GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) - FLYERS @ RANGERS *TOP PLAY*

The Philadelphia Flyers will enter Madison Square Garden looking for a sixth straight win. They'll face a NY Rangers team which had been almost equally hot with five straight triumphs prior to a 5-2 loss at Philadelphia Friday night. I think that loss took a lot of air out of this Rangers team, and they've had big troubles solving the Flyers lately dropping eight of the last nine meetings. I think the price is right to back the visitors in this one. 

10* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Edmonton Oilers are in need of a win after dropping back-to-back games, most recently a 5-3 home loss to Minnesota. They're 9-3 in their last 12 after allowing five goals or more in their previous game and I like the price we get on the Oilers at LA on Sunday. The Kings have played fairly well lately with three wins in their last five games, but this is a tough spot following a 2-1 OT loss to Colorado on Saturday. With the Kings 5-11 in their last 16 games following OT on the previous day and 2-6 in their last eight home games, I'll recommend fading the home team in this one. 

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

The Penguins are a solid 21-5-4 at home on the season and they've won 10 of the last 14 matchups with the Leafs at Pittsburgh. Toronto is 16-13-1 on the road but 3-8 in its last 11 games as a road underdog. 

This is a tough spot for the Maple Leafs who have played a lot of hockey lately, and we can note that they are 2-11 in their last 13 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation and 0-8 in their last 8 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. 

While Toronto has split its last six games, Pittsburgh is coming off a pair of dominant outings and I like the Pens to get the job done in this one.

10* play on Pittsburgh Penguins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED WASHINGTON @ VEGAS TOTAL

The Washington Capitals are coming off a pair of low-scoring affairs, but they're stil 36-21 to the over on the season and I feel confident that goals will come fast and easy for both teams in this matchup.

The Vegas Golden Knights registered a 1-0 victory over the NY Islanders last time out but they're 7-2 to the over in their last nine home games. Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY NIGHT NHL TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Columbus Blue Jackets took a 3-1 loss to the NY Rangers Friday night. Four of their last five have gone under the total, and I predict a tight low-scoring affair when they visit the New Jersey Devils Sunday night.

The Devils took a 5-2 loss to Carolina last time out, but that was with Louis Domingue in net. Mackenzie Blackwood will be back in net for this one, and he's been red hot this month with two shutouts and just one goal allowed in three starts. As for Columbus, its netminder Elvis Merzlikins has held opponents to a total of six goals in his last five starts. 

Under is 7-1 in Devils last 8 Sunday games. Under is 5-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 Sunday games.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S BEST TOTAL FOR FEBRUARY

The San Jose Sharks took a 6-2 loss to Calgary lats time out, and they've scored just 13 goals through their last five games, six of those in win over Edmonton. The Winnipeg Jets took a 4-1 home loss to the Rangers on Tuesday and are scoring just 2.73 gpg at home on the season. At the same time, they've played decent defense lately allowing only 2.4 gpg over their last five contests. The Sharks average 2.41 gpg on the road and under is 9-3 in Sharks last 12 road games and 12-5-1 in Jets last 18 games as a home favorite.

Last but not least, this will be the third meeting of the season with the first two going under the total, both Jets wins at San Jose (3-2 & 5-1). 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Minnesota Wild have won four of their last five following an impressive 4-0 triumph over Vegas Tuesday night. They're one of the stronger home teams in the league at 17-8-4 home at Xcel Energy Center where they average 3.24 goals per game and converting at a 27% clip of their power play opportunities. Additionally, the Wild have stepped up their game on the defensive end lately with just nine goals allowed through their last five overall. 

The visiting New York Rangers have played well lately with five wins through their last seven games. All but two of those seven games were at home though, and I think they'll come up short against a Rangers team that is 13-6 in its last 19 games as a home favorite.

10* play on Minnesota Wild. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The white-hot Tampa Bay Lightning travel to Ohio riding a six-game winning streak, and I think they'll extend it with a triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Columbus is 12-2-1 since New Year, but it has won only three of its last five while scoring a total of just nine goals during that stretch. Such anemic offense won't cut it against a Tampa Bay side that ranks second in the league for goals scored while boasting the fifth-best power play percentage. 

The Blue Jackets are one of the better teams in the league on the defensive end, but this is a less than ideal spot as they'll be playing their third game in four nights and I don't see them stopping the Lightning who are 18-2-1 since December 23rd. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Lightning. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): BEST NHL MONEYLINE FOR FEBRUARY

I like the Arizona Coyotes to end a five-game slide and come through with a win when they host the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday night, particularly, as the visitors might feel a bit too good about themselves after winning four of their last five and defeating Calgary 8-3 on the road last time out.

The Yotes have had two days off since a disappointing 3-2 shootout loss to Chicago and they're 5-0 in their last five games playing on two days rest. With motivation and urgency favoring the home team, I think this is a no brainer spot to back Arizona. 

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The Winnipeg Jets have dropped six of their last seven home at Bell MTS Place, but I absolutely love the price we get on the Jets when they host Tampa Bay Friday night. 

Note that the Lightning will be playing on no rest (and third game in four nights) after taking a 3-2 loss at Minnesota on Thursday while the Jets have had two full days to recover from a 4-0 triumph over Vancouver. 

The home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings and the underdog is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR JANUARY

The Montreal Canadiens snapped an ugly eight-game losing streak with a 2-1 overtime win at Ottawa on Saturday. Goals have been extremely hard to come by for the Habs lately and here they'll face a Calgary team that has allowed a total of six goals through its last three games. 

Under is 6-1-1 in Flames last 8 games as a road favorite and 18-6-3 in their last 27 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Canadiens last 7 overall. Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

STARS @ DUCKS THURSDAY LATE NIGHT NHL *TOP PLAY*

This looks like a tough spot for the Dallas Stars who will be playing on no rest after opening their three-stop trip through California with a win at LA last night. The Ducks have had an extra day of rest since taking a 4-3 loss to Columbus on Tuesday and they're a solid 9-4 in their last 13 games as a home underdog. The Stars are on a roll coming off five straight wins, but the price warrants a play on the home team in this one. 

10* play on Anaheim Ducks. 

CAPITALS @ FLYERS *TOP PLAY*

The Philadelphia Flyers are a solid 13-2-4 home at Wells Fargo Center. They'll be playing on no rest following an OT loss at Carolina last night to make it four straight defeats, but I like the price we get on Philly in this matchup. The visiting Washington Capitals will also play on on rest after putting a 6-1 beating on Ottawa on Tuesday and this will be their third game in four nights. The Flyers are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference foes and should be well motivated for this one. 

10* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED SUNDAY SIDE

The Carolina Hurricanes are 2-0 over the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, and I think they'll remain perfect against them after this game. The Canes will not only have home-ice advantage, but they'll also have an extra day of rest compared to the visitors who recorded a 5-3 win at Ottawa on Saturday. Carolina had opened this seven-game homestand with a pair of wins before coming up short in a 4-3 loss to Washington Friday night. This looks like a more than a reasonable price on the home team to bounce back. 

10* playon Carolina Hurricanes. 

