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NHL Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -105 vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8 ET - The home team has won all 5 games in this series and long-term history is on our side here too as the Rangers have won 37 of 51 meetings between these franchises when they are a host. Not only is the home team 5-0 in this series, the Rangers are a perfect 4-0 the last 4 times they were on home ice and coming off a loss in prior game. That means we have a double perfect situation here and I am happy to test it! 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -105

NHL Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in St Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8 ET - The Blues are down to their last chance here at home after surviving the same situation (a must win) Wednesday on the road at Colorado. As a result, I expect them to bring a huge effort on home ice. The problem for St Louis is that ever since they lost Binnington to injury, the goaltending has really taken a hit. The Blues can not seem to stop the Avalanche and Colorado, prior to the 5-4 Game 5 loss, had outscored St Louis 11 to 5 since Binnington got hurt early in Game 3. Keep in mind, those two high-scoring Avs wins were at St Louis and now, on the road where they have played so well, the Avalanche are even more likely to pile up goals in this one as they come off a high-scoring loss. The Blues have scored an average of 3.5 goals per game the last 4 games but the Avalanche are a big favorite for a reason here. In other words, a 4-3 or 5-3 type game would not be surprising in the least. Only 2 unders in last 11 meetings between these teams in St Louis and that trend involving Blues and Avs continues here. 10* OVER 6.5 in St Louis

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +140 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - Just too much value to pass up on here in my opinion. The line keeps climbing on the Canes but the Rangers have the hot goalie in Shesterkin and have all the momentum after B2B wins. I know one could argue the home team has won all the games in this series and their argument is correct. However, I think the biggest key in this series is the goalie edge that New York has. That said, and with momentum on their side, I will ride the road dog in this one. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +140

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Colorado Avalanche vs St Louis Blues @ 8 ET - The Blues are down to their last chance here. As a result, I expect them to bring a huge effort on the road. The problem for St Louis is that ever since they lost Binnington to injury, the goaltending has really taken a hit. The Blues can not seem to stop the Avalanche and Colorado has outscored St Louis 11 to 5 since Binnington got hurt early in Game 3. Keep in mind, those two high-scoring Avs wins were at St Louis and now, at home with a chance to close the series out, the Avalanche are ever more likely to pile up goals in this one. The Blues have scored an average of 3 goals per game the last 3 games but the Avalanche are a big favorite for a reason here. In other words, a 4-3 or 5-3 type game would not be surprising in the least. 10* OVER 6.5 in Colorado

NHL Monday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line -125 vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Vasilevskiy has allowed only 1 goal in each of his last 4 starts. Tampa Bay has won 5 straight games. The Lightning are on home ice here and are the two-time defending champs. TB continues to get too little respect and Florida continues to get too much respect. The ability to get the Bolts at a small money line here on home ice just because the Panthers are in a 3-0 hole is too good to pass up on. Brayden Point likely to be out again for this one and yet though he keeps missing the games the Lightning have a 3-0 series lead. They are so strong defensively and in goal and know how to win playoff hockey and I expect them to get the sweep here as Florida continues to struggle to score goals and their power play numbers have been on a horrific run even after yesterday's goal! 10* TAMPA BAY -125

10* New York Rangers +105 - Rangers have scored an average of 4 goals per game in regulation time of their post-season games in 2022. New York has won 3 straight games on home ice. They are getting strong goal-tending from Igor Shesterkin but just can't get anything going in the offensive zone. They will now that they are back on home ice. Look for the Rangers to get back into this series with a big win Sunday. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +105

10* Tampa Bay Lightning +100 - Vasilevskiy has allowed only 1 goal in each of his last 3 starts. Tampa Bay has won 4 straight games. The Lightning are on home ice here and are the two-time defending champs. TB continues to get too little respect and Florida continues to get too much respect. The ability to get the Bolts at even money here on home ice just because the Panthers are in a 2-0 hole is too good to pass up on. Brayden Point likely to be out again for this one and yet though he keeps missing the games the Lightning have a 2-0 series lead. They are so strong defensively and in goal and now how to win playoff hockey! 10* TAMPA BAY +100

NHL Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +155 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 8 ET - Late in the 2nd period of Game 1 the Rangers rang one off the pipe that would have given them a 2-0 lead in the game and likely a 1-0 series lead as a result. Instead, the Canes kept the 1-goal deficit nearly the entire game and then struck finally with just a few minutes left in the game to tie it up and force OT. The Hurricanes then went on to win it in overtime and now the Rangers respond. Since the calendar turned the page to 2022, New York has had 4 losses after regulation. There were 2 in the regular season and then Wednesday's was the 2nd one of the post-season. After each of the first 3, the Rangers won their next game every single time. I look for that record to improve to 4-0 after tonight's game goes into the books. Game 1 was a heart-breaker for the Rangers and for us but we both get payback tonight! 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +155

NHL Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7 ET - Of course Vasilevskiy is an amazing goalie and one of the best in the world. That was on full display again in the game one victory for the Bolts. However, lets also not forget that the Panthers offensive capabilities rank among the best in the league as well and I am certain they will bounce back at home in Game 2 after being held in check in Game 1. That said, the Lightning will continue piling up goals as well in this one in what should be a back and forth high-scoring affair. Florida needs a win as they can't afford to lose both games on home ice to open up this series. But the Panthers known for struggles in goal and in their own end of the ice. So goals should be aplenty in this one. The last 3 games between these teams have totaled 29 goals! 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers +150 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - As we saw yesterday with Tampa Bay, good teams know how to win on the road. The road team has taken 3 of the last 4 meetings between these clubs. Also, the Rangers have won 3 of their last 4 visits to Carolina. Of course the Hurricanes are a good team but New York is under-valued here and can steal game one on the road. I know that Shesterkin had some struggles in the first round series with the Penguins but he seems past that now. Note that the Hurricanes are not quite the same team without goalie Andersen. Just too much value here to pass up on with the road dog. The Rangers tied for the regular season league lead with 25 road wins this season. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +150 

NHL Tuesday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Lightning +155 @ Florida Panthers @ 7 ET - I know the Lightning are likely without Brayden Point here but this is just such a strong team and getting a great price in this one. Also, I like the fact that the Bolts just beat a very strong Maple Leafs team. Florida struggled at times with the Capitals and I feel strongly that Washington was nowhere near the level of the Toronto club that Tampa just defeated. So, don't get me wrong, the Panthers are certainly a strong team but the point is that the value is off the charts here with the two-time defending champion Lightning getting a huge comeback price here on the money line. Look for goalie Vasilevskiy to be a key here in Game 1 and I certainly like the goalie edge here with him over Florida's Bobrovsky. 10* TAMPA BAY +155

NHL Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -135 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Crosby likely going to play tonight as he was at practice yesterday and seemed ready to go. However, he is not the Penguins biggest issue right now. Their biggest issue is that they have goalie injury issues and the Rangers have an edge in the crease. Dominque has allowed at least 4 goals in 3 of his last 4 starts. Also, the Rangers have the home ice edge here and all the momentum after rallying from a 3-1 series deficit to tie this series up. Look for the Rangers to ride all these edges to the win this one this evening. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -135

NHL Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs -120 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning are the 2x defending champs. Tampa just forced a Game 7 with the OT win in Game 6. The Leafs are now 0-8 their last 8 games with elimination potential. That said, all signs would point toward the Bolts in this one. However, in typical contrarian fashion I am on Toronto here and I feel backing them is fully justified in this one. The fact they are favored despite all of the above is further justification for backing the Maple Leafs. Truly this season's Leafs team seems different and I just do not see them being denied here. Toronto is very strong and on home ice and has a different team chemistry than other recent Maple Leafs teams. This is the season they put it all together and advance to the 2nd round. Toronto is 8-1 last 9 times when off a loss and they get it done again here as they bounce right back from the loss at Tampa Thursday. The Bolts are actually 0-4 last 4 times when off a win. The patterns continue here as no team has won B2B games yet in this series and, in my strong opinion, that is how this one closes out as well. 10* TORONTO -120

NHL Saturday 9* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line +130 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 4:35 ET - I know the home team has won all the games in this series but I am bucking that trend here. What I am looking at is the fact that the Bruins have allowed just 2 goals to the Hurricanes in 3 of the last 4 games since they switched to Swayman in net. Also, the Canes have allowed 4 goals - not including empty netters! - in 3 of the last 4 games. Boston is a veteran team loaded with playoff experience and the Hurricanes home ice edge can only take them so far. Carolina just 3 for 21 on the power play last 4 games while Bruins 5 for 20 and the special teams play could absolutely make a difference in a winner take all Game 7. Grab the underdog in this one as they continue with the better goaltending and ride their recent momentum to the upset win to advance. 9* BOSTON +130

NHL Earliest Dominator Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers -110 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Penguins already dealing with goalie injury issues and now they are hurting at the other end of the ice too as Sidney Crosby is a big question mark for this game. Even if he plays, I like the fact that Igor Shesterkin bounced back in goal for the Rangers in Game 5. When he is on, he certainly gives the Rangers the huge goalie edge with Pittsburgh having now turned to Louis Dominque in goal due to the injury issues. It is with good reason that the Rangers are favored on enemy ice here even though they are facing elimination and even though the home team has won four straight games. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -110

NHL Thursday 10* Boston Bruins -122 vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - We have seen the zig zag theory working quite well in this particular NHL first round series and I expect more of the same here. Bruins just got blasted by the Hurricanes in most recent game in Carolina so watch them bounce right back here in Boston. The home team is a perfect 5-0 in this series and the hosts have won the games by an incredible margin - average of 3.2 goal margin per victory! More of the same expected here and another solid home win projected in this one. 10* BOSTON -122

