The Bum's National Hockey League January Rated Plays - Trends - News - Etc. !!

[StarDust Bum]

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (1) WASHINGTON@ (2) NY ISLANDERS | 2016-01-07 19:05:00 - 2016-01-07 19:05:00
Play ON NY ISLANDERS using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season
The record is 16 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.35 units)

NHL > (13) TORONTO@ (14) LOS ANGELES | 2016-01-07 22:35:00 - 2016-01-07 22:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO using money line in Road games second half of the season
The record is 9 Wins and 39 Losses for the last three seasons (-26.1 units)

NHL > (9) ARIZONA@ (10) CALGARY | 2016-01-07 21:05:00 - 2016-01-07 21:05:00
Play ON ARIZONA using money line in All games after a division game
The record is 8 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+9.15 units)

NHL > (3) FLORIDA@ (4) OTTAWA | 2016-01-07 19:35:00 - 2016-01-07 19:35:00
Play ON FLORIDA using money line in All games after a 3 game unbeaten streak
The record is 9 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+8.95 units)

NHL > (13) TORONTO@ (14) LOS ANGELES | 2016-01-07 22:35:00 - 2016-01-07 22:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO using money line in All games second half of the season
The record is 10 Wins and 35 Losses for the last two seasons (-24 units)

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NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (1) WASHINGTON@ (2) NY ISLANDERS | 2016-01-07 19:05:00 - 2016-01-07 19:05:00
Play ON NY ISLANDERS in Home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season
The record is 16 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.35 units)

NHL > (13) TORONTO@ (14) LOS ANGELES | 2016-01-07 22:35:00 - 2016-01-07 22:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO in Road games second half of the season
The record is 9 Wins and 39 Losses for the last three seasons (-26.1 units)

NHL > (9) ARIZONA@ (10) CALGARY | 2016-01-07 21:05:00 - 2016-01-07 21:05:00
Play ON ARIZONA in All games after a division game
The record is 8 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+9.15 units)

NHL > (3) FLORIDA@ (4) OTTAWA | 2016-01-07 19:35:00 - 2016-01-07 19:35:00
Play ON FLORIDA in All games after a 3 game unbeaten streak
The record is 9 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+8.95 units)

NHL > (13) TORONTO@ (14) LOS ANGELES | 2016-01-07 22:35:00 - 2016-01-07 22:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO in All games second half of the season
The record is 10 Wins and 35 Losses for the last two seasons (-24 units)

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NHL TOTALS

NHL > (11) DETROIT@ (12) SAN JOSE | 2016-01-07 22:35:00 - 2016-01-07 22:35:00
Play OVER SAN JOSE on the totalin Home games in non-conference games
The record is 7 Overs and 0 Unders for the this season (+7.4 units)

NHL > (3) FLORIDA@ (4) OTTAWA | 2016-01-07 19:35:00 - 2016-01-07 19:35:00
Play UNDER FLORIDA on the totalin All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 1 Overs and 9 Unders for the this season (+8 units)

NHL > (9) ARIZONA@ (10) CALGARY | 2016-01-07 21:05:00 - 2016-01-07 21:05:00
Play UNDER CALGARY on the totalin Home games after 3 or more consecutive unders
The record is 31 Overs and 70 Unders for the since 1992 (+35.45 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Maple Leafs (12-15) at Kings (23-12)
Date: January 07, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

While the Los Angeles Kings spent an off day retooling for another anticipated Stanley Cup run, the Toronto Maple Leafs continued to make the idea of the playoffs not so far-fetched.

As the resurgent Maple Leafs aim for a season-high fourth straight victory, the Kings look to bounce back from a rare recent loss when the teams face off Thursday night.

Absent from the postseason in nine of the past 10 seasons, Toronto (16-15-7) is creating a case for contention by going 8-2-2 since Dec. 5 as both its offense and goaltending have shown more consistency.

The Maple Leafs have averaged 3.67 goals during the 12-game stretch, while a revitalized Jonathan Bernier has allowed just three over the winning streak. After recording consecutive 39-save efforts to defeat Pittsburgh and St. Louis, he made 39 more as Toronto opened its three-game California trip with Wednesday's 4-0 win over Anaheim.

After losing his first 11 decisions and being briefly sent to the minors last month, the former Kings' first-round pick has gone 6-2-0 with a 2.21 goals-against average in eight starts.

"He's got his confidence back," coach Mike Babcock told the NHL's official website. "He's playing out of the net, he's doing things right, feels good about himself and gives our team confidence."

Bernier has been aided by an offense that's scored three or more goals in nine of the last 12, though it'll be hard-pressed to maintain that efficiency against a Kings' defense that's yielded the third-fewest goals in the NHL this season. Los Angeles (25-12-2) has been particularly stingy on home ice, having permitted just 1.93 per game while winning 12 of 15 at Staples Center.

The Leafs now face one of the league's hottest goaltenders in Jonathan Quick, named First Star of the Week on Monday after allowing four goals in four consecutive wins. The All-Star selection ran the team's streak to five by making 29 saves in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Philadelphia.

Los Angeles is coming off Tuesday's 4-1 defeat in Colorado, where backup Jhonas Enroth was hurt by a penalty kill that allowed three goals in five chances.

'We hung our goalie out to dry way too many times,' center Anze Kopitar said. 'We have to throw it all out there and just make sure we play the right way.'

The Kings are a troubling 69.0 percent on the penalty kill over their last seven, though Toronto is just 1 of 19 on the power play over the past five.

Los Angeles has scored a power-play goal in six straight, going 7 of 20 over that stretch.

The Kings made a move towards bolstering both their depth and back line with Thursday's acquisition of veteran center Vincent Lecavalier and defenseman Luke Schenn from Philadelphia.

Lecavalier, 35, helped Tampa Bay win the 2004 Stanley Cup and has 411 goals over a 17-year career, though he played in just seven games while usually a healthy scratch with the Flyers this season. The three-time All-Star joins a Kings team that owns a 10-point lead atop the Pacific Division and has won two Cups in the past four seasons.

'There's nothing better than to be on a team that's been there,' Lecavalier said in a phone interview conducted by the Kings. 'If you look at the standings and where they are right now, they're obviously playing some great hockey. I know the Kings have high expectations for the players, and I love that. ... Just to be a part of that, it's very exciting.'

Toronto, which has won five of six on the road, had a three-game win streak at Staples Center halted with a 2-0 loss on Jan. 12.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

College basketball referees work a lot from November-March; here is what referee John Higgins has been doing for the last 7-10 days.........

Dec 29-- Texas Southern @ Baylor

Dec 30-- Nevada @ New Mexico

Dec 31-- BYU @ St Mary's

Jan 1-- Utah @ Stanford

Jan 2-- Michigan State @ Minnesota

Jan 3-- Arizona @ Arizona State-- Higgins tossed Bobby Hurley at end.

Jan 4-- Oklahoma @ Kansas-- Game went triple overtime.

Jan 5-- Kansas State @ Texas

Jan 6-- Evansville @ Wichita State

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Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Ranking the NFL's playoff teams.......

12) Green Bay-- Rodgers was sacked 14 times in his last two games.

11) Washington-- Won last four games, three of which were on road.

10) Houston-- 7-2 in their last nine games after a 2-5 start.

9) Minnesota-- Going to be sub-zero for their game on Sunday.

8) Cincinnati-- Their last playoff win was in 1990: I had hair then!!!!

7) Steelers-- I beat this to death every time an NFL team fires a coach too soon; the Steelers have had three head coaches...........since 1969

6) Seahawks-- Ted Cruz was born in Calgary; if he shows up at a campaign event wearing a Calgary Flames jersey I promise to vote for him. Have some fun with it.

5) Chiefs-- They haven't lost since the Royals won the World Series; they haven't won a playoff game since 1993.

4) Denver-- Don't have lot of confidence in their chances, even at home.

3) New England-- Who are the three people who didn't vote for Junior Griffey for the Hall of Fame? They need to be identified.

2) Arizona-- Now is the hour for Carson Palmer and the Redbirds. Why did Mike Piazza have to wait four years to get into the Hall of Fame?

