yes, making this situation even worse for Columbus is they were over in Europe this past weekend. Tough spot for Blue Jackets and Flyers roll continues. 10* PHILADELPHIA +115

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres are welcoming back Jack Eichel to Buffalo for this one. The Sabres had that big trade with Vegas not too long ago and he finally played his first game back here as a member of the Golden Knights last season and Buffalo got the better of it 3-1. The atmosphere was great for that one and should be great for this one too. However, look for a lot more goals this time around. I really expect another huge effort from the Sabres here as there is a special animosity in this match-up that creates a lot of energy since that huge trade happened. This time that energy is going to result in a lot of goals because Sabres are hungry to snap their recent losing skid but the Golden Knights are red hot and scoring a lot of goals. So look for this game to play at a fast pace. Note that Vegas has won 8 straight games and scored an average of 3.5 goals in regulation time of those 8 wins. The Golden Knights have allowed 3.7 goals last 3 games though! Buffalo is off an ugly 4-1 home loss but had scored an average of 4.3 goals in regulation time of first 6 games and will bounce back here. The Sabres have allowed 4 goals per game last 8 games however. That is why I am looking for a crazy game here. Neither team has been stopping the opposition of late but both have plenty of firepower and Vegas is such a fast team but you know the Sabres are going to bring the ultimate level of energy here on home ice for this one too. I am expecting a 5-4 type game but certainly we should at least get this one to 4-3 or 7 goals at a minimum. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Vancouver Canucks @ 7:35 ET - I know the Canadiens are known for lower-scoring games but this is a back-to-back for both teams and the Canucks are having a wild start to this season. Vancouver is off a crazy 6-4 win yesterday and their 4 wins have seen the Canucks themselves (!) average 6 goals scored per victory! The trouble is that Vancouver has 9 losses this season and those have seen the Canucks allow 4 goals per game on average in regulation time. That is why I am fully expecting at least a 4-3 final here. Vancouver has seen 6 of their 7 road games total at least 7 goals and that includes 5 in a row! Look for this roadie to make it 6 STRAIGHT! Montreal is off a key 3-2 shootout win at Detroit (divisional foe and original six rival!) last night. Back to back spot for both teams and the Canadiens have seen 4 of their 6 home games total at least 7 goals so they do tend to score more at home. More of the same here as that Canucks road game streak adds to 5-0 over run. 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line +100 @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Florida is happy to be home but they are off a long road trip out west. Those often create tough situations in the first game back and that is the case here because the Panthers are catching the Hurricanes off a loss. Carolina had won 4 in a row before the loss and also is 2-0 this season when off a loss in which they scored 2 or less goals. Off the 3-1 defeat, the Canes back bounce back here. The Panthers are off a win but Florida is 0-5 the last 5 times they were off a victory. So with playing against that by going with the Canes here, we are backing a 5-0 situation that I fully expect to go to 6-0. Hurricanes off loss, Florida off long road trip across the country. Great spot. 10* CAROLINA +100

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +115 vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - Statistically if you look at the Flyers you have concerns but if you watch them on the ice and, in particular red hot goalie Carter Hart, those concerns become tempered. The fact is that Philly is exceeding expectations early this season even as they battle through to some injury issues. The markets have yet to catch up with this. The Blues are favored here despite being in the 2nd game of a B2B and on a 7-game losing streak. St Louis is likely to have Thomas Greiss in goal for this one since it is a B2B. The Blues are 0-2 in his two starts and lost the games by a combined score of 10 to 2. In fact, in this 7 game losing streak St Louis has been outscored 33 to 11 and lost each game by at least a 2 goal margin and the average margin of defeat has been 3 goals. The Flyers have some issues but they hold the scheduling edge here and home ice edge and Hart has not lost in regulation time yet this season! 6 wins, 2 OT losses, 0 regulation losses. I expect him to start here based on the scheduling situation here but no matter the goalie match-up in this one I would ride with Flyers as this is not the right time or place for Blues losing streak to end. 10* PHILADELPHIA +115

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in New Jersey Devils vs Calgary Flames @ 7:05 ET - New Jersey has been off since the beat the Flames in Calgary with an OT winner in a 4-3 final over the weekend. What I liked about that over is what 3-1 after just one period of play. Also the teams were a combined 0 for 6 on the power play until the OT winner for the Devils was on a power play. So what that means is these goals were coming 5 on 5 and I look for more of the same here. The Flames are off yet another OT loss last night as they fell short by the same 4-3 count in OT at New York against the Islanders. Calgary has now lost 5 straight and since this is a back to back it will likely be Vladar between the pipes. It would be his 4th game and in the first 3 he has a 3.82 GAA and an .865 save percentage. Whoever is in goal for the Flames here is will likely be in trouble as Calgary has allowed 3 goals per game this season. The good news for Flames fans is they are also scoring 3 goals per game on the season and none of these stats include OT. I am looking for each team to again get to at least 3 here because the Devils are on a 9-1 run last 10 games. New Jersey has scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 9 wins! In their 3 losses this season the Devils have allowed 5.3 goals per game. Given the situation and the revenge factor for Flames but NJ so strong lately and confident, we are going to see a lot of goals here. 10* OVER 6.5 in New Jersey

Monday NHL Top Play 10* OVER 6.5 in Washington Capitals vs Edmonton Oilers @ 8:05 ET - The Capitals have trended toward lower scoring games but the Oilers are going to force the issue here. Edmonton plays high-scoring games as they are so strong in the offensive zone but struggle defensively and in goal. This one shapes up to see plenty of goals as the Oilers have had only one low-scoring game all season - a 2-0 loss to the Blues. Edmonton is 7-4 in their other 11 games. The Oilers averaged scoring 5 goals in those 7 wins but allowed an average of 4.5 goals in the 4 losses. Look for a 4-3 or even 5-4 type game here given the above. The Caps last 2 home games have been 3-2 finals but, prior to this, 3 of their first 4 home games totaled 7 or more goals and averaged 8 goals apiece. 10* OVER 6.5 in Washington 

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 5:05 ET - The Leafs hung on for a divisional win by a 2-1 count over Boston yesterday. They lost goalie Samsonov to injury in that game plus Murray is still out with injury. That means it is their #3 option Kallgren who gets the start here in the 2nd game of a B2B and he did play yesterday too. Toronto had to use Kallgren yesterday because they lost Samsonov to injury during the game. The Hurricanes are one of the top teams in the NHL so they will show the Leafs no mercy here and I expect the Canes to be relentless on the attack here as a result. However, I do respect the Maple Leafs potent offense and that is why I love the over in this game. Looking for both teams to enjoy plenty of success in the offensive zone. The Hurricanes are 8-2-1 this season but have allowed 3.4 goals per game last 8 games in regulation time. The Leafs have averaged scoring 3 goals per game last 5 games. I am looking for this game to get to 3-3 and that guarantees us at least a 4-3 final. 10* OVER 6.5 in Carolina

