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

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Preview: Predators (32-21) at Avalanche (33-29)
Date: March 05, 2016 3:00 PM EDT

A franchise-record point streak has the Nashville Predators well-equipped to handle the rigors of a long late-season road trip.

They'll open a five-game trek looking to extend that impressive run in Saturday's key matchup with the Colorado Avalanche.

Though its season-high five-game win streak was halted, Nashville (32-21-12) earned a point in an 11th consecutive game with Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to New Jersey. The Predators are 7-0-4 over the stretch and have moved six points clear of the Avalanche and Minnesota for the Western Conference's top wild-card spot.

Nashville's 12-3-4 mark since Jan. 21 trails only Anaheim among West teams, with much of that success coming in visiting venues. The Predators are 8-0-1 in their last nine road games, winning the last four.

They have come up empty in two prior 2015-16 meetings with Colorado (33-29-4), which got a crucial four-game homestand off to a desired start with Thursday's 3-2 victory over Florida. The Avalanche remained tied with resurgent Minnesota for the West's final playoff spot, though the Wild hold a game in hand.

Colorado stopped a two-game skid behind a strong performance from Calvin Pickard, who recorded 24 of his 38 saves in the third period filling in for a slumping Semyon Varlamov. The backup goaltender is 3-1-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average over his last five appearances.

'The thing that I like about him is his swagger,' coach Patrick Roy said. 'He seems very confident right now in front of the net. He looks big and he's moving well. I love that intensity that he's bringing, the compete level that he's bringing on the ice.'

Conversely, Varlamov's psyche appears a bit shaken after surrendering three first-period goals in Tuesday's 6-3 defeat at Minnesota and yielding four each in losing his previous two starts.

Varlamov did have 34 saves in a 3-2 win in Nashville on Dec. 12, and 19 while backed by two power-play goals in a 5-3 home victory over the Predators on Jan. 8. The Avalanche are 3 of 11 and Nashville just 1 of 8 in man-advantage situations for the season series.

The Predators had killed 20 of 22 penalties over their nine games preceding Thursday's loss, in which the Devils scored on all three power-play opportunities.

'It's disappointing to lose that way," said center Mike Fisher, who skated in his 1,000th NHL game. "It wasn't our best, but we've just got to regroup and have a good game (Saturday) and forget about this one and just keep rolling here, keep our confidence high and forget about it.'

Nashville has continued to get big production from its line of Mike Ribeiro, Filip Forsberg and Craig Smith, each of whom had a goal. Smith has seven points over a three-game goal streak and Forsberg has a league-leading 13 goals over a 13-game stretch, with seven coming in his past five.

"That line was excellent, once again," coach Peter Laviolette said. "They are working extremely hard out there and because of that they are generating chances."

Colorado's offense has received an immediate contribution from trade-deadline pickup Mikkel Boedker. The forward contributed a goal to Thursday's win after registering an assist in his first game since being acquired from Arizona on Monday.

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Preview: Ducks (36-19) at Kings (38-21)
Date: March 05, 2016 4:00 PM EDT

The surging Anaheim Ducks have a chance to make franchise history and take over sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division for the first time this season.

Standing in their way are the co-leading Los Angeles Kings, who are also faring well.

The visiting Ducks can also secure a winning season series over the Kings with a club-record 11th consecutive victory Saturday.

Anaheim (36-19-8) has recorded a pair of 4-2 victories over Los Angeles during a 17-1-1 stretch since a 3-2 home loss to the Kings on Jan. 17. Los Angeles' only defeat in its last six games came at Anaheim on Sunday.

'It's going to be the biggest game of the year, and everybody knows that going in,' said Los Angeles forward Dwight King, whose team currently holds the tiebreaker between the clubs. 'We know what's on the line, so it's going to be pretty much playoff hockey."

After Thursday's 5-1 rout of Arizona matched the club mark for consecutive wins set in December 2013, the Ducks are obviously just as eager for this matchup.

"It's going to be a good game," Anaheim goalie Frederik Andersen said. "Those are the ones you look forward to."

The Ducks hope to have points leader Ryan Getzlaf available after he was scratched Thursday because of a lower-body injury. Including the playoffs, Getzlaf has four goals and 13 assists in his last 15 games against the Kings (38-21-4).

Teammate Corey Perry recorded a hat trick and had an assist against Los Angeles on Sunday, then followed with two goals and two assists in the next two. Four of Perry's goals came on the power play, where Anaheim is a sizzling 17 for 41 during the winning streak.

"It's been a big strength for us," said defenseman Cam Fowler, who has a point in four straight games. "We've been scoring at key moments, too, which is huge for our confidence. It's going to be big going forward."

Los Angeles has killed 8 of 11 penalties in the last four games, yielding all three on Anaheim's five chances last weekend.

Though Los Angeles has been successful of late, it's totaled 15 goals and gone 3 for 27 on the power play in the last nine. Following a three-day break from game action, the Kings scored more than two goals for the first time during that stretch in Thursday's 3-2 win over Montreal.

"I think everybody's just gripping their sticks a little bit obviously and just focusing on scoring," King said. "Then having a little bit of a break, it's kind of refreshing; it helps too, those three days, and then (Thursday) throwing everything at the net we got rewarded."

It didn't help Tyler Toffoli, who hasn't scored any of his team-leading and career-high 24 goals in the last six contests. He scored in each of the first two against Anaheim.

Though Andersen has won six in a row and stopped 70 of 72 shots in his last three, there's a good chance John Gibson will make a fourth start against the Kings this season. Gibson, 4-1-0 against Los Angeles, posted a 2.34 goals-against average in the first three.

Jonathan Quick has a 1.88 GAA during a 5-2-1 stretch in which the only time he's allowed more than two goals came Sunday at Anaheim. He has a 3.85 GAA in the three meetings this season.

The teams conclude the season series at Los Angeles on April 7.

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Preview: Hurricanes (29-26) at Lightning (38-22)
Date: March 05, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Rolling along, the Tampa Bay Lightning are in position to make some franchise history.

They can sweep the season series from the visiting Carolina Hurricanes with a club-record ninth consecutive victory Saturday night.

Though Tampa Bay (38-22-4) has been unbeatable over the last two weeks, its surge goes back to early January. Winners in 19 of 24, the Lightning share the Atlantic Division lead with Florida and currently own the tiebreaker.

They matched the team mark set during their 2003-04 Stanley Cup-winning season with an eighth straight victory Thursday, 4-1 at Ottawa.

"We've put ourselves in a good spot for the rest of the way," defenseman Victor Hedman said. "We want to keep winning hockey games. We're on a good roll right now and that's got to keep going."

While Tampa Bay has scored at least four goals six times in the eight games, it has yielded only eight in the last seven while killing all 21 penalties. Ben Bishop has a 1.20 goals-against average and .962 save percentage while winning his last five starts - all on the road.

"I am playing pretty well right now, obviously," said Bishop, who leads the NHL with a career-low 2.04 GAA. "Right now things are going well but it's a long season and there are ups and downs. Right now it's an up, but you just try to enjoy it while it's there."

Bishop hasn't enjoyed things of late at home, where he's lost his last two starts and most recently allowed four goals against San Jose on Feb. 16. He has an .893 save percentage in his last four at Amalie Arena.

However, Bishop is 6-1-0 with a 1.72 GAA against Carolina and made 29 saves in a 4-2 road victory Feb. 21.

Steven Stamkos has a goal in both of Tampa Bay's games against the Hurricanes this season - two road wins - and seven during the eight-game winning streak.

Carolina (29-26-10) hasn't played since snapping a three-game slide with Tuesday's 3-1 victory over New Jersey. It was a needed win for a club that's 11th in the Eastern Conference, six points out of the final wild-card spot and still dealing with captain Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg and fellow veteran John Michael-Liles being traded prior to Monday's deadline.

"It's been quiet around our room a little bit, quieter than usual," coach Bill Peters told the Hurricanes' official website. "We'll snap out of it. A lot of good things (happened Tuesday)."

Carolina certainly received a jolt from forward Derek Ryan scoring in his NHL debut. The 29-year-old Ryan, called up from Charlotte of the AHL on Monday, played for Peters in Spokane of the WHL 10 years ago.

"Pretty unbelievable, no question," Ryan said. "Just an awesome, emotional day. Playing in my first NHL game and for that to happen is icing on the cake. I just can't really put it into words."

Eddie Lack made 29 saves in his first action since Feb. 18.

He could make a second straight start in place of Cam Ward, who has a 3.77 GAA while losing his last three. Ward yielded seven goals in two against the Lightning this season and has a 3.07 GAA during a five-game losing streak against them.

Lack is 0-3-0 with a 4.15 GAA against the Lightning but last faced them in October 2014.

Carolina's Jeff Skinner has a team-high 22 goals but two in the last 15 road games and none in his last 10 overall against Tampa Bay.

The Lightning have won 11 of the past 13 meetings.

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Preview: Senators (30-28) at Maple Leafs (21-32)
Date: March 05, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

By dealing Dion Phaneuf to Ottawa last month, the Toronto Maple Leafs took another step toward building a potential postseason contender down the road.

Though the Senators hoped the veteran defenseman would help them reach the playoffs this season, that remains a tall order.

Back in Toronto for the first time since the trade, Phaneuf can help the Senators remain perfect in this season series by handing the Maple Leafs a fifth straight defeat Saturday night.

Despite how fans and others around the NHL perceive the opinionated Phaneuf, Toronto general manager Lou Lamoriello had nothing but good things to say about the former Maple Leafs captain when he traded him to Ottawa (30-28-7) in a nine-player deal Feb. 9.

"I've been extremely impressed with Dion from day one," Lamoriello said at the time of the deal. "As I mentioned consistently, I came in with no preconceived notions so I really didn't know what to expect other than what there was as far as hearsay at different times. He has been impressive in every way whatsoever."

By shipping Phaneuf out, the Maple Leafs rid themselves of the remaining five years of his contract at a cap hit of $7 million per.

'This was a transaction that certainly wasn't for today,' Lamoriello said last month.

While there's a good chance Maple Leafs fans won't greet Phaneuf warmly, they should be somewhat pleased with the early return from one of the four players Toronto received in the deal. Forward Colin Greening has five points in 11 games since coming over from Ottawa, including a goal and an assist in the last two.

Last in the league and fresh off more veteran salary purging prior to Monday's trade deadline, the Maple Leafs (21-32-10) might resemble an AHL club more than a NHL team, but that's part of the plan. They've totaled five goals in four games but the last three were decided by one goal.

"There's lots to learn obviously and they're works in progress,' coach Mike Babcock told the Maple Leafs' official website. "But it's got to be a night-on every night."

Phaneuf will make sure his game is on Saturday as the Senators try to improve to 3-0 this season against Toronto, which yielded 10 non-shootout goals in the first two meetings.

Set to turn 31 next month, Phaneuf has a goal and six assists with a minus-2 rating while the Senators have gone 5-5-1 since the trade. He was a minus-3 in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay.

Sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference and seven points out of the final wild-card spot, Ottawa has dropped three of four after winning four in a row.

"I liked a lot of things (Thursday), but we've said all along it's about results," coach Dave Cameron said.

Goaltender Craig Anderson remains day to day with a lower body injury. It's uncertain how much time Ottawa defenseman Mark Borowiecki will miss after he suffered a knee injury Thursday.

Forward Mark Stone has recorded five goals and five assists during a seven-game point streak versus Toronto.

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Preview: Canadiens (30-29) at Jets (26-32)
Date: March 05, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Montreal Canadiens' fourth game in six nights came against a third straight physical opponent that they weren't able to match - and this one was well-rested.

And no matter whom they play, they still can't find their scoring touch.

Montreal concludes a four-game road trip against Western Conference opponents Saturday night when it faces another hard-hitting team in the Winnipeg Jets, who like the Canadiens have dropped three in a row.

Montreal (30-29-6) managed a season-low 15 shots in a 3-2 loss to Los Angeles on Thursday, scoring two goals for the third straight time on the trip. Matchups with San Jose on Monday and Anaheim on Wednesday left the Canadiens drained, and the Kings - considered perhaps the most physical team in the league - came in off a three-day break.

"They came out hard. These were three physical games. They were really physically demanding," forward Max Pacioretty told the team's official website. "Tonight, there was no space out there. You know why that team has had so much success both this year and in the past. They just take away your time and space. ... You're going along the boards against them and you know you're getting hit."

The Canadiens' 2.12 non-shootout goals per game since Nov. 28 is among the three lowest marks in the league - a stretch in which the club has gone 12-25-4.

Pacioretty leads the club with 23 goals but has scored in only three of the last 19 games.

"Without looking for excuses, you can't forget that we've played four games in the last six nights and we were playing a team that hadn't played since Sunday," coach Michel Therrien said. "When you're playing a team like that and you've got the same energy level as they do, they're already tough to play against. They're the best defensive team in the league and I felt that the energy level just wasn't there for us."

A matchup with Winnipeg (26-32-5) might be what the Canadiens need to get back on track offensively. Montreal has won 11 of the last 14 meetings against the Jets franchise, taking the first one this season 5-1 on Nov. 1.

Winnipeg is 10th in the NHL with 25.56 hits per game - Los Angeles is first at 30.13 - but the Jets have gone 1-5-2 in their last eight, allowing 3.63 non-shootout goals in that span.

They've given up at least four goals seven times in the past 14 games and are allowing 2.97 on the season - among the worst marks in the league.

The New York Islanders' Kyle Okposo scored off a quirky rebound in overtime Thursday, converting when center Frans Nielsen blasted the puck toward the net and hit Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers in the face. Okposo got the rebound and shot it in past goaltender Michael Hutchinson for a 4-3 win.

"We battled our hearts out," said center Mark Scheifele, who scored twice and has five goals and five assists in his last seven games. "When you play a game like that, create as many chances we did ... It's obviously tough that it didn't come out our way.

"We can't get down on ourselves. It's going to (stink) tonight, we're going to feel bad about it tonight, but tomorrow's another work day and we know that we've got another game coming up."

Winnipeg has dropped six in a row and 11 of 13 at home, though it won 5-2 in its most recent matchup with Montreal there March 26.

Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a goal and six assists in a seven-game point streak.

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Preview: Panthers (36-20) at Coyotes (27-31)
Date: March 05, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Jaromir Jagr's steady production of late has him on the brink of passing Gordie Howe on the all-time scoring list. His Florida Panthers haven't proved as consistent since beating the Arizona Coyotes last month.

Jagr will seek his 1,851st point Saturday night while trying to lead the Panthers to another win over the scuffling Coyotes.

Jagr's eighth point in seven games, an assist Thursday in Colorado, moved him into a tie with Howe for third place. The Panthers' 44-year-old leading scorer is third with 743 goals, 58 behind Howe, and can tie Ray Bourque for ninth with 1,612 games Saturday.

"I always said if you want to be a good hockey player, you've got to know the history of hockey," Jagr told his team's official website. "You've got to appreciate those guys who were stars before you came in the league. I had a chance to meet almost everybody in the top 10 (in scoring), and I respect them so much."

The Panthers (36-20-8) lost 3-2 to the Avalanche and fell to 1-2-1 on a five-game trip. That stretch has dropped them into a tie atop the Atlantic Division with Tampa Bay, which has won eight in a row.

They beat the Coyotes 3-2 on Feb. 25 before starting their trip with Aleksander Barkov tallying a pair of goals. Jagr had an assist on his second score.

Florida has lost four of five in Arizona and scored one goal in regulation in each of the past four visits. In this matchup, the Panthers will take on a team that's lost a season-high seven in a row.

The Coyotes (27-31-6) have been outscored 11-1 in the past two losses, falling 5-1 to Anaheim on Thursday in their return from a five-game trip. Niklas Treutle gave up all the goals on 16 shots in his first NHL start and Louis Domingue was forced to make a 12th consecutive appearance.

"I'll take the responsibility. We put a young player in a position where he's not ready for," coach Dave Tippett told the team's official website. "It's obvious he's not ready for it, but Louis has played 11 straight (and) looked tired on the road. That's where we are. We have to give Louis a break."

Arizona's skid is its longest since an eight-gamer last March. The Coyotes also lost 10 in a row last season for their longest slump since relocating from Winnipeg in 1996-97.

It's unclear if the Coyotes will have second-leading scorer Max Domi to help stop the slide. He might get a one-game suspension because of his instigator penalty with less than five minutes to go in a hot-tempered third period Thursday.

Arizona has been outscored 29-12 during the skid even with Domi, one of the league's top rookie scorers with 43 points, on the ice.

Domi didn't register a point in last month's loss, but leading scorer Oliver Ekman-Larsson extended a six-game streak against Florida. He has three goals and three assists in that run.

Jussi Jokinen has two goals and six assists in a seven-game point streak against the Coyotes. He has seven assists in a season high-tying six-game overall run.

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Preview: Canucks (24-27) at Sharks (35-22)
Date: March 05, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The San Jose Sharks' third-period performances have keyed their modest win streak, with two of those efforts powering comebacks against the Vancouver Canucks.

The Sharks will try to make it three wins in a row over the slumping Canucks on Saturday night by avoiding a fifth straight home loss in the series.

San Jose (35-22-6) has outscored its past three opponents 9-0 in the final period, tallying two goals in the third in a 3-2 victory in Vancouver on Thursday. Brent Burns netted the tying score 43 seconds into the period and Patrick Marleau had the winner with 14:31 remaining.

"We have (rallied) a few times so we know we can do it, but obviously you don't want to be toying with it all that many times," Marleau said. "We know we are going to get our chances. It's just a matter of burying those chances and sticking with it."

The Sharks scored all of their goals in the third in a 4-1 victory in Vancouver on Sunday and have tallied 13 overall in their three-game run. They have been blanked in that period in each of their last four home games against the Canucks (24-27-12) while being outscored 13-7 overall since a 4-1 win Oct. 3, 2013.

Vancouver won two of its three road games last month but is 4-10-1 in its last 15 overall and dropped the final three of a five-game homestand. The Canucks have fallen 10 points back in the race for the Western Conference's final playoff spot while San Jose is within four of Pacific Division leaders Los Angeles and Anaheim.

"We have shown we can play against (tough competition) when we're focused and we're playing the way we want. There have been a few lapses here and there, and that's been hurting us the last few games," Vancouver forward Henrik Sedin said. "We are where we are in the standings. For us, we have to realize that we keep playing this way even if we're losing one goal games. These are games we learn from."

The Sharks could use some more consistency at home and are seeking back-to-back victories there for the first time since a season-best three-game run Jan. 9-16. San Jose has alternated wins and losses in eight contests on its own ice since then but earned one point in three defeats.

The Sharks have won four of five overall matchups with Vancouver, with Marleau and Tomas Hertl having scored a goal in each of the past two.

Hertl has six of his career-high 16 goals in the past 10 games while Marleau has two of his 19 in that same span.

The Canucks' Radim Vrbata, who has four goals in his last three games in San Jose, has been out since Feb. 21 because of a lower-body injury but has been practicing.

Vancouver goaltender Ryan Miller has a 3.78 goals-against average in three straight losses to San Jose after posting a 1.55 GAA in seven consecutive wins. Sharks counterpart Martin Jones made his first two starts against the Canucks in the past week, stopping 51 of 54 shots.

Vancouver is 6 for 19 on the power play in its last eight games but went 0 for 1 in each matchup with San Jose. The Sharks are 5 for 5 on the penalty kill in their last four contests.

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Preview: Flames (26-34) at Penguins (33-22)
Date: March 05, 2016 3:00 PM EDT

Entering a game against just about any other team, it might be of note that Pittsburgh's made a trend of needing at least four goals to get a win. Given Calgary's last dozen efforts, opponents should just assume they'll get there.

The now-last place Flames visit the Penguins Saturday needing a win to avoid a second straight season with an eight-game losing streak.

The Penguins (33-22-8) have averaged 4.80 goals in their wins over a 5-3-0 span with at least four in each, which includes Thursday's 4-1 home win over the New York Rangers. They've gone 12-2-2 at home dating to Dec. 21 with 4.00 goals per game and at least four in 11 of the victories.

Against the Rangers, the first three came in the final three minutes of the second period after falling behind 1-0 about a minute before that. Sidney Crosby started it with his 26th, followed by Evgeni Malkin's 25th and Patric Hornqvist's 17th before Phil Kessel added an empty netter in the third.

"I think being down probably gave us a little bit of jump and urgency," Crosby told the team's official website. "Each game kind of tells its own story. ... Whether we got one in the past (against Henrik Lundqvist) or three tonight, I think we're confident we can score goals if we do the right things."

Crosby has eight goals and four assists in nine career games against the Flames, but none of that came as Calgary (26-34-4) won the home meeting with the Penguins 5-2 on Nov. 7 to end a nine-game losing streak in the series. The Flames got two goals and an assist from Johnny Gaudreau and a goal and an assist from both Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett.

Monahan has been impressive over the last month with seven goals and 10 assists in 17 games, but it's almost all gone to waste as the Flames have allowed 4.17 goals per game over the last 12, including a 6-3 loss in Buffalo on Thursday.

Their six-game road skid has come entirely in regulation, but it's still a ways from a 0-11-0 away span from 2012-13. That's not making them feel any better about the seven-game overall losing streak or falling into the Western Conference cellar.

"We say it every day. We don't want to lose," coach Bob Hartley told the team's official website. "We want to win games. We will do what's possible at the limit, to make sure that we go out there, we compete hard, we win games, we battle in games, and if it is to give extra responsibilities to some veterans or to some kids, we're there to get two points."

For that to realistically happen, they're going to have to find a way to stay out of the penalty box. Over the last 12 games, the Calgary penalty kill has gone 36 of 54 (66.7 percent), though Pittsburgh's power play has gone 2 for 27 (7.4) over the same span.

"We've been taking too many penalties and gave up a lot of momentum and they score on the power plays," defenseman Dougie Hamilton said. "I think we've been talking about it and nobody's really changed anything. So that's probably the frustrating thing about it."

Calgary will start Joni Ortio in goal with the 24-year-old seeking his first win of the season, going 0-6-2 with a 3.34 goals-against average in nine games.

He'll be opposed by Marc-Andre Fleury, who's won his last three starts with a 0.67 GAA. He's 7-2-0 with a 1.77 mark in 10 career games against the Flames.

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Preview: Capitals (47-12) at Bruins (36-23)
Date: March 05, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

A win at home over the best team in the Western Conference should do wonders for a Boston Bruins club that has struggled on its own ice this season.

There's no telling how high their confidence would go with another home win - this time against the best team in the league.

With coach Claude Julien on the verge of history, the Bruins seek a third straight victory at TD Garden on Saturday night when they face the Washington Capitals.

Boston (36-23-6) is battling Tampa Bay and Florida for the top spot in the Atlantic Division despite a disappointing 15-16-3 home record. The Bruins probably won't mind starting a stretch of 10 of 13 on the road Monday against the Panthers, but first up is a meeting with the Capitals, who have a 16-point lead atop Metropolitan Division and almost as comfortable an advantage in the race for the Presidents' Trophy.

"We all know that (Saturday) night's going to be a game against one of the best teams in the league and we have to be ready for them," Boston captain Zdeno Chara told the team's official website.

After starting their four-game homestand with a loss to the Lightning, the Bruins rebounded with a win over Calgary before beating Chicago 4-2 on Thursday in perhaps their most impressive victory of the season. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each had a goal and an assist to give Boston consecutive home wins for the first time since Dec. 16 and 20.

'There were a lot of reasons to get excited about this game tonight and it showed in our play," Julien said.

The win was Julien's 387th with Boston, tying Art Ross for the most in franchise history.

"The fact that I've avoided being fired for the last nine years helped (me) get that many wins here," Julien said. "So I just feel fortunate, and most of all, I feel humbled by that achievement."

Marchand's two-point performance continued a stellar stretch for the forward. He leads all players with 18 goals and 24 points in 23 games since Jan. 15. Marchand, though, has just one point in his last nine games against the Capitals (47-13-4).

Tuukka Rask figures to be back in net for Boston after going 5-1-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average in his last six games. Rask, though, has a 3.05 GAA during a five-start losing streak versus Washington.

On the opposite end of that streak is Braden Holtby, who has been in net for all five of those wins with three shutouts and a .979 save percentage.

Holtby, however, could be rested after he made 20 saves in a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Friday, Washington's ninth straight one-goal game.

Backup Philipp Grubauer has stopped 66 of 69 shots in winning his last two starts.

The defeat was the third in six games for the Capitals, who have yet to lose two in a row in regulation this season. They gave up the first goal for the ninth time in 11 games.

'If we would've had a better start, who knows how that game would've wound up?' said T.J. Oshie, who scored the tying goal late in the second period.

Nicklas Backstrom has six assists in his last five games overall, and eight during a five-game point streak against Boston.

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Preview: Blue Jackets (26-30) at Flyers (29-23)
Date: March 05, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

It's daunting enough that Philadelphia faces a five-point deficit for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot, but trying to make up that ground without Jakub Voracek for the next week and a half presents another dilemma.

A second consecutive loss to one of the worst teams in the league - and possibly being down another center - won't help the Flyers' chances either.

Philadelphia heads into Saturday night's home matchup with the last-place Columbus Blue Jackets trying to recapture some of the scoring flare it showed in its first game without Voracek.

After beating Calgary 5-3 on Monday behind Brayden Schenn's hat trick and four assists from Claude Giroux, the Flyers (29-23-11) were blanked for a fourth time this season Thursday in a 4-0 loss to Edmonton. It marked the first time since Oct. 8, 2011, that they went scoreless on at least seven power play chances.

Voracek, whose 38 assists lead the club and 48 points rank second, sat out his second straight contest with a lower-body injury that will keep him out for at least the next five. Making matters worse, Schenn sat out the last six minutes against the Oilers after hitting his head on the ice during a scrum earlier in the third period.

Schenn, who has six of his career-high 21 goals along with six assists over his last nine, will be a game-time decision against the Blue Jackets (27-30-8) as the club evaluates his injury.

Philadelphia sits in ninth in the East and is trying to catch rival Pittsburgh for the last wild-card spot. It had a three-game winning streak snapped against Edmonton as Michal Neuvirth tied his season high for goals allowed.

Neuvirth has a 2.83 goals-against average while making five consecutive starts despite usual No. 1 goaltender Steve Mason being healthy. Coach Dave Hakstol hasn't said if Neuvirth or Mason, who won the Calder Trophy with Columbus in 2008-09, will get the start against the Blue Jackets.

Columbus has won both meetings this season - 4-1 on Dec. 5 and 3-2 in a shootout Dec. 19 - with Mason in net for both. He's 2-3-2 with a 3.00 GAA against his former team.

"We've got a big job ahead of us here. We're going to need both guys to win games for us," Hakstol said following Friday's practice. "I think (Mason's) going to be ready to go whenever the call comes."

The Blue Jackets possess plenty of offensive firepower as the only team in the NHL with four 20-goal scorers in Brandon Saad (24), Boone Jenner (23), Cam Atkinson (21) and former Flyer Scott Hartnell (21).

The latter three all scored and Saad assisted on one of David Savard's two goals during Friday's 6-3 win over Edmonton. Columbus has scored at least six goals three times in a 4-1-1 stretch since Feb. 22.

"We have to play the same way no matter what, and for the most part, we're doing that," defenseman Ryan Murray said. "We're getting better as far as situational play and making good decisions and I think we're growing."

Hartnell has two goals and six assists during Columbus' five-game winning streak against his former team. The Flyers have lost their last seven trips to Columbus - the last three past regulation - since last winning there Dec. 13, 2005.

Rookie Joonas Korpisalo has made four straight starts in net for the Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky, who hasn't played since Jan. 21 because of a lower-body injury but has been a full participant in practice, and Curtis McElhinney are potential options to complete the back-to-back set.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (9) COLUMBUS@ (10) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON COLUMBUS using money line in Road games in March games
The record is 13 Wins and 3 Losses for the last three seasons (+14.35 units)

NHL > (11) MONTREAL@ (12) WINNIPEG | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST WINNIPEG using money line in Home games second half of the season
The record is 2 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (-11.4 units)

NHL > (13) OTTAWA@ (14) TORONTO | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO using money line in All games second half of the season
The record is 16 Wins and 55 Losses for the last two seasons (-36.85 units)

NHL > (11) MONTREAL@ (12) WINNIPEG | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST MONTREAL using money line in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 1 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (-11.9 units)

NHL > (17) WASHINGTON@ (18) BOSTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using money line in Home games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 3 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-10.65 units)

NHL > (19) FLORIDA@ (20) ARIZONA | 2016-03-05 21:05:00 - 2016-03-05 21:05:00
Play ON ARIZONA using money line in All games after a division game
The record is 14 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+11.8 units)

NHL > (19) FLORIDA@ (20) ARIZONA | 2016-03-05 21:05:00 - 2016-03-05 21:05:00
Play AGAINST ARIZONA using money line in All games in a home game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 5 Wins and 22 Losses for the last two seasons (-17.5 units)

NHL > (21) VANCOUVER@ (22) SAN JOSE | 2016-03-05 22:05:00 - 2016-03-05 22:05:00
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE using money line in All games in a home game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 13 Wins and 23 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.1 units)

NHL > (17) WASHINGTON@ (18) BOSTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON using money line in all games
The record is 47 Wins and 16 Losses for the this season (+23.1 units)

NHL > (9) COLUMBUS@ (10) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 23 Wins and 45 Losses for the last two seasons (-30.25 units)

--------------------

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (9) COLUMBUS@ (10) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON COLUMBUS in Road games in March games
The record is 13 Wins and 3 Losses for the last three seasons (+14.35 units)

NHL > (11) MONTREAL@ (12) WINNIPEG | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST WINNIPEG in Home games second half of the season
The record is 2 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (-11.4 units)

NHL > (13) OTTAWA@ (14) TORONTO | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO in All games second half of the season
The record is 16 Wins and 55 Losses for the last two seasons (-36.85 units)

NHL > (11) MONTREAL@ (12) WINNIPEG | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST MONTREAL in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 1 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (-11.9 units)

NHL > (17) WASHINGTON@ (18) BOSTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON in Home games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 3 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-10.65 units)

NHL > (19) FLORIDA@ (20) ARIZONA | 2016-03-05 21:05:00 - 2016-03-05 21:05:00
Play ON ARIZONA in All games after a division game
The record is 14 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+11.8 units)

NHL > (19) FLORIDA@ (20) ARIZONA | 2016-03-05 21:05:00 - 2016-03-05 21:05:00
Play AGAINST ARIZONA in All games in a home game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 5 Wins and 22 Losses for the last two seasons (-17.5 units)

NHL > (21) VANCOUVER@ (22) SAN JOSE | 2016-03-05 22:05:00 - 2016-03-05 22:05:00
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE in All games in a home game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 13 Wins and 23 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.1 units)

NHL > (17) WASHINGTON@ (18) BOSTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON in all games
The record is 47 Wins and 16 Losses for the this season (+23.1 units)

NHL > (9) COLUMBUS@ (10) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 23 Wins and 45 Losses for the last two seasons (-30.25 units)

---------------------

NHL TOTALS

NHL > (11) MONTREAL@ (12) WINNIPEG | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play OVER MONTREAL on the totalin Road games second half of the season
The record is 10 Overs and 1 Unders for the this season (+9.65 units)

NHL > (1) MINNESOTA@ (2) BUFFALO | 2016-03-05 13:05:00 - 2016-03-05 13:05:00
Play UNDER MINNESOTA on the totalin Road games after a 3 game unbeaten streak
The record is 0 Overs and 8 Unders for the last two seasons (+8.2 units)

NHL > (13) OTTAWA@ (14) TORONTO | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play OVER TORONTO on the totalin Home games on Saturday games
The record is 26 Overs and 8 Unders for the last three seasons (+17.9 units)

NHL > (21) VANCOUVER@ (22) SAN JOSE | 2016-03-05 22:05:00 - 2016-03-05 22:05:00
Play OVER SAN JOSE on the totalin Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 23 Overs and 8 Unders for the last two seasons (+14.75 units)

NHL > (7) ANAHEIM@ (8) LOS ANGELES | 2016-03-05 16:05:00 - 2016-03-05 16:05:00
Play OVER ANAHEIM on the totalin Road games second half of the season
The record is 9 Overs and 1 Unders for the this season (+8.3 units)

NHL > (15) CAROLINA@ (16) TAMPA BAY | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play UNDER CAROLINA on the totalin All games when playing with 3 or more days rest
The record is 4 Overs and 17 Unders for the last three seasons (+12.5 units)

NHL > (17) WASHINGTON@ (18) BOSTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play OVER BOSTON on the totalin Home games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 11 Overs and 2 Unders for the this season (+8.9 units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, March 5

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MINNESOTA (30-25-0-10, 70 pts.) at BUFFALO (26-31-0-8, 60 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 30-35 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-19 ATS (-13.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
MINNESOTA is 13-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUFFALO is 14-10 ATS (+27.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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NASHVILLE (32-21-0-12, 76 pts.) at COLORADO (33-29-0-4, 70 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 32-33 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 13-30 ATS (+45.3 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 14-27 ATS (-16.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 127-110 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 40-33 ATS (-2.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 12-8 ATS (+20.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 17-12 ATS (+31.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NASHVILLE is 199-145 ATS (+30.0 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 207-167 ATS (+31.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
COLORADO is 45-53 ATS (-54.0 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 7-4 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 7-4-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.5 Units)

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CALGARY (26-34-0-4, 56 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (33-22-0-8, 74 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 2-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CALGARY is 99-100 ATS (+223.6 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 77-73 ATS (+179.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-40 ATS (-34.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 20-25 ATS (-16.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-1 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 4-1-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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ANAHEIM (36-19-0-8, 80 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (38-21-0-4, 80 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 4:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 13-7 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 13-7-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-1.4 Units)

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COLUMBUS (27-30-0-8, 62 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (29-23-0-11, 69 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 9-2 (+8.2 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 9-2-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.4 Units)

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MONTREAL (30-29-0-6, 66 pts.) at WINNIPEG (26-32-0-5, 57 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 5-18 ATS (-13.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
MONTREAL is 12-17 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WINNIPEG is 48-38 ATS (+90.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 28-10 ATS (+14.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 91-70 ATS (+162.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 2-11 ATS (-12.0 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 3-2 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 3-2-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

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OTTAWA (30-28-0-7, 67 pts.) at TORONTO (21-32-0-10, 52 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 32-25 ATS (+57.0 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 13-8 ATS (+21.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
OTTAWA is 18-10 ATS (+30.5 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 51-94 ATS (-75.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 7-20 ATS (+28.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 1-16 ATS (+23.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 28-64 ATS (+112.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 3-17 ATS (+27.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
TORONTO is 21-40 ATS (+70.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 7-23 ATS (-18.1 Units) 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
TORONTO is 6-5 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 6-5-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.2 Units)

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CAROLINA (29-26-0-10, 68 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (38-22-0-4, 80 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 18-45 ATS (+80.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 58-86 ATS (-35.1 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 20-6 ATS (+10.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-2 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 14-7 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a division game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 331-386 ATS (-168.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-1 (+5.5 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 7-1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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WASHINGTON (47-13-0-4, 98 pts.) at BOSTON (36-23-0-6, 78 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-2 (+5.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-2-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

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FLORIDA (36-20-0-8, 80 pts.) at ARIZONA (27-31-0-6, 60 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 138-212 ATS (+370.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
FLORIDA is 155-194 ATS (-80.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
ARIZONA is 14-6 ATS (+21.7 Units) after a division game this season.
FLORIDA is 36-28 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 3-11 ATS (+17.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
ARIZONA is 19-53 ATS (+78.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 18-42 ATS (+76.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 21-55 ATS (+93.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 15-52 ATS (+97.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 6-30 ATS (+56.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 3-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)

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VANCOUVER (24-27-0-12, 60 pts.) at SAN JOSE (35-22-0-6, 76 pts.) - 3/5/2016, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 24-39 ATS (+65.1 Units) in all games this season.
VANCOUVER is 2-9 ATS (-9.5 Units) on Saturday games this season.
VANCOUVER is 9-21 ATS (+34.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VANCOUVER is 73-55 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 5-10 ATS (-7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
SAN JOSE is 16-20 ATS (-19.4 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 151-129 ATS (-68.9 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 35-35 ATS (-18.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 25-26 ATS (-19.3 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
SAN JOSE is 7-4 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 7-4-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.8 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, March 5

Hot teams
-- Minnesota won last three games, allowing five goals.
-- Predators won five of their last six games. Colorado won three of last four at home.
-- Penguins won four of their last six games.
-- Anaheim won last 10 games, allowing 10 goals in last seven games. Kings won five of their last six games.
-- Philadelphia won three of its last four games.
-- Tampa Bay won its laat eight games.
-- Washington won seven of its last nine games. Boston won four of its last five.
-- San Jose won its last three games, outscoring foes 13-5.

Cold teams
-- Sabres lost four of their last six games.
-- Calgary lost its last seven games, scoring 15 goals.
-- Blue Jackets are 3-4 in their last seven games.
-- Winnipeg lost seven of last eight games. Canadiens lost last three games, outscored 12-6.
-- Toronto lost eight of its last nine games. Senators lost three of their last four.
-- Carolina lost three of its last four games.
-- Arizona lost its last seven games, scoring 13 goals. Panthers lost three of last four games.
-- Canucks lost seven of their last nine games.

Series records
-- Minnesota won four of last five games with Buffalo.
-- Colorado won four of last five games with Nashville.
-- Penguins won nine of last ten games with Calgary.
-- Ducks won five of last six games with Los Angeles.
-- Flyers lost their last five games with Columbus.
-- Canadiens won eigh tof last ten games with Winnipeg.
-- Ottawa won four of its last six games with Toronto.
-- Lightning won seven of last eight games with Carolina.
-- Bruins lost their last five games with Washington.
-- Arizona won six of its last nine games with Florida.
-- Road team won last ten Vancouver-San Jose games.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Buffalo games stayed under total.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Colorado games.
-- Seven of last ten Calgary games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Los Angeles games.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Columbus-Philadelphia games.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Montreal games.
-- Eight of last ten Ottawa-Toronto games went over.
-- Four of last five Carolina games stayed under.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Washington-Boston games.
-- Last three Florida games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Vancouver-San Jose games stayed under.

Back-to-backs
-- Columbus is 6-9 if it played the night before.
-- Washington is 7-3 if it played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Saturday, March 5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. BUFFALO
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Buffalo is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games at home
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

3:00 PM
CALGARY vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games
Calgary is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing Calgary

3:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 7 games on the road
Nashville is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Colorado is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games

4:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Anaheim's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim

7:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Carolina is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home
Tampa Bay is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. PHILADELPHIA
Columbus is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Columbus's last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing Columbus
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. WINNIPEG
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Montreal's last 14 games on the road
Montreal is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Winnipeg is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Winnipeg's last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. TORONTO
Ottawa is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Ottawa's last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Toronto is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Ottawa

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BOSTON
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Washington

9:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Florida is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against Florida

10:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. SAN JOSE
Vancouver is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 8 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Jose's last 9 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: 2 - 2
YTD: 6 - 9 -1.23

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


MIN at BUF 01:00 PM

MIN -155

O 5.0


CAL at PIT 03:00 PM

PIT -275

U 5.5 BEST BET


NAS at COL 03:00 PM

COL +129 BEST BET

O 5.5


ANA at LA 04:00 PM

ANA +122 BEST BET

O 5.0 BEST BET