5% NHL WEST CONF. GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Dallas Stars have one more chance to close out the series before a potential Game 7 at Winnipeg. They were shut out in a 4-0 loss on Thursday, but have proven themselves capable of picking themselves up from setbacks throughout the season. The Jets meanwhile have three shutout wins on the season, and lost the next game every single time. 

5% PLAY ON THE STARS. 

5% NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to back the New York Islanders, who are making a late push for the playoffs and had won three straight before a tough 4-3 OT loss to Calgary.

The struggling Blue Jackets have picked up just three points over their last nine games (1-7-1), and they'll run into an Isles team that's 7-4 as home favorites off a loss.

5% PLAY ON THE ISLANDERS. 

4% NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Boston Bruins to bounce back from a disappointing  6-2 loss to the Atlantic Division rival Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. The Buffalo Sabres have won just two of their last nine games, and while they're coming off an OT win in Vegas as a +180 underdog, that sets up a letdown spot here. 

Also, while Buffalo is sitting dead last in the conference, the Bruins still have hopes of making the playoffs, albeit slim.

4% PLAY ON THE BRUINS. 

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Edmonton Oilers won in OT over the Islanders here in New York on Friday while the New York Rangers will play on no rest off a 4-0 win in Coiumbus last night. This will be their third game in four nights as they return home from a three-game trip, and I think they'll find it very difficult to keep with with the Oilers.

5% PLAY ON THE OILERS. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Colorado Avalanche are a sizable favorite over the San Jose Shars, and for a good reason. The Sharks are in a tough spot as they close out a seven-game road trip, and they're coming off back-to-back wins over Toronto and Buffalo which sets up a potential letdown spot. The Avs have dominated the Sharks in recent seasons, and have alfredy defeated them twice this campaign; 4-1 in October and 4-2 in December. I expect another multi-goal Avs win. 

5% PLAY ON THE AVS -1.5. 

4% NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a tough spot for the Nashville Predators who will play their third game in four nights and third in a row on the road. The Boston Bruins have won just one of their last seven but they've played a tough schedule, and I expect them to handle an exhausted Nashville team.

4% PLAY ON THE BRUINS. 

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Washington Capitals have won eight of the last 10 in this series, but this will be the first meeting of the season with the Western Conference-best Winnipeg Jets, who have won five in a row and eight of their last 10 games.

The Caps have also been playing well, with seven wins in 10 games and at least one point in 14 of their last 15 games, but it feels like the price is right to back the visitors. 

5% PLAY ON THE JETS. 

4% NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

'Both teams are struggling with just one win in their last five games, but the LA Kings are in a deeper slump with only two wins in their last nine. This marks their fourth straight road game and ninth in their last 11, while the Lightning have had a chance to regroup at home following a shocking 4-1 loss to Chicago as heavy -335 favorites. Expect a motivated Tampa Bay side to take advantage of the Kings' fatigue.

4% PLAY ON THE LIGHTNING. 

5% NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Carolina Hurricanes have already defeated the Rangers twice this season, and I like the price we get on them here as they look to bounce back from a humbling loss as more than a -200 favorite against the Islanders on Saturday. They've had two days off in NY, and we should see a lot of energy after registering only 16 shots on goal against the Isles. 

5% PLAY ON THE HURRICANES. 

4% NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off a 5-3 loss as underdogs in Toronto last night, but they are 9-4 off a game as an underdog and I think tougher times lie ahead for a Montreal Canadiens team that now has lost the element of surprise. 

4% PLAY ON THE LIGHTNING. 

5% NHL EAST CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Montreal Canadiens have overachieved for much of the season, but a 7-3 home loss to Toronto last night may signal the start of a regression for this young, hungry, but inexperienced team. The New York Rangers are also on the second night of a back-to-back after a 1-0 shootout win over Columbus. While the Habs have defied expectations, the Rangers have underperformed theirs, making them undervalued in this matchup.

5% PLAY ON THE RANGERS. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Edmonton Oilers are skating into a tough back-to-back scenario following a 5-3 win in Minnesota last night. Facing the Colorado Avalanche in high altitude with no rest sets up a potential flat spot for Edmonton, and the Avs will be looking to avenge a 4-1 loss against the Oilers at Ball Arena back in November. Expect Colorado to put their best effort into this one.

5% PLAY ON THE AVALANCHE. 

5% NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Florida Panthers have already defeated the Philadelphia Flyers twice this season, and this looks like a great spot to back the Panthers to bounce back from a disappointing OT loss to Boston. The Flyers, meanwhile, are in a potential letdown spot after ending a four-game losing streak with a 6-0 win over Anaheim. 

5% PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in a potential flat spot off an upset win at Pittsburgh as they're 3-10 SU off a win as underdogs.

The Seattle Kraken were dealt a home loss by the Devils on Monday, their eighth loss in 10 games, but they are expected to have Joey Daccord (2.51 GAA) back in the net for this game after missing five games with an upper-body injury, a massive upgrade from Philipp Grubauer (3.46 GAA). 

5% PLAY ON THE KRAKEN. 

5% MAX BET ALERT - NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH

This looks like a good spot to back the Pittsburgh Penguins to bounce back from a 4-3 loss to Carolina in overtime on Sunday, their third loss in a row. I expect to see a super-motivated Pittsburgh team that has won 10 in a row on home ice against the Blue Jackets.

5% PLAY ON THE PENGUINS. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to fade the Anaheim Ducks following back-to-back upset wins as big favorites over Edmonton and New Jersey. The Winnipeg Jets are a quality side that had won four on the bounce prior to a 5-2 loss as sizeable underdogs at Colorado on New Year's Eve. This is a double revenge spot as the Jets also look to avenge a 3-2 loss in Anaheim last month. 

5% PLAY ON THE JETS -1.5. 

4% UTAH/SEATTLE NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Utah Hockey Club have yet to establish a home-ice advantage, but they have already proven themselves as road warriors with an 11-6-2 record away from home. I like the price we get on them here at Seattle, coming off three home losses and against a Kraken team in a letdown spot following an upset win in Vancouver.

4% PLAY ON UTAH. 

4% OILERS/KINGS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL as they head to L.A. to take on a reeling Kings team that has just two win in its last six games. The Kings have been strong at home, but the Oilers have had their numbers in recent seasons, winning six of the last seven matchups, and I like the price we get on the visitors. 

4% PLAY ON THE OILERS. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to fade the Colorado Avalanche, who head to Utah on a three-game winning streak, winning as sizeable home favorites over San Jose, Anaheim, and Seattle.

Tonight, they'll face a much tougher test in a Hockey Club that had won seven of nine through a nine-game point streak before a 3-2 loss to Dallas on Dec 23.

I expect Utah to bounce back strong.

5% PLAY ON UTAH. 

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

I like the Winnipeg Jets in this Monday night marquee matchup against Toronto. The Leafs have shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent games but have made up for it on the other end of the ice. Now they appear to be running out of steam after their recent scoring frenzy.

5% PLAY ON THE JETS. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to fade the Utah Hockey Club who are on a three-game winning streak and a six-game point streak. They'll face a Minnesota Wild team desperate to bounce back from a pair of home losses before heading to Winnipeg to face the Jets tomorrow. 

5% PLAY ON THE WILD. 

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Calgary Flames are just 15-11-6 overall on the season but 11-4-2 at home in the Saddledome. The Sens are 6-7-1 on the road and in a potential flat spot following four wins, while the Flames aim to snap back from an OT loss to Boston.  

5% PLAY ON THE FLAMES. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Utah Hockey Club are in a potential flat spot as they put a season-best five-game point streak on the line in their first-ever game against the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks own a 10-2-1 road record and I think they're undervalued in this matchup. 

5% PLAY ON THE CANUCKS. 

5% NHL NON-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Los Angeles Kings boast one of the stingiest defenses in the league and the New York Rangers have also been stepping up in recent games, a couple of outliers aside, but have still found it difficult to record wins due to scoring woes. The Kings are 8-3-0 in their past 11 games and allowed two goals or fewer in each win.

5% PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5% NHL NON-CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Los Angeles Kings have allowed a grand total of only seven goals through a five-game winning streak. The New York Islanders are coming off a 4-2 win despite firing off just 13 shots and are averaging only 2.59 goals per game on the season. 

5% PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5% NHL NON-CONF TOTAL OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled offensively, averaging just 2.69 goals per game, which is significantly below their overall production.

The Vancouver Canucks have been involved in plenty of high-scoring games recently, a trend that aligns with the history of this matchup, but, the Canucks have performed better on the road than at home this season, and they could be in a letdown spot after wrapping up a successful 4-1-1 road trip. 

5% PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

4% NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Toronto Maple Leafs are 11-3-0 at home while the Nashville Predators have won just two of 12 games on the road. The Leafs have won nine of their last 11 and two in a row since Auston Matthews returned from injury. I think the price is right to back the favorite. 

4% PLAY ON THE MAPLE LEAFS. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Dallas Stars are only 5-6-0 on the road, but they are 4-3 as road favorites and 13-4 as favorites overall, and I like the price we get on them when they visit Utah Monday night.

The Hockey Club are 5-10 as underdogs and 2-7 off a win, and they are in a potential letdown spot following a 6-0 win as underdogs in Vegas. 

5% PLAY ON THE STARS. 

4% PANTHERS/CANES NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

While the Florida Panthers hold a respectable 6-4 road record, they're at a significant disadvantage against the Carolina Hurricanes, who boast a dominant 9-1 record at home. The Panthers' recent form has been shaky, with four straight losses before their 5-1 home win over Toronto last time out. Considering these factors, the price on the home team feels more than fair.

4% PLAY ON THE HURRICANES.

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a great spot to back the Carolina Hurricanes as they return home from a three-game road trip that ended with losses to New Jersey and Columbus. They'll be hungry for a win again while on the flip side, sustaining a high level of play is challenging, even for a strong team like the Dallas Stars, who may show signs of fatigue after an impressive 5-1 run and back-to-back wins.

5% PLAY ON THE HURRICANES. 

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Los Angeles Kings are a solid 5-1-1 home at Crypto.com Arena while the Buffalo Sabres are only 2-4-1 on the road. Although the Sabres will be seeking revenge for their 3-1 home loss to the Kings on October 10 and coming off a 5-2 loss in Philly, this doesn't feel like the right spot for them to turn things around.

5% PLAY ON THE LA KINGS. 

5% MAX BET ALERT - NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

This looks like a fantastic spot to back the Pittsburgh Penguins to bounce back from a humiliating 7-1 home loss to Dallas on Sunday. They owned Detroit last season and the Red Wings have lost their last five as underdogs. 

5% PLAY ON THE PENGUINS. 

4% CAROLINA/VEGAS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Carolina Hurricanes were on an eight-game winning streak before a 6-4 loss at Colorado on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights have won six of their last eight but are coming off an OT loss at Seattle on Friday. Vegas is an impressive 8-0-0 at home this season, but with the Canes winning five of the last seven meetings, I like the price we get on Carolina to hand them their first home loss tonight.

4% PLAY ON THE HURRICANES. 

5% NHL NON-CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to back the Washington Capitals to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to Pittsburgh. They are perfect 3-0 SU off a loss and the 7-7-0 Blues are about as mediocre as their record would suggest. 

5% PLAY ON THE CAPITALS. 

5% MAX BET ALERT - NHL WEST CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Vegas Golden Knights scored four or more goals in six of their last seven games. The Seattle Kraken were shut out in back-to-back games but found the net three times in a loss at Colorado on Tuesday.

They've had two days off since closing out a five-game road trip and I expect to see some fireworks from both the well-rested home team and the visitors. 

5% PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a great spot to back the LA Kings as they return home after road wins in Nashville and Minnesota. They’re likely eager to open this two-game homestand after starting the season with 10 of 14 games on the road. The Kings took three of four against the Canucks last season, and while Vancouver has started hot with five wins in six road games, that pace seems unlikely to last.

5% PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

4% KNIGHTS/OILERS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Edmonton Oilers to bounce back from a shutout loss to the New Jersey Devils. They'll host a Vegas team that is 5-1 in its last six games, but all wins came at home and the Knights are 0-3-1 on the road this season.

Last season, the home team won all three meetings and I like the price we get on the Oilers at home in this matchup. 

4% PLAY ON THE OILERS. 

5% NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Philadelphia Flyers are coming off a shutout loss to Boston, and on Tuesday night, they'll face another elite team in the Hurricanes of Carolina.

The Hurricanes are riding a six-game winning streak during which they've outscored their opponent by two goals or more four times. They are perfect 6-0 straight up and against the puckline as favorites of -150 or greater.

The Canes have owned the Flyers in recent seasons, winning nine of the last 10 meetings, and I think that's a trend that will continue. 

5% PLAY ON THE HURRICANES -1.5. 

4% KINGS/PREDATORS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I like the price we get on the Los Angeles Kings as they look to bounce back from a shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Nashville Predators are in a potential letdown spot following a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche, and they are just 3-5-0 at home on the season. 

4% PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

5% NHL NON-CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Winnipeg Jets are off to a hot 10-1-0 start to the season. They are 4-1 at home and averaging 4.40 goals per game, while the Tampa Bay Lightning are 3-3-0 on the road and giving up 3.83 mpg.

5% PLAY ON THE JETS. 

5% NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

This looks like a good spot to back the Buffalo Sabres after a 5-2 setback to the Florida Panthers, which snapped their recent three-game win streak.

The Sabres have won their last two games when favored and will be confident facing an Islanders team that’s on a three-game skid and struggling offensively this season.

Given that the Sabres are averaging over one goal more per game than the Isles, Buffalo should have a solid edge in this matchup.

5% PLAY ON THE SABRES. 

5% NHL NON-CONF TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Winnipeg Jets had opened the season with eight wins before a 6-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday.

They're averaging 4.44 goals per game and I expect them to score plenty against a Red Wings team that has been shaky on the defensive end.

5% PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5% NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Utah Hockey Club have scored just one goal across their last two games and here they'll face a Kings team that have plenty of momentum with three wins in four games.

This will be the Kings second home game of the season after starting the campaign with a seven-game road trip, and I expect them to build on their 3-2 win over the Sharks on Thursday. 

5% PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

4% COL/UTAH NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I really like the price we get on the Colorado Avalanche at Utah Thursday night.

The Avs have bounced back with three straight wins after an 0-4 start, and I don't see them letting up until they're back to a winning record.

Utah's 4-2-1 start has been solid for an inaugural season, but after a 4-0 loss to the Sens in their last game, they might start cooling off.

4% PLAY ON THE AVALANCHE. 

5% NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

The Carolina Hurricanes will play on no rest following a 4-1 win at Pittsburgh last night. They had two days rest prior to that game though, and I think they'll have enough gas left in the tank to handle a St. Louis Blues team that has scored just one goal in each of its last two games. 

5% PLAY ON THE HURRICANES. 

4% NHL PUCKLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Avalanche fell to 0-4 on the season with a 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.

On Friday, they'll face the Anaheim Ducks who were one of the worst teams in the NHL last season, and if the Avs don't have a breakout game now they might as well pack it in ... 

Joking aside, they played fairly well against the Bruins, who are a very tough opponent, and they have owned the Ducks in recent seasons (13-2-2 against Anaheim since the start of the 2020-21 season and 11-1-1 in the last 13 meetings).

4% PLAY ON THE AVS -1.5. 

4% NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Avalanche are way too good of a team to star the season 0-4, even though they'll face a tough opponent in the Boston Bruins tonight. The visitors are coming off a tough 4-3 loss home loss versus the Florida Panthers and I think they're in for another tough game. 

4% PLAY ON THE AVS. 

4% NHL PUCKLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

After starting the season with three home losses, I expect to see a hyper-focused Edmonton Oilers team. This is their last home game before hitting the road for matchups at Nashville and Dallas.

I don't see them losing four in a row at home. 

4% PLAY ON THE OILERS -1.5.

4% PANTHERS/BRUINS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I like the price we get on the Florida Panthers to bounce back from a pair of losses, most recently a 3-1 setback to the up-until-then-winless Buffalo Sabres, after opening the season with a 6-4 win over the Boston Bruins.

Perhaps the Panthers were caught looking ahead to this re-match with the Bruins who are in a potential flat spot following a pair of wins. 

4% PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

4% LIGHTNING/CANES NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Tampa Bay Lightning open their season at Lenovo Center Friday night, and I like the price we get on the home team.

The Lightning have lost several big names, and while the Canes have also seen some departures, they've been able to cover the holes better than Tampa Bay. 

4% PLAY ON THE HURRICANES. 

4% PUCKLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a great spot to fade the Montreal Canadiens following their 1-0 win over Toronto last night. The Boston Bruins have had a day off since opening the season with a 6-4 loss at Florida, and I expect them to bounce back with a solid game. 

4% PLAY ON THE BRUINS -1.5. 

5* NHL FINALS TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The last four games have exceeded the total set by the betting market, but I expect a different story in Game 7. With the championship on the line, both teams will be more nervous and focused on defense. Coaches will emphasize defensive strategies to prevent mistakes, and players know one error can cost them the title, so they'll be extra cautious and intense. Therefore, tonight's game will likely be more about strong defense and fewer goals.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* STANLEY CUP FINALS G6 NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Edmonton Oilers have survived two elimination games, but I think the third time will be the charm for the Florida Panthers to clinch the series and finally get to raise the Stanley Cup.

The Oilers have played with more desperation and intensity than in the first three games, but it's difficult to maintain that level of play for several games in a row. The Panthers are the more talented team, and I expect better focus from them following a couple of disappointing performances.

4* PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

5* NHL FINALS GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

This looks like a great spot to back the Florida Panthers to bounce back from a humiliating 8-1 loss in Edmonton to close out the series and claim the championship. They still lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and showed they were the better team through the first three games.

I'm not saying the Panthers laid down so they could secure the title on home ice, but I also don't see them coming out that flat again, and it will be difficult for the Oilers to match the intensity they brought in their Game 4 win. 

5* PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

5* NHL FINALS GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

I like the Edmonton Oilers to come out strong and as they're in desperation mode after dropping the first two games of the series in Florida.

The Oilers are 6-3 on home ice in the postseason, and they're sure to get plenty of support from the hometown crowd.

There is no better motivation than desperation, and the Oilers know they can't afford to drop this one. 

5* PLAY ON THE OILERS. 

5* NHL WEST CONFERENCE FINALS GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Dallas Stars are hanging by a thread, just one loss away from elimination after two dismal showings.

Tonight, though, I'm betting on them to bounce back hard and push this series to a Game 7 back in Dallas. They’re a much stronger team than we’ve seen lately, and I think the betting market is underestimating them because of those past performances.

The hometown crowd will be electric, but they're also demanding and will put a lot of pressure on the Oilers to deliver. 

Considering that these are two very evenly matched teams, this is a price we can't pass up on. 

5* PLAY ON THE STARS. 

5* NHL EAST CONFERENCE FINALS TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The last two games have ended with 3-2 Panthers wins, and the over/under is 1-4 in the series.

Now the NY Rangers need to win on the road to stay alive and force a Game 7 home in Madison Square Garden.

I expect this to be another tight, low-scoring affair, as neither team will be keen on taking any risks.  

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* AVS/STARS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Avalanche won in OT in the opener of this Western Conference semifinal series, and I like the price we get on the Avs to head back to Colorado with a commanding 2-0 lead. The Stars have a lot of talent on the team, but they're inconsistent and the Avs clearly have their number, as they are 5-1 in the last six meetings. 

4* PLAY ON THE AVALANCHE. 

5* NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Boston Bruins failed to close out this series on home ice on Tuesday, but they are still holding a 3-2 lead in the series and I think they'll get the job done tonight.

The are an impressive 10-2 in the last 12 meetings (6-1 L7 in Toronto), and have already won twice in Toronto in this series. The Bruins are 25-9-9 on the road for the season while the Maple Leafs are only 22-17-4 at home. 

5* PLAY ON THE BRUINS. 

5* NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

The Vancouver Canucks are holding a 3-1 lead in the series, and I think they'll get another win to wrap it up on home ice tonight. They came from behind to get the win in Game 4, and the Preds will find it very difficult to regroup after that letdown.

Additionally, note that the Canucks have won seven of the last eight head-to-head meetings, so they are clearly a bad matchup for the Predators. 

5* PLAY ON THE CANUCKS. 

5* NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Florida Panthers are going for the sweep of this series, and I think the Tampa Bay Lightning are done and dusted at this point.

The Panthers match up very well against Tampa Bay and have now won seven of the last eight meetings.

Add the psychological factor of being 3-0 down, and I don't see the Lightning being able to muster up the energy to win even one game. 

5* PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

5* NHL EAST CONF ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Boston Bruins opened this series with a 5-1 win and they've now won eight straight head-to-head matchups with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are 4-7 with a negative ROI of -20.7% as road underdogs on the season while the Bruins are 9-3 with a solid ROI of +29.5% as home favorites laying no more than -150.

5* PLAY ON THE BRUINS. 

5* NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Colorado Avalanche have lost four of their last five games, but they have been dominant on home ice throughout the season long and they're in a revenge spot after taking a 6-2 loss in Edmonton earlier this month.

The Oilers will be playing the second of back-to-back games after falling 5-2 to the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday while the Avs have had plenty of time to prepare since their 4-3 OT loss in Vegas on April 14. 

5* PLAY ON THE AVALANCHE. 

5* NHL EASTERN  CONF GAME OF THE MONTH

The Detroit Red Wings have a shot at making the playoffs despite winning only three of their last 10 games. They are currently in a three-way tie with Washington and Philadelphia for the second and final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are lurking just one point behind, so realistically, they'll need to win out to have a chance. 

Still, with two games to go, both against a Montreal Canadiens team eliminated from playoff contention, the Red Wings must like their chances, and I expect nothing less than 100% focus tonight. 

The Red Wings are converting on a solid 23.16% of their opportunities to play with a man advantage, while the Habs are killing off only 76.36% of their penalties. I expect the Wings to win one by at least two goals.

5* PLAY ON THE RED WINGS -1.5. 

5* NHL EASTERN  CONF GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

This looks like a great spot to back the Tampa Bay Lightning to bounce back from a shootout loss in Ottawa on Thursday.

They are 21-13 SU with a +10.9% ROI off a loss on the season (9-3 SU with a +28.9% ROI as road favorites).

The reeling Washington Capitals have lost seven of their last eight games. 

5* PLAY ON THE LIGHTNING. 

5* NHL WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

This looks like a great spot to back the Vegas Golden Knights to bounce back from a humbling 7-4 loss as close to a -200 favorite in Arizona Friday night. They've had the whole weekend to mull over the loss, while the Vancouver Canucks were in action on Saturday when they lost 6-3 in LA. 

The Knights have won 10 of the last 13 matchups in Vancouver, and while the Canucks are coming into this game with the better record, I'm not convinced they're the better team. 

5* PLAY ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS. 

5* STARS/AVS NHL WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche are jostling for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Stars are currently sitting at No. 1, with the Avs in third and the Vancouver Canucks in the mix as well. The Avs have owned the Stars in recent seasons, and they've already defeated Dallas twice this calendar year. The Stars are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, while the Avs are only 2-4 in their last six, but I like the price we get on the Avs to bounce back from a 6-2 loss to the Oilers. 

5* PLAY ON THE AVS. 

5* NHL WESTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks clashed twice in March, with the Canucks winning 2-1 in LA and the Kings winning 3-2 in Vancouver.

The over/under is 0-9-1 in the last 10 meetings, and I expect another low-scoring affair in this preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup.  

The Canucks have not scored more than three goals in any of their last five games, and the Kings have scored three goals or fewer in four of their last five games. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NHL EASTERN CONF GAME OF THE MONTH

This looks like an ideal spot to fade a Montreal Canadiens team coming off three consecutive upset wins. Tonight, they'll face a Carolina Hurricanes team that is as solid as always, and coming off a 4-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

The Canes are 4-1 SU as road favorites of -200 or more, and all wins came by at least two goals. 

5* PLAY ON THE HURRICANES -1.5. 

5* NHL WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

The Winnipeg Jets return home from a five-game road trip which they wrapped up on a bad note with three consecutive losses. They're a solid 23-9-2 on home ice for the season though, and tonight they'll host an Oilers team that has dropped four of its last five on the road. 

5* PLAY ON THE JETS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Caps 7-3 as a road favorite on Wednesday, but they'll face a tougher test when they host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. This will be the third time they're a home underdog this season, and they lost the previous two (both against Carolina).

Meanwhile, the Oilers are 16-12 as road favorites and 15-3 SU in their last 18 games against an opponent from the Eastern Conference. 

4* PLAY ON THE OILERS. 

MIKE'S 4* PANTHERS/RANGERS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Florida Panthers are a solid 21-8-2 on the road this season. They've won 18 of 22 games as road favorites and 20 of 31 road games against teams with a winning record. 

4* PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Rangers are a solid 18-9-3 on the road for the season, and here they'll visit a Philadelphia Flyers team they have dominated in recent seasons winning eight of the last nine meetings. 

4* PLAY ON THE RANGERS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Kings defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 here in LA less than a month ago, and they are coming into this game on a four-game winning streak. The Preds are coming off back-to-back wins but I think they're in a potential flat spot following an upset win in Vegas on Tuesday. Perhaps the players enjoyed a night out in Vegas following the win, and if so they'll pay the price tonight. 

4* PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

The Buffalo Sabres are 20-10 off a loss and backing them blindly in this spot has generated an ROI of +36.5%. The Montreal Canadiens are coming off losses to the NY Rangers and the Washington Capitals, and have not had nearly as much success in bouncing back from losses as Buffalo. 

5* PLAY ON THE SABRES. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Vancouver Canucks are coming into this game with the better record, but also off a pair of setbacks, the most recent being a 10-7 loss in Minnesota last night. I'm still not convinced the Canucks are for real, unlike the Colorado Avalanche who are a proven powerhouse and 21-5-0 at home on the season. I think the juice is worth the squeeze in this matchup.

4* PLAY ON THE COLORADO AVALANCHE. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Winnipeg Jets are 15-7-3 on the road for the season. This is a revenge spot after losing the first meeting of the season 5-3 here at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The slumping Calgary Flames have been shut out in two of their last three games (they lost all three games), and they even lost to the San Jose Sharks as a -300 favorite.

The Jets meanwhile look to extend their winning streak to four games and I think they're undervalued in this matchup. 

4* PLAY ON THE JETS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* NHL TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Pittsburgh Penguins are 8-2 to the under in their last 10 games and the total has gone under in eight of Pittsburgh’s last 11 games as a favorite. The total has gone under in eight of the Los Angeles Kings' last 11 games when playing as the underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The red-hot New York Rangers are proving to be just as dangerous on the road as they are at Madison Square Garden. Heading into Sunday's game on a six-game winning streak, they face the Islanders who have had a "rest advantage" with four days off compared to the Rangers' two. However, this extended rest might not necessarily work in the Islanders' favor as they could risk losing focus and getting out of sync.

4* PLAY ON THE RANGERS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Vegas Golden Knights have a huge rest advantage as they'll be playing on four days rest while the Carolina Hurricanes will be playing on no rest following a 4-1 win in Arizona last night. This is also somewhat of a revenge spot for the Knights after losing the first meeting of the season 6-3 at Carolina back in December. 

4* PLAY ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* NHL GAME OF THE MONTH

The Dallas Stars are hot with five wins in six games and they are 9-2-1 in their past 12 games. The Nashville Predators are slumping with only three wins in 10 games and they've allowed four goals or more in five straight games. I don't see how they stop a Dallas team that is firing on all cylinders. 

5* PLAY ON THE STARS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK 

The Pittsburgh Penguins have won nine of the last 10 meetings with the Minnesota Wild. They last faced each other on Dec 17 when the Pens won 4-3 at home, and I think they'll get us a W on the road in Minnesota tonight. 

The Wild are just 1-6 as home underdogs this season and had problems putting the Chicago Blackhawks away as a -200 favorite in their first game back from the All-Star break while the Pens are coming off an impressive 3-0 win over Winnipeg. 

5* PLAY ON THE PENGUINS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Detroit Red Wings are coming off solid wins over the Philadelphia Flyers and the Vegas Golden Knights to improve to 14-8-4 on home ice. The Ottawa Senators are coming off a 4-3 OT home win over Nashville, but they are only 6-13-0 on the road on the season and 2-7 as underdogs when coming off a win. 

4* PLAY ON THE RED WINGS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Florida Panthers have answered a four-game losing streak with wins over Nashville and Arizona. I think they'll keep pushing and riding the momentum to another win against the Penguins in Pittsburgh Friday night. The Pens are coming off losses in Vegas and Arizona and they're 1-4 in their last five games. 

The Panthers are a solid 13-4 with an ROI of +23.9% as road favorites on the season. 

4* PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Nashville Predators have scored a total of only six goals through their last four games, and here they'll face a Minnesota team that has scored a total of 16 goals through a three-game winning streak.

While it's difficult to stay hungry and keep playing at that level without losing focus, I still like the price we get on the Wild to make it four in a row. 

4* PLAY ON THE WILD. 

MAX BET ALERT: 5* NHL PUCKLINE GAME OF THE MONTH

The Los Angeles Kings are 8-6 with a +18% ROI  against the puckline as favorites of -180 or longer. I think they'll come out hungry and ready to put a beating on Buffalo after losing in a shootout as close to a -400 favorite against San Jose on Monday.

5* PLAY ON THE KINGS -1.5. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Florida Panthers to end a four-game losing streak. The Panthers outshot their opponent in each of those four home losses and I think a change of scenery as they hit the road will give them an additional spark. 

4* PLAY ON THE FLORIDA PANTHERS. 

MAX BET ALERT - MIKE'S 5* NHL GAME OF THE MONTH

The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch and had lost eight straight games before a 5-2 win in Carolina last night. I think they'll have a tough time pulling off another victory on short rest against a Dallas team that's in good form. 

5* PLAY ON THE STARS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Nashville Predators are hot, Vegas ... not so much. The Golden Knights are dealing with a heap of injuries, but I think there's enough talent on this roster to beat a Nashville team that has overachieved of late. 

The Golden Knights are 15-5-2 at home on the season and they have won seven of the last 10 meetings with the Preds. The betting market got the odds for this matchup completely wrong IMO. 

4* PLAY ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS. 

MIKE'S LATE-NIGHT 4* NHL TOP PLAY

The Vegas Golden Knights have been far from at their best lately, but they're coming off an OT win over Boston and I like the price we get on Vegas here against a Calgary team in a potential flat spot following back-to-back wins. 

3* PLAY ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS. 

MAX BET ALERT: 5* FLYERS/WILD NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

The Philadelphia Flyers are coming off a 3-2 shootout win over Montreal, but they're only 3-7 in their last 10 games.

The Minnesota Wild are 4-7 in their last 10, but only 1-6 in their last seven, but I expect a strong performance from the Wild here after being humiliated in a 7-2 loss in Dallas Wednesday night.

The Wild are a solid 9-3 as home favorites this season, and they'll be looking for revenge for a 6-2 loss in Philadelphia back in October. 

5* PLAY ON THE WILD. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Pittsburgh Penguins to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Buffalo and fade the Philadelphia Flyers following their 3-2 win over Calgary. The Flyers are 1-4 in their last five games while the Pens are 4-2 in their last six and 7-3 in their last 10. Philadelphia won two meetings back in December, so I think the Pens will be extra fired up for this one. 

4* PLAY ON THE PENGUINS. 

MAX BET ALERT: MIKE'S 5* NHL TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Philadelphia Flyers are coming off a 4-3 loss in Calgary, but they are 21-13-2 to the under on the season. The Edmonton Oilers have had no trouble finding the net in recent games, but I think they're in a potential flat spot here following a 7-2 win in Anaheim. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MAX BET ALERT: 5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

The New Jersey Devils are always dangerous on the road and I think we're getting a great price on them here in Ottawa Friday night. The Senators are 1-4 SU as a home underdog this season while the Devils are 9-2 as a road favorite. 

5* PLAY ON THE DEVILS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL MONEYLINE TOP PLAY

The Boston Bruins have won the last six matchups against the Jets who have been overachieving a bit lately IMO. I love the price we get on the Bruins in this game as they look to bounce back from back-to-back overtime home losses to the Rangers and the Wild. 

4* PLAY ON THE BRUINS. 

MIKE'S 4* NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off a 6-3 win over Vegas and they've owned the Penguins in recent seasons with wins in eight of the last 10 meetings. Pittsburgh is coming off a 4-3 win over Minnesota but has struggled to string wins together all season. 

4* PLAY ON THE HURRICANES. 

5* MAX BET ALERT - MIKE'S NHL TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Los Angeles Kings are 12-8-1 to the under on the season while the San Jose Sharks are 15-8-2 to the under. Goals have been hard to come by for the Kings lately. They've been held to a total of eight goals through their last four games and the Sharks have struggled to light up the lamp all season. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* MAX BET ALERT - MIKE'S NHL PUCKLINE OF THE MONTH

Sure, the Colorado Avalanche will be playing on short rest following a 6-2 loss in Winnipeg last night, but I think they'll bounce back with a max effort and rout the Sharks here Sunday night.

The Avs are 5-1 on the season off a loss of three goals or more, and while the Sharks have started to pick up wins lately, they're still one of the worst teams in the league and a team the Avs have dominated in recent seasons.  

5* PLAY ON THE AVS -1.5. 

MAX BET ALERT - MIKE'S 5* NHL GAME OF THE MONTH

This looks like a good spot to back the Boston Bruins to bounce back from an OT loss in New Jersey. They are still 4-2 in their last six games and 6-2 off a loss this season. The New York Islanders are in a potential flat spot following four straight wins. 

5* PLAY ON THE BRUINS. 

MAX BET ALERT - MIKE'S 5* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK

I think the 18-5-3 Boston Bruins are way undervalued by the betting market for this matchup against the 14-11-1 New Jersey Devils. 

The Bruins are going for a fourth straight win while the Devils are 6-2-0 in their past eight games. They lost 4-1 in Edmonton on Sunday though, and this will be their first game since returning home from a four-game road trip, which historically has proven to be a difficult spot league-wide.  

The Bruins have won each of the last six meetings and they are 8-1 in the last nine meetings. 

5* PLAY ON BOSTON BRUINS.