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +160 @ Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - Carter Hart should be back in goal for the Flyers in this one after getting a breather with Felix Sandstrom getting the last start. Note that the Flyers have yet to lose in regulation with Hart in goal. He has been fantastic this season and yet Ottawa is priced very high here. This is huge underdog value on Philly in my opinion. Yes, Cam Talbot is making his first start for the Senators after coming on in relief in the loss to the Golden Knights. However, coming on in relief in a game in which your team already allowed 5 goals is different than the situation here. The Sens are priced very high because the Flyers are still seen as one of the worst teams in the league. This is incredible line value here because Philly has been very competitive this season. They are on a 3-game losing streak but 2 of the losses were in OT and then the 3rd one at Toronto that was a 5-2 loss saw them down just 3-2 with under 8 minutes to go. Also, Hart did not play in that game. The Senators have lost 4 straight games by the way and none of those were in OT and they continue to allow too many goals. Is Talbot coming back from his rib injury going to fix all that? I don't think so either! And right now Flyers (when Hart is in goal) have been a lot better than the Senators this season in terms of goals allowed. Phenomenal underdog value here and I will not pass up on it. 10* PHILADELPHIA +160

NHL Friday 10* Top Play Buffalo Sabres Puck Line +1.5 goals -140 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - This is an excellent situational spot that favors the road dog. I was really tempted to take Buffalo at big plus money on the money line but we'll go the safer route in case Carolina claws their way back to win this game late or in OT or SO and it ends up being a one-goal game. The key here is that the Sabres should get the jump on the Hurricanes off a huge win at Tampa Bay last night. Carolina got the tying goal in the 3rd period and then won the game in the shootout. Beating Vasilevskiy and the Lightning in Tampa is a big deal and I could see the Canes being flat here for this one and they are in the 2nd day of a B2B. By the way Carolina at -1.5 goals on the puck line would be 0-7 last 7 games as they have 4 wins by 1 goal (and only one of those wins was in regulation!) and they have 3 losses in this stretch. As for the Sabres at +1.5 goals on the season they would be 9-1 (90%) as they are 7-3 on the season and only 1 of their losses was by more than 1 goal. So here were are testing a spot for Buffalo that is 90% this season and also testing a go-against situation fading the Hurricanes that has worked in 7 straight games for a 100% run which favors the Sabres here as well. 10* BUFFALO +1.5 goals -140

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Colorado Avalanche vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 2 ET (game played in Finland) - Columbus is 3-7 this season and has scored an average of 4.3 goals in regulation time of the 3 wins and allowed 5.3 goals in the 7 losses. All defeats were by a multi-goal margin too. The defense of the Blue Jackets and the goal-tending have each left plenty to be desired early this season. 7 of last 9 Columbus games have totaled at least 7 goals and this one surely should as well. As for the Avalanche, they have not been involved in nearly as many high-scoring games but I look for the fact this is the Blue Jackets and the game is being played overseas to lead to plenty of scoring chances throughout this game both ways. Colorado has not been as lock tight in their own end as they were last season. Other than a 1-0 shutout loss at New Jersey, in their other 5 games away from home they have allowed an average of 3.4 goals per game. Also, other than the shutout loss to the Devils, they have scored an average of 3.5 goals per game. You can see why I am expecting this game to get to 7 goals or more. I am fully expecting it reaches 3-3 at some point (which would guarantee at least 7 of course) but, either way, the expectation is 7 or more in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Colorado

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Vancouver Canucks vs Anaheim Ducks @ 10:05 ET - This total probably will move to a 6.5 and already has done so at some books. This seems like a great spot for plenty of goals. Vancouver is off a 5-2 loss versus New Jersey to drop to 2-6-2 on the season. In the Canucks 8 losses, not including OT of course, they have allowed 4.1 goals per game. In Vancouver's 2 wins, they have scored 5 goals each time! Given these numbers you can see why I am expecting a wild one tonight. The Ducks have some solid talent that can produce plenty of scoring and that is starting to shine through. The problem for Anaheim is they are not getting good goaltending and they certainly are not known for being strong defensively. 8 of the Ducks 10 games this season have totaled at least 6 goals. Also, confidence is building courtesy of a 4-3 OT win and a 6-5 SO win in last two games! Amazingly, Anaheim has allowed at least 4 goals in 8 of 10 games and, again, the Canucks are allowing an average of 4 goals per game this season. There is certainly nothing average about that either! 5-4 anyone? Honestly it would not surprise me in the least but we should get to a 4-3 type game at a minimum. 10* OVER 6 in Vancouver

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line +125 vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - Vegas is hot to start this season and they enter this game on a 5-game winning streak. However, each of their last two wins were in overtime. Also, they have a game on deck at Montreal. When Vegas most recently missed a chance to get to the Stanley Cup Final it was because they lost to the Canadiens in the recent covid-impacted season that changed the post-season structure for that campaign. In any event, the Golden Knights have not forgotten and a visit to Montreal brings a little extra attention for sure. That said, Vegas could look right past Ottawa and that could prove to be a mistake. The Senators have lost 3 straight but the last two were on the road and prior to that the Sens had won 4 straight on home ice. In fact, just playing the home team in Ottawa games would have netted you a tidy 8-1 record so far! I am backing that 89% YTD record right here as I look for the Senators to get back on track on home ice where they have played so well. Note that their 4 wins came by an average margin of 3 goals apiece and, again, the Knights are entering this one off tight wins that each required OT. Solid home dog value here. 10* OTTAWA +125

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Buffalo Sabres Money Line +110 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - The Sabres are playing very well. Buffalo is off B2B wins at home and they already had a 3-game win streak on the road in Western Canada earlier this season. They are rested here too while the Penguins played last night. That means it is likely Pittsburgh will start Casey DeSmith here and he is winless on the season. He has not played all that poorly but he is allowing an average of 3 goals per game and his teammates could be tired in front of him. Penguins off a demoralizing 6-5 OT loss yesterday as they blew a 5-2 lead in a game they led 5-3 going to the 3rd period. Not only that, Pittsburgh was on home ice for that blown game! This Penguins team has now lost 5 straight including 4 straight on the road and this is the perfect set-up for another loss with this being a B2B spot with Penguins struggling with confidence issues after the way last night's game played out. The Sabres are much better than the Sabres teams of old and their 6 wins this season have come by an average margin of 3 goals. The point is that they are not just winning, they are getting big wins and you know they want to take down Crosby and Company here. 10* BUFFALO +110

