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

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Sunday, February 14


Philadelphia @ NY Rangers

Game 9-10
February 14, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
12.648
NY Rangers
11.530
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Rangers
-175
5
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+155); Under

Colorado @ Buffalo

Game 1-2
February 14, 2016 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
9.239
Buffalo
10.641
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-125
5
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(+105); Over

Los Angeles @ New Jersey

Game 3-4
February 14, 2016 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
9.747
New Jersey
10.694
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Jersey
by 1
3 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Jersey
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
New Jersey
N/A

Boston @ Detroit

Game 5-6
February 14, 2016 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
8.469
Detroit
11.966
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 3 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
N/A

St. Louis @ Tampa Bay

Game 7-8
February 14, 2016 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
11.817
Tampa Bay
12.985
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-135
5
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-135); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 14

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COLORADO (29-25-0-4, 62 pts.) at BUFFALO (22-28-0-6, 50 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 123-106 ATS (+16.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-29 ATS (+65.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 15-10 ATS (+26.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
COLORADO is 110-81 ATS (+193.2 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
COLORADO is 30-19 ATS (+49.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 11-36 ATS (+71.2 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 3-13 ATS (+18.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 5-0-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (33-18-0-3, 69 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (28-21-0-7, 63 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 12:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-2 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-2-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

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BOSTON (30-19-0-6, 66 pts.) at DETROIT (28-18-0-9, 65 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-5 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-5-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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ST LOUIS (31-17-0-9, 71 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (30-20-0-4, 64 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 193-201 ATS (+475.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 99-80 ATS (+180.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 107-80 ATS (+26.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-1 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 4-1-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (24-20-0-10, 58 pts.) at NY RANGERS (31-18-0-6, 68 pts.) - 2/14/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-50 ATS (+79.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 95-61 ATS (+169.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 54-29 ATS (+12.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 41-20 ATS (+11.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 73-34 ATS (+23.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 20-5 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-6 ATS (+18.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-11 ATS (+30.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY RANGERS are 63-73 ATS (-48.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 91-126 ATS (-93.8 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 117-119 ATS (-60.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 11-8 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 11-8-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 14

Hot teams
-- Colorado won last two games, after losing five of previous six.
-- Los Angeles won four of its last five road games. Devils are 7-4 in last 11 games.
-- Bruins won four of their last five games. Detroit won three of its last four.
-- Lightning won 11 of its last 14 games. St Louis won four of its last six road games.
-- Rangers won four of their last five games.

Cold teams
-- Sabres lost four of their last five games.
-- Flyers lost four of their last five games.

Series records
-- Avalanche won their last ten games with Buffalo.
-- Road team won last four LA-New Jersey games.
-- Bruins won their last six games with Detroit.
-- Blues won their last four games with Tampa Bay.
-- Rangers are 6-3 in last nine games with Philly- they won last two in SO.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Colorado games.
-- Last six Los Angles games went over total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last six Boston games.
-- Last four Tampa Bay games went over total.
-- Over is 4-1-3 in last eight Philadelphia games.

Back-to-backs
-- New Jersey is 3-3 if it played the night before.
-- Boston lost three of last four if they played day before.
-- Philadelphia lost four of last fie if it played day before.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, February 14

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Trend Report
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12:30 PM
COLORADO vs. BUFFALO
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Buffalo is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home
Buffalo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado

12:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

3:30 PM
BOSTON vs. DETROIT
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

6:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. TAMPA BAY
St. Louis is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games ,when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
NY Rangers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


LA at NJ 12:30 PM

LA -158


COL at BUF 12:30 PM

COL -105


BOS at DET 03:30 PM

BOS +131 BEST BET


STL at TB 06:00 PM

TB -140


PHI at NYR 07:30 PM

PHI +155 BEST BET

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Ducks (27-19) at Flames (25-26)
Date: February 15, 2016 4:00 PM EDT

Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau isn't surprised that Anaheim's turnaround coincides with Ryan Getzlaf's improvement.


Getzlaf will look to extend his surge and spark the Ducks to another win over the Calgary Flames on Monday night.

Anaheim (27-19-8) finished with the most points in the Western Conference last season, so entering the Christmas break with the fewest was stunning.

The Ducks, however, have lately looked more like the team that won three straight Pacific Division titles, going 15-4-2 following the layoff to vault it into third place in the division - one point back of second-place San Jose.

Getzlaf has been the catalyst, collecting 19 points over the last 15 games while getting at least one in 13. The captain had 23 points through the first 35 games.

"When he was struggling at the beginning of the year, we were struggling," Boudreau said. "When he's going pretty well right now, we're not going too bad right now."

Getzlaf has two points in each of the first four on this season-high seven-game trip after scoring in overtime of a 3-2 win at Chicago on Saturday.

He's not likely to slow down since he's got 54 points in 52 career meetings against the Flames, including the playoffs. Getzlaf matched his career high with five assists in a 5-3 win Nov. 24, but he didn't have any points in a 1-0 win at Calgary on Dec. 29.

John Gibson only needed to make 14 saves in that matchup, but it's unknown if he'll be back in net after an upper-body injury forced him to leave Saturday after two periods. He stopped 16 of 17 shots before Frederik Andersen had five saves in the third.

"The one thing that we have is two great goaltenders," Getzlaf said. "Obviously, Gibby went down. Freddie was able to come in and give us a couple of key saves."

While reports claim Gibson's injury isn't serious, Andersen could get the call. He's 7-0-1 with a 1.83 goals-against average in his last nine games, but he had 16 saves in a 4-3 shootout loss in his only start at Scotiabank Saddledome on Nov. 18, 2014.

Anaheim has won nine of its last 11 matchups with the Flames, including a five-game victory in the second round last year.

The Flames (25-26-3), eight points out of playoff position, are trying to bounce back from Friday's 4-1 loss at Arizona which halted their three-game winning streak.

Like the Ducks, Calgary also has a problem in net. Karri Ramo is on injured reserve with a knee injury, which forced him to exit late in the third period of Thursday's 6-5 shootout win at San Jose. He surrendered five goals on 34 shots, while Jonas Hiller had 31 stops after getting the nod the following day.

He's 4-2-1 with a 2.06 GAA over his last eight games.

"You're not allowed to lose too many games now until the end of the year," Hiller told the team's official website. "If you don't play well as a goalie, you can easily lose a game for your team.

"You aren't allowed to have too many bad games right now."

Hiller has lost all three decisions with a 4.31 GAA over his last four starts against the Flames.

Johnny Gaudreau leads Calgary with 51 points, and his 21 goals are also a team high and three shy of his personal best set last year. He has one goal in the past eight games after collecting 15 with 10 assists over the previous 21.

Gaudreau has no points in two matchups with the Ducks this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Penguins (28-19) at Panthers (32-18)
Date: February 15, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Florida Panthers' hopes of staying atop the Atlantic Division are appearing tenuous with their recent struggles.

Coming off one of their most lopsided defeats of the season, the Panthers look to avoid a fifth loss in six games Monday night when they face the team that started them on their cold stretch, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Florida (32-18-6) dropped to 1-3-1 in its last five with Saturday's 5-0 drubbing to visiting Nashville. The Predators scored two goals in the opening nine minutes as the Panthers gave up at least four for a third straight contest.

"Our team has been pathetic the last couple of games," coach Gerard Gallant said. "It's a tough spot but men get through it and you battle back. It's two losses in a row that we were no good. We're going to play another real good team in Pittsburgh. We'll see what we're made of."

The Panthers have lost 3-2 in overtime in both matchups with the Penguins this season, with a Feb. 6 defeat ending a five-game win streak. Florida allowed two goals in the final 5:05 of regulation on its own ice.

Aleksander Barkov scored a short-handed goal in the third period but is currently among the Panthers' injured players. Barkov, who has an upper-body ailment, has joined Erik Gudbranson and Willie Mitchell on IR.

Quinton Howden suffered an upper-body injury when he was hit by Nashville's Anthony Bitetto, and Brandon Pirri hurt his ankle Saturday.

"Guys have to step up and find ways. It doesn't matter who is in our lineup. We shouldn't be giving up five goals," defenseman Brian Campbell said.

Evgeni Malkin (lower body) is among the missing for the Penguins (28-19-7), but they registered back-to-back road wins for the first time since November with a 2-1 shootout victory against Carolina on Friday.

"We'd like to play better. I don't think we had great jump, but sometimes you have nights like that on the road," center Matt Cullen said. "We just need to find ways to get two points. It's a huge win and a gutsy win and we'll take it."

Pittsburgh has won seven of nine overall, and is close to getting back into playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

Marc-Andre Fleury made 31 saves against Florida in October, improving to 10-1-1 with a 1.71 goals-against average in his last 12 starts in the series.

Backup goaltender Jeff Zatkoff stopped 42 shots in last weekend's matchup.

Panthers netminder Roberto Luongo is 1-2-4 with a 2.92 GAA in his past seven versus Pittsburgh, and backup Al Montoya has fared worse, posting a 5.04 GAA in losing his last three matchups.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has three goals and seven assists while leading his team to a 4-0-1 mark in its last five versus the Panthers. Kris Letang had two goals, including the overtime winner, and an assist against Florida last weekend.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Stars (36-15) at Predators (26-21)
Date: February 15, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

With one of their most productive streaks this season, the Dallas Stars have driven back to the top of the Western Conference.

The Stars' lead, however, is razor thin, and they could use another win over the Nashville Predators on Monday night to protect it. It's also unclear if they'll have Tyler Seguin available.

Dallas (36-15-5) matched a season high by reaching the four-goal mark for a third consecutive game Saturday and that was enough to edge Eastern Conference-leading Washington. Tyler Seguin found the net twice in a 4-3 victory as the Stars survived the Capitals' third-period rally.

The Stars' third straight win gave them 77 points to match Central Division-rival Chicago, but they've played three fewer games, giving them the tiebreaker.

Dallas had a nine-point lead in the conference Jan. 1 but dropped five points behind the Blackhawks with its 2-6-2 start to the new year. The Stars have won six of seven since, scoring 21 goals in their past five victories.

Seguin has five goals and four assists in six games this month, but had his arm cut by Nicklas Backstrom's skate in the third period Saturday. Cody Eakin also suffered an undisclosed injury in that same period.

The Stars are already missing Jason Spezza, one of their top goal scorers with 18, due to an upper-body ailment.

John Klingberg, one of the league's highest-scoring defensemen, has four goals and three assists this month. Dallas has also gotten four goals and four assists in the last five games from Patrick Eaves, who had four points in his first 31.

Eaves registered his second career hat trick Thursday in a 4-2 victory in Chicago, the Stars' fourth straight on the road.

"Obviously, those are two pretty good teams that we beat, so we're a confident group in here," captain Jamie Benn said.

Eaves had one of the Stars' trio of third-period goals and Seguin tallied the other two in a 5-1 rout of Nashville on Dec. 31. The Stars have outscored the Predators 13-5 in winning three straight in the series.

They ended a four-game skid in Nashville last April and will next face a team that's lost four of five on its own ice.

The Predators (26-21-9) have given up a combined 18 goals in those home games but topped Florida 5-0 on Saturday to earn three points in their two contests in the Sunshine State. Carter Hutton stopped 22 shots in his first action since Jan. 27.

"Whenever they give me starts, I play," said Hutton, who has stopped 77 of 78 shots in winning his only three starts over the last month. "Anything I can do to help our team win. I understand my role. At the same time, just any way I can contribute is what I try to do."

That would appear to force coach Peter Laviolette to choose between Hutton or his struggling No. 1 goaltender Pekka Rinne, who is 1-2-1 with a 4.00 goals-against average in his last four starts.

Rinne has given up a combined nine goals in his past two meetings with Dallas, including the loss in December. Hutton is 2-2-0 with a 2.26 GAA in four lifetime matchups.

Benn has four goals and two assists in his past two games against Nashville while Seguin has scored three times in his last two. Eaves has four goals and three assists in a seven-game point streak versus the Predators.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Maple Leafs (20-25) at Blackhawks (36-18)
Date: February 15, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

As the Toronto Maple Leafs become more comfortable with their new-look roster, the established Chicago Blackhawks are dealing with one of their worst stretches of the season.

The defending Stanley Cup champions attempt to end a frustrating homestand on a high note against the transitioning Maple Leafs on Monday night.

Among the NHL's most dominant home teams, Chicago (36-18-5) has dropped the first three of its current residency to match its longest losing streak this season. After opening the stand with two-goal defeats to San Jose and Dallas, the Blackhawks managed to earn a point despite being outshot 44-23 in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to Anaheim.

Chicago, which began the calendar year with seven straight home wins and hasn't gone winless on a homestand of at least four games since February 2003, has scored only four times during the skid and has struggled when short-handed. It's killed 2 of 6 penalties, with the Ducks recording the game-winner following a too many men on the ice call.

'We just haven't quite had the speed and the momentum, that jump that we've been looking for,' captain Jonathan Toews said. '(Saturday) was a little bit better, but I think top to bottom, all four lines need to be better.'

Those lines will need to be juggled some with Marian Hossa going on injured reserve due to a left leg injury the veteran forward sustained during Saturday's second period.

Injuries have been nothing new for Toronto (20-25-9), currently without four of its top forwards in James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Nazem Kadri and Joffrey Lupul. It's also minus a captain after trading defenseman Dion Phaneuf to Ottawa on Tuesday, the first of several possible moves prior to the Feb. 29 deadline.

A lineup comprised partly of castoffs and youngsters came together nicely on Saturday, as the Leafs dominated Vancouver 5-2 to stop a three-game slide and register their first win since the Phaneuf deal. Journeyman Mark Arcobello scored twice in his third game back from a minor league recall and 21-year-old Brendan Leipsic had one in his first NHL game in place of Kadri.

"This is a hard league to play in," said Arcobello, who's been on five teams over the past two seasons. "When you get an open door, you've got to take advantage of it . . . You never know when you're going to get a chance again."

After allowing 15 goals over the first three of their five-game trip, the Maple Leafs gave James Reimer a relatively easy night by outshooting the Canucks 38-19.

Toronto does possesses the NHL's worst power play at 14.6 percent and is 2 for 49 in its last 15 games. The Blackhawks were 1 for 21 over a six-game stretch before Brent Seabrook scored one of his two goals against Anaheim on the advantage.

Chicago also received a bounce-back effort from Corey Crawford, who had 41 saves two days after permitting four in the first period of a 4-2 loss to Central Division-leading Dallas. He owns a 2.95 goals-against average over his last five outings after posting a 1.58 mark in winning 10 of his previous 12.

With Crawford having started all six games since the All-Star break, Joel Quenneville could turn to Scott Darling, who made 28 saves to support Patrick Kane's hat trick in a 4-1 win at Toronto on Jan. 15.

Chicago has won 10 of 12 in the series and five straight matchups at United Center, where Toronto last won on Feb. 12, 2013.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wild (23-22) at Canucks (22-21)
Date: February 15, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

A tremendous second-half surge by the Minnesota Wild saved Mike Yeo's job last season. With an encore looking increasingly unlikely, a change was inevitable.

John Torchetti will be behind the bench Monday night when the Wild open a three-game trip through Western Canada against the Vancouver Canucks, with the interim coach now in charge of preventing the team's season from spiraling further.

Despite a recent vote of confidence from general manager Chuck Fletcher, Yeo was dismissed after the Wild were dealt a franchise record-tying eighth consecutive loss and 13th in 14 games with Saturday's 4-2 home defeat to Boston.

A playoff participant under Yeo in each of the past three seasons, Minnesota (23-22-10) has fallen five points behind Nashville for eighth in the Western Conference.

"Things have just fallen apart for us," Fletcher said. "We've had a tough four weeks. We had some good meetings last week in St. Louis and I really like the way we played the three subsequent games, and then (Saturday) we took a step back. So I made the decision after the game to let Mike go."

Torchetti, who had been coaching the Wild's AHL affiliate in Iowa, has been in this position before. The 51-year-old went 15-19-1 with four ties as an interim coach for Florida (2003-04) and Los Angeles (2005-06).

Fletcher had been hoping Yeo, who was 173-132-44 in five seasons, could orchestrate a similar turnaround to last season, when the Wild went 28-9-3 from Jan. 15 on and later defeated St. Louis in the opening round of the playoffs.

But Minnesota's defense, a strength for most of Yeo's tenure, has remained a liability during the slump. The Wild have allowed four or more goals in six straight games and 30 overall during the streak, which matches an eight-game slide from Dec. 13-28, 2011, as the franchise's worst.

Devan Dubnyk, whose play sparked last season's run, has contributed to the demise with a 4.07 goals-against average over four consecutive regulation losses. A backline that's missing Jonas Brodin (fractured foot) and Jared Spurgeon (bone bruise) has been a factor as well.

Dubnyk, who's lost nine straight starts, could have an easier time against a Canucks team that's 28th in the NHL in scoring and has scored 10 goals in its last six. Vancouver (22-21-12) also possesses one of the league's least effective power plays and is 1 for 20 over an 11-game stretch.

The Canucks also sit five points behind Nashville due to an inability to capitalize on their own opportunities. Their 9-11-5 home record is the league's second-worst mark, and they've dropped four straight at Rogers Arena following a 5-2 loss to lowly Toronto on Saturday in which they were outshot 38-19.

"We take penalties, turn the puck over, a lot of the same little things that don't make us very successful," forward Jannik Hansen told the NHL's official website. "There is a reason we are in the situation we are right now."

Vancouver is also dealing with injuries. Defenseman Alexander Edler (fractured fibula) and center Brandon Sutter (fractured jaw) will each be out multiple weeks after exiting Wednesday's 2-1 win at Arizona. Bo Horvat, whose eight goals and 16 points since Jan. 4 are each team highs, also will miss Monday's game with a foot injury.

The depletions could increase the pressure on Ryan Miller, who's lost four of five starts despite a 1.80 GAA.

Miller has a 5.25 GAA, however, in losing four of his last five against Minnesota, which reached him for six goals in two periods of a 6-2 home win Dec. 15. He made 31 saves in a 3-2 road victory Nov. 25.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Wings (29-18) at Islanders (29-19)
Date: February 15, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

After opening an impressive homestand by beating the New York Islanders just over a week ago, the Detroit Red Wings are looking to carry that same success out on the road.

Coming off a 4-0-1 stay at home, Pavel Datsyuk and the Red Wings will try to open a road heavy stretch with a season sweep of the Islanders on Monday night.

Detroit (29-18-9) got two assists from Datsyuk while scoring the first five goals in a 5-1 win over New York on Feb. 6. The star center finished with five goals and four assists on the homestand after collecting three points in Sunday's 6-5 win over Boston.

The solid stretch made Datsyuk the sixth Red Wings player to reach 900 career points, and his 902 rank fifth in NHL history among players born in Russia.

"Lots of helping and supporting, and lots of teaching me, too," Datsyuk said. "Lots of giving me advice. I appreciate for all of them."

The Red Wings should appreciate Datsyuk's recent tear, which helped them climb within three points of Atlantic Division-leading Florida.

Detroit is opening a four-game trip and plays eight of its next ten away from home. The Red Wings have lost two straight on the road after winning seven of eight.

That stretch included a 4-2 win over the Islanders (29-19-6) in the club's first visit to Brooklyn on Jan. 25. Datsyuk had an assist to give him 13 points in 14 career meetings, including six in five on the road.

Dylan Larkin has gone four games without a goal after getting one against New York earlier this month. His team-high 18 goals tie Chicago's Artemi Panarin for the rookie lead and are the most by a Detroit rookie since Henrik Zetterberg's 22 in 2002-03.

Larkin has three points against the Islanders, while Tomas Tatar has six in his last five meetings.

Petr Mrazek has a 1.50 goals-against average while beating New York twice this season, including a 28-save effort this month. He's 11-2-2 with a 1.59 GAA over his last 15 games, but it's unknown if he'll start after making 17 saves Sunday.

Mrazek hasn't started on consecutive days, leaving open the possibility of Jimmy Howard getting the nod. Howard is 0-4-3 with a 3.93 GAA in his last eight starts and 1-3-1 with a 2.59 GAA in five career starts against the Islanders.

New York is looking for a much better start after surrendering the first four goals in a 6-3 loss at Carolina on Saturday that ended its three-game win streak.

"For whatever reason, we didn't start on time," coach Jack Capuano said. "You play 82 games, it's going to happen. Let's not kid ourselves."

John Tavares has 14 points in nine games after getting two in each of the last two. The All-Star center has scored a goal in four of the past five games after netting his team-leading 21st against the Hurricanes. He has four goals and 10 assists in 11 career games versus Detroit and scored on a power play Feb. 6.

Jaroslav Halak gave up four goals on 13 shots and was lifted midway through the second period. He was chased again Saturday, surrendering six on 28 shots through two.

While that may be reason enough for Capuano to start Thomas Greiss, Halak has a 3.46 GAA and .878 save percentage while going 6-6-1 in 14 games against the Wings.

Greiss has won four straight decisions with a 2.31 GAA in his last five games after making three saves Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wild (23-22) at Canucks (22-21)
Date: February 15, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

A tremendous second-half surge by the Minnesota Wild saved Mike Yeo's job last season. With an encore looking increasingly unlikely, a change was inevitable.

John Torchetti will be behind the bench Monday night when the Wild open a three-game trip through Western Canada against the Vancouver Canucks, with the interim coach now in charge of preventing the team's season from spiraling further.

Despite a recent vote of confidence from general manager Chuck Fletcher, Yeo was dismissed after the Wild were dealt a franchise record-tying eighth consecutive loss and 13th in 14 games with Saturday's 4-2 home defeat to Boston.

A playoff participant under Yeo in each of the past three seasons, Minnesota (23-22-10) has fallen five points behind Nashville for eighth in the Western Conference.

"Things have just fallen apart for us," Fletcher said. "We've had a tough four weeks. We had some good meetings last week in St. Louis and I really like the way we played the three subsequent games, and then (Saturday) we took a step back. So I made the decision after the game to let Mike go."

Torchetti, who had been coaching the Wild's AHL affiliate in Iowa, has been in this position before. The 51-year-old went 15-19-1 with four ties as an interim coach for Florida (2003-04) and Los Angeles (2005-06).

Fletcher had been hoping Yeo, who was 173-132-44 in five seasons, could orchestrate a similar turnaround to last season, when the Wild went 28-9-3 from Jan. 15 on and later defeated St. Louis in the opening round of the playoffs.

But Minnesota's defense, a strength for most of Yeo's tenure, has remained a liability during the slump. The Wild have allowed four or more goals in six straight games and 30 overall during the streak, which matches an eight-game slide from Dec. 13-28, 2011, as the franchise's worst.

Devan Dubnyk, whose play sparked last season's run, has contributed to the demise with a 4.07 goals-against average over four consecutive regulation losses. A backline that's missing Jonas Brodin (fractured foot) and Jared Spurgeon (bone bruise) has been a factor as well.

Dubnyk, who's lost nine straight starts, could have an easier time against a Canucks team that's 28th in the NHL in scoring and has scored 10 goals in its last six. Vancouver (22-21-12) also possesses one of the league's least effective power plays and is 1 for 20 over an 11-game stretch.

The Canucks also sit five points behind Nashville due to an inability to capitalize on their own opportunities. Their 9-11-5 home record is the league's second-worst mark, and they've dropped four straight at Rogers Arena following a 5-2 loss to lowly Toronto on Saturday in which they were outshot 38-19.

"We take penalties, turn the puck over, a lot of the same little things that don't make us very successful," forward Jannik Hansen told the NHL's official website. "There is a reason we are in the situation we are right now."

Vancouver is also dealing with injuries. Defenseman Alexander Edler (fractured fibula) and center Brandon Sutter (fractured jaw) will each be out multiple weeks after exiting Wednesday's 2-1 win at Arizona. Bo Horvat, whose eight goals and 16 points since Jan. 4 are each team highs, also will miss Monday's game with a foot injury.

The depletions could increase the pressure on Ryan Miller, who's lost four of five starts despite a 1.80 GAA.

Miller has a 5.25 GAA, however, in losing four of his last five against Minnesota, which reached him for six goals in two periods of a 6-2 home win Dec. 15. He made 31 saves in a 3-2 road victory Nov. 25.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Monday, February 15


Toronto @ Chicago

Game 59-60
February 15, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
12.570
Chicago
11.499
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
-300
5
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+250); Over

Montreal @ Arizona

Game 61-62
February 15, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
11.855
Arizona
10.374
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-115
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(-105); Under

Minnesota @ Winnipeg

Game 63-64
February 15, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
11.951
Winnipeg
10.403
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-125
5
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-125); Under

Detroit @ NY Islanders

Game 51-52
February 15, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
11.951
NY Islanders
13.035
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Islanders
by 1
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Islanders
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
NY Islanders
N/A

Anaheim @ Calgary

Game 53-54
February 15, 2016 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
10.607
Calgary
9.256
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Anaheim
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Anaheim
-135
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Anaheim
(-135); Under

Pittsburgh @ Florida

Game 55-56
February 15, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
13.035
Florida
11.517
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida
-125
5
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+105); Under

Dallas @ Nashville

Game 57-58
February 15, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
13.353
Nashville
9.985
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 3 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
N/A

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, February 15

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DETROIT (29-18-0-9, 67 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (29-19-0-6, 64 pts.) - 2/15/2016, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 4-4 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 4-4-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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ANAHEIM (27-19-0-8, 62 pts.) at CALGARY (25-26-0-3, 53 pts.) - 2/15/2016, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 75-72 ATS (-49.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 33-24 ATS (+59.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 21-9 ATS (+10.8 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 27-20 ATS (+53.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 23-13 ATS (+39.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 150-97 ATS (+16.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 55-43 ATS (+101.5 Units) in road games in February games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 50-27 ATS (+11.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 12-4 (+6.2 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 12-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.4 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (28-19-0-7, 63 pts.) at FLORIDA (32-18-0-6, 70 pts.) - 2/15/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 72-69 ATS (-31.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 31-36 ATS (-22.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 9-21 ATS (-16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 32-24 ATS (+56.4 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 12-3 ATS (+15.1 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
FLORIDA is 16-9 ATS (+6.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PITTSBURGH is 89-78 ATS (+175.4 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
FLORIDA is 108-150 ATS (+277.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
FLORIDA is 182-207 ATS (-82.0 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-3-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.8 Units)

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DALLAS (36-15-0-5, 77 pts.) at NASHVILLE (26-21-0-9, 61 pts.) - 2/15/2016, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-5 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-5-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.5 Units)

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TORONTO (20-25-0-9, 49 pts.) at CHICAGO (36-18-0-5, 77 pts.) - 2/15/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 50-86 ATS (+150.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 15-47 ATS (+73.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 6-27 ATS (+42.4 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 27-58 ATS (+97.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-15 ATS (+27.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 21-7 ATS (+4.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO is 3-8 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 19-22 ATS (-22.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-3 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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MONTREAL (27-25-0-4, 58 pts.) at ARIZONA (25-24-0-6, 56 pts.) - 2/15/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 5-12 ATS (-9.3 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ARIZONA is 11-5 ATS (+17.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 13-6 ATS (+19.9 Units) after a division game this season.
MONTREAL is 28-14 ATS (+11.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 17-46 ATS (+94.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 1-7 ATS (-7.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-2 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 3-2-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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MINNESOTA (23-22-0-10, 56 pts.) at VANCOUVER (22-21-0-12, 56 pts.) - 2/15/2016, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 23-32 ATS (-16.8 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 0-6 ATS (-6.1 Units) in February games this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-16 ATS (-15.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-17 ATS (-15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 0-5 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 220-211 ATS (-117.3 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 14-20 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 5-10 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-3 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 5-3-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.1 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 15

Hot teams
-- Detroit won four of its last five games. Islanders won three of last four.
-- Anaheim won ten of its last thirteen games. Calgary won four of its last six.
-- Penguins won seven of their last nine games.
-- Dallas Stars won six of their last seven games.
-- Montreal won three of its last four games.

Cold teams
-- Florida lost four of its last five games.
-- Predators lost four of their last six games.
-- Chicago lost last three games, scoring four goals. Maple Leafs lost 12 of last 16 games.
-- Arizona lost six of its last seven games.
-- Canucks lost five of their last seven games. Minnesota lost its last eight games, fired its coach Saturday.

Series records
-- Islanders lost three of last four games with Detroit.
-- Ducks won six of last seven games with Calgary.
-- Penguins won last three games with Florida, last two in OT.
-- Dallas Stars won last three games with Nashville.
-- Blackhawks won eight of last ten games with Toronto.
-- Coyotes won three of last four games with Montreal.
-- Minnesota won seven of its last ten games with Vancouver.

Totals
-- Over is 7-0-2 in last nine Islander games.
-- Over is 6-0-3 in last nine Anaheim games.
-- Over is 7-1-2 in last ten Florida games.
-- Last six Dallas Stars games went over total.
-- Over is 5-0-1 in last six Toronto games.
-- Seven of last eight Montreal games went over.
-- Over is 5-0-1 in last six Minnesota games.

Back-to-backs
-- Detroit lost five in a row if they played the night before.