TOP RATED NHL MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Avalanche will be playing on no rest after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Wednesday. I still expect them to have enough gas left in the tank to take care of business against a Carolina team that is in a potential flat spot following back-to-back road wins at Calgary and Winnipeg. The Canes will be closing out a road trip on which they're currently 3-0-1, but it'll be a hostile environment in Pepsi Center where the Avs are a solid 10-3-2 on the season. We can also note that Colorado should have its No. 1 netminder Philipp Grubauer back between the pipes as Pavel Francouz got the nod yesterday. 

10* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR DECEMBER

The Ottawa Senators took a 6-1 loss at Florida last night, and heavy legs will certainly not do them any favors on the defensive end of the rink here at Tampa Bay the following night. The Sens have seen six of their last seven go over the total and the over is 9-2-1 in the Lightning's last 12 games as a home favorite. Seven of the last nine head-to-head meetings between these two clubs have gone over the total and I predict another high-scoring affair tonight. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED AVS @ BLUES MONEYLINE MASSACRE

There will be plenty at stake at Enterprise Center Monday night as a Colorado Avalanche triumph in this one would see them leapfrog the St. Louis Blues to move top of the Central Division standings.

We can however note that even though the Avs are riding a nine-game point streak (8-0-1), they've routinely struggled in St. Louis in recent years, losing eight of the last nine encounters there.

The Blues are coming off back-to-back home wins over Vegas and Chicago, and I think this is the kind of game where the defending Stanley Cup champs really will be on their toes. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

LATE NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

The Vancouver Canucks have owned the Leafs home at Rogers Arena in recent seasons, winning 10 of the last 11 matchups. They've won three of their last four overall and enter this game off back-to-back home wins. Toronto, on the other hand, is in a slightly tougher spot as this will be the second contest of a four-game road trip. 

Toronto has a losing road record on the season and special teams could play a big role here with the Nucks leading the NHL in power-play goals while Toronto is one of the worst in the league when short-handed. 

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

TOP RATED THURSDAY NIGHT NHL PUCKLINE PUNISHER

The Minnesota Wild are undefeated in regulation through their last 10 games, winning seven of those contests. I think they're way undervalued here, facing a Tampa Bay Lightning team that is 1-2-1 through its last four, with the lone win in OT at Nashville on Tuesday. 

Minnesota has won four of its last six games as road dogs while Tampa Bay has lost back-to-back games as home favorites. Additionally, note that the underdog is 4-1 in the last 5 head-to-head meetings between the two clubs. 

While Minnesota on the moneyline is also worth a shot, I think the puckline play should be a sure winner. 

10* play on Minnesota Wild +1.5. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a slow start to the year, but they have won six of their last nine and had picked up three straight wins prior to a 4-3 loss to St. Louis last time out. They're just 4-7 against teams with winning records on the season though, and this is not an ideal spot playing on the road following three home games, a situation they're 0-2 in on the season. 

The Washington Capitals managed to defeat Florida 4-3 last time out despite getting outshot 40-20. They're 9-4 after scoring four goals or more in their previous game and I think we're getting a great price on the home favorite.

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

TOP RATED VEGAS @ DALLAS NHL POWER PLAY

The Dallas Stars have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL in recent weeks, coming into this contest on a six-game winning streak and 10-0-1 over their last 11 games. The Vegas Golden Knights on the other hand have just two wins over their last nine games. This game means a lot to Dallas who must be liking its chances of improving its terrible 1-5-0 record in the all time series with Vegas. 

Note that the Golden Knights are just 4-18 in their last 22 games as an underdog.

10* play on Dallas Stars. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S BEST MONEYLINE FOR NOVEMBER

The Arizona Coyotes have dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs in recent seasons, winning eight of the last 10 matchups including a 2-0 sweep as +155 and +235 dogs last season. I love the price we get on the Yotes here when they host Toronto Thursday night. 

Note that the Leafs are coming into this game on a six-game skid and they've just fired veteran coach Mike Babcock. Arizona on the other hand has played solid hockey of late and been rewarded with wins in four of their last five games. It has shut out each of its last two opponents while Toronto has surrendered 24 goals in the last five games.

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Stars have caught fire after a slow start to the season and travel to Edmonton riding a 9-1-1 run. This is a tough spot for them though, playing their third road game in four nights after winning at Calgary and Vancouver Wednesday/Thursday. 

The Oilers have won three of their last four, and I think they'll get the better of the Stars in this one. Note that Edmonton is a solid 7-2-1 home at Rogers Place while Dallas has a losing road record. Additionally, the home team is 6-1 in the past seven meetings.

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

TOP RATED CAPITALS @ FLYERS *BEST BET*

I think we're getting a great price on the Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Wednesday night.

The Flyers are off to a hot start and will enter this contest on a four-game winning streak, but they'll host an angry Washington team looking to bounce back from a 4-3 SO loss to Arizona on Monday. The Caps had won six on the bounce prior to that setback and are 5-1 after allowing four goals or more their last game. 

Washington has won five of the previous six meetings between these teams, and this is a no brainer play on the best team in hockey right now. 

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TUESDAY MONEYLINE

The Edmonton Oilers have won each of their last four games closing as underdogs, and I really like their chances at San Jose Tuesday night. The Sharks have heated up lately, but they've still dropped four of their last six as favorites and they're 2-6 against teams with a winning record this season. 

Edmonton picked up a 6-2 victory at Anaheim on Sunday and is 6-2 after scoring 4 goals or more in its previous game. 

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Avalanche are 0-4-1 in their last five games and will have to do without both captain Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen when they host the Nashville Predators Thursday night. The Preds are healthy and snapped a two-game skid with a 6-1 victory over Detroit on Monday. 

Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne is 8-0-2 with a 2.07 GAA on the season and he has great career numbers against the Avs who's goalie Philipp Grubauer has had a rough time in recent outings.

10* play on the Nashville Predators. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TUESDAY NIGHT MONEYLINE

This looks like a tough spot for the Boston Bruins. They might have won six in a row, but they'll be playing on no rest following a 6-4 win over Pittsburgh on Monday and facing a well rested Montreal Canadiens team. 

The Habs last played on November 2 when they took a 4-1 loss to the Stars, but they had won three straight prior to that setback. "The real explanation is that I didn't think we had our legs," said Montreal coach Claude Julien after the loss. "I didn't think we had the energy tonight...we looked like a tired team (Saturday)." 

Expect the Habs to have more energy for this one, and I think they'll look forward to this opportunity to beat the current beast of the east. 

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED FRIDAY NIGHT MONEYLINE

The New York Islanders look like a solid bet against the Tampa Bay Lightning Friday night. 

They enter this contest as winners of seven in a row and have had plenty of time to get ready for this one following a 5-3 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. 

The Tampa Bay Lightning, on the other hand, will play their third game in four nights and seem flustered by a rather mediocre 6-4-2 start to the season. "Last year there were times we wouldn't play that good but win easily, but this year it's a little different. It's a different season, and we have a lot of different guys. But I don't want to keep talking about last season," Ondrej Palat said following a wild 7-6 overtime victory over New Jersey on Tuesday. 

Look for the Islanders go get it done home at Barclays Center. 

10* play on NY Islanders. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED NHL TOTAL

The Vancouver Canucks put an 8-2 beating on the LA Kings three weeks ago, and I think we'll see another high-scoring affair when the two teams clash at Staples Center Wednesday night. 

The Kings took a 5-1 loss to Chicago on Sunday and are giving up 4+ goals per game on the season. I don't think they'll allow the visiting Nucks to skate away with this game comfortably, but to stay in this contest they'll need to score. Note that Vancouver averaging a healthy 3.64 gpg, fifth in the NHL, and put seven in a win against Florida Monday night. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Minnesota Wild are coming off their first win of the season, but I think they'll struggle to make it two on the bounce coming up against an Edmonton side looking to get back on track from a 0-1 shootout loss against the Jets on Sunday. They're still a tremendous 7-1-1 on the season and the Oilers goaltending has been terrific with only 21 goals allowed in nine games. 

The Wild on the other hand have allowed a league-worst 4.00 goals against per game this season and #1 netminder Devan Dubnyk is 1-5-0 with a 4.18 goals-against average with an .874 save percentage.

The Oilers are 6-1 in their last seven games as a road underdog when listed between +110 and +150 odds and I think we're getting more than a reasonable price on the visitors. 

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

This will be the fifth meeting ever between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Philadelphia Flyers. The road team has won all the previous matchups, and that's a trend I think will continue here. 

The reeling Flyers have scored just seven goals through an 0-3-1 stretch while the Knights are as solid as ever with four wins in their last five games. They've held opponents to fewer than two goals per game when playing on the road this season and should have no trouble to shut down the Flyers.  

Golden Knights are 12-5 in their last 17 games as a road favorite and 14-6 in their last 20 games following a win. Flyers are 0-7 in their last 7 games as an underdog.

10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

SUNDAY NIGHT NHL BIG HITTER *TOP PLAY*

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off wins over the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets after starting the season 0-2-1. I think they'll come up short here in the fifth game of a seven-game homestand. 

The visiting Washington Capitals are 3-1-0 on the road this season and are playing solid hockey at the moment. We can also note that their netminder Braden Holtby (2-1-2, 3.83 GAA) is 8-3 in his career vs. Chicago while the Blackhawks' goalies have struggled in previous meetings with the Caps. 

Capitals are 8-3 in their last 11 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150. Blackhawks are 17-35 in their last 52 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTNING @ BRUINS *TOP PLAY*

I like the price we get on the Boston Bruins, one of the hottest teams in the league, when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning home at TD Garden Thursday night. 

This is a very tough spot for the visitors who are off to a rather slow start, will be playing on one day of rest and close out a six-game road trip. Boston on the other hand will play on two days rest and this marks its third straight home game after beating New Jersey and Anaheim by a combined score of 7-2 in the first two.   

The Lightning won three of the four meetings between the teams last season, but I expect Boston to come through in this one. 

10* play on Boston Bruins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S CANES @ SHARKS LATE NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The Carolina Hurricanes blanked the Kings in LA last night to move to 6-1-0 on the season. This looks like a good spot to fade the Canes though; note that road dogs on no rest and coming off a road win as a favorite are just 4-13 SU since the start of last season with a 28.8% ROI betting against them.

Here they'll face a San Jose Sharks looking to go on a run after a slow 2-4-0 start. The Sharks have some momentum following back-to-back wins and they've won four straight when hosting Carolina and four of the last five meetings overall. 

10* play on San Jose Sharks. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONDAY MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Buffalo Sabres are 4-0-1 on the season, a record that includes a perfect 3-0-0 run home at KeyBank Center. Here they'll host a Dallas Stars team that is off to a slow start, and I like Buffalo to come out of this one with its perfect home record intact. 

The Stars have a 1-4-1 record and are coming off back-to-back home losses to Washington and Calgary during which they went 1-for-10 on the power play while allowing goals in 3-of-7 shorthanded situations. Extremely worrying for the Stars as the Sabres lead the NHL with a 42%+ conversion rate on their 19 opportunities with an extra skater on the ice. 

Dallas has averaged just 2.2 goals per game on the season, and while it's still early days I think Stars will struggle to keep up with this Sabres team looking to ride the momentum of its hot start. 

10* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED ISLANDERS @ CANES TOTAL

The Carolina Hurricanes are a perfect 4-0-0 on the season, and while they've mostly been involved in high-scoring games I think that will not be the case here. 

The New York Islanders are 1-2-0 on the season. They've not been too shabby defensively with eight goals allowed in three games, but producing goals at the other end of the ice has been an issue. They've mustered only seven on the season, with four of those goals coming against the leaky Winnipeg Jets. Note that Canes netminder Petr Mrazek posted a 2.04 GAA in two meetings with the Islanders last year. 

Under is 16-6 in Hurricanes last 22 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200 and 6-0-2 in Islanders last 8 games as an underdog of +151 to +200.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia Flyers opened the season with a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the Czech Republic last Friday. They've had plenty of time to recover from the transatlantic journey, and according to Jakub Voracek the long layoff won't be an issue. 

"Usually it is, to be honest," the 30-year-old Voracek said (of the layoff). "But if you watched today's practice, I think there was a high pace and I think everybody pushed pretty hard. We're going to skate (Wednesday morning) and we'll be fine."

The Devils are 0-1-1 on the season. They opened the season by blowing a four-goal lead to lose 5-4 in a shootout against the Jets and took a 7-2 loss at Buffalo last time out. They've struggled on the defensive end of the rink and are 4-10 in their last 14 games following a loss of three or more goals. The Flyers are 11-4 in their last 15 games as a favorite, and if they could beat Chicago on neutral ice they should handle New Jersey at home with ease. 

10* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Detriot Red Wings have opened the season 2-0, beating two very accomplished teams as they first picked up a win at Nashville followed by a 4-3 triumph over Dallas on Sunday. Tonight they'll host an Anaheim team that also is undefeated, but this will be the Ducks first road game of the season and I don't like their chances here at Little Caesars Arena. 

Anaheim has been outshot in both of its first two games, and while it allowed only one goal in each game I would not call it a good defensive side.

Detroit has scored nine goals on the season and might get another offensive threat back on the ice here in Andreas Athanasiou who missed the first two games with an injury. 

10* play on Detroit Red Wings. 

TOP RATED JETS @ RANGERS NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The home town crowd will no doubt be fired up here at Madison Square Garden as they look to carry their beloved New York Rangers to a win, but I think they'll come up disappointed.

The Winnipeg Jets are clearly superior to the rebuilding Rangers, and they've had good success in the Big Apple in recent seasons winning five of the last six matchups there. 

Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist finished last season 18-23-10 with a career-worst 3.07 GAA, including 0-1-1 with a 3.39 GAA in two games against Winnipeg.

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S STANLEY CUP FINALS GAME 6 BEST BET

The Boston Bruins looked like they were in control of the Stanley Cup Finals but are now facing elimination following 4-2 and 2-1 Blues wins in the past two games. I like the Blues to close out the series here in front of the home town crowd Sunday night. 

Boston has had the better special teams in the series, but their otherwise so potent power play is 0-for-5 in the past two games and the Blues have been dominant in 5-on-5 play. We can also note that the Bruins first line has gone stone cold producing only two assists in the past two losses.  