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - Flyers off a 1-0 OT loss at Rangers last night. Another huge effort from goalie Carter Hart and the young netminder has been fantastic this season. However, he will likely rest tonight in this back to back and that means Felix Sandstrom likely between the pipes. Sandstrom lost all 5 starts last season and had a 3.23 GAA on the season. This season he allowed 4 goals in his only road start. Toronto is angry at home off 4 straight losses. The Maple Leafs desperately need huge production on home ice and I am sure we will get that from them in this game. They are loaded with high-end offensive talent and this is a "put up or shut up" type of game and I feel certain the Leafs are catching the Flyers are the right time to do plenty of damage in the offensive zone. The issue for Toronto is the fact that they have allowed at least 3 goals in each of last 4 games. Look for a 4-3 or 5-3 type game here. Just can not trust the Maple Leafs defense or goaltending but look for huge offensive output here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars -135 vs Los Angeles Kings @ 8:35 ET - The Kings in the 2nd game of a B2B set and that means Petersen is likely between the pipes and he has struggled so far this season. He just had a strong start in his most recent game but that was against a Maple Leafs team that appeared to be playing at least a gear or two low of where they should be. He won't be facing a disinterested team tonight. This Stars team is fired up after losing their last game and having lost 4 of 6. Before their 6-3 loss to the Rangers they were 3-0 at home this season with the wins by a combined score of 11 to 2. In the 6-3 loss Oettinger go hurt and Wedgewood had to come in for him. Sometimes that can be tough on a goalie when he was not expected to play. Wedgewood now knows he is getting the start tonight (Oettinger is out) and I look for him to be much stronger in this start than he was in relief last week. The Stars will play much better in front of him too to limit shots on goal and scoring chances. After that lackluster finish to the game against the Rangers, Dallas will be much better here and they come out angry for this one. 10* DALLAS -135

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Washington Capitals vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - I know Vegas has played surprisingly well early this season but I am still not sold on their goalie situation. It is still early and the Capitals will be skating hard on home ice here after falling short 3-2 in a shootout loss at Carolina last night. The Caps will now be starting Lindgren in goal for this one. I know he had some success in limited action for St Louis last season but he struggled in each of the 3 seasons prior. He is not really use to being a regular back-up in the NHL as he has been more of a spot goaltender throughout his career. That said Vegas will be looking to put pressure on him early and often in this one after #1 goalie Kuemper got the start for Washington last night. 3 of the Caps 4 home games this season have totaled at least 7 goals. The Golden Knights have won 8 of 10 games this season and 3 of their 4 road games have totaled at least 6 goals and that is the posted total on this one. Given the situation, I feel we have fantastic line value with this non-conference match-up available at a rather low total. 10* OVER 6 in Washington

NHL Monday 10* Top Play St Louis Blues Money Line -115 vs Los Angeles Kings @ 8:05 ET - The Blues have been struggling and are on a losing streak but that has resulted in exceptional line value here. St Louis is normally solid on home ice and this line has dropped a lot and the Kings have not exactly been dominant this season plus Los Angeles is known for struggling on the road. So when you add up all the factors here you have exceptional line value on a home team that is absolutely poised to end their recent losing skid. St Louis, including loss in most recent game, is still 6-3 the last 9 times they have entered a regular season game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Last season they did not have a single losing streak more than 4 games. This one ends at 4 games too! Take advantage of the great price here as Kings entered their most recent game, a win, having allowing at least 4 goals in 7 of 9 games this season. Blue so hungry to shut down an opponent and they allowed 3 or less goals in 4 of first 5 games this season. In fact, STL allowed an average of just 2 goal per game those 4 games. The Blues reach back for some of that tonight and get back to usual "Blues hockey" in this one! 10* ST LOUIS -115

NHL Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 or 6.5 in Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - Capitals have won 5 of 7 games and have scored an average of 4.4 goals in the 5 victories. The goaltending has improved for Washington after some early struggles but the defense is going to have its hands full at Carolina here. The Hurricanes are known for an aggressive forecheck and for creating plenty of scoring chances of the high-quality variety. Carolina will build off a 4-3 OT win at Philly and is ready to make up for a 6-2 loss in their most recent home game. The Canes have had only 2 home games and they did manage to score 4 goals in their home game. This is a highly talented offensive unit that will be on display here after scoring just 2 goals at home in their game here last week. The Canes are allowing 4 goals per game last 5 games so don't be surprised if the Caps also enjoy some success in the offensive zone in this one as well. 10* OVER 6 or 6.5 in Carolina

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line +175 / +180 @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - The Jets lost to the Knights here 5-2 earlier this month. Winnipeg was down 4-0 after one period. No one on the Jets has forgotten this. Winnipeg off a win at Phoenix on Friday and they will win again here. Vegas is off a win versus the Ducks Friday but were outshot in the game and Anaheim had goalie trouble in that one with Gibson getting pulled. Speaking of goalie troubles, Rittich was in goal when the Jets faced the Knights the first time but now #1 goalie Hellebuyck will be in between the pipes for this one and he and Winnipeg will be ready to go. This is a revenge game and Vegas has won 3 straight but last season Vegas had 6 chances at a winning streak of 4 or more games and only 2 times in those 6 chances did they manage to win that 4th game. This season already they had a chance and failed in the 4th one too. Look, it is not easy winning in this highly talented league and streaks are hard to sustain. The Jets want this game badly and this looks like a great spot to fade Vegas. They have a 5-game road trip back east on deck and it starts with the Capitals team that won the Stanley Cup over the Knights just a few seasons ago. 10* WINNIPEG +175 / +180

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Vancouver Canucks vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 10:05 ET - Finally...the Canucks got a win last night and they were the last NHL team this season to do it. Vancouver won 5-4 at Seattle but it was not pretty. Still, this will be a confidence boost for the Canucks but now little-used Spencer Martin will likely be between the pipes tonight. I have nothing against him for sure but he does not have a lot of NHL experience and he has started only once this season and he is facing an angry Pittsburgh team here. The Penguins are off a 4-1 loss at Calgary so that game, of course, stayed under the total. However, prior to this, Pittsburgh's first 6 games saw 5 total 7 goals or more. In fact, those 5 games averaged 8.2 goals per game! The Pens will come out firing here and I could see them jumping out to an early lead and not wanting to slow down. But, keep in mind, the Canucks finally got that first win and now they want that first home win of the season and they will be battling back in this one. Don't be surprised if we see this game get to at least 3-3 and that means nothing less than a 4-3 final would be possible. 10* OVER 6.5 in Vancouver 

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Chicago Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers @ 8:35 ET - The Oilers are off a low-scoring win over the Blues last night. That makes this a tough back to back spot for Edmonton. Their two games against St Louis this season have both been low-scoring. However, their other 5 games have averaged 8 goals each and there is nothing average about that! This game should get to at least 7 goals! The Blackhawks enter this one off a 4-2 win over Florida and this was preceded by 4 of first 5 games all totaling at least 7 goals. So Chicago and Edmonton both have been involved in plenty of high-scoring games and the Blackhawks enter this game on a 4-game winning streak in which they have averaged scoring 4.3 goals per game not including OT of course. I could see Oilers coming out a little flat in this one after the big win at St Louis last night and Chicago scores a few early but then Edmonton comes roaring back and then this turns into a back and forth affair with at least 7 goals. 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line +180 vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - In his first few seasons in the league, Flyers goalie Carter Hart has been stronger in his home starts than on the road. The young netminder is off to a fantastic start this season and is 4-0 so far. He is well-rested and fresh here as Felix Sandstrom has made 2 of the last 3 starts due to B2B situations. Note that Hart has not only won all 4 starts, he has allowed 2 or less goals in all 4 of them. Sandstrom started the first match-up with Panthers at Florida due to the scheduling situation but now Hart gets the rematch and it is in Philly where he has been strong through the years. Not including empty net goals, the Flyers have allowed 2 or less goals in 5 of 6 games this season! The Panthers, not including OT goals of course, have allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of last 6 games. They have lost each of last two road games and have allowed an average of 4 goals per game last 3 road games! The Panthers are way over-priced here as new head coach John Tortorella has Hart and this entire Flyers club playing much better team than the team we saw last year. I know we could grab some added insurance by laying a price to have the puck line here at +1.5 with Philly. However, prior to their 3-0 home loss to the Sharks in a tough back to back, the Flyers were 4-1 on the season including 2-0 at home. I am confident about the outright win here and going for the big payday with the money line. Look for the Flyers to improve to 5-0 in games that Carter Hart is in goal. 10* PHILADELPHIA +180

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line +150 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 10:05 ET - I know the Ducks have been losing but all those games were on the road. They showed a lot of resiliency in their only home game so far this season and that was their season opener when they got the win in OT after rallying from a 2-goal deficit. I like the fact that goalie John Gibson got the game-winning assist in OT in that game and I feel a trip back home for the Ducks is just what the doctor ordered for Gibson and Anaheim to get back on track. The Ducks also did get a strong start from Gibson at Boston on the road trip but fell short 2-1. I know overall his play has been questionable but I have a feeling the Ducks are going to play very well tonight given this situation and the fact they are the more rested team. So even if Anthony Stolarz gets the start - I do expect Gibson - I look for Anaheim to come out firing on all cylinders and to get a rare strong effort from their rebuilt defensive pairings as well. Tampa Bay lost to the Kings last night and Andrei Vasilevskiy was in goal so this will most likely be Brian Elliott between the pipes for the Bolts. The veteran netminder has been a bit shaky and the Lightning defense has not been as strong this season and that continued last night in front of Vasilevskiy. So the home team is 6-0 in Ducks games this season and TB is in a tough scheduling spot here. I am grabbing the home dog here and with confidence as this is a top play for me. Love the set-up. 10* ANAHEIM +150

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in New York Islanders vs New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - Similar to wanting to play the Devils last night but then feeling more comfortable (and cashing) with the over in a 6-2 New Jersey win, I am going total with this one because I think the Rangers will be a little angry off the 3-2 shootout loss to the Avalanche. So the Rangers may start slow here and they are likely to have a back-up goalie in there, since Shesterkin played last night. But eventually, the Rangers should battle back against their rivals. So I foresee a 3-3 type game that ends up a 4-3 final. Certainly we have some extra value having this total at a 6. The last time these teams met in the regular season the game totaled 9 goals. The Islanders have allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their last 3 and all were losses. But this was preceded by 2 wins in which the Isles scored an average of 6 goals. I do expect an Islanders win here as I don't expect all-world goalie Shesterkin to play in the 2nd game of a B2B but I just don't fully trust either Islanders goalie either right now. So the play here is the over in what should end up being a highly entertaining game. The Isles will want to get the jump early as they are at home and off 3 straight losses. I can see them doing that. But this Rangers team will not lay down and, despite recent results, does have some dangerous players in terms of offensive skillsets. This one gets to 7 or 8 in my opinion. 10* OVER 6 in New York Islanders

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Even though the Devils are in a B2B spot here, I really wanted to back them here. The problem is I can not trust their goal-tending in this situation. Hence, my play has turned into an over instead and I really like the situational aspects to this one. New Jersey outshot the Capitals in a big way last night but lost at home as Blackwood had a rough game in goal. He even got replaced by Vanecek in the 3rd period. That said, both goalies were in action and Blackwood played the most and struggled badly. If he comes back tonight it is a tough spot for him. If Vanecek gets the call he faced the Red Wings earlier this season in his only start thus far and he struggled in that one. Detroit won 5-2. That said, I am looking for a lot of goals here because I know NJ wants revenge for that loss and is going to come out with a lot of energy here after last night's ugly loss. But the problem is New Jersey is going to struggle to stop Detroit. The goalie situation makes things even tougher in this B2B for the Devils and the Red Wings are scoring an average of 4 goals per game this season! The Devils have scored an average of 3.3 goals last 4 games and their 2 games before that each totaled 7 goals! Devils had been winning prior to the loss to Washington last night so they have plenty of confidence for regrouping here but the Red Wings have responded well to their new head coach this season. Lastly, each team has struggled a bit with turnovers leading to quality chances for their opponents recently and that helps our cause here as well! 10* OVER 6.5 in Detroit

NHL Monday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -115 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET - This is a great contrarian spot in my opinion. Many will be looking at Pittsburgh here as an underdog as they are 4-0-1 on the season and yet to lose in regulation. However, the Oilers are the play. Edmonton has lost 3 of last 4 games but those were against teams that are a combined 14-3-1 this season! Compare that to the Penguins. Their 5 games are against teams that are combined 13-18 on the season and none of those 5 teams have a winning record this season! Pittsburgh certainly still deserves credit for their hot start but this is their first game played outside of the Eastern time zone and I expect this trip to Western Canada could be a bit tough on the Pens after they were spoiled by their early season schedule. Edmonton off a rare shutout loss and they go on the road after this and will not play another home game until the calendar has turned the page to November. They need, and desperately, want this game and I just don't see the Oilers being denied in this one. 10* EDMONTON -115