1) Carolina-- Think about Lovie Smith getting fired last night; in Ron Rivera's first two years with the Panthers, they went 13-19, but they kept him and they're 34-13-1 in three years since then. Firing a guy after two years makes very little sense.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, January 7

Hot teams
-- Washington won eight of its last ten games. Islanders won three of last four.
-- Florida won its last ten games, allowing 12 goals.
-- Jets won four of their last six games.
-- Coyotes won five of their last eight games. Calgary won four of its last six games.
-- Detroit won its last two games, allowing three goals.
-- Maple Leafs won six of their last eight games. Kings won five of their last six.

Cold teams
-- Florida lost five of its last seven games.
-- Flyers lost three of their last four games. Minnesota is 4-5 in its last nine games.
-- Dallas Stars lost four of their last five games.
-- San Jose lost four of its last six games.

Series records
-- Islanders lost three of last four games with Washington.
-- Florida is 5-3 in its last eight games with Ottawa.
-- Flyers won four of last six games with Minnesota.
-- Winnipeg-Dallas split their last ten games.
-- Flames won five of last six games with Arizona.
-- Sharks won six of last seven games with Detroit.
-- Kings lost three of last four games with Toronto.

Totals
-- Four of last five Islander-Washington games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Florida-Ottawa games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Philly games went over the total. Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Wild games.
-- Six of last eight Dallas-Winnipeg games went over.
-- Six of last eight Arizona-Calgary games stayed under.
-- Over is 6-0-1 in last seven San Jose games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Toronto-Los Angeles games.

Back-to-backs
-- Toronto is 1-8 if it played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Thursday, January 7

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY ISLANDERS
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games

7:30 PM
FLORIDA vs. OTTAWA
Florida is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MINNESOTA
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

8:30 PM
WINNIPEG vs. DALLAS
Winnipeg is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing Dallas
Winnipeg is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 12 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

9:00 PM
ARIZONA vs. CALGARY
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Calgary's last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
DETROIT vs. SAN JOSE
Detroit is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Jose's last 7 games

10:30 PM
TORONTO vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, January 7


Arizona @ Calgary

Game 9-10
January 7, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
8.974
Calgary
10.552
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-165); Under

Detroit @ San Jose

Game 11-12
January 7, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
10.896
San Jose
12.414
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Jose
by 1 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Jose
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Jose
(-120); Over

Toronto @ Los Angeles

Game 13-14
January 7, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
12.533
Los Angeles
11.496
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
-230
5
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+195); Under

Washington @ NY Islanders

Game 1-2
January 7, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
10.560
NY Islanders
12.043
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Islanders
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Islanders
-110
5
Dunkel Pick:
NY Islanders
(-110); Over

Florida @ Ottawa

Game 3-4
January 7, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida
11.174
Ottawa
12.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
-110
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(-110); Under

Philadelphia @ Minnesota

Game 5-6
January 7, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
10.773
Minnesota
12.284
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-170
5
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-170); Over

Winnipeg @ Dallas

Game 7-8
January 7, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
11.529
Dallas
10.497
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 1
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
-200
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+170); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, January 7

Washington at NY Islanders, 7:05 PM ET
Washington: 22-11 SU in road games after playing a road game
New York: 29-35 SU after playing a home game

Florida at Ottawa, 7:35 PM ET
Florida: 9-1 SU off a road win
Ottawa: 45-52 SU at home revenging a close loss vs opp of 1 goal or less

Philadelphia at Minnesota, 8:05 PM ET
Philadelphia: 17-44 SU in road games
Minnesota: 12-3 SU in a home game where where the total is 5 or less

Winnipeg at Dallas, 8:35 PM ET
Winnipeg: 10-32 SU in road games off a road win
Dallas: 11-2 SU after 1 or more consecutive losses

Arizona at Calgary, 9:05 PM ET
Arizona: 6-14 SU when playing with 2 days rest
Calgary: 7-1 SU in home games off a home

Detroit at San Jose, 10:35 PM ET
Detroit: 14-7 SU in road games in non-conference games
San Jose: 5-11 SU in home games

Toronto at Los Angeles, 10:35 PM ET
Toronto: 56-85 SU after a 3 game unbeaten streak
Los Angeles: 17-8 SU revenging a road blowout loss vs opp by 4 goals or more

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, January 7

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WASHINGTON (29-7-0-3, 61 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (22-13-0-5, 49 pts.) - 1/7/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 31-16 ATS (+12.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 9-1 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 9-1 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-10 ATS (+13.5 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-6 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 9-6-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.5 Units)

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FLORIDA (24-12-0-4, 52 pts.) at OTTAWA (19-15-0-6, 44 pts.) - 1/7/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 35-25 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 24-16 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 9-1 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak this season.
FLORIDA is 32-19 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 22-10 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-5 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-5-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (16-15-0-7, 39 pts.) at MINNESOTA (21-11-0-7, 49 pts.) - 1/7/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-17 ATS (+24.3 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-3 ATS (+8.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-7 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-7 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-2 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-2-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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WINNIPEG (19-19-0-2, 40 pts.) at DALLAS (28-10-0-4, 60 pts.) - 1/7/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 28-14 ATS (+43.8 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 16-4 ATS (+10.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
DALLAS is 33-21 ATS (+54.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 204-134 ATS (+26.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 10-21 ATS (-19.6 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-5-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

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ARIZONA (19-16-0-4, 42 pts.) at CALGARY (19-18-0-2, 40 pts.) - 1/7/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 69-63 ATS (+138.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 52-46 ATS (+108.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 31-20 ATS (+54.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 8-3 ATS (+12.1 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 8-2 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 7-4 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 7-4-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

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DETROIT (20-13-0-7, 47 pts.) at SAN JOSE (18-17-0-2, 38 pts.) - 1/7/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 7-14 ATS (-12.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 401-290 ATS (-115.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
DETROIT is 33-37 ATS (-20.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-7 ATS (+22.1 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 58-61 ATS (-30.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 9-15 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 2-7 ATS (-8.6 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 9-14 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 84-84 ATS (-45.2 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 4-1 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 4-1-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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TORONTO (16-15-0-7, 39 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (25-12-0-2, 52 pts.) - 1/7/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 11-35 ATS (+54.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 57-86 ATS (-40.2 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
TORONTO is 11-6 ATS (+18.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 65-56 ATS (+140.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 9-19 ATS (-24.9 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 12-16 ATS (-10.5 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Thursday, January 7


Will Florida keep the streak alive? The Panthers go for their 11th-straight win when they visit the Sens Thursday.


The Minnesota Wild are 1-for-19 on the power play in the last nine games.


Stars G Kari Lehtonen, who is 6-1-1 lifetime against Winnipeg, is expected to get the start Thursday.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


WAS at NYI 07:00 PM

NYI +102


FLA at OTT 07:30 PM

OTT +101


PHI at MIN 08:00 PM

PHI +145 BEST BET


WIN at DAL 08:30 PM

DAL -155


ARI at CAL 09:00 PM

ARI +121 BEST BET


DET at SJ 10:30 PM

SJ -133


TOR at LA 10:30 PM

TOR +175 BEST BET

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Bruins (18-14) at Devils (18-16)
Date: January 08, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Boston Bruins have won once in six games since beating the New Jersey Devils almost three weeks ago.

Armed with a sense of urgency, the Bruins might have a good opportunity to halt that slide by extending their road success and recording a fifth consecutive victory over the Devils on Friday night.

Boston (20-14-4) has gone 1-5-0 since a 2-1 shootout home victory over New Jersey on Dec. 20 gave it 11 wins in a 15-game stretch. Four of the most recent five defeats came in five games at home, including the Winter Classic in nearby Foxborough, leaving the Bruins at 9-11-2 on home ice.

They're allowing 3.05 goals per game at home compared to 2.31 on the road.

Boston begins a five-game Eastern Conference trip against the Devils (20-16-5), whom they've defeated in 16 of the last 19 meetings and seven of nine at New Jersey. The Bruins have allowed five goals during a four-game winning streak in the series.

"It is a big road trip coming up, and we have to approach it that way," coach Claude Julien told the Bruins' official website. "I'm hoping that our group here is going to be ready for that challenge.

"There's no reason for us to not have the confidence, with the record that we have on the road, and hopefully, we can have that and go out there and prove that we've still got a good road team."

Boston has been held to two or fewer goals five times in seven games and given up at least three goals in five straight. The Bruins hung tough against the East's top team Tuesday but dropped their second in a row, 3-2 against Washington.

"It's tough because we're so committed to winning and looking at results," defenseman Torey Krug said. "But at this point in the season, we've got to start fine-tuning our game and trying to come away with points because our standings are so tight.

"So we'll move on and we'll take the positives, whatever it is, and just carry it into the next one."

Tuukka Rask, who watched backup Jonas Gustavsson make 29 saves against the Devils last month, is expected to be back in net on the road where he's 7-2-2 with a 1.85 goals-against average.

Including a goal against the Devils, Loui Eriksson has three and six assists in nine games. He's recorded three goals and four assists in a five-game point streak at New Jersey.

The Devils have allowed seven goals in five contests, but they've managed one goal while losing two straight. Adam Henrique scored early in the third period Wednesday cut the deficit to one at Montreal, but New Jersey fell 2-1.

"We'll find a way to regroup and make sure we're prepared to play against Boston," coach John Hynes told the NHL's official website.

Hynes is uncertain if leading scorer Mike Cammalleri will miss a fourth straight game with an upper-body injury.

Cory Schneider, named an All-Star on Wednesday, has posted a 1.26 GAA in the last four games. He made 38 saves while dropping his fourth straight start to Boston last month.

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Preview: Blue Jackets (13-23) at Hurricanes (16-18)
Date: January 08, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Columbus Blue Jackets believe they've found the ideal defenseman to help improve a club that's allowed the most goals in the NHL.

Projected to be a fixture in Columbus for many years, Seth Jones is expected to make his debut for the visiting Blue Jackets on Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Though coach John Tortorella has brought a more defensive-minded approach since replacing the fired Todd Richards after an 0-7-0 start, Columbus has yielded 130 non-shootout goals while recording a league-low 33 points.

In an effort to upgrade their play in the defensive end, the Blue Jackets (15-23-3) acquired the 21-year-old Jones from Nashville on Wednesday for former All-Star forward Ryan Johansen.

"It addresses our biggest need - short term and long term," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "We've been looking for a D-man for a while, and to get a D-man of this caliber, obviously, you have to give up a lot."

The fourth overall pick in 2013 and son of former NBA player Popeye Jones, the third-year blueliner recorded 15 goals, 48 assists and averaged 19:44 minutes in 199 games while playing in the shadows of top-tier defenders Shea Weber and Roman Josi in Nashville. However, the 6-foot-4, 208-pound Jones immediately vaults to the top of the defensive pairings in Columbus.

"They told me that I should be prepared for a few more minutes than I've been playing in Nashville, and a little more opportunity on the power play and the penalty kill," said Jones, who's averaging a career-high 2:25 minutes of power-play ice time. "I'm very excited for that role I'm going to get and I think I'm ready. They've made it pretty clear they're going to throw a little more at me than I'm used to getting."

With the emergence of third-year center Boone Jenner, the addition of Brandon Saad and some potentially solid depth at forward, the Blue Jackets felt ready to deal the 23-year-old Johansen. Both the team and Johansen, who had a career-high 71 points last season, said the move had nothing to do with any problems he may have had with Tortorella.

"This is something we felt we needed to address," Kekalainen said. "We've been looking for a defenseman for a long time. (Jones) is a defenseman that can be a No. 1, No. 2 defenseman."

The Blue Jackets would like to see an immediate return after allowing 24 goals while losing four of six. After being outscored 13-6 during a recent three-game road stretch, Columbus tries to avoid matching a season high with its fourth consecutive defeat away from home.

Its only victory in four meetings last season with the Hurricanes (16-18-7) came 4-3 in a shootout at Carolina on March 10.

Paced by a unit comprised of six American-born defensemen, the Hurricanes have allowed 18 goals in the last 10 games. However, they've scored 17 while going 4-4-2. Carolina has killed 25 of 27 penalties in the last 13 games but is 0 for 14 on the power play in the past eight.

After totaling one goal in overtime losses to Nashville and Edmonton, the Hurricanes fell 3-2 at Vancouver on Wednesday.

"I don't like losses," coach Bill Peters said. "They all feel the same to me."

Jordan Staal had a goal with an assist after recording one point in the previous seven contests.

Defenseman Justin Faulk leads the Hurricanes with 30 points but has none in a season-high five consecutive games. He had three goals with two assists against the Blue Jackets last season.

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Preview: Sabres (14-21) at Blackhawks (24-13)
Date: January 08, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The last three of the Chicago Blackhawks' five straight wins have been due in large part to defense. That doesn't bode well for a Buffalo Sabres team that's seen its offense dry up during a five-game losing streak.

The Blackhawks try for their ninth consecutive victory and sixth in a row at home in the series as they continue a four-game stretch at United Center on Friday night.

Chicago (25-13-4) defeated Pittsburgh for the second consecutive night Wednesday, winning 3-1 behind a second straight two-goal game from rookie Artemi Panarin and 17 saves from backup Scott Darling. The Blackhawks have given up three goals in the past three victories after allowing eight in first two of their streak.

"We're playing a little bit better in our own end, keeping pucks to the outside, defensive zone puck management ... so I think we're pretty pleased right now," forward Andrew Desjardins said.

Chicago allowed 31 shots Wednesday, but had 37 itself and had given up 26 or fewer in the previous three games. The club has outshot four consecutive opponents.

The offense was handled for the second straight night by Panarin, who leads NHL rookies with 15 goals and 38 points. He managed two goals in his previous 13 before getting two in a 3-2 win Tuesday and turning in an identical performance Wednesday.

"We knew he was a special player right from the outset," linemate Patrick Kane told the team's official website. "Couple (of) big games by him (and) a couple huge goals. I'm sure you'll see that more as his career goes on (with) the Blackhawks, and he'll get even more accommodated here in the United States and everything like that. He'll become a better player. Sky's the limit for that kid."

Kane assisted on Panarin's first goal Wednesday for his league-leading 60th point of the season. He has two goals and eight assists on a five-game point streak.

Kane has scored a goal in four straight meetings with the Sabres, who appear to be badly overmatched. Outscored 18-7 during its five-game skid, Buffalo (15-21-4) has given up 31 goals and scored 17 during its 0-7-1 stretch in this series.

The Sabres preceded their overall losing streak with a 4-1-1 span and totaled nine goals in the final two victories, but they've gone back to playing like one of the worst offensive teams in the league. They were dominated by Atlantic Division-leading Florida on Tuesday, falling 5-1 to complete a three-game homestand.

"I don't think our pushback was there in the third period where it needed to be," coach Dan Bylsma said. "They got the third goal, and I thought we really sagged after that."

The lone goal came from Ryan O'Reilly on the power play, and Buffalo has gone 4 for 14 in the last three games after an 0-for-21 stretch in the previous seven.

O'Reilly, with two goals in his past three contests to give him 16 on the season, was chosen Wednesday to represent the Sabres in the All-Star Game.

"He's our leader. He's our go-to guy right now," rookie center Jack Eichel told the team's official website.

Chicago's Corey Crawford, expected to return to the net Thursday, has given up two goals over his last two starts. He's won all six career starts against the Sabres with a 1.82 goals-against average.

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Preview: Lightning (17-17) at Oilers (14-21)
Date: January 08, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Lightning make no excuses for underachieving through the first half of the season. Whether they're able to do something about it remains to be seen.

Trying to avoid a fourth defeat in five games Friday night, the Lightning look to end their struggles in Edmonton against an Oilers team that's played well at home.

After hoping to build on last season's run to the Stanley Cup Final, Tampa Bay (19-17-4) approaches its halfway mark outside of playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Hampered by an offense ranked in the league's bottom half with an average of 2.48 goals, the Lightning have not won more than three in a row.

They'll try to bounce back from opening a four-game western trip with Tuesday's 3-1 loss at Calgary.

"Definitely something's got to change," said defenseman Anton Stralman, who continues to do his part with eight points in nine games. "Right now we have the talent, we have the energy. We're just not going out and executing and working hard enough. It's got to be a mindset."

It hasn't helped that the future of 2013 third overall pick Jonathan Drouin within the organization continues to be distraction. The underachieving forward requested a trade after being assigned to Syracuse of the AHL last weekend.

"It's frustrating, but no one's feeling sorry for us right now," said star forward Steven Stamkos, who scored his team-leading 17th goal Tuesday. "We can't sit here and pout. We've got to do something about it. We can't just keep saying the right things - we've got to do it. It starts with me. I've got to be better."

Tied for the team lead with 30 points and named an All-Star for the fourth time, Stamkos has six goals in eight games, but his longest point streak is three in a row.

Despite killing all 18 penalties over its last seven games, Tampa Bay has yielded at least three goals in three of four. Ben Bishop, who joins Stamkos as an All-Star selection, has a 2.63 goals-against average - .57 higher than his season GAA - while dropping three straight.

Bishop was in net as the Lightning dropped their fourth in a row at Edmonton, 3-2 on Oct. 20, 2014.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored the go-ahead goal in that contest, and he also has four assists in five games against Tampa Bay. He recorded his fifth assist in five games on Andrej Sekera's goal 2:47 into overtime of Monday's 1-0 win over Carolina.

Though last in the West with 37 points, the Oilers (17-21-3) have won nine of 11 at home and two straight after opening a six-game homestand with back-to-back defeats.

"It means a lot to get these two points ... and to build some momentum in our own rink," said Cam Talbot, who made 29 saves for his first shutout with the Oilers. "Just the way the team has been playing in our own end, it's a confidence boost for everyone."

Although Talbot has been strong with a 1.79 GAA in his last six starts, Edmonton is 1 for 19 on the power play while scoring 14 non-shootout goals in its last eight games.

Stamkos has five goals in seven games against the Oilers.

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Preview: Predators (17-14) at Avalanche (20-18)
Date: January 08, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

As Ryan Johansen looks to make a fresh start in Nashville, the Predators hope they've finally found the top-line center they've desired.

Trying to spark a Predators team that's been middling offensively, Johansen expects to debut for Nashville against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night.

Nashville (19-14-7) ranks 18th in the NHL with 2.55 goals per game and has averaged 2.22 in its last 23 contests. Needing a boost, the Predators acquired Johansen from Columbus on Wednesday for third-year defenseman Seth Jones, who immediately becomes the Blue Jackets' No. 1 blueliner.

"It was a steep price to pay," Predators general manager David Poile said of swapping former No. 4 overall picks. "But having Ryan Johansen at center ice with the defense that we have, our top four still being intact, I think that is a better balance for our club because it's a better chance to win on a nightly basis.

"We accomplished something that we haven't been able to in 18 years of our history, and that's to acquire a No. 1 center."

The 23-year-old Johansen scored 59 goals the previous two seasons and had a career-high 71 points in 2014-15, but he's endured a rough first half with six goals and 20 assists in 38 games. He was benched in John Tortorella's first game as Columbus coach Oct. 21, as well as last month against Arizona and at Florida on Dec. 27.

'The first half obviously hasn't been how I drew it up," said Johansen, who has gone 15 games without a goal. "But I got a chance now to really get my game back on track.'

The Blue Jackets and Johansen said the move had nothing to do with his relationship with Tortorella, and the fifth-year player is eager to contribute to his new club.

"I want that jersey on as soon as possible and start the new chapter I guess," said Johansen, who has two goals and two assists in his last five games against Colorado. "We'll go have some fun."

The Predators haven't experienced much enjoyment during a 1-2-1 stretch. They've totaled four goals in the last three games and fell 4-1 to Winnipeg on Tuesday despite a 44-18 shot advantage. Nashville is 9-12-4 when outshooting opponents.

'(Tuesday) night was certainly typical of our year," Poile said.

Nashville outshot Colorado 36-25 on Dec. 12, but Semyon Varlamov made 34 saves in the Avalanche's 3-2 road win. Two points behind the Predators in the Central Division, the surging Avs are anxious to mix it up again.

'It should be exciting to catch Nashville,' said coach Patrick Roy, whose club has gone 8-2-2 in its last 12 and 11-4-2 in 17. "It's pretty good what our guys have been doing lately.'

Nathan MacKinnon scored the tying goal with 1:29 remaining in the third and Gabriel Landeskog scored with 16.5 seconds left in overtime to give the Avs a 4-3 victory over St. Louis on Wednesday. Colorado (20-18-3) has won two straight at the Pepsi Center for the third time this season.

"I think our guys are having fun coming to the rink," Roy said. "It was a tough start, and now we're playing some good hockey, which is exciting for every one of us."

Tied for the team lead with 34 points and second with 14 goals, MacKinnon snapped a 10-game home goal drought Wednesday. He has one goal and seven assists in nine games against Nashville.