NHL Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 -120 in Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals @ 7:30 ET - The Capitals nearly won Game 4 but gave up a late goal and lost in overtime. Washington did a very poor job of generating shots on goal in that game and they ultimately paid for it. Look for the Caps to have learned their lesson and be much more aggressive in the offensive zone in this one but, at the same time, they will not be able to stop the Panthers in Florida. The hosts will be a determined bunch on home ice and should score plenty here and I expect a very high-scoring game here as a result. 10* OVER 6.5 in Florida

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins +135 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7 ET - The home team has won all 4 games so far in this series but I see a shift happening here. Boston won the last two games on home ice and part of the key was that Kochetkov struggled in one game in goal for the Hurricanes and Raanta struggled in the other guarding the crease. The Bruins on the other hand, switched to Swayman in goal after losing the first two games of this series. The move has paid off huge and he will be in goal for Game 5 on the road tonight at Carolina. All the momentum with the road team and a hotter goalie. The Hurricanes are a great team but really got hurt badly when Frederik Andersen got hurt and that costs them again here. 10* BOSTON +135

NHL Metro Div Game of the Year Monday 10* New York Rangers -112 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Rangers got down huge to the Penguins in Game 3 but then rallied to tie it only to ultimately lose the game 7 to 4. This will only strengthen their resolve here in Game 4. I do feel strongly that New York is the stronger team and this is essentially a must-win game to even up this series up at 2 games apiece. Rangers could have easily won Game 1 of this series and should have were it not for a disallowed late goal that never should have been disallowed. NY also won the final two meetings between these teams in the regular season. Look for the Rangers to bounce right back here as they are 8-1 last 9 times when they are playing on the road after coming off a loss in the prior game. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -112

NHL 1st Rd Total of the Year Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7 ET - The over is 5-1 in last 6 meetings between these teams. There has not been an under in any of the last 4 meetings between these clubs at Tampa Bay. I fully expect the Lightning to respond big off the 5-2 loss to the Leafs in Game 3 but, at the same time, I don't see Toronto's scoring slowing down any time soon. The Leafs are feeling it again and growing with confidence and, amazingly, the winning team has scored at least 5 goals in each of the last 6 games between these teams. Neither goalie has been consistently overly impressive of late and there have been 11 power play goals scored in the last 4 games between these teams. 10* OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay 

NHL Daytime Dominator Sunday 10* Top Play Minnesota Wild +105 @ St Louis Blues @ 4:30 ET - The Wild have swung the series behind back to back strong starts from Marc Andre Fleury while the Blues have lost each of the last two games behind a struggling Ville Husso. St Louis also has some injuries to defenseman and I feel Minnesota will continue to pull away in this series. They are just so strong and are built well for the playoffs and the Blues simply are not what they use to be. The downhill slide for St Louis continues here. 10* MINNESOTA +105

NHL Situational Slaughter Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers -110 @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - The Rangers have won 4 of 5 games against the Penguins including the key blowout in Game 2 of this series after losing a heart-breaker in Game 1. Keep in mind, New York never should have lost Game 1 of this series as they had a disallowed goal late in the game that never should have been disallowed and they went on to lose that game in triple-OT. In other words, the Rangers could easily be up 2-0 in this series and have 5 straight wins over the Penguins. Considering that plus the fact the Pens had already lost goalie Jarry to injury and now also lost back-up goalie DeSmith to injury. That said, the Penguins are counting on Dominque in net and the Rangers have a huge edge with Shesterkin between the pipes. With Rangers on the road for this one we get line value with a very low price and I will take it. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -110

NHL Atlantic Division Game of the Year Friday 10* Top Play Toronto Maple Leafs +107 @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:30 ET - The Maple Leafs lost Game 2 by a 5-3 count but the Lightning had 3 power play goals in that game. In other words, Toronto outscored Tampa Bay in 5 on 5 hockey. Also, the Leafs did win Game 1 by a 5-0 count. The point is that I feel we are now getting some line value here as the series has shifted to Tampa. It is so hard to repeat and I know this is only the opening round of the post-season but the Bolts are B2B Stanley Cup Champs and will they be able to match the hunger and intensity of this Maple Leafs team coming off a loss? I don't think so! I really like Toronto here to bounce back off the Game 2 loss with a strong effort and we are getting line value since they are on the road. Keep in mind, TB has lost 6 of last 15 home games so they certainly are not automatic when they are on home ice! The Maple Leafs have won 6 of 9 road games and I like the value with them in this spot. 10* TORONTO +107

NHL Puck Line Punisher Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Puck Line +1.5 goals -120 @ 7:30 ET - The Capitals rallied for the win in Game 1 as they were down 2-1 after two periods. However, the victory was no fluke really. This Washington team built well for the playoffs and they outshot a tough Panthers team 38 to 32 in the game. I don't necessarily think they will spring the outright upset in each of the first two games of this series but they will be tough to beat here. Florida going to have to really battle just to win this game let alone cover the 1.5 goals on the puck line. Washington is a strong physical team and I also do not trust goalie Sergei Bobrovsky of the Panthers. Again, not saying they will not win this game. Just think it is going to be a tough battle all the way through and remember the Capitals tied for the league lead this season with 25 road wins in the regular season! 10* WASHINGTON +1.5 goals -120

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins +105 @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins lost Game 1 by a 5-1 score but outshot the Hurricanes by a count of 36 to 25. In other words, this was not the blowout it really looked like. In fact, the game was very close for a very long time so the final score not indicative of how the game played out. The Bruins are a playoff-veteran team that will bounce back off the game one loss. Boston has eliminated Carolina from the post-season twice in recent seasons and has plenty of confidence in this match-up despite the recent Hurricanes wins in both the regular season and the start of this series. 10* BOSTON +105

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -125 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7 ET - Very few teams in the NHL had more home wins than the 27 the Rangers amassed this season. Also, the Rangers Igor Shesterkin was arguably the best goalie in the game this season. Though he is coming off a tough couple starts to finish the season that will only motivate him even more to have a huge performance beginning with Game 1 of this series. So the Rangers have the goalie edge and home ice edge and we are getting a very fair price because the Penguins are a public team in the NHL. They are very popular indeed and a lot of bettors like to back them which gives us even more value in the backing the Rangers here. New York has won 4 of last 5 home ice meetings with the Pens. Overall, the Rangers have won 3 straight meetings with Pittsburgh. Love the line value here. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -125

NHL Earliest Cash Monday 10* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes Money Line -110 vs Boston Bruins @ 7 ET - The Hurricanes seek revenge for playoff ouster at the hands of Bruins two years ago. Boston is a great team but only one team in the Eastern Conference (Florida with 7) had fewer losses than the 8 Carolina had on home ice in the regular season. This is a tough team to beat at Carolina. Also, the Hurricanes certainly are not lacking for confidence in this one after beating the Bruins by a combined score of 16 to 1 in the 3 regular season meetings! The goalie match-up is expected to be Raanta versus Ullmark and both have been playing well but note that the Canes won 10 of 13 home starts for Raanta and the Bruins lost 8 of 20 road starts for Ullmark. The pick'em price considering the home ice factors and all of the above make the Hurricanes well worth the investment here. 10* CAROLINA -110

NHL Playoff Primer Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg Jets vs Seattle Kraken @ 2 ET - Seattle is off a win and Winnipeg has won 3 straight games. This is a "meaningless" late season game but you know both these non-playoff clubs want to head into the off-season on a positive note. There should be plenty of open ice and solid scoring chances in this one. Seattle is off a rare 3-0 shutout win but had allowed an average of nearly 5 goals per game in losing 4 straight before that. The Kraken will have their hands full trying to slow down a Jets team that wants to end the season with a bang. I do like the fact that Seattle has scored at least 2 goals in 9 straight games and has actually averaged 3 goals per game during this stretch. The Jets are favored heavily for a reason though and I am looking for a 4-3 type game here at a minimum. Winnipeg is on a 3 game winning streak and off a 3-1 win versus Calgary plus scored at least 4 goals in each of the 3 home games preceding that one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Winnipeg

NHL Total of the Month Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia Flyers vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are off B2B embarrassing road losses but are now back home for their final game of the season. Philadelphia scored 4 goals in winning their most recent home game. Also, that followed a 6-3 win at Montreal in the prior game. The Flyers have been struggling defensively and in goal but they can find the back of the net when motivated and Philly is motivated on home ice to close the season with a win. However, they will have to score plenty of goals to do so because of their recent poor defense and sub-par netminding. The Senators will take advantage and enter this game having scored 3 goals in each of the first two games against Flyers this season. The Sens are off a shutout loss versus Florida but had won 4 straight games prior to that. Also, other than 2-1 win in that stretch, Ottawa's other 5 games prior to the shutout loss to the Panthers had totaled an average of 8.4 goals apiece. 10* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - Lost with this play when these teams met in Tampa Bay Tuesday but the Lighting scored 4 goals in that one. TB will be able to score well again here but this time the Blue Jackets will join the party as well. Columbus is a different team on home ice and should produce much better here. The Jackets last home game was a 5-2 win and they love for that cannon to be going off plenty of times with each goal scored for the hosts when in Columbus. Overall that 5-2 win was the 13th time last 19 home games for Columbus totaling at least 7 goals. This one will too as the Blue Jackets are sure to put up a fight in their home finale but they will have to score plenty of goals to topple Tampa Bay. So look for a 4-3 or 5-4 type game here that might see the Jackets fall just short but our over will not fall short this time! 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Earliest Cash Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +170 @ Winnipeg Jets @ 7:35 ET - This is a tricky spot for the Jets and this play is all about the underdog value for the Flyers. Winnipeg is off a win but had lost 4 straight games before that. The average margin of defeat was 3.3 goals per game in those 4 losses. The point is that the Jets have not been playing that well, their playoff hopes were only recently dashed, and they have two bigger games against Western Conference foes on deck. They will want the game with Calgary up next and then their home finale after that versus Seattle. This is the most meaningless game left on their schedule and the Flyers could surprise here. Also, I do respect back-up goalie Comrie but he is the #2 to Hellebuyck for a reason of course and Comrie will be between the pipes tonight. Flyers off a loss but won 2 straight before that and will be motivated to win their final road game of the season after a bit of a lackluster showing at Chicago Monday. 10* PHILADELPHIA +170