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Philadelphia Flyers vs San Jose Sharks @ 7:05 ET - Both clubs in a back to back spot here and I expect goals as a result. Philly gave up a lot of shots at Nashville last night but a rock solid Carter Hart, off to a great start in goal this season, was a big reason they allowed only 1 goal in the win. Tonight it would be either Hart in a B2B spot or Felix Sandstrom in goal. Neither option is ideal and though Sandstrom was respectable in his first start that was the Flyers only loss and they did lose that game 4-3. I noticed some things about the way Sandstrom played in that game and what he excelled at and what he struggled with and you can be sure the Sharks coaching staff saw the same things! San Jose is the only team in the NHL with more than 4 losses and they actually suffered their 6th defeat last night. So the Sharks are hungry to get into the win column but there is no way I am fading the red hot Flyers here. I really don't trust James Reimer in goal for San Jose as he was up and down last season and this season has started the same way. I don't expect to see the Sharks Kaapo Kahkonen between the pipes since he was in goal at New Jersey last night. The Flyers have scored at least 3 goals in every single game this season but I can't trust them to not allow at least 3 in this one because of the B2B situation. That said, I am looking for at least a 4-3 final and feel we have excellent line value with this total at 6 for Sunday. 10* OVER 6 in Philadelphia

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Puck Line +1.5 goals -130 @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This is the front end of a B2B for the Flyers as they host the Sharks tomorrow in Philly. However, even if Felix Sandstrom gets the start in goal he did look quite good in the 4-3 loss to Panthers in Florida earlier this week. If it is Carter Hart, he is undefeated this season and has not allowed more than 2 goals in any start! Either way, I do like the fact the Flyers are 3-1 on the season and the one loss was by just a single goal. As for the Predators, they are 2-3-1 on the season and their only two wins were in Europe against a San Jose team that has proven to be off to a rough start this season. So the Predators have not won since returning to North America and they only have 1 win by a multi-goal margin in 6 games this season. So if you take the 4 Flyers games and 6 Preds games this season only 1 of the 10 have been a result that would give us a loss with Philly +1.5 goals! So 90% odds on the cover here based on ytd results. Again, that is just purely statistical but you get my point and I just really like the way this Flyers team is playing under Tortorella and they catch Nashville slumping here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +1.5 goals -130

NHL Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lighting -105 @ Florida Panthers @ 7:35 ET - Really love this spot for the Bolts. I know this is a revenge game for the Panthers because they got swept out of the playoffs by the Lightning last season. However, lets talk about this season...Florida is 3-1 so far and Tampa Bay is 1-3 so far! The Bolts come in to this one hungry. They have been playing decently defensively and in goal when Vasilevskiy has been in there. He has allowed only 8 goals in 3 games. Compare that to the Panthers, mainly led by Bobrovsky, as they have allowed 3.7 goals last 3 games. I just don't trust the Florida defense and netminding. I know they are the higher-scoring team but the Lightning certainly are not without plenty of high-end talent up front and they have enjoyed plenty of success against the Panthers. Also, Florida still without some key players. When you add it all up you have a great spot for the road team to get back into the win column as, including playoffs last season, they are 3-0 the last 3 times they have entered a game off 2 or more consecutive losses. 10* TAMPA BAY -105

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets @ 10:05 ET - I know the Knights have not given up a lot of goals yet this season but a lot of that had to do with the teams they faced. Sure enough they are off first loss of season after facing Flames and giving up 3 goals in that one. This makes me like this spot even more. Vegas is at home and fired up off a loss. They had scored 4 or more goals in 2 of their 3 wins this season. With Winnipeg in a back to back it will likely be back-up David Rittich getting the start and he absolutely could be rusty here as, of course, the Jets have been relying on top goalie Connor Hellebuyck in goal so far this season. He back-stopped them to a 4-3 win last night and now the Jets carry momentum from the upset over the Stanley Cup Champion Avalanche. I look for Winnipeg to possibly be a little flat at first and get down in this game but they will battle back. I just don't trust the Vegas goalies and there is more competitive spirit in this Jets team with their new head coach. The result is this game ends up with a lot of scoring. 10* OVER 6.5 in Vegas

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 or 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:35 ET - Flyers have played great so far this season but Carter Hart has certainly played a big role in that. He has not allowed more than 2 goals in any game this season and Philly is a surprising 3-0 under their new head coach, fiery veteran John Tortorella. However, Philly is likely in trouble here. This is a back to back. I really expect Hart to sit. Even if he does not, this is a back to back spot. That means little-used Sandstrom likely to get the start between the pipes. Florida was one of the highest scoring teams in the league last season and this is a home game for them and I feel they will look to run the Flyers right out of the barn knowing they are in a back to back. So Panthers will be skating fast and flying all over the ice. The Panthers are likely to start Bobrovsky between the pipes and he is off a rather tough start versus the Bruins and a lot of times he is a streaky goalie. He is facing a confident, undefeated Flyers team here that will have to score goals to stay in this game. That said, I am looking for at least a 4-3 type game here. 10* OVER 6 or 6.5 in Florida

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line -110 vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins are 3-0 so far this season but in the 2nd night of a B2B here. That means Swayman likely to start and he only faced the Coyotes so far this season and allowed 3 goals on 24 shots. Ullmark was in goal last night and he has faced a lot more shots and looked better than Swayman so far. Now a tough spot for Boston as they face an Ottawa team that is 0-2 to start the season but has played better than the record shows and I like the fact this is the Senators home opener. Also, the Sens have been getting solid goaltending. They allowed 3 goals to the high-powered Maple Leafs and then the final two goals allowed to Buffalo were empty-netters. So that 4-1 final was a much closer game than the final score indicates. That said, I like the value with a hungry Senators team here. Ottawa added guys like Giroux and DeBrincat in the off-season and this Sens team is improving and going to be tough to beat on home ice here. Keep in mind, the Bruins have begun this season not a at 100% health and they have allowed a lot of shots in 2 of their 3 games. Only against a rather weak Arizona team were they able to limit shots. 10* OTTAWA -110

NHL Monday 10* Top Play Vancouver Canucks Money Line +115/+120 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - This is a great value spot for the Canucks. The Capitals are off their first win of the season but it came against a Canadiens team that is not exactly a powerhouse these days. Remember this followed B2B losses for Washington to open up the season. Speaking of B2B losses, the Canucks have started the season with a pair of defeats but they led Edmonton 3-0 and Philadelphia 2-0 and yet lost each game. Vancouver is hungry to bounce back here and I know what you are thinking. If the Canucks are blowing leads is it not too difficult to trust them? However, the Caps are missing some key guys early this season. Washington had scored only 2 goals in each of their first two games before managing 3 against Montreal. I think the hungry Canucks are going to be too much for the Capitals here as Vancouver is pushing hard for that first win of the season. They looked good last season after the coaching change and are a team I like this season to perform well. They are under-valued right now because of the early season losses and so this is the perfect spot in which to back them. 10* VANCOUVER +115/+120

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6 or 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - I have plenty of respect for veteran Brian Elliott but he would be the first to admit he is no Andrei Vasilevskiy. That said, the Lightning are in the 2nd game of a B2B and that means Elliott likely to get the start. Tampa Bay rolled 5-2 last night and there were 5 goals scored in the first period of that win at Columbus. The Bolts bounced back, as expected, after a 3-1 loss to the Rangers on opening night in a goaltenders duel. I expect anything but a duel here as Tristan Jarry likely to be between the pipes for the Penguins. He'll face a barrage of shots from the ultra talented high-end scoring talent the Lightning have. At the same time though, Pittsburgh has plenty of confidence here as they love playing on home ice and are off a 6-2 road win at Arizona. As you can, both clubs off high-scoring wins and plus the Penguins, just like the Lightning, still have plenty of scorers as well! There is still some 6 out there at time of this posting but even if you end up with 6.5 at plus money that is certainly a nice option as well. I feel strongly both clubs will reach the 3-goal mark in this one and, of course, that means it can't finish with anything less than 7 goals - a 4-3 final - if each club reaches that mark. Look for a very entertaining game here! 10* OVER 6 or 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line -120 vs New York Rangers @ 8:05 ET - I am big on the New York Rangers this season and would not be surprised if they end up representing the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals in June. However, this is a tough spot for them and the straw that stirs the drink is highly unlikely to be involved in this match-up. This is a back to back and Igor Shesterkin is now one of the top two goalies in the league along with Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Lightning. He beat Vasilevskiy and the Bolts to open up the season in New York. Then last night he was fantastic again against the Wild in Minnesota. However, he should not be between the pipes tonight. Look for Jaroslav Halak to get the start for New York. He is 37 years old and off a down season in Vancouver. I really like the edge in goal that the Jets should have considering Connor Hellebuyck should get the start. His GAA looks bad from last season and it was a down year for him. However, he faced a barrage of shots and his save percentage did not drop off that much. He just faced too many shots. Hellebuyck is still one of the best goalies in the top league that represents one of the best games in the world, hockey! Indeed he was one of the best in the NHL in my book and he will get the better of the Rangers and Halak as the Jets catch them in a back to back. Under new head coach Rick Bowness, look for the Jets to be much better defensively and play a different style which will also help Hellebuyck be at his best again. Remember how the Stars played? The Jets will start to emulate that under Bowness and I still like some of the solid scoring talent this Winnipeg has as well. Given the situation, this is the perfect spot to back a Jets teams fired up for a home opener under a new coach in a building filled with enthusiasm. You saw how Flyers responded with Tortorella in Philly last night? Look for a similar response for the Jets under Bowness here in Manitoba. They are catching the Rangers at the right time to get the big win. 10* WINNIPEG -120

Thursday NHL 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals @ 7:35 ET - This should be a high-scoring game in the 2nd game of a B2B for each club. We saw a lot of goals in last night's NHL action across the board and I am expecting more of the same in this one. Right now the Capitals are not the same club without enforcer Tom Wilson and he remains out. They allowed 5 goals in the loss to Boston last night. Now it will be either Darcy Kuemper again tonight in the 2nd game of a B2B or Charlie Lindren gets his shot in goal. Note Lindgren does not have much NHL experience and though he had good numbers in limited action last season, he had more combined action in the 3 seasons coming in and those stats were not good. Also, whoever is in goal for Washington here will be facing an angry Maple Leafs club that lost 4-3 at Montreal last night courtesy of allowing a late goal. Look for Toronto to be relentless in the offensive zone tonight after falling short against the Canadiens last night. The Toronto goalie, since Matt Murray played last night, could be Ilya Samsonov in this one. He is a former Capital and will be motivated facing his former team but he did not have great stats last season and the added pressure of facing his former team and in a home opener for Toronto could result in a bit of a tough game for him here. You know the Caps will be extra hungry tonight after scoring just 2 goals last night. Both teams off losses and pushing hard in the 2nd game of a back to back will mean some relentless attacking in the offensive zone. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - I just can not trust either goalie in this match-up. It doesn't even matter who starts in goal for either club as I just do not like the goalie options of either club at this point until they prove me wrong. But the expected goalie match-up is Matt Murray for the Leafs and Jake Allen for the Habs. Note that both had very poor records last season and high GAA. Also, everyone is saying Montreal was a better club under Martin St Louis and they were when he first took over in mid-season but really they faltered down the stretch. This Canadiens team allows too many shots on goal and too many quality scoring chances and that hurt them again the last few weeks of the season as well when they went into another rough slump and gave up too many goals. I do expect them to certainly put up a fight here on home ice and play well but they will have to rely on scoring here to hang around in this game. They are not going to shut down a highly potent Maple Leafs attack. Also, Toronto will be very aggressive in this game as another early playoff ouster last spring disappointed them. The Leafs can't wait to get the new season going and I don't think we'll see any quit in how aggressive this team will be in terms of being on the attack. Also, John Tavares missed training camp and was originally a question mark for opening night with oblique injury but he is ready to go now and is expected to be on the top line for the ultra-potent Leafs! 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -110 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Rangers seek revenge from last season's playoff ouster at the hands of the Bolts. Make not mistake about it the Lightning are still one of the top teams in the NHL and have a superb goalie in Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes. However, the Rangers also have an incredible goalie in Igor Shesterkin and they have the home ice edge here. New York also did great in picking up Kevin Fiala in the off-season. For the Lightning, the losses of McDonagh and Palat in the off-season as well as a top assistant coach could hurt this club a bit. That said, I love the hungry home team to get the job done in this one and get some playoff revenge in the process. Lightning have had a great run but their club roster is finally starting to regress a bit and this Rangers team is the one building well and getting ready to peak in my opinion. I have New York as having a solid chance at winning the cup this season and I like this spot for them to jump start their season. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -110

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in San Jose Sharks vs Nashville Predators @ 2 ET - This game being played in Czech Republic but Saturday, unlike Friday, the Sharks are the designated home club. Of course there are some extra edges as the home club in hockey games even when you are not on home ice. So San Jose should be a little better Saturday compared to Friday and I expect them to be extra hungry off the 4-1 loss. The shots on goal were about equal in Friday's game and San Jose will be pushing even harder here. The problem for the Sharks is they are struggling to stop the more talented team in this match-up. The Predators are just too much for San Jose but I feel the fact we are expected to now see the #2 goalies in this back-to-back match-up, after the starters Saros and Reimer played yesterday, will also help our cause here. Look for this one to fly over the total. As mentioned yesterday, these games in the Global Series have a history of being higher-scoring. Yesterday's just missed going over but it certainly had its chances for more scoring. Today, and with back-up goalies in there (or starters in the 2nd game of a back to back) I think we might see some soft goals let in too. This one should get to at least 6 and I am expecting a highly entertaining 4-3 type game here. 10* OVER 5.5 in San Jose Sharks

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals in Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks @ 2:05 ET in Czech Republic - If you look at the history of the Global Series games since it started in 2017, these overseas games have featured a lot of goals. There have been 8 regular season games that pitted NHL teams against each other and 7 of the 8 games totaled at least 6 goals. I generally don't like puck line plays in the NHL and you can see with the line on this game that the money line is pricey. I just don't like 1 goal games late that then go either way. Is there an empty net goal or not? But when I look at the total on this game, note that neither team is very strong defensively. Both teams, in terms of goals allowed, are a bit leaky on defense at times. But both clubs have some strong scorers and I expect a big push here. Of course there are a lot of European players on each club and even some that are from Czech Republic. That said, there will be a strong push here and a bit of extra aggression for each team. They want to start the season on the right foot. Don't be surprised that we might see some key turnovers of the puck in this one too. Early season game, unfamiliar arena and surroundings, there can be some sloppy play in games like this and that can lead to odd man rushes the other way. Look for a very entertaining game here with plenty of goals. 10* OVER 5.5 in Nashville

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play Colorado Avalanche Money Line -114 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:15 ET - The Avalanche are 4-0 last 4 times when entering a game off a loss. Also, the Avs are 8-1 in road games in this post-season. Colorado has dominated shots on goal in this series and that continues here. The Avalanche just too much for a Lightning team that doesn't have the same level of talent on offense. Vasilevskiy fantastic in goal for the Bolts but Avs also have been getting good goaltending and the better team in terms of offensive output will prove to be too much here. 10* COLORADO -114

NHL Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +163 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8:15 ET - Pretty amazing that Tampa Bay could be up 3-1 in this series and yet are down 3-1 but are now catching a big underdog price in this one. Lightning lost Game 1 in OT and now Game 4 in OT and that is the only reason this series is 3-1 Avs instead of 3-1 Bolts. Colorado is a strong team for sure but they are very over-valued here and the play of Andrei Vasilveskiy in goal has been huge for them in the past two games. Truly the Avs goals on him in Game 4 including some fortunate bounces. That said, I am sure the stellar netminder, when he is in the zone like he has been now, can come into Denver and help the Bolts steal this game on the road. Tampa Bay is 9-2 the last 11 times they entered a game off a loss. With the Avs win at TB Wednesday, the road team has taken 8 of the last 13 Colorado games. Also, though Brayden Point is likely again out for the Lightning, they are 11-2 in the last 13 games he has missed in this post-season. The value is off the charts here and I look for the defending champs to get up off the mat, at least one more time, to live to fight another day as they stay alive with a big upset in Game 5 Friday. 10* TAMPA BAY +163

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:15 ET - After the Lightning got destroyed 7-0 in Game 2 of this series following a tight OT loss in Game 1, they responded with a huge 6-2 win in Game 3. Tampa Bay is now 7-0 / 100% PERFECT L7 home games in this post-season. Indeed, the Bolts have won 8 straight games this post-season on home ice. The combined score of those 8 home ice playoff wins is 33-13. In other words they have not just been squeaking by in these home victories, they have been dominating. I have no hesitation in now testing a perfect situation here. I like our chances in this spot for the defending champs to stand up strong here once again as Vasilevskiy continues to be so strong on home ice and they now climb all the way back into this series by making it 2-2 after Wednesday's game is in the books. 10* Tampa Bay -105

NHL Monday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -105 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:15 ET - The Lightning just got destroyed 7-0 in Game 2 of this series after a tight OT loss in Game 1. Tampa Bay is 4-0 / 100% PERFECT this season when off a shutout loss. Also, the Bolts have won 7 straight games this post-season on home ice. The combined score of those 7 wins is 27-11. In other words we are testing a double perfect situation here and one of those situations is one that has not lost all season for TB. I like our chances here for the defending champs to stand up strong here to climb back into the series and make it 2-1 after Monday's game is in the books. 10* Tampa Bay -105

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line +135 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Lightning are 8-0 the last 8 times they were off a loss in which they allowed 5 or less goals. Keep in mind, the 4-3 OT loss saw the Bolts dig out of an early 3-1 hole. I liked the response from Tampa Bay after falling behind early and I like the fact they played more their style of game the final two periods of the hockey game before losing in overtime. I know the Avalanche are a great team and have been red hot but Tampa has won B2B cups for a reason! Look for their streak to make it 9 in a row here when in this situation! 10* TAMPA BAY +135

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +150 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - This one falls into the rest versus rust factor. You might be thinking it is great that the Avalanche swept the Oilers and are so well-rested here. However, this will be their first live game action in over a week and that will be tough on Colorado. Conversely, the Bolts have an ideal amount of rest entering this game. Yes Tampa Bay had to battle hard to get by the Rangers in 6 games after dropping the first two games of the series. However, the Lighting will enter this game having full off days Sunday and Monday and Tuesday. That, unlike what the Avs had, is an ideal amount of rest. It is enough to rest up but not so much that a team is rusty. Also, TB has more recently been in intense game action and winning all those tight low-scoring games could serve the Lightning well right off the bat here. These are two great teams here and I am certainly not saying that TB is going to get a 3-peat. Lets not get ahead of ourselves. We have to see how things play out as the series gets going. But the points is I do feel this is a huge situational edge for the Lightning entering this series and I feel they have a great shot to steal game one on the road. Getting a +150 price on a dog that is the 2x defending champ and enters this game having won 10 of 12 games...yes, I'll take it! 10* TAMPA BAY +150

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +167 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - As long-time followers know I am a contrarian. Everyone will be lining up on Tampa Bay here to close this series out. However, the Rangers have been "right there" with the Lightning throughout this series and this is a tremendous value spot for New York getting huge plus money on the money line. Yes the home team had dominated this series but that ended when the Bolts scored late in Game 5 to steal a game on the road. Look for a similar result here as now it is the Rangers turn to steal one and that will set us up for an incredible Game 7 which is exactly what this hard-fought series deserves. New York has been a fantastic team all season long when off B2B losses and now they've lost 3 straight for just the 3rd time this season. Note: the Rangers have NOT lost 4 straight this entire season! That trend continues here as the big road dog staves off elimination. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +167

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:15 ET - The Rangers are 8-0 last 8 home games in this post-season. The home team is a perfect 4-0 so far in this series after Tampa Bay won both games on their home ice to even this series up at 2 games apiece. New York is a different team and Shesterkin seemingly a different goalie when at Madison Square Garden. The home team is 6-0 in Tampa Bay's last 6 games in this post-season. Look for all these 100% perfect home team streaks to continue here. There is just too much value to pass up on here given these streaks and the fact that it is hard to win the Stanley Cup two times in a row...let alone 3 times! That said, I still feel the Rangers are going to find a way to win this series and to do so tonight's game is critical. I just don't see the Lightning getting a shot at the 3-peat and so, again, this Game 5 is critical and the hosts prevail. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +115

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers +155 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - This is just too much value to pass up on. The Rangers are 5-2 the last 7 times when off a loss. Yes the Lightning did outshoot them heavily in the Game 3 win but New York still had plenty of chances to win that game and fell just short when Tampa Bay scored a goal in the final minute. That said, when you can take a scrappy team like the Rangers off a loss and knowing they had more than a punchers chance Sunday in a must-win game for the Bolts...I will take it every single time. The defending champs simply over-valued here. Keep in mind, Rangers had won 6 of last 7 meetings between these teams before coming up short in Game 3. I will grab the big dog here without hesitation. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS money line +155

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers @ 3 ET - The Rangers have scored 9 goals so far in this series. The first game totaled 8 goals and the second game finished a 3-2 Rangers win that was very close to going over the total of 5.5 goals. I feel we'll get it here as the Bolts respond at home and NY goalie Shesterkin known for being stronger at home than on the road. As good as TB goalie Vasilevskiy is, he has had some struggles with this Rangers team and New York continues coming in waves. The Rangers will be very aggressive here as they are already up 2-0 in the series so getting a win down in Tampa Bay will simply be a bonus at this point. Especially here in Game 3, the Rangers will be loose and relaxed but I look for the Bolts to be in full on attack mode too in this one as it is a must win and they will be aggressive on home ice. 10* OVER 5.5 in Tampa Bay

NHL Saturday 10* Edmonton Oilers Money Line +115 vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Oilers just got trounced 4-0 in game two of this series after a valiant comeback effort in game one of this series fell short in an 8-6 loss. The home team has now won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams and I look for that trend to continue here. The home loss before these 3 straight wins was an Oilers 2-1 loss in Edmonton but the hosts outshot the Avalanche 50 to 34 in that game. Edmonton is 6-1 the last 7 times they have entered a game off B2B losses. I just don't see the Oilers laying down and especially on home ice where they have won 18 of last 21 games! 10* EDMONTON

NHL Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - As mentioned in my Game 1 write-up on this series, this is another nice home dog situation here. Yes the Bolts are the 2x defending cup champs but they also have now lost 5 of last 6 versus Rangers. This New York team is better than many realize and they also will take advantage of a Lightning team still likely to be without Brayden Point. The Rangers getting such strong goaltending and that is what is needed to counteract a TB team that also gets such great goalie work from Vasilevskiy who also faltered a bit in Game 1 as it was a 6-2 loss for the Bolts. Look for Shesterkin to again help lead the way to an upset win here. As I mentioned before, heading into this series, just more impressed with the Rangers knocking off the Pens and the Canes moreso than Tampa beating Leafs and Panthers teams known for playoff failures. Also, the Rangers have won 7 straight home games and I am happy to test that 7-0 run with an undervalued home dog once again Friday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +115

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers +165 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Oilers got down huge early in Game 1 but rallied back and also got strong goaltending from Koskinen when he came in for Smith. Conversely, the Avalanche had some soft goaltending from Francouz when he relieved Kuemper. Also, Kuemper may be out for this game. Either way I like Edmonton here. I have all the respect in the world for the Avalanche but this Oilers team continues to be undervalued. Remember that in the prior round against the Flames, the Oilers were getting hammered but rallied for a tight loss to Calgary. That ended up being their only loss in the series. Now I am absolutely not saying that is happening here. But what I am saying is that I do expect Edmonton to again carry momentum from a Game 1 loss in which they rallied right into a Game 2 victory. This Oilers team turned the tables on the Avs as Tuesday's game went on and they can do it again here. Too much big money line value to pass up on in this one. 10* EDMONTON +165

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +115 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8 ET - Another nice home dog situation here. Yes the Bolts are the 2x defending cup champs but they are also have lost 4 of last 5 versus Rangers. This New York team is better than many realize and they also will take advantage of a Lightning team still likely to be without Brayden Point. The Rangers getting such strong goaltending and that is what is needed to counteract a TB team that also gets such great goalie work from Vasilevskiy. Look for Shesterkin to help lead the way to an upset win here. Just more impressed with the Rangers knocking off the Pens and the Canes moreso than Tampa beating Leafs and Panthers teams so known for playoff failures. Also, the Rangers have won 6 straight home games and I also feel the long layoff for Tampa Bay will hurt them here as thsi will be their first game in over a week. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +115

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line +160 @ Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - I have a ton of respect for Colorado but feel the Oilers could steal game one of this series on the road before some adjustments are made. Edmonton has shown a lot of resilience to get here. Remember they suffered the OT heart-breaker versus the Kings in Alberta to fall behind 3-2 in the series and then had to go on the road to win Game 6 before winning Game 7 again home ice. Then they dropped Game 1 of their series at Calgary only to battle back and win 4 straight games over a very strong Flames team. That said, I am more impressed with the Oilers than the fact the Avs got by the Predators and then a Blues team that I think they should have destroyed but they did not. The key point being that the value is off the charts here as Edmonton is much stronger than many realize while everyone knows the Avalanche are so talented and hence we have seen a line move in a strong way toward Colorado in the opener. I am happy to invest in the value on the other side as the Oilers are 4-2 on enemy ice in this post-season and the road team has won 7 of last 8 Avs games! 10* EDMONTON +160

NHL Monday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +135 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 8 ET - With the home team having won all 6 games in this series, there is certain to be favoritism from the betting markets toward the Hurricanes in this one. However, I feel strongly that that the fact the Rangers have taken 3 of the last 4 games in this series has much less to do with the home ice factor and much more to do with a goalie edge. New York has the edge between the pipes and that is particularly huge in a Game 7. That said, I am backing the road dog that is loaded with momentum and coming off another huge win in Game 6 Saturday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +135