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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sabres (26-31) at Maple Leafs (21-33)
Date: March 07, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

If any team can sympathize with Toronto's struggles, it's probably Buffalo. The Maple Leafs have replaced the Sabres as the NHL's worst team, a title held by their Atlantic Division foes for the previous two seasons.

That status hasn't quite been cemented for the season with just over a month to go and the Eastern Conference's two worst teams still meeting three times, and Monday night's tilt in Toronto threatens the Maple Leafs with their second six-game losing streak of the season.

After Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to Minnesota, the Sabres (26-31-9) are nine points up on the Maple Leafs (21-33-10), though Toronto has two games in hand as it plays the third of a four-game homestand.

Buffalo took a 2-1 lead in the second period but gave up a goal with under six minutes left in the third and let another point slip away in a shootout.

Jack Eichel and Johan Larsson each scored for a second straight game, and Larsson has three of his five goals for the season in the last five contests.

"I think we played well, too," said Eichel, who added an assist. "We had a lot of chances. We did a lot of good things as a team. It's a tough one to swallow."

The Sabres have won one of their seven shootouts this season with six straight losses, but the win came against Toronto. Eichel was the only of four Sabres to convert versus the Wild, and they've gone 1 for 18 on shootout chances in the defeats.

"It's just frustrating with our shootout results this year," Eichel said. "The shootout's an opportunity to grab an extra point. I think as a group we can bear down and start taking advantage of it."

The difference in regulation was a failed penalty kill on Buffalo's only short-handed situation of the game. The Sabres have allowed a power-play goal in consecutive games but have killed 27 of 30 penalties over the last 10 contests.

"A big kills probably wins us the game," coach Dan Bylsma said. "Our penalty kill has been so good for us for long periods of the game."

The Sabres have averaged 3.5 goals over a 3-0-1 span in the series, winning 2-1 in the shootout on Oct. 21 in the season's only meeting. That was part of a 0-5-1 stretch for Toronto on which it scored nine goals.

On it's current skid, there have been seven goals in five straight regulation defeats. After Saturday's 3-2 loss to Ottawa, the reaction wasn't quite as dour as one might expect.

"I thought we had lots of good things today," coach Mike Babcock told the team's official website. "I thought (Zach) Hyman, (Nikita Soshnikov) and (William) Nylander were all real good for us, which is a positive. I thought our team pace was as good as it's been all year."

The 19-year-old Nylander scored his first goal in his fourth NHL game, while the 22-year-old Soshnikov got his second in his fourth in the league.

They'll have fellow youngster Garret Sparks in front of them in goal with the 22-year-old hoping to improve on a 2-2-0 record, 2.14 goals-against average and .925 save percentage in his last five NHL games.

He'll face Chad Johnson, who has won consecutive games as part of a 4-3-1 span with a 2.34 GAA and .927 save percentage. He beat the Maple Leafs back in October to improve to 2-0-1 with a 2.02 GAA and .924 save percentage in four career matchups.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sharks (35-23) at Flames (27-34)
Date: March 07, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The San Jose Sharks' push for the Pacific Division lead stalled as they struggled somewhat offensively in their first defeat in four games.

They've had little trouble scoring against Calgary this season and will look to bounce back Monday night when they visit a Flames team coming off its first win in two weeks.

A quirky portion of the schedule had the Sharks (35-23-6) facing Vancouver three times over a seven-day stretch. While they totaled seven goals in the first two, they lost 4-2 on Saturday.

Brent Burns tied it at 2 early in the third with his career-high 23rd goal but San Jose came up empty on its other 15 shots in the final period.

The Sharks remained four points behind second-place Los Angeles and dropped six back of Pacific-leading Anaheim.

San Jose, which also scored six in last Monday's win over Montreal, has a prime opportunity to rediscover its offensive prowess against a Flames team tied with Arizona for the league's worst goals-against average at 3.12.

The Sharks have played a big part in Calgary's defensive struggles, scoring five times in three of four meetings this season. Their 17 goals versus the Flames are their most against them in a season since scoring 24 in six meetings in 1997-98.

Logan Couture has two goals and four assists in the season series while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton each have two and three.

Calgary (27-34-4) had been a mess defensively, yielding at least five goals three times in a four-game stretch before Saturday's 4-2 win at Pittsburgh that snapped a seven-game losing streak.

Mikael Backlund scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and Lance Bouma added another in the third for the Flames, who dropped 10 of their previous 11.

"You lose as many games as we have in the last while and it's tough to keep that positive attitude,' center Joe Colborne said. 'It's definitely going to be a bit more fun that it has been lately.'

The de facto No. 1 goaltender after Karri Ramo's season-ending injury, Jonas Hiller certainly hasn't been having much recently in posting a 4.71 GAA while losing his last three starts. He gave up five goals in his only start against San Jose this season Nov. 28, then stopped all eight shots faced upon relieving Ramo after he suffered his knee injury in the last matchup with the Sharks, a 6-5 Flames shootout win Feb. 11.

Joni Ortio got the start against the Penguins and made 29 saves for his first victory in 10 games this season.

The Sharks also went with their backup goalie in their last game and didn't do James Reimer any favors in his team debut. They gave up a season high-tying seven power-play chances after taking five penalties in their previous four games. The Canucks scored three times with the extra skater.

'We got that first goal and then we started to take a lot of penalties,' captain Joe Pavelski said. 'A lot of soft ones, too. It was everybody. It was one of those nights that we couldn't stay out of the box.'

The Sharks have had similar problems against the Flames this season, allowing six power-play goals on 19 opportunities. However, they've also been stellar with the man advantage, converting seven of 15 chances.

Set to open a season-high six-game homestand, Calgary has been plenty vulnerable when playing with a manpower disadvantage. It has allowed a league-worst 19 power-play goals since Feb. 9, killing 67.8 percent of penalties.

Martin Jones, who has posted a 1.67 GAA in winning his last three starts, is 3-1-0 lifetime against Calgary despite a 3.25 GAA.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Coyotes (28-31) at Avalanche (33-30)
Date: March 07, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Mikkel Boedker is grateful for an opportunity to compete for a playoff spot, though the Colorado Avalanche have some work to do to achieve one.

The slumping Avalanche hope to rectify their recent problems in an important home game Monday night against Boedker's former team, the Arizona Coyotes.

Colorado (33-30-4) believed it had bolstered its postseason chances by landing Boedker, one of the top available forwards, in a four-player trade with the Coyotes at last Monday's deadline. While the move added another threat to an already capable offense, it hasn't solved the team's continuing defensive issues or its struggles to close out games.

The Avalanche let a one-goal lead slip away in Saturday's potentially damaging 5-2 home loss to Nashville that dropped them to ninth place in the Western Conference. They allowed four unanswered third-period goals and have been outscored 11-1 in the final frame during a 1-3-0 stretch.

"I thought we played really well for 40 minutes, again," coach Patrick Roy said. "Our third periods need to be better. We need to be smarter in the third period. We have to learn to play those situations much better."

Colorado has surrendered five goals or more in all four losses of a 2-4-0 sequence, during which Semyon Varlamov's play has regressed. The usually dependable goaltender has permitted 11 goals over his past three starts and been pulled in two of his last five.

Calvin Pickard provided greater stability with a 38-save effort in Thursday's 3-2 win over Florida that opened this four-game homestand. He followed with 35 against the Predators but allowed two costly goals in the third before two empty-netters.

Boedker has a goal and an assist in three games since the trade, though he's been outdone by one of the players Colorado gave up for his services. Alex Tanguay scored twice and added an assist in his Arizona debut, helping his new club snap a season-high seven-game skid with Saturday's 5-1 rout of reeling Florida.

After being scratched for the first two games following the trade, Tanguay flourished on a line with Antoine Vermette and Anthony Duclair that accounted for three goals. Arizona had just eight total over its previous six.

'We had a good mix out there. We had a couple of good practices,' said Vermette, who matched a career high with four points. 'You want to translate that into a game. (Tanguay's) a smart guy. He's been through a lot, a lot of experience. He won a Cup also. He's a good passer, smart player.'

Tanguay drew into the lineup with Max Domi serving a one-game suspension for instigating a fight near the end of Thursday's 5-1 loss to Anaheim.

Louis Domingue provided a further boost with 32 saves. The rookie had a 4.04 goals-against average in losing his six prior starts.

Arizona begins a four-game trip and has dropped eight straight on the road, though it's won both matchups with the Avalanche this season. Boedker had a hand in each, scoring the deciding goal in a 2-1 overtime victory at the Pepsi Center on Dec. 27 and notching two assists in a 4-2 home win on Nov. 5.

Shane Doan had a power-play goal Saturday but the Coyotes are just 3 of 29 in man-advantage situations over an eight-game stretch. Colorado has killed 26 of 27 penalties over nine games since Feb. 14, the NHL's best percentage during that span.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Capitals (48-13) at Ducks (37-19)
Date: March 07, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

Bruce Boudreau's tenure with the Washington Capitals was marked by regular-season successes and postseason disappointments.

He's got the Anaheim Ducks playing at a championship level now, however.

In a marquee matchup with the makings of a possible Stanley Cup Final preview, the soaring Ducks look to extend their franchise-best winning streak to 12 when the NHL-leading Capitals visit Honda Center on Monday night.

While Washington (48-13-4) remains the league's most consistently successful team this season, the Ducks are unquestionably the hottest. Anaheim (37-19-8) has vaulted back atop the Pacific Division with an 18-1-1 surge.

The Ducks had struggled to a 12-15-6 start.

'I think they always believed,' said Boudreau, who won four division titles in six seasons with Washington from 2007-11 but never advanced past the Eastern Conference semifinals. 'I mean, we haven't changed much from what we did last year. There were a couple of big meetings, and we converted our style just a little bit.'

The Ducks, aiming for a fourth straight division crown under Boudreau, moved two points ahead of Los Angeles with Saturday's 3-2 victory. They got another strong performance from Frederik Andersen and more production from a power play that's been nearly unstoppable during their tear.

David Perron and Jakob Silfverberg scored on the man advantage to snap a 1-all tie and support Andersen's 32 saves. Boudreau became the fastest in NHL history to reach 400 wins.

'I must have had good teams,' he said. 'I was lucky in Washington, and lucky to have a great team here.'

Boudreau's current group has converted a staggering 44.2 percent (19 of 43) of its man-advantage chances during the streak and has at least one power-play goal in each of its 14 wins since the All-Star break.

The Ducks might need to avoid trips to the box in order to keep their run going, as their one recent weakness has been penalty killing. They've posted a 76.1 percent mark during the streak, and both of the Kings' goals came on the power play.

Washington owns the league's best power play at 23.2 percent as well as its top road record at 22-7-2. It's won nine of 12 as a visitor after beginning a four-game trip with Saturday's 2-1 overtime win over Boston.

The Capitals have also won five straight in Anaheim, extending that run with a 5-3 victory Feb. 15, 2015 behind Alex Ovechkin's two goals and two assists.

However, Ovechkin - who's recorded a NHL-leading 41 goals but has one over his last five games - could be facing league discipline after being assessed a boarding major for a hit that hospitalized Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller.

'It's just a hockey play,' he said. 'You don't want to be in position to take a penalty, but the referee said I get five minutes because I was heavier than him.'

The Capitals could have trouble scoring regardless of Ovechkin's status, as Andersen is 12-0-2 with a 1.76 goals-against average in his last 14 starts. He's posted a 1.33 GAA in winning six straight at home.

Counterpart Braden Holtby hasn't been able to duplicate his stellar first-half numbers, recording a 2.74 GAA in 14 starts following the All-Star break. The NHL wins leader, coming off a 20-save effort in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers, had a 2.03 GAA going into the break.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Canucks (25-27) at Kings (38-22)
Date: March 07, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Kings have finally ceded the top spot in the Pacific Division to a rampaging opponent that has dominated them of late.

They've mostly handled Vancouver over the past three seasons, though, and Los Angeles looks to bounce back when it hosts the Canucks on Monday night.

The Kings (38-22-4) saw what was once a 16-point lead over Anaheim fully erased Saturday, losing 3-2 to the visiting Ducks as their city-area rivals moved two points ahead in the Pacific. Anaheim has gone 18-1-1 since being 16 back Jan. 20, while Los Angeles is 9-9-1 in that span.

Los Angeles has dropped 11 of the past 13 regular-season meetings with its chief rival in the division.

"Every win and loss is a matter of home ice in the playoffs, so yes, we do realize what's at stake here," center Anze Kopitar told the team's official website. "We fell behind here today and we're going to have to catch up ground."

Penalty killing continued to be a problem for the Kings. They allowed the Ducks to go 2 for 2 on the power play and have given up five goals in nine chances with the man advantage over the past three games - a 1-2-0 stretch that's followed a four-game win streak.

Los Angeles has killed off 76.8 percent of short-handed situations since Jan. 20 - one of the league's worst marks in that span.

'The majority of the time, special teams are the difference. And that wasn't any different today,' Kopitar said.

The level of offensive production also wasn't any different. The Kings have scored 17 times in their last 10 contests.

Both of their goals came on the power play, but they lost despite a 34-22 shot advantage. Jonathan Quick, expected to start again Monday, made 19 saves and has posted a 3.06 goals-against average and .864 save percentage in his last three outings.

His numbers are considerably better against the Canucks (25-27-2), with a 1.64 GAA in 29 career regular-season matchups and 1.07 mark in the past 13 - a stretch in which he's posted three shutouts and hasn't allowed more than two goals. Quick made 27 saves in a 5-0 victory at Vancouver on Dec. 28, the Kings' ninth win in 13 meetings.

Vancouver, though, brings a dangerous power play into Monday, having scored three times in seven chances to snap a three-game skid with a 4-2 win at San Jose on Saturday. Dan Hamhuis scored the final one with the man advantage in the third period for the Canucks, who recorded just their third game of more than two goals in the past 11.

Vancouver generated only 11 power plays over the previous six games, though it's gone 9 for 26 in the last nine.

"It was exactly what we talked about before the game," Hamhuis told the team's website. "We were only drawing one or two penalties a game. We need teams to start getting frustrated with us and skating where they are forced to take penalties. I thought our guys did a really good job of that tonight."

The victory, though, was tempered by the loss of captain Henrik Sedin, who suffered an upper-body injury early in the first period after taking a forearm to the chest. Sedin took his next shift but played only 3:36 in the first and did not come out for the second.

Vancouver also lost defenseman Christopher Tanev in the third to an injury.

"I have to talk to them to make sure, but I don't think Hank will be with us in L.A.," coach Willie Desjardins said.

The Canucks have gone 2-0-1 in their last three at Staples Center.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, March 7

Hot teams
-- Tampa Bay won its last nine games. Flyers won four of their last five.
-- Bruins won four of their last six games.
-- San Jose won three of its last four games.
-- Washington won seven of its last ten games. Anaheim won its last 11 games.
-- Los Angeles won five of its last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Sabres lost five of their last seven games. Toronto lost nine of its last ten.
-- Florida lost four of its last five games.
-- Calgary lost seven of its last eight games.
-- Arizona lost seven of its last eight games. Colorado lost three of last four.
-- Vancouver lost seven of its last ten games.

Series records
-- Flyers lost seven of last eight games with Tampa Bay.
-- Home side won last ten Buffalo-Toronto games.
-- Bruins won eight of last ten games with Florida.
-- Flames won five of last seven games with San Jose.
-- Avalanche won six of last nine games with Arizona.
-- Washington won five of last six games against the Ducks.
-- Kings are 5-3 in their last eight games with Vancouver.

Totals
-- Five of last six Tampa Bay games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Buffalo-Toronto games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Boston-Florida games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven San Jose-Calgary games.
-- Seven of last nine Arizona-Colorado games went over.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Anaheim games.
-- Under is 4-0-2 in last six Vancouver-LA games.

Back-to-backs
-- None

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Monday, March 7

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. PHILADELPHIA
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. FLORIDA
Boston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Florida
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home
Florida is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing Boston

7:30 PM
BUFFALO vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo

9:00 PM
ARIZONA vs. COLORADO
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Arizona is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona

9:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. CALGARY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose's last 7 games when playing on the road against Calgary
San Jose is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Calgary is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing San Jose

10:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ANAHEIM
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Anaheim is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Anaheim is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

10:30 PM
VANCOUVER vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Vancouver is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 10 games
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Monday, March 7


Washington @ Anaheim

Game 11-12
March 7, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
12.364
Anaheim
10.718
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
N/A

Vancouver @ Los Angeles

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

Dunkel Rating:
Vancouver
10.327
Los Angeles
13.868
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 3 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
-270
5
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(-270); Over

Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia

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

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
11.771
Philadelphia
13.246
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-130
5
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+110); Over

Buffalo @ Toronto

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

Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
10.261
Toronto
9.471
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 1
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-125
5
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(+105); Under

Boston @ Florida

Game 5-6
March 7, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
10.731
Florida
12.240
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Florida
N/A

San Jose @ Calgary

Game 7-8
March 7, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Jose
12.165
Calgary
11.271
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Jose
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Jose
-160
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Jose
(-160); Under

Arizona @ Colorado

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

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
10.330
Colorado
9.212
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-155
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+135); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, March 7

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TAMPA BAY (39-22-0-4, 82 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (30-23-0-11, 71 pts.) - 3/7/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-12 ATS (+4.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-5 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 21-6 ATS (+12.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 25-10 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 12-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-52 ATS (-21.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 230-239 ATS (-150.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 6-1 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 6-1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.8 Units)

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BUFFALO (26-31-0-9, 61 pts.) at TORONTO (21-33-0-10, 52 pts.) - 3/7/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 261-226 ATS (+29.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
BUFFALO is 46-35 ATS (+89.8 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
TORONTO is 21-43 ATS (+72.4 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 7-21 ATS (+30.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 1-17 ATS (+33.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 28-65 ATS (+113.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 21-41 ATS (+71.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 7-24 ATS (-19.1 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
BUFFALO is 5-5 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-5-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.7 Units)

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BOSTON (36-23-0-7, 79 pts.) at FLORIDA (36-21-0-8, 80 pts.) - 3/7/2016, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-2 (+6.6 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 9-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.4 Units)

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SAN JOSE (35-23-0-6, 76 pts.) at CALGARY (27-34-0-4, 58 pts.) - 3/7/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 35-36 ATS (-26.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 25-27 ATS (-23.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 34-27 ATS (+68.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 15-7 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 8-6 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 8-6-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)

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ARIZONA (28-31-0-6, 62 pts.) at COLORADO (33-30-0-4, 70 pts.) - 3/7/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 20-53 ATS (+102.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 16-44 ATS (+81.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 127-111 ATS (+273.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 40-34 ATS (-3.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 56-49 ATS (+115.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-21 ATS (+47.8 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 14-6 ATS (+20.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLORADO is 45-54 ATS (-46.9 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 5-3-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.4 Units)

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WASHINGTON (48-13-0-4, 100 pts.) at ANAHEIM (37-19-0-8, 82 pts.) - 3/7/2016, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-1-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.9 Units)

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VANCOUVER (25-27-0-12, 62 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (38-22-0-4, 80 pts.) - 3/7/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 25-39 ATS (+66.9 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 17-4 ATS (+10.4 Units) after a division game this season.
VANCOUVER is 133-126 ATS (+272.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 6-1 ATS (+7.2 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 16-10 ATS (+27.0 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 14-10 ATS (+26.9 Units) in road games revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 150-120 ATS (+271.6 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 183-194 ATS (+424.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 78-68 ATS (+158.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 36-35 ATS (-27.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 4-7 ATS (-9.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 9-4 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 9-4-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.0 Units)

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yesterday's results : 0 - 3 - 3.00
ytd: 8 - 15 -1 - 3.91


MONDAY, MARCH 7

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


TB at PHI 07:00 PM

PHI +107


BOS at FLA 07:30 PM

BOS +102


BUF at TOR 07:30 PM

BUF -107


ARI at COL 09:00 PM

ARI +131


SJ at CAL 09:00 PM

SJ -158


WAS at ANA 10:00 PM

WAS +120


VAN at LA 10:30 PM

VAN +235

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Preview: Senators (31-29) at Hurricanes (29-26)
Date: March 08, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Like the Carolina Hurricanes, the Ottawa Senators have struggled lately to cut their deficit in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Senators have found success in recent road games, but they haven't fared as well in most of their latest visits to Raleigh, a trend they'll try to change Tuesday night.

Ottawa (31-29-7) is 1-2-1 in four games this month after a 2-1 defeat to Dallas on Sunday, as they gave up the go-ahead goal with 2:14 left. Though the Senators are just six points out of the final East postseason spot, they'd have to jump past four teams to reach the playoffs.

"We'd be lying if we said we didn't watch the scoreboards,' forward Zack Smith said. 'It doesn't change the way we're playing. If anything, it's a little motivation. It definitely makes (Sunday's) loss sting a bit more.'

Ottawa will try again to make up ground on a two-game trip through the Southeast. The Senators have won two straight and three of four on the road.

"We're going to get back to work. Every single game is important here," forward Ryan Dzingel said. "I think getting out of here and playing these two teams will be good for us. Hopefully, we can get two wins."

Ottawa, though, is 2-10-2 in its last 14 road matchups with Carolina (29-26-11) and lost 3-2 in overtime in its first visit this season Nov. 7. The Hurricanes' Jeff Skinner forced the extra period by scoring with 3.3 seconds left and Jordan Staal tallied the winning goal.

Staal also scored in a 4-2 loss at Ottawa on Feb. 18, and Carolina enters this matchup 1-3-1 in its last five after allowing Tampa Bay to rally for a 4-3 overtime win Saturday.

The Hurricanes allowed the tying goal with 6:18 remaining in regulation, failing to build on a 3-1 victory at New Jersey last Tuesday.

"It was good that we got one point but disappointing we couldn't get two," goaltender Eddie Lack told the team's official website. "We played a good game tonight but came up a little short."

Before heading out on a five-game trip, Carolina will try to avoid a third consecutive home loss.

Cam Ward has allowed 11 goals over three consecutive losses but has gone 6-0-1 with a 1.54 goals-against average in his last seven starts against Ottawa.

Senators No. 1 goaltender Craig Anderson hasn't played since last Tuesday because of a lower-body injury but will travel with the team. Andrew Hammond, who's posted a 2.03 GAA in the past four games, is 1-0-1 with a 1.88 GAA in two lifetime starts against Carolina.

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Preview: Red Wings (32-22) at Blue Jackets (27-31)
Date: March 08, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Detroit Red Wings failed to add to their slim lead for a wild-card spot in a pair of matchups with a former division rival. They'll try for better results against another such opponent and one of the Eastern Conference's lowlier teams.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, though, have dominated Detroit recently and will try for a season-high home win streak in their next matchup Tuesday night.

Detroit (32-22-11) was outscored by a combined 9-3 in back-to-back losses to Chicago, with the Red Wings' special teams faltering again in a 4-1 road defeat Sunday. Detroit allowed the Blackhawks go 2 for 3 with a man advantage for the second straight game and came up empty on its three power plays, giving it a 2-for-28 mark in the last nine contests.

"We got out-specialty teamed by a large amount tonight, so between our power play and penalty kill, they both have to be better for us to win on the road," said coach Jeff Blashill, whose club killed off 26 of 27 penalties in its final nine games last month. "We got to find a way to be better than we were on special teams."

Looking to improve in those areas, Blashill's team is entering an advantageous stretch of schedule. Detroit will face five opponents that are currently out of playoff position in its next six games, including two matchups with Columbus (27-31-8), which was blown out 6-0 in Philadelphia on Saturday.

"Top to bottom we didn't play well, not enough energy," center Brandon Dubinsky said. "We didn't have any answers. A lot of it was self-inflicted. ... A lot of things didn't go right tonight, but it's just one game. We have to find a way to put it behind us."

The Blue Jackets have won their last three on home ice by a 16-7 margin entering the opener of a five-game homestand. They've taken eight of the last 11 matchups with the Red Wings, though they fell 2-1 in a shootout at Detroit on Feb. 23 in the first meeting of the season.

Petr Mrazek, the winning goaltender in that game, tied his career high for goals allowed in a 5-2 home loss to Chicago on Wednesday and was pulled after giving up two goals on five shots Sunday.

Jimmy Howard will start Tuesday, and he might not have to face Columbus' leading goal scorer Brandon Saad, who suffered an upper-body injury in a 6-3 home win over Edmonton on Friday. Howard's two shutouts last season came in three matchups with the Blue Jackets.

Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk's status is unclear due to an illness that kept him out Sunday. He skated Monday.

"He's a big piece obviously. For sure it's tough to have him gone," Blashill said. "Hopefully, he'll be back on Tuesday."

Blue Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray is also dealing with an illness but is slated to play against Detroit.

The teams wrap up their season series with another matchup at Nationwide Arena on March 17.

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Preview: Penguins (34-23) at Islanders (36-20)
Date: March 08, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Penguins have certainly been encouraged by their recent results, which include a number of lopsided wins.

The New York Islanders are probably feeling even better as they continue their upward surge in the Atlantic Division.

With both coming off big victories, the Penguins visit the Islanders in a crucial division matchup Tuesday night.

The Islanders (36-20-7) pushed three points up on Pittsburgh and moved within three of the New York Rangers by beating their bitter intercity rivals for the third time in as many meetings this season, 6-4 on Sunday. Cal Clutterbuck scored the tiebreaking goal with 1:28 remaining in the third period as the Islanders overcame blowing a 3-0 first-period lead to earn their third straight win and cap a 6-1-0 road trip.

The Islanders occupy the third and final automatic playoff spot in the Atlantic, with three games in hand on the Rangers and two on the wild card-leading Penguins.

'We know we have games in hand, we know the situation,' said forward Kyle Okposo, who scored during a wild seven-goal first period and has two goals and four assists in his past three. 'Obviously we're fighting for home ice down the stretch. We're fighting for a playoff spot.'

Johnny Boychuk had two goals for New York, which has scored 10 in the past two games.

"It was a crazy game," Clutterbuck told the team's official website. "The road trip was so long and you go through so many stages. This win right now was the biggest one."

The Islanders, though, need to tighten up defensively, having allowed 12 goals in the past four games. Plus, they'll be facing a Penguins team that's scored four or more six times in the last 10 games, winning by three or more goals five times in that span.

The most recent came Sunday, a 6-1 victory at New Jersey. Evgeni Malkin scored twice and backup Matt Murray faced only 18 shots as Pittsburgh (34-23-8) won for the fourth time in six games.

The Penguins bounced back from a lackluster 4-2 home loss to lowly Calgary on Saturday.

"Obviously this was the response we were looking for (after losing to the Flames)," coach Mike Sullivan told the team's website. "We believe in our leadership group. We knew they would play the right way and I thought we played hard and it was a solid team effort. We got contributions throughout our lineup."

The line of Tom Khunhackl, Nick Bonino and Bryan Rust also totaled two goals and four assists.

Malkin has recorded four goals and three assists in the last five games, while Sidney Crosby has three goals and six assists in a five-game streak.

Crosby scored twice and Malkin and Kris Letang each had three assists as Pittsburgh ended a four-game losing streak to New York in emphatic fashion Jan. 2, winning 5-2 at home. Marc-Andre Fleury, expected to start Tuesday, made 38 saves.

John Tavares scored in that game and has three goals and three assists in a four-game point streak in the series. However, the Islanders captain has gone five games without a goal and managed just two shots Monday.

Malkin has recorded four goals and 10 assists in his last nine against New York, while Crosby has four goals and two assists in his past three matchups.

The Islanders have won the last two home meetings with the Penguins.

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Preview: Bruins (36-23) at Lightning (39-22)
Date: March 08, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Tampa Bay handled Boston easily just over a week ago to extend what would become a franchise-record winning streak that helped it vault into first place in the Atlantic Division.

After that run came to an emphatic end, the Lightning need to beat their division rivals for the third time this season to prevent the Bruins from catching them.

Boston can claim at least a share of the Atlantic lead by evening the season series with Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.

The Lightning (39-23-4) won nine straight after losing to San Jose on Feb. 16, allowing two goals or fewer seven times to pass Florida for the division lead. The run included a 4-1 win at Boston (37-23-7) on Feb. 28 as Ryan Callahan had two goals and an assist and Steven Stamkos scored on a penalty shot.

Tampa looked out of sorts Monday, though, and was outshot 40-18 in a 4-2 loss at Philadelphia. Ondrej Palat scored on one of the Lightning's three shots in the first period before the Flyers tied it while peppering goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy with 22 shots in the second.

Vasilevskiy finished with 36 saves but allowed the first two goals of the third. The defensive unit was short-handed, as Braydon Coburn sat out the first of at least two with a lower-body injury and Andrej Sustr missed his third straight with an undisclosed ailment.

Slater Koekkoek was called up from the minors and had an assist for his first career point in his eighth NHL game.

"The beauty about this sport is we got a game tomorrow against a divisional opponent and we obviously have to have a bounce back," Stamkos said. "I expect a bounce back from this group."

Tampa has won two of three meetings with Boston and sits one point ahead of both Florida and the Bruins, who beat the Panthers 5-4 on Monday after Lee Stempniak scored in overtime for his first goal since coming over from New Jersey at the trade deadline.

Patrice Bergeron had two goals and has scored in four straight, giving him nine goals and five assists over his last 12. Brad Marchand had two assists for Boston, which began a stretch that has it playing 10 of 13 on the road.

Coach Claude Julien passed Art Ross to become Boston's career leader with 388 regular-season victories as the Bruins improved to 4-0-1 since losing to the Lightning. They've won three straight on the road and are 10-2-0 away from home since Jan. 15.

Julien wasn't in the mood to celebrate, though, after the Bruins blew a 3-0 lead.

"One of the worst periods I've seen in a long time from our hockey club," Julien said of the second. "We got better in the third period, but we had to go to overtime to win. We're not a team that likes to give up that many goals."

Defenseman Kevan Miller scored in the last meeting with Tampa Bay, but he was scratched Monday with an upper-body injury and his status for this contest is uncertain.

Tuukka Rask stopped 47 of the 51 shots he faced against the Panthers and could get a much-deserved night off in this one, especially considering he's posted a 4.55 goals-against average while dropping his last four starts against Tampa.

Jonas Gustavsson, who gave up five goals in a loss to Columbus in his last start Feb. 22, would get the nod if Rask sits.

Ben Bishop will be back in goal for the Lightning. He has a 1.48 GAA while winning his last six starts and made 32 saves in the last win over the Bruins.

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Preview: Stars (40-20) at Canadiens (30-30)
Date: March 08, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Locked in an increasingly tightening Central Division race, the Dallas Stars are aware they can't get caught looking ahead.

They'll have one more chance to tune-up for a critical homestand Tuesday night against the fading Montreal Canadiens.

Tied with Chicago for first place and just two points ahead of St. Louis, Dallas (40-20-7) will face the Blackhawks on Friday and the Blues on Saturday during a stretch of five straight on home ice. The Stars recaptured some momentum following an 0-3-1 skid from Feb. 25-March 1 with narrow wins over New Jersey and Ottawa.

Coach Lindy Ruff still wasn't overly pleased with his team's performance following Sunday's 2-1 victory over the Senators, in which Antoine Roussel scored the tie-breaker with 2:14 remaining.

'I wasn't happy with our puck movement,' Ruff said. 'It might be the worst puck moving game for missing passes and not making plays in the three years I've coached here.'

Ruff is feeling better about his goaltending situation after Kari Lehtonen turned in a second consecutive sharp effort. The veteran followed an 18-save performance in Thursday's 4-2 win over New Jersey with 23 against Ottawa.

"I feel like he has put three real solid games together, which is what we are looking for," Ruff said. "He looked comfortable. He looked aggressive. He made some real important saves for us (Sunday)."

Stopping pucks has been on ongoing issue for Montreal (30-36-6) with Carey Price sidelined since late November by a lower-body injury, though a lack of offense has contributed to the Canadiens' most recent slide.

Montreal scored just eight goals over an 0-3-1 trip that likely ended its already dimming playoff chances. It could be further short-handed after Brendan Gallagher exited Saturday's 4-2 defeat to Winnipeg with a lower-body injury.

The Canadiens can at least look forward to returning to the Bell Centre, where they're 5-0-1 over their last six and start a four-game stay on Tuesday.

"It's going to be nice to get home," captain Max Pacioretty told the Canadiens' official website. "These weren't the results that we wanted. We had a couple of really good efforts. We battled back and forth with (Winnipeg) right until the end. We've just got to keep at this."

One bright spot has been Alex Galchenyuk, who scored both goals Saturday and has seven over his last six.

Dallas hopes to get its top two scorers going again in time for its pivotal stretch. Jamie Benn is in a season-high six-game goal drought and Tyler Seguin has gone four straight without a point.

Jason Spezza remained hot, however, by scoring in a third straight game on Sunday to give him six goals over a seven-game span.

Benn does have eight points over these teams' past four matchups and contributed two goals and an assist to a 6-2 win over the Canadiens on Dec. 19. Patrick Eaves has three goals in his last four against Montreal and is expected to return from a seven-game absence caused by an illness.

The Stars likely still won't have defenseman John Klingberg and forward Patrick Sharp available due to lower-body injuries.

Dallas, 19-10-6 on the road, has lost in four of its last five visits to Montreal.