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This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Knights.

Las Vegas could easily have had a 3-0 lead in this series, but the bounce finally went the Panthers way in Game 3 in OT. 

But Las Vegas has done well in this spot for bettors, going 4-1 in its last five in trying to avenge a road loss as a dog vs. an opponent. 

Despite the loss, I felt like Las Vegas looked stronger as the game got into the latter moments in Game 3. I like the KNIGHTS to bounce back here for sure.

Good luck, NP

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Knights.

Both teams have been great. With a line like this, the oddsmakers obviously believe these teams are very evenly matched, and for the most part they are. Florida likely gets the small nod in the goaltending department, while Las Vegas gets the nod in the "experience" department. Other than that, these sides truly are evenly matched. Las Vegas comes as the "fresher" team, as it hasn't required more than six games to win a series thus far. Vegas was expected to be here before the season started, while Florida has been riding a "Cinderella Wave" ever since their now legendary seven-game come-from-behind series win over the Bruins in the first round. We say that Fairy Tale comes to an end here though. In Game 1 at least. Look for LAS VEGAS to take advantage of "home ice" and lay this price with confidence.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Knights.

With a line like this, clearly the oddsmakers feel these teams are very evenly matched. And for the most part they absolutely are. Vegas however is on a roll now after losing its opening game vs. the Jets and at this price at home, we feel the value for sure in Game 2 is on the undervalued home underdog. With the majority of the early money on the Oilers, that pushes the scales in favor of the Knights for us here in the value department. The play is VEGAS.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Hurricanes.

These teams finished No. 1 and 2 in the Eastern Conference. These teams split four games in the regular season, each winning on the other's ice. Clearly, with a line like this, the oddsmakers feel these teams are very evenly matched. And that's true, so instead of trying to break down individual player matchups, or the strengths and weaknesses of each club (as that's already reflected in this moneyline), we have to find other external factors to work with, and for us, that's going to be the "home ice advantage" here in Game 1. Yes, the Devils were great on the road, but now here in the second round of the playoffs, we feel we're getting great value here on the home side. In our professional opinions, this is in fact the very definition of "great line value." The play is CAROLINA in Game 1.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Rangers.

The Devils have had a great year. They were down 0-2 in this series as well, and are now leading 3-2. Note though that the Rangers are 7-2 in their last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. They're also 8-3 in their last 11 after three or more straight losses in a row. This is a great series for the league, one that'll be a lot better when it goes to a Game 7. That's what the NHL wants, and while the Devils have in fact garnered most of the early wagers, we feel the value here is on the desperate home side. The play is NEW YORK. 

Good luck, TIR

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Leafs.

Before the NHL season started, we released a pick on the Leafs to win the Stanley Cup. Will that prediction come true? That's the million dollar question obviously, but to do that, TO will have to once and for all "get over the hump" here and slay its arch-nemesis in the Lightning. Remember TB eliminated TO in seven games in the first round last year. The Leafs haven't won a playoff series since 2004. The majority of the public money is on Toronto, which isn't our style, but when we get down to so few games at this point of the season, at some point everyone turns into the "public." With that said, Toronto has been the better team in almost every metric and with a chance to get a huge monkey off their collective backs, we do indeed think this is a great price on the Leafs to deliver the goods here in Game 5. Lay the price, the play is TORONTO.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Hurricanes.

Overall we feel this is a great price, on the better team here at home with a chance to close out this series. New York lost 5-2 in Game 4 and the Isles are now on the ropes. They were just 17-19-4-3 on the road. Carolina was one of the best home teams, finishing 30-10-1-2. We're typically contrarian bettors, but despite most of the early money on Carolina, we absolutely feel the correct call is on the Canes to get the job done here in this crucial spot. Lay the price with confidence, the play is CAROLINA.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Wild.

The Wild managed the split in Dallas, and then Minnesota took control with a win at home in Game 3. Now with a chance to put a strangle-hold on the series, we expect the Wild to take advantage. These teams are very evenly matched, and that's a sentiment shared by the oddsmakers with a line like this. But the home ice advantage is just not being taken into account properly. The Wild now have the momentum and in this case, that's going to be the difference. In our opinions, this represents the very definition of "great line value." The play is MINNESOTA.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on Vegas.

Winnipeg had to almost win out at the end of the regular season to earn the No. 8 spot. That momentum was then carried over into Game 1, where it inexplicably dominated in the 5-1 victory. The Knights then bounced back as expected with the 5-2 Game 2 win. Vegas was No. 1 in the Pacific, and the Jets were a No. 8 seed. Vegas smashed Winnipeg 3-0 in the regular season, as this is just a big mismatch as far as metrics are concerned. Yes, the Jets did finish 26-13-1-1 at home, but the Knights were 26-7-5-3 on the road. Overall great line value, the play is the GOLDEN KNIGHTS.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Islanders.

We're not counting the Islanders out quite yet. The majority of the bets are on Carolina here, but we're expecting the Hurricanes to finally run out of steam here. Conversely, note that the Isles have in fact responded well in this spot for bettors, going 6-2 in their last eight in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. New York was at its best at home this season, finishing 25-13-1-1 on Long Island. We say that "home cooking" is just what the doctor ordered for the Islanders in Game 3. Lay the price, the play is NEW YORK.

Good luck, TIR

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Islanders.

It's a big game for New York here. I'd argue that it's the biggest game of the season for the Islanders, who currently sit in ninth spot in the Eastern conference standings, two games behind Florida.

Tampa is in sixth spot, with four total games remaining. The Lightning have 94 points, while the Rangers are in fifth with 101, tied with Toronto. Pittsburgh is in seventh with 86. 

The Lightning of course don't want to go into the playoffs on a losing streak, but Tampa is already locked in to a first round matchup with Toronto. 

But it's do or die time for the Islanders, who are clinging on to a wildcard spot.

New York also plays with the immediate revenge factor after losing 5-0 in Tampa Bay on Saturday. The Isles then lost 2-1 at Carolina on Sunday.

The Lighting come in fatigued here as well after a 6-2 loss at New York just last night. 

The Islanders hold the second wild card spot in the East, but barely. I think they can rebound here from that shutout loss in Tampa, as note that New York is 7-3 in in its last ten in trying to avenge a shutout loss against an opponent. 

In fact, to say this is a "revenge" game would be a bit of an understatement, as the Lightning have won six straight regular-season meetings in this series.

This one means a lot to the Islanders. The Penguins are right behind them and they simply can't afford another loss.

I say New York rallies big time at home and the Lighthing throw in the white towel early.

Lay the short price, the play is the ISLANDERS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Flames.

I lost with Calgary last night, but I expect the Flames to risk life and limb to secure a victory here.

These teams have four games left to go in the regualr season, and Winnipeg sits in eighth spot, just two games ahead of Calgary.

This is do or die for the Flames tonight, and I expect them to play like it. Of course, Winnipeg won't be rolling over, as it has an opportunity to deliver the knock out blow.

The last time these teams got together, Winnipeg earned the 3-2 victory on January 3rd, so the Flames also play with revenge here.

In what will be a tight and competitive affair, I like CALGARY to find a way to get the job done.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BLOOD-BATH on the Sabres.

The Rangers' three-game win streak came to an end in last night's 2-1 loss at New Jersey. I say fatigue plays a factor here at the end of the season and in the second game of the back-to-back scenario.

Buffalo plays with revenge after a 2-1 OT loss to the Rangers on March 11th, and note that the Sabres are 3-1 in their last four in trying to avenge a home loss against an opponent. 

Buffalo had its two game win streak snapped with a 4-3 shootout loss to Montreal, but it's had three whole nights off to regroup here. 

Great value on the revenge-minded home side, the play is BUFFALO.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BLOOD-BATH on the Blues.

Both teams in need of a victory here, but I say that this on favors the home side, especially at this price.

Vancouver has won three in a row. It's won the first two games of this three-game trip. After this it returns home for five straight home games, with four of those against Pacific division opponents. I say the Canucks get caught "looking ahead."

So the revenge-minded home side takes advantage. St. Louis fell to Vancouver here 3-2 in OT in February, and note that the Blues are 6-2 in their last eight in trying to avenge a home loss against an opponent as a favorite.

Great value here on the BLUES.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* EAST-CONFERENCE GOW on the Islanders.

We're coming down the home stretch of the regualar season, with just under two weeks to go. Every game counts, as does momentum at this time of year. 

The Isles are off back-to-back losses, including a 2-0 shutout here at home to Buffalo as a -173 favorite last time out. 

Note though that New York is 7-2 in its last nine off a shutout home loss as a favorite. 

New Jersey broke a two-game slide with a 5-3 win at home over Ottawa last time out, but I think the visiting side will have its hands full here.

Great line value for sure, the play is New York!

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BLOOD-BATH on Montreal.

Both teams are playing out the tail end of a terrible season.

Columbus though is primed for a letdown here after back-to-back upset OT victories, including a 5-4 victory at home over the Islanders just last night.

The Habs will look to take advantage. Montreal is just 28-38-4-2 this year, but a much more respectable 15-17-1-2 at home. 

Columbus is only 9-21-5-0 on the road. Fatigue plays a factor for the Blue Jackets, and the Canadiens take advantage.

Lay the price, the play is MONTREAL.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Blues.

The Wings are getting WAY too much respect here in my opinion. They're off a 5-2 home loss to Florida just last night. They've lost three straight. 

The Blues enter having won two straight. This is the opener of a home-and-home set between the clubs, so we can expect St. Louis to build off its latest 3-0 win over Winnipeg.

All things considered, I think this is unbelievable line value here. Lay the short price, the play is the BLUES.

Good luck NP

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE GOM on the Oilers.

Both teams have been great this season. The Bruins seem unstoppable, as they've already won the first two road games of this current trip, beating Seattle 6-5 and Vancouver 3-1.

But now the level of competition and difficulty increases dramatically. And with a really tough game at Calgary tomomorrow, I think that the Bruins finally get caught looking ahead and have a small mental letdown here.

I just think that this game means so much more to the Oilers, especially coming off the 6-5 loss at lowly Columbus last time out.

This is the start of some really tough upcoming games as well for the Oilers, with games vs. Toronto, Winnipeg twice, Buffalo, at Boston against and then at Toronto. 

It's "gut check" time for Edmonton. This is a huge "measuring stick" game for the Oilers, as they'll be looking to make this a preview of the Stanley Cup Final.

One game at a time though. For me, the value here lies with the "hungrier" home side.

The play is EDMONTON.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BLOOD-BATH on the Knights.

I really like the way this one sets up for the Knights from a situational standpoint.

Dallas is playing terribly right now, as it's lost five straight. It returns home for more "winnable" game vs. Vancouver and Arizona, so I think the Stars get caught looking ahead.

Vegas has won six of its last seven, including a come from behind 4-3 OT win over Calgary here last time out. The Knights play with the added incentive of revenge here after a 4-0 loss at Dallas in mid-January, and note that Vegas is 4-1 in its last five in trying to avenge a shutout road loss against an opponent.

In my opinion, this represents the very definition of "great line value;" the play is LAS VEGAS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* CENTRAL DIVISION GOY on the Wild.

Minnesota is just 1-5 in its last six. It's still 28-21 overall and 16-10-0-2 at home though. It's been competitive in its last two losses, falling 2-1 in a shoout to Florida, before dropping a 3-2 game to the defending champs.

Minnesota plays with the immediate "revenge" factor though after a 4-1 defeat at Dallas on February 8th. The Wild have done well for bettors in this spot, going 4-1 in their last five in trying to avenge a two goals or greater loss to a division opponent. 

Dallas is just 2-5 in its last seven. It's lost two straight as well. It's 30-14 overall, and 15-8-4-0 on the road, but with a home game vs. lowly Columbus tomorrow night, I say the Stars get caught "looking ahead." 

Great value on what I believe to be the much "hungrier" team in this spot, and which has the benefit of playing at home.

The play is MINNESOTA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NHL GOM on the Penguins.

San Jose returns home from a seven-game road trip, which was sandwiched around the NHL All Star Game. The Sharks have won three of their last four, but after a 4-1 victory in the Nation's capital on Sunday, I'm expecting a letdown here in their first game back at home in three weeks. 

It's a classic "letdown" spot for teams after being on the road for an extended time, and especially if the trip was a success.

No such luxury for the Penguins though, who had their two-game win streak snapped in a humbling 6-0 loss at LA on Saturday night. 

But with two whole nights off to digest that pathetic effort, and with a chance to avenge a 6-4 home loss to San Jose on January 28th as a -240 favorite, I think Pittsburgh offers up great value from a "situational" stand point here, despite being a mid-sized favorite on the road.

I'm a contrarian at heart, but I don't follow any single methodology when handicapping, and have always felt that being flexible with your approach is the best way to secure profits over the long-term.

So while this will be a public play, I still really like Pittsburgh here to deliver the goods.

This is a play up to -180.

Play on PITTSBURGH.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NON-CONF GOY on the Devils.

If any team was "due" for regression in the second half, I think you could make an argument that both of these sides could fit in that category. That said, I think Seattle is STILL getting too much respect here on the road, because of its crazy road record it posted over the first half.

Seattle lost 4-0 at the Islanders in its first game back from the break, and I think the Kraken will have their hands full here vs. this revenge-minded Devils side which fell 5-4 in OT in Seattle earlier in the season. 

New Jersey held on for a 5-4 OT win over the Canucks three nights ago, and I think the well-rested Devils are indeed "undervalued" in this spot here at home.

The play is NEW JERSEY.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BLOOD-BATH on the Stars.

Off a 3-2 loss at Arizona, and with a game at home tomorrow night vs. Vegas, I think Minnesota is ripe for the picking here.

Dallas went into the break on a three-game slide, but it opened with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Ducks in the first game back. With a couple nights off after this, before a home game vs. the Lightning, this is one that definitely favors the home side.

This line could/should in fact be much larger.

Great value here on DALLAS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* EAST-CONF GOM on the Hurricanes.

Two really good teams here, and it wouldn't be too difficult to write a convincing argument for either of these teams to win tonight.

Boston though has lost two straight, and with one more home game vs. the Leafs before the All Star break, I say the Bruins come to Carolina deflated after last night's 4-3 OT loss at Boston.

Carolina has won four straight, including back-to-back OT contests. The Canes play with revenge after a 3-2 loss to the Bruins in November.

I think a great spot for the HURRICANES to exact a little revenge. This is a fantastic price here on Carolina at home and catching Boston in the second game of the B2B scenario.

Good luck, NP