ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Colorado Avalanche over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 9:05 PM ET

The Avalanche are offering tremendous line value here. This is a classic over-reaction by the marketplace based on situational viewpoint. This is a back to back spot for the Avalanche but they enter this game on a 9-1-1 run. Included in the 9-1-1 run is a perfect 2-0 mark when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. On deck for Colorado is the same Blackhawks team that they just beat so there is no lookahead here. In fact the Avalanche are going to be very focused here. Why? The Avs moved into the Pepsi Center for home games 20 years ago. Since that time they had NEVER lost to the Hurricanes in regulation of a game. That is, until last season! The Hurricanes not only beat the Avalanche but shut them out 3-0 at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche haven't forgotten and they are one of the best teams in the NHL this season and are particularly dangerous again with all key players back on the ice. Keep in mind Gabriel Landeskog and MIkko Rantanen had missed quite a bit of a time. With those guys back the Avs are as strong as they have been all season and that showed again in last night's 4-1 win at Chicago. While the Hurricanes are also playing well of late this is the final game of a 5-game road trip. Sometimes you'll see a team slip up in a spot like this because they've already had a successful trip and they're already thinking ahead to getting back home and facing an Eastern Conference foe rather than this non-conference match-up tonight. A big key here is likely to be the netminding also. The Hurricanes are likely to go with Petr Mrazek and he has a losing record on the road this season and has allowed 3 or more goals in 6 of his past 8 starts away from home. The Avs used their back-up goalie last night so that means Philipp Grubauer will get the start tonight. He had a rare tough start in his last game (versus the Stanley Cup champion Blues) and can't wait to get back on the ice. Grubauer has allowed an average of just 2 goals per start this season when off a game in which he allowed 4 or more goals. Also, at home this season he allowed 3 goals in his most recent start (a 7-3 win) and 2 or less goals in 4 of 6 home starts that preceded that one. Grubauer and the Avalanche are very tough on home ice and are being undervalued here. Per our computer math model, Colorado gets payback for the rare home shutout they were handed by Carolina late last season in March. In home games with a total set at 6 or more goals, the Avalanche have won 9 of 12 games this season. When the Hurricanes are off B2B wins by a multiple goal margin this season they have gone 0-3. After B2B blowout wins, that is the situation Carolina is in here and we look for the Canes to remain winless in that situation on the season. Bet Colorado Avalanche for a Top Play in NHL action Thursday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON New York Islanders over Nashville Predators, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Predators are in a tough back to back spot here.  Also, they used Juuse Saros between the pipes in last night's win over the Rangers.  He actually has been playing better than Pekka Rinne of late but it will be Rinne getting the start tonight most likely since this is a back to back spot.  Rinne has allowed 4 goals in back to back starts and, in fact, has allowed 4 or more goals in 7 of his last 10 starts.  In those 7 starts Rinne has allowed an average of 4.6 goals per game!  The Islanders play a very controlled-type game that tends to frustrate opponents.  It was very early last season when the Islanders had both their meetings with the Predators and that was when head coach Barry Trotz was still working in his systems with New York in the earliest stages of his first season as the new head coach.  Of course as the season went on the Islanders got stronger but they did suffer an early season sweep at the hands of Nashville and they are looking for payback here.  The Islanders have a big rest edge here as they enter this game having had 2 days off while the Predators are in a back-to-back.  The Islanders have won 3 straight games and they have won 9 of 11 this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games.  Also, the Islanders have won 6 of 7 this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games.  In home games with a total set at 5.5 goals, the Islanders are on a 25-8 run!  The stingy defense of the Islanders is why they lead the league with fewest goals allowed at 72 on the season.  The next closest team has allowed 80 goals.  The Predators, on the other hand, had allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of 6 games preceding last night's 5-2 win over the Rangers.  Nashville is 0-3 the last 3 times they've entered a game after allowing 2 or less goals in their prior game.  Not only a home ice edge and situational edge for the Islanders here, they also hold an edge in terms of special teams play as they have the better penalty kill and much better power play stats so far this season in comparison with the Predators.  Bet New York Islanders for a Top Play in NHL action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON New York Rangers over Anaheim Ducks, Saturday at 4:05 PM ET

The Rangers are playing quite well now and getting solid goaltending from both Georgiev and Lundqvist.  The result since mid-December has been a solid stretch in which New York has gone 8-4-1 in its past 13 games.  While the Rangers are feeling good and have a positive atmosphere evident with their hockey club right now, the Ducks are at the other end of the spectrum.  Anaheim's struggles have continued and they have lost 13 of their past 17 games.  That makes the opportunity to get the Rangers at plus money in this spot a "must play" situation as the Ducks just can't get any consistency going while, in comparison, the Rangers have been the much better team the last 3 to 4 weeks.  Anaheim has scored an average of only 2.6 goals per game their last 15 games.  The Rangers are averaging 4.3 goals per game their past 7 wins.  Per our computer math model, look for another big win for New York here as Anaheim continues to struggle to find the back of the net.  Bet New York Rangers money line in NHL action Saturday  

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON St Louis Blues over Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday at 8:05 PM ET

The St Louis Blues have endured their first streak of 3 consecutive regulation losses.  But things are about to change in a hurry.  The Blues are the defending Stanley Cup champs and they have been dealing with injuries and are now getting healthier.  Alexander Steen and Oskar Sundqvist both are likely to return tonight.  Also, Zach Sanford could be back on the ice for St Louis tonight as well.  On top of all that, the Blues are back on home ice where they are known for being particularly tough to beat.  Certainly Vegas knows all about that as they have never won here.  The Golden Knights are 0-3 all-time in games played at St Louis.  Vegas also might end up being a little flat here too emotionally.  Marc-Andre Fluery made his first start after a lengthy absence for bereavement leave and he had a great outing against the Blackhawks Tuesday night.  Everyone on the Golden Knights pulled together for that emotional win.  Now it is the hungry Blues that are likely to have the emotional edge in this one as they are emotionally charged up after the 3 straight regulation losses (only 1 was here in St Louis).  Look for a very strong effort from the Blues here.  They beat Malcom Subban and the Golden Knights 3-1 the last time these two clubs squared off.  The other two most recent wins (St Louis has beaten the Knights 3 straight times overall) came when Vegas had Fleury between the pipes and he allowed 9 goals in those two starts. In terms of the Blues netminding situation, they have allowed just 1 goal to Vegas in each of the last two meetings and that was once with Jake Allen and once with Jordan Binnington.  The point is that they are in good shape either way here.  The Golden Knights are 0-3 this season in road games with a total set at 5.5 goals by the odds makers.  Per our computer math model, the Blues improve to 4-0 all time when hosting the Knights.  Bet St Louis for a Top Play in NHL action Thursday  

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Winnipeg Jets Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Detroit Red Wings, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Red Wings are having a horrible season and now have lost 11 straight games.  That being said, the biggest fear in playing the Jets here is that they might overlook Detroit.  However, that is not going to happen in this case because this is the front end of a home and home set between these clubs.  Knowing their next game is on the road, Winnipeg (on a 6-1-1 run as a host) wants to make sure they take advantage of home ice here.  Knowing their next game is against the Red Wings, the Jets will of course be fully focused on Detroit in this one.  That is bad news for the Red Wings and that is a key reason as to why Winnipeg is a -250 money line favorite in this match-up.  That price is very high with good reason and the value with this match-up, as a result, is the puck line!  The Jets at -1.5 goals are priced close to break even or at -105.  This is a great value considering that each of the Red Wings last 7 games have been losses by a margin of 2 or more goals.  In fact, those 7 defeats have come by a an average margin of 3.6 goals per game.  The Jets most recent win came by just a single goal but their three preceding wins all came by 3 or more goals.  Per our computer math model, this will be another win by a multiple-goal margin for the Jets as the Red Wings suffer a 12th straight loss - and 8th straight defeat by 2 or more goals.  Laying the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -105 range) with Winnipeg is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Arizona Coyotes over Chicago Blackhawks, Sunday at 7:05 PM ET

The Blackhawks are back home after back to back road wins that each came after regulation on Thursday and Friday.  That being said, Chicago may not have enough left in the tank to get past a scrappy Arizona team here.  The Coyotes are fired up off a rare shutout loss (2-0) at Pittsburgh on Friday.  Arizona entered that game with a 10-3-3 record on the road this season.  The Blackhawks enter this game having lost 9 of their 16 home games this season.  That is why this pick'em line, though it may seem enticing to back the home team, is actually telling you that the road team is the play here.  There is a reason that the Coyotes are not an underdog in this match-up and it is because the odds makers are expecting the same thing we are in this one - an Arizona win.  The Coyotes are 4-0 this season when off a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game.  The Blackhawks have lost 64 of their past 99 games (including 11 of 17 this season) when they are facing a team with a winning record.  Bet Arizona in early evening NHL action Sunday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Vegas Golden Knights at New York Islanders, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

Marc-Andre Fleury is back with the team after time away due to the passing of his father.  However, Fleury just arrived back with the team and is only going to serve as the back-up tonight.  Malcom Subban is expected to get the start again.  In the Golden Knights 4-3 win at New Jersey Tuesday, Subban allowed 3 goals which marked the 5th time in his last 6 road games that he has allowed at least 3 goals.  He is a respectable back-up but Subban is the back-up for good reason...he is no Fleury when it comes to his play between the pipes.  That being said, we're going to take advantage here and go over the low total of 5.5 goals set for this game.  While the Golden Knights have a high probability of allowing at least 3 goals they also have a high probability of scoring at least 3 goals too.  Vegas has begun to heat up again on this road trip and has scored at least 3 goals in 4 of its last 5 road games!  The Knights will take advantage of an Islanders team that has stumbled a bit of late.  New York has lost 4 of its past 6 games and their play in their D-zone has not been what it was earlier this season.  The Islanders have allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of their past 10 games.  New York struggled to score goals recently but most of those games were on the road.  In home games the Islanders have been a different team and have scored an average of 3.8 goals per game in their past 9 games on home ice!  With the Islanders looking to bounce back at home after a road loss Tuesday and the Golden Knights riding hot momentum on the road and looking to close out a perfect road trip, the set up here is perfect for this one to see 6 or more goals scored.  Bet the OVER in the Islanders game in early evening NHL action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Los Angeles Kings over Washington Capitals, Wednesday at 10:05 PM ET

The Capitals are in a tough back to back spot here as they were at San Jose last night.  Washington is having a great season but this is one of those situations that looks like the ideal spot in which to fade a good team.  Los Angeles is coming off a loss but has won 7 of its last 9 home games.  Getting the Kings as a sizable home dog here means excellent line value.  The Capitals won the most recent meeting but Los Angeles entered that match-up having won 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams.  This will be the 5th back to back situation for Washington this season.  So far they have managed a 2-0 sweep in back to backs just one time in four tries.  After winning at San Jose last night, our computer math model is calling for the Capitals to fall short tonight at Los Angeles and, per the above, the odds certainly favor that outcome.  Look for the Kings improve to 8-2 in their last 10 home games.  LA has won 5 in a row in non-divisional home games.  Make that 6 in a row with tonight's result!  Bet Los Angeles in late night NHL action Wednesday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over Nashville Predators, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Predators are off a 3-0 shutout loss and are now 0 for 16 on the power play their last 5 games.  Nashville has lost 10 of its last 14 games and now faces a Lightning team off a 3-2 loss and ready to bounce back.  Tampa Bay was the #1 team (by a large margin) in the league in the regular season last year.  The Bolts were then promptly swept out of the playoffs in the first round and that means they are back on a mission here this season.  Now that the Lightning are getting healthier (Stamkos recently came back and Killorn should be back on the ice tonight), it is time for Tampa Bay to make another huge move up the standings.  Tampa Bay has lost 3 straight (all by a single goal) for the first time since March of last season!  Prior to this tough string of tight losses, the Bolts had won 6 of their past 8.  Getting the Lightning at a pick'em price here is a great bargain considering the situation.  The past two seasons this has been the time of year when the Bolts kick things into high gear.  Tampa Bay has won 24 of 27 games in the month of December the past two seasons.  The Lightning have been off since Saturday and they have won 21 of 31 when playing with two days of rest between games.  Nashville has lost 7 of 11 home games with a total set at 6 or more goals and the Predators won't be able to keep with the high-scoring Bolts in this one.  Tampa Bay's power play has been red hot this season (one of the best in NHL) and the Predators haven't scored a power play goal in their past 5 games.  Tampa has scored an average of 4.1 goals per game its past 10 games.  The Predators have scored an average of only 2.3 goals per game their past 10 games.  Bet Tampa Bay in evening NHL action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Vegas Golden Knights over Nashville Predators, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

Perfect situational set up here. Vegas is off a loss and looking for a breakout game and catches the Predators at the perfect time to execute.  Additionally, we get line value because this game is at Nashville and that is why the Golden Knights are an underdog in this match-up.  We'll take the plus money with Vegas as the Predators are off back to back home and away wins over the Stanley Cup Champion Blues.  Not only is St Louis the defending champs, they also are a big division rival of Nashville.  The Predators, prior to those key back to back wins, had lost 6 straight games and 8 of their last 9 games!  That makes this the ideal spot for the Golden Knights to bounce back after catching an earful from head coach Gerard Gallant following their 4-2 loss at Dallas.  The Knights schedule has been tough recently but prior to losses to the Oilers and Stars (a pair of very tough teams) Vegas showed signs they were turning things back around with a 3-game points streak in which they outscored the opposition 11 to 4.  The cherry on top here is that the Golden Knights led Nashville 2-1 in Vegas earlier this season before they came unglued in the 2nd period making mistakes that led to 3 goals.  The Knights haven't forgotten that game and now it is payback time.  Perfect situation for a fired up Golden Knights team to exact revenge as the Predators get caught still celebrating their back to back big wins over the Blues.  The Predators #1 goalie Pekka Rinne has struggled so badly that Juuse Saros is getting another start here.  Both netminders have GAA above 3.00 this season.  Even without Marc-Andre Fleury between the pipes tonight, look for strong play in front of the Knights crease and on the other end in the offensive zone to lead to a big road win.  Bet Vegas in evening NHL action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Philadelphia Flyers over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

The Flyers beat the Hurricanes earlier this month in Philadelphia.  Even though this meeting is at Carolina, note that prior to Philadelphia's win at home earlier in the month, the road team had won 6 of the last 9 meetings between these teams.  The Flyers are in a fighting mood and will be ready to go here as they are off an ugly 5-2 loss at Florida that was preceded by 3 straight tight one-goal losses.  Per our computer math model, Philadelphia is set to improve to 3-0 the last 3 times they have entered a game off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals.  The Hurricanes enter this game on a hot streak but they have struggled this season in divisional action with losses in 5 of 7 games and that continues here.  When on a winning streak of 3 or more games, the Hurricanes have lost 15 of 27 to cost their backers 7.7 net units when in that situation that past 2+ seasons.  Bet Philadelphia in early evening NHL action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY 8* ON OVER: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Capitals are the highest scoring team in the league this season and the Rangers are allowing more goals than all but one team in the league this season.  This one sets up well for the Capitals to do some damage against New York and goalie Henrik Lundqvist.  The Rangers veteran netminder has allowed an average of 5 goals in his last two starts against the Capitals and Washington is rolling strong so far this season.  The Capitals are expected to have Braden Holtby between the pipes for this one and the O/U is 12-4 in his 16 starts on the season.  The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams and, per our computer math model, another one is expected to fly over the total here.  The Capitals, after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game, have seen the over go 61-37 (including 10-2 this season).  The Rangers have lost 3 of 4 games and allowed 19 goals in those 3 defeats.  New York will battle hard on home ice to hang around in this game but they'll have to score plenty of goals to do so and that is precisely what we expect in a 5-4 or 4-3 type game with this one.  Bet the OVER in the Rangers game in NHL evening action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over St Louis Blues, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

We have had our eyes on this match-up for awhile.  Last season the Bolts were the #1 regular season team and yet then got swept right out of the playoffs in the first round!  That was a shock!  It also was a shock when St Louis was dead last in the NHL standings pretty deep into the NHL season and then yet improbably rallied in an amazing run that led them to the ultimate prize when they hoisted the Stanley Cup in June!  In other words, the Lightning have had this game circled in red as a "barometer game"...the type of game that will prove the Cup can be theirs!  The Blues did beat the Bolts in both meetings last season but only by a goal each time.  Also, the meeting in St Louis saw Tampa Bay out-shoot the Blues by a heavy margin even though they came up a goal short on the scoreboard.  The set up here is perfect as the Lightning come into this game scoring a lot of goals and playing very well while St Louis enters this contest struggling to score goals and on a losing streak.  The Blues have lost 3 straight games and have managed a total of just 5 goals in the process. The Lightning have won 4 of their last 6 games and have scored an average of 5 goals per game during this hot streak.  Tampa Bay will prove to be the hungrier more motivated team here and are off a regulation loss (4-3) to the Jets.  Not only have the Lightning not had back to back losses in regulation this season, they also are 50-18 (including 5-2 this season) when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals!  Bet Tampa Bay in evening NHL action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Calgary Flames over Vegas Golden Knights, Sunday at 7:05 PM ET

We have had our eyes on this line all morning and it has simply been pushed too far.  Vegas has gone from the -125 money line range to the -155 range.  This is a Golden Knights team that continues to blow late leads in games and simply can't be trusted right now as their losing streak continued yesterday with the loss at Los Angeles.  Calgary will come into this one angry as they are are off a shutout loss at Arizona yesterday.  Though the Flames lost 3-0 (including a late empty net goal), Calgary outshot the Coyotes 37 to 24.  Also, Calgary has a revenge from a 6-2 loss at Vegas last month.  The Flames led in the shots on goal category in that lopsided defeat as well.  Calgary has won 5 of 7 this season when off a loss by a multi-goal margin.  The Golden Knights once vaunted home ice has seen them much more beatable there this season.  Vegas has actually lost 6 of last 9 games played on home ice.  Per our computer math model that trend will continue as the Knights lose for the 6th straight time and 8th time in 9 games with a home ice loss to a fired up Calgary team coming off a shutout loss and seeking revenge!  Bet Calgary in early evening NHL action Sunday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

The Lightning seek revenge from a recent 4 to 1 loss to the Rangers.  Tampa Bay is well-rested here as they have been off since Saturday since that was part of their 2-game series against Buffalo in Stockholm, Sweden.  The Lightning have had a lot of extra practice time thanks to their recent schedule and they'll come in skating very well in this one with fresh legs.  Tampa Bay has a potent offense and, again, they are out for revenge here.  Both the Lightning and the Rangers have fared very well on the power play but struggled on the penalty kill so far this season.  Of course that is a good "recipe" making for high-scoring games.  The Rangers come into this game with plenty of confidence as they are 6-2-1 their last 9 games and have averaged 4 goals per game during this stretch.  The Bolts come into this game having won 3 of their last 4 games and also averaging 4 goals per game during this hot streak.  The Lightning were 6-0-1 in their last 7 games against the Rangers before losing at New York two weeks ago.  Tampa Bay was held to just 1 goal in that game but had scored an average of 5 goals in their 5 most recent meetings with the Rangers entering that one.  When Tampa is off a divisional game the over is 41-24 including 5-2 this season.  The over, entering this season, was 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams and while the Rangers (just like on the 29th of October) might again score 4 goals here, the Lightning are also expected to find the back of the net at least 4 times in this one.  The result?  Look for a "barn burner" type of game here with end to end action in this one.  Bet the OVER in Tampa Bay in NHL early evening action Thursday.

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Philadelphia Flyers over Washington Capitals, Wednesday at 7:35 PM ET

Two really hot teams match up here and the Capitals have had the stronger season thus far as they have been the top team in the league.  However, Washington is on the road for this one and they do not have a single regulation win in any of their last 4 road games.  The Capitals lost one of those, won one in a shootout, and won two in overtime.  In those 4 road games Washington has allowed an average of 4 goals per game.  That holds some significance here for sure because the Flyers are a stellar 6-1-1 on home ice this season and in their last 7 games as a host Philadelphia has allowed just 2.3 goals per game.  Both Carter Hart and Brian Elliott have proven capable of going into "shut down mode" when they are in between the pipes on home ice and you know the Flyers are going to be emotionally charged for this game as Alex Ovechkin and company come to town!  Philly has won 8 of its last 11 games and the Capitals have allowed 3.5 goals per game in their past 8 road games so truly the Caps have not been the same team in their D zone when away from home this season.  Per our computer math model, the Flyers will take advantage here!  This is a great home dog spot for a divisional foe to bring their A game as they look to knock off the team that is not only at the top of their division but also the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup champs.  Bet Philadelphia in early evening NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Pittsburgh Penguins over New York Rangers, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Penguins are without Sidney Crosby for this one but that is helping to keep this money line in a very fair price range.  That, coupled with the fact that Evgeni Malkin has been on an absolute tear for Pittsburgh since returning to the ice is why we are elevating this play to top game status.  The Penguins have won 11 of their last 16 games against the Rangers and that includes 7 of 10 in New York.  Pittsburgh has not lost in regulation in any of the past 6 meetings between these divisional foes.  Overall, the Penguins enter this game having gone 4-1-1 their last 6 games.  Also, even though Pittsburgh is without Crosby here, the Rangers remain without Mika Zibanejad.  New York enters this game having lost 38 of its last 59 divisional games.  Also, when facing a team with a winning record, the Rangers have lost 59 of 92 games!  Per our computer math model, these recent season trends are likely to continue here as Pittsburgh dominates this one.  The Penguins get another big win tonight to improve to 4-0 in divisional games this season!  Bet Pittsburgh in early evening NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Carolina Hurricanes Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Ottawa Senators, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

The Senators jumped out to a 3-0 lead on Carolina in the 1st period Saturday and cruised to a 4-1 win. That game was in Ottawa however and now the Hurricanes are the host against Sens team that has won just 1 of 7 road games this season. The Canes have won 6 of their 9 home games this season and the value here is with the puck line. Carolina is a -250 favorite on the money line but available right around even money on the puck line. Can we expect a win by two or more goals here? Yes! Carolina's last 6 wins have featured 5 by a multiple goal margin and, in fact, they have won these games by an average margin of 3 goals per game. Overall, only 3 of the Hurricanes last 14 games have been one-goal games. The Senators have 10 losses this season and 8 of them have come by a margin of at least two goals. Carolina has been challenged by head coach Rod Brind'Amour and we expect a very focused Hurricanes team on the ice tonight as they are much better than they've shown in recent games during their current (and rare) 4-game losing streak. The Senators have been held to 2 or less goals in 5 of their 7 road games this season. The Hurricanes have scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 6 home wins this season. Look for at least a margin of 2 goals in this one! Laying the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -105 range) with Carolina is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON OVER: Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday at 7:05 PM ET

Though the Penguins lost Patric Hornqvist to injury recently they are, overall, much healthier than they have been in a long time.  Pittsburgh happily welcomed back Evgeni Malkin a few games ago and he helped the Pens register more than 50 shots on goal in his first game back.  It didn't pan out for the Penguins in that game but when you're generating that kind of offense you're going to get rewarded eventually and, per our computer math model, that happens tonight against the Blackhawks.  The issue for the Pens tonight won't be offense though, rather it will be keeping the puck out of their own net.  We say that because they could end up being a little soft in their own end after their hard-fought win over the Islanders in their most recent game.  The Penguins have now scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games but also have allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game in their past two games.  The Blackhawks have scored at least 3 goals in 4 of their past 6 games.  Off a 5-2 victory versus Vancouver on Thursday night, Chicago enters this game with some momentum.  The over is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings between these teams and those 3 overs saw an average of 9.3 goals scored per game.  Look for another "barn burner" type of game here with end to end action on Saturday night.  Bet the OVER in Pittsburgh in NHL early evening action Saturday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Boston Bruins Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Detroit Red Wings, Friday at 7:35 PM ET

The Bruins are off a loss.  The Red Wings are off a loss.  For Boston, this is VERY unusual.  For Detroit, this is becoming ALL too familiar.  In fact the Red Wings have lost 12 of its past 13 games.  Overall Detroit has lost 13 games this season and 11 of the 13 defeats have come by a margin of 2 goals or more.  Of course Boston is a huge favorite (-250 range) on the money line here because of stats like this.  But the value here is found in laying the 1.5 goals.  In doing so you get the hungry Bruins without laying any juice or a very small price (-105) and they just need to win the game by 2 goals or more.  Not only is that likely because of all the Red Wings struggles, lets take a look at what Boston has been doing this season.  They had won 6 straight games prior to their controversial one goal loss at Montreal Wednesday.  Keep in mind that was a very tough spot for the Bruins too because they were off a fierce battle with the Penguins which resulted in a two goal win the night before.  Speaking of wins by a margin of 2 or more goals, Boston has 11 wins this season and the first 3 came by a single goal but since then ALL EIGHT of their wins have come by 2 or more goals.  The Bruins are fired up here and losing 3 of 4 to Detroit last season also insures proper focus here.  That means a road rout will be the ultimate result here.  Laying the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -105 range) with Boston is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Toronto Maple Leafs over Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

Great home ice value here on the Maple Leafs.  The Golden Knights not only are not the same team they were in their magical inaugural season two years ago, they also are not even as strong as they were last season.  Vegas continues to regress and is simply not nearly the team they once were.  Yes they are off a win at Columbus on Tuesday but that followed two straight losses that featured blowing a two goal third period lead in each of the two games!  Marc-Andre Fleury was back between the pipes on Tuesday and made some outstanding saves to preserve that victory.  Certainly Vegas deserves some credit for that win but overall it was a tight low-scoring battle and the Knights very nearly lost to a Blue Jackets team that has been in a major slump.  Now the Golden Knights feature a major challenge here as they are at Toronto and captain John Tavares will be playing his 2nd game since returning to the ice.  The first game back after missing a lot of time with injury is always tough so look for him to be much stronger tonight and that means the firepower Toronto has up front for this contest is very dangerous. The Maple Leafs are going to pressure the Golden Knights early and often in this and are well worth laying the modest price at home here.  Toronto has won 40 of its last 64 non-conference games and 22 of its last 31 November games including both games so far this month.  Vegas has only won half its non-conference games since coming into the league and they are down 14.8 net units in those 76 contests.  Per our computer math model, look for another road loss to an Eastern Conference foe in this one.  Bet Toronto in early evening NHL action Thursday.

ASA NHL PLAY 8* ON New York Rangers over Detroit Red Wings, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

When do you lay the -150 price range in NHL?  When you have the home team and you are fading a team that has won just ONCE in its last DOZEN games.  The Red Wings are struggling and this is not the spot for them to turn it around.  They are facing a Rangers team off an ugly home loss to the Senators.  The fact is Ottawa had been playing better and not getting the results and it all came together for them in that game which featured a lot of physicality and showed the Sens were not going to be denied.  As disappointing as that loss was, the Rangers did enter that game having won 3 of 4 prior games and those 4 games were against the Lightning, Bruins, Sabres, and Predators.  Those are all quality teams and the Rangers were strong overall during that tough stretch.  After then laying an egg in their game against Ottawa, New York is undoubtedly going to respond big here.  The Red Wings have had their number in recent seasons but Detroit is really in a funk right now.  Their last 3 losses have come by a combined score of 17-4 and Detroit's coach, Blashill, is on the hot seat already this season!  Per our computer math model, there is high probability that the Rangers dominate on home ice here as the forecast is for the Red Wings to lose for the 12th time in their last 13 games.  Of course that means laying the -150 price is well worth it in this one!  Lay it!  Bet the New York Rangers in NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Vegas Golden Knights over Columbus Blue Jackets, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

Perfect set up here.  The Golden Knights are happy to be on the road for a change of scenery after losing back to back home games where they had a multiple goal 3rd period lead in each game!  Vegas simply can't wait to get back on the ice tonight and they're also welcoming back #1 goalie Marc-Andre Fleury whom had been out with the flu.  The Golden Knights are facing a Blue Jackets team that has been struggling as they have lost 4 straight games and are coming off a 3-0 shutout loss.  One of the key issues with Columbus is they have struggled in coming back in games this season.  They have won just 5 of their 14 games this season and they are 5-0 when scoring first but have lost all 9 games when they allow the first goal.  As noted above the Golden Knights recent trouble has been closing out games but they have done a good job of attaining leads.  Look for Vegas to draw first blood here and send Columbus to a 10th straight loss when allowing the first goal this season.  While the Blue Jackets overall have lost 9 of 14 games this season, Vegas has won 4 of its 6 road games and the fact they are on the road here is what is keeping this money line in a playable range.  If this game was in Vegas the Golden Knights would be a 2 to 1 favorite.  So we'll take advantage of the line value here and lay the fair price in a situation where all signs are pointing to Vegas bringing a very focused effort here and sustaining it for the full 60 minutes.  Those back to back late game losses on home ice have the Golden Knights ready to fly all over the ice Tuesday!  Vegas also has revenge here as, after splitting with Columbus in the Knights inaugural season, the Blue Jackets swept the two games last season.  Payback time here.  When the Golden Knights enter a match-up after playing 3 consecutive games on home ice, they have won 20 of 29 games!  Per our computer math model, the Blue Jackets get outplayed again tonight and lose for the 6th time in 7 games this season when facing a Western Conference opponent.  Bet Vegas in NHL early evening action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON OVER: Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Bruins, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

Though the Penguins lost Patric Hornqvist to injury in their most recent game they are, overall, much healthier than they have been in a long time.  Pittsburgh happily welcomed back Evgeni Malkin in their most recent games and he helped the Pens register more than 50 shots on goal in that game.  It didn't pan out for the Penguins in that game but when you're generating that kind of offense you're going to get rewarded eventually and, per our computer math model, that happens tonight at Boston.  The issue for the Pens tonight won't be offense though, rather it will be keeping the puck out of their own net.  We say that because the Bruins have been one of the hottest teams in the league and, even without David Backes, they'll be just fine tonight in terms of goal production.  Boston has scored an average of 5.4 goals per game during their current 5 game win streak!  The total on this game was set at 6 and 1 / 2 by the odds makers but the betting markets have pushed it down to a 6.  With all due respect to red hot Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, the Penguins can "bring it" in the offensive zone when they are "dialed in" and that certainly was the case against the Oilers Saturday and yet they walked away from that game with a loss.  That means an even more focused effort here from the Pens in the offensive zone but they're not going to be able to stop a Bruins team averaging 4 goals per game their last 9 games and that has not been held under 3 goals in ANY of those NINE games.  The over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings between these teams.  Bet the OVER in Boston in NHL early evening action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over New Jersey Devils, Wednesday at 7:05 PM ET

There is an old adage that we believe will hold true in this match-up Wednesday.  That is that too much of a good thing can actually turn into a bad thing.  Rest is a good thing but too much of it can cause a team to lose its sharpness on the ice and we fully expect to see that with the Devils tonight.  No team in the NHL has played fewer games this season than the Devils and in a rare scheduling quirk, this is their first game since the 25th and that particular game was their first since the 19th!  In other words, New Jersey enters tonight having played just 1 game in the past 10 days!  Considering that as well as the fact that the Devils have been struggling early this season, Tampa Bay is the play here even though this is a back to back game for the Bolts.  Strengthening this play on the Lightning is the fact that they are off a loss at New York against the Rangers last night.  Tampa Bay was held to just 1 goal in that defeat and that was the first time this season that the Bolts were held under 2 goals in a game.  Also, the Lightning entered that game on a 3-1 streak in road games.  Tampa Bay is 29-10 (including 2-0 this season) when off a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals.  They lost last night to the Rangers by a 3-1 count.  As for the Devils, they have lost 43 of 71 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals and that includes losing 4 of 5 when in that role this season.  New Jersey is off a 5-3 loss to Arizona on Friday.  Per our computer math model, their early season struggles (lost 7 of 9 games) continue tonight.  Bet Tampa Bay in NHL early evening action Wednesday.

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Washington Capitals over Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Capitals have one of the top records in the NHL early this season and are a red-hot 5-0-1 their last 6 games.  The Maple Leafs have lost 7 of their 13 games this season including 3 of their last 4.  That said, the opportunity to have Washington at plus money (because this game is at Toronto) is offering great underdog line value.  The Capitals already won their first meeting with the Leafs this season.  The Caps did have the added advantage of being on home ice for that one.  However, the fact is that the Capitals have won 4 of their last 5 meetings with the Maple Leafs at Toronto!  Washington has won 49 of it last 75 when facing a team with a losing record.  Again, the Leafs come into this game with just 6 wins in their 13 games and they are still without their team captain (and one of their best players) John Tavares.  Our computer math model is calling for the Capitals run to continue here as they wrap up their season long 5-game road trip with another victory.  Bet Washington in NHL early evening action Tuesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON OVER: Florida Panthers at Vancouver Canucks, Monday at 10:05 PM ET

With yesterday's 6-2 win at Edmonton, the over is 7-3-1 in Panthers games this season.  Florida has scored an average of 4.7 goals per game in its past 6 games!  The Canucks are off a high-scoring loss that was just their 2nd defeat in 8 games.  It was no fault of the offensive production as Vancouver stayed hot in terms of finding the back of the net.  With their 5-goal outburst Friday, the Canucks have scored an average of 4 goals per game during this 8-game stretch.  The Panthers are likely to have back-up goalie Sam Montembeault between the pipes for this one.  Though the 22-year old has been solid this season his action has been limited and, of course, there is a reason he is the back-up to Sergei Bobrovsky whom was in the crease last night at Edmonton.  That said, the rested Canucks are likely to get to Montembeault early and often in this match-up.  The over is 41-24, including 4-1 this season, when Florida is off a game in which the Panthers scored 4 or more goals.  The over is 3-1-1 this season when the Canucks are off a non-conference game.  After a tough shootout loss versus Washington, they won't take their foot off the gas against Florida tonight.  Bet the OVER in Vancouver in NHL late night action Monday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Calgary Flames over Florida Panthers, Thursday at 9:05 PM ET

This is a tough spot for Florida as they were at home on Tuesday and got a big home win over Pittsburgh. Not only is beating the Penguins always a big victory for a team like the Panthers, having to then go from southern Florida all the way to western Canada is certainly a long haul. This first road game puts the Panthers in a true flat spot. Calgary, on the other hand, was already at home as they hosted the Capitals on Tuesday. Unlike Florida, the Flames lost that game on Tuesday. That said, Calgary will be hungry to get right back on track here and remaining on home ice is a big edge for them. The Panthers history against Western Conference foes is certainly not a good one as they have lost 254 of 418 games against teams from the west. Florida won their most recent meeting with Calgary but that makes this a revenge spot and the Flames had won 5 of the last 6 in this series prior to that loss. After losing 5-3 to Washington Tuesday, Calgary is likely to bounce back here. The Flames, after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game, are 3-1 this season. Per our computer math model, that record improves to 4-1 tonight! Bet Calgary in NHL late night action Thursday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY ON 10* OVER: Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Maple Leafs were in action last night (a 4-3 home loss in OT versus Columbus). Toronto used their #1 goalie, Frederik Andersen, last night which means the back-up Michael Hutchinson will be between the pipes tonight at Boston. That is a key factor here as he had a 3.64 GAA and .859 save percentage in his limited road action last season and Hutchinson also is off to an overall slow start this season. In his 2 starts this season Hutchinson has allowed 9 goals! He is sure to be tested early and often in this one as the division rival Bruins seek revenge for a 4-3 OT loss at Toronto on Saturday. The over is now 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. Also, with yesterday's high scoring loss in the books, the over is now 6-0 in the Maple Leafs last 6 games against Eastern Conference foes. The Bruins enter this game with a record of 5-1 to the over in their past 6 games. Tuuka Rask is expected to get the start for Boston in this one and he is 2-4 in recent seasons in his starts against the Maple Leafs. Toronto will be hungry to put pressure after they feel like they let last night's game get away from them late. With the Bruins playing with revenge and knowing Hutchinson is between the pipes for the Leafs, they will also be aggressive about keeping pressure on and getting plenty of pucks on net. As a result, and per our computer match model, this one gets to 7 goals or more. Bet the OVER in Boston in NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Columbus Puck Line (+1.5 goals) over Toronto, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

The Blue Jackets had a rough start to the season their first two games.  However, since then Columbus has picked up at least a point in the standings in 5 of their last 6 games.  During this stretch every single game the Blue Jackets have played has ended up being a 1 goal game.  Columbus got 3 wins, 2 OT losses, and a 1-goal loss in regulation in these 6 games.  As you can see with those numbers, the Blue Jackets at +1.5 goals would be 6-0 their last 6 games!  As for the Maple Leafs, they are off a win but it was a one-goal win that game in overtime versus Boston.  Also, prior to that win for Toronto they had lost 4 of 6 prior games and that was with John Tavares on the ice!  He is their team captain and one of their star players and he is now out for two weeks with a broken finger.  Columbus has a great shot at the outright upset here but if they do fall short, per our computer math model, the game will be their 7th straight one-goal game.  The Blue Jackets take the Maple Leafs to the wire in this one as they seek to avenge suffering a loss in their home opener versus Toronto earlier this month.  Grabbing the 1.5 goals (and laying a very fair price, currently in -140 range) with Columbus is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Anaheim Ducks over Calgary Flames, Sunday at 9:05 PM ET

Anaheim has won 19 of its last 20 - yes, 95% - when hosting Calgary.  To say the least, the Flames have found facing the Ducks in southern California to be an absolute nightmare.  Two years ago in the 2017 playoffs Calgary was swept out of the post-season by Anaheim and their long-term struggles against the Ducks have continued since then.  That said, there is particularly strong value here because the Flames were in action yesterday as they lost 4 to 1 to the LA Kings last night.  Now playing the 2nd night of a back to back and having used both goalies in last night's game, Calgary is in trouble.  The Ducks are a rested team and Anaheim also has been the much stronger hockey club early this season.  Anaheim enters this game having won 7 straight home games and, per out computer math model, the Ducks are poised to make it 8 in a row tonight!  Bet Anaheim in NHL late night action Sunday. 

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Philadelphia Flyers over Edmonton Oilers, Wednesday at 9:35 PM ET

The Flyers are off back to back losses but the first came in the shootout and the second one last night was a tight loss at Calgary.  With their #1 goalie Carter Hart back between the pipes for this one Philadelphia is poised for a bounce back.  The Flyers have won 3 of the last 4 meetings with Edmonton.  The Oilers got off to a hot start this season but are off a loss Sunday and just got back to western Canada after a lengthy road trip in which 3 of the 4 games were played in the Eastern time zone.  Teams often come out a little bit flat in their first game back home after a lengthy road trip across multiple time zones and, per our computer math model, that will be the case tonight with the Oilers.  Edmonton, after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game, has lost their next game 37 of 59 times.  The Oilers, in a home game where the total is 6 or more, have lost 27 of 45 games!  The underdog Flyers are the play here as they have a two day break on deck and will "leave it all on the ice" tonight in terms of their effort!  Bet Philadelphia in NHL late night action Wednesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Nashville Predators over Vegas Golden Knights, Tuesday at 10:05 PM ET

The Predators entered their current road trip having won 3 of their first 4 games this season.  All of those were on home ice but after a "wake up call" on the road against the Kings on Saturday, the Preds will now be ready to respond Tuesday in Vegas.  The Predators spotted the Kings a 4-1 lead in LA on Saturday before rallying to tie it.  However, with less than a minute to go LA got the deciding goal and then also added a couple of empty netters.  The 7-4 final certainly doesn't tell the full story of how the game played out and the type of loss Nashville had in that game is the type of defeat that quality teams bounce right back from.  This is particularly true when that quality team is catching a team off back to back big wins and now playing their 3rd game in 4 nights.  That is the case here with the Golden Knights off big wins Saturday and Sunday.  As for the rested Predators, they have the rest edge for sure as they have been off the past two days.  Nashville can't wait to get back on the ice after a poor effort early on at LA ended up dooming them in that game.  The Predators lost here in February but previously had won 3 straight against the Golden Knights including a game at Vegas.  In those 3 victories Nashville held Vegas to a total of just 2 goals.  In a road game where the total is set at 6 or more goals, the Predators have won 12 of their last 16.  Bet Nashville in NHL late night action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Dallas Stars over Buffalo Sabres, Monday at 3:05 PM ET

Coming into this season big things were expected for the Stars and mediocrity was the expectation for the Sabres.  That said, it is still very early in the season but, with Dallas having faced a tough schedule and won only 1 of 6 games and Buffalo off to a surprising 4-0-1 start, excellent line value is being offered in this one.  This money line opened up in the pick'em price range and the Stars offer excellent value as a result.  Dallas has won 5 straight meetings with Buffalo including 8 of the last 9.  The Sabres have managed to score a total of only TWO goals in their last FOUR games against the Stars.  Per our computer math model, this one turns into a road rout as Dallas takes advantage of catching Buffalo off a big divisional win on Saturday.  Look for the Stars to make it 6 straight wins over the Sabres!  Bet Dallas in NHL afternoon action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON 9* Buffalo Sabres over Montreal Canadiens, Wednesday at 7:05 PM ET

Perfect set up here as Buffalo is on home ice and coming off a disappointing 4-3 OT loss Monday at Columbus that followed a powerful 2-0 start to the season.  The Sabres had won their first two games by a combined score of 10 to 3 and they're ready to respond here at home after they know they did not play well against the Blue Jackets Monday.  As for the Canadiens they are off a huge divisional win at Toronto Saturday night and it involved a huge late rally and a victory that came in the shootout.  Not only is Montreal off a big win this is now the first night of a back to back as the Habs host the Red Wings tomorrow.  Situational edges are with the Sabres in this one and the home team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these clubs.  Also, the Canadiens have lost 35 of 55 when off a divisional game.  Bet Buffalo in early evening NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY ON 10* OVER: Winnipeg Jets at Pittsburgh Penguins, Tuesday at 7:05 PM ET

Big total posted on this game makes perfect sense as the Jets have allowed 14 goals in just 3 games this season. The Jets highly skilled offense was shut down by the stifling style of the Islanders on Sunday but Winnipeg had scored 4 goals in regulation of each of their first two games and they'll be putting plenty of pressure on the Penguins early and often in this contest. The last game between these teams stayed under the total but the over was on a 4-1 run in Pens/Jets match-ups entering that game. The Jets have allowed 4 or more goals to the Penguins in 4 of their last 6 meetings. Pittsburgh will be playing their first game after losing Evgeni Malkin to injury. This is the type of situation where you see teammates step up huge and the Jets defense has looked very young and very soft early this season! The Penguins will take advantage of a Winnipeg club that has allowed at least 4 goals in all 3 of their games. We like the fact that Jets coach Paul Maurice put Laine back on the top line with Scheifele and Wheeler during Winnipeg's loss to the Islanders. Now Ehlers is switched up and on a line with Connor and that 1-2 speed punch provides challenges for opponents on that line as well. Winnipeg will have a strong game in the offensive zone tonight but their own defense and netminding continues to be functioning like a sieve. The result is each team is likely to get to at least 3 goals tonight and that means this game gets to 4-3 at the very least and 7 goals cashes this ticket. Per our computer math model the actual expectation here is 8 or 9 goals total. The Penguins over is 44-27 after a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. They tallied 7 times against the Blue Jackets Saturday and stay hot in the offensive zone in this game against a young and struggling Jets defensive corps. Winnipeg answers the Penguins goal for goal. Bet the OVER in Pittsburgh in NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Tampa Bay Lightning over Carolina Hurricanes, Sunday at 5:05 PM ET

The Lightning are off a tight 4-3 loss at Florida yesterday.  The Hurricanes are off an upset win in overtime at Washington last night.  That sets this situation up perfectly for a play on Tampa Bay.  The Bolts are one of the best teams in the league so it is rare to get them in this low price range (about -110) on the money line.  However, that is available here because they are on the road and the Canes show a 2-0 record to the betting markets.  Factoring in both the Hurricanes and the Lightning were on the road yesterday, there is no significant edge for Carolina.  Add in the fact that Tampa Bay is off a loss and that the Canes are off two straight wins (neither in regulation) and you have a great set up here for backing the small road favorite. Bet the Lightning in early evening action Sunday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON New Jersey Devils over Winnipeg Jets, Friday at 7:05 PM ET

The Jets lost 6-4 last night and now become the first NHL team to have to play in a back to back situation in the new season.  Winnipeg had some nice moments last night in the offensive zone against the Rangers but truly did not look good at all in their own zone.  The point being that all the goals given up were not a fluke.  The Jets looked "soft" in their own zone and only the final of the 6 goals was an empty netter.  The Devils made a lot of improvements in the off-season and will be one of the most improved teams in the league this season.  Playing their season opener at home and catching Winnipeg in the 2nd night of back to back combines to give New Jersey a big edge in this one and makes them well worth the moderate price.  The Jets have lost 47 of their last 76 games when playing the 2nd night of a back to back.  In a home game with a total set at 6 goals or more, the Devils have won 64 of 103 games.  More of the same on tap here.  Bet the Devils in early evening action Friday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Montreal Canadiens over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

There is not a large variance between these two teams as evidenced by their projected season point totals heading into this season.  That said, even though Carolina has home ice edge in this match-up, they are arguably priced far too high. The infatuation the betting markets have with the Hurricanes is courtesy of their magical run last season but, keep in mind, it is tough to carry that type of momentum from one season to the next.  Additionally, the Canes do enter the season with a couple of injuries right out of training camp.  Conversely, the Canadiens come into this game very healthy and that goes for physical as well as mental.  We like the mindset of the Habs coming into this season as this is a proud NHL franchise with plenty of history that certainly is not happy about coming off back to back seasons that saw them miss the post-season.  Montreal did show improvement last season in their win total year over year and they have a great chance to take another step forward this season.  Whether the Canadiens make a strong push on the full season is, of course, to be determined long-term.  However, as for tonight, they are a great value play for a season opener at a significant underdog price.  Carolina has held the upper hand in recent meetings on the scoreboard but Montreal has outshot the Hurricanes by a margin of 25 shots on goal over their past 3 match-ups.  Tonight the Habs get rewarded with a similar effort!  Bet the Canadiens in early evening action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY 9* ON Washington Capitals over St Louis Blues, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

With this line jumping all the way up to the +130 range on the road dog, there is exceptional line value available with the Capitals in this match-up.  It was a long summer for the Capitals after they were eliminated in the first round of the post-season in April.  Keep in mind, this was after winning it all the prior season so, of course, the first round exit (punctuated by the fact they blew a 2-0 series lead) did not sit well at all with Washington.  Now after waiting many months to get back on the ice, the Capitals will skate with more urgency than the Blues in this regular season opener.  For St Louis, it was the shortest of summers after they won the Stanley Cup in mid-June!  There is expected to be a significant drop off for the Blues this season.  That is why, heading into the new season, about one third of NHL teams (including Washington) are projected to have a higher season points total than St Louis.  We are aware of the fact that Ovechkin and Eller sat out the preseason finale but this was more precautionary than anything else and these guys are expected to play for Washington on Wednesday.  Yes, the Capitals are without Kuznetsov for 1 more week but this was expected and something they've been adjusting for already.  Factoring all that in as well as goalie Holtby playing in a contract season and looking very much "in the zone" the way he handled his final preseason start, we like the odds of the Capitals beginning the season with a road upset here.  Yes, the Blues won both meetings last season but not only does that make this is a double revenge spot for Washington, it is also noteworthy because the Capitals had previously won 5 straight meetings with the Blues.  Per our computer math model, the Caps get the payback victory here.  Bet the Capitals in evening action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over Boston Bruins, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

With this line jumping all the way up to the +165 range on the road dog, there is exceptional line value available with the Blues in this match-up. St Louis post-season games have seen the road team winning at a 64% clip in these playoffs. The home ice edge simply hasn't been there in Blues games in this post-season. That trend has continued with the Blues winning at Boston in Game 5 and the Bruins winning at St Louis in Game 6. The Blues have been great when in bounce back mode as, since a 3-game losing streak in mid-March, St Louis has hardly ever lost back to back games. In fact, just 2 times in the past 3 months have the Blues suffered a loss when entering a game off a loss in their prior game. A key to remember here as Boston pushes up closer to being nearly 2 to 1 favorites in this game is that the Bruins had lost 3 of the last 4 games in this series before pulling away in the 3rd period for the big Game 6 win. Per our computer math model, St Louis gets the shocking win in a tight Game 7 at Boston. Bet the Blues in evening action Wednesday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON Boston Bruins over St Louis Blues, Sunday at 8:20 PM ET

No team has clinched the Stanley Cup on home ice the past 3 seasons. We don't expect that to change here either as the Bruins force a Game 7 by coming up with a big win at St Louis. Oftentimes a team is at its best when many have counted them out. After back to back losses, many have given up hope for Boston this season but there is a lot of fight left in this team and let us not forget they came into this series as the favorite. The Bruins lost Game 5 on home ice but they outshot the Blues by a substantial margin. Also, Boston lost Game 5 on a controversial non-call. The Bruins are fired up while the Blues will be without Ivan Barbashev (suspended). Though he is a 4th-liner, the fact is the depth of St Louis has been a key in this series and the contributions from the 4th line have been a part of that. Boston has never lost more than 3 games straight this entire season and only 4 times have they lost 3 straight. They enter this game having lost 2 straight and the Bruins are 11-4 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 more consecutive losses. Also, Boston has won 11 of 13 games this season when off a game where they scored just 1 goal or were shutout. Off the tight 2-1 loss in Game 5, the Bruins respond here. Per our computer math model, Boston improves to 5-0 in the post-season when they are trailing in a playoff series. Bet the Bruins in evening action Sunday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Boston Bruins over St Louis Blues, Thursday at 8:05 PM ET

The Bruins are likely without Zdeno Chara for the rest of the Finals as he suffered a broken jaw on a deflected puck in Game 4. However, Boston is likely to rally around their fallen leader and the 42-year old, though a great leader, is not near the player he once was in his younger years. The point is that there has been an adjustment to this line because of the Chara injury and the result, per our computer math model, is actually even more value with the short-handed Bruins on home ice. Boston is now in a money line price range of only -150 and the Bruins are 17-7 in a home game with a total set at 5.5 goals this season. Also, the Bruins are 11-5 since the end of January in a game following a loss. This series has gone back and forth all the way through and now it is time for Boston to bounce back in Game 5. Even if Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is still out for this game as well, Boston's decision to go with an extra forward and only 5 defensemen could prove to be a sharp move in this one. On home ice and with an ultra-potent power play, the Bruins are going to have the Blues on their heels throughout this crucial Game 5. St Louis did start the post-season on fire in road games but, prior to winning Game 2 at Boston, the Blues had lost 3 of their last 6 on the road. Also, prior to that Game 2 loss for Boston on home ice, the Bruins had won 5 of their last 6 home games. Bet the Bruins in evening action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY ON UNDER: Boston Bruins at St Louis Blues, Monday at 8:05 PM ET

The Bruins exploded for 7 goals in their Game 3 win at St Louis on Saturday but 4 of those markers came on the power play. The Blues know they can ill afford another effort like that as they are now down 2-1 in this series and 2 of the next 3 games after Monday (if necessary) will be at Boston. Based on the above, look for a much stronger effort from St Louis with their defense in front of goalie Jordan Binnington definitely being raised a couple notches for this one. The last 8 times the Blues have trailed in a playoff series only 1 of the 8 games resulted in an over. The Bruins have had 5 unders and just 1 over in this post-season when they are leading in a playoff series. 16 of Boston's 24 road games with a total of 5.5 goals this season have resulted in an under. After a loss by 2 or more goals in their previous game, St Louis' games have stayed under the total in 15 of 23 games this season. The Bruins have allowed 2 or less goals in 13 of their last 16 games. Before the ugly home loss in Game 3, St Louis had allowed 2 or less goals in 8 of their last 11 games. Defense rules the day in this one. Bet the UNDER in St Louis in NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: Boston Bruins at St Louis Blues, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

The Bruins are off a home loss in Game 2 in which they scored only 2 goals. Prior to that Boston had won 8 straight games and averaged scoring 4 goals per game in those 8 wins. St Louis has averaged scoring 3.4 goals per game in their last 10 games overall and also 3.7 goals per game in their last 3 home games. The Bruins ultra-dangerous power play has tallied 9 goals in their last 6 games. The Blues also lost a key penalty killer for this game with the suspension of Oscar Sundqvist for this game. St Louis should be highly energized by a rowdy home crowd for their first Stanley Cup Finals home game in 49 years. The Blues are 7-3 overall in their last 10 games and averaged scoring 4.3 goals per game in their last 3 victories. With this total set at 5 goals and, based on the statistics above, this over is offering great value. Bet the OVER in Boston in NHL action Saturday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON UNDER: St Louis Blues at Boston Bruins, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

There were a couple of unusual goals in Game 1 because of the rust of the Bruins after their long layoff. Of course as the game went on the Blues never scored again as Boston resumed their typical dominance. The point is that even with the 2 early St Louis goals and with Boston getting an empty net goal late, Game 1 still barely went over the total of 5.5 goals. With another 5.5 posted on Game 2, our computer math model is indicating great value in this one as it projects this game to end at either 4 or 5 goals total with an outside chance at a 2-1 final score a possibility as well. The Bruins have won 8 straight games and allowed only 1.4 goals per game in those 8 games. The Blues certainly did collapse a bit as Monday's Game 1 went on but they are sure to respond in Game 2. With that being said, it is noteworthy that previous to Monday's loss, St Louis had allowed 2 or less goals in 7 of its last 9 games. When the Blues are off a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals only 8 of 24 games this season have resulted in an over. When St Louis is trailing in a playoff series, only 1 of 7 games has resulted in an over. In this post-season, when leading in a playoff series, Bruins games have stayed under the total in 4 of 5. Bet the UNDER in Boston in NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over Boston Bruins, Monday at 8:05 PM ET

The Blues have been great on the road in this post-season as they have won 7 of their 9 games away from St Louis. The layoff here for the Blues afforded them ample rest while the Bruins time off easily could prove to be too much. Boston has not played a game in 10 days and that amount of time off can lead to some sloppiness on the ice. Sure the Bruins have been practicing and scrimmaging plenty but that is still no comparison to live game action. Boston has lost 6 of 7 this season when they are playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. For the Blues, they have won 7 of 11 this season with those same parameters. If St Louis is going to steal one on the road this would likely be the one as they catch the Bruins a little slow out of the gate after all the time off. The Blues have allowed 2 or less goals in 3 of their last 4 road games. Boston has allowed 2.5 goals per game in its last 4 games. Certainly that is a respectable number but you can see where the Blues hold a slight edge in that department and catching Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask playing for the first time in a week and a half is also an edge. Per our computer math model, this one belongs in the 'upset alert' category! Bet the Blues in evening action Monday

ASA NHL PLAY ON San Jose Sharks over St Louis Blues, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

When a team is given little chance by the masses it is often the time that team is at its most dangerous. The San Jose Sharks are off an embarrassing 5-0 home loss, they are banged up, and they now face the Blues at St Louis knowing that a loss ends their season. It is at a time like this that teams rise up and the Sharks are 8-2 this season following a game where they were held to one goal or less. Also, when off a loss by a multiple goal margin, San Jose has a record of 41-27 the last 68. As strong as the Blues overall post-season has been, the fact is that St Louis has been better on the road than at home. The Blues did win their most recent game on home ice but, prior to that victory in Game 4, St Louis had lost 5 of its last 8 on home ice. The road dog is very undervalued in this spot. Bet the Sharks in evening action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over San Jose Sharks, Sunday at 3:05 PM ET

The Blues are off a key win in Game 4 that has swung momentum in this series. St Louis has won 22 of their last 33 games against teams with a winning record. On the season, the Sharks have lost HALF of their games against teams with a winning record. That hurts and what also hurts (literally) for San Jose in this match-up is that Erik Karlsson is currently hurting. Even if he plays he doesn't seem right and he missed a lot of ice time late in Game 4 and that was during the crunch time throughout the third period. The concern here for the Sharks is warranted. That is part of the reason this money line is so low, essentially the books are encouraging money on San Jose while the sharps are all over the Blues in this one. St Louis won Game 2 here at San Jose and that was their 6th win in their last 7 road games as the Blues continue to be road warriors in this post-season. The Blues have not been outshot by the Sharks since Game 1 of this series. Our computer math model is forecasting that St Louis will again have the edge in shots on goal in this match-up and that it will also lead to the edge on the scoreboard when the final horn sounds on this one! Bet the Blues in afternoon action Sunday

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: San Jose Sharks at St Louis Blues, Friday at 8:05 PM ET

With game three's 5-4 San Jose win flying over the total St Louis has now had just 4 unders in their last 13 conference finals games. The Sharks are 4-1 to the over when leading in a playoff series and the way they've been scoring goals (20 in last 5 games against the Blues) it comes as no surprise that our computer math model is forecasting that the over trend continues in Game 4. These teams have combined for an average of 8 goals per game in the first 3 games of this series! We are expecting a 4-3 type game here. The Sharks are 8-2 to the over in their last 10 road games with a total set at 5.5 goals. Bet the OVER in St Louis in NHL action Friday.

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON San Jose Sharks over St Louis Blues, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Sharks are off a tight loss in Game 2 but now offer great line value as a road dog in Game 3. The reasons are many. For one thing, San Jose is a perfect 4-0 the last 4 times they were off a loss. They have not lost back to back games since early in the first round series with Vegas! Additionally, the Blues win at San Jose Monday continued a trend that has seen the road team prevail in 10 of 15 games in this postseason for St Louis. By the way, prior to that win St Louis had lost 4 of its last 7 games including 2 of its last 3 on home ice! The Blues power play is in a horrific 1 for 26 slump in the past 8 games! On the other hand, the Sharks power play is on a respectable 7 for 34 run their last 10 games. Additionally, the San Jose penalty kill has held opponents to just a 2 for 34 mark with the man advantage in their last 11 games. The Blues penalty kill has allowed their opponents to convert on 5 of 20 chances in their last 9 games. St Louis won their most recent home game in this postseason but previously lost 4 of their first 6 on home ice in the playoffs. The Sharks have won 4 of 5 when tied up in a playoff series in this postseason. The Blues have lost 9 of their last 12 games in conference finals action. Our computer math model is forecasting San Jose goalie Martin Jones to come up big in this game as the Sharks improve to 5-0 the last 5 times they've entered a playoff game off a loss. Bet the Sharks in evening action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: St Louis Blues at San Jose Sharks, Monday at 9:05 PM ET

With game one's 6-3 San Jose win flying over the total St Louis has now had just 4 unders in their last 11 conference finals games. The Sharks are 3-1 to the over when leading in a playoff series and the way they've been scoring goals at home it comes as no surprise that our computer math model is forecasting that the over trend continues in Game 2. San Jose has scored an average of 4.1 goals per game in their last 13 matches on home ice! The over is 7-3-2 in the Blues last 12 road games as, Game 1 notwithstanding, St Louis has been great on enemy ice in this post-season. The Blues have scored an average of 3.3 goals per game in their last 6 road games. We are expecting a 4-3 type game here. The Sharks are 11-2 to the over in their last 13 home games. Bet the OVER in San Jose in NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over San Jose Sharks, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

St Louis has won 38 of their last 58 games including 20 of their last 29 games against teams with a winning record. Conversely, the Sharks have only been a .500 team when playing teams with a winning record this season! Also, the Blues have won 5 of their 6 road games in this post-season! San Jose won Game 7 to wrap up their series with the Avalanche but that series saw the teams alternate wins and losses all the way through. The Sharks haven't won back to back games since winning the final 3 games of the Vegas series after dropping two straight to the Golden Knights. Per our computer math model, the up and down trend for San Jose continues here with another Sharks loss following a win. The Blues have oushot their opponent by 38 shots on goal in their last 3 games. The Sharks have averaged only 2 goals per game in their last 8 games. St Louis has averaged 3.4 goals per game in their last 5 road games. Too much value to pass up on here given the way the Blues have been playing on enemy ice! Bet the Blues in evening action Saturday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Boston Bruins over Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday at 8:05 PM ET

This line has dropped from the -155 range to the -140 range and we already had our eyes on Boston in Game One when the lines first came out. That said, it is now go time with this one and we're releasing this play as of mid-day Thursday to grab the value. Part of the reason for the drop with this line is that Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is out due to a one game suspension. While that can be considered a slight factor in this game the fact is that the much bigger factors here are home ice and, especially, the rest situation. While the Bruins have had an ideal amount (2 days) of rest, the Hurricanes have been off for nearly a week. We expect having not played in almost a full week to have a direct impact on Carolina's level of play in this game and the history supports that theory. The Hurricanes have lost 15 of 24 (including 7 of 10 this season) when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Boston has won 31 of 45 (including 13 of 20 this season) when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Also, the Bruins have won 5 of the last 6 meetings between these teams as well as 4 straight meetings in Boston! Bet the Bruins in evening action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Dallas Stars over St Louis Blues, Tuesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Stars penalty kill finished the season on a great run and it has continued well into the post-season. In the past 5 games of this series the Dallas penalty kill has held the Blues to 1 for 18 on the power play. In a Game 7 the play of special teams can certainly have a special effect on the end game result. The Stars power play is on a 5 for 15 run on the power play in their games against St Louis. Getting a power play goal (more likely for Dallas as you can see) certainly could be the key difference maker in a make or break Game 7 situation. Although St Louis has home ice here the Blues have lost 4 of their 6 games here in this post-season. Also, Dallas has the veteran goalie Ben Bishop in this match-up and he has a wealth of playoff experience compared to Blues rookie Jordan Binnington. In road games with a total set at 5 goals or less the Stars have won 9 of 12 and, per our computer math model, a road dog upset is to be expected in this one! Grab the money line value with underdog Dallas in this one. Bet the Stars in evening action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Colorado Avalanche over San Jose Sharks, Monday at 10:05 PM ET

The Avalanche are 3-0 this post-season when trailing in a playoff series and the Sharks are 0-3 this post-season when leading in a playoff series. So far in this series the teams have alternated wins and losses all the way through. Per our computer math model that pattern continues here and the Avalanche get the win after falling short in Game 5. The home team has won 8 of the last 11 meetings between these teams and Colorado will respond after being held to just 1 goal Saturday. The Avalanche have won 9 of the last 11 times they have entered a game off a match-up in which they were held to 2 goals or less. The Sharks enter this game having lost 6 of their last 9 games away from San Jose. Bet the Avalanche in late night action Monday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Colorado Avalanche over San Jose Sharks, Saturday at 10:05 PM ET

The Avalanche have now evened this series up at two games apiece after bouncing back and winning on home ice in Game 4. We don't see them being denied here in Game 5 either as the momentum is now theirs and all the pressure is on San Jose for Game 5 as they know a home loss here is very likely too much to overcome. Per our computer math model the Avalanche will pick up here right where they left off in Game 4 when they dominated in a 3-0 win. With that victory Colorado has won 14 of its past 20 games. The Sharks have actually lost 14 of their last 23 games! Also, San Jose has lost 8 of its last 14 home games. The Avalanche have won 3 of their last 4 road games. When tied in a playoff series the Sharks have lost 5 of the past 7. Getting the plus money price means even more value here as Colorado's top line continues to be the best grouping on the ice and will be a difference maker in a swing game like this Game 5 match-up. Bet the Avalanche in late night action Saturday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Dallas Stars over St Louis Blues, Friday at 9:35 PM ET

These teams have alternated wins and losses throughout this series though the first 4 games. Naturally that will have many now backing the Blues on home ice in Game 5 after the Stars won on home ice in Game 4. However, the road team is actually 7-3 in St Louis post-season games this year. Also, prior to Dallas winning at home on Wednesday, the road team had prevailed in 5 of the last 7 meetings between the Stars and Blues. Dallas, in road games with a total set at 5 or less goals, have won 8 of 11 games. The Blues have lost 25 of 42 second round playoff games so history is most certainly not on the St Louis side in this one. Also, the Stars really seemed to rattle Blues rookie goalie Jordan Binnington in the Game 4 win and, per our computer math model, the effects of that our likely to still be felt in this game. As a result, a road upset is expected in this one! Bet the Stars in late night action Friday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Colorado Avalanche over San Jose Sharks, Thursday at 10:05 PM ET

The Avalanche are now down 2-1 in this series after losing on home ice in Game 3. We don't see them being denied here as a 3-1 deficit before heading to San Jose for Game 5 is very likely too much to overcome. Per our computer math model the Avalanche will respond well here. Colorado had gone 8-0 in their last 8 home games prior to the Game 3 loss to the Sharks Tuesday. Of course that means the Avalanche are still a very strong 8-1 their last 9 as a host. The Sharks actually had lost 5 of their previous 7 games away from home prior to getting the upset win in Game 3 Tuesday. San Jose has been in this spot twice (leading in a playoff series) so far in these playoffs and they've lost the game each time. Look for that same scenario to play out here as the Avalanche resume their recent home dominance. Colorado has been perfect in this situation in the post-season so far as they have gone 2-0 when trailing in a playoff series. A short home price to lay means even more value here. Bet the Avalanche in late night action Thursday

ASA NHL TOP PLAY 10* ON New York Islanders over Carolina Hurricanes, Wednesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Hurricanes have the upper hand in this series considering they are up 2 games to none and both those wins came at New York. However, Carolina is otherwise in a precarious position here as they are suddenly without their #1 goalie plus the Canes have 3 wingers and a defenseman all listed as questionable on the injury report. Perhaps in Game 2 the Hurricanes won the battle but the Islanders won the war? It is a long way to go to determine that of course but the Islanders are led by head coach Barry Trotz and he took the Capitals all the way to winning the ultimate prize and hoisting the Stanley Cup last June. In a 2-0 deficit and facing a wounded foe, Trotz will be ready to get the most out of this "must win" situation in terms of game planning and strategy and taking advantage of the wounded Hurricanes. Home ice has not meant much at all in meetings between these teams as the road team has won 11 of the last 15 match-ups! Also, the Islanders have only had ONE three-game losing streak this entire season! New York enters this game off back to back losses and this season the Islanders are 11-1 when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games! The Islanders have also won 13 of 20 games this season when off a game in which they were held to scoring 1 goal or less. The Hurricanes have won 4 straight games but they have lost 17 of 27 when they enter game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. Bet the New York Islanders in early evening action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON San Jose Sharks over Colorado Avalanche, Tuesday at 10:05 PM ET

This line opened up around a pick'em but now has been driven up to as high as a -130 on the Avalanche which is largely due to the fact that this game is at Colorado. We have seen again throughout this post-season that home ice simply has not "paid" the way many would expect it to at the betting window. In round two games the home team has won just 3 of 9 contests so far. Also, with only a couple shocking exceptions (Lightning and Penguins getting swept out of post-season in first round) we've also seen a lot of back and forth battles in many of these series. With that said, the Sharks are off a home loss in Game 2 and, per our computer math model, there is a lot of line value in backing San Jose here to get immediate payback by handing the Avalanche a home ice loss in the very next game. San Jose, prior to the Game 2 loss, had defeated the Colorado in 5 straight meetings. They are the more physical team and, arguably, built better for post-season success. The Avalanche made some adjustments after the Game 1 loss but the Sharks will now counter those adjustments in Game 3. It is the constant "cat and mouse" game you'll often see throughout a playoff series and the Sharks are likely to be the aggressor in this one after the home loss. The Avalanche have lost 21 of 33 when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Sharks are 3-1 the last 4 times they were off a game in which they outshot their opponent but lost the game. Bounce back time here. Bet San Jose in late night action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON St Louis Blues over Dallas Stars, Monday at 8:05 PM ET

With the Stars win at St Louis in Game 2 on Saturday, the road team is now 4-4 in Dallas post-season games this spring. In other words, home ice has not been a big edge and this is even more evident when looking at the Blues results. In post-season games for St Louis this spring, the road team has won 6 of the 8 games. The Blues are a perfect 3-0 so far in road games in these playoffs. That is why the ability to grab the road team in this one and not lay any juice is a huge value. This is particularly true when you consider St Louis is off a loss also. That is noteworthy because the Blues have only lost back to back games ONCE in the past SIX weeks. In other words, backing St Louis off a loss has been a very valuable strategy the past month and a half. The road team has won 4 of the last 6 games between these teams and, per our computer math model, that trend continues here. Bet St Louis in evening action Monday

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: Colorado Avalanche at San Jose Sharks, Sunday at 7:35 PM ET

The over is 12-1-1 in the last 14 meetings between these teams. That run dates all the way back to April of 2015 and is showing no signs of changing. In looking at offensive zone play in this match-up, the Sharks defense will struggle with the speed and skill of the Avalanche forwards. On the other end of the ice, the Colorado d-men will struggle with the physicality of San Jose up front. It should lead to a very high-scoring game two as the long-term trending between these teams continues. The Sharks scored 4 unanswered goals to wrap up Game two but now the Avalanche shook the rust off and should score much more than the two goals they managed in Game 1. This total could easily be justified at being a 6.5 and the fact is being held at a 6 is offering additional value as our computer math model is calling for at least 6 goals with a high probability of 7 or 8 markers in this one! Bet the OVER in San Jose in NHL action Sunday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Columbus over Boston, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

The Blue Jackets suffered a tough loss in Game 1 when they allowed the tying goal late in regulation and then lost in overtime. Columbus was a little rusty from the layoff as they had swept the Lightning in 4 games while the Bruins were certainly still in normal game day form as they were taken to 7 games by the Maple Leafs. The point is that, even with all that, the Blue Jackets still should have taken Game 1 and very nearly did. Now that Columbus has worked off some rust look for them to be even stronger in Game 2. That means we have great line value here with the underdog Blue Jackets. Prior to the loss in Game 1, Columbus had won 6 straight games and 11 of their last 12. As for the Bruins, they had last 4 of their last 5 home games prior to knocking off the Maple Leafs in Game 7 and the Blue Jackets in Game 1. When leading in a playoff series, the Bruins have lost 5 of 7 games. Per our computer math model, Boston again loses in that situation here as the Blue Jackets even up this series. Bet Columbus in evening action Saturday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Colorado over San Jose, Friday at 10:05 PM ET

The Avalanche have won 12 of their last 16 games and are rested whereas the Sharks are off a grueling 7-game series over the rival Sharks. Colorado has held their opponent to 2 or less goals in 12 of their last 16 games. The Avalanche get a lot of attention because of their speed and highly skilled top line of MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Rantanen but don't discount the fact that Colorado has also been playing very well in their own zone. At the other end of the spectrum, the Sharks have allowed 4 or more goals in 13 of their last 20 games! It comes as no surprise given those numbers that San Jose has lost 12 of its last 19 games! The Avalanche been the better team defensively and in between the pipes and this line is shaded for home ice and yet the Sharks have lost 7 of their last 12 home games. Per our computer math model, this has led to superb underdog money line value with the Avalanche in Game One of this series. Bet Colorado in late night NHL action Friday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Dallas over St Louis, Thursday at 9:35 PM ET

Home ice continues to get overvalued. These two teams are truly equal but the Blues are a -155 favorite because Game 1 is in St Louis. It is easy to blow holes in any theory that a line in this range is justified. When the Blues won Game 6 over Winnipeg in St Louis to advance to this 2nd round match-up it was the FIRST time out of all 6 games in that series that a home team got the win! Also, the Blues met the Stars 4 times this season and only in ONE of those 4 games did the home team get the win. Dallas won 2 of their 3 road games at Nashville in their series win over the Predators. Also, the Stars are 7-2 in road games where the total is set at 5 or less goals. The Blues are 15-23 in 2nd round playoff games including 2-4 in their most recent trip to the 2nd round. St Louis has averaged only 2.5 goals per game in their last 4 games. Dallas has scored an average of 4 goals per game in their last 3 games. Two quality goalies and they each have benefited from quality play in front of them. The key difference here though is the recent goal-scoring surge by the Stars as well as the overall line value with the road dog in this spot. Bet Dallas in late night NHL action Thursday.

ASA NHL 10* TOP PLAY ON San Jose over Vegas, Tuesday at 10:05 PM ET

Not only have the Sharks stolen all the momentum in this series by winning back to back games after being left for dead, Martin Jones has been coming up huge between the pipes plus San Jose has the home ice edge here in Game 7. Jones is certainly back on track as he allowed only 1 goal in five on five action to the Golden Knights in the last two games combined. The other two goals that Vegas had were on the power play. Conversely, the Sharks have been playing very well in five on five action and have scored 6 goals without the man advantage in the past two games combined. The Golden Knights have lost 6 of their past 7 games on enemy ice! The Sharks have won 4 of their last 6 games as a host. Vegas outshot San Jose by a 2 to 1 ratio in their Game 6 home loss in overtime and that is the type of disheartening loss that is very tough to bounce back from. This is especially true now that Vegas goes back on the road where they have been struggling for the past four weeks. In head to head match-ups at San Jose, the Sharks have taken 3 of the last 4 over the Golden Knights. Also, the Sharks haven't forgotten the way their season ended here last year in a 3-0 home loss in early May to this same Vegas team. San Jose, in home games with a total set at 5.5 goals, won 6 of 7 games this season! Per our computer math model, they take that record to 7-1 with a big home victory tonight. Bet San Jose in late night NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Nashville (+) over Dallas, Monday at 8:35 PM ET

Since these teams are divisional foes this will be the 11th game between them as they battle it out in Game 6 in Dallas. As per usual, the home ice "edge" continues to get too much respect from the betting markets. The fact is the home team has only won 3 of the 10 games this season and yet the market has already moved the price even higher on the home team in this one. After opening up at a -115 it is now up in the -135 range with Dallas as the favorite in this one. The Stars have won 2 straight games in this series but the Predators previously led the series 2-1 and, overall, had won 6 of the 9 prior games. Last season and this season, including this playoff series, there has never been a single instance where one of these teams beat the other 3 straight games. It is a hard-fought divisional battle and you can fully expect the Predators to have made some adjustments and that they will be ready to give their strongest game yet in this series as they face elimination. Yesterday, the Bruins won at Toronto and the Sharks won at Vegas. Just like Nashville, Boston and San Jose were on the road and facing elimination. They both survived and our computer math model predicts that the Predators will as well. Contrary to what most believe, there is actually a lot of pressure on the home team in a Game 6 situation like this because they know they need to win to avoid having to then play a Game 7 on the road. Just like yesterday's Maple Leafs and Golden Knights games, look for the Stars to fall short here. Nashville has won 13 of 19 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Dallas has lost 42 of 69 after a win by a margin of 2 or more goals. Bet Nashville in evening NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: San Jose Sharks at Vegas Golden Knights, Sunday at 7:05 PM ET

The over is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings between these teams. Only one game in this first round playoff series resulted in an under and that was despite the Golden Knights scoring 5 goals in that Game 4 match-up. The only reason it stayed under the total was a rare shutout for the Sharks as they did not manage a goal in that one. How rare in this match-up? That is the only time in the last 8 meetings between these teams that a team was shutout. Couple that fact with the fact that the winning team has scored 5 or more goals in each of the 5 games so far in this series and it comes as no surprise that our computer math model is calling for this one to end with 7 or 8 goals and no less than 6 goals (the current total set on this game). These teams consistently average a high number of shots on goals in their match-up and the Sharks will be pushing especially hard here in the offensive zone as they totaled just 3 goals in their last 2 games here and this is an elimination game for San Jose. Time for the Sharks to be ultra aggressive in this building rivalry. Bet the OVER in Vegas in NHL action Sunday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Carolina over Washington, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

The Hurricanes outshot the Capitals 29-18 in Game 1 but lost. Then they lost Game 2 in overtime. The fact is that even when Carolina was down 0-2 in this series the Hurricanes had been "right there" with Washington ever since that ugly first period in Game 1. As expected, the Canes responded by winning two straight on home ice and now offer great underdog value on the road in Game 5. Momentum certainly is on the side of Carolina and the Capitals are finding out what it is like when teams are "gunning for them" as defending Stanley Cup Champs. Carolina's power play has 3 goals (compared to Washington's 1) in the last 3 games in this series. Overall, Washington's power play has been held without a goal in 9 of its last 12 games. The Hurricanes have won 11 of 17 when tied in a playoff series. The Capitals have only won half their games since New Year's Eve! On the other hand, the Canes have been one of the hottest teams in the league and have won 32 of their 48 games since New Year's Eve! The money line opened low for a reason and with the markets pushing the line on Washington even higher, we've got even more line value now with a Hurricanes team that is a dog very worthy of backing in a spot like this. Bet Carolina in early evening NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: Colorado Avalanche at Calgary Flames, Friday at 10:05 PM ET

3 of the 4 games in this series have resulted in an under but the teams have averaged a combined 83.3 shots on goal the past 3 games. That is an unusually high number of shots on goal and shows that both the pace of the game and the scoring opportunities have been conducive to an over. Game 3 was included in this run and that game totaled 8 goals but the other 2 games in this 3-game stretch totaled 5 goals apiece. Per our computer math model, this one is getting closer to the 8-goal total than the 5-goal mark. The most recent game with Calgary hosting Colorado saw the Flames get held to just 2 goals but, previous to that, Calgary had averaged 5 goals per game in their 4 prior home games against the Avalanche. The Flames are facing elimination and at home and will turn to a very aggressive attack in an attempt to stave off elimination here. The teams have combined to average 2 power play goals per game in this series and have combined to average nearly 10 power play opportunities per game so far in this series. All the above numbers are good numbers when looking for a high-scoring games in NHL playoff action and this situation and the value (total at an even 6 goals) fit the bill for a solid play Friday night. Bet OVER in Calgary in NHL action Friday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Winnipeg Jets over St Louis Blues, Thursday at 8:35 PM ET

A home team has yet to win a game in this series. That changes tonight. The Jets have not only stolen momentum from the Blues by winning both games at St Louis, Winnipeg also has cast some shadow of doubt into the game of rookie goalie Jordan Binnington. The young netminder is use to winning. He has been great since coming up from San Antonio (AHL) to St Louis but the Blues rookie faces his first true adversity at this level. Binnington off back to back losses and now facing the Jets in hockey-crazed Winnipeg. The Jets have completely turned the tables in this series and finally got a tight game to go their way in Game 4. Keep in mind they had blasted the Blues in Game 3 and that is another noteworthy aspect here. Winnipeg has won 6 of the last 9 meetings and the only 3 wins for St Louis each came by a single goal. As for the Jets, their 6 wins have come by an average margin of 3 goals per victory! Per our computer match model, another big win for Winnipeg is on tap here. St Louis has only 1 goal in the past two games that didn't come with the man advantage. The Jets 8 goals the last 2 games have only featured 1 goal that came on the power play. It is easy to see which team has been playing much better 5 on 5 hockey as this series has gone on. Bet Winnipeg in NHL action Thursday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Dallas Stars over Nashville Predators, Wednesday at 8:05 PM ET

The Predators have won back to back games in this series after dropping the first one on home ice. However, Nashville is 2-7 the last 9 times they entered a road game on a winning streak of 2 or more games. Also, Dallas is 8-3 the last 11 times they entered a home game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. The Stars power play has been shutdown by the Predators in the last two games but Dallas previously had converted 10 of their 24 power play chances over an 8-game stretch. A bounce back is highly likely given those phenomenal numbers. On other other side of the equation, the Preds power play is highly unlikely to do much here. The Stars have killed off 23 of their opponents 24 power play chances their last 9 games! Also, the Nashville power play is a paltry 2 for 28 their last 14 games. With special teams favoring a Stars bounce back here as well as the situational edge also favoring Dallas, it comes as no surprise that our computer math model is predicting a convincing home win in this critical Game 4 match-up. The Stars can not afford to head to Nashville down 3-1 in this series. Look for the home team to come up with their best game yet and even this series up! Bet Dallas in NHL action Wednesday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Winnipeg over St Louis, Tuesday at 9:35 PM ET

Not only is the road team 3-0 in this series, the road team has won 8 of the last 9 meetings between these hockey clubs! Also, momentum is huge in a playoff series and the Jets have that on their side after the way Game 3 played out at St Louis. Winnipeg didn't just beat the Blues, they demolished them and, in the process, they certainly put a dent in the shield of confidence of young goalie Jordan Binnington. The St Louis netminder allowed 6 goals on 29 shots. Keep in mind the Jets lost the first two games of this series by the slimmest of margins - just 1 goal each time. In fact, each of the last 3 wins that the Blues have against the Jets have come by just a single goal. As for when Winnipeg beats St Louis, the victory margin has been 3 or more goals in 5 of the last 6 Jets victories over the Blues. That says something about, arguably, which team is truly superior in this match-up. Per our computer math model there is great line value here with the road dog as the momentum has clearly shifted based on the Game 3 result and our forecast is that road dominance continues in this series. Bet Winnipeg in late evening NHL action Tuesday.

ASA NHL 10* TOP PLAY ON Carolina over Washington, Monday at 7:05 PM ET

It is difficult to go up 3-0 on a team in a series and this is particularly true on the road. The Islanders managed to pull it off yesterday at Pittsburgh but we don't expect a repeat here. The only other series that is 3-0 is the Blue Jackets / Lightning shocker and Columbus was at home for yesterday's game to make it 3-0. As noted, that entire series has been a shocker. With 5 of the other 7 series guaranteed to be 2-1 the odds certainly are in favor of that being the case here as well. The Hurricanes outshot the Capitals 29-18 in Game 1 but lost. Then they lost Game 2 in overtime. The fact is that Carolina has been "right there" with Washington ever since that ugly first period in Game 1 but they have nothing to show for it. Look for the Hurricanes to make up for that here as they've been playing better than the 0-2 series deficit shows. Carolina has won 15 of its last 21 home games. Washington is 19-21 (-7.4 units) this season after game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Hurricanes have been very strong on home ice as that 15 of 21 record reflects and the home fans have waited a long time for this playoff opportunity and it will be a great atmosphere for the home team in this one. Carolina's power play is 3 for 4 in its last two home games. Washington's power play has been held without a goal in 8 of its last 10 games. Bet Carolina in early evening NHL action Monday.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Over: Islanders at Penguins, Sunday at 12:05 PM ET

Down 2-0 in this series the Pittsburgh Penguins need to turn the tables on the New York Islanders and get back into this series. That starts by changing the pace of the game. The Penguins know they can ill afford to let the Islanders dictate the pace and now, back on home ice, Pittsburgh will look to push the tempo. Look for Pittsburgh to work hard to get the Islanders out of their comfort zone. Tight low-scoring games are what suits the Islanders. The Penguins are running out of time and, after losing Game 1 in overtime, they then lost a tight low-scoring Game 2. Time for the Pens to get the Isles out of their comfort zone and now that the series has shifted to Pittsburgh that is precisely what we expect here. Our computer math model is calling for 7 goals here and we certainly expect at least 6 which means that the over 5.5 at plus money is offering great value given the situation here. Bet the Over in Pittsburgh very early Sunday afternoon.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Boston Bruins Money Line (-) over Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday at 8:05 PM ET

There is a price to lay here but it is not steep and we do not see the Bruins falling behind 2-0 in this series on home ice! Not only did Boston lose Thursday's Game 1, they were beaten 4-1 on the scoreboard. After that ugly loss, the Bruins respond in a big way on home ice Saturday evening. Boston went 8-2 this season when they were off a game in which they scored 1 goal or less. Going further back the Bruins have won 26 of 40 when in that situation so it is not just a one year wonder. Also, Boston won 17 of 25 this season when in a home game with a total set at 6 or more goals. The Maple Leafs had lost 5 of 6 games prior to that upset win of the Bruins. Also, Toronto hasn't won back to back games since March - a span of 6 weeks! Bet Boston on the money line Saturday evening.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) over Washington Capitals, Thursday at 7:35 PM ET

The road team has won 6 of the past 8 meetings between these teams so throw home ice edge out the window when these Metropolitan Division rivals square off. Some are looking at this match-up and wondering how the defending Stanley Cup Champion Capitals are priced so low but the fact is this team lost their coach (now with Islanders) and also did lose 6 of its 13 final games down the stretch this season. The Hurricanes are a very scrappy and hungry team that wrapped up the regular season winning 3 straight games. Also, the Canes have won 12 of their last 17 road games! Carolina's red hot power play wrapped up the regular season going 5 for 9 in their last 5 games. On the other hand, Washington's power play converted just 2 of 18 chances over the final 8 games of the regular season. The Hurricanes have won 30 of their last 44 games as they were one of the hottest teams in the league over the latter half of the season. Over that same stretch the Capitals lost 20 of 44 games! Too much value here to pass up on with the upstart Canes! Bet Carolina in the underdog role on the money line as a strong value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Columbus Puck Line (+1.5 goals) over Tampa Bay, Wednesday at 7:05 PM ET

The Lightning were unquestionably the top team in the NHL this season. However, the Blue Jackets enter the post-season having won 7 of their last 8 games. The acquisitions they made late in the season finally started to click after they were able to have some time playing together on the ice. At the same time, they started to get hot goal-tending from Sergei Bobrovsky. In fact, Columbus allowed an average of only 1.1 goals per game in its last 7 games! While it is true the Lightning swept the Jackets in the regular season series, it is also true that Tampa was out-shot by a margin of 103 to 73 in the three games! That is an average shots on goal differential of 10 per game and all the pressure here is actually on the Bolts. That's because Tampa Bay is expected to win and is in the heavy favorite and, of course, they need to defend home ice. We feel all the above factors are going to have Columbus "hanging around" in this one for the potential upset. Even if the Blue Jackets fall just short, look for the margin to be only a single goal in this one. Columbus has won 5 straight road games. Also, 4 of the Jackets last 7 road losses have come by just a single goal. More confident than they've ever been and playing with no pressure on them, Columbus looks to steal game one and we expect this game to be much closer than many experts are expecting. With all the pressure on Tampa Bay here and the Blue Jackets playing loose and with revenge, this one goes down to the wire! Grabbing the 1.5 goals (and very little juice -125 range) with Columbus is the value play here.

ASA NHL PLAY ON Arizona Coyotes over Winnipeg Jets, Saturday at 10:05 PM ET

The Jets have hurt themselves by losing 5 of their last 6. The odds are that, with the Predators in the drivers seat for the division and hosting the Blackhawks (2nd night of a back to back for Chicago), the division is now lost for Winnipeg. They will find out very early in this game that the Preds beat the Hawks and the division title belongs to Nashville. The Jets, for awhile now, have wanted to fix what ails them prior to the post-season. However, they just haven't been able to get it done and, keep in mind, when Winnipeg lost to Colorado Thursday that is what officially eliminated the Coyotes from post-season contention. So there could be some extra motivation here for Arizona and that is on top of the usual motivation of being on home ice for the season finale and facing a playoff bound foe. Host teams in this kind of spot want to finish the season the right way and Arizona has been very strong on home ice. The Coyotes are off a win at Vegas but previous lost at home versus LA. That loss to the Kings was a rare home loss as the Coyotes previously had won 10 of their last 12 games on home ice! The home team has won 6 of the last 8 meetings between these teams. Per our computer math model that trend continues here. Bet the Coyotes money line in late night action Saturday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Chicago Blackhawks over Dallas Stars, Friday at 8:35 PM ET

The Stars clinched a playoff berth on home ice with a resounding 6-2 win over the Flyers on Wednesday. That sets this one up well as a letdown spot for Dallas. On the other hand, Chicago comes into this one off a big win versus playoff-bound St Louis and now playing in their home finale! The Blackhawks, despite missing out on the post-season, continue to give a huge effort night in and night out and they are fired up to win this one for their home fans as this is their final home game of the season. Chicago has won 2 of the 3 meetings this season and the only loss was on home ice even though the Blackhawks outshot Dallas 47 to 29 in that game. In other words, Chicago outplayed the Stars (even though the Blackhawks lost) and, given the situation, we fully expect a repeat here but this time it translates to a home ice win! The Stars have lost 9 of 13 road games this season that had a total set at 6 or more goals. Dallas also has lost 41 of their last 66 games when off a game which they won by a multiple goal margin. Bet the Blackhawks money line in evening action Friday

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: Ottawa Senators at Buffalo Sabres, Thursday at 7:05 PM ET

Some extra juice to lay with this over at 6 goals but it should prove well worth it. The Senators are starting 22-year old rookie goalie Joey Daccord who makes the jump from goaltending at Arizona State to now facing the world's best players in the NHL. Daccord and the Sens will be facing a very hungry Sabres team too because this is Buffalo's home finale and they have endured a lengthy losing streak including a 3-2 loss in their most recent home game. As a result, and with facing a rookie goalie tonight, the Sabres are expected to be very aggressive in this game. That should lead to plenty of goals because, while Buffalo should score well here, they have been struggling to keep the puck out of their own net. The Sabres have allowed 4.3 goals per game in their last 11 games. Before scoring just 2 goals against the Predators, Buffalo had notched 4 goals in 2 of its last 4 home games. The Senators, under interim coach Marc Crawford, have been a different team. Ottawa has scored 4 or more goals in 6 of its last 9 games! Overall the Sens have averaged a respectable 3.4 goals per game their last 9 games. The Senators have scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 meetings with the Sabres. Buffalo potted 9 goals the last time they hosted Ottawa. The over is 13-6 this season when the Sens are off a win by a multiple-goal margin. The over is 7-3 the past 10 April games for Buffalo. Late season game with no post-season implications means plenty of open ice and great scoring chances. Bet this OVER in early evening action Thursday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Anaheim Ducks money line vs Calgary Flames, Wednesday at 10:35 PM ET

This is a fantastic home dog spot. Sure the Ducks are eliminated from post-season contention but the Flames arguably have even LESS to play for as they've already wrapped up the #1 seed for the Western Conference post-season! Admittedly, Calgary would now say (if honest with the media) that their biggest concern is just not getting anyone hurt in their final two games. Anaheim has won 3 of its last 4 games. The home team has won all 3 meetings between these teams and, per our computer math model, that statistic will remain perfect when this one goes final! It has been an overall disappointing campaign for Anaheim but they have been playing better in recent weeks and here they want to make the most of a shot to knock off a playoff-bound division rival. In games played from March 1st onward, Calgary is 0-3 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more consecutive games. Also, the Flames have lost 9 of their last 12 April games! Anaheim is well-rested here and they have won 12 of 19 when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. Also, the Ducks have won 13 of their last 20 April games! Grab the home dog in this one. Bet Anaheim money line in late night action Wednesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Vancouver Canucks money line vs San Jose Sharks, Tuesday at 10:05 PM ET

This is a fantastic home dog spot. Sure the Canucks are eliminated from post-season contention while the Sharks have already clinched a spot but, the fact remains, you would think the opposite was true based on the way these two teams are playing! Vancouver has won 6 of its last 10 games. The Sharks have lost 8 of their last 9 games. Also, San Jose is already locked into a post-season date with the Vegas Golden Knights. Sure San Jose would like to "right the ship" before the post-season begins but they're in the wrong place at the wrong time for that. The Sharks have held the upper hand over the Canucks by a huge margin in recent seasons and this is Vancouver's final home game of the season. In other words, the Canucks badly want this game as they want to finally knock off their division rival nemesis. It has been an overall disappointing campaign for Vancouver but they have been playing better in recent weeks and here they want to end it on a high note by knocking off a playoff-bound division rival. The Canucks are wrapping up a 7-game homestand and have won 11 of 17 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on home ice. Grab the home dog in this one. Bet Vancouver money line in night action Tuesday

ASA NHL PLAY ON Winnipeg Jets money line @ Chicago Blackhawks, Monday at 8:35 PM ET

Here is a classic case of line value that certainly qualifies as too good to pass up. As a result of the Jets losing 3 straight games and being on the road for this one, they are very undervalued in this spot. Here you get an opportunity to take a division leader against a team at the bottom of the same division. Yes, the Jets have lost 3 straight games but tonight they will improve to 3-0 when in that situation this season. You interpreted that correctly...Winnipeg has not lost more than 3 consecutive games this entire season. Though the Blackhawks have been on the cusp of a playoff spot, they have shot themselves in the foot by losing 5 of their last 7. The point is that Chicago is not a very attractive home dog in this spot. The Hawks have been pressing and it is showing. The playoff pressure has gotten to the Blackhawks while, on the flip side, Winnipeg had a very strong season last year and it use to this situation and they are currently still in position to finish with the top point total in the division. The Jets have won each of the last 4 meetings with Chicago. That means the Blackhawks have revenge but Chicago has lost 16 of 22 when playing with home loss revenge! Also, the past two seasons the Hawks have lost 10 of 11 April games. Winnipeg has won 10 of 15 this season when off a game in which they were held to one goal. The Jets also have won 13 of their last 15 April games. Bet Winnipeg money line in evening action Monday

ASA NHL PLAY ON OVER: Anaheim Ducks @ Edmonton Oilers, Saturday at 10:05 PM ET - The Ducks are off an embarrassing 6-1 loss last night at Calgary.. Prior to managing just 1 goal in the defeat, Anaheim had scored 3 or more goals in 9 of their 12 prior games. The Ducks are 4-0 to the over in their last 4 games. The Oilers are off a hard-fought 3-2 loss to Dallas on Thursday. Prior to that defeat, Edmonton was 4-1 to the over in their 5 previous games. The Oilers had allowed 4 or more goals in 5 of their 7 prior games. Edmonton had scored 3 or more goals in 7 of their last 8 games. You can see why we're expecting each hockey club to get to at least 3 goals in this one and that sets this up for no less than a 4-3 final and the total is set at just 5.5 goals in this one. Helping the cause is the fact that both teams are out of the post-season picture and that means less defensive intensity as they look to wrap up the season simply playing for pride. That is the reason you're seeing each of these clubs trend toward the over in recent games and per our math model, that over trending continues here. Bet the OVER in Edmonton in night action Saturday.

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Dallas Money Line (+) over Calgary, Wednesday at 9:35 PM ET - This is a big game with playoff implications for both hockey clubs. That is why there is great value here with the Stars as a sizable underdog in this spot. The Flames have had only one strong game offensively in their last 8 games against Western Conference foes. Other than a big win against the Golden Knights, the other 7 games have seen Calgary produce a dismal average of just 1.3 goals per game! The Flames are off a home shutout Monday and, speaking of being shut out, Calgary's power play is on an 0 for 17 run in their last 7 games! At the other end of the spectrum, the Stars power play has been hot in road games! Away from home, Dallas is now 4 for 9 with the man advantage in their last 4 games! The Stars also have certainly had the Flames number in recent meetings as they've won 5 straight meetings with Calgary! Per our computer math model this one will be an upset with the road dog special teams holding the edge in this one helping to lead the way. Bet DALLAS

ASA 10* TOP PLAY ON OVER: Vegas at St Louis, Monday at 8:05 PM ET

Marc-Andre Fleury might be back with the Golden Knights for tonight's game. However, couple of key factors even if the Vegas goaltender does return tonight. He has been out with a lower-body injury plus his wife just gave birth to their third child on Friday. Not only are there injury and distraction issues for Fleury, he has lost his last two starts against St Louis as the Blues have gotten to him for 9 goals in those two games! Additionally the veteran netminder could be a little rusty if he gets the call as tonight would be his first start since March 15th. If Malcolm Subban gets the start, he is 2-7 with a 3.47 GAA in his road starts this season. You can see why the Blues should score well here. St Louis has won 4 of its last 5 games and scored an average of 4.8 goals per game with the over going 4-0-1 in those contests. The Golden Knights are off a disappointing home loss to the lowly Red Wings. Vegas managed just two goals in that game. The 4 most recent times that Vegas was off a game in which they've been held to two goals, their next game has gone over all 4 times! 1 of those games totaled 8 goals and the other 3 each totaled 9 goals! With this total at a 5.5 we've got great line value here considering the situation. We expect plenty of goals tonight based on our computer math model. Bet OVER

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Minnesota Money Line (+) over Carolina, Saturday at 7:05 PM ET - This is a big game with playoff implications for both hockey clubs. That is why there is great value here with the Wild as a big underdog in this spot. Riding the momentum of their win over the Capitals yesterday, look for Minnesota to get another one here. The Wild have scored 10 goals in their last two meetings with Carolina. The Hurricanes have allowed 4.5 goals per game in their last 4 homes games and the Canes have split in those games. Carolina is 0 for 11 on the power play in their last 5 home games. The Wild are 5 for 14 on the power play in their last 5 games. Per our computer math model this one will be an upset with the road dog special teams holding the edge in this one helping to lead the way. Bet MINNESOTA

ASA 9* PLAY ON OVER: Columbus at Edmonton, Thursday at 9:05 PM ET

Blue Jackets are off a 4-2 loss at Calgary Tuesday. Columbus is 46-30 to the over when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Also, the Blue Jackets are 13-8-1 to the over when they are off a loss by a multiple goal margin. The Oilers enter this game off a 7-2 loss at St Louis. Edmonton has now allowed 6 or more goals in 3 of its last 4 games! The Oilers are 22-13 to the over this season in games against teams with a winning record. The Blue Jackets are seeking revenge for a 4-0 home loss to Edmonton earlier this season. Getting shutout in that match-up was certainly unusual for Columbus as the two meetings last season each totaled at least 9 goals! We expect a similar result tonight based on our computer math model. Bet OVER

ASA 10* TOP PLAY ON Calgary over Columbus, Sunday at 9:05 PM ET

The Flames are offering great value on home ice. Calgary enters this game having won 12 of their last 15 games on home ice. While the Flames have been particularly hot on home ice, the Blue Jackets have lost 3 straight on enemy ice. Perhaps even more concerning about all the losing away from home is the fact that Columbus totaled only 1 goal in those 3 road games! Going further back, the Jackets have scored a total of only 8 goals in their last 6 road games. Columbus has lost 14 of its last 26 games overall and is feeling the pressure of possibly missing the post-season. Conversely, Calgary is currently in the top spot in the Pacific Division and actually got some help when Vegas won at San Jose last night. The Flames are coming off a loss at Winnipeg but entered that game having won 10 of its last 14 games. Calgary has won 23 of 36 (including 8 of 12 this season) when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Blue Jackets have lost 8 of their last 12 games against teams that are currently in playoff position and the Flames are one of the top teams in the league. Bet CALGARY

ASA 9* PLAY ON Philadelphia over Pittsburgh, Sunday at 7:35 PM ET

The Flyers are off back to back losses but previously had won 19 of their last 26 games. Philadelphia hasn't endured a losing streak of more than two games since early January. In other words, look for Philly to bounce back big here as an underdog at the Penguins on Sunday evening. The Pens are off a loss and that was their 14th loss in their last 28 games. That said, Pittsburgh has truly just been treading water the past two months and they are over-priced as a sizable favorite in this spot. The Penguins lost at Philly in their most recent meeting 3 weeks ago. Can the Flyers get another upset win here? The road trend in this series certainly points toward it as, prior to the meeting in Philadelphia, the road team had won 7 straight in this PA Rivalry! The Penguins are 22-22 (-$3,500) in back to back games. The Flyers are 17-10 (+$9,400) in Sunday games! Bet PHILADELPHIA

ASA 9* PLAY ON New York Rangers over Vancouver, Wednesday at 10:05 PM ET

The Rangers swept the Canucks last season and are looking to do the same this season with another win tonight. Vancouver has lost 8 of its last 10 games. The Rangers have also been struggling but we like the underdog value they offer here. New York has allowed an average of only 2.4 goals per game their last 5 games. The Canucks have lost 5 of their last 6 games and allowed an average of 4 goals per game in those 5 defeats. The point is that the Rangers have been the better team (in comparison with Vancouver) in terms of play in their own zone. When off a divisional game the Canucks have lost 18 of 24 games. Also, Vancouver has lost 10 of their last 15 games against teams with a losing record. The Rangers are a more respectable 5-5 in their last 10 games against teams with a losing record. Also, New York has won 4 of its last 5 when off a non-conference game. Bet the NEW YORK RANGERS tonight

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Detroit Puck Line (+1.5 goals) over Montreal, Tuesday at 7:35 PM ET - The Red Wings didn't just lose to the Canadiens two weeks ago, they were thoroughly embarrassed on home ice in an ugly 8-1 loss. Now it is payback time. While Montreal needs to win (playoff implications), Detroit would love to get revenge here and play the spoiler role. The beauty of this value situation is that the Habs are such a big favorite that we can take the Red Wings on the puck line at +1.5 goals and lay very little juice. Of course this means that even if Detroit falls short in a tight one-goal loss here, that loss still translates to a win for our betting ticket. The Red Wings are not going to go down without a fight here after what happened in Detroit two weeks ago. Also, that was one of just 3 wins that the Canadiens have in their last 8 games. The fact is that Montreal has been feeling the playoff pressure and they've actually lost 9 of their last 14 games. Even though Detroit is an ugly 3-10 in their last 13 games, 5 of those losses came by just a single goal. That said, at +1.5 goals, the Red Wings are 8-5 their last 13 games. Going further back, Detroit is 9-18 their last 27 games but 9 of the 18 losses have come by a single goal. That means an 18-9 record for Detroit at +1.5 goals. With all the pressure on Montreal here and the Red Wings playing loose and with revenge, this one goes down to the wire! Grabbing the 1.5 goals (and very little juice - 120 range) with Detroit is the value play here.

ASA NHL 10* TOP PLAY ON Philadelphia Puck Line (-1.5 goals) over Ottawa, Monday at 7:05 PM ET - The Flyers are -270 favorites on the money line. Of course, we're not going there! However, there is great value with Philadelphia by laying the 1.5 goals on the puck line. That line is a available at even money and there is plenty of solid support for the expectation of this game being a Flyers win by two or more goals. The Senators have lost 10 of their last 11 games. The average margin of defeat for Ottawa in those 10 games was 2.4 goals. The Flyers have won 9 of their last 11 games against teams with a losing record. Each of Philadelphia's last 4 victories have come by a margin of 3 goals. The Sens went into "fire sale" mode at the trade deadline and their recent level of play reflects that. Conversely the Flyers are fighting hard and very much alive in the playoff race. Philly has won 2 of its last 3 meetings with the Senators and both of those victories came by a margin of 2 more goals. Laying the 1.5 goals (and no juice) with Philadelphia is the value play here.

ASA 10* TOP PLAY ON OVER: Minnesota at Tampa Bay,Thursday at 7:35 PM ET

The Lightning are the best team in the NHL and their 12-1 run their last 13 games shows just how dangerous they can be in the offensive zone. Tampa Bay has scored an average of 4.3 goals per game during their 12-1 hot streak. . The Bolts are hosting the Wild early Thursday evening and Minnesota is enjoying a recent resurgence. The Wild are on a 7-game points streak (5-0-2) as they have not lost a game in regulation in any of their last 7 games. Of course that streak is expected to come to an end here at Tampa Bay but certainly not without a fight. Minnesota has scored an average of 3.6 goals per game in their last 5 road games. Going further back, the Wild have scored 3 or more goals in 9 of their last 11 road games. Of course if each team gets to 3 goals here we have ourselves a winner as this total is set at 6 goals and would have to then land on at least 7. Minnesota has been struggling on the penalty kill and has allowed 11 power play goals in their last 11 games. The over is 12-7 this season when the Wild are off a division game. The over is 16-8 this season when the Lightning are off a non-conference game. The last two games between these teams have resulted in an average of 8 goals scored and our computer math model is forecasting the final score in this one to land on 7 or 8 goals. Bet the OVER in Tampa Bay early Thursday evening

ASA 9* PLAY ON OVER: Detroit at Colorado,Tuesday at 9:05 PM ET

The Red Wings have lost 7 straight games as they've given up 4.7 goals per game during this rough stretch. The Avalanche are off a low-scoring loss but previously scored an average of 4.3 goals per game their 6 prior games. Colorado should certainly score well tonight as you can see. The Avalanche have allowed 6 power play goals in their last 7 games. The Avs have also scored 7 power play goals in these 7 games. Certainly looks like a great match-up for special teams to contribute some goals in this one as well. The Avalanche have averaged 40 shots on goal in their last 5 home games. The Red Wings have allowed 37.5 shots on goal per game their last 4 games. You can see why we're expecting plenty of end to end action in this one with plenty of scoring opportunities. Detroit is 12-6 to the over when playing with home loss revenge this season and the over is also 12-6 when the Red Wings enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. The over is 8-3 this season when the Avalanche are off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Great situational edges in this one. Bet the OVER in Colorado Tuesday evening

ASA 10* TOP PLAY ON St Louis over Carolina, Friday at 7:35 PM ET

The Blues are getting healthier. Though David Perron is still out, Alexander Steen is expected back. Also, it is likely Brayden Schenn returns too as he was at practice Wednesday plus Sammy Blais was returned to San Antonio, the AHL affiliate of the Blues. While St Louis appears to be in better shape heading into tonight's game, plus getting fantastic goaltending from Jordan Binnington and Jake Allen, the Hurricanes are really hurting on their blue line. Carolina recalled defensemen Jake Bean and Haydn Fleury from their AHL affiliate because both Calvin de Hann and Justin Faulk were lost to injuries on Tuesday night. The last thing teams want at this time of year is inexperience on the blue line but that is what the Canes are now dealing with in terms of their depth. Carolina has been hot but St Louis has been even hotter. Combining that factor with the better health and better goaltending of the Blues plus the line value since they are on the road, and you have a strong spot for backing St Louis here. The Blues have only 10 regulation losses on the road this season. No team in the Western Conference has fewer regulation road losses. Adding to the value here is the fact that not only has St Louis won 4 straight in this series, they've also won each of their last 4 visits to Carolina! Those streaks each reach 5-0 tonight per our computer math modeling. Bet ST LOUIS tonight

ASA 9* PLAY ON OVER: Edmonton at Ottawa,Thursday at 7:35 PM ET

The Oilers are in a tough back to back spot here and both goalies (Koskinen and Stolarz) were involved in last night's ugly loss at Toronto. Not only does that mean each goalie would be in a back to back (and one of them will have to play here), it also means that Edmonton has a weakness between the pipes. Koskinen has been struggling and Stolarz was just recently acquired from the Flyers. He had a few bright spots for Philadelphia but his overall numbers tell the full story. That being said, the Senators should score their fair share of goals in this one. The issue for Ottawa, however, is that they are one of the worst teams in the league in terms of shots allowed per game. Connor McDavid and the Oilers have enough potency on offense that they should bounce back here against a Senators team that is one of the worst hockey clubs in the league. The over is 11-6 this season in Edmonton's road games with a total set at 6 or more goals. The over is 23-15 in Ottawa's home games with a total set at 6 or more goals. Also, the over is 14-9-2 in Senators non-conference games this season. Bet the OVER in Ottawa early Thursday evening.

ASA 9* PLAY ON OVER: Tampa Bay at NY Rangers, Wednesday at 7:35 PM ET

The Lightning have won 9 straight games and have averaged scoring 4.6 goals per game during this red hot run. The Rangers, playing without any playoff pressure as they were sellers and not buyers at the trade deadline, are actually a dangerous dog in a spot like this. New York is playing loose and relaxed. That is part of the reason the Rangers have scored 5 or more goals in 4 of their last 6 games. You're not going to see many defensive, low-scoring grinders involving the Rangers the rest of the way this season. The Bolts are so talented and, by far, the best team in the league this season and should have no trouble dismantling the rather weak defense corps of the Rangers. However, don't be surprised if the Rangers continue their recent scoring resurgence and that should turn this game into a very entertaining high-scoring battle. The over is 5-2 in New York's last 7 games. The over is 17-9 this season when the Rangers are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Lightning are 15-8 to the over this season when off a non-conference game. Bet the OVER in NY Rangers early Wednesday evening.