My selection is on the 'under' between Pittsburgh and Boston at 1:05 pm et on Saturday.

These two teams were involved in a low-scoring affair in the front half of this two-game set in Boston on Thursday night and I'm anticipating more of the same on Saturday afternoon. Note that Bruins home games are averaging just 5.1 total goals this season, with the 'under' cashing at a 10-5 clip. The 'under' has gone 12-4 with the Penguins allowing just 2.1 goals per game when playing on the road off a win by two goals ore more over a division opponent in their last game over the lats two seasons, with those games totaling an average of just 4.9 goals. On the flip side, the Bruins have given up just 1.8 goals per game when playing at home after scoring just one goal in their previous contest over the last three seasons. The 'under' has cashed in five of the last six meetings in this series played here in Boston and all five previous matchups this season. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose and Los Angeles at 10:05 pm et on Friday.

We got burned by two goals in the final 12 seconds to spoil our 'under' play in the Sharks most recent game - a 4-2 victory over the Wild on Wednesday night. Undeterred, I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as San Jose heads out on the road to face the rival Kings. Los Angeles is coming off a somewhat surprising 4-2 win in Las Vegas on Wednesday. That sets up the Kings rather poorly here, however, noting that they average just 2.2 goals per game when coming off a win over a division opponent over the last three seasons. The 'under' has cashed at a 25-11 clip in that situation, with an average total of just 5.0 goals scored. Better still, the 'under' is 12-2 when the Kings play at home off a win by two goals or more over a division opponent over the last two seasons, with that situation producing an average of just 3.7 total goals. Also note that the 'under' is 9-2 when Los Angeles plays with revenge for a road loss against an opponent by two goals or more over the last two seasons with those contests totaling just 4.5 goals on average. San Jose averages only 2.2 goals per game following an 'over' result over the last two seasons. Finally, we've seen the 'under' cash in six of 10 meetings between these two teams over the last three seasons. Take the under (9*).

NHL North Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Edmonton over Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Friday.

The Oilers are in a nice bounce-back spot at home on Friday night as they look to respond following a 4-0 loss in Montreal on Tuesday. Note that Edmonton is 26-12 after giving up four goals or more in its last game over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.7 goals per game in that spot. The Oilers are also 21-10 when coming off a loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Meanwhile, Calgary checks in a woeful 2-9 after losing a home game by three goals or more over the last three seasons, allowing 3.4 goals per game in that situation. The Flames have of course had a miserable time scoring with any consistency this season, particularly on the road where they average just 2.1 goals per game. Meanwhile, the Oilers average 3.5 goals per game on home ice and off a shutout loss will be eager to bounce back here at home before heading back on the road for three games in Montreal and Ottawa. Take Edmonton (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between St. Louis and Colorado at 9:05 pm et on Friday.

This might be one of our last opportunities to play 'over' 5.5 goals in a game involving the Avs for a while given the way they've been performing lately. There's little reason to expect the Blues to knock them off stride here, noting that St. Louis has allowed 4.2 goals per game when revenging a loss where their opponent scored five goals or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Colorado is an excellent positive momentum play here having averaged a whopping 5.1 goals per game after winning its last two games by two goals or more this season, with that situation producing 7.4 total goals on average. The Avs are averaging an impressive 4.0 goals per game on home ice this season. Interestingly, St. Louis has been a better offensive team on the road than at home, scoring 3.1 goals per game. The Blues check in having scored just four goals combined over their last four games but have averaged a solid 3.3 goals per game when coming off an 'under' result over the last two seasons, and I wouldn't expect this offense to stay down for too long. Take the over (9*).

NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Carolina over Chicago at 8:05 pm et on Thursday.

I like the way this one sets up for Carolina as it look to bounce back following a 2-1 loss to the Blackhawks here two nights ago. The Canes remain a solid road team this season, having gone 12-7, allowing just 2.7 goals per game in the process. Chicago is in a tough spot here, having gone a miserable 5-15 following a home win against a division opponent over the last three seasons, allowing 3.8 goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, the Canes have allowed just 2.0 goals per game when playing on the road following a one-goal loss over the last two seasons. Carolina averages north of three goals per game on the road this season and is set up well here, noting that it averages exactly 3.0 goals per game after being held to a goal or less in its previous contest over the last three seasons, as is the case here. The Canes got a boost with the return of Victor Trocheck on Tuesday. He chipped in an assist, played more than 18 minutes and fired six shots on goal in the loss. Take Carolina (10*).

NHL Central Division Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Carolina and Chicago at 8:05 pm et on Thursday.

We saw a tightly-contested, low-scoring game between these two teams two nights ago at the United Center but I look for a much different story to unfold on Thursday. The Canes offense got a boost with the return of Victor Trocheck on Tuesday and he wasted no time contributing, chipping in with an assist on their lone goal in over 18 minutes played while also firing six shots on goal. Look for the Canes offense to get rewarded here on Thursday as they face a Blackhawks squad that has allowed a whopping 3.9 goals per game when playing at home after a one-goal victory over the last three seasons, with that situation producing 7.7 total goals on average with the 'over' cashing at a 12-3 clip. The 'over' has gone 25-13 when the Blackhawks play at home off a win over the last three seasons, with those contests totaling an average of 6.8 goals. Carolina averages 3.1 goals per game on the road this season and prior to Tuesday's game had been playing well, scoring 11 goals during a three-game winning streak. Note that Tuesday's 'under' result was the first of its kind in this series this season with the previous three meetings totaling 7, 10 and 8 goals. Take the over (10*).

NHL West Division Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and San Jose at 10:35 pm et on Wednesday.

We won with the 'over' in the front half of this two-game set between the Wild and Sharks on Monday night but I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the 'under' on Wednesday. Minnesota has now been held to three goals or less in seven consecutive games and doesn't figure to break out of that scoring slump here, noting that it averages just 2.3 goals per game when revenging a one-goal loss against an opponent over the last three seasons. Likewise, the 'under' is 35-21 and the Wild average 2.3 goals per game when revenging a loss where their opponent scored four goals or more over the last three seasons, with those games totaling an average of 5.1 goals. Despite Monday's four-goal outburst, the Sharks are still averaging just 2.7 goals per game on home ice this season. They average just 2.2 goals per game when playing at home off a game where seven or more goals were scored over the last two seasons. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Arizona and Colorado at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday.

The Avalanche have served 'over' bettors very well lately, posting a 7-1 o/u record over their last eight games. Likewise, the Coyotes have seen the 'over' cash in four of their last five contests overall. I look for a reversal of sorts here, however, as the Avs look for some revenge for a 5-4 loss in Arizona on March 23rd. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 6-0 when Colorado revenges a road loss against an opponent this season, giving up just 1.2 goals per game in that situation with an average total of just 4.0 goals scored. We've also seen the Avs allow just 2.0 goals per game when coming off a home win by two goals or more over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Arizona has proven to be a streaky team offensively, noting it averages just 2.0 goals per game following an 'under' result this season, as is the case here. The 'under' has gone 34-17 when the Coyotes follow a game where four total goals or less were scored over the last three seasons, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.9 goals. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Buffalo +1.5 goals over Philadelphia at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday.

It's certainly not easy to back the Sabres these days and after Monday's embarrassing 3-0 blown lead (which eventually led to a 4-3 overtime loss) Buffalo-backers will be few and far between on Wednesday night. I'll grab the Sabres on the puck-line here, however, noting that they don't look like a team that's quit, holding third period leads in each of their last two games. In fact, Buffalo has only been outscored in two of its last six periods of hockey. Its last two games mark the first time it has gone without losing a game by multiple goals in a two-game stretch over the course of its entire 18-game skid. Let's face it, tonight's opponent the Philadelphia Flyers have their own issues right now. While they do enter this one off consecutive wins, you would have to go all the way back to February 28th to find the last time they won a game by two goals or more (right here in Buffalo oddly enough). Their two-game winning streak marks their longest since notching three consecutive wins from February 24th-28th. Note that the Flyers are have allowed 4.3 goals per game off a one-goal loss this season, outscored by 1.7 goals per game in that situation. They've also allowed a whopping 4.8 goals per game following a road game where both teams scored three goals or more over the last two seasons. The Sabres have been outscored by just 0.1 goals per game following a one-goal loss over the last two seasons. We certainly won't be taking many shots with the Sabres but in this spot, I believe a play is warranted. Take Buffalo +1.5 goals (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Columbus and Tampa Bay at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday.

The Blue Jackets simply aren't scoring right now, managing three goals or less in each of their last seven games and one goal or less in three of their last four. While the Lightning are known for their offense, they've been even sharper defensively here at home, where they allow just 2.0 goals per game on the season. Tampa Bay has reason to tighten things up here as it returns home off consecutive 4-3 losses in Dallas and Carolina. The loss in Carolina was particularly frustrating as it grabbed an early 2-0 lead before a disastrous second period that saw it give up three unanswered goals. While Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has allowed four goals in back-to-back games that is largely due to Tampa giving up 40+ shots in those two contests. I'm confident we'll see a strong bounce-back performance from Vasilevskiy and the Lightning here. Note that Columbus has allowed just 1.6 goals per game after losing two or more games in a row on the road over the last three seasons, posting a 2-10 o/u record in that spot. Conversely, the Blue Jackets average just 2.1 goals per game when playing a third consecutive game on the road over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with the 'under' going 21-6 in that situation with an average of just 4.4 total goals scored. The Lightning average just 2.8 goals per game off consecutive 'over' results over the last two seasons, which is significant considering they average 3.7 goals per game overall this season. Take the under (10*).

NHL Revenge Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and New York at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday.

These two teams combined to score nine goals thanks to a wild third period on Sunday in Washington (the Capitals led the game 3-0 entering the third period before hanging on for a 5-4 win). I expect a lower-scoring affair in Tuesday night's rematch in Manhattan. The Caps have now scored four goals or more in three straight games but should face a tough challenge keeping that streak alive here, noting that the Rangers have allowed just 2.3 goals on average following a loss this season and have given up just 2.1 goals per game in 14 situations coming off a game where 9+ goals were scored over the last three seasons. Keep in mind, they held the Caps to just three goals combined in splitting a two-game set in Washington a couple of weeks ago. The Capitals will be venturing out on the road for the first time since March 15th. They boosted their scoring average away from home thanks to their last four road games coming against two of the league's worst defensive teams in Philadelphia and Buffalo. Here, they'll face a Rangers squad that allows just 2.7 goals per game on home ice this season. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and San Jose at 10:35 pm et on Monday.

While both of these teams are coming off relatively low-scoring affairs last time out I'm expecting a different story to unfold on Monday night in San Jose. The Wild are coming off a perfect 3-0 homestand that also saw the 'under' go a perfect 3-0. They shut out the Blues 2-0 the last time they took the ice on Thursday. Note that the road hasn't been quite as kind to Minnesota this season as it has allowed 3.0 goals per game in a visitors role. I'll also point to the fact that the 'over' is a perfect 6-0 when the Wild come off six or seven wins in their last eight games this season, allowing a whopping 4.5 goals per game in that spot with those contests totaling an average of 6.7 goals. The Sharks couldn't keep the positive momentum building off consecutive home wins over the rival Kings, dropping back-to-back games in Arizona on Friday and Saturday. They were held off the scoreboard entirely in Saturday's 4-0 drubbing but I do expect a solid bounce-back performance here. Note that San Jose is averaging 3.4 goals per game following an 'under' result over the last three seasons, with those contests totaling an average of 6.5 goals. Playing at home off a shutout loss, the Sharks have averaged 3.3 goals per game in the long-term picture, with the 'over' cashing at a 41-21 clip. The three previous meetings between these two teams this season have averaged 7.0 goals. Take the over (10*).

NHL Game of the Month. My selection is on Winnipeg over Calgary at 10:05 pm et on Monday.

The Jets have been a tremendous bounce-back team all season long and after cashing with the Flames in Saturday night's virtual must-win game, I won't hesitate to switch gears and back Winnipeg in Monday's finale of a three-game set here in Calgary. Winnipeg remains a winning team on the road this season, having gone 11-8, outscoring opponents by 0.3 goals per game. While the Jets are a solid 9-3 when revenging a loss of any kind this season, they're even better revenging a loss where they allowed four goals or more, going 7-1, outscoring the opposition by 1.4 goals per game in that spot. Meanwhile, the Flames are a miserable 1-7 after scoring four or more goals in a game this season, outscored by 2.0 goals per game while managing just 1.8 goals on average in that situation. Also note that Calgary has allowed 3.8 goals per game when playing at home off a division win over the last three seasons. I mentioned that Saturday's game was a virtual must-win for Calgary on the heels of four straight losses. The fact that the Flames managed to win that game only leaves them in a clear letdown spot against what I would consider a superior Jets squad that will be motivated to wrap up their seven-game road trip with a winning record. Take Winnipeg (10*).

NHL North Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Edmonton and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Monday.

The front half of this two-game set found its way 'over' the total no Saturday night as the Leafs delivered a 4-3 victory on home ice. I see value with the 'under' on Monday, however. While both teams are known for their offenses, both have also proven capable defensively, with Edmonton allowing just 2.7 goals per game on the road and Toronto giving up 2.6 goals per game on home ice. Note that the 'under' has gone 13-4 when the Oilers play on the road off a road game where both teams scored at least three goals over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with those games producing an average total of 5.3 goals. The 'under' has also gone 50-29 when the Oilers come off a game where there were seven or more goals scored over the last three seasons, with those contests totaling an average of 5.8 goals. Edmonton has generally been a solid bounce-back play on the road, giving up just 2.3 goals per game when playing away from home off a loss over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Toronto averages only 2.3 goals per game coming off a one-goal win at home over the last two seasons. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Monday.

While the Islanders have managed to take four of a possible six points on their current road trip, head coach Barry Trotz can't be happy with his team's performance over the last two games as they've given up a whopping nine goals, including a 6-3 loss to these same Penguins on Saturday. That sets us up well to play the 'under' in Monday's rematch, noting that the 'under' is 11-3 when the Isles play on the road revenging a loss by two goals or more against an opponent over the last two seasons, with those games totaling just 4.8 goals on average. Also note that New York has allowed just 1.6 goals per game after allowing three goals or more in consecutive games this season, with the 'under' going 9-2 in that spot and those contests totaling an average of just 4.1 goals. For their part, the Pens have posted an 0-6 o/u record when playing at home off three straight wins by multiple goals, as is the case here. That situation, albeit with a small sample size, has produced an average of just 4.1 total goals. Finally, the Isles check in having given up a minuscule 0.8 goals per game when coming off consecutive 'over' results this season. That situation has only come up six times with the 'under' going a perfect 6-0. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Florida and Dallas at 6:05 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the Panthers last night as they pulled out an overtime victory to snap their three-game losing streak. Here, I'll switch gears and back the 'under' as I anticipate a low-scoring affair in Big D. While Florida does average an impressive 3.6 goals per game on the road this season it remains undermanned with Sasha Barkov unlikely to return to the lineup on Sunday and Patric Hornqvist sidelined for an extended period. Note that the Stars have given up just 2.3 goals per game when coming off a loss against a division opponent over the last three seasons with those games totaling an average of just 4.8 goals. On the flip side, the Stars average just 2.1 goals per game following consecutive contests where both teams scored three or more goals over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Prior to last night's contest, the first three meetings between these two teams this season all produced five goals or less. Take the under (10*).

NHL North Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Calgary over Winnipeg at 10:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Flames fell short again last night, falling by a 3-2 score against the Jets - their fourth consecutive loss. Calgary did manage to score two goals in the third period which is at least a positive for them to hang its hat on entering Saturday's rematch with Winnipeg. While the Flames are down right now, I'm not about to write them off, especially here on home ice where they're still a winning team on the season and average north of three goals per game. They've also still taken 13 of the last 17 meetings with the Jets here in Calgary. With Winnipeg having taken four of six meetings this season, there's even more motivation for the Flames to get back on track on Saturday. Take Calgary (10*).

My selection is on Florida over Dallas at 8:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Panthers are reeling right now, fresh off three straight losses and dealing with a couple of key injuries to Sasha Barkov and Patric Hornqvist. With that being said, I do look for them to bounce back on Saturday night as they put a disappointing start to their current road trip behind them with a convincing victory. Florida was competitive in last Sunday's 5-3 loss in Tampa (we won with the Lightning in that game) before getting stymied in consecutive low-scoring losses in Chicago. A change of scenery should be a positive thing as the Panthers head to Dallas on Saturday, where the Stars are just 7-10 on the season and in line for a letdown off a come-from-behind win over the first-place Lightning two nights ago. Note that the Panthers average a whopping 5.0 goals per game and outscore the opposition by an average margin of 1.4 goals after scoring one goal or less in their last game over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Take Florida (10*).

NHL Underdog Game of the Week. My selection is on San Jose over Arizona at 10:05 pm et on Friday.

We have a pretty good feel for the Sharks right now, having been involved in three of their last six games, winning on consecutive occasions with them on the puck-line in Las Vegas before cashing a big play on the 'over' in their most recent contest at home against the Kings. Here, I'll back them again as they continue to play reasonably well and push toward a playoff spot in the West Division. Of course, it's going to be an uphill battle as San Jose currently sits seven points back of the fourth-place Blues but does have two games in hand. Tonight's opponent is another team San Jose is currently looking up at in the standings. Arizona checks in off a thrilling 5-4 overtime win over the Avalanche on Tuesday. Keep in mind, Colorado elected to go with Jonas Johansson in goal for that game - he was an acquisition from the Sabres last week and has been generally awful this season. Now the Coyotes are in a tough spot having gone 3-18 following a one-goal victory over the last two seasons, outscored by 1.4 goals on average in that situation. Off an overtime win over the last two seasons, Arizona has gone a miserable 1-9, losing those contests by an average margin of 1.7 goals. Meanwhile, the Sharks are 7-3 revenging a road loss against an opponent this season, outscoring opponents by 0.6 goals per game on average. Despite its overall losing record, San Jose has also gone a solid 9-5 after losing four or five of its last six contests this season, averaging 3.5 goals per game in that situation. The Sharks have managed to hold their own here in Glendale in recent years, splitting the last six meetings, including a 1-1 split earlier this season where they won the front-half. Take San Jose (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Winnipeg and Calgary at 10:05 pm et on Friday.

The Flames ran into a wall offensively on their most recent road trip, scoring just two goals over their last three games in Toronto and Ottawa after opening the trip with a four-goal outburst against the Leafs. At the face of it, scoring two goals in two games against the Senators looks awful. However, the Sens have been doing a much better job of keeping the puck out of their net, clearly placing a major emphasis on playing sound defense during their homestand. Just ask the Leafs, who scored just two goals in regulation time before escaping with an overtime win in Ottawa last night. Now Calgary finally returns home, where it averages 3.3 goals per game this season. It catches the Jets in a favorable situation here, noting that Winnipeg has allowed 3.9 goals per game when coming off a division road win over the last two seasons, with the 'over' going 12-2 in that situation, and those games averaging 7.3 total goals. Winnipeg has also allowed 3.7 goals per game following a win by four goals or more over the last three seasons, as is the case here following Wednesday's 5-1 win. The Jets have been one of the best offensive teams on the road this season, averaging 3.2 goals per game in enemy territory. Winnipeg averages 3.5 goals per game when revenging a loss against an opponent this season, with those games totaling just north of six goals on average. Take the over (10*).

NHL West Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Colorado over Vegas at 9:05 pm et on Thursday.

I like the way this one sets up for the Avalanche coming off a disappointing shootout loss in Arizona two nights ago. Colorado went with newly-acquired and struggling goaltender Jonas Johansson in that game, giving Philipp Grubauer a much-deserved night off. Grubauer should be back in goal on Thursday, noting that he has allowed just three goals on the last 137 shots he has faced. The Avs are also back on home ice for this one, where they've gone 11-5 this season, outscoring opponents by 1.6 goals per game. Of course, Colorado will also be looking for revenge after suffering a 3-0 loss against the Knights here in Denver back on February 22nd. We actually won with Vegas in that spot, expecting a clear letdown from the Avs off their outdoor game victory over the Knights two days earlier. Colorado has gone a perfect 9-0 revenging a same-season loss against an opponent this season, outscoring the opposition by an incredible 2.9-goal margin in those contests. The Avs are also a solid 23-9 after allowing four goals or more in their last game over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.8 goals on average in that situation. Vegas averages just 2.7 goals per game after winning two of its last three games over the last two seasons and I don't believe it will have enough to get past the Avs in the first of this two-game set on Thursday night. Take Colorado (10*).

My selection is on Florida over Chicago at 8:05 pm et on Thursday.

I'll back the Panthers as they look to snap their mini two-game skid on Thursday night in Chicago. We actually won with the Blackhawks in the front half of this two-game set as they skated to a 3-2 victory. Now Florida is set up well to respond favorably, noting it has allowed just 1.9 goals per game when on the road coming off a one-goal loss against a division opponent over the last two seasons, outscoring the opposition by 0.9 goals in that situation, which has come up on 10 previous occasions. Meanwhile, Chicago is giving up a whopping 4.2 goals per game when playing on home ice following a one-goal victory over the last three seasons. The Panthers are 15-5 coming off a road loss over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 0.9 goals per game in that situation. No Sasha Barkov for the Panthers again on Thursday but they have enough depth to pick up the slack. Take Florida (10*).

NHL Central Division Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and Nashville at 8:05 pm et on Thursday.

We won with the 'under' in this matchup two nights ago and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Thursday. Detroit has been shutout in each of its last two games and checks in averaging a miserable 2.0 goals per game on the road this season. There's little reason to anticipate much progression here, noting that Detroit averages just 1.7 goals per game when playing on the road off a road loss over the last two seasons and 1.9 goals per game when revenging a road loss by two goals or more against an opponent over the same period. While the Wings are by no means a good defensive team, the Predators aren't likely to run it up on them, noting that Nashville averages only 2.5 goals per game on home ice this season and has scored more than three goals in regulation time just once in its last eight games. It's worth noting that Nashville averages just 2.2 goals per game after winning four of its last five games over the last two seasons, as is the case here. We've seen the 'under' cash in three of the last five meetings between these two teams in Nashville. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Carolina and Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

This will be the fourth consecutive game between the Hurricanes and Blue Jackets with the previous three all staying 'under' the total. I look for that trend to continue on Thursday. After Tuesday's 3-0 shutout loss, it's worth noting that the Jackets haven't exactly thrived in a bounce-back role, averaging just 2.4 goals per game when revenging a loss by three goals or more over the last three seasons, with those games averaging a total of just 5.3 goals. The 'under' has gone 25-9 when Columbus plays at home after winning two of its last three games, with those contests totaling an average of 5.0 goals. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes average a miserable 1.7 goals per game when playing on the road following a game where three goals or less were scored, as is the case here, with those games averaging only 4.8 total goals. That same situation has produced a 3-12 o/u record over the last two seasons. I always like to say that familiarity lends itself to low-scoring games and with this being the seventh meeting between these two teams this season, I'm anticipating another relatively low-scoring affair here. Take the under (10*).

NHL Rivalry Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and San Jose at 10:35 pm et on Wednesday.

These two teams were involved in a low-scoring affair two nights ago as the Sharks skated to a 2-1 victory on home ice. I'm expecting a higher-scoring contest on Wednesday night. Note that while San Jose gave up just one goal in Monday's game, it has still allowed 3.6 goals per game on home ice this season. The 'over' is 19-9 when the Sharks come off a game in which they allowed one goal or less over the last three seasons, with those contests totaling an average of 6.5 goals. I'll also point out that the 'over' is 16-6 when San Jose plays at home off a win over a division opponent over the last two seasons with those games totaling an average of 7.0 goals. The Kings average a respectable 2.9 goals per game when revenging a same-season loss against an opponent over the last two seasons but also allow 3.6 goals per game coming off a game where four goals or less were scored over the last three seasons. Prior to Monday, the two previous meetings between these two rivals this season both produced at least seven goals. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Tampa Bay and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday.

We missed the mark with the 'under' in this same matchup last week but I'm going to come back with the same play in the rematch on Tuesday night. We won with the Lightning on Sunday as they poured it on late for a 5-3 victory over the Panthers. While they're certainly the superior team in this matchup, Dallas is set up reasonably well having allowed just 2.2 goals per game coming off a loss against a division opponent over the last three seasons, and giving up just 2.6 goals per game on average at home this season. Note that the 'under' is 20-6 when the Stars play at home off of three losses in their last four games over the last two seasons, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.9 goals. This will mark the 10th meeting between these two teams since the start of 2020 with Tampa holding Dallas to three goals or less in seven of the last nine matchups. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Tampa Bay over Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday.

We won with the Lightning on Sunday and we'll come right back with them again on Tuesday night as they head to Dallas to face the Stars for the second time in a week. The Stars simply haven't been able to regain the magic that saw them make an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final to face these same Lightning last fall. Considering they've been held to three goals or less in seven straight games, losing five of those, I question whether they can keep pace with the Lightning here. Note that Dallas is a miserable 1-7 when revenging a loss where its opponent scored four goals or more this season. Meanwhile, the Lightning have been a tremendous positive momentum play, having gone 34-10 coming off four or more straight wins over the last three seasons, as is the case here. They've outscored the opposition by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that situation. Take Tampa Bay (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and Nashville at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday.

Obviously the looming possibility of Thomas Greiss getting the start in goal for the Red Wings is concerning (Greiss has been awful this season) but I think it is offset by the way this situation sets up in general, supporting a play on the 'under'. The Predators are coming off an encouraging road trip that saw them win four games while also grabbing a point in an overtime loss over the course of eight games. This quote from Ryan Johansen has me concerned a letdown could be in order on Tuesday, however. "This was a make-or-break trip for us. We had to find a way to get points and win some games, and then we did that." Note that the 'under' has gone 10-2 with the Preds returning home following a road win over a division opponent over the last two seasons, with that situation producing an average total of just 4.0 goals. Better still, the 'under' is 10-1 when the Preds return home following a road win in which they scored four or more goals over the last three seasons, as is the case here. That spot has produced an average total of just 3.8 goals. Meanwhile, the Red Wings scoring woes have been well-documented. They average just 1.9 goals per game when playing on the road following a division game over the last two seasons. On a positive note for Detroit, Nashville averages just 2.1 goals per game after winning three of its last four games over the last two seasons. Take the under (10*).

NHL Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between New Jersey and Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday.

The Devils are coming off six consecutive 'under' results but it's worth noting that five of those games were played at home (where they've been involved in mostly low-scoring affairs this season) and the lone road game came in Pittsburgh against a Penguins team that has been involved in a string of low-scoring games lately. We've seen quite a contrast in the Devils results at home compared to on the road. Note that New Jersey is averaging 3.2 goals per game away from home this season while giving up 3.0 goals per contest on a whopping 35.6 shots on goal per game. The 'over' has cashed at an 8-4 clip when New Jersey plays on the road compared to a 4-13 o/u mark on home ice. We won with the 'under' in the Flyers overtime loss here at home against the Islanders last night, snapping Philadelphia's streak of seven straight 'over' results. Note that the 'over' is a perfect 7-0 when the Flyers come off two straight losses against division opponents over the last two seasons with those games totaling an average of 8.3 goals. The 'over' is also a perfect 7-0 when Philadelphia checks in having lost three of its last four games over the last two seasons with that situation producing 8.4 total goals on average. After being held to just six goals in a three-game set with the Penguins, the Devils should be excited at the prospect of facing a Flyers squad that has given up at least four goals in six of their last eight games overall. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Monday.

While I don't generally play a lot of Flyers 'unders' (for obvious reasons), I do like the way the spot sets up on Monday night. The Isles have of course shown a strong home-road dichotomy when it comes to totals this season. The 'under' has gone 14-2 in their 16 road games to date, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.5 goals. Also note that the 'under' is a perfect 8-0 when the Isles play on the road after a home win against a division opponent over the last two seasons with those contests totaling an average of just 3.7 goals. Meanwhile, the Flyers have posted a 1-8 o/u mark when at home revenging a loss by 4+ goals against an opponent over the last three seasons with those games totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. The 'under' is also 11-3 when the Flyers play on home ice after three consecutive games that saw at least seven goals scored, as is the case here. That situation has totaled an average of 4.8 goals. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Carolina over Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Monday.

We missed the mark with the Hurricanes on Saturday but probably deserved a better fate as they gave up the tying goal in the final minute of the third period and then had what appeared to be the game-winning goal called back in overtime due to the play being offside. Despite dropping the last two games against the Blue Jackets I still feel that the Hurricanes are the superior team (not exactly a stretch, I know). Each of those last two games could have easily gone either way and I'm confident we'll see the 'Canes get back in the win column on Monday night. Note that Carolina has been a solid road team this season, going 10-6. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are just 7-10 on home ice, allowing 3.2 goals per game. Carolina is 27-19 the last 46 times it has gone on the road following consecutive home losses, averaging 3.1 goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, Columbus averages just 1.8 goals per game when returning home following a one-goal win over a division opponent over the last two seasons, outscored by 0.9 goals on average in that spot. Take Carolina (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Vegas and Los Angeles at 6:05 pm et on Sunday.

We missed with the 'under' in this matchup on Friday night as the Knights skated to a 4-2 win to send it 'over' the total. I'll make the same play again on Sunday, however, noting that the 'under' has gone 24-12 when the Kings play at home after losing three of their last four games over the last two seasons. The Knights are giving up just 2.1 goals per game following an 'over' result this season. The 'under' is a solid 56-36 when they play for the fourth time in the last seven days over the last three seasons as well. With the 'over' having cashed in three straight meetings, we're seeing the total shaded to the over again here. Take the under (10*).

NHL Rivalry Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Florida at 4:05 pm et on Sunday.

I'll take advantage of a rare short price to back the Lightning on Sunday afternoon as they aim to keep their winning streak intact against the rival Panthers. Florida is coming off a 2-0 bounce-back victory over the Predators yesterday but finds itself in a tough situation here. Note that the Panthers are 1-4 after winning six or seven of their last eight games this season, as is the case here. They're also 14-23 after winning five or six of their last seven games over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, the Lightning own a stellar 44-15 record against division opponents over the last two seasons and certainly haven't forgot the 6-4 loss they suffered at the hands of the Panthers here at home on February 15th. That marked Florida's first victory here in Tampa in their last five tries though and I look for the Lightning to get the season series back to an even 2-2 with a win on Sunday afternoon. Take Tampa Bay (10*).

NHL Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Carolina over Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

I have no problem laying the relatively steep price to back the Hurricanes on home ice against the Blue Jackets on Saturday. Columbus took the first game of this two-game set in Carolina on Thursday by a 3-2 score in overtime. That puts the Jackets in a tough spot here as they're averaging just 1.9 goals per game playing on the road off a one-goal road win over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals in that situation. On six occasions where the Jackets have played on the road off a road win over a division opponent over the last two seasons, as is the case here, they've averaged just one goal per game and have been outscored by an average margin of 1.8 goals. Carolina allows just 1.9 goals per game and outscores the opposition by 1.0 goal on average when coming off an overtime loss over the last three seasons. Take Carolina (10*).

My selection is on Toronto over Calgary at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Leafs struggles continued last night as they fell behind early and never recovered in a 4-3 loss against the Flames. I do expect Toronto to bounce back on Saturday night, however, noting that it has gone an incredible 15-4 after losing five or six of its last seven games over the last three seasons. While Calgary did win last night, it is still a losing team on the road at 7-10 on the season, where it allows over three goals per game. Take Toronto (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Vegas and Los Angeles at 10:05 pm et on Friday.

We've somewhat surprisingly seen a pair of high-scoring games between these two teams this season but I look for a return to 'normal' on Friday night as Vegas puts its four-game winning streak on the line in Los Angeles. Note that Vegas is giving up just 1.5 goals per game when going on the road off a one-goal victory over the last two seasons, with the 'under' cashing at a 10-2 clip in that situation. The Knights are of course coming off consecutive one-goal wins over the Sharks earlier this week (we won with San Jose on the puck-line in both of those games). Meanwhile, the Kings have posted a 1-11 o/u record when playing at home off a win by 2+ goals against a division opponent over the last two seasons with those games totaling an average of just 3.6 goals. The Kings posted a 4-1 victory over the reeling Blues two nights ago after that game was postponed on Monday with L.A. stuck in Denver due to a snowstorm. The Knights are allowing just 2.2 goals per game on the road this season but the Kings have been no slouches at home either, giving up just 2.7 goals per contest. They haven't given up more than three goals in a game here at Staples Center since back on February 9th against San Jose. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Colorado over Minnesota at 9:05 pm et on Thursday.

This is about as cheap of a price as you're going to see with the Avs playing at home and it has everything to do with the fact that the Wild have won five straight games. Keep in mind, those five straight wins all came at home. Now the Wild head out on the road to face what will be a revenge-minded Avs squad after Minnesota took the most recent meeting 6-2 in late February. Note that Colorado is 20-7 when revenging a loss where it allowed 4+ goals over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.6 goals in that situation. The Avs are also 17-3 off a home win by 2+ goals over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.8 goals per game. The Wild are 12-24 after recording consecutive wins by 3+ goals. Take Colorado (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Dallas and Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Thursday.

We missed the mark with the 'under' in Detroit's most recent game - a 4-2 victory over Carolina on Tuesday night. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here, however, as the Wings host the Stars on Thursday night. Dallas suffered a 4-3 shootout loss against Tampa Bay two nights ago as it continues to struggle to post consecutive victories. Now the Stars head back on the road where they average just 2.4 goals per game this season. While the Red Wings are coming off a four-goal outburst on Tuesday, their offensive struggles have been well-documented. Note that they've posted an 0-6 o/u record when revenging a loss where they gave up 5+ goals this season, averaging just 1.3 goals per game in that situation. The 'under' is also 9-2 when the Wings come off a home win over a division opponent over the last two seasons, with those games averaging just 5.1 total goals. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Columbus and Carolina at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

The Hurricanes will undoubtedly be in a foul mood on Thursday night after dropping a 4-2 decision against the lowly Red Wings in Detroit on Tuesday. That game saw three power play goals scored in the first 13 minutes but only three more were scored the rest of the way including a Wings empty net goal. I look for a strong bounce-back performance from the Canes here at home against the Blue Jackets, who average just 2.1 goals per game on the road this season. Columbus is also looking to bounce back after suffering a 2-1 shootout loss against the Stars on Sunday. Note that the 'under' is 30-16 when the Blue Jackets come off a one-goal loss in their last game over the last three seasons. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on San Jose +1.5 goals over Vegas at 10:05 pm et on Wednesday.

We won with the Sharks on the puck-line on Monday and I don't see any reason not to back them again in Wednesday night's rematch in Vegas. The Sharks are 3-1 in their last four games, allowing just five goals in the process. As I noted in Monday's analysis, San Jose is as healthy as it has been all season so perhaps it's no surprise that it is finally playing well with some consistency. Note that the Sharks are 26-16 the last 42 times they've played with triple-revenge, as is the case here tonight. They've outscored opponents by 0.3 goals per game in that situation. The Knights have interestingly been at their worst after low-scoring games in recent years, going 8-16 after a game totaling three goals or less over the last two seasons, outscored by 0.8 goals per game in that spot. Take San Jose +1.5 goals (10*).

NHL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Tampa Bay and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday.

The Lightning finally saw their 'over' streak come to an end at five games in yesterday's 4-1 home loss to the Predators. While Tampa Bay had been lighting it up offensively prior to that contest, that had a lot to do with its schedule, having faced only the Blackhawks, Red Wings and Predators since the beginning of March. The last time the Lightning faced the Stars was on February 27th, when they skated to a 5-0 victory. That actually sets up the 'under' well in this spot, noting that Dallas has posted a 3-12 o/u record at home when revenging a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons with those games averaging just 4.4 total goals. While Dallas has been a general disappointment this season, it has performed reasonably well at home, where it gives up just 2.4 goals per game. Also note that the Stars have posted a 3-13 o/u record when returning home off a road game over the last two seasons, giving up just 2.2 goals per game in that situation. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on San Jose +1.5 goals over Vegas at 10:05 pm et on Monday.

The Sharks have quietly gotten themselves on a bit of a roll lately, winning three straight games and outscoring the opposition 12-3 in the process. While I'm not going to call for the outright upset in Vegas on Monday, I do expect San Jose to give the Knights all they can handle. Of course, the Sharks motivation level should be sky-high for this one as they've dropped all three meetings against Vegas this season, including consecutive losses on home ice earlier this month. While San Jose has gotten healthier with Tomas Hertl among those returning to the lineup, the Knights are still without big offseason acquisition Alex Pietrangelo. Vegas is coming off back-to-back wins in St. Louis on Friday and Saturday but is actually in a tough spot here, returning home off a long road trip. Note that the Knights have gone 0-4 (small sample size, I know) and have been outscored by a wide average margin of 2.2 goals when playing at home off at least three consecutive games on the road over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, the Sharks are a strong positive momentum play here having gone 12-4 when on the road after allowing two goals or less in consecutive games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.2 goals per game in that situation. Going back much further, the Sharks are 26-15 when in a triple-revenge situation, as is the case here. We'll grab the insurance goal with San Jose here, noting that it has gone 9-3 when factoring in the +1.5 puck-line over its last 12 contests. Take San Jose +1.5 goals (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Edmonton and Calgary at 9:05 pm et on Monday.

The Flames went back to basics against the Canadiens over the last two games and it paid off as they posted consecutive low-scoring victories, 2-1 and 3-1. They'll host the rival Oilers on Monday night and I'm anticipating another relatively low-scoring affair. The Oilers had a couple of offensive explosions against the Senators last week but outside of that, they've had a bit of a tough time offensively, scoring three goals or less in seven of their last nine games overall, including a 2-1 loss in Vancouver on Saturday. Note that the 'under' has gone 11-3 when the Oilers play on the road off a loss over the last two seasons, with those games averaging just 5.2 total goals. Better still, the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 when Edmonton plays on the road after scoring one goal or less in its last game over the last two seasons, with those contests averaging just 4.3 total goals. Calgary has been pretty tough defensively on home ice this season, allowing just 2.6 goals per game and 27.2 shots on goal per game. Both numbers represent vast improvements over how they've performed on the road. Take the under (10*).

NHL East Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Monday.

The Sabres are in dire straights right now, having lost 10 consecutive games with no signs of turning things around. On a positive note, they did hold the Penguins to a single goal before giving up a pair of empty-net goals late in Saturday's 3-0 loss. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 8-0 when the Sabres come off a shutout loss over the last three seasons, with those games totaling an average of just 4.7 goals. The Capitals have won four games in a row and check in having scored exactly five goals in three straight games. That's obviously not a sustainable trend, noting that prior to that stretch the Caps had scored a grand total of nine goals in their last four games. The 'under' has gone an incredible 41-14 when a team that has allowed three goals or more in four straight games faces an opponent coming off three straight games where eight or more total goals were scored. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Monday.

I'll call for a relatively low-scoring game between these two rivals on Monday night as the Bruins look to rebound following Saturday's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the Rangers while the Penguins aim to keep rolling off five straight victories. Note that the previous two meetings between these two teams this season have both stayed 'under' 5.5 goals. The 'under' is 8-1 when the Bruins play on the road off a loss by two goals or more against a division opponent over the last two seasons with those games totaling just 4.9 goals on average. The Pens have been outstanding at home this season, going 11-2 while averaging an impressive 3.9 goals per game. However, they average just 2.4 goals per game when coming off a win by three goals or more against a division opponent over the last three seasons, with those contests totaling just 4.8 total goals on average. Take the under (10*).

NHL Central Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Carolina and Detroit at 5:05 pm et on Sunday.

The Red Wings have been involved in some improbably high-scoring games lately (considering how many low-scoring contests they were involved in during the first month of the season. The 'over' actually checks in 6-1 in the Wings last seven games. I believe we're in line for a low-scoring affair in the Motor City on Sunday, however, with the Hurricanes rolling into town. This is obviously a bit of a tough spot for the Canes from a motivation standpoint. They come in on the heels of seven straight wins and a four-game homestand. That homestand is notable as they average just 1.0 goal per game (you read that right) the last seven times they've gone on the road following four consecutive games at home over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, the Red Wings have averaged just 1.7 goals per game when playing at home revenging a loss where they gave up five goals or more (as is the case here) over the last two seasons. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Arizona +1.5 goals over Minnesota at 2:05 pm et on Sunday.

This is a much easier game for the Coyotes to get up for than the Wild - an early Sunday afternoon start in Minnesota. That's because Arizona was blown out 4-0 in the first of this three-game set between these two teams on Friday night. That sets the Wild up poorly here, noting that they've gone 12-19 at home after scoring four or more goals in their previous game over the last three seasons, giving up 3.0 goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, the Coyotes are a solid 12-5 after scoring two goals or less in two straight games over the last two seasons, averaging an impressive 3.3 goals per game in that situation. Additionally, the 'Yotes are 16-6 after losing two or more games in a row over the last two seasons, averaging 3.4 goals per game and outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.0 goal in that situation. We'll grab the insurance goal here but hopefully won't need it. Take Arizona +1.5 goals (10*).

NHL Game of the Week. My selection is on Philadelphia over Washington at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Capitals have certainly had the Flyers number this past week but I'm willing to go back to the well with Philadelphia here as the situation sets up well for the home side. Note that the Flyers have gone a perfect 7-0 when coming off a home loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 2.8 goals in that situation. They're also an exceptional 14-3 after losing four or five of their last six games over the last two seasons, averaging 3.9 goals per game and outscoring the opposition by 1.5 goals on average in that situation. Keep in mind, prior to dropping its last two games against the Caps, Philadelphia had won five consecutive meetings in this series. With the Caps allowing three goals per game on the road this season, I still feel they're vulnerable and look for the Flyers to finally put one over on them on Saturday night. Take Philadelphia (10*).

My selection is on Florida over Chicago at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Blackhawks snapped their two-game skid with a 4-2 win in Dallas on Thursday but I look for them to go back to their losing ways on Saturday as they take on the red hot Panthers. Florida is coming off an improbable comeback win in Columbus on Thursday, rallying from a 4-1 third period deficit to win the game in overtime. Now the Cats are back home where they've gone 10-2-1 this season. The Blackhawks certainly prefer to play an up-tempo style but that plays right into the hands of the Panthers, who rank fifth in the league in goals per game this season. Florida also ranks tops in the league in shots on goal per game which spells trouble for a Blackhawks team that ranks 19th in goals per game allowed and 31st in shots on goal per game allowed. Take Florida (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose and Anaheim at 10:05 pm et on Friday.

The Ducks have now seen the 'over' cash in three straight games but I look for that streak to come to an end on Friday night. Note that the last 11 times the Ducks have come off three consecutive 'over' results, the 'under' has gone 9-2 with those contests totaling an average of just 4.5 goals. The 'under' is also a stellar 10-1 when the Ducks play at home revenging a one-goal loss against an opponent over the last two seasons, with those games totaling a ridiculously low average of 4.0 goals. Meanwhile, the Sharks notched a win over the Blues last time out but that sets them up poorly here as they average just 1.8 goals per game off a victory this season. The last two meetings in this series have totaled just five and three goals. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Thursday.

We missed the mark with the 'under' in Tuesday's matchup between these two teams but I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here on Thursday. Note that the Stars are allowing just 2.1 goals per game at home off a home win by two goals or more over the last two seasons, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. Dallas' six-goal outburst on Tuesday was uncharacteristic, noting that it has averaged just 2.4 goals per game after losing four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons. As far as the Blackhawks go, virtually all signs point to a high-scoring result as that has been the long-term trend. However, this season they're averaging just 2.4 goals per game on the road. They've scored a grand total of 10 goals in the last six meetings in this series. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Philadelphia over Washington at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

The Flyers busted out of their slump with a 5-4 victory over the Sabres on Tuesday and now I look for them to keep it rolling as they host the Capitals on Thursday. Note that the Caps defeated the Flyers by a 3-1 score this past Sunday, which actually serves Philadelphia well here. The Flyers have given up just two goals per game when at home revenging a loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.1 goals. Likewise, they've allowed just 2.3 goals per game after giving up three goals or more in three straight games over the last three seasons. Washington has had a tendency to let down its guard, allowing 3.5 goals per game off a home win over a division opponent over the last two seasons. Take Philadelphia (10*).

My selection is on Toronto over Winnipeg at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

The Leafs were rolling at this time last week, riding a four-game winning streak despite missing a number of key cogs due to injury. Since then, they've dropped three games in a row, including Tuesday's 4-3 setback against the Jets in the first of a three-game set here in Toronto. I look for the Leafs to respond favorably on Thursday as they look to get back on the winning side of the ledger. Note that they've allowed just 2.1 goals per game, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of one goal when revenging a loss against an opponent this season. They've also outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.9 goals when playing on home ice after allowing three goals or more in three straight games over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Winnipeg has allowed a whopping 4.2 goals per game after posting a division win on the road over the last two seasons. Take Toronto (10*).

NHL East Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Boston at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

The Bruins are coming off consecutive low-scoring results with a grand total of just three goals scored in regulation time in losses against the Devils and Islanders. I look for a different story to unfold on Thursday as they welcome the Rangers to TD Garden. Note that the Rangers have seen the 'over' go 5-2-1 over their last eight contests. The main reason we're dealing with a reasonably low total here is the fact that three of four meetings between these two teams this season have totaled five goals or less. This one sets up well as a high-scoring affair, however, noting that the 'over' has gone a perfect 7-0 when the Bruins come off consecutive games where four goals or less were scored with those games totaling an average of 7.8 goals. Also note that the Rangers have posted a 9-1 o/u record when coming off a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons with those contests totaling an average of 7.6 goals. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on Buffalo +1.5 goals over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

This is a tough spot for the Penguins to get up for as they head to Buffalo on the heels of three straight wins on home ice. Note that Pittsburgh is a woeful 0-7 when heading on the road after scoring three or more goals in three straight games over the last two seasons, scoring just 1.4 goals per game in that situation while getting outscored by an average margin of 2.6 goals. The Pens have also been outscored by 0.5 goals per game when coming off consecutive wins by two goals or more over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, Buffalo averages an impressive 3.8 goals per game when coming off a one-goal road loss over the last two seasons (the Sabres are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss in Buffalo on Tuesday). Take Buffalo +1.5 goals (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Anaheim at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday.

We missed the mark with the 'under' in this matchup on Monday night as the Kings and Ducks were involved in an uncharacteristically high-scoring affair. I expect a different story to unfold on Wednesday night, however. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 7-0 when the Ducks follow two consecutive games in which they scored four goals or more over the last three seasons. In those games, Anaheim averaged just 1.6 goals with the games reaching an average total of just 4.4 goals. Meanwhile, the Kings have posted a 2-13 o/u mark after scoring five goals or more in their previous contest over the last three seasons, averaging just 2.1 goals per game with those games totaling an average of only 4.4 goals. Keep in mind, prior to Monday's game, the last three meetings in this series had produced no more than four total goals. Take the under (10*).

NHL West Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Vegas over Minnesota at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday.

We won with the Wild in the front half of this two-game set on Monday but I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the Knights on Wednesday. Monday's loss snapped Vegas' six-game winning streak but it remains 6-3 on the road this season where it allows only 1.9 goals per game. Note that the Knights are allowing just 1.6 goals per game when playing on the road off a loss against a division opponent over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals in that situation. Coming off a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, the Knights have gone 9-1, outscoring opponents by a wide 1.7-goal margin on average. On the flip side, the Wild have given up a whopping 4.3 goals per game when coming off a home win by two goal so more over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.6 goals in that situation. Take Vegas (10*).

NHL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday.

We were involved in a couple of games involving these teams over the weekend, cashing with the Stars in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Columbus and successfully fading the Blackhawks in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Lightning. Here, I'm anticipating a relatively low-scoring affair between these division rivals. Note that the Blackhawks are averaging just 2.5 goals per game on the road this season. Interestingly, playing on the road after scoring three goals or more in consecutive games the Blackhawks have played to an average total of just 3.4 goals. The Stars have posted a 3-12 o/u mark when playing at home after losing two of their last three games over the last two seasons with those contests totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. This series has been an 'under' bettors dream in recent years with each of the last five matchups, including both this season, totaling three goals or less. Take the under (10*).

NHL East Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Florida over Columbus at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday.

The Panthers delivered a poor performance on Sunday as they dropped a 4-2 decision in Carolina. That was just their first loss in their last three games, however, and they still own an impressive 15-5-4 overall record this season. While the Blue Jackets have generally owned this series, going 24-11 in the last 35 meetings, there's no question the Panthers are a better team this year than we've seen in years' past. The Jackets check in having won just twice in their last eight games. Note that Columbus has averaged only 2.3 goals per game when playing at home after winning two of its last three contests, as is the case here. Meanwhile, we can anticipate a solid offensive showing from the Panthers here as they've averaged a whopping 4.4 goals per game when coming off a road loss by two goals or more over the last two seasons, going a perfect 5-0 in that situation. The Blue Jackets are a nice negative momentum fade here having gone 4-11 when coming off a loss in a division game over the last two seasons, outscored by 1.1 goals on average in that situation. Take Florida (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Anaheim at 10:05 pm et on Monday.

Both of these teams are coming off relatively high-scoring results last time out with the Kings defeating the Blues 4-3 and the Ducks upsetting the Avalanche by a 5-4 score. Here, I look for a return to 'normal' for both teams as they tangle in what figures to be a low-scoring affair on Monday night. Note that the Kings have averaged just two goals per game when on the road after allowing three goals or more in three straight games over the last two seasons. They're averaging an identical two goals per game after scoring four goals or more in a home victory over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, the Ducks average a miserable 1.9 goals per game as well after recording a one-goal win in their last game over the last two seasons. The last three meetings in this series have totaled just three, four and four total goals, with the latter coming in the lone previous matchup this season. Take the under (10*).

NHL North Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Montreal over Vancouver at 10:05 pm et on Monday.

On paper, the case could be made that both of these teams are 'due' for a letdown on Monday night with the Canadiens coming off a 7-1 victory over Winnipeg and Vancouver fresh off consecutive victories over Toronto. As the line certainly appears to indicate, I believe the Habs are in better position to steady their course and avoid that letdown on Monday. A few quotes from Canucks players lead me to believe they'll be hard-pressed to get back to the level they played at in that two-game sweep of the Leafs. "It's been a tough go, and for our team to keep battling and stick to the process tonight, I think it's huge for our group and give us a lot of confidence," Brock Boeser said. And this from J.T. Miller, "It feels pretty awesome and we know it's in there," he said. "It means a lot to us. We take a lot of pride in beating a team like that at home twice when we really need wins. We talked a lot over the last three weeks or so about playing well but not getting the results. We've shown that we can beat anybody in the league, and we still believe that, even though the record wouldn't necessarily show it. But it feels pretty awesome." While those quotes may be encouraging to some, I believe they might indicate Vancouver is a little high on its horse off those victories, especially given it still has just 11 wins in 28 games this season. Note that Vancouver averages just 2.8 goals per game when coming off a win over the last three seasons, outscored by 0.2 goals per game on average in that situation. Meanwhile, Montreal seems to get a lift heading out on the road following a homestand, having averaged 3.3 goals per game, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.3 goals when playing on the road after two consecutive home games over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Take Montreal (10*).

My selection is on Boston -1.5 goals over New Jersey at 5:05 pm et on Sunday.

This is a brutal spot for the reeling Devils, who check in having lost five games in a row with no signs of righting the ship any time soon. Meanwhile, Boston has been playing a rather uneven brand of hockey lately but is coming off an uplifting 5-1 win over the Capitals to earn a 1-1 split in its two-game set on Friday night. Note that the Bruins set up well here as they've outscored opponents by an average margin of 1.8 goals when coming off a win by three goals or more against a division opponent over the last three seasons, allowing a paltry 1.6 goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, the Devils have an awful track record when coming off a division loss on home ice, allowing 4.6 goals per game in that situation over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.7 goals. Take Boston -1.5 goals (10*).

NHL Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Chicago at 2:35 pm et on Sunday.

The Lightning haven't been at their best in their last couple of games against the Blackhawks, first needing to rally from a 2-0 third period deficit to secure a 3-2 overtime win on Thursday before dropping a 4-3 shootout decision on Friday. I do look for them to bring their 'A' game on Sunday as they look to come away with five of a possible six points in this three-game set in Chicago. Note that Tampa Bay has allowed just 2.1 goals per game when revenging a loss on the road over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.7 goals in that situation. The Blackhawks haven't fared particularly well when coming off a close victory in recent years, allowing an average of 4.1 goals after a one-goal win over the last three seasons. In general, the Lightning have been a solid bet when coming off a loss of any sort on the road over the last three seasons, going 24-7 in their next game while averaging over four goals per game and outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.6 goals. Take Tampa Bay (10*).

NHL Central Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Dallas over Columbus at 8:05 pm et on Saturday.

I'll back the Stars on Saturday night as they look to right the ship and shake out of a miserable run in a rematch with the Blue Jackets. Columbus skated to a 3-2 victory in the first of this two-game set on Thursday. That actually puts Dallas in a solid situation here, noting that it has allowed just 2.1 goals on average when revenging a loss against an opponent over the last two seasons. Also note that Columbus is averaging just 2.1 goals per game when playing on the road off a road victory over the last two seasons. The Stars have gone a solid 10-4 under the guidance of head coach Rick Bowness when playing with double-revenge against an opponent, outscoring the opposition by a margin of 1.1 goals. Take Dallas (10*).

NHL West Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Minnesota over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Friday.

The Wild are coming off back-to-back losses in Las Vegas earlier this week - not all that surprising as they were certainly in for some regression off six straight victories and the Golden Knights offered a significant test. Here, I look for Minnesota to bounce back as it heads to Glendale to face the Coyotes. Note that Minnesota has gone 8-1 off a loss by four goals or more over the last two seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.5 goals. Meanwhile, Arizona has been dreadful off a road win against a division opponent (it enters this game off a 3-2 victory in Los Angeles two nights ago), going 1-8 in that situation over the last three seasons, losing those games by an average margin of 2.1 goals. The last five times the Coyotes have returned home following a one-goal road win they've gone winless and have allowed a whopping five goals per game, outscored by an average margin of 2.6 goals. Take Minnesota (10*).

NHL Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Pittsburgh over Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

The Flyers will likely be a popular play on Thursday night as bettors race to the window to fade the Sidney Crosby-less Penguins coming off Tuesday's 5-2 blowout win in the opener of this three-game set in Pittsburgh. I'll go the other way, however, as the Pens have become accustomed to playing (and succeeding) without Crosby over the years and who's to argue with a dominant 8-1 home record this season? Many had the Flyers pegged as a Stanley Cup contender at the outset of the season and while there's still plenty of time for that to play out, the fact is they've been a fairly large disappointment, barely hanging on to the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. The Pens are the team nipping at their heels and here I look for them to stake claim to that position. Note that Philadelphia has been a good negative momentum fade in recent years, allowing a whopping 4.4 goals per game on 14 occasions where they were off a road loss over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that situation. They also have a tendency to get weaker the more they play on the road, having allowed an average of 4.6 goals per game off two consecutive games played away from home over the last two seasons. Take Pittsburgh (10*).

NHL West Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between St. Louis and Anaheim at 9:35 pm et on Wednesday.

The Blues are coming off two straight high-scoring games, including a 5-4 win here in Anaheim two nights ago. I'm expecting a reversal of sorts on Wednesday night as the Ducks look to bring an end to their seven-game losing streak. Note that the 'under' is 11-2 when the Blues come off consecutive games where at least seven goals were scored, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.5 goals. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 9-1 when the Ducks look to revenge a one-goal loss against an opponent, with those games reaching an average total of only 3.9 goals. Finally, the Ducks have posted a 4-14 o/u mark following five or more consecutive losses over the last three seasons, with those games averaging exactly five goals. This could certainly be seen as a flat spot for the Blues off back-to-back wild, one-goal road wins while Anaheim needs to ratchet up the intensity and snap their long skid before a tough two-game set in Colorado. Take the under (10*).

NHL North Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Winnipeg over Vancouver at 8:05 pm et on Tuesday.

The Canucks jumped out in front early in last night's game here in Winnipeg and were never really tested from there in an eventual 4-0 victory. That looked an awful lot like a 'throwaway' game for the Jets after they dug themselves that 3-0 first period hole as they offered little push back from there. I certainly expect Winnipeg to respond with a tremendous effort on Tuesday night. Keep in mind, Winnipeg had been playing well entering last night's contest, having won four straight and eight of its last 11 games overall. This has been a tight series with each team taking two games in four meetings so far this season. Look for the Jets to gain the upper hand tonight. Take Winnipeg (10*).

My selection is on Edmonton over Toronto at 10:05 pm et on Monday.

I like the bounce-back spot for the Oilers on Monday night after suffering a 4-0 loss against the Leafs on Saturday. In recent years, a loss like Saturday's may have sent the Oilers into a tailspin but they've looked like a different team this year. Note that Edmonton is 20-10 when revenging a loss where they scored a goal or less as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 0.7 goals. The Oilers are also 23-11 after allowing four goals or more in their last game over the last two seasons. Take Edmonton (10*).

NHL Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Columbus over Nashville at 3:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Blue Jackets continue to limp along, coming off three consecutive losses to wrap up a disappointing 1-3 homestand. That stretch started with a win over these same Predators - a rare occurrence in a series Nashville has dominated. With that being said, I like the way this situation sets up for the Jackets on Saturday. Note that Nashville is just 13-22 after winning two of its last three games over the last two seasons, outscored by a goal per game on average in that situation. The Preds are also a miserable 3-10 after playing their last three games on the road, as is the case here, outscored by a wide 1.5-goal margin on average. We have seen Columbus bounce back from bad losses with some consistency under head coach John Tortorella, going 35-26 after losing by two goals or more in their last game. Take Columbus (10*).

My selection is on Colorado over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Friday.

We missed the mark with the Avalanche two nights ago as they got blown out by the Wild, on home ice no less. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with them here, however, as they face a familiar foe in the Coyotes. Note that Colorado has gone 7-3 against Arizona over the last three seasons and breezed past the 'Yotes in last year's playoffs, capped off by consecutive 7-1 victories to close out the series. Colorado is 12-5 when playing on the road off a loss by three goals or more over the last three seasons, averaging just shy of four goals per game in that situation. Meanwhile, the Coyotes are a miserable 3-15 when coming off a one-goal victory over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.3 goals in that situation. Take Colorado (10*).

NHL East Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between New Jersey and Buffalo at 7:05 pm et on Thursday.

After seeing a relatively low-scoring game between these two teams two nights ago I look for a reversal of sorts on Thursday as the scene shifts to Buffalo for the rematch. The Devils have been held to three goals or less in four straight games but despite scoring just once in Tuesday's loss, they did manage to fire 42 shots on goal in what was actually a fairly wide-open affair despite only five goals being scored (79 combined shots on goal). Note that the 'over' has gone 23-9 when the Devils come off three losses in their last four games over the last three seasons with those games reaching an average total of 6.9 goals. The 'over' is a perfect 6-0 when the Devils come off a home loss against a divisional opponent over the last two seasons with New Jersey allowing a whopping 4.8 goals per game in that situation and those contests totaling an average of 7.5 goals. While the 'under' has gone 18-8 when the Sabres are coming off five or six losses in their last seven games over the last two seasons, those contests have actually totaled an average of six goals. The total has quite simply been set too low for this one. Take the over (10*).

NHL Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Colorado over Minnesota at 9:05 pm et on Wednesday.

I absolutely love the way this one sets up for the Avs as they look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss suffered at the hands of the Golden Knights on Monday (we won with Vegas as our Underdog Game of the Month in that game). The Avs were certainly ripe for a letdown on Monday as they were fresh off their marathon victory over Vegas outdoors at Lake Tahoe two nights earlier. Minnesota is rolling along right now but that actually works against it in this particular spot. Note that the Wild are a miserable 9-24 on the moneyline the last 33 times they've followed consecutive wins by three goals or more. They've also struggled in similar revenge roles such as this, having gone 10-25 on the moneyline when revenging a one-goal loss over the last three seasons, outscored by an average margin of 1.1 goals in that situation. This has been a tightly-contested series over the years but the Avs have started to turn the tide, taking three of the last four meetings. While we are dealing with a fairly high price here, I believe it could be even higher. Take Colorado (10*).

NHL Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Vegas over Colorado at 9:05 pm et on Monday.

The Avs got the better of the Knights in Saturday's marathon game at Lake Tahoe, prevailing by a 3-2 score on the shoulders of a three-point effort from Nathan MacKinnon. Here, I look for the Knights to answer back following consecutive losses against Colorado. Keep in mind, prior to dropping its last two games, Vegas had won five of its last six overall. The Knights can't sit around feeling sorry for themselves as their trip will continue in San Jose and Anaheim as they won't return home until next week. I expect to see a galvanized effort from them here following that rather punchless performance on Saturday (they were outshot 39-29 in that game). The Avs are 2-1 since returning from an extended Covid-related absence but they've scored just six goals in the process. Note that under head coach Peter Deboer, the Knights are 10-1 the last 11 times they've allowed at least three goals in two straight games, outscoring the opposition by an average of 1.7 goals. Take Vegas (10*).

My selection is on Vancouver over Winnipeg at 10:05 pm et on Sunday.

I like the Canucks to get back at the Jets following Friday night's no-show on home ice. Vancouver had been playing well, seemingly having turned the corner prior to Friday's setback. The Jets have been as uneven as they come this season and I'm just not confident in their ability to follow up Friday's performance with another victory here on Sunday. The oddsmakers have it right installing the Canucks as a favorite by my estimation. Look for Vancouver's best players to show up and guide it to a win to close out this two-game set with Winnipeg. Take Vancouver (10*).

My selection is on Philadelphia +1.5 goals over Boston at 7:35 pm et on Sunday.

With ice conditions likely to be poor again at Lake Tahoe on Sunday, I'll gladly grab the insurance goal in what could very well be a low-scoring affair between the Flyers and Bruins on Sunday. Philadelphia is in bounce-back mode after suffering a shootout loss against the Rangers in its first game back following a string of Covid-related postponements. The Flyers are a better team than they showed in that contest and will certainly be up for this matchup with the Bruins after getting their lunch handed to them in four losses in this series already this season. Take Philadelphia +1.5 goals (10*).

My selection is on Arizona over Los Angeles at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Kings have now won a season-high three games in a row after pulling out a 3-2 shootout victory in the first game of this two-game set in Glendale on Thursday night. We won with the 'under' in that contest, but here we'll back the favored Coyotes. Credit Arizona for at least earning a point in that game as it fell behind 2-0 early before rallying. The Coyotes are one of those teams that generally flies beneath most bettors' radar but can be a quality team to back in the right situation. I see this as precisely such a situation as they look to regain their footing and start gaining some ground in the West Division with a couple of winnable home games against the Ducks coming up next. Take Arizona (10*).

NHL Puck-Line Game of the Week. My selection is on Chicago +1.5 goals over Carolina at 7:05 pm et on Friday.

To find the last time the Blackhawks lost a game by two goals or more you would have to go back to the first week of the season, when they were mired in an 0-3 start. Since then, they've gone 9-2-4 overall but still don't seem to be getting the respect they deserve. Ordinarily, it might be tough for a team to get up for a Friday night game in Carolina but that's changing with the Hurricanes becoming one of the NHL's best teams in recent years. I see this as a tough spot for the Canes, playing their fifth game in the last nine nights and while they've won three of their last four overall, they've had to exert plenty of energy, having been outshot in all four of those games, spending a lot of time in their own zone. The 'Hawks have to feel like they're playing with house money right now, having won six of their last seven overall - a stretch that began with a 6-4 win over these same Hurricanes. Note that Chicago is 9-3 against the puck-line after winning three of its last four games over the last two seasons, outscoring its opponents by an average margin of a goal per game. Meanwhile, Carolina is 6-11 against the puck-line after scoring three goals or more in three straight games over the last three seasons - outscored by 0.6 goals per game in that situation. Take Chicago +1.5 goals (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Florida and Detroit at 7:05 pm et on Friday.

We won with the 'under' in the Red Wings most recent game - a 2-0 home loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as the Red Wings host the Panthers. Florida has won consecutive games but has been playing with fire a little bit, giving up seven goals in those two victories and a whopping 13 goals over its last three games overall. Look for the Panthers to make a concerted effort to settle things down here on Friday and the Red Wings should oblige them. Detroit has struggled to score goals all season and a breakout doesn't figure to be anywhere in sight. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 7-0 when the Panthers come off consecutive games where both teams scored three or more goals over the last two seasons, with those contests totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 7-1 when the Red Wings revenge a loss versus their opponent this season, with those games reaching an average of 4.5 total goals. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Thursday.

We won with the 'under' in the Kings 4-0 win over the Wild two nights ago and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here on Thursday. Note that the 'under' is 13-1 when the Kings come off a home win by three goals or more over the last three seasons with those games averaging just 4.5 total goals. When you consider only road games in that particular situation, the 'under' has gone 8-1 and those games totaled an average of only four goals. While the Coyotes have posted a 4-4-1 o/u record at home this season, games here in Glendale are averaging just 4.8 total goals. Also note that six of the last seven meetings in this series have stayed 'under' the total. We'll stick with the trends here. Take the under (10*).

NHL Central Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday.

These two teams skated to a low-scoring game two nights ago with the Blackhawks emerging victorious by a 2-1 score in overtime. I believe we're in for another low-scoring contest on Wednesday as Chicago aims for its third straight win. Note that the 'under' has gone a perfect 6-0 when the Blackhawks have won two of their last three games this season, with those games averaging just four total goals. The 'under' is also a perfect 6-0 when the Red Wings follow a one-goal home loss over the last two seasons, with those contests averaging just 4.1 total goals. Detroit has been one of the league's best 'under' bets this season and I look for that trend to continue tonight. Take the under (10*).

NHL Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday.

With the Kings coming off four straight 'over' results, I look for things to return to 'normal' on Tuesday night with a low-scoring contest in Los Angeles. Note that the Kings fall into a 12-1 'under' situation here where they come off a win by three goals or more. That situation has produced games averaging just 4.6 total goals over the last three seasons. Factor in the fact that the blowout win came against a division opponent and that scoring average in the next game drops to just 4.3 goals. Note that the Wild have gone 3-2 on the road this season with those games totaling an average of just 4.6 goals. This will be Minnesota's first game in two weeks due to Covid protocols. We saw what happened when the Avalanche returned to the ice following a long layoff on Sunday as they were shutout 1-0 in Las Vegas. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Colorado over Vegas at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday.

I like the bounce-back spot for the Avalanche here as they look to respond following a 1-0 shutout loss in their first game back following an extended layoff on Sunday. Colorado catches Vegas in a favorable situation with the Golden Knights having gone 8-12 after having won four or five of their last six games over the last two seasons, as is the case here. The Knights were outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals in those contests. The Avs are one of the few teams that have held their own against Vegas in recent years, splitting the last 10 meetings in this series, including two wins at T-Mobile Arena last season. Take Colorado (10*).

NHL North Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Edmonton over Winnipeg at 9:05 pm et on Monday.

I expect the Jets to suffer a hangover of sorts following Saturday's last-second loss against the lowly Senators on home ice. Winnipeg has to be doubting itself a bit right now having dropped four of its last seven games overall. Meanwhile, the Oilers are back home off of three consecutive wins, outscoring the opposition 9-3 over that stretch. They've been idle since Thursday's 3-0 victory in Montreal. Look for the Oil to defend home ice in this one. Take Edmonton (10*).

NHL East Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Washington over Pittsburgh at 3:05 pm et on Sunday.

The Capitals will be playing with double-revenge on Sunday after dropping back-to-back games in Pittsburgh earlier this season. Of course, both of those games could have gone either way. Note that Washington is 60-39 on the road revenging a road loss, outscoring the opposition by 0.4 goals per game in that situation. Even against a rival such as the Caps, I still see this as a letdown spot for the Penguins after they secured a come-from-behind shootout win over the Islanders last time out. That victory snapped a two-game skid but Pittsburgh has still just won twice in its last six contests. Washington is coming off three straight losses but hasn't played since February 7th due to Covid protocols involving their opponents, the Flyers and Sabres. Take Washington (10*).

My selection is on Nashville over Detroit at 8:05 pm et on Saturday.

We're being asked to lay a fairly steep price with the Predators here considering they're just 6-8 on the season. I actually feel the line could be much higher, however. Detroit really is that bad. The Red Wings have managed just one win in their last 11 games. They're set up poorly here, noting they've gone a dreadful 1-17 on the moneyline when playing on the road off a road loss over the last two seasons and they've been outscored by 2.2 goals per game in those contests. Noting their streaky nature, the Wings have gone 1-23 on the moneyline after losing six or seven of their last eight games (as is the case here) over the last two seasons. In those games they've been outscored by an average margin of 2.4 goals. The Preds are in a far more favorable situation having gone 185-136 on the monyeline after losing three of their last four games. Look for the Preds to continue to take their frustrations out on the lowly Wings here. Take Nashville (10*).

NHL Revenge Game of the Year. My selection is on St. Louis over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Friday.

We get to back the Blues at a discount as the scene shifts to Arizona for yet another matchup between these two teams on Friday night. Of course, home ice advantage means little this season with no fans in the stands. That was clearly evident over the last four games as the Coyotes took three of four meetings in St. Louis. That sets the Blues up well here, noting that they're a highly profitable 8-2 on the road when playing with triple revenge over the last three seasons, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 3-1.6 in those contests. Meanwhile, Arizona is 1-6 after having won four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons, outscored by an average margin of 0.9 goals in those games. The 'Yotes are also a miserable 2-13 following a one-goal victory over the last two years, losing those games by an average margin of 3.6-2.3. Take St. Louis (10*).

My selection is on New York +1.5 goals over Boston at 7:05 pm et on Friday.

We're seeing a considerably higher price in favor of the Bruins in this matchup than we did on Wednesday - a game the B's won in overtime. While Boston is certainly deserving of the oddsmakers' respect, I see value backing the Rangers with an insurance goal in this one. Note that the Bruins are 8-15 straight-up when coming off three straight one-goal wins, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 8-2 straight-up following at least two straight home losses, outscoring opponents by an impressive 1.4 goals per contest in that situation. At the tail-end of a five-game homestand that has gone south over the last couple of games, look for New York to put forth a strong effort in this one. It's also worth mentioning that Boston has a clear look-ahead here to tomorrow's game against the Islanders on Long Island, as they'll be looking to avenge their lone regulation time loss of the season in that one. Take New York +1.5 goals (9*).

NHL Puck-Line Game of the Month. My selection is on Vancouver +1.5 goals over Calgary at 10:05 pm et on Thursday.

The Canucks are reeling right now having dropped five games in a row. They're already 0-2 against the Flames this season. In fact, they've lost three straight meetings in this series by at least two goals. That's where things get interesting. The Canucks haven't lost four straight games by multiple goal margins in this series since way back in 1984. While the Flames are coming off back-to-back wins and we actually won with them on Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Jets, I'm not sure they're on all that steady footing just yet. They've won just four of their last nine games overall, with one of those victories coming by way of a shootout. I do think getting back home will be beneficial for the Canucks after a brutal trip east. This team is too talented to stay down for long. We're dealing with a fairly steep price to grab the insurance goal in this case, but I believe the price could be even higher. Take Vancouver +1.5 goals (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and Montreal at 7:35 pm et on Wednesday.

I think bettors had come to expect high-scoring results from the Leafs every night after they drummed the Canucks to the tune of 12 goals in consecutive games last week. However, on Monday night, Toronto scored just three times, albeit in another victory over Vancouver. As the Leafs schedule toughens up I expect to see a continued reversion to the mean offensively. The last time these two rivals met was on opening night when the Leafs rallied from 3-1 and 4-3 down to secure a 5-4 overtime victory. Since then, the Canadiens have given up more than three goals in a game only once - and that was in a shootout victory over the aforementioned Canucks. Like the Leafs, the Habs had been on fire offensively but have since cooled, scoring just four goals in their last two games, against the lowly Senators no less. Sure, these two teams have the potential to light up the scoreboard, but I'll take the contrarian route and call for a lower-scoring affair than we saw in the season-opener. Take the under (10*).

NHL TV Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and New York at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday.

The Rangers may have plenty of offensive firepower on paper but that hasn't translated to much success on the ice, noting that they rank 24th in the league in goals per game. They'll be in tough looking for a breakout performance against a Bruins squad that ranks T2nd in goals per game allowed and tops in the league in shots per game allowed. That's not to mention their second overall rank in terms of penalty kill percentage. Perhaps the Rangers saving grace here will be that the B's have been idle for nearly a week due to a couple of Covid-related postponements and the fact that they rank in virtually the middle of the pack in terms of goals per game. New York ranks in the league's top 10 in goals per game allowed and should hold its own in this Original Six matchup. Take the under (10*)

NHL North Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Calgary over Winnipeg at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday.

I'm higher on the Flames than most in spite of their uneven 5-5-1 start to the season. We won with them on Saturday as they prevailed by a 6-4 score in the campaign's first installment of the 'Battle of Alberta' against the Oilers. Here, they'll be looking to avenge three losses in four tries against the Jets already this season. Calgary went out and got goaltender Jakob Markstrom in the offseason in an effort to compete against teams like the Jets, who have a bonafide star in goal in Connor Hellebuyck. So far this season Markstrom hasn't disappointed, actually matching Hellebuyck's numbers on the whole and besting him in some regards including a 2-0 edge in shutouts. Winnipeg is off to a 7-3-1 start on the strength of those aforementioned three wins over the Flames. I don't really like the scheduling spot here as they play this one-off on the road before returning home for consecutive (winnable) games against the Senators. Take Calgary (10*).

NHL West Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose and Los Angeles at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday.

Incredibly, 14 of the last 16 regular season meetings between these two California rivals (dating back to the start of the 2016-17 season) have topped out at five goals or less with only one of those contests surpassing the six-goal mark. Thanks to Covid-related postponements, the Sharks will be playing just their third game in February on Tuesday night. Note that they've been held to a goal or less in two of their last three games overall. Meanwhile, the Kings are coming off a tough winless two-game jaunt to Las Vegas and have now dropped four games in a row overall. Los Angeles has one of the league's most punchless offenses by most accounts. The Kings check in ranked T19th in goals per game and 23rd in shots on goal per game. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Dallas at 8:35 pm et on Tuesday.

We saw a low-scoring affair between these two teams last time out as the Blackhawks prevailed by a 2-1 score in overtime. Of course, that's not par for the course when it comes to the Blackhawks as they've proven to be one of the league's most vulnerable defensive teams and have certainly been involved in their share of high-scoring games. Offensively, it's only a matter of time before Chicago breaks out and shows some consistency, noting that it ranks 11th in shots on goal per game but 21st in shooting percentage. On the flip side, the Stars are second in shooting percentage and third in goals per game. Both of these teams check in top four in the league in power play percentage. It all adds up to a relatively high-scoring contest in Big D on Tuesday. Take the over (10*).

NHL West Division Game of the Year. My selection is on St. Louis over Arizona at 8:05 pm et on Monday.

The Blues came out completely flat in Saturday's matinee affair against the Coyotes, perhaps lacking excitement or motivation playing the same team for a third consecutive game. Now after dropping back-to-back games against Arizona, I do think St. Louis will be able to draw the appropriate level of motivation and hunger as it tries to salvage a split in this four-game set. The Blues were fortunate not to suffer a more lopsided loss on Saturday considering the way they played. They're still a respectable 7-4-1 on the campaign and that marked the first time this season they've dropped consecutive games. For Arizona, Saturday's victory marked the first time it managed to secure back-to-back wins this season. I believe it will be hard-pressed to make it three victories in a row on Monday as it likely has one eye on getting out of St. Louis and back home for a staggering 10-game homestand beginning this Saturday against - you guessed it - the St. Louis Blues. Take St. Louis (10*).

My selection is on New York over Pittsburgh at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Islanders always seem to get up for the Penguins, having taken seven of the last 10 meetings in the series, and coming off an extended losing streak followed by a long layoff I expect to see them bring their best effort on Saturday night on Long Island. Of course, the Pens are also coming off an extended layoff due to Covid-related postponements. With both teams looking to regain their footing off of losing efforts, I'll give the Isles the edge on home ice. Barry Trotz is one of the best coaches in the league. He'll have his Isles ready for Sid and co. on Saturday night. Take New York (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Vancouver and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.

These two teams are coming off a high-scoring affair on Thursday night but what else is new? The Canucks have seen their last three games total eight, eight and 10 goals. 10 of their 14 games this season have totaled at least seven goals. Meanwhile, the Leafs haven't been involved in a game totaling less than seven goals since January 24th against Calgary. With the Canucks desperate to snap a three-game losing streak, I'm expecting them to get baited into another high-scoring affair here. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on St. Louis over Arizona at 3:05 pm et on Saturday.

The Blues and Coyotes have split the first two games of this three-game set, with Arizona prevailing by a 4-3 score last time out. Keep in mind, St. Louis checks in a perfect 3-0 this season when coming off a loss. I like the offensive consistency the Blues have shown lately, scoring at least three goals in six consecutive games entering this one. The Coyotes are a middling squad, having gone 0-3 when following a victory this season. Take St. Louis (10*).

My selection is on Boston over Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Friday.

The Bruins have quite simply had the Flyers number this season. David Pastrnak has to be in Flyers goaltender Carter Hart's head at this point. After rallying from a third period deficit to win in overtime on Wednesday night, I'm confident we see the B's keep on rolling on Friday night in Philadelphia. The Flyers aren't off to a bad start but haven't lived up to lofty expectations by any means. Look for Boston to prevail in what could be another high-scoring affair. Take Boston (10*).

My selection is on Vancouver over Montreal at 7:05 pm et on Monday.

The price is just too steep in favor of the Habs in this one as they look to bounce back from Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Flames. The Canucks got off to a slow start this season but managed to get right with three straight high-scoring wins over the Senators and followed that up with a 4-1 victory over the Jets on Saturday. I believe Vancouver is a galvanized squad right now and should relish the opportunity to head east and take down the Habs - who had been off to a red hot start prior to Saturday's setback. Keep in mind, the Canucks will be looking for an ounce of revenge here as well after dropping a pair of contests against the Canadiens in Vancouver earlier this season. Take Vancouver (10*).