The home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings and I expect the Blues to be able to hoist the cup at the end of this game. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

TOP RATED 10* BRUINS @ BLUES STANLEY CUP FINALS GAME 4

The St. Louis Blues managed to steal home ice advantage with a win at Boston in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, but the Bruins regained it just as quick with a dominant 7-2 victory on Saturday.

Blues netminder and Calder Trophy finalist Jordan Binnington had a rough game giving up five goals on 19 shots, and one must wonder if the 25-year-old rookie can handle the pressure and regroup. 

The Bruins have a golden opportunity to set themselves up to close out the series in five games, and I think they'll do just that. This is simply too good of a price on a team that has won five straight on the road while allowing a total of just five goals with two shutouts. 

10* play on Boston Bruins. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NHL): MIKE'S BEST POSTSEASON SIDE

The Boston Bruins proved well worth the money in Game 1 of this series as they battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 4-2 victory

The loss must be mentally tough for the Blues who missed out on a golden opportunity to steal home-ice advantage, and I think they're unlikely to keep it close here as the red hot Bruins surely will be on their toes from the get-go tonight to avoid falling behind early again. 

The Bruins have won eight consecutive postseason games and the home team is 5-0 in the last five meetings between these two teams. 

This looks like a solid case for a blowout win for the home team. 

10* play on Boston Bruin PL. 

TOP RATED 10* BRUINS @ CANES BEST BET

The Carolina Hurricanes finally managed to shut down the Bruins offense in Game 3, but to no avail as they still lost 2-1. They've managed just a total of five goals through the first three games of the series, all losses. Facing elimination, I expect the home team to make sure to turn this into a low-scoring contest as the Canes simply can not rely on their offense. We can also note that the under is 15-8 in Bruins' road games where the total is 5.5 this season. 

Additionally, I fully expect Carolina to do everything in its power to avoid getting knocked out of the playoffs in its own building. It was perfect on home ice in the playoffs up until Tuesday, and this is a very good price on the home team. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NHL): MIKE'S BEST 2019 NHL PLAYOFFS TOTAL!

The first game of this series ended with a 6-3 San Jose Sharks triumph, and I think the high-scoring affair will set the tone for the rest of the series. 

Note that the Sharks have averaged 4.11 gpg home in the Shark Tank through their nine games in the playoffs this season while the Blues have averaged a healthy 3.14 gpg on the road. Over is 11-2 in the Sharks last 13 home at the SAP Center. 

Over is 7-2 in Sharks last 9 playoff games as a favorite and over is 3-0-1 in Blues last 4 playoff games as an underdog.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S BLUES @ STARS BEST BET

The Dallas Stars stole home ice advantage in this playoffs series with a 4-2 win at St. Louis Saturday night. I think they'll ride the momentum of that huge win to another triumph home at American Airlines Center Monday night. 

The Blues' netminder Jordan Binnington has had an absolutely outstanding rookie season, but note that he posted a 2.76 GAA in three regular season meetings with Dallas. "They're a highly offensive team and they've got some skill, so they can capitalize on their chances," Binnington said.

The Stars have won seven of the last nine encounters and I absolutely love the price we get on the home team in this matchup. 

10* play on Dallas Stars. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S BEST NHL MONEYLINE BET FOR APRIL!

The San Jose Sharks will host the Colorado Avalanche the opener of their best-of-seven second round playoff series Friday night. I think this looks like a great spot to back the visitors.

The Sharks did not only battle back from a 3-1 deficit in the series to beat Vegas in the last round, they were also forced to come back from 3-0 down in the deciding Game 7. That contest concluded just three days ago, and I think San Jose will be both physically and mentally drained for this matchup. 

"I’m more worried about our emotional level than our physical," Sharks’ coach Peter DeBoer said. "You’re fighting for your life for three games in a row, that taxes you emotionally. So we’ve got to get our emotional levels back up when we come out on the ice on Friday night."

The Avs, on the other hand, had little trouble to dismiss the Western Conference regular-season champions Calgary Flames in five games. They last played on April 19 so have had plenty of time to rest and prepare. 

10* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The last two games have been low-scoring affairs, and I think that will be the case once again here with the Winnipeg Jets backed into a corner down 3-2 in the series. They will want to make sure not to fall behind as that could prove devastating, and I think the Jets will come out with a very defensive approach. 

The St. Louis Blues will be looking to secure their spot in the Western Conference Semifinals with a win, and the gameplan is clear: "We're just staying with it," Jaden Schwartz told NHL.com after a come from behind 3-2 win in Game 5. "We believe in each other, we believe in the system, and we work as a team. When the team has success, we know that we all get rewarded. We're all playing the same, we're working hard, we're tight defensively, and the power play had a big goal to give us momentum."

It certainly doesn't sound like the Blues have any intentions of turning this into a free flowing game of hockey ... 

Under is 9-1-2 in Blues last 12 Saturday games. Under is 12-5 in Blues last 17 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MAJOR WAGER ALERT ON THE ICE

The Tampa Bay Lightning dominated the regular season but have their backs against the wall just two games into the first round of the NHL playoffs following a pair of home losses to the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

"We’re in a tough position, but we’re not going to quit," Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos told reporters. "We’ve got to take a page out of their book and go on the road and win a hockey game. We just got to focus on Game 3. … It’s not from lack of effort, guys are working hard, we’re just not working smart enough. They’re executing their game plan a lot better than we’re executing ours."

The Lightning had won six straight meetings with the Jackets heading into this series and are 6-1 in the last seven meetings at Nationwide Arena. No reason to overthink this one; let's back the best team in the hockey in what can only be described as do-or-die situation. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Lightning. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED REG SEASON MONEYLINE

The Winnipeg Jets are just 2-5-1 through their last 10 games, but I like the price we get on the visitors here at Gila River Arena Saturday night as they enter the last day of the regular season fighting Nashville and San Jose for the division title. 

The Arizona Coyotes have also stumbled down the stretch, losing seven of their last 10 games. They got eliminated from playoff contention as recently as a couple of days ago and I doubt the Yotes can muster up all that much motivation for this contest. 

The Jets are 17-5 in their last 22 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150 and I expect the Jets to flex their muscle here to try and and the division title. 

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The Chicago Blackhawks managed to stay in the playoff picture as they snapped a three-game skid with a 2-1 OT win over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. They're still five points back with seven games to go and would not only have to leapfrog the Avs, but also Minnesota and Arizona who trails Colorado by just two points. 

The Arizona Coyotes are coming off an 0-3-1 road trip and took a 2-0 loss Sunday against the host New York Islanders, despite out-shooting their opponent 31-26. "I thought we played our hearts out in this game," Coyotes defenseman Jason Demers told NHL.com. "We battled. Obviously back-to-back (games) on the road is always tough, but I thought we weathered the storm in the first, and I thought in the second and the third we kind of took over the game. Their goalie made some big saves ... but our guys didn't quit until the end. That's what we've got to take from that game. We've just got to dust ourselves off and get back at it."

The Yotes must feel good about returning back home to Gila River Arena as they're 8-2 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and will host a Blackhawks side that is 16-18-3 away from home on the season. 

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The Colorado Avalanche are riding a four-game winning streak, the most recent victory a 4-2 triumph over the Blackhawks on Saturday. I think they'll complete the home-and-home sweep when visting Chicago here the following night. 

The Hawks are losers of three straight and have faded since a strong late-season push put them back in the playoff race. They enter this contest six games back of the Avs who currently hold down the last playoff spot in the Western Conference with Arizona and Minnesota just one point behind. 

The Blackhawks have not scored more than two goals in any of their last four games and have converted on just one of their last 24 opportunities to play with the man advantage while the Avs have allowed just four goals through their winning streak.  

You'll hear it's tough to sweep a home-and-home series, but at this price I think it's a no-brainer play on a hyper motivated Avs team. 

10* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* TOTAL

The Colorado Avalanche host the New Jersey Devils at Pepsi Center Sunday afternoon. The Avs are trying to hold on to their ever-slimming postseason hopes but have dropped three of their last four games and been shut out twice during that stretch.

"We have to win hockey games. We can't keep letting games slip away," Colorado defenseman Ian Cole said after the most recent loss. "Not only do you have to beat the teams that we should beat, which I guess at this point is up in the air, but we need to win games, and that's really all there is to it."

I think the Avs will come out playing tight defense to make sure they don't fall behind, leading to a low-scoring matchup with a New Jersey team that had scored just 11 goals through an 0-6-1 slide before coming up with back-to-back wins at Edmonton and Vancouver. 

Under is 19-6-5 in the last 30 meetings overall and 4-0-1 in the last five meetings in Colorado.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE

Two slumping teams will clash at Rogers Arena Wednesday night as the Vancouver Canucks host the New York Rangers.

The Nucks have dropped five of their last six, but they were sizable underdogs (+150 or more) in all those six games and all but two of those contests were on the road. They beat Anaheim 4-0 their last game closing as a favorite and have had three days to rest and recover since taking a 6-2 loss to Vegas Saturday night. 

The New York Rangers on the other hand will be playing their third game in four nights after taking a 3-2 OT loss at Edmonton Monday night. They've lost seven of their last eight, with the lone win during that stretch as a -175 favorite against New Jersey. The Rangers are 7-20 in their last 27 games as a road underdog of +110 to +150. 

Great spot to back the Canucks to get a much needed win.

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

The Montreal Canadiens enter Tuesday in the second wild-card slot in the Eastern Conference and had won four of six games before Saturday taking a 5-1 home loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. They're 4-0 in their last four games playing on two days rest, 23-7 in their last 30 games following a home loss of three or more goals and 5-1 in their last six games as a road favorite. 

Here the Habs will face a LA Kings side that is in a major letdown spot after snapping a 10-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory over Chicago on Saturday. "Just awesome," All-Star defenseman Drew Doughty proclaimed after the streak-busting victory. "It feels really good. But it's hard to look past all those losses we had." 

I really don't expect LA to go on a run, and this looks like a more than reasonable price on a motivated Montreal team. 

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Winnipeg Jets recorded a 5-3 win over Nashville on Friday, but they've won just four of their last 12 games and have not recorded back-to-back wins for three weeks. 

Here they'll face a Columbus Blue Jackets team that will be looking to bounce back from a 4-0 loss to Edmonton on Saturday for their second loss in three games. "It's below our standard, which can't happen this time of year," Columbus forward Nick Foligno said following the defeat. "We're moving right by it. I'm not gonna pick it apart, talk about what's good or bad, we're moving right by it,"  coach John Tortorella told reporters.

The favorite is 6-2 in the last eight meetings, and I think the price is right to back the home team to come through with a win despite the rest disadvantage. 

10* play on Columbus Blue Jackets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The Calgary Flames travel to New York riding a five-game winning streak, including a 4-2 win over New York Islanders last Wednesday. It's however worth noting that the Flames were heavily favored in all but one of those games, and I think this looks like a good spot to back the Islanders to get revenge. 

The Flames barely squeeked by the Senators at Ottawa as a -225 favorite on Sunday, scoring the winning goal with just 41 seconds left in regulation. They are 3-12 in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and here the Flames will run into an Islanders team that is a solid 18-7-1 as a home team on the season and blanked the Canucks in a 4-0 triumph at Vancouver last time out.

The favorite is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings, and I expect that team to the Islanders come game time. 

10* play on New York Islanders. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The New York Islanders look like great value here at Vancouver as they seek to end a two-game slide, first losing 4-2 at Calgary followed with a tough 4-3 OT loss at Edmonton. 

"It's a couple of tough games for us, it's going to be important here that we bounce back and re-focus and get back to playing the way we need to play," defenseman Ryan Pulock said after the most recent defeat. 

Here the Islanders will face a reeling Vancouver team that is 2-5-2 in its last nine games and just lost at home to the Arizona Coyotes. The Islanders are 5-1 in the last six meetings and should get the job done once again.

10* play on New York Islanders. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off a 2-0 loss at Arizona. This will be the last leg of a road trip for the Leafs who will play their fifth road game in 10 days, and they'll run into a red hot St. Louis Blues side aiming for a franchise-best 11th straight win. 

The Blues have outscored their last three opponents by a combined 11-0 and rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington has been phenomenal this with a 12-1-1 record behind a 1.42 GAA as a starter on the season. 

St. Louis has outscored Toronto 19-8 through a five-game winning streak in the series, and I don't see the Blues losing this one. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR FEBRUARY

The Anaheim Ducks have scored just nine goals through their last eight games but managed to snap a seven-game losing streak despite scoring just a single goal against Vancouver Wednesday night. 

Huge for GM Bob Murray to get a win and a shutout in his debut as interim coach after firing Randy Caryle, and I think Murray will put a lot of focus on improving a defense that has allowed an average of 3.16 gpg. 

Boston Bruins are coming off a 6-3 home win over Chicago but we can note that under is 16-6-1 in Bruins last 23 road games. Boston beat Anaheim 3-1 on Dec. 20  and I think this will be another low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The St. Louis Blues look like great value here as the host the Nashville Predators Saturday afternoon.

Riding an 8-2-1 stretch, they've been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last month and here they return home high on confidence off four straight triumphs on the road, the most recent a 1-0 OT win over NHL-best Tampa Bay on Thursday. 

Note that the Blues are 6-2 in their last eight home games following a road trip of seven or more days and took down Nashville 6-2 here at Enterprise Center on Nov 23. 

The Predators have won five of their last six games following Thursday's 3-2 victory over Dallas but their star netminder Pekka Rinne owns a relatively poor 2.75 GAA in his 19 appearances on the road this season. Blues' rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington on the other hand is a spectacular 8-1-1 with a 1.70 goals-against average on the season and I think he'll lead the home team to victory. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The New York Rangers have dropped two of three since the All Star break, but they could easily have won them all with the losses by just one goal each and they out-shot their opponent both times. 

Here the Rangers will face an LA Kings side that collapsed late at New York Islanders on Saturday for another demoralizing loss. Kings' netminder Jonathan Quick gave up three goals on 31 shots to fall to 2-6-2 with a 3.35 GAA and .895 SV% in 10 road starts on the season. 

The Rangers are 5-2 in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 while the Kings are 8-14-2 and average just 1.84 gpg away from home. 

The home team is 5-1 in the last six meetings and this is an easy play on the Rangers IMO. 

10* play on New York Rangers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Vancouver Canucks are heading into this matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes well rested after getting two days of rest and recovery since Sunday's 3-2 victory over Detroit Red Wings. 

Tonight they'll face a Carolina team at a huge rest disadvantage after battling the Flames at Calgary last night, and we can also note that the Canes have dropped 12 of the last 13 meetings at Vancouver. 

The Nucks are a solid 6-1 in their last seven home games vs. a team with a losing road record and a win here send them into the break sitting in one of the Western Conference wild-card positions. I think this is an excellent price on the home team.

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Arizona Coyotes are playing their best hockey of the season right now, earning points in six of their last seven contests with wins over solid teams like San Jose and Toronto.

"We played the right way," said forward Clayton Keller following Sunday's 4-2 win against the Leafs. "We came out a little bit slow, but I think we settled down a little bit and stuck to our game plan."

The Yotes are 5-2 in the last seven meetings with the Ottawa Senators who have won four of their last six overall but just one of their last five home at Canadian Tire Centre. 

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED NHL TOTAL FOR THE 2018/2019 SEASON!

The Los Angeles Kings had allowed just five goals in regulation through their last three games before taking a 7-1 beating at Colorado on Saturday.

The over/under is 19-29 in Kings' games on the season and I expect the home team to bounce back with a much better defensive outing here. "We left our goalies out to dry again. We're sick of doing that," Kings defenseman Drew Doughty told reporters. "When we win games, we leave them out to dry. When we lose games, we leave them out to dry. It's about time we play for them." 

We can also note that Kings netminder Jonathan Quick owns a 2.38 GAA through 23 career encounters with the St. Louis Blues who have scored three goals or fewer in three straight games and have seen seven of their last eight go under the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* PUCKLINE PUNISHER

The Arizona Coyotes have opened a three-game trek through Western Canada with outright wins at Vancouver and Edmonton to improve to 12-9-1 SU on the road for a 40.7% ROI. They're 16-6 against the puckline in those games. 

Calgary is coming off four straight victories but won three of those by just one goal, against opponents like Philadelphia, Chicago and Florida. I like the visitors to keep this close. 

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

GAME OF THE MONTH: MIKE'S TOP RATED NHL TOTAL FOR JANUARY!

Yesterday at Anaheim the Ottawa Senators managed to shore up a leaking defense that had allowed four goals or more in all but one contest during an eight-game slide. They were rewarded with a 2-1 OT win, and I think the Sens will be involved in another low-scoring contest here at LA Kings Thursday night.

The Kings have lost three of their last four games and scored just a total of seven goals during that stretch. They have scored more than two goals in regulation just once in their past seven games ... 

They've been decent defensively though and under is 8-2 in their last 10 games overall and 16-5-1 in Kings last 22 when their opponent allows two goals or fewer in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off four straight wins, but they've played a fairly easy schedule during that stretch and actually struggled to put away the NHL-worst Ottawa Senators last time out. 

I think the Canes' winning streak will come to an end against a red hot New York Islanders side which has won six in a row (with solid road wins at Buffalo and Toronto) and it has lost just one of its last 10.

We can also note that the Islanders should be well rested with this being just their third game in 2019, and they've had plenty of time to recover since picking up a 4-3 win at St. Louis on Saturday while the visitors will play on one days rest. 

The Islanders have won the first three meetings of the season, limiting Carolina to one goal in all three contests, and I think they'll make it four in a row tonight. 

10* play on NY Islanders. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The slumping Nashville Predators have lost seven of their last nine overall and 11 of their last 12 on the road following a 4-3 OT loss at Detroit on Friday.

Tough spot for the Preds here, playing on no rest on the road against a Montreal team that has won five of its last six. 

Montreal netminder Carey Price blanked Vancouver Thursday night after missing three contests with a lower-body injury, Price owns a he 1.94 GAA against the Preds in his career and I think he will guide the Habs to victory in this contest.

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Florida Panthers have won six of their past eight games and they're 4-1-0 in their past five games on the road. Here they'll face a Buffalo side that at was the hottest team in the NHL at one point with 10 straight November wins, but has gone just 4-7-4 in its past 15 games. 

The Sabres enter this contest on a three-game losing streak and may be without their best player (and captain) Jack Eichel, but it's worth noting that they're 5-2 in their last seven home games vs. a team with a losing road record while the Panthers are 7-18 in their last 25 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

I think the Sabres will come out fueled by desperation to end the skid and inspired to start the new year on a good note. They'll also play with extra motivation after taking a 5-2 home loss to Florida last month, and the Sabres are 8-5 when looking to avenge a loss against an opponent this season. 

10* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

TOP RATED 10* NEW YEARS EVE NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE **53.4% ROI ANGLE**

The Winnipeg Jets are coming off back-to-back home losses to Calgary and Minnesota, so they might welcome the change of scenery with a matchup at Edmonton on New Years Eve. 

Here the Jets will face an Edmonton team on a much longer losing streak coming off five consecutive losses (the last four at home), and I think we're getting a fair price on the visitors in this matchup. 

Note that Winnipeg is 7-1 in its last eight road games and it is has generated an absolutely stunning 53.4% ROI through a 10-1 run as road favorites this season.

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights snapped a two-game skid with a 2-1 triumph over Colorado Thursday night. They're 1-4 in their last five games following a win, and I think they're in for tough game Saturday afternoon, facing a Los Angeles Kings team off four straight wins (including a 4-3 OT win at Vegas on December 23). 

The Kings have generated a +24.0% ROI as a home underdog this season. I like the price we get on the home team in this matchup.

10* play on LA Kings. 

TOP RATED NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Vancouver Canucks took a 5-2 loss to Tampa Bay last time out. They had however won five of six prior to that setback and I think we're getting a good price on the Nucks when they host the St. Louis Blues Thursday night. 

The Blues opened a three-game trek through Western Canada with a 4-1 win at Edmonton Tuesday night but are just 1-6 in their last seven games following a win. 

Vancouver won the last meeting 6-1 at St. Louis earlier this month, and expect the Canucks to deliver another beatdown in this matchup.  

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY NIGHT NHL NO-BRAINER

This looks like a great spot to fade the Vancouver Canucks as they'll be playing the 2nd game of a back-to-back following a 5-1 win over Philadelphia Saturday night. They're 1-9 in their last 10 games playing on 0 days rest and and will host an Edmonton team which has won eight of its last 10 and five of the last seven meetings with the Nucks. 

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Carolina Hurricanes took a 6-4 loss at Montreal Thursday night, and I just don't see how they could keep up with the defending Stanley Cup champions Washington Capitals Friday night. The Canes have dropped five of their last six overall are 2-5 in their last seven playing on no rest. 

The red hot Caps on the other hand have won 10 of their last 12 and have had two days of rest since putting a 6-2 beating on Detroit last time out. They've outscored opponents 14-4 during a three-game winning streak with two of those games on the road (Columbus and Arizona) and have won six of their last seven away from home. 

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

Both the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes will be looking to bounce back from disappointing losses when they clash at Bell Centre Thursday night. I expect the home team to be up for this and grab the win. 

The Canadiens suffered a 7-1 setback at Minnesota Tuesday night, their most lopsided defeat of the season. It's however not all that surprising that they came out flat in that contest IMO; note that the Habs had won three in a row prior and it was the finale of a three-game road trip.

"We can choose to look at this two ways," Montreal forward Brendan Gallagher said. "It can crush us for a few games, or it can show the type of character that we have in this locker room." 

The Canes are in a slump with only one win through their last five games after taking a 4-1 home loss to Toronto Tuesday night. They've scored one goal or less in each of the fourth defeats and are averaging only 2.14 gpg on the road. 

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking to end a two-game slide when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night.

They've had two days rest since taking a 6-3 loss at Boston on Saturday and are a perfect 6-0 in their last six games playing on two days rest and 11-4 in their last 15 road games.

Here they'll face a Carolina team which managed to snap a three-game losing streak of its own with a 4-1 win at Anaheim Friday night.

While rest is generally an advantage, note that Hurricanes are 18-38 in their last 56 games playing on three or more days rest.  

10* play on Toronto Maple Leafs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The NY Islanders have won just two of their last six games but should be fired up for this one as they seek to avenge a 6-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Dec 6. The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings and I really don't think the Islanders should be an underdog here. 

The Penguins took a 2-1 OT loss at Ottawa on Saturday and have won just one of their last eight on the road. The Islanders meanwhile showed great resilience as they battled back from an early two-goal deficit in a 3-2 win at Detroit last time out. 

This is a terrific price on the Islanders, considering they're the team with the better record and home ice advantage. 

10* play on New York Islanders. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) MONEYLINE

The Washington Capitals will head into this contest looking to put an end to a two-game losing streak. They had won seven in a row before the mini-slide and here they'll face an Arizona team which may very well come out flat following four straight wins. 

The Capitals didn't practice Wednesday, a day off that gave them time to think about all they didn't like about their 5-3 loss in Las Vegas Tuesday night. Arizona has the confidence and the momentum, but the motivation is on the visitors side and this is a great price we're getting on the Caps. 

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

The St. Louis Blues have dropped four of their last five and were booed off the ice by their own fans following an 8-4 loss to Winnipeg Saturday. "I think we haven't given them that much," Blues forward Patrick Maroon said. "We haven't given them St. Louis Blues hockey."

That was however just a day after a solid 6-2 win over Nashville and the Blues should be more rested and better prepared for this matchup and they'll face a Red Wings team which has dropped three in row. 

The Blues are just 2-4-2 on the season, but keep in mind that they're 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Detroit and outscored the Red Wings 8-2 in a pair of wins last season. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) SIDE

I love the price we get on the Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Tuesday night. They had won three on the bounce prior to taking a 4-1 loss at New York Islanders on Saturday. That was however the second game of a back-to-back but they'll be well rested here and 24-9 in their last 33 vs. a team with a losing record. Montreal on the other hand has lost four consecutive games and we can note that the Hurricanes have won each of the last four meetings. 

10* play on Carolina Hurricanes. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

This is not a good spot for the New Jersey Devils who have just had one day off since coming home from an exhausting 1-6 road trip. "It's a pretty brutal road trip coming to an end and we didn't do what it took to win on the road consistently," forward Kyle Palmieri told reporters. 

Here the Devils will host a Pittsburgh Penguins team which snapped a five-game slide with a 4-0 victory against Arizona on Saturday. The Pens are 4-1 in the last five meetings at Prudential Center and they'll be seeking revenge for a 5-1 home loss to New Jersey earlier this month. 

Pittsburgh is so much better than it has shown in recent games and I expect the Pens to come out fired up here against the Metropolitan Division cellar-dwellers.

10* play on Pittsburgh Penguins. 

TOP RATED 10* WEDNESDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Nashville Predators have won three in a row and allowed only two goals during that stretch. Colorado has lost three in a row and conceded 16 goals in those losses. The Preds are perfect 6-0-0 on the road this season and 14-2 in the last 16 meetings with the Avs. We can also note that the visitors will be playing on a solid three days of rest, a situation in which they're 7-2 last nine. This almost looks too easy but I don't think the Preds will let us down.

10* play on Nashville Predators. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The New Jersey Devils had lost six of their last seven prior to picking up an impressive 5-1 win at Pittsburgh Monday night. Keep in mind that they're 8-1 in their last nine vs. a team with a losing record, and I like them to get the job done when visiting Ottawa despite playing on no rest. 

The Senators have lost six of their last seven and have among the worst penalty kill percentages in the league (68.6%) while New Jersey's power play units is one most efficient at 27.5%.

We can also note that the Devils are expected to give netminder Cory Schneider his third start of the season. He owns a 6-3-1 career record behind a solid 1.94 GAA against the Senators.

10* play on New Jersey Devils. 

NHL BIG HITTER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Montreal Canadiens have alternated wins and losses through their last six games and took a 4-1 loss to Dallas their last time out. Canadiens are 20-6 in their last 26 games following a home loss of three or more goals and I love the price we get on the home team in this matchup.

The Habs will face a Washington team in a let down spot off a 4-3 SO win at Calgary and this will be the Caps fourth straight on the road. We can also note that Washington has yet to claim back-to-back victories on the season. 

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S BEST PUCKLINE BET FOR OCTOBER

The Winnipeg Jets visit the lowly Detroit Red Wings Friday night, and I think we'll see an easy win for the visitors.

Detroit has won just one game all season (1-6-2) and each of its last five defeats were by at least two goals. Here the Red Wings will face a Winnipeg team which had won three straight before taking a 4-2 loss to Toronto Wednesday.

Note that the Jets are 10-4 in their last 14 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game while Red Wings are 1-10 in their last 11 when their opponent scores two goals or less in their previous game.

The Jets have scored at least one power play goal in six games while Detroit has struggled when shorthanded and allowed Carolina to convert on two of three chances with a man advantage Monday night. 

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

NHL BIG HITTER (10* TOP PLAY)

The New York Islanders are 3-4 on the season despite playing just two games at home. They're off a four game trek and will hit the road for another three games after this matchup with the Panthers, so I think they'll want to make the most of this contest at Barclays Center. The energy levels should be high as they've had three days rest since a 4-1 loss at San Jose on Saturday while the Panthers will play on no rest (lost 4-1 at New York Rangers Tuesday night) and this is the visitors fourth game in six nights. 

10* play on New York Islanders. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL ESPN ENFORCER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reeled off four straight victories and they've won the last three by two goals or more. 

The Leafs are coming off an impressive 4-2 triumph over last season's Stanley Cup champions Washington and center Auston Matthews is on absolute fire with a league-leading 10 goals through six games. I expect Toronto to have plenty of success on the man advantage here as it has converted on 47.1% of its opportunities on the season while the Kings have killed off only 73.3% of their penalties. 

The LA Kings took a 5-1 beating at Ottawa on Saturday. This is the finale of a four-game road trip for the Kings, and they might look ahead to next matchup with the Islanders at home. 

The Kings are 1-6 in their last eight road games and the home team is 7-1 in the last eight meetings with Toronto. 

10* play on Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* NHL TOTAL 

The Buffalo Sabres had allowed just three goals through their first two games of the season before taking a 6-1 loss to Colorado their last time out. Arizona had been shut out in back-to-back games prior to earning their first win of the season with a 3-2 SO triumph at Anaheim. The Coyotes have only allowed a total of six goals in three games and I think this will be another low-scoring contest. Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings at Gila River Arena. 

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NHL TOTAL (10* TOP PLAY)

The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Coyotes 1-0 in Phoenix on Saturday night. I think we'll see another low-scoring contest when the two teams face off in the Duck Pond Wednesday night. Arizona has yet to score a goal this season and it was the second lowest scoring team in the NHL last season at 2.51 goals per game. This is a team that does not give up many goals either though and we can note that Arizona netminder Antti Raanta has posted a 1.66 GAA in previous meetings with the Ducks.

Under is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The San Jose Sharks opened a five-game road swing with a 4-0 loss at New York Islanders Monday night. They'll get the chance to bounce back right away here at Philadelphia, and I think they'll get the win here. Note that Sharks are 10-4 in their last 14 games following a loss of three or more goals and playing on no rest shouldn't be much of an issue this early in the season. Philadelphia has split its first two games of the season after taking a 5-2 loss at Colorado on Saturday. The Flyers will have to do without James van Riemsdyk who sustained a lower-body injury in the loss to the Avs, and his absence will surely weaken this Flyers side. 

10* play on San Jose Sharks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* BEST MONEYLINE BET

Early let down spot for the Anaheim Ducks after opening the season with a 5-2 win at San Jose. Anaheim went 2-for-3 with a man advantage while killing all three San Jose power-play opportunities, but it's worth noting that they lost the shots 33-15. The Arizona Coyotes on meanwhile will be looking to earn their first win of the season following a 3-0 loss at Dallas on Thursday. They played decent hockey though, won the shots 30-25 and hit the post twice.

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Boston Bruins opened the season with an embarrassing 7-0 loss at reigning Stanley Cup champions Washington Wednesday night. They fell behind 2-0 just 1:47 into the game and were never able to recover, but I expect a much better showing from an angry Bruins team here at Buffalo the very next day.

The Bruins are 7-1 in the last eight meetings at KeyBank Center, 7-2 in their last nine after allowing five goals or more in their previous game and 20-6 in their last 26 after scoring two or fewer in their previous game. 

Playing on no rest shouldn't be an issue this early in the season and might even be an advantage with Buffalo, known for its slow starts over the years, possibly still in preseason mode. 

10* play on Boston Bruins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Washington Capitals stole home ice advantage in the Stanley Cup Finals with their Game 2 victory in Vegas. Goaltender Braden Holtby was the hero with a couple of amazing saves in the dying minutes of the game, but I expect the Golden Knights to bounce back and win a high-scoring contest here in Game 3. Note that Vegas is a solid 6-2 on the road so far in the playoffs while the Caps are just 4-5 home at Capital One Arena. 

"We try and play the same game no matter what game we're playing at, and it worked really well so far in the post-season," Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said Thursday. "We just try and play the same game — play a quick, fast game, an up-tempo game. Every game's important in the playoffs, so I really don't think it matters if you're playing at home or on the road. Just make sure you're focused for that game."

10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights will host the Washington Capitals for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals Monday night. What Vegas has done this season is sensational.

In the last 50 years, only one other franchise from either the NHL, MLB, NBA or NFL/AFL has reached the championship series (or game) in its inaugural season, and I think Vegas' success will continue here in front of the home fans where it is 15-1 in its last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Home ice and advantage should mean a lot here, and we can also note that Vegas won both of the regular season meetings, including a 3-0 triumph here at T-Mobile Arena.

The bookmakers are not giving Vegas enough credit, and I see amazing value on the home team here in the opener of the Stanley Cup Finals. 

10* NHL Game of the Year: Vegas Golden Knights. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

The Washington Capitals managed to force a deciding Game 7 of this Eastern Conference Finals series with a 3-0 triumph at home, but I like Tampa Bay to bounce back and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. 

For the third time in the past four years, the Lightning will play Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals so there's no doubt they know what it's all about. "I think Game 7 is something that everybody looks forward to, at least I do. I take pleasure in playing a Game 7. I think it's one of the most exciting moments in sports," said Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman, who has a 7-1 career record playing in Game 7. "I think you just have to embrace it, really just have fun with it. I think what it's all about. Usually if you have an open mindset, follow the game plan you set up, you are going to enjoy it. You will most of the time also have a good result."

Lightning are 4-0 in their last four games following a loss of three or more goals and 6-1 in their last seven after scoring two goals or fewer in their previous game.

10* NHL Game of the Month: Tampa Bay Lightning.

TOP RATED NHL *POWER PLAY*

The Winnipeg Jets took the opener of the Western Conference Finals, but they've dropped three games since. The Vegas Golden Knights own all the momentum and are now in a position to move onto the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. I don't think Vegas can afford to give its opponent a chance to get in the series, and Vegas forward James Neal seem to agree. "We're one win away, of course, but we have to keep battling," he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We can't take our foot off the gas now. We have to continue to grow and get better, and we'll do that."

10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

TOP RATED JETS @ VEGAS *POWER PLAY*

The Vegas Golden Knights hold a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals after taking a game at Winnipeg and defending home ice with a 4-2 victory in Game 3 Wednesday night. They've been hard to beat at home all season and are now 5-1 at home in the playoff and get another shot at showcasing their talent in front of the home town crowd at T-Mobile Arena Friday night. Vegas netminder Marc-Andre Fleury is on fire and made 33 saves on Wednesday to improve to 10-3 with a 1.70 GAA and a .945 save percentage in the postseason this year.  I'm looking for the home team to get the job done here.

10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped the first two games of the series at home, but came back strong with a 4-2 victory here at Capital One Arena Tuesday night. Perhaps the Lightning felt they deserved a night off after back-to-back wins at Tampa, but I don't see them giving up their home ice advantage with another loss tonight.

"We weren't playing as sharp as we normally can," Capitals coach Barry Trotz told nhl.com. "We weren't executing the way we normally did in the last couple of games. We were just off a little bit, and you can't be off in this game to have success. We will be better next game."

Washington's Nicklas Backstrom has missed the last four games with an injured hand, but the center has been skating with the team and participated in Wednesday's optional practice. Getting him back here would be a huge boost for the home team. 

10* NHL Game of the Week: Washington Capitals. 

TOP RATED WINNIPEG @ VEGAS *POWER PLAY*

The Vegas Golden Knights stole home ice advantage with 3-1 victory in Game 2 at Winnipeg. The Knights were 29-10-2 at home during the regular season at T-Mobile Arena and are 4-1 there in the playoffs. They're 14-2 in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and I think they'll defend home ice here in Sin City Wednesday night. "Every time we need a big game out of our group, we show up,” Vegas forward Jonathan Marchessault told the media after Monday's game. "I think we showed the hockey world that we earned the right to be here, and we are able to play against a great team."

10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights have had plenty of rest since finishing off San Jose in six games last Sunday while the Winnipeg is coming off a Game 7 victory over Nashville only a couple of days ago. The Jets are never easy to beat home at Bell MTS Place, but I think the visitors rest advantage is too much to overcome. 

Golden Knights are 11-2 in their last 13 vs. a team with a winning record, 5-1 in their last six games playing on three or more days rest and 4-1 in their last five road games.

10* Game of the Week: Vegas Golden Knights.