NHL Situational Slaughter Tuesday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line +100 vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:35 ET - The Golden Knights are the more desperate team here. But that is merely serving to give us extra line value because of public perception. The fact it is the Stars have yet to clinch a playoff spot and they can do so with a win tonight. On home ice and with a chance to clinch, Dallas should get the win tonight. Vegas knows their odds are now extremely slim after losses to the Devils and then a heart-breaking gut-wrenching OT loss to the Sharks in which they blew a late 2-goal lead. The Knights will try to bounce back here but it is too much to ask and Dallas rolls again on home ice after a 3-2 win over Seattle in most recent game. The Stars are 25-10-3 on home ice this season while Vegas has won only about half their road games this season. The situation sets up perfectly for a home ice win here. 10* DALLAS +100

NHL Earliest Punisher Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Lightning just blasted three straight teams including the Maple Leafs and they prefer to meet Toronto in the post-season so they will keep going hard so they don't fall into a wild-card sport. That said, Tampa Bay should again score extremely well here. TB has won 5 of 6 games and scored 6.4 goals per game in those 5 victories! As for the Blue Jackets, they are off a 5-2 home win and 2 of their last 4 road games totaled at least 9 goals. Look for another high-scoring game here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Tampa Bay

NHL Total of the Week Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 8:05 ET - This is the perfect spot to fade the Flyers off their huge upset win over the in-state rival Penguins yesterday. However, while I do expect the Blackhawks to catch a sleepy and unmotivated defense here (plus goalie likely to be a very young Felix Sandstrom in this one) I just do not trust the Blackhawks defense and netminding either. Hence, a play on the over in this one. Chicago has allowed at least 4 goals in 7 of last 8 games. Blackhawks home games have totaled at least 7 goals in 4 straight contests and, in fact, those games averaged 8 goals per game. As for the Flyers, before yesterday's 4-1 win stayed under the total, 6 of 7 Philly games totaled at least 7 goals. As a matter of fact, those 6 games averaged 8.3 goals per game. Look for at least 7 goals in this one as well with two teams just playing out the string on tough seasons so there will be little defensive intensity here particularly with Flyers off win over their biggest rival yesterday. 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Situational Dominator Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals have lost each of the two prior meetings with the Leafs by a combined score of 12 to 6 - an average total of 9 goals scored per game. Washington comes in seeking revenge but Toronto also comes into this one angry off B2B losses after a loss at Florida yesterday. The Maple Leafs have averaged scoring 4.3 goals per game the last 6 times they have entered a game off 2 or more losses. At the same time, note that the Caps have been scoring plenty of goals and have been particularly high-scoring in home games. Now, finally back in DC after a lengthy road trip, this one should see a pile of goals scored. I know this total is a big one posted at 7 goals but it should not be a problem here given the situational edges pointing toward goals in this one. 10* OVER 7 in Washington

NHL PA Dominator Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 4:05 ET - You know Philly is going to bring a strong effort on their home ice here against the rival Penguins. However, this does not change the fact that this team can stop no one! The Flyers continue to struggle defensively and in goal and Pittsburgh should score plenty here. But Philadelphia has been scoring well and continues to get involved in one high-scoring game after another and I expect that trend to continue here. The result is a game in which I expect each team to get to 3 goals and, of course, this guarantees of nothing less than a 4-3 final in this one. 9* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Divisional Dominator Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 7 -130 in Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Leafs could get Auston Matthews back for this one. Either way I am looking for plenty of goals. Toronto just got destroyed at Tampa Bay and gave up a ton of goals so they need to bounce back after that embarrassing loss. The Maple Leafs should bounce back here and score plenty against a Panthers team known for having some issues defensively and in front of their own net. Of course the difference is that Florida also scores goals like crazy. This one sets up nicely to be a barnburner just like the 7-6 final these guys played to in their last meeting. This one of course may not get that crazy but a 5-4 type game would not surprise me in the least. Just so much firepower for these two clubs and the Leafs have consistently been involved in high-scoring games and the Panthers will put up a pile of goals here at home too. Toronto needs to bounce back after embarrassing loss to Lightning but the hosts here make this one turn into a wild goal-filled contest. 10* OVER 7 goals -130 in Florida

NHL Earliest Cash Saturday 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders @ 12:35 ET - The Islanders are known as a defensive-minded team but this is a late season match-up between two teams out of the playoff race. The Isles have been playing a different style recently and the Sabres enter this game off 3 straight wins. Buffalo is scoring a lot of goals and this will be an up-tempo game on their home ice. The Sabres have seen 14 of their last 16 games total at least 6 goals so I feel we have fantastic value here with this posted total at 6 goals. In fact, of those 14 games, 13 of them totaled at least 7 goals. I fully expect this one will too as the Sabres continue to score well but the Islanders come to play in this one too as they are off 3 straight losses including a 6-3 loss to the Rangers. 9* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Earliest Cash Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - This follows the same late-season logic I have used in cashing other overs recently. This match-up features two teams long out of the playoff race and playing out the string on the season. You tend to see less defensive intensity in match-ups like this and more open ice. There should be plenty of solid goal-scoring opportunities just like we saw in last night's game involving the struggling Flyers and struggling Canadiens. In this case we are talking about a Senators team that has allowed 3.7 goals last 3 games but also scored 3.6 goals per game last 11 games. Ottawa will score well here against the struggling Blue Jackets but of course Columbus will do some damage on home ice too! Jackets home games have totaled 7 or more goals in 12 of last 17 contests. Look for another wild one here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Total of the Week Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - Yes, Carey Price has played well for the Habs since he came back but he has only made two starts and in his first home start he did not face many shots. I expect him to face a barrage of shots from the Flyers tonight. Philly has been losing a lot of games lately too just like the Canadiens have been. Philadelphia games have been played a bit helter-skelter with a lot of open ice and and turnovers and great scoring chances, etc. Flyers so weak defensively right now and they also have goalie Carter Hart now shutdown for the remainder of the season. Their back-ups have had some issues along the way defending the cage. Philly has lost 6 straight games and allowed an average of 5.3 goals in this horrible stretch! The Habs have lost 10 of 12 games and have allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 11 games! This one should get crazy as these are not the most highly skilled teams offensively but their recent poor defensive play more than makes up for that in terms of a high-scoring affair being likely here! 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Earliest Blowout Wednesday 10* Top Play UNDER 6.5 in Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars @ 8:30 ET - After Oettinger got pulled from last start against the Canucks, look for the Stars to respond big here no matter who is between the pipes. Dallas had 9 of 12 games heading into that one total 5 or less goals. In fact their 3 games just before the ugly loss at Vancouver averaged only 3 goals totaled per game! This a key playoff-intense battle taking place at Edmonton and the Oilers are playing well and have gotten fantastic goaltending in all but one recent game. One bad game last 7 and in the other 6 games Edmonton has allowed an average of 0.83 goals per game! Yes just 5 goals conceded in regulation time in those 6 games. This one featuring Oilers hosting Dallas should be a tight low-scoring battle as the game also is so key within the different aspects of the playoff picture! 10* UNDER 6.5 in Edmonton

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals -130 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - Even if Auston Matthews still is out, the Maple Leafs should roll big here and that means plenty of goals. Toronto has won 10 of 12 games and has scored an average of FIVE goals per game in those dozen games! Even if Leafs "only" hit their recent "average" of 5 goals can we expect at least 2 from Philadelphia here? The Flyers have lost 11 of 14 games but have scored at least 2 goals in 12 of those 14 games. In fact, Philly has averaged scoring nearly 3 goals per game during this stretch. The big problem for a Flyers team playing a lot of young guys and missing some key veterans and also without #1 goalie Carter Hart is the fact that they have allowed 5 goals per game in those 11 losses in this rough 3-11 stretch. This one gets crazy in my opinion. 10* OVER 6.5 in Toronto

NHL Western Conference Total of the Year 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames @ 8:05 ET - The Blackhawks are mired in a losing stretch but are still scoring plenty of goals. Chicago has averaged 3.3 goals per game in regulation time of last 4 games. The Blackhawks have lost 9 of 10 games and allowed an average of 4 goals per game in regulation time of last 13 games. Chicago will not be able to stop this surging Flames team that is looking to secure the top spot in the Pacific Division. Calgary has won 6 of 7 games. In the Flames last 10 wins they have scored an average of 5.3 goals per game. They are a -300 favorite here for a reason. They are fully expected to win and the value way to play this one in my opinion is the over. Calgary wins, they score plenty, but Blackhawks get a few goals too. Rather than lay the 1.5 goals with the Flames and worry about if the game ends 4-3 rather than 5-2 I am simply playing the over here as I do fully expect 7 or more goals here no matter what the final score. Note that the fact the Flames have a big game at Nashville on deck could impact their goalie situation here as well as their focus defensively. That is another thing I like about this one seeing more scoring than most might expect. 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Contrarian Crusher Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 goals in Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres @ 5:05 ET - As mentioned in yesterday's write-up on this match-up (yesterday the teams met in Buffalo): at first glance, with two non-playoff teams matched up you might expect a lackluster under here. However, in typical contrarian fashion, there is more than meets the eye here at first glance and I like the over a lot in this one. Neither one of these teams has been able to stop anyone lately. The Flyers lost goalie Carter Hart to injury and Martin Jones got the start yesterday so that means Felix Sandstrom likely to start here and he has only made 2 career NHL starts and allowed 3 goals in each start. If we get this game to 3-3 we can not do any worse than a 4-3 final and so now lets talk about the Sabres goalie. Craig Anderson started yesterday so it is likely to be Dustin Tokarski today. He has been lit up in each of his last four starts and allowed 4 or more goals in each of his last 3 starts. The Flyers did not generate many shots on goal yesterday and I expect them to be much better in that regard as they look for payback today after blowing a 2-0 lead in yesterday's loss. However, the Philly defense has been atrocious in their own zone and they are playing a lot of young guys too which leads to mistakes as there is always a learning curve. That said, look for a bit of a wide-open game with plenty of open ice. The Sabres have seen 11 of their last 14 games total 7 or more goals. Flyers games have totaled at least 7 goals in 9 of last 13 games! 10* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Contrarian Crusher Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6 goals -120 in Buffalo Sabres vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - At first glance, with two non-playoff teams matched up you might expect a lackluster under here. However, in typical contrarian fashion, there is more than meets the eye here at first glance and I like the over a lot in this one. Neither one of these teams has been able to stop anyone lately. The Flyers lost goalie Carter Hart to injury and Martin Jones will be getting the start. He has been lit up in each of his last two starts and allowed 4 or more goals in 4 of his last 6 starts. However, it is not all on the goalies for Philly, the defense has been atrocious in their own zone and they are playing a lot of young guys too which leads to mistakes as there is always a learning curve. That said, look for a bit of a wide-open game with plenty of open ice. The Sabres will score plenty here on home ice but Buffalo also will conceded plenty as their opponents continue to pile up goals. The Sabres have seen 10 of their last 13 games total 7 or more goals. Philadelphia is off a 4-0 loss to the Rangers but they will bounce back with some scoring here as that game as on the heels of a stretch that saw Flyers games total at least 7 goals in 8 of last 11 games! 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Afternoon Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -120 vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 4:05 ET - The Oilers are on home ice and facing back-up goalie Thompson for the Golden Knights because Lehner had a personal matter to tend to here in Vegas. The home of the Golden Knights is also my home and his decision to return here (certainly hope all is okay for Lehner) certainly hurts his team in the middle of chasing down a playoff spot. The Oilers playoff positioning is much better than the Knights but they still have not clinched one so there will be no backing down here. Also, this is a revenge game for Edmonton after they got embarrassed on home ice in a 4-0 loss to the Knights the last time these teams met. The Oilers had won each of the 2 meetings (by an 8-5 final) before that one this season. I look for them to dominate here given the above situational aspects. 10* EDMONTON -120

NHL Puck Line Punisher Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets +1.5 -110 @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Jets are battling hard to stay alive in the playoff race in the West. Florida is looking to lock things down for the top spot in the league heading into the post-season. The key here is the value with the +1.5 goals. Even without Scheifele for the entirety of the last game and most of the game before that, Winnipeg won both games. Overall only 6 of their last 22 games have been a loss by more than a single goal. As for the Panthers, as strong as they are they have only 5 wins by more than a 1-goal margin in their last 15 games. Florida wants to win and earn top spot in the league as they look for that home ice edge for entirety of playoffs or at least for the entire Eastern Conference post-season - as they may not top Avalanche out West in regular season points in the standings. However, one can not argue the fact that the Jets are even hungrier here. Winnipeg is desperate to earn points in the standings and still alive in the post-season chase but chasing two teams (Dallas and Nashville) makes it more difficult. With both those teams losing last night, the Jets got an added boost as their slim chances are still very much alive. Also, the Jets game getting canceled Wednesday at home (blizzard in Winnipeg) allowed them to stay in USA and they are well rested mentally and physically for this huge game Friday. They may ultimately still fell short but, if they do, I expect it would be by just a 1-goal margin as they have received solid netminding in 7 of last 9 games and arguably have the goalie edge here over Florida. 10* WINNIPEG Puck Line +1.5 goals -110

NHL Game of the Week Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line +105 @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This line jumped off the page at me because it opened up at a pick'em even though Nashville was on home ice. Keep in mind the Predators have won 23 of 35 home games and the Oilers have won 19 of 38 road games. In other words, the line looked funny. Why? Exactly! Sure enough the markets jumping on the Preds on home ice and driving the line from the 110 range to the 125 range. In my opinion though, and as per usual, the odds makers had this one right. Here are the keys to this one: The Predators are off a win but lost 5 of 9 games before that victory. Also, 5 of the last 6 wins that Nashville has came against bad teams that are not going to make the playoffs. Now take a look at Edmonton heading into this match-up. The Oilers are off B2B losses to strong teams heading to the post-season but had won 12 of 15 games before these B2B defeats. 5 of those 12 Edmonton victories were against teams that are in playoff position. The Oilers were priced this way for a reason by the odds makers on the road and so don't be fooled in this one. The visitors have been playing the better overall hockey and will get the job done here. 10* EDMONTON +105

NHL Earliest Dominator Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres are off a huge 5-2 win at rival Toronto. I could easily see the Sabres coming out flat here at home and the Blues taking it to them early in this one. After all, Buffalo had lost 3 straight and allowed 4.7 goals per game in the 3 games before the win over the Maple Leafs. The key however is that this Buffalo team has been scrappy late in the season and will bounce back even if they do get down early. I say this with confidence because the Sabres have won 5 of last 8 home games and scored 3.4 goals per game in regulation time of those 8 match-ups. St Louis enters this game having won 8 of 9 games and having averaged 4.6 goals per game during this red hot run! The Blues have allowed 3.6 goals per game last 7 road games. Look for plenty of goals here in this non-conference battle. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Divisional Dominator Wednesday 9* Top Play OVER 6 in Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - Rangers want to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to Carolina yesterday. They also have revenge from a 4-3 OT loss to the Flyers recently. This is a rivalry so that is keeping this total lower than it should be in my opinion. Right now Philadelphia is struggling to stop anyone but they still score some goals (particularly at home) and here they catch New York in a back to back. The Rangers used their top goalie, Shesterkin, last night so that sets this one up well for value on a high-scoring game. The Rangers are off a 3-1 win at New Jersey in most recent road game but that was preceded by 3 road games for NYR that average 8 goals apiece! As for Philly, 8 of last 11 games have totaled at least 7 goals! In fast those 11 games have averaged nearly 8 goals apiece. Flyers are also in a B2B spot here and used both Jones and Hart in goal in yesterday's embarrassing loss to the Capitals. 9* OVER 6 in Philadelphia

NHL Eastern Conf Total of the Month Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are well-rested here and the fresh legs - off since Saturday's 5-4 OT win at Detroit - should help to continue the high-scoring surge being seen in Columbus' games. The Blue Jackets 23 of last 34 games have totaled 7 or more goals. The Canadiens are off a 4-2 home loss to Winnipeg Monday so they also were off yesterday and, after B2B Habs games failed to reach the 7-goal mark, I look for plenty of goals here. Heading into last weekend, Montreal had seen 13 of 18 games total 7 or more goals. With two non-playoff teams matched up in a late-season game that is a non-divisional match-up, we should see plenty of open ice and a lot of scoring opportunities. Also, as you can see from the numbers above, neither team has been getting stellar goaltending very often either! This one flies over the total! 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL ESPN Blowout Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Puck Line +1.5 goals -105 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:05 - The ability to get the full goal and a half with a scrappy Flyers team playing without any pressure and with Bobby Brink now added to the roster is too much to pass up on here. The Capitals are a rival of Philly and Washington is the team that still has not clinched a playoff spot. Yes the Caps are as good as in but they have not clinched so the pressure on them to perform here while game means nothing to Philly in the standings and they will simply go hard and look to be a spoiler. Though Washington has won 3 in a row, they have lost 20 of 38 games on home ice this season. All kidding aside, they might wish this game was in Philly! Also though the Capitals have won 12 of 20, the 18 games before B2B multi-goal wins featured only THREE wins by a multi-goal margin in an 18-GAME stretch! There is a lot of value with the puck line here as Flyers angry off a horrible performance in a 5-3 loss to Anaheim in which they blew a 2-0 lead after one period. It was the first time this season the Ducks won a game in which they trailed by a 2-goal margin. In the past two months dating back to mid-February, only 2 times have the Flyers lost consecutive games by a multi-goal margin. They bounce back here against the rival Capitals for at least the puck line cover. 10* PHILADELPHIA +1.5 goals

NHL Atlantic Div Total of the Month Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - Toronto out for revenge from a 5-2 loss at Buffalo last month. Since that defeat, the Maple Leafs have won 10 of 13 games and score an average of 4.4 goals per game. In this revenge spot the Leafs most certainly will not take their foot off the gas and I expect them to score plenty here. But Toronto also gives up goals in bunches and that is why 29 of 39 Maple Leafs games totaled at least 7 goals prior to Saturday's 3-2 win over Montreal.  The Sabres are off a 5-0 loss to a determined Tampa Bay team as Buffalo continues to struggle defensively and with goaltending. However, the goose egg on the board for the Sabres has certainly not been the norm of late. Buffalo actually average scoring nearly 4 goals per game in their 9 games before that shutout loss. In fact, Sabres 8 of 10 games before the loss to TB had totaled at least 7 goals and this one will too! 10* OVER 7 in Toronto

NHL Network Rout Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Jets in a back to back spot and off a 4-3 win at Ottawa last night. Look for at least 7 goals in their game again tonight. Here is an updated excerpt from yesterday's write-up on the Winnipeg Over: Consider that the Jets road games have been higher scoring and perhaps they feel a little less pressure not being in front of their home fans. 7 of the last 9 Winnipeg road games have totaled 7 or more goals. In fact those 7 games averaged 8 goals per game! As for the Canadiens, they are off a 3-2 loss in which the game totaled just 5 goals scored but this followed a stretch in which 4 of 5 Montreal games totaled at least 9 goals! That loss was on the road but now they are back on home ice where 12 of last 18 Habs games have totaled 7 or more goals! Look for another wild one here as Jets fighting hard to stay alive in playoff race but Canadiens would love to play role of spoiler and the B2B spot for Winnipeg takes on toll on their defensemen and goaltending for this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Montreal

NHL Contrarian Crusher Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:35 ET - This is a contrarian play because many will look at this match-up and see a Senators team that has had a bad season and scored just 1 goal in most recent game and they will also see a Jets team that is battling hard to stay relevant in the playoff picture and has been involved in lower scoring games recently. The way I see this one playing out is a huge push from Winnipeg but also seeing Ottawa respond well because they are on home ice. Consider that the Jets road games have been higher scoring and perhaps they feel a little less pressure not being in front of their home fans. 6 of the last 8 Winnipeg road games have totaled 7 or more goals. In fact those 6 games averaged 8.5 goals per game! As for the Sens, they are off B2B losses in which they totaled just 3 goals scored but this followed a stretch in which 5 of 6 Ottawa games totaled at least 7 goals. Those 6 games averaged 7 goals and I look for this one to get to at least that mark as well! 10* OVER 6 in Ottawa

NHL TNT Annihilation Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Nashville Predators @ 4:05 ET - Both teams in a back to back. Both teams off losses. The Pens off a 6-3 defeat and there were a TON of missed opportunities and shots off iron in the Preds 4-1 home loss to Florida yesterday. That game, just like Pittsburgh's game did, could have easily also totaled 9 goals. That said, I feel we do have some solid line value here with the over as the B2B situation tends to be tough on a teams defensemen plus it taxes the goaltending situation. Look for plenty of goals here in this one as both teams push hard to bounce back off losses as this game important to each. Playoff implications for Nashville and playoff seeding for the Penguins. 9* OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL PA Dominator Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -105 vs Anaheim Ducks @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers have won 2 of 3 games but they had a home loss in there. That was their 2nd straight home loss but this followed a stretch of 4 wins in last 5 games on home ice for Philadelphia. Unlike the Ducks, the Flyers are still playing with a lot of heart and passion here late in the season. That said, Philly is offering a lot of line value here at home at a pick'em price. With both these clubs being non-playoff teams this game is off the radar of most bettors but sometimes these hidden games are actually hidden gems offering the best line value late in a season. That is absolutely my strong sense here and I expect Philly to get it done on home ice in a big way in this one. Note that the Ducks have lost 13 of 14 games! This is excellent line value in a spot where Anaheim should be faded. By the way 6 of last 8 losses for Ducks were by a multi-goal margin. They simply are not playing that well right now and the Flyers have been looking better in recent games and take advantage of home ice here too. 10* PHILADELPHIA -105

NHL Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in Nashville Predators vs Florida Panthers @ 6:05 ET - Yesterday the Panthers were in Buffalo and the game was 3-3 entering the 3rd period and was also an over 7 and, miraculously, the over ended up a push in a 4-3 Florida win. Over players can get the win they deserved yesterday by again backing the over in this one today! The Panthers are the highest scoring team in the NHL and continue to pile up goals. Their speed will create problems for the Predators in what is a tougher game today at Nashville but don't be surprised if the Preds pile up goals too as the Panthers struggle defensively and in goal in this back to back spot after the hard-fought win last night. So the point is that both teams are in a spot that favors an over too. Nashville was off yesterday so they are rested here and, prior to the 3-2 Preds win Thursday over Ottawa, 10 of last 12 Predators games had totaled 7 or more goals. The Panthers 8 of last 9 games have totaled at least 7 goals. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 7 in Nashville

NHL Annihilation Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in St Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild @ 8:05 ET - This is a big battle for playoff positioning in the Central Division so defense and goaltending will be important. However, both these teams have been more offensively-driven this season and I expect plenty of goals in a fierce battle. Note that 6 of the last 8 meetings have totaled 7 or more goals and 4 of those 6 totaled at least 9 goals! In other words these are not just sneaking over the totals, they are crushing it. So the recent history between these teams bodes well for an over and, also, the Blues have won 5 of 6 games and have scored an average of 4.7 goals per game during this stretch. St Louis is off a 4-1 win that stayed under the total but this was preceded by 11 of 13 Blues games totaling at least 7 goals. Minnesota has played lower scoring games of late but is off a 6-2 loss at Nashville in which Fleury finally faltered in a Wild uniform after a good couple starts to begin his Minny tenure. Talbot expected to start here and he is off a strong start at Washington. However, prior to that he allowed an average of 4 goals per game in last 8 road starts including 4 or more in each of 4 preceding road starts and all 4 of those non-playoff teams! In other words, he will have his hands full trying to stop the Blues here but I do look for the Wild to have some success getting pucks past Husso. The STL netminder is off B2B strong starts against non-playoff teams but has definitely had some struggles against quality foes in recent starts before that with 4 or more allowed against Calgary, Carolina, Columbus, and Nashville. All those efforts since mid-March too. Look for a "Wild" one here! 10* OVER 6 in St Louis

NHL Annihilation Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Chicago Blackhawks vs Seattle Kraken @ 8:35 ET - The Kraken are in a B2B spot here and they scored a measly 1 goal last night. Seattle will bounce back and score more at Chicago but they will not be able to stop the Blackhawks. Entering yesterday (4-1 loss at St Louis) the Kraken had trended toward higher-scoring games the past 5 weeks. Seattle had one 3-0 loss during this stretch but in the other 13 games since then they had gone 6-6-1 and the games averaged 6.5 goals per game. So after yesterday's game stayed under, look for things to return to normal for Seattle here. Note that Chicago is off a 3-2 OT loss to Arizona and that was on home ice! The Blackhawks will be angry to respond big here and will take advantage of tired Seattle defensemen and a Kraken team known for shaky goaltending in a back to back. Chicago, prior to the 3-2 OT loss to the Coyotes, had seen 13 of 18 games total 7 or more goals and I fully expect this one will too. 10* OVER 6.5 in Chicago

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line -105 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The NHL is not as popular for sports betting as NFL, NBA, and even MLB. However, just as in those sports there are "public teams" when it comes to betting. Just like the Cowboys in the NFL or the Lakers in the NBA or the Yankees in MLB, the Penguins in the NHL tend to be one of the more heavily bet teams. This to me is a classic value spot as a result of that. The Rangers opened up as a -120 favorite and now the line has moved to a pick'em and even to the point of the Penguins being a -115 favorite in some spots. The Pens are certainly a quality team but so too are the Rangers and they are on home ice for this one. For those of you that like trends, the Rangers have not had a standalone win since January 8th. In other words, a New York win when coming off a loss usually leads to a win streak of at least 2 games. The Rangers bounced back from a SO loss to the Flyers Sunday by notching a 3-1 win over the Devils Tuesday. They will make it 2 straight wins here! 10* NEW YORK RANGERS -105

NHL Contrarian Crusher Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line +135 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - These clubs have met twice this season and the Bolts took both games but each by just a single goal including an OT win here in DC very early this season. The Caps outshot TB in both games and it is time for some payback here. The Capitals have not won a game since March 26th but they enter tonight having played only 2 games since then. In other words, this Washington team is rested and ready and angry! I know that the Caps have struggled recently but so too has Tampa Bay. That said, this play is all about the value. The whole world is seeming to line up on the Lightning here but that gives us a great price on a home dog that is going to come out firing on all cylinders in this game in my opinion. Note that Tampa is off B2B losses and playing 4th game in 6 days. Yes the Lightning were off yesterday but this is still a tough spot for them and they are on enemy ice and facing an angry foe. 10* WASHINGTON +135

NHL Total of the Week Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 +105 in Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Jets tend to play lower-scoring games at times but the young, scrappy Red Wings are going to push the pace in this game and help it to play out as a high-scoring game. Plus Winnipeg's goaltending has been a bit up and down of late to say the least. Note that the Jets had seen 12 of 18 games total at least 7 goals prior to a 3-2 loss to Los Angeles Saturday. Winnipeg has had a few days to think about the opportunity they let slip away in that game against the Kings so I also feel sure they will be more aggressive here in the offensive zone against Detroit. The Red Wings have seen 7 of last 8 games total at least 7 goals and I fully expect another wild one here. Detroit is off a 5-3 upset win over the Bruins which will give them some confidence heading into this one and I expect them to score well here as a result but they will not be able to stop the Jets. Prior to the win over Boston, the Red Wings lost 7 of 8 games and allowed an average of 5 goals per game during this stretch! 10* OVER 6.5 +105 in Winnipeg

NHL Situational Slaughter Tuesday 9* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line -130 vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets gave a huge effort last night against the Bruins but ended up losing the game 3-2 in OT. After that very physical, grueling game against Boston, Columbus could quite possibly "mail it in" against the Flyers here. I look for Philadelphia to roll on home ice here given the huge situational edge. Philly is off a confidence-boosting road win over the Rangers Sunday. So they were resting yesterday for this one and they did lose most recent home game to Maple Leafs but this followed earning points in 5 straight games here! Indeed, Philly was on a 4-0-1 run in home ice games prior to the loss to Toronto. As for the Jackets, they have lost 7 straight games! 9* PHILADELPHIA -130

NHL Blowout Rout Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - These teams have both been trending toward higher scoring games and neither team has been getting stellar goaltending so another high-scoring game likely here. Both teams long gone from the playoff picture and can play loose, free-wheeling, pressure-free hockey here. Note that the Habs have allowed at least 4 goals in 3 straight games. The Canadiens have been scoring well too and that has played a key role in why 12 of their last 16 games have totaled 7 or more goals. Also, the posted total on this game is 6 goals and 2 of the only 4 games in that 16-game stretch that did not total at least 7 did total 6 goals! As for the Senators, they have seen 4 of their last 5 games total 7 or more goals. Also, Ottawa is off B2B wins so a team that is use to losing actually comes in with some extra confidence and you know Montreal will feel good too about having this match-up on their home ice. That said, look for plenty of scoring from both the Habs and Sens in this one! 10* OVER 6 in Montreal 

NHL Blowout Rout Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are on home ice here so they certainly will put up a fight as they have double revenge against the Bruins from falling short in each of the two meetings this season including 5-2 at Boston Saturday. The issue for Columbus is they will be unable to stop the Bruins here and, so though they should put up a valiant effort, the Jackets ultimately lose a high-scoring battle. That is how I see this one playing out and, of course, that is why Boston is such a huge money line favorite here. Where we have the value here, in my opinion, is with the over.  The Bruins have had 4 straight games total 7 or more goals and in fact these games have averaged 8.75 goals per game. The two games against Columbus have seen Boston and the Blue Jackets combine for an average of 7.5 goals in regulation time. The Jackets have had 21 of last 29 games total 7 or more goals! More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Blowout Rout Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Washington Capitals vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - Minnesota off a huge 3-1 win at Carolina as Fleury dominated between the pipes again. Talbot now gets the start after taking the loss in a 4-3 defeat in his last start. So this is a back to back for Minny and will Talbot be the same guy now that Fleury is in town and supplanting him as the #1 guy? Seems Talbot could be a little shaky now and the Wild are facing an angry Capitals team off a 6-1 loss. I am sure Washington is going to score well on home ice here. The issue for the Caps will be in trying to stop a solid Minnesota offense that has been piling up goals. As for the Capitals, they had won 9 of 12 before the loss and 11 of last 12 Washington games have totaled 7 or more goals! As for the Wild, their games have trended toward lower-scoring of late but they have been winning because they score enough to get the job done. Here if Minny gets to their typical 3 goals I absolutely expect the Caps to match them goal for goal and that sends this one over the total. Great situation with Wild in a B2B and Capitals off a rare ugly loss in which they scored only 1 goal and the Caps get their offense going again on home ice. 10* OVER 6 in Washington 

NHL Afternoon Annihilation Sunday 9* Top Play OVER 5.5 in New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders @ 4:05 ET - The Devils off a 7-6 SO loss versus Panthers yesterday and this followed an 8-1 loss as pucks keep flying in the net in New Jersey games. NJ crazy high-scoring loss to Florida  Saturday was the 17th time last 25 games in which a New Jersey game has totaled 7 or more goals. Now the Devils remain on home ice and catch Islanders off huge shutout win at the Rangers Friday. New Jersey will score some goals here again but the Devils problems will be at the other end of the ice in this one. NJ will be unable to stop a surging Islanders team that has won 3 straight games. The Isles have won 10 of 14 and higher-scoring games have been the norm of late for NYI. Prior to 3-0 win over the rival Rangers, the Islanders 10 of last 14 games totaled 6 or more goals and I fully expect this one will too as the Devils go hard to play the role of spoiler in this one. 9* OVER 5.5 in New Jersey

NHL Game of the Week Saturday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line -120 vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - Kings in a playoff spot and this game is important to them for sure but I feel we have excellent line value with the Jets given the situation here and the fact the hosts are desperate for points in the standings to keep their playoff hopes alive. Winnipeg is on home ice and off a bad 7-3 loss at Toronto. That is noteworthy because the Jets have not lost back to back games in 4 weeks. Winnipeg had won 9 of 12 before the ugly loss to the Maple Leafs and I expect them to bounce right back here. The situation is perfect because the Kings are off a tight road win at Calgary Thursday. Hellebuyck is likely to be back between the pipes for this one after Comrie started, and struggled, against the Leafs because it was the 2nd game of a B2B for Winnipeg. This situation much better for the Jets and note that Los Angeles has not won B2B games since early March. The Kings had lost 7 of 11 before the shootout win over the Flames. Perfect set up here. 10* WINNIPEG -120

NHL Annihilation Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia Flyers vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off a 7-3 win versus Winnipeg Thursday and are one of the highest scoring teams in the league. The Flyers continue playing competitive hockey and will put up a fight here on home ice. However, Philadelphia continues to struggle in the D zone and, when you add all this up, it equates to what should be a highly competitive and high-scoring battle. Toronto's last 35 games have seen 25 of them total 7 or more goals. We have solid line value with this total at a 6.5 as the Flyers are off a 4-1 loss at Minnesota Tuesday but had been involved in a stretch of high-scoring battles before that. Prior to the loss to the Wild, Philly's last 13 games had seen 9 of them total 7 or more goals. The Flyers most recent home game was a tight 2-1 win over the division rival Islanders but this was preceded by 4 of last 5 Philly games on home ice totaling at least 7 goals. In fact, those 4 games averaged 8 goals per game. Look for a wild one involving the Leafs in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Philadelphia

NHL Annihilation Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres went into the 3rd period of their game Wednesday with a 2-2 score hosting the Jets but, inexplicably, nobody scored in the 3rd period. The game ended up being a 3-2 Winnipeg win decided in the shootout. Buffalo bounces back here with plenty of goals but I expect them to struggle to stop a solid Nashville team. The Sabres should be able to get some past Saros as he has struggled in goal recently for the Predators. Before a 4-1 win in his most recent start, Saros actually had seen 20 goals against the Preds in his last 5 starts! That is an average of 4 goals per outing. As for the Sabres, prior to the tight 3-2 SO loss versus the Jets, they had 4 straight games total 7 or more goals. We only need 6 for a push here but certainly I expecting 7+ as I go to my highest rating on this play! The Sabres averaged 4 goals in regulation time of their last 4 games prior to the low-scoring loss versus Winnipeg. Buffalo allowed an average of nearly 4 goals last 4 games before the Sabres fell short to the Jets. I like how competitive the Sabres have been of late but the Preds likely force them to score plenty to keep up here so the result should be at least a 4-3 final as I see it! 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Annihilation Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Minnesota Wild vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins struggling and have lost 3 of 4 games and allowed 4 goals per game in the 3 losses. Going to Minnesota is not exactly the right locale to improve your GAA and, indeed, I expect the Wild to have a huge game here on home ice. However, most definitely the Penguins can pile up goals and I expect success against Talbot here after Fleury was dominant in most recent game for Minny. Now Talbot likely get the start and he's facing a Pens team that has scored an average of 4.3 goals last 6 games. The Wild off a 4-1 win versus Philly and have seen a stretch of games not get past the 5-goal mark but I look for this one to play out much differently. The Wild have scored an average of 3.5 goals last 13 games and that is not including anything other than regulation goals of course and they have gone 9-4 in this stretch. Given all of the above I expect each club to get to at least the 3-goal mark here and that guarantees us of nothing less than a 4-3 final in what should be a highly competitive game. 10* OVER 6.5 in Minnesota

NHL TNT Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Detroit Red Wings vs New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - The Rangers off key 3-2 win at Pittsburgh last night. Not only is this a back to back spot that could leave New York a bit flat and susceptible to big plays in their D zone, their goaltending could be subpar here too. That is because Shesterkin has dominated for the Rangers this season but if he plays here it would be a B2B. So whether he starts again or Georgiev gets the call - the latter is more likely - the Rangers could struggle to slow down the Red Wings here. Detroit has been involved in a lot of high-scoring games lately. Sure they want to bounce back in the defensive zone after an 11-2 loss at Pittsburgh Sunday but I just don't think the Wings are built well enough defensively or in goal to slow a talented group of Rangers forwards that will have to lead the way for New York tonight. The Rangers have scored an average of 4 goals per game last 4 games. The Red Wings have seen 16 of 26 games total 7 or more goals and the crazy thing is those 16 games have averaged a ridiculous 10 goals each! Detroit's most recent home game was a 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay but the Red Wings scored 4 or more goals in 9 of 13 at home prior to that one. High scoring trending on home ice continues here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Detroit

NHL Annihilation Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 8:05 ET - The Flyers are on a stretch of 4 straight road games totaling 7 or more goals. They continue to play competitive hockey but are guilty of breakdowns in the defensive zone and so Philadelphia continues to give up too many goals. Philly has endured some sub-par goaltending too but continues to score quite well and that is why I look for this game at Minnesota to fly over the total. The Wild are in the midst of a stretch of low-scoring wins but I look for the Flyers, playing with no pressure, to be very aggressive in getting plenty of rubber on the net to put pressure on Marc-Andre Fleury. Keep in mind, Fleury was solid in his first start with the Wild and allowed just 2 goals but this followed him allowing 3 or more goals in 7 of 8 starts heading into that one. He allowed 3.6 goals in those 8 games and more of the same expected here. Look for a 4-3 or 5-3 type game in this one! 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Divisional Dominator Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - The Hurricanes are back on track and scoring more goals again. After a rare low-scoring stretch, the Canes scored 3 goals in a 4-3 SO loss versus Dallas. This was followed by a huge 7-2 win at St Louis Saturday and I expect Carolina to carry the high-scoring momentum right into this revenge game at Washington. I know this game has big-time playoff implications and involves the Hurricanes seeking revenge against a divisional foe for a home loss versus Capitals less than 2 weeks ago, but I still expect a high-scoring game here. The Caps piled up 40 shots on goal in that 4-3 shootout win at Carolina and the Canes have allowed 3 goals per game last 7 games. So the Hurricanes will struggle to stop the Capitals here but the key is that Washington has been allowing too many goals lately and faces a talented revenge-minded divisional foe. The Caps have won 9 of 12 games and 10 of last 11 games have totaled 7 or more goals and I expect this one will too! 10* OVER 6 in Washington

Total of the Month NHL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Nashville Predators vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 6:05 ET - The Predators off B2B 6-1 losses but, prior to that, Nashville had won 7 of 9 games and scored an average of 5 goals per game during this stretch! Now, off B2B losses and facing a Flyers team that has struggled defensively and in goal, Nashville should enjoy an offensive explosion here. One thing about Philly though, is they are still fighting and scoring goals and I do not expect them to lay down here. The result has been 3 straight games totaling 7 or more goals and, going further back, 8 of last 12 games totaling 7 or more goals. The Flyers have scored at least 3 goals in 8 of last 12 and will have success here in the offensive zone but, once again, their defense and goaltending lets them down. The result is a barn-burner with a ton of goals scored here. 10* OVER 6 in Nashville

NHL No Doubt Blowout Rout Saturday 9* Top Play Carolina Hurricanes -125 @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are off a 5-2 loss to the Flyers. Yes, home loss to Philadelphia! So we should take St Louis to bounce back, right? Don't be so fast to do so! The Blues have lost 8 of 11 as they have recent 4-game and 3-game losing streaks and I fully expect at least a 2-game losing streak now for St Louis. They are hosting a very strong Carolina team that is favored on the road for a reason here! The Hurricanes are also off a loss and have had some struggles lately but they were 41-12-5 as of last Saturday the 12th. They then faced a very tough schedule and struggle for it. Now, after a SO loss at Dallas, after a key win over the 2x defending Stanley Cup Champion Lightning, the Canes take advantage of facing a struggling STL team and get right back on track. This one will be all Hurricanes on the road. 9* CAROLINA -125

NHL Divisional Dominator Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Washington Capitals vs New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - The Devils off a 3-2 loss at Toronto Wednesday but this followed 4 straight New Jersey games totaling 9 or more goals! Washington off a 4-3 SO win at Buffalo last night and this continued a high-scoring trend in Capitals games! 9 of last 10 Caps games have totaled 7 or more goals! More of the same expected here as the B2B situation and having been on the road last night plus the game going into OT and having to be decided in the shootout means an extra taxing situation for Washington goaltending and defense. Devils will be on the attack early and often but Capitals will respond and this one should fly over the total. 10* OVER 6.5 in Washington

NHL Earliest Dominator Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres off a 4-3 SO win over Penguins and will ride momentum into this game. The problem is that, though Buffalo should score well at home again, they will have trouble stopping an angry Capitals team. Washington is off a 5-2 loss and will be looking to respond with plenty of goals here. I am expecting 7 or more and we have extra value here since this total is set at 6 goals. The Sabres last 12 home games have featured 9 totaling 7 or more goals! Those 9 games have averaged 8 goals per game! The Capitals 5-2 loss versus St Louis was the 8th time last 9 games that a Washington game has totaled 7 or more goals. More of the same expected here with a high-scoring barn-burner expected between these two teams given the situation. 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Divisional Dominator Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Montreal Canadiens vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens are off a 3-2 OT loss Monday which followed a 5-1 win Saturday. While those games fell short of going over 6 goals, note that the Habs 8 games prior ALL totaled 7 or more goals! In fact, those 8 games averaged 8.3 goals each and I expect we'll get to 8 goals again here or at least the 7 we need for a win! Florida, of course, is a scoring machine and this is the debut of Claude Giroux with his new team and the Panthers have had nearly a full week off since a 3-0 shutout win capped a West Coast road trip. Florida has seen 17 of last 20 home games total 7 or more goals and this one will too! 10* OVER 6.5 goals in Montreal

NHL TNT Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:35 ET - The Penguins won 5-1 last night at home against Columbus but the game burned me as we had over 6.5 and it fell just short despite being 4-1 after two periods. I will come right back with an over involving the Penguins as they will continue scoring well here but note they did use #1 goalie Tristan Jarry last night. Look for the Sabres to enjoy some success on home ice and facing a back-up goalie or Jarry in the 2nd game of a back to back. At the same time though, I do not foresee Buffalo being able to slow down the Pens here. In fact, Pittsburgh has averaged a ridiculous 47 shots on goal in the first two games against the Sabres this season. More of the same here and this one should fly over the total as a result. 8 of Buffalo's last 11 home games have totaled 7 or more goals. Pittsburgh has won 5 of 6 games and scored an average of 4 goals per victory. Of course the Penguins are a big favorite here for a reason. In other words, look for a 5-3 type game or at least a 4-3 game. 10* OVER 6 in Buffalo

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets are off a 5-4 win versus St Louis Saturday. 17 of last 23 Columbus games have totaled 7 or more goals. Not surprisingly, given those numbers, the Jackets have scored well for many weeks now but also have struggled to stop the opposition. Look for that trend to continue here. The Penguins have not been giving up many goals but their most recent home game was a 4-2 win and, prior to that, 7 of last 8 Pittsburgh home games totaled 7 or more goals. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6.5 in Pittsburgh

NHL Total of the Week Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:05 ET - The Wild have been hot and have won 4 of 6 games. Minnesota has scored an average of 3.7 goals per game last 9 games. The problem for the Wild at times is allowing too many goals. Prior to their 3-1 win over Chicago Saturday, Minnesota had allowed a crazy 4.4 goals per game last 15 games. Vegas has been without the injured Robin Lehner (goalie) and, prior to 5-1 win versus Kings Saturday, the Golden Knights allowed 5.3 goals last 4 games. 2 of the last 3 meetings between the Knights and Wild have totaled 8 or more goals and this one should easily get to at least 7 goals given all of the above. Look for a 4-3 type game at a minimum in this one. 10* OVER 6.5 in Minnesota

NHL Earliest Cash Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers +135 vs New York Islanders @ 2:05 ET - The Islanders are off a win yesterday and should have a hot goalie, Ilya Sorokin, between the pipes for this one. However, New York is just 3-7 the last 10 times when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the Islanders are not only off a win yesterday, they are in a short rest spot while the Flyers have rest here and are on their home ice. Philadelphia is playing first game since the Claude Giroux trade has been made official and I am expect them to respond in a strong way on home ice in this one. The Flyers have gone 3-0 the last 3 times they are at home off a loss that was not a shutout loss and not a back to back situation. Here they enter this home game off a 3-1 loss at Ottawa and that followed an emotional home game win and was a Friday game. Rested, at home, off a loss, the Flyers get a big home dog win here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +135

10* Arizona Coyotes +1.5 goals -120 vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 5:05 ET - This is a tough spot for the Penguins and they are over-valued. They are off a 3-2 win in the shootout at St Louis Thursday. That was a big win for the Pens but this Pittsburgh team is only 6-6 last 12 games and 3 of the wins were by just a single goal. That means that at -1.5 goals the Penguins would be just 3-9 last 12 games. Now they face a scrappy Coyotes team that is at home and well-rested and has been playing well. Arizona has been off since Tuesday and they have won 8 of 11 games and 2 of the 3 losses were by just a single goal. That means that the Coyotes have only 1 loss by a multi-goal margin in last 11 games. Just a ton of line value here in a non-conference game in which the Penguins will be in a fierce battle just to win this game let alone win it by any kind of margin. 10* ARIZONA +1.5 goals

NHL Contrarian Crusher Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line -100 vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - I know the Bruins are a good team and coming off a loss but this is a tough spot for them on enemy ice. Note that on the road Boston only has 1 regulation win last 5 games! Also, the 2 road losses last 5 games away from home were both in regulation for the Bruins. I like a surging Winnipeg team here on home ice. The Jets have won 4 of last 5 games and Hellebuyck getting his confidence back with the recent winning and Comrie also was rock solid between the pipes in a recent 2-1 win. The Jets get it done here. 10* WINNIPEG

NHL Earliest Cash Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:05 ET - Total moved from 6.5 to a 6 likely because of the Auston Matthews suspension and I am happy to take advantage of the added value here! The Maple Leafs have plenty of firepower to score goals even with Matthews not on the ice for this one. Also, the biggest issue for Toronto these days is between the pipes and that issue has been magnified by the Jack Campbell injury. The Leafs had given up an average of nearly 5 goals per game in the 8 games preceding a rare 4-0 shutout win Tuesday versus Dallas. As for Carolina, they will be fired up to respond off a 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh Tuesday. Prior to that defeat, the Hurricanes had won 9 of 11 games and scored an average of 3 goals per game in the 9 wins. I would not be surprised to see each team get to 3 goals in this one and that would translate to nothing less than a 4-3 final. 10* OVER 6 in Toronto

NHL TNT Annihilation Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - I know the Bruins trend toward lower scoring games but this is the 2nd game of a B2B situation for them and they are on the road and I feel strongly that the Wild are going to dictate the flow and pace of this game on their home ice. That should certainly be a good sign that we can expect an over here as Minnesota enters this game with 12 of their last 15 totaling 7 or more goals. By the way, one of the only 3 that did not was a game totaling 6 goals and the posted number on this total is 6 goals. Boston has won 10 of last 12 games. Prior to last night's tight low-scoring OT win, the Bruins had scored an average of 4 goals per game. I know Bruins have been getting solid goaltending but this Wild team so dangerous in the offensive zone and I look for plenty of goals in this one given Boston being in a back to back situation as well. 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Total of the Week Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Montreal Canadiens vs Arizona Coyotes @ 7:05 ET - Had over involving Coyotes last night and that was a solid winner and I will use the over again involving Arizona in their very next game in this B2B situation. The Coyotes won 5-3 at Ottawa last night and now they head a little further east to Montreal for this one. The Canadiens last 6 games all have totaled 7 or more goals and I fully expect this one will as well. Montreal has won 8 of 11 games and has been scoring much better of late. Arizona falls into that same category of playing better, and scoring better, of late. The Coyotes are 5-1 last 6 games and have scored an average of 5 goals during this run of strong play. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER 6 in Montreal 

NHL Network Rout Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Ottawa Senators vs Arizona Coyotes @ 7:35 ET - The Coyotes are off a 3-2 loss at Boston Saturday but this followed 4 straight wins in games in which Arizona scored an average of 5 goals per game. Also in the run was an 8-5 home win versus the same Senators team they will be facing tonight. In other words, you can comfortably expect plenty of goals here. Ottawa enters this one having seen 3 of last 4 home games total 7 or more goals and plus they had that crazy road game against the Coyotes just over a week ago also. The Sens and Coyotes are both teams playing out the string on their respective seasons. No playoff pressure, just go out and play and try to build for the future. The result should be another wild one between these two non-conference foes. 10* OVER 6 in Ottawa

NHL Divisional Dominator Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators @ 7:05 ET - The Predators are off a 7-4 loss yesterday. That was the 8th time last 13 games that a Nashville game has totaled 6 or more goals. Couple that with fact Minnesota seems to constantly be involved in high-scoring and there was no way I was going to pass up on this one. The Wild are off a 3-2 SO loss at Columbus. However, prior to that, 12 of last 13 Minnesota games totaled 6 or more goals. Getting this total at 6 goals is an exceptional value and I will not pass this up. 10* OVER 6 in Minnesota

NHL Situational Slaughter Saturday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +110 @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - The Rangers Igor Shesterkin had a rare bad effort at St Louis Thursday and New York got hammered for a 2nd straight game. Note that NY is actually a rock solid 6-1 this season when they enter a game off 2 or more consecutive losses. Even if Alexandar Georgiev was in goal for this one tonight I look for the Rangers to win. But I do fully expect Shesterkin to be given the opportunity to redeem himself and he has been so good for so long this season. The Rangers bounce back here off rare B2B losses. I know Dallas is off a loss but I still like this situation way too much to pass up an opportunity to have one of the stronger teams in the league as an underdog and off, not only B2B losses, a pair of games in which they were outscored 11 to 4. Take advantage of the underdog price and look for a very determined effort from the road dog in this one. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +110

NHL No Doubt Blowout Rout Friday 10* Top Play OVER 6 in New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:35 ET - I lost with the Jets Over yesterday so I will come right back with it here. The Islanders are off a game that also did not go Over 6 as they delivered a 6-0 shutout over the Blue Jackets. That said, I was still impressed with the 6 goals New York hung on Columbus and I expect some goaltending struggles in this one. Hellebuyck will likely be between the pipes for Winnipeg here after Comrie got the start last night and impressed. Normally Hellebuyck is solid and he is the #1 netminder for the Jets for a reason. However, Hellebuyck has an .861 save percentage and allowed an average of 4 goals per game in his last 4 starts and 3 of the 4 went over the total. The Islanders had Sorokin between the pipes last night so it will likely be Varlamov in the crease for this one. He has struggled recently and the over is also 3-1 his last 4 starts plus the over is 6-3 in his 9 starts in non-conference action this season as well. No matter who is guarding the cage for either team tonight I also like the fact that both teams off wins last night and will enter tonight's game with plenty of confidence. 10* OVER 6 in New York Islanders 

NHL Earliest Dominator Friday 9* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Columbus Blue Jackets vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets got drilled 6-0 yesterday at New York against the Islanders and they are unlikely to slow down a surging Wild team here. However, Minnesota continues to give up goals in bunches. The Wild allowed 5 goals in their shootout win at Detroit over the Red Wings yesterday. They now face a Columbus team that was scoring well prior to yesterday's shutout loss. The Blue Jackets last 17 games featured 14 totaling 7 or more goals before yesterday's landed on 6 goals. Columbus scored an average of 4 goals per game in those 17 games! The Wild 11 of last 13 games have totaled 7 or more goals! Minnesota averaging nearly 4 goals scored per game during this stretch and I envision a 5-4 type game here but, at the very least, a 4-3 final in what should be another "wild" one involving the Wild! 9* OVER 6.5 in Columbus

NHL Contrarian Crusher Thursday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +110 @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - Might seem easy to lay the small price with the Blues on home ice here but, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the other side of this one. As always though, it is not without some reasoning though. The fact is St Louis has been struggling overall with losses in 4 straight games. Also, home ice has not exactly been magical of late for the Blues as they have lost 3 of last 5 on home ice including the loss to Senators Tuesday. The Rangers also enter this game off a loss but that was with Georgiev between the pipes. Tonight we should see Shesterkin back in the crease again and he has been absolutely phenomenal this season. The New York netminder is 28-6-3 with a 1.93 GAA and a .942 save percentage. Shesterkin has allowed just 1 goal in 6 of last 8 games and has allowed 2 or less goals in 9 of last 10 games! The road dog Rangers have been the better team recently and they should have the better goalie in between the pipes in this one tonight. They already beat the Blues in New York and they can do it again here in St Louis. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +110

NHL Total Annihilation Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 7 in New Jersey Devils vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - The Devils 10 of last 14 games have totaled 7 or more goals. The Jets 5 of last 6 games have totaled 7 or more goals. Both teams are off high-scoring wins and this is a non-conference match-up so the set up is perfect for expecting a lot of goals in this one. 10* OVER 7 in New Jersey

NHL TNT Game of the Week Wednesday 10* Top Play Edmonton Oilers Money Line -120 vs Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - Capitals used goalie Vitek Vanecek in last night's hard-fought win at Calgary. Washington now likely going to Ilya Samsonov in this back to back spot. Not only did Samsonov suffer an injury in practice recently, he simply has not been as consistent of late and that is why Vanecek has been seeing most of the action. No matter who is between the pipes here tonight for the Caps, this spot favors an Oilers team that has lost 3 straight and 6 of last 8 and is rested, ready, and fired up to get back on track in a big way in this one. We get line value here because of their recent losses. I am expecting a huge bounce back effort from Edmonton in this one. The Oilers jumped on Samsonov when these teams met in early February and I expect them to dominate again as they catch the Capitals in in the 2nd game of a B2B. Note that Washington is 0-3 last 3 times in the 2nd game of a B2B and that includes when they faced the Oilers early last month as that was also a B2B for the Caps! 10* EDMONTON -120

NHL Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in New Jersey Devils vs Colorado Avalanche @ 7:05 ET - The Avalanche used Pavel Francouz between the pipes last night so #1 goalie Darcy Kuemper is expected to get the start tonight. He is looking to bounce back after getting yanked in the game versus Calgary as he allowed 3 goals in about 1 period of work. However, I am not so sure of Kuemper bouncing back here. He had allowed 13 goals in his 4 starts leading into that one. So he has simply not been as rock solid of late as he was prior to mid-February. Couple that with the fact he is facing a Devils team that will play loose and relaxed and with no playoff pressure and the fact the Avs in the 2nd night of a B2B and could have some tired defensemen out there and you have the ideal set up for a lot of goals in this one. Colorado has won 5 of 7 games and scored an average of 4 goals per game during this stretch. New Jersey is off B2B low-scoring battles but this followed a stretch in which 9 of 11 games totaled 7 or more goals and I am expecting that trending to resume here as those games did average 8.5 goals! 10* OVER 6.5 in New Jersey

NHL Contrarian Crusher Monday 10* Top Play OVER 6.5 in Buffalo Sabres vs Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play as the Sabres just got shutout on home ice in a low-scoring 3-0 loss and yet we are coming right back with the over today involving Buffalo. Not only can you expect the Sabres to bounce back here, this play of course has a lot to do with who they are facing in this one as well. Florida is off a 6-2 win and 20 of their last 26 games have totaled 7 or more goals! The Panthers are loaded with firepower but also note, other than a recent home shutout of Ottawa, they have allowed an average of 4.5 goals last 4 games! For the 7th time in last 8 road games, a Florida game totals at least 7 goals! Note that 8 of 12 Sabres games, before yesterday's 3-0 loss, had totaled 7 or more goals. 10* OVER 6.5 in Buffalo

NHL Game of the Week Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line +105 @ Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - This Jets team just can not be trusted. Off another OT loss to Dallas and Winnipeg has now lost 5 of 7 games. The only two victories in that span were against the two worst teams in the league - Montreal and Arizona. Now the Jets are hosting a Rangers team that is likely to have Igor Shesterkin guarding the cage and he just continues to be absolutely phenomenal this season. New York has won 16 of 24 games overall including 13 of last 17 that Shesterkin started. Look for the Rangers, regardless of who is in goal, to take advantage of a Jets team that has struggled to beat quality opposition